Table of contents for 2025-02-14 in DFA News

JUDGMENT on the bail application of murder accused Deon Cloete, 50, is expected to be delivered in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court on February 14, Valentine’s Day. Cloete has been charged with the murder of Roelien Archer, 42, in Hillcrest, Kimberley, on January 30. According to police reports, Archer was allegedly shot following a “domestic dispute” that arose when she went to collect clothing from her ex-partner’s house. Cloete was arrested shortly after the incident. The State is opposing bail for the accused, who is charged with a Schedule 5 offence. Cloete previously appeared in court on February 7, when the case was postponed. He was advised that it was too late to conclude his bail hearing. The investigating officer also indicated that he would be on leave from February 10.…

NAOMI’S story is one of many across the city – a tale of desperation, struggle, and an impossible choice between survival and legality. She admits that her elderly, pensioner parents bypassed their electrical box, stealing electricity like thousands of others because they simply could not afford the soaring electricity prices. Now, she faces a staggering R35,000 tampering charge, with no hope of relief from the Sol Plaatje Municipality. A Plea for Compassion Her parents, both elderly and battling illness, lived on a meagre pension. With her father’s passing two years ago, Naomi has become her mother’s primary carer, unable to work as her mother requires around-the-clock care. With mounting expenses and limited income, they saw no alternative but to bypass their prepaid meter. “I know it was wrong,” Naomi admits.…

FOR MORE than three decades, the Kimberley Dance Academy has been shaping young dancers into artists, instilling in them a love for movement, discipline, and grace. Now, as the academy turns 31, they are set to celebrate this milestone in true style with a breathtaking performance event, “Timeless Elegance: 31 Years in Dance”. Set to take place on February 21 and 22 at the Northern Cape Theatre, this two-night showcase promises to be a dazzling tribute to the academy’s legacy. Featuring an array of performances spanning ballet and modern dance, audiences can expect to be mesmerised by the sheer talent and dedication of Kimberley Dance Academy’s students. For decades, the academy has been a beacon of dance education in the Northern Cape, offering world-class training in ballet – under the…

LAST week I came to realise how much I love to break the law. Oh, for the record, the word “love” above is the only tribute there will be to Valentine’s Day, so you’re welcome. Back to my life of crime: I was on my lunch break from work and at a supermarket to get a few things. I was in a bit of a hurry and, as a result, I decided to venture into a life of crime. I deliberately pushed my shopping cart with 11 items to the express checkout, fully aware that what I was doing was downright evil! Pulse racing, I eyed the exits and formulated my escape plan for the coming pursuit, sizing up the security guard and making a note that he seemed athletic,…

SKATEBOARDING whizz kid Noel Cossa’s story is one of resilience, determination, and a relentless pursuit of his dreams. The young skater from Maputo, Mozambique, has defied the odds and proved that success comes to those who are willing to take risks, work hard, and never give up. Noel recently took part in the 4th Grand Slam skateboarding competition at the Thaba Nchu Skate Park in Bloemfontein, and true to his word, he delivered a performance that left the judges in awe. Competing in the intense South African heat, Noel showcased his skill and determination by taking part in every event available to him. “There was very good talent at the competition, and that challenged me to push harder,” he told the DFA in a recent interview. Noel told the DFA…

If the Proteas are to be a successful bowling unit in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan and the UAE, their pace bowlers will have to pull a rabbit out of a hat – as the conditions clearly favour the batters. Despite two losses against New Zealand and Pakistan in the Tri-Nation series – which is understandable, given that they played a younger team – the Proteas looked solid as a batting unit, with stand-out performances by Matthew Breetzke. Captain Temba Bavuma said it felt good to put up a decent knock “after some time”, scoring 82 off 96 balls (13x4) on Wednesday night at the National Stadium in Karachi before he was run out. The Proteas put up 352/5, but the target was successfully hunted down by Pakistan,…

Minerva Gardens murder THE NORTHERN Cape High Court is satisfied that murder accused Clive Ferris, 67, responded to his daughter, Advocate Celeste Nameka’s hysterical pleas to save her from “mortal danger” prior to a fatal shooting that took place at Minerva Gardens, Kimberley, on December 21. Charmaine Anthony, 56, died after sustaining a gunshot wound during the incident. Her son, Lucan Anthony, who was in a relationship with Nameka, was also shot and injured. Ferris, who advised the court that he was a “frail, 67-year-old man”, was granted bail of R10,000. He was previously denied bail in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court, as the magistrate was not convinced of any exceptional circumstances to justify his release from custody. Magistrate Khumalo had, however, granted bail of R5,500 to Nameka after her January…

CYBERBULLY Itumeleng Bendow Machabe, 37, was found guilty of the rape and murder of 11-year-old Relebogile Segami, as well as enticing young girls to share naked pictures that were exchanged on WhatsApp and Facebook. Machabe was convicted on 18 out of a total of 19 charges in the Northern Cape High Court on February 12, including raping three minors between the ages of 13-15 years old, extortion, fraud, crimen injuria and child pornography. Relebogile had followed the accused after he promised to give her R20. She was strangled to death, and her body was discarded in the veld behind the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature in March 2022. Machabe lured his victims through a fake Facebook account and posted explicit videos and their nude full-body pictures. He also blackmailed his victims…

BRANCH members believe that leaders are being imposed on them ahead of the upcoming ANC Frances Baard regional conference. While the conference was initially scheduled for April 11, a circular dated February 12 informed members that it would likely not go ahead due to the membership system being “offline for most of the time” and no branch general meetings had been convened. Members were advised that the regional conference had to be held before the current term of the provincial executive committee (PEC) ends on May 11. “Should the provincial conference be held beyond this date, the PEC will be dissolved and an interim leadership will have to be appointed. The PEC is committed to avoiding this outcome. While holding regional conferences after the provincial conference is not ideal, it…

SOL PLAATJE University (SPU) said it was not in a position to offer free tertiary education, while students owe nearly R80 million in unpaid fees. Students set tyres alight outside Sol Plaatje University Square on Wednesday, demanding free tertiary education, more funded student accommodation, fairer debt repayment policies, and increased financial support. “We are prepared to take a stand and occupy the university premises. We will sleep on the premises if necessary, just like other varsity students did, to highlight the harsh reality that many of us face. We have no accommodation, no financial support and no access to education,” the embattled students stated. Sol Plaatje University director of institutional advancement Kashini Maistry said about 60 students blocked access points on Wednesday. “There were no reports of intimidation or damage…

AFRICA Genesis Archery Northern Cape (AGA-NC) kicks off an exciting new archery season with growth and international opportunities. The world of archery in the Northern Cape is soaring to new heights as AGA-NC recently proudly announced the launch of the new AGA-SA season. With fresh new clubs, eager competitors, and international tournaments on the horizon, 2025 is shaping up to be an unforgettable year for the sport. One of the most exciting developments is the expansion of AGA-NC’s community, welcoming new clubs such as Orania Kudu Boogskiet Klub, Boshof Warriors, and Kimberley Archery Club. The growth isn’t limited to clubs alone, as schools are also embracing archery. Boshof Combined School, ELCON School for the Disabled, Kimberley Islamic School (KIS), and Boys High Kimberley have all joined, ensuring that archery continues…

A 35-YEAR-old man accused of brutally murdering his 76-year-old grandmother has claimed to be “hearing voices” and will undergo mental observation. The victim was discovered in her home in Chris Hani Park, Galeshewe, on January 24. Her body was found in the dining room, with her head decapitated. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane confirmed that the accused, Daniel Louw, is facing a murder charge. “According to reports, the incident occurred at the deceased’s home while she and the son of the accused were preparing to go to bed. It is alleged that Louw arrived, carrying a knife and a steel pipe. He climbed onto the roof and walked on top of the house,” said Senokoatsane. He added that upon entering the house, Louw allegedly confronted his grandmother,…

The FNB Varsity Shield: THE FNB Varsity Shield rugby competition stands as a testament to the vibrant rugby culture within South African universities. With a history steeped in tradition and a reputation for high-intensity, passionate rugby, the Varsity Shield holds a special place in the hearts of players and fans alike. The competition often serves as a platform where dreams are ignited, and a springboard from which future stars’ careers are often launched. A Storied Past, a Bright Future Varsity sport tussles trace back to the early years, and university rugby with its sweat, grit and muscle was, one suspects, a perfect place for ‘jocks’ to impress potential romantic interests. So it’s rather interesting that the 2025 competition kicks off on Valentine’s Day, don’t you think? But no, don’t think…

COMMUNITY members and the family of 11-year-old Relebogile Segami are satisfied that justice has prevailed after her killer, Itumeleng Bendow Machabe, 37, was convicted of her murder and rape by the Northern Cape High Court on Wednesday. Relebogile’s aunt and family spokesperson, Jennifer Leroux, said they were finally able to find closure. “We are relieved, even though Relebogile’s mother is suffering from severe mental strain and is now bedridden. The emotional and physical damage caused by Relebogile’s death has taken its toll. Relebogile was her second youngest child out of five siblings,” said Leroux. The trial spanned nearly three years, during which cases were withdrawn, struck off the roll, and later reinstated, while delays were experienced due to inconclusive DNA results, Leroux extended her gratitude to the courts, the justice…

A NEW era is dawning for Sol Plaatje University’s rugby team, the Gemmies, as they gear up for their Varsity Shield debut. It’s a historic moment, and while the excitement is palpable, there’s also a deep sense of determination within the squad. This isn’t just about making an appearance – it’s about making a statement. At the heart of this journey is head coach Jonathan Francke, a man who knows what it takes to compete at a high level, having played for Griquas against the country’s top teams and players. Now, Francke is channelling that experience and passion into a group of players who, up until a year ago, had never played together. But what they’ve accomplished in that short time is nothing short of remarkable. From Dream to Reality…

THE CHAMPIONS Trophy is being revived after eight years with holders Pakistan hosting New Zealand in the opening game of the ninth edition on Wednesday. The 2021 edition of the One-Day International (ODI) competition was initially scrapped by global body ICC in 2016, who wanted only one major tournament in each of the sport's three international formats, prioritising the 50-over World Cup. They reversed the decision in late 2021. With politically-estranged rivals India and Pakistan deciding not to visit each other for ICC tournaments, India will play their matches in a neutral venue in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. The top seven teams from the 2023 World Cup qualified for the tournament, along with hosts Pakistan. The teams are split into two groups, with the top two from each…

IT’S THE month of love, and in this spirit, shortly before Valentine’s Day 2025, on Tuesday, February 11, at 5.30pm, runners and walkers alike converged at Diamantveld High School for a special 4km fun run/walk in support of the Kimberley SPCA. The event was not only a celebration of love but also a testament to the running community’s dedication to animal welfare. Participants donned their most vibrant red, pink, or white attire, adding a festive flair to the occasion. However, the real show of love came through the act of giving. While there was no registration fee, donations were graciously accepted on the day, with all proceeds going towards the care and support of the animals at the Kimberley SPCA. And contribute they did. Donations ranged from bags of dog…