Latest news with #CaxtonNetwerk-nuus
The Citizen
13 hours ago
- The Citizen
Missing Mbombela child (6) found raped and murdered
A six-year-old girl from Mbombela, Mpumalanga, who was reported missing has been found dead and allegedly raped. Her body was discovered in a graveyard yesterday, Mpumalanga News reports. According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, the child was last seen on Monday evening. 'It is said that her father left her and her four-year-old sister at their home in Mataffin at about 20:40 to buy items from a nearby tuck-shop. He reportedly instructed the children to lock the shack for safety. When he returned, he found the door unlocked. The younger child was alone inside, and her sister was missing,' said Mdhluli. He asked the younger girl where her sister was, but she said she did not know. A search was launched with the help of neighbours, but she was not found. The search continued the next day without success. The matter was reported to the police in Nelspruit, and a missing person's file was opened. Various police units were deployed to assist, but the girl remained missing. 'On the evening of June 27, police and paramedics received information about a child's body discovered in the bushes. On arrival, the child was declared dead. Preliminary investigations suggest she was raped before she was killed,' said Mdhluli. No arrests have been made. Police urge anyone with information that could assist in identifying the suspect(s) to contact the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or to use the My SAPS App. 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
2 days ago
- The Citizen
Body of man (22) recovered at Bourke's Luck 60 days after going missing
Body of man (22) recovered at Bourke's Luck 60 days after going missing They refused to let the river keep him. For 60 days, members of the Ehlanzeni Police Diving Unit navigated some of Mpumalanga's most rugged and remote terrain in search of 22-year-old Agreement Hove – a young man who disappeared beneath the waters of the Blyde River near Bourke's Luck in mid-April. Hove vanished on the same day that three-year-old Aqhama Mnconywa went missing in the Crocodile River near Schagen. For families and first responders alike, it was a harrowing day that launched two separate and extensive search operations in different river systems, Lowvelder reports. While the rescue efforts for Aqhama continued further south, police divers turned their attention north to the Blyde River Canyon – a region as breathtaking as it is unforgiving. According to police diver Captain Pottie Potgieter, the team never gave up hope, even as the weeks dragged on. 'We brought in a chopper, scoured remote drop zones and instructed locals to keep an eye out,' he said. 'Eventually, after two months, someone spotted him.' Hove's body was recovered on Tuesday. Potgieter described the recovery operation as one of the most physically demanding they've faced. 'It was in a very inaccessible area. We had to be dropped off by helicopter, then hike a long distance through thick bush just to reach the riverbank,' he said. Despite the difficult terrain and the passage of time, the diving team remained committed to bringing Hove home. One factor that worked in their favour, Potgieter added, was the season. 'Crocodiles aren't as active in winter because their metabolism slows. That gave us a better chance of finding the body intact.' It is believed that Hove was attempting to cross the river on April 14 with three others while allegedly smuggling khat – also known as 'Bushman's tea' – into the reserve. The river, swollen by autumn rains and known for its dangerous currents, proved fatal. 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
2 days ago
- The Citizen
Fatal White River shooting: Defence questions police, estranged wife's credibility
The second day of Marco Schalekamp's bail hearing yesterday saw the defence challenge key elements of the state's case, casting doubt on the credibility of its lead investigator and introducing new evidence that could shift public perception. Lowvelder reports that Wednesday's proceedings were marked by emotional protests and conflicting narratives in court. Schalekamp stands accused of murdering Pieter Burger and injuring Arno van Niekerk during a confrontation that ended in a shooting near White River Rugby Club on Danie Joubert Street. The state alleges Schalekamp returned after a heated exchange and ambushed the victims, while the defence contends he was ambushed, shot, and left for dead – with his child and dog in the vehicle. Online commentary continues to fuel debate, with questions about who actually shot Schalekamp. When approached for comment, police spokesperson Donald Mdhluli said they are not yet in a position to confirm whether additional suspects are being investigated. Protesters gathered outside court calling for bail to be denied. Inside, the magistrate dismissed the defence's application to access the police docket, citing concerns for witness safety. Sergeant Mxolisi Keis testified that Schalekamp had multiple potential residences, a history of overseas travel, and a fraught relationship with his estranged wife, who has alleged previous abuse. The defence countered that Schalekamp has no prior convictions and denied owning multiple passports. Yesterday, Schalekamp's attorney Leendert Viljoen cross-examined Keis and highlighted several discrepancies in his earlier testimony. He noted that Keis had failed to search for a safe in Schalekamp's home and had described the residence as a 'wendy house' rather than a timber structure. Viljoen also disputed the state's claim that Schalekamp is transient, insisting he has a fixed address. Viljoen accused the state of casting his client as a 'monster' based on two earlier assault matters that were later withdrawn. He argued that these should not influence the court's view of Schalekamp's character. The defence further challenged the credibility of Schalekamp's estranged wife, Mariska, citing a past criminal conviction. Under cross-examination, she admitted to using a sewing needle to cause injury to a minor during a 2020 incident, for which she was charged with assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm. The defence submitted crime scene photographs into evidence. While the origin of the images could not be verified, the magistrate permitted their inclusion, noting that the proceedings relate to a bail application, not a trial. The hearing was postponed to Tuesday. 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
3 days ago
- The Citizen
Watch: Calls to deny bail as accused appears in court for White River shooting
Watch: Calls to deny bail as accused appears in court for White River shooting The community of White River in Mpumalanga remains gripped by emotion and speculation as Marco Schalekamp (41) appeared in the local magistrate's court today for his bail application. Lowvelder reports this follows the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Pieter Burger and the wounding of Arno van Niekerk on June 5. Dozens of supporters, including farm workers and friends of the victims, gathered outside court with placards calling for bail to be denied. Inside, new testimony painted a picture of a man with cross-border ties, under scrutiny not only for the shooting but also for his past. Watch the video: Schalekamp told the court he is not a flight risk and intends to stand trial. Investigating officer Sergeant Mxolisi Keis testified that Schalekamp frequently left South Africa for extended periods. While the accused denied holding multiple passports, the state raised concerns about possible undisclosed travel documents and foreign connections. His estranged wife also came forward, alleging years of abuse – claims Schalekamp denied. Van Niekerk and his mother were present in court. She told Lowvelder she attended to 'see justice prevail'. Lowvelder approached both Schalekamp's estranged wife and Van Niekerk's mother for comment. Only the latter responded, offering a brief but resolute statement. In the meantime, the case continues to draw heated debate online. Social media users are demanding clarity on who shot Schalekamp – and whether others allegedly involved will face charges. The bail hearing will continue tomorrow. 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
- The Citizen
Manhunt after 3 murder suspects escape custody in Limpopo
Manhunt after 3 murder suspects escape custody in Limpopo Police in Letsitele, near Tzaneen, have launched a manhunt after three awaiting-trial prisoners escaped in the early hours of this morning. According to Letaba Herald, Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba says the escape occurred when the suspects — Patrick Mbombi, Thabo Moye Makgopa, and Javas Mongwe — overpowered officers on duty and fled the holding cells on foot. 'All three men are facing murder charges and are considered dangerous and possibly armed.' Police have urged anyone with information about the escapees' whereabouts to come forward. Detective commander Lieutenant Colonel Mavis Shilubane can be contacted on 082 469 0900. Alternatively, tip-offs can be shared via the Crime Stop number 08600 10111, the nearest police station, or the MySAPS app. All information received will be treated confidentially. Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the escape are ongoing. 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!
