Latest news with #SedibengSter
The Citizen
3 days ago
- The Citizen
Sangoma arrested after remains of Boipatong toddler reportedly found
Almost six months since the disappearance of Kutlwano Shalaba, the toddler's remains have been discovered. Sedibeng Ster reports that, according to sources close to the investigation, the gruesome discovery was made last night in Poortjie, just outside Sebokeng. While police have not issued a formal response, sources say details of how the body was located remain tightly under wraps. Kutlwano went missing in November last year when he was allegedly snatched from his mother's back by a group of men reported to be travelling in a grey VW Polo. Kutlwano's ordeal sparked public outcry in Boipatong and countless social media pleas to help locate the missing baby. While many sympathised with the mother following the news, hope turned into horror when she was arrested and charged with human trafficking, conspiracy to commit robbery, and making a false statement to the police. The scandal deepened when investigators uncovered damning evidence showing that R75 000 was deposited into the mother's bank account on the day her son vanished. The money was believed to be linked to the illegal sale of the toddler. Now, in a shocking twist, a sangoma has been arrested in connection with the case. Sources claim the sangoma may have played a sinister role in the child's disappearance, though authorities are still piecing together the puzzle. Keneilwe Shalaba, the mother, remains behind bars after her bail application was denied in April. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
A celebration of ‘Izintombi'
SEBOKENG.- It was singing, dancing, and ululation when UBuhle Besizwe celebrated maidens, 'Amatshitshi/Izintombi' in Zone 13, Sebokeng on Saturday. This traditional ceremony saw more than 50 young girls gathered together to celebrate their virginity. This traditional ceremony aims to encourage young girls to embrace their worth and wait for the right moment before engaging in sexual activities. The ceremony was attended by the well-respected men and women in the community to embrace these brave young girls. Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, Zandile Radebe, who is the founder of this group from Bophelong, hailed this traditional ceremony as a great success. Radebe said it is important for this kind of traditional ceremony, now and then, to engage these young girls. Tshiamo Nnnete (16) was one of the young girls who were part of this proud traditional ceremony which was held at her home. Radebe told Sedibeng Ster that this ceremony is about embracing young girls' worth and self-respect. 'We don't force them to do this, they do it willingly. We encourage other young girls out there to be proud of their maiden 'amatshitshi/Izintombi' virginity,' she concluded. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
20-05-2025
- The Citizen
Meyerton shooting: Stray bullet hits learner, parents panic
A high school learner from Hoërskool Dr. Malan in Meyerton, Gauteng, was injured after being hit by a stray bullet. According to reports, the bullet first hit a cement slab, after which it bounced and hit the learner on the knee. Sedibeng Ster reports that many parents gathered in front of the school this morning to pick up their children, fearing for their safety. They have since been reassured in a message from the school on WhatsApp. 'Everything is safe at Hoërskool Dr. Malan. The children are safe in their classes. Police are in control. We are continuing with school as normal. We will inform parents if there are any developments,' the message reads. The shooting took place at the nearby taxi rank. At the time of publishing, police were still on the scene in Meyerton's city centre. When Vaalweekblad visited the scene, shell casings were strewn across Loch Street. According to an eyewitness, who did not want to be named, the town centre was in chaos shortly after the shots rang out. 'People started running and shops closed their doors.' No arrests had been confirmed at the time of publishing. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
14-05-2025
- The Citizen
Mohloli learners ‘body shamed' and ‘name called' on WhatsApp channel
SHARPEVILLE.- The management of Mohloli Maths, Science and ICT School of Specialisation in Sharpeville frantically dealt with a situation, that if left unattended, could have had serious implications for both the management of the school and learners recently. Sedibeng Ster has learned that there was a disturbing WhatsApp channel that was formed during the Easter holidays where certain learners from the school were being shamed, humiliated and called names. It is well-known that learners who are 'name called' or 'body shamed' end up resorting to drastic actions, some end up taking their lives. Here's a breakdown of the harm, according to research: • Name calling: can alter a child's inner world, leading to feelings of worthlessness, depression, and a loss of control. • Body shaming: can have a dramatic impact on self-esteem, and even lead to physiological and behavioural changes linked to poor health and weight gain. • Both name calling and body shaming: can heighten insecurities, damage self-esteem, and lead to negative self-talk. In essence, both name calling and body shaming (on both adults and children) are forms of verbal abuse that can have lasting negative effects on a person's well-being. The school's management was made aware of the channel and called for calm while it investigated the source of the channel. In one of its communication to parents the school issued a statement that said: 'We want to assure you that the school is taking this matter very seriously. We kindly ask for your support in speaking to your children about the importance of respect, kindness, and responsible use of social media. Let us work together to create a safe and positive environment for all our learners.' Late last week, the school issued another communication (to parents) where it said that the culprit has been found and is going to go through proper school discipline procedure/s and that the disciplinary committee is handling the matter. The Gauteng Department of Education also responded on the matter and said that it strongly condemn any acts of misconduct which seek to undermine the dignity of our learning institutions. 'Schools are urged to enforce their codes of conduct to deal with disciplinary matters. The Department continues to appeal to parents in assisting to enforce discipline in and outside the school environment. The matter is currently being investigated and the outcomes with determine actions to be taken. Accordingly, the victims were identified from the said WhatsApp group and were referred to Psycho-Social unit for necessary support and the said WhatsApp group has since been deleted,' Gauteng Department of Education's spokesperson, Steve Mabona said. Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, one of the parents at the school said: 'This is a great school with amazing results, therefore we cannot allow such actions to derail our children. We will let the process of the disciplinary action take place as the culprit/s have seemingly been found. As in every other case where the law is involved, we should let the law take its course.' Sharpeville police spokesperson, Constable Busisiwe Sango, said that no cases have been opened with them, however, Cyberbullying is a criminal offence, and the/a perpetrator can be charged with crimen injuria, assault or criminal defamation. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
08-05-2025
- The Citizen
Alleged De Deur serial killer: Verdict expected in Gauteng High Court tomorrow
Verdict in the trial of the alleged De Deur serial killer Zaheera Boomgaard is expected in the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria tomorrow. Sedibeng Ster reports that Boomgaard is accused of murdering three people between 2012 and 2020. Judge John Holland-Muter noted during closing arguments that the evidence against Boomgaard is overwhelming, especially concerning the murders of British citizen Harry Nathvani and his girlfriend, Lynette Mustapha. Boomgaard, who pleaded not guilty, appeared emotionless when prosecutor André Wilsenach argued that the only correct conclusion that could be drawn was that Boomgaard was directly involved in the crimes. The state's case against Boomgaard relies largely on circumstantial evidence, but the evidence is convincing. Nathvani's burnt body was found in De Deur in March 2020. It is suspected that he was strangled and attacked with a blunt object. Forensic evidence linked Boomgaard's vehicle to the crime scene, and highway cameras showed that her car was near the location where the body was found on the day of the murder. In addition, police found Nathvani's cellphone at the accused's residence months after his death. Investigators determined that Boomgaard had conducted internet searches on the deceased's estate. The deceased's bank cards were also used for large transactions after his death. Mustapha was murdered in August 2020, and her body was dumped near Nathvani's. Investigators also discovered forged wills in Boomgaard's possession, naming her as Mustapha's sole heir. A handwriting expert confirmed that the wills were forged. Boomgaard initially implicated her late brother, Prem Basdeo, in the murders, but later retracted her statement. The judge noted that these varying accounts weakened her credibility. Although the state conceded that there was limited evidence about a third alleged victim, John Naisby, both victims (Nathvani and Naisby) visited Boomgaard before they disappeared. As the trial draws to a close, the court must decide whether the weight of circumstantial evidence is sufficient for a conviction. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
