Table of contents for 2026-02-06 in DFA News

WHILE the surviving family members of Mandy Bailey, who was fatally shot by her ex-husband, Alberto Matthews, have welcomed the 30-year sentence imposed yesterday, they say it is also a stark reminder that she will never return. Bailey died after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds to the head and body when Matthews entered her home in Main Road, Beaconsfield, on December 27, 2023, despite a protection order she had obtained against him. Her daughter, Erin Cupido, said the trial was an arduous journey, but she was thankful that justice had prevailed. “It took so much strength to get to the end of this road. I am grateful that we have received justice. Let this be a clear message to all perpetrators of violence against women. It is bittersweet – I would…

CONTENT WARNING: This article contains graphic descriptions of domestic violence, physical assault, and the sexual violation of a deceased person. It also includes testimony involving a minor. Reader discretion is advised. JUDGMENT is expected to be handed down next month after an accused from Hopetown elected not to testify in the Northern Cape High Court this week. He is charged with the brutal assault and murder of his partner, as well as sexually violating her corpse. The deceased’s eight-year-old son testified that he witnessed his stepfather, Salmon Kammies, repeatedly assaulting his mother with a steel wire and kicking her in the face while wearing work boots. The accused apparently poured a bucket of water over the deceased in an unsuccessful attempt to wake her. The boy indicated that his mother…

LIFE’S pleasures are often so ordinary that we don’t notice them until we don’t have access to them anymore. When I caught Covid in 2020, the frightening part went beyond just being ill; what got me was realising I couldn’t take a full, deep breath. My lungs simply wouldn’t expand the way I was used to. When I eventually recovered, I found myself savouring the most basic human luxury: a deep, clean inhale. Even today, I am grateful for it. I’ve had other losses that taught me the same lesson. For instance, I used to love brushing my hair; the gentle tug at the roots, the bristles waking up my scalp. I’ve been bald for more than 20 years, and the baldness doesn’t bother me in the least … but…

A COMMUNITY-led public art initiative in Warrenton is steadily reshaping a key gateway into the town, while drawing local residents into the creative process. Colour My Kasi, run from the Ditshotshwane Community Art Centre, pairs volunteers with experienced lead artists, giving them a month at a time to workshop, design and co-create public artworks. The project forms part of the wider Magareng Public Art Project at the N12/N18 junction. Phase 2 of Colour My Kasi has now been completed, with Phase 3 currently under way. This final phase focuses on completing all artworks at the site, including the wall at the N12/N18 junction, a series of murals, a sculpture and mosaic work. The project has brought together established artists, 10 adults and 20 young volunteers, working collaboratively to create a…

THE RECENT decision to move the third women’s T20 International between South Africa and Pakistan from the Kimberley Diamond Oval to Willowmoore Park in Benoni was driven by concerns around venue readiness, safety compliance and the risk of further sanctions, Northern Cape Cricket administrator Jesse Chellan has explained. Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed on Tuesday that the match, scheduled for Monday, February 16, would no longer be played in Kimberley following an independent assessment that found the venue did not meet required international norms and standards. While the relocation disappointed local supporters, Chellan said the decision was taken to protect the long-term status of the Diamond Oval and to avoid further penalties that could jeopardise future international opportunities. Risk of further sanctions Chellan said Northern Cape Cricket could not risk…

THE SOUTH African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu) and the Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Workers Union (Imatu) occupied the Sol Plaatje council chambers this week, vowing that service delivery would come to a standstill unless casual workers were permanently absorbed. A sit-in was held at the municipality yesterday, while full-blown strike action is expected to unfold next week. The Integrated Development Plan (IDP) meeting held at the Kimberley City Hall on Wednesday was disrupted, with chairs being grabbed from members of the public. Speaker Dipuo Peters redirected union representatives to a meeting inside the council chambers after the IDP meeting ended prematurely. Samwu local chairperson Ronney Morwe said that after the municipality had promised to absorb 498 workers in phases starting from December 1, 2025, they were later informed that…

LOLWETHU Ndaba has made history in Gladstone scouting by becoming the first Black girl from the Kimberley-based troop to receive a Springbok badge, one of the highest honours in South African scouting. For Ndaba (pictured), the milestone carries deep personal meaning. “It really is a big honour because it has been an amazing journey, and it is something I’m very proud to have achieved,” she said. The Springbok badge represents the culmination of years of commitment, assessment and personal development within the scouting movement, and Ndaba’s achievement marks a significant moment for the local group. Ndaba’s journey began in late 2021 after she heard about scouting through her church. Curious to learn more, she attended a Friday evening meeting, an experience that proved decisive. “After that Friday, I was sure…

TENANTS occupying rental units in Sephuru Street, Galeshewe, say they now fear hanging their washing after a 32-year-old resident was apparently electrocuted while taking down a blanket and duvet from a “live” washing line wire. Residents said Frans Lebogang Prins died after being admitted to the Galeshewe Day Hospital on January 30. “He moved into one of the flats last year. We live in fear, not knowing who might be next,” one of the tenants said. According to residents, Sol Plaatje Municipality had previously been approached for assistance after they experienced ongoing electricity outages. “The electricity boxes short-circuit and we are left without power. When it rains, sparks come from one of the boxes. Everything made of metal or steel becomes a conductor of live electricity. We cannot even close…

NORTHERN Cape strongman Ricardo Fitzpatrick continues to assert his dominance on the national powerlifting stage after an outstanding performance at the Gauteng Classic and Equipped Bench Press Championships held from January 24 to 25 at the SASCOC Olympic House. Fitzpatrick delivered a flawless showing, claiming first place in both the classic and equipped bench press championships. He also secured gold in the Open Equipped Division, underlining his reputation as one of South Africa’s most formidable bench press athletes. The experienced lifter is now firmly focused on competing again in the Equipped Bench Press division, a category where he believes his strength and technical ability are at their peak. “The last time I competed equipped was in 2013 at the IPF World Bench Press Championships in Lithuania, where I broke the…

WHETHER it’s primary school, secondary school, university, or provincial rugby, Kimberlites love the game. It’s as if the game and culture of rugby is part of Kimberley’s very DNA. And that’s no accident. This rugby DNA has deep roots that were planted more than a century ago. Long before professional rugby structures, sponsorship deals or modern leagues, Universal Rugby Football Club was already part of Kimberley life. Founded in 1886, the club will this month mark 140 years of uninterrupted existence, cementing its place among South Africa’s oldest rugby institutions. The club has endured through nearly a century and a half of change, remaining a familiar presence in Kimberley life across eras, communities and rugby generations. To mark the anniversary, Universal RFC will host a Thanksgiving and Remembrance Church Service…

THREE accused were handed lengthy sentences for their involvement in the robbery and brutal murder of retired Upington businesswoman Judith Redelinghuys, 71. The deceased’s body was found at her secured housing complex in Upington during the hard Covid-19 lockdown on June 30, 2020. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Northern Cape spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said she had been thrown into her swimming pool with her hands bound behind her back. “Investigations further revealed that several of her signature jewellery pieces were missing.” He indicated that the accused, Tumelo Mavlenter Sotho, 44, Martatjie Engelbrecht, 36, and Nkosinathi Ntombela, 39, were implicated in the commission of the crime through cellphone analysis. Senokoatsane said a critical breakthrough occurred when Ntombela attempted to sell one of the stolen rings to a well-known pawn shop in Upington.…

TRUE love actually exists. It isn’t just something you see in movies or read about in books. It’s the kind of love that carries you through decades, a love that never stops caring, never stops giving, and never gives up on each other. It’s the quiet, steady presence of someone who holds your hand through life’s highs and lows, celebrates your joys, and supports you in times of struggle. This is the love Andrew and Miems Prinsloo share, a love story that has lasted 70 years and continues to inspire everyone around them. Andrew, 93, born in Waterval Boven, and Miems, 90, from Brits, sit hand-in-hand on a couch in one of their children’s homes in Kimberley, their eyes full of love and warmth. This week, on February 4, they…

A WRITING workshop in the Northern Cape town of Ritchie is using personal storytelling as a way for residents to engage with issues of gender-based violence and social inequality. The Write to Rise workshop, scheduled for February 21, will bring together 36 participants from the community for a day of guided writing led by author Godwin Taweni. The project is aimed at helping participants document lived experiences through poetry, essays and short narratives. Taweni, who founded the initiative, is working in partnership with She-Art Motion and is volunteering his time to facilitate the programme. He said the focus is on creating a space where participants can work through personal memories and experiences that are often difficult to articulate. “The goal is to show that every person’s memory is a testament…

BRENDA Mafunisa has made Northern Cape history by becoming the first professional from the province to obtain a qualification recognised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). She is also one of only five individuals in South Africa to hold this prestigious certification. Currently serving as the provincial executive officer for the South African Football Association (SAFA) and sitting on several football boards, Mafunisa’s achievement marks a significant milestone in her professional career and highlights her role in advancing football development across the continent. A continental programme with global reach Mafunisa was selected among 35 candidates from CAF member associations to participate in the inaugural CAF Football Management Executive Programme. The initiative, aligned with CAF President Patrice Motsepe’s vision of elevating African football to globally competitive and self-sustaining standards, equips…

NORMAN Football Club will celebrate 16 years of youth development this weekend by hosting a junior soccer tournament at the Colville Soccer Grounds on Sunday, February 7. The tournament will feature teams from Under-11 to Under-17 age groups and is designed to both mark the club’s anniversary and provide young players with the opportunity to compete in a structured tournament setting. Club owner Sydney Norman said the focus of the day would extend beyond results. “It’s a day dedicated to soccer and soccer development, where young players can come together, show what they have to offer, and learn from one another,” he said. Although winners will be crowned in each age group, organisers have placed the emphasis on experience rather than trophies. The format allows players to experience the demands…