18 FEBRUARY 2026
YOUNG MAN RECEIVES LIFE SENTENCE FOR RAPE OF ELDERLY WOMAN
The High Court of South Africa has sentenced Siphumandla Makapela (27) to life imprisonment for the rape of a 75-year-old woman at her home in Mazotshweni Location, Dikeni (previously Alice), on 28 December 2024. The complainant had known the accused since 2019, as he occasionally assisted a contractor who had been carrying out construction work at her home.
18 FEBRUARY 2025
BOYFRIEND SENTENCED TO TWO LIFE TERMS PLUS 13 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR REPEATED RAPE AND VIOLENT CRIMES
Taung, North West – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence imposed by the Taung Regional Court, where Boitumelo Diphatse (46) was sentenced to two terms of life imprisonment for two counts of rape. He was further sentenced to three years’ imprisonment for kidnapping and ten years’ imprisonment for two counts of arson. His name will be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders. The sentences will run concurrently.
18 FEBRUARY 2026
KIMBERLEY MENTAL HOSPITAL CASE TRANSFERRED TO THE HIGH COURT
Kimberley, Northern Cape – The Kimberley Mental Hospital matter has been transferred from the Kimberley Magistrates’ Court to the Northern Cape Division of the High Court of South Africa. A pre-trial hearing has been scheduled for 23 April 2026. The accused, including former MEC for Transport, Roads and Public Works, John Fikile Block, appeared in the Kimberley Magistrates’ Court where the transfer was affected.
17 February 2026
NPA SUCCESSFULLY OPPOSES BAIL FOR MAKHANDA CORRECTIONAL OFFICIAL CHARGED WITH CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT MURDER
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has successfully opposed the bail application of Viwe Stemela (47), a correctional services official based in Makhanda, who is facing charges of conspiracy to commit murder involving managers at the correctional facility where he works. Stemela appeared before the Makhanda Magistrate’s Court, which ruled that it was not in the interests of justice to grant him bail.
17 February 2026
NPA SUCCESSFULLY OPPOSES BAIL IN GQEBERHA CHILD PORNOGRAPHY AND RAPE CASE
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has successfully opposed the bail application of 38-year-old Ryno Du Toit in the Gqeberha Magistrates' Court. The accused faces serious Schedule 6 charges, including the rape of a minor as well as multiple offences relating to the possession, creation and distribution of child sexual abuse material.
17 FEBRUARY 2026
LIFE AND THREE YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR MURDERERS
The Pietermaritzburg High Court has sentenced Bheki Gabriel Dube (28) and Sibonelo Bhongo Sibiya (27) to life imprisonment and three years’ imprisonment each following their conviction on charges of murder and malicious injury to property. In December 2024, the two men murdered Busani Khomo (58) in the Mpumalanga area of Hammarsdale. Khomo, a resident of Hammarsdale, was the acting principal at a local high school.