THREE ACCUSED ADDED IN THE E-HAILING DRIVER MURDER CASE 

18 FEBRUARY 2026

THREE ACCUSED ADDED IN THE E-HAILING DRIVER MURDER CASE 

Three additional accused persons, Tumishang Mogau Mabutla (23) and his girlfriend Ofentse Senwamadi (18), both from Atteridgeville, as well as Thabang Kenneth Mothwa (27) from Saulsville, have been added to the murder case of e-hailing driver Isaac Satlat. The matter was before the Pretoria Magistrates' Court. 

YOUNG MAN RECEIVES LIFE SENTENCE FOR RAPE OF ELDERLY WOMAN 

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. 

BOYFRIEND SENTENCED TO TWO LIFE TERMS PLUS 13 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR REPEATED RAPE AND VIOLENT CRIMES

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. 

THREE FARMERS CONVICTED OF MURDER OF A FARM DWELLER 

18 FEBRUARY 2026

THREE FARMERS CONVICTED OF MURDER OF A FARM DWELLER 

The High Court of South Africa has found three farmers, Jaco Wessels Kemp (36), Louise Coetzee (29), and Gert Frederik van der Westhuizen, guilty of the murder of Dumisani Phakathi, an adult male farm dweller. 

KIMBERLEY MENTAL HOSPITAL CASE TRANSFERRED TO THE HIGH COURT 

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. 

NPA SUCCESSFULLY OPPOSES BAIL FOR MAKHANDA CORRECTIONAL OFFICIAL CHARGED WITH CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT MURDER 

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. 

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