Mpumalanga – Breyten: The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence of life plus an additional 38 years’ imprisonment, imposed by the Mpumalanga High Court sitting in Breyten on Mozambican national James Cumalo (32) for the murder of tourist John Wickham.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence of two life terms handed down by the Enkangala Magistrates’ Court to Innocent Mabhena (30) from Marikana, following his conviction on two counts of rape of a 21-year-old woman. He was further sentenced to three years’ direct imprisonment for kidnapping. The court ordered that the three-year sentence run concurrently with the life sentences. The court also ordered that Mabhena’s name be entered into the National Register for Sexual Offenders and declared him unfit to possess a firearm.

Fraserburg, Northern Cape – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) notes the sentence imposed by the Regional Court sitting in Fraserburg, where Gert Johannes (33) was sentenced to 22 years’ direct imprisonment for the murder of his girlfriend, Lee Ann Mostert (21). Prosecutor Mortlan Kiewiets represented the State in this matter.

Phillipstown, Northern Cape – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) notes and welcomes the sentence imposed by the Phillipstown Regional Court, where Samuel Pieters (24) was sentenced to 30 years’ direct imprisonment for the murder of 11-month-old Aidan Booysen.

The accused pleaded guilty to the charge of murder.

The court heard that on 30 November 2024, the accused went to his girlfriend’s residence, where an argument ensued between them.

Kimberley, Northern Cape – The Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has obtained multiple forfeiture orders in the Northern Cape Division of the High Court in Kimberley, marking a significant step in disrupting organised crime and stripping offenders of the proceeds and instrumentalities of crime.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has, after careful consideration of the available evidence, decided not to enrol the case relating to an alleged road rage incident that occurred in Emmarentia on 19 April 2026 at this stage.

This decision follows a thorough assessment of the evidence currently before the prosecution. It was determined that further investigations are required to ensure that all relevant facts are properly canvassed before a decision to prosecute can be made.

The National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, appeared before the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court on four charges of Contravening the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA. His matter was postponed to 13 May 2026 for further investigations and for him to be joined with 16 others who are charged on the same matter.

These charges are linked to the alleged irregular awarding of a contract, valued at approximately R228 million, to Medicare 24, a company owned by Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

The Pretoria Magistrates’ Court postponed the case against Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala to 13 May 2026 for the finalisation of consultations and for him to give instructions to his attorney.

The court granted the state its request to have Matlala detained at Kgosi Mampuru until consultations are completed.

Matlala would be joined by 15 others who are facing charges of corruption, fraud and the Contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).