27 October 2025
CRADOCK FOUR INQUEST ADJOURNED TO 23 MARCH 2026
Proceedings in the inquest into the 1985 deaths of the Cradock Four – anti-apartheid activists Matthew Goniwe, Fort Calata, Sicelo Mhlauli, and Sparrow Mkonto – continued before the Eastern Cape High Court in Gqeberha from 13 to 24 October 2025.
24 OCTOBER 2025
LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER OF POLICE OFFICER
The Esikhawini Regional Court sentenced Thulani Mcabangeli Ngema (41) to life imprisonment for the attempted murder of a police officer on duty, and three years imprisonment for resisting arrest. The incident took place on 26 March 2024 in Mtunzini, and the complainants are two South African Police Service (SAPS) officers, namely Sgt. Xolani Mdletshe and Sgt. Thando Langa.
23 October 2025
MAHIKENG WOMAN FINED FOR THEFT
Mmabatho, North West – The Specialised Commercial Crimes Court sitting in Mmabatho has sentenced Tsakani Rhulani Hlongwane (37) to a R10 000 fine or 12 months’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for three years on condition that she is not convicted of theft during the period of suspension.
23 October 2025
MOZAMBICAN NATIONAL SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR VIOLENT CRIMES
Vryburg, North West – The Vryburg Regional Court has sentenced Osvaldo Julia Cumbane (32), a Mozambican national, to an effective 25 years’ imprisonment following his conviction on multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit an offence, murder, attempted murder, two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, kidnapping, two counts of pointing a firearm, and possession of ammunition.
22 October 2025
KIMBERLEY MAN SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR MURDER
Kimberley, Northern Cape – The Kimberley Regional Court has sentenced Samkelo Komazi (26) to 15 years’ direct imprisonment for the murder of 23-year-old Donovan Reed, which occurred in the Kimberley Central Business District (CBD) in December 2023. Komazi was convicted of murder read with Section 51(2) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 105 of 1997, while his co-accused, Monti Van Wyk (26), was acquitted.
22 OCTOBER 2025
NEIGHBOUR GETS LIFE AND FIVE YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT
The Durban Regional Court has sentenced a 38-year-old man to life and five years imprisonment for the rape and sexual assault he committed in September 2024 in Mayville. Both the complainants were 13 years old at the time of the offence, and they were known to the accused.