Latest news with #Tyali
Daily Maverick
4 days ago
- Daily Maverick
‘Accountability must follow' – charges withdrawn against Fort Hare forensic investigator
Sarah Burger, the former main forensic investigator contracted by the University of Fort Hare, who uncovered massive fraud at the institution and was then controversially arrested herself, has indicated that she will sue the government after charges were withdrawn against her on Friday. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has withdrawn controversial fraud charges against a former lead forensic investigator contracted to the University of Fort Hare, where she uncovered evidence of massive wrongdoing. In a media release on Friday, Luxolo Tyali from the NPA said there had been a decision to separate the University of Fort Hare fraud, corruption and money laundering case into five legs. They will be allocated to five Regional Court Magistrates presiding in the East London Specialised Commercial Crimes Court. 'The five legs, which involve 21 accused, who are University of Fort Hare employees, service providers, and their business entities, have now been separated after finalisation of charge sheets, and each magistrate will arrange trial dates with the respective legal representatives. 'Nine of the accused were university employees who, together with service providers and their companies, are accused of having colluded in the awarding of tender contracts at UFH in return for gratifications. 'More than R172-million was paid by UFH to the service providers, with the bulk allegedly finding its way into the pockets of the accused university employees. The conclusion of these tenders was allegedly associated with violent acts, including murder, at the university,' Tyali said. He said the decision to withdraw charges against forensic investigator Sarah Burger came after 'lengthy engagements' between the complainant (University of Fort Hare), the Eastern Cape prosecution team and Burger's legal representatives. Previously, Tyali said the case against Burger and her business partner and owner of Horizon Forensics, Bradley Conradie, was before the court because the NPA 'had evidence linking them to crimes'. 'If they have evidence of political motivation, they can make representations to the Director of Public Prosecutions or escalate it to the National Director of Public Prosecutions,' he said at the time of the arrest. On Friday, Tyali said: 'The decision to separate the case into different legs with tailored prosecution strategies for each will expedite and simplify the prosecution of this complex and multifaceted case, which covers charges ranging from fraud and corruption to murder.' On Sunday, Burger said: 'While I am relieved that justice has finally prevailed, the entire saga has been a harsh and costly lesson marked by immense personal and professional destruction. This is a trauma that cannot be undone.' She said that 'accountability must follow for every cog that aided in this process. Formal complaints have been lodged and acknowledged'. 'If the NPA and the SAPS are truly committed to restoring public trust, they must uphold due process, act within the bounds of the law and respect the rule of law at all times. More importantly, they must respect fundamental constitutional rights, which are rights meant to be enjoyed by all,' she said. 'Without this, no citizen will be safe.' She said she would assist the defence team of her business partner, Conradie. Burger became involved in the investigation at Fort Hare in 2019 and was the lead investigator who put together a docket of information pointing a finger at alleged academic fraud by Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane. Conradie previously said he and Burger believed their arrests were linked to their handing over evidence to the Hawks relating to Mabuyane. These allegations had previously been put to Mabuyane, but he failed to respond. In papers before court, he has described the investigation against him as malicious. He also successfully managed to have himself excluded from an initial investigation by the SIU into academic fraud. However, in October 2024, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed an amended proclamation that widened the SIU's investigation, which could now conceivably include Mabuyane. In what Burger and Conradie described as 'an unnecessarily dramatic show', they were arrested on 28 March by about 24 members of the National Task Force and the National Intervention Unit. Burger spent five nights in holding cells before the State agreed to grant her bail. DM
The Citizen
6 days ago
- The Citizen
Fort Hare corruption case split into five parts to speed up prosecution
The complex corruption case has been divided for more efficient trials across East London courts. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has split the R172 million University of Fort Hare case into five legs to streamline the prosecution of the 21 accused. The NPA announced on Friday it had separated the Fort Hare fraud, corruption and money laundering charges into five separate cases. The state said this complicated and multifaceted case would be prosecuted more quickly and simpler by dividing it into different legs with specialised prosecution tactics for each. Fort Hare case split to speed up prosecution The legs will be allocated to five different presiding regional court magistrates in the East London Specialised Commercial Crimes Court. NPA regional spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said the legs had been separated after the finalisation of the charge sheets. ALSO READ: Hitmen linked to murder of Fort Hare VC's bodyguard arrested 'Each magistrate will arrange trial dates with the respective legal representatives,' Tyali said. There are 21 accused in the five legs, including UFH employees, service providers, and their business entities. Nine of the accused were Fort Hare employees who are alleged to have conspired with service providers and their businesses to award contracts in exchange for benefits. R172 million More than R172 million was paid by the university to the service providers, with the bulk allegedly finding its way into the pockets of the accused staff members. At the university, the conclusion of these tenders was allegedly linked to violent incidents, including murder. ALSO READ: Hawks arrest three in R2m fraud scandal at University of Fort Hare The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for the Eastern Cape, advocate Barry Madolo, has also withdrawn charges against Cape Town forensic lawyer Sarah Burger, who was initially charged with the 21 others. 'This decision was taken after lengthy engagements between the complainant (Fort Hare), the Eastern Cape prosecution team and Burger's legal representatives,' Tyali said. In April, three people were arrested in connection with the case. Three arrested in April The accused, former acting chief financial officer Simbongile Geqeza, 41, former head of investigation and vetting Isaac Plaatjies, 57, and family friend Claudine Davids, 44, were each granted bail of R10 000. According to the South African Justice, Crime Prevention, and Security cluster, the investigation uncovered two separate fraudulent schemes orchestrated by the accused. NOW READ: Three Fort Hare University murder suspects wanted as arrest warrants issued
The Star
7 days ago
- The Star
Lusikisiki Mass Murder Trial Set to Begin Next Week
Staff Reporter | Published 6 hours ago The long-awaited trial of six men accused of one of the most brutal mass killings in recent South African history is finally set to begin on Monday, 28 July 2025. The trial will take place at the Lusikisiki Magistrate's Court under a special sitting of the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court. This follows the horrific events of 28 September 2024, when 18 people were gunned down at two neighbouring homesteads in Ngobozana Village, near the rural town of Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed this week that eight weeks have been set aside for the trial, which is expected to run until 19 September 2025. NPA regional spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said all six accused will face multiple serious charges. The accused — Mzukisi Ndamase, Siphosoxolo Myekethe, Aphiwe 'AP' Ndende, Bonga Hintsa, Mawethu Nomdlembu, and Songezo Vuma — are facing 18 counts of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances, unlawful possession of prohibited firearms, and illegal possession of weapons and ammunition. 'These six individuals have all since abandoned their bail applications and will remain in custody throughout the trial,' said Tyali. According to the NPA, the accused were allegedly involved in a violent shooting spree that left the Ngobozana community in shock and mourning. The massacre, which happened on a Saturday evening, drew national attention and sparked calls for stronger action against violent crime in rural areas. Adding to the seriousness of the case is the alleged involvement of 46-year-old Mzukisi Ndamase, who is already serving a life sentence for a previous murder conviction. Authorities believe Ndamase orchestrated the Lusikisiki killings from inside the eBongweni Super Maximum Prison in Kokstad, KwaZulu-Natal. Despite the gravity of the charges, Ndamase has chosen to represent himself in court. 'He has indicated to the court that he will conduct his own defence,' Tyali confirmed. Investigators have also linked the accused to another murder that occurred just weeks before the Lusikisiki massacre. On 19 August 2024, Mncedi Gijana, a local politician from KwaBhaca, was killed. The NPA says there is evidence connecting some of the same suspects to that crime as well. In a related update, the state withdrew charges earlier this year against two other suspects initially arrested in connection with the mass shooting. Lwando Abi and Zenande Paya were released in March after the NPA told the court that there was no longer enough evidence to proceed against them. Abi, who served seven years of a ten-year sentence for attempted murder in 2012, now has no pending cases. With those charges dropped, the focus now shifts fully to the remaining six accused. The case was transferred from Mthatha High Court to the Lusikisiki circuit court, where extra security is expected due to the high-profile nature of the matter and the number of victims involved. Residents of Ngobozana and surrounding areas have expressed relief that the trial is finally going ahead, hoping it will bring justice to the families of those who were killed. Community leaders have also called for counselling and support services to be made available for survivors and relatives of the victims.
The Citizen
08-07-2025
- The Citizen
Initiation abuse lands traditional nurse behind bars
Traditional nurse, previously convicted for GBH, is jailed again for assaulting and threatening a young initiate under his supervision. A traditional nurse, previously convicted for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), has been jailed again for assaulting and threatening a young initiate under his supervision. The Tsomo Magistrate's Court sentenced Siyasanga Sifumba, 30, to two years in prison for GBH following his brutal assault on an 18-year-old initiate under his care during the 2024 summer initiation season. The court also declared Sifumba, who has a previous conviction for assault GBH, unfit to possess a firearm. Traditional nurse previously convicted on assault GBH Police arrested the traditional nurse on 17 December 2024 after the initiate was hospitalised. Three different assaults took place, during which the victim was kicked with boots, threatened with a knife, and struck in the knees with a wooden stick. ALSO READ: Initiation 'elders' granted bail after damaging woman's home over loud music National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said the victim's brother, who was a recent graduate of the initiation process, witnessed his brother's brutal beatings. 'Sifumba also issued death threats to both brothers and their parents. As a result of the abuse, the initiate was unable to complete his initiation,' Tyali said. After Sifumba's arrest, the prosecution successfully opposed bail by pointing out his familial relationship with the victim and the victim's brother. Accused said victim claimed older women were 'bewitching' him During the trial, prosecutor Elihle Mbutho presented strong evidence from the initiate, his brother, and the medical doctor who examined the victim. Sifumba pleaded not guilty and denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the initiate had claimed that elderly women were 'bewitching' him to commit assaults at night. ALSO READ: No deaths goal set for Limpopo initiation season 'The court rejected this defence as highly improbable, concurring with the prosecution that the severity of the injuries warranted a custodial sentence,' Tyali said. DPP praises victim, brother's courage Advocate Barry Madolo, the Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), welcomed the ruling and praised the victim and his brother's courage for speaking out against abuse and assisting the court. 'Their courageous actions should serve as an example to other initiates who are rescued from abusive initiation schools. We urge them not to hide behind the secrecy of this sacred rite of passage to manhood, but rather to speak out so that justice may prevail,' said Madolo.
IOL News
13-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Gqeberha shop manager fined R87,000 for selling counterfeit Apple accessories
Apple Logo Manager of HOCO (Pty) Ltd in Gqeberha, was fined R87 000 by the Regional Court for selling counterfeit Apple accessories. Image: Nicholas Kamm / AFP The manager of a Gqeberha cellphone accessories shop has been slapped with an R87,000 fine after admitting to selling counterfeit Apple products, following a successful prosecution by the Specialised Commercial Crimes Unit. Harrikumar Patel, who managed HOCO (Pty) Ltd operating from Shop 32 in Walmer Park Shopping Centre, pleaded guilty to charges under the Counterfeit Goods Act and the Trademarks Act. The Gqeberha Regional Court confirmed his conviction after a lawful search of the store on March 28 uncovered 145 counterfeit Apple-branded items, including iPhone covers, charging cables, power banks, car chargers, and port adapters. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Regional Spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said the fake products infringed on the intellectual property rights of Apple Inc., a US-based company. The complaint was lodged by Apple Inc., represented in South Africa by attorney Jarred West from Spoor & Fisher in Centurion. 'The investigation revealed that the imported goods bore imitation trademarks likely to mislead consumers into believing the products were genuine Apple merchandise,' Tyali said. Regional Prosecutor Shumeez September-Moodley, who led the case, stressed the importance of protecting consumers and intellectual property holders from the harms associated with counterfeit products. Barry Madolo, Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, welcomed the ruling stating that this outcome reinforces the commitment of the NPA and its partners to combat intellectual property crime and protect legitimate businesses and consumers from the dangers of counterfeit goods, as well as prevent further detriment to the economy of the country. Tyali said the case serves as a warning to those involved in counterfeiting. 'This case sends a clear message that trademark infringement, and counterfeiting will not be tolerated in the Eastern Cape or anywhere in South Africa,' he said. IOL News Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
