Mpumalanga ANC officials allegedly used municipal funds to pay for accommodation while on a jol during the party’s January 8 gig leader of the Bolsheviks Party of South Africa the officials spent more than R90 000 from the Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality in Siyabuswa details how R97 322 from the municipal coffers was allegedly used to cover accommodation costs for the mayor and their bodyguards during the ANC’s January 8 Statement celebrations in Mbombela earlier this year documented in an official municipal supply chain report constitutes a serious violation of the Municipal Finance Management Act “It’s a matter of principle over the amount stolen from the public purse especially when you consider the billions in budgets that we have entrusted these politicians with,” Mogotji told Sunday World but that’s enough to build an RDP house for one overcrowded family in Siyabuswa.” raising concerns of political interference Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale dismissed these concerns “An enquiry has been opened for further interrogation and the findings have been sent to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for a decision upon which a case can be opened,” Mogale said The affidavit also highlights broader issues of service delivery failures in Siyabuswa including collapsed water infrastructure and impassable roads which Mogotji attributes to the rampant corruption in the municipality “The use of state funds for a purpose other than what it is meant for is a dastardly criminal offence of great degree This is outright corruption and theft,” Mogotji declared in the affidavit The Bolsheviks Party has vowed to keep the pressure on until justice is served and calling for swift action from the Hawks and the NPA “It clearly shows that this practice has been there and it’s normal for JS Moroka officials to use municipal coffers for party events The Bolsheviks Party won’t keep quiet about such things – not on our watch,” Mogotji asserted JS Moroka Local Municipality spokesperson Masabatha Ramatsetse did not respond to Sunday World’s enquiry on the matter NPA spokesperson in Mpumalanga Monica Nyuswa also did not comment on the matter Visit SW YouTube Channel for our video content Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" Tel: +27 11 268 6300 Fundudzi Media (Pty) Ltd. All rights reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms & conditions and privacy policy. AVBOB celebrates a milestone by rewarding its members on a large scale JOHANNESBURG - At least 50 Putco buses were set alight at four depots in Mpumalanga. Depots in Moloto, Wolwekraal, Siyabuswa and Vaalbank were targeted. Two employees were injured in the violence. The company says operations will continue with the remaining buses. Putco spokesperson Lindokuhle Xulu said there were an unknown number of assailants. "They accessed the depot and started setting buses alight. "We understand that this was done through petrol-bombing," he said. He said the motive for the attack is unknown. SIYABUSWA - Mpumalanga police said they had identified more people linked to the torching of 51 Putco buses two men appeared before the Siyabuswa Magistrates Court in connection with the attacks at four different depots in January - NPA says it has strong case against pair accused of torching 51 Putco buses - Alleged Pucto buses arsonists case: State granted postponement to investigate further - Mpumalanga police say more arrests linked to torching of Putco buses imminent Isaac Mabena and Luthando Skhosana face charges including arson and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. For now, the two remain behind bars, but police say they won’t be alone for long. Investigators have zeroed in on more suspects, with arrests expected soon. The damage left behind is immense, with an estimated R65 million in losses, including 51 buses, service vehicles, and infrastructure. Two Putco employees were also injured in the attacks. Provincial police spokesperson Donald Mdlhuli said the hunt for more perpetrators continues. "There were many suspects involved in the torching of the buses, so the team is doing quite well to identify them." Mabena and Skhosana will return to court next Thursday, but they may not be the only ones in the dock. Sections Two additional suspects linked to the torching of Putco buses in Mpumalanga are set to appear in the Mdutjane Magistrate’s Court in Siyabuswa allegedly set fire to buses at various Putco depots in the area A total of 16 buses in Moloto and 35 in Siyabuswa were destroyed in the attacks The two suspects face charges of malicious damage to property Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga “The team is working diligently to ensure that all individuals involved in the case are held accountable for their actions The arrest of these two additional suspects is a significant step towards achieving justice and maintaining law and order in the province.” This brings the total number of arrests related to the incident to four This article may contain graphic and/or adult content unsuitable for minors and sensitive readers The South African Police Service in Mpumalanga says it has increased its visibility following an arson attack that destroyed 51 buses at a Putco depot Police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli said a group of “armed suspects” in a mini-bus set fire to 16 buses at KwaMhlanga while a further 35 buses were torched at two other depots in Siyabuswa township approximately 15 suspects wearing black clothes and balaclavas stormed into a bus depot at Moloto (KwaMhlanga area) and held the employees at gunpoint “The suspects are said to have then shot and injured one security guard  It was during this period when the 16 buses were burnt “The injured security officer was taken to hospital where he is receiving medical treatment,” Brigadier Mdhluli said about 10 suspects attacked and assaulted a security guard and then torched 18 buses about 10 suspects went to the bus depot and reportedly torched 17 buses “Police are investigating various charges assault with intent to cause your grievous bodily harm,” he said The motive for these arson attacks is not yet clear Police are appealing to the public for information that would lead to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrators an exclusive podcast on the life of Vicki Terblanche Dive into the expansive world of motoring with Naresh Maharaj Join Mark Marshall as he shares his extraordinary encounters with everything from bees to reptiles i Around 50 Putco buses were set alight overnight at four depots MPUMALANGA - Two more suspects have been arrested in connection with the torching of 51 Putco buses in Mpumalanga Police say they're allegedly involved in the coordinated arson attack on the bus fleet in the Nkangala district last month.  READ: Putco bus attacks | Operations continue with heightened supervision The two men aged 31 and 33, have been charged with malicious damage to property, and are set to appear in the Magistrate's Court in Siyabuswa today. That brings to four, the total number of suspects now in custody. They are accused of torching 51 Putco buses Picture: Sphamandla Dlamini/Eyewitness News JOHANNESBURG - The State has been granted a postponement in the bail application of two men accused of torching 51 Putco buses in Mpumalanga Isaac Mabena and Luthando Skhosana made their second appearance before the Siyabuswa Magistrates Court on Thursday after police linked them to last month’s attack the two allegedly broke into four Putco depots assaulting two employees — one was struck over the head with a chair They argued their release would serve the interests of justice a claim the State completely disagrees with ALSO READ | Putco bus torchings case: State to oppose bail against accused Although the appearance was brief, the atmosphere in the packed courtroom was tense as community members were fixated on the two accused. Mabena and Skhosana stood before the magistrate, visibly anxious. They asked to be allowed to collect their belongings from family, but the focus quickly shifted to their bail bid — a move the State has strongly rejected. The court agreed, granting the State more time to build its case.  “Gentlemen, this matter is remanded until the 13th of February for a formal bail application. You remain in custody. No bail at this stage.” The two remain behind bars, while police continue their investigation. The four suspects arrested in connection with the arson of 17 Putco buses in Siyabuswa abandoned their formal bail application during their court appearance on Wednesday made a brief appearance at the Mdutjana Magistrate’s Court in Siyabuswa The four suspects are facing charges of armed robbery malicious damage to property and possession of suspected stolen property in connection with the torching of 17 Putco buses at the Thabana Putco bus depot in Siyabuswa 51 Putco buses were torched at various Putco depots in Mpumalanga Sixteen buses were burnt at the Moloto depot Another 35 buses were burnt at the Siyabuswa depots (18 in Maphotla and 17 in Thabana) Mpumalanga National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Monica Nyuswa said the matter was on the roll on Wednesday for the suspects’ formal bail application “All the accused informed the court that they were abandoning the bail application,” said Nyuswa She said the matter was postponed to April 10 2025 for further investigations 51 Putco buses were torched by a group of 35 armed suspects driving in a white Toyota Quantum who were wearing black clothes and balaclavas stormed into Putco depots in Mpumalanga and torched the buses Two employees were injured during the attack and the other was physically assaulted with a chair Both victims were taken to hospital for medical treatment Putco spokesperson Lindokuhle Xulu said the total cost of the buses torched is an estimated R250-million Xulu said the torched buses had four cameras each inside and a smart tab system for ticketing 000 commuters could be affected by the arson attack Xulu said there are unresolved tensions between Putco and the taxi industry in Mpumalanga he did hasten to add that Putco is not attributing the arson attack to the taxi industry “It is a known thing in terms of the tensions that have been mounting between the taxi industry in Mpumalanga and Putco The taxi associations there have given us trouble in terms of operating “But it is not us speculating that the taxi industry is involved We do have tensions between us and them that are unresolved But we are not saying it is the taxi industry [responsible for arson attack],” said Xulu at the time Visit SW YouTube Channel for our video content  Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms & conditions and privacy policy Home | South Africa Four men accused of torching 51 Putco buses at depots in Mpumalanga’s Nkangala district a fortnight ago are expected to appear before the Mdutjane Magistrate’s Court in Siyabuswa Mduduzi Masango and Steven Mthombeni were arrested on Tuesday and will join the two other co-accused Isaac Mabena and Luthado Skosana in the dock — SABCNews_MorningLive (@MorningLiveSABC) January 28, 2025 the suspects were wearing balaclavas and black clothing and reportedly held employees at gunpoint with one security guard sustaining a gunshot wound and others suffering injuries from beatings Authorities believe the latest arrests could help uncover the motive behind the coordinated attack The four face charges of malicious damage to property #sapsMP [UPDATE] Two additional suspects, aged 31 and 33, were arrested by #SAPS today at Siyabuswa in connection with the torching of Putco buses in Nkangala District two weeks ago The total number of the suspects arrested thus far is four The suspects have been charged… pic.twitter.com/aeaBbsiUNL — SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) February 11, 2025 Police in Mpumalanga are investigating a case of murder and attempted murder after four people were shot and killed and three others wounded at a tavern at Siyabuswa in Mpumalanga It is alleged that a group of armed men stormed into the tavern and fired randomly Donald Mdhluli says no one has been arrested a team of experts in the investigation field has already been assembled under the leadership of the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela to probe this heinous crime The motive for the shooting is currently unknown and this quest will form part of the investigation Police urge anyone with information that may assist in the investigation leading to the arrest of the perpetrators to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via my SAPS App.” Johannesburg – A 33-year-old Mpumalanga designer has used the opening of the Siyabuswa Retail Centre to showcase his talent to the community Local designer and owner of Mbongakwande Sewing School took advantage of the occasion to advertise his school The community of Siyabuswa finally have their own shopping centre after decades of having to rely on Kwagga Mall and malls in Pretoria for their shopping The centre was funded by the likes of Sampada Private Equity and other investors Mahlangu said he grew up exposed to sewing and he fell in love with it “Both my mother and grandmother are seamstresses and this made it easier for me to master sewing skills with their assistance,” he said I am wherever I am today because of the inspiration I received from home as a child.” Mbongakwande has about 15 part-time and 20 full-time students The sewing school was opened in 2018 in Siyabuswa “I wouldn’t say I have faced challenges but I would refer to them as learning curves – as part of the journey “Everyone who is passionate about fashion is welcome to be part of our school and better their skills,” he said Mahlangu said he had travelled to different African countries representing South Africa “I have worked with Lunga Khabaye from Joyous Celebration as an assistant designer where I got nominated as the best designer to represent the country in 2014 I went to Gabon to represent South Africa,” he said describes Mahlangu as a loving teacher with a great passion for what he does “I have never been into fashion that much but during my gap year I decided to acquire a skill instead of doing nothing at home “Now I can sew my own clothes when they are torn instead of paying someone to do it for me,” she said “He started off in a small container two years back and now he has a proper school His breakthrough was moving from a tiny shack to a bigger and proper venue,” she said Follow @SundayWorldZA on Twitter and @sundayworldza on Instagram, or like our Facebook Page, Sunday World, by clicking here for the latest breaking news in South Africa. 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Register Contact Us Newsletters will benefit from the addition of the new Engen petrol station on the corner of its property that will stream petrol by December 2017 The Engen will have access from the very busy Moloto Road and strengthen the already successful retail node and incorporates an astro-turf soccer pitch and a large landscaped area with mechanical gym equipment and kid’s jungle gyms for the community to use free of charge Located at the intersection of the R568 and R573 (Moloto road) South East of Siyabuswa its excellent location enables it to cater for a regional node with a large residential catchment market which confirms the fact that there was a large catchment market that has been under serviced in the past Call (012) 656-8957 for any queries or visit www.acsionsa.co.za / www.anaprop.co.za eProperty News is a leading online commercial property marketplace serving the Southern African Investment Retail and Industrial property and allied sectors Privacy Statement Please publish modules in offcanvas position there’s a growing concern about the increase in torching of schools These acts have got a potential to destroy the future of young people who are being denied their right of access to education Mpumalanga is one of the most affected provinces as four schools were torched in the space of a week School infrastructure was torched and destroyed by community members during service delivery protests Richard Mamba says: “This is setting us back; our children are not safe We need help to reconstruct the classrooms that were burnt down.” four schools were set alight in the province this include the Siyathokoza secondary Letfukutfula primary in Matsulu and Ditau secondary in Bushbuckridge Mpumalanga MEC of Education Sibusiso Malaza says “June 16 is a big month for our country but it is very sad that there is burning of schools These facilities are very important for the future of our children We are hoping that our law enforcement agencies will assist us in dealing with this.” The burning of schools has led to major disruptions of learning and teaching The Department of Education says it put measures in place to ensure that writing of mid-year examinations continues as scheduled Mpumalanga Police spokesperson Brigadier Leonard Hlathi says “As police we are doing our best to ensure that we bring to book all those who are involved in these criminal acts We can’t allow this to continue happening We want all community members to help us with information.” Political parties have also condemned these developments and no arrests have been made CHECK OUT: Learn at Your Own Pace! Our Flexible Online Course allows you to fit copywriting skills development around your busy schedule. Enroll Now! A woman's lifeless body was found lying on the floor inside her locked backroom in Siyabuswa Township. Image: Mpumalanga DCSSLSource: OriginalMPUMALANGA — The horrific sight of a young woman slumped on the floor greeted a concerned relative as they opened the locked room door of a woman who had last been seen a day earlier. Moments later, a township community, too afraid to walk inside as Mbali Mahlangu lay near the door, wondered in horror about what happened to the vivacious 31-year-old. Family members reported last seeing her on the evening of Saturday, 1 February 2025, when she retreated to her backroom. Read also Illegal miners trapped underground at Gauteng mine PAY ATTENTION: Briefly News is now on YouTube! Check out our interviews on Briefly TV Life now! Police have since launched a murder investigation following the discovery of Mahlangu's lifeless body at about 5pm the next day Relatives found Mbali Mahlangu unresponsive and lying on the floor inside her locked backroom. Image: Mpumalanga DCSSLSource: OriginalMahlangu was found to have suffered multiple visible injuries on her body. Ndubane said it appeared she was stabbed with a sharp object The police, in a post on X, confirmed the investigation was ongoing while an arrest was yet to be made. Read also AKA murder update: Ongoing trial of 5 murder accused to go to Durban High Court In a related story, Briefly News reported that KwaZulu-Natal police arrested a man for the murder of his subordinate An investigation led police to a 37-year-old suspect PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza! thesouthafrican.com is a division of Blue Sky Publications Ltd Reproduction without permission prohibited Home » Shameful Ndebele artist Esther Mahlangu BEATEN in home invasion Police in Mpumalanga say 87-year-old Esther Mahlangu was savagely punched and strangled by a robber who stormed her home Award-winning Ndebele artist Dr Esther Mahlangu became the victim of a violent attack when an unknown man entered her home in Mpumalanga The man savagely beat the 87-year-old who had found him inside her home when she was preparing to go to bed According to the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga Mahlangu was alone at the time of the incident “Details of the robbery indicate that on the said day was preparing to take a nap when she reportedly locked all doors of her house she noticed a man unknown to her inside her house The man then allegedly grabbed her and punched her in the face before tying both her hands with a cable and tried to strangle her until she reportedly became inconscious,” said SAPS Provincial spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala Mahlangu is considered a national treasure whose works of art have gained critical acclaim all over the world She even caught the eye of car manufacturer BMW which partnered with her for a lucrative art project in 2016 Mpumalanga police say the suspect in Dr Esther Mahlangu’s home robbery and assault is still at large and have urged anyone with relevant information to come forward or contact the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 Mahlangu doesn’t recall what happened after she was physically attacked realised that the attacker made off with her firearm and money which was kept in a safe “The woman sustained some bruises on her face and the matter was reported to police at Siyabuswa whereby a house robbery case was opened Mpumalanga’s Police Commissioner Lieutenant Daphney Manamela has condemned the incident and called for the attacker to be brought to book “It is shameful to hear that our senior citizens are now being targeted by heartless criminals who show no mercy at all On Sunday (20 March 2022) we had an incident of this nature where an old male pensioner was strangled to death in Delmas This cannot be allowed to continue unabated The person who committed this evil act against one of the country’s asset must be swiftly hunted down and brought to book” Follow us on Facebook for the latest breaking news, polls - and more! Gayton McKenzie has finally registered a foundation in Joslin Smith’s name days after her mom was found guilty of kidnapping and trafficking Today’s Daily Lotto jackpot stands at an estimated R520 000 If you want to win your share of the jackpot City Power Johannesburg has announced that a planned power outage will affect 8 suburbs on Tuesday Babylonstoren has announced the opening of BLOU at Keurbooms a new coastal escape on South Africa’s Garden Route Soweto giants Orlando Pirates will battle Golden Arrows in the Betway Premiership minus two clutch players After a series of public holidays in South Africa over the last month here is the next one to mark down in your calendar