Latest news with #Kwazakhele
The Herald
21-07-2025
- The Herald
Man jailed for murdering brothers at Kwazakhele house party
The Gqeberha high court has sentenced 35-year-old Luthando Bafani to an effective 30 years' imprisonment for the brutal murders of brothers Bagcinile and Siyabonga Sitho during a violent altercation at a house party in Kwazakhele on July 19 2022. Bafani was also found guilty of robbery with aggravating circumstances and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. The deadly incident took place at the Sitho family home, where a party was under way with several guests. Tensions escalated after a female guest fell asleep in a bedroom. A phone call alleging she was being raped led her sister and niece to rush to the scene. A confrontation followed when they were initially denied access to the room. Shortly thereafter, Bafani — who was romantically involved with one of the women — arrived and demanded that she leave with him. When she refused, he stole two cellphones from the bedside table. Siyabonga confronted him, prompting Bafani to threaten and assault him before producing a .357 calibre firearm. Bafani then shot Bagcinile at close range in the kitchen. He exited the house, walked around to the front, re-entered, and fired multiple shots in the lounge, killing Siyabonga. Both brothers died at the scene. Postmortem reports revealed Bagcinile died from a single gunshot wound to the head, while Siyabonga suffered multiple fatal wounds. Bafani was arrested three days later at Livingstone Hospital, where he attempted to evade capture by providing a false identity. Senior state advocate Ahmed Rafick led the prosecution, presenting eyewitness accounts and forensic evidence linking Bafani to the crime. The firearm used in the killings was matched to the bullets recovered at the scene, and police testimony further detailed the Bafani's attempt to conceal his identity. Bafani received 20 years for each murder, 15 years for robbery, seven years for illegal firearm possession, and five years for unlawful possession of ammunition. Some of the sentences were ordered to run concurrently. Bafani will spend an effective 30 years behind bars. Eastern Cape director of public prosecutions Barry Madolo, praised the prosecution and the police for their work on the case. 'This sentence reflects our commitment to justice and holding violent criminals accountable,' Madolo said. 'Our communities deserve to feel safe, especially in the sanctuary of their homes.' The Herald
The Herald
19-07-2025
- The Herald
Teen shot dead, nine-year-old injured in Kwazakhele
A man and a teenager were shot dead while a nine-year-old boy was injured during a shooting incident in Kwazakhele on Friday afternoon. Police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg said the Detective Intervention Task Team was appealing to anyone who could provide information around the double murder to contact the police. She said at about 3.10pm, the 29-year-old man arrived at home in Sidindi Street after going shopping with his girlfriend, her 12-year-old daughter, his 13-year-old sister, and nine-year-old brother. As the girlfriend and her daughter entered the house, they heard multiple gunshots outside. 'A witness noticed about six suspects firing multiple shots at the vehicle and thereafter fled the scene. 'The deceased was in the driver's seat of his silver VW Polo, and the 13-year-old girl was in the back seat. 'They both died at the scene. 'The nine-year-old boy was shot in both legs and taken to hospital for treatment.' Janse van Rensburg said the motive and the suspects were unknown at this stage and that the investigation was ongoing. The names of the deceased will be released once they have been formally identified by their next of kin. 'Any person that can assist police with information to solve this investigation can contact the investigating officer, Warrant Officer Leslie Kilian on 082-410-7492, Crime Stop on 08600 1011, or their nearest police station. 'Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via the MySAPS App.' The Herald
The Herald
18-06-2025
- Sport
- The Herald
Zwide win bragging rights in township development programme tournament
Rugby Premium 18 June 2025 Zwide Zone were crowned the winners of this year's Township Junior Rugby Development Programme Youth Day tournament at Wolfson Stadium, Kwazakhele on Monday. Since its inception in 2014, the event has consisted of 10 zones — New Brighton, Kwazakhele, Zwide, Walmer, KwaDwesi-KwaMagxaki, Motherwell, Korsten, Bethelsdorp, KwaNobuhle and Rosedale-Langa — with the focus on U13, U15 and U16 rugby boys...
