justice system South Africa Archives - MDNtv

THABO BESTER IN COURT: “I Was LAWFULLY RELEASED” | New Claims Shake Mangaung Case

MDNtv — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:29:01 +0000

In a stunning moment inside the courtroom, Thabo Bester claimed that he did not escape from Mangaung Correctional Centre, insisting instead that he was lawfully released in May 2022.

The statement, made during court proceedings, has immediately intensified public debate. It shifts the focus from an alleged escape to serious questions about what really happened behind the scenes.

In this video, we cover:

What Thabo Bester said in court
The significance of his “lawful release” claim
Reactions inside and outside the courtroom
What this could mean for the ongoing case

This case continues to unfold in real time, and each new development adds another layer of complexity. With emotions high and scrutiny growing, many are now watching closely to see how the court responds to these claims.

Stay connected with MDNtv for accurate updates, real-time developments, and trusted reporting.

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𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬.
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Life Sentence For A Man Who Killed His Girlfriend After An Argument

Philani Mzila — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 19:43:41 +0000

The High Court of South Africa, Mpumalanga Division convicted and sentenced Innocent Sthembiso Maseko (35) to life imprisonment for the murder of his girlfriend, Mbali Lucy Ngubeni, at Silobela in Carolina in Mpumalanga.

Maseko and Ngubeni were in a domestic relationship and resided together.

According National Prosecuting Authority(NPA) Monica Nyuswa said the incident occurred on 20 August 2024, when the couple was in their bedroom, and an argument broke out, which escalated into a physical altercation.

“During the altercation, the accused poured petrol on the deceased and set her alight. The deceased pleaded with the accused to stop burning her. Despite sustaining severe burn injuries, she managed to run from the room into the passage of the house and called out to a friend who was sleeping in another room for assistance. The friend managed to extinguish the fire by pouring water on her.

“The deceased was subsequently taken to the hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries a week later. The incident was reported to the police, and the accused was arrested. During the trial, Maseko pleaded not guilty and claimed that he was not present when the deceased caught fire. However, State Advocate Sello Malesa presented compelling evidence, including testimony from multiple witnesses and a statement made by the deceased,” she said.

Nyuswa said the deceased’s friend also testified about what she observed during the incident.

“The court found the State’s witnesses credible and rejected the accused’s version of events. In aggravation of sentence, Advocate Malesa argued that domestic-related offences have become a serious problem in the country, which has resulted in Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) being declared a national crisis.

“He further highlighted the accused’s lack of remorse and urged the court not to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence.

A Victim Impact Statement, compiled by the deceased’s mother and facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Nomfundo Mokoena, detailed the severe and ongoing psychological and emotional trauma endured by the family,” she said.

Nyuswa said that in delivering the sentence, the presiding judge remarked that it is the duty of the courts to send a strong message to would-be offenders that such offences cannot be tolerated.

“The court found no substantial and compelling circumstances warranting a deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence and accordingly imposed life imprisonment. Maseko was further declared unfit to possess a firearm, and his application for leave to appeal was dismissed,” she said.

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NPA SPOKESPERSON LUMKA MAHANJANA ON ISAAC SATLAT MURDER COURT UPDATE

MDNtv — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 11:01:31 +0000

NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana explains the proceedings following today’s brief court appearance at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court.

Three suspects accused of murdering e-hailing driver Isaac Satlat remain in custody and are facing serious charges, including murder and carjacking. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) provided details on the case status, legal process, and what happens next in the investigation.

This case has raised national concern about the safety of e-hailing drivers in South Africa and ongoing crime challenges.

In this video:
Court appearance update
Murder and carjacking charges explained
NPA statement on the case
What happens next in court
Safety concerns for e-hailing drivers

Stay informed with the latest South Africa crime news and court updates.

Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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BHEKUMUZI MIKE SANDLANA BAIL APPEAL HEARD AT PRETORIA HIGH COURT

MDNtv — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 18:55:24 +0000

The bail appeal of Bhekumuzi Mike Sandlana is heard at the Pretoria High Court as the matter comes before the High Court for consideration.

Sandlana challenges the earlier decision denying him bail, with the court hearing legal arguments from both the defence and the state during the appeal proceedings.

The outcome of the bail appeal determines whether Sandlana is granted release pending the continuation of the case, with implications for the ongoing legal process.

Proceedings at the Pretoria High Court are closely watched as the bail appeal unfolds.

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TWO APARTHEID-ERA POLICE OFFICERS CONVICTED OF THE MURDER OF CAIPHUS NYOKA REMANDED IN CUSTODY

Hlakaniphile Magadlela — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 05:20:48 +0000

Two former apartheid-era police officers, ex-Sergeant Abraham Hercules Engelbrecht (64), and ex-Sergeant Pieter Stander (62), who were convicted of the premeditated murder of Congress of South African Students (COSAS) member Caiphus Nyoka on 02 December 2025, have been remanded in custody pending judgment in their bail application. On the evening of 23 August 1987, Engelbrecht and Stander, both members of the Reaction Unit within the then South African Police, met to plan the killing of Nyoka.

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They devised a plan to raid his home. In the early hours of 24 August 1987, at approximately 02h30, Stander, Engelbrecht, and other Reaction Unit members (who are charged separately) arrived at Nyoka’s homestead and stormed his room. They found him sleeping with three friends. After identifying Nyoka, they removed his friends from the room and proceeded to shoot him nine times. He died on the scene from multiple gunshot wounds.

Following their conviction, the two applied for bail pending sentencing. In affidavits before the court, they claimed to suffer from various health conditions and stated that they are financial providers for their families. The State opposed their release, arguing that both men were convicted of a serious offence, they pose a flight risk, particularly Stander, who has previously worked outside South Africa and failed to fully disclose potential assets abroad, despite having worked in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2015.

The Judge in the Johannesburg High Court reserved judgment on their bail application and postponed the matter to 20–24 July 2026 for sentencing proceedings, which will be heard in the Pretoria High Court sitting in Benoni.

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Former Isibaya actress Gcina Mkhize might find herself homelesa before Christmas

Philani Mzila — Sat, 29 Nov 2025 18:25:06 +0000

Former Mzansi Magic’s Isibaya actress Gcina Mkhize is facing a black Christmas as she may find herself living on the streets if the magistrate’s rules otherwise on 4 December 2025.

Gcina who played the role of Khanyisile Majola-Ndlovu in the now defunct daily telenovela will know her fate when she files her documents opposing the eviction and the sale of her house which ia situated in Glenanda in the South of Johannesburg.

Gcina told MDN News that justice in South Africa was the thing of the past as she is now at the mercy of the Booysens Magistrate’s Court where she will be filing her documents.

“Me and my family are not doing so well as the case is taking its toll on me. I have not secured a lawyer as yet and I am really worried because the presiding magistrate is getting more and more impatient with me. I am going back to court next week and I am hoping that the magistrate will be willing to look into my submission and hear my prayers,” she said.

Gcina said that the situation was not great as they are currently sharing the yard with people who were placed by the new owner.

“Life is not great since we are sharing our yard with people who were forcibly placed here by the so-called new owner. They bully, harass and try to intimidate us in different ways, including sexual harassment. The Mondeor police are not willing to do anything. The Booysens Magistrate’s Court has denied us the justice we deserve time and again,” said the sobbing actress.

Gcina further said that she was there at the Booysens Magistrate’s Court to file some documents yesterday (Friday) but the clerk turned her away citing a minor technicality on the cover of her application.

“The presiding magistrate’s wasn’t willing to take into account that I am a lay person and therefore cannot draft a document the same way a Law Practitioner would. Instead he told me to come back on Monday but said even then my documents won’t be filed because it’s gonna be too late to do so.

“I am now worried that the magistrate might not be willing to read my application on the day I go to court and that might jeopardize my chance to defend myself in court. I’m pleading to a good Samaritan lawyer or law practioner to help me save my house,” she said.

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Minister Mchunu Back in the Hot Seat | Ad Hoc Committee Grills Him Over Task Team Shutdown

MDNtv — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 20:14:59 +0000

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu returns before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee on Tuesday for a tense continuation of his testimony.

MPs are expected to question him on his decision to disband the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), his reported links to Brown Mogotsi, and allegations of political interference within the criminal justice system.

Mchunu, currently on special leave, maintains that his directive to dissolve the PKTT was carefully considered and not politically motivated.

The inquiry, now entering its final stretch, is expected to conclude on 28 November with former Police Minister Bheki Cele due to testify next.

Watch the full hearing on MDNtv | People-Driven News.

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Ad Hoc Committee Hearings | 21–22 October 2025
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Minister Mchunu Back in the Hot Seat | Ad Hoc Committee Grills Him Over Task Team Shutdown

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