Voice of the Community

24/07/2025

24/07/2025

Tune in LIVE at VOCFM 102.9 for the live policy and budget speech.

24/07/2025

[HAPPENING NOW]

Budget Vote 3 & 7 – Live Broadcast on Voice of the Community

The Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature invites you to tune in as the MEC for Finance, Mr Bonakele Majuba, MPL, and MEC for Education, Ms Lindi Masina, MPL, present the 2025/26 departmental policy priorities and budget allocations.

🗓 Date: 24 July 2025
🕒 Time: 14:15
📍 Venue: Baobab Building, Riverside Legislature & Government Complex, Mbombela

📻 Catch the proceedings live on Voice of the Community and stay informed about the financial roadmap for the Finance and Education sectors in Mpumalanga.

24/07/2025

Don't miss it tomorrow

24/07/2025

[SPONSORED CONTENT]

A Musical Experience You Can't Miss!

The Ubumbano Youth Choir proudly presents a Soul-Stirring Musical Concert filled with heavenly harmonies and powerful performances! 🎤🔥

📅 Date: 02 August 2025
🕛 Time: 12:00 PM
📍 Venue: 1948 Wesselton Hall

🎟️ Tickets: Only R50 at the door!
📞 Pre-Order Now: 071 387 5998

Come and witness choirs from near and far light up the stage with passion, praise, and pure talent!

Let the music move you – bring your friends and family for a day to remember!

Supported by:
Ermelo 24/7 updates | Tswelopele Funerals | Voice of the Community

23/07/2025

MAN SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR STABBING HIS PARTNER

Mpumalanga-The Mpumalanga Division of the High Court sitting in Breyten has today sentenced Sunday Nzimande (35) to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of his girlfriend Gugu Bongiwe Mamba (31) accusing her of cheating. The accused pleaded guilty to the offence and was subsequently convicted of premeditated murder. The accused and the deceased were in a domestic relationship, residing in Amsterdam in the Gert Sibande District with their two children.
The horrific incident unfolded in the presence of two minor children aged three and six years on 6 June 2024. The accused and the deceased were together in their home when the deceased received a phone call from an unknown person. After the call, the accused questioned the deceased about the caller. Unsatisfied with her response and suspecting that she was having an affair. An altercation ensued, and it became physical, prompting the accused to stab the deceased with the knife in the neck. The deceased died instantly, and the accused was arrested two days after the incident happened.

In aggravation of sentence, State Advocate Kedibone Mthimkhulu argued that the accused’s plea was a mitigating factor, emphasising the brutality of slitting the throat of the deceased as inhumane. Post-mortem report revealing that the deceased died of Anterior part slit open, as well as a Photo album depicting the crime scene where the deceased body was found, were presented. Advocate Mthimkhulu further presented a Victim Impact Statement compiled by the deceased daughter describing the financial, psychological, and emotional trauma she suffered since the death of her mother.

In handing down the sentence, the presiding officer described the accused ‘s action as inhumane and cruel stating that Nzimande violated the victim’s constitutional right to life. The court found no reasons justifying deviation from the prescribed minimum sentence of life imprisonment. Nzimande was sentenced to life imprisonment and was declared unfit to possess a firearm.

The National Prosecuting Authority welcomes the sentence which reinforces that gender -based violence, particularly when witnessed by children, will not be tolerated. We further commend the bravery of witnesses in helping the court deliver justice. This outcome demonstrates the seriousness with which the justice system treats gender -based violence and domestic violence.

23/07/2025

NEIGHBOUR SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR R**E

Ermelo, Mpumalanga – The Ermelo Regional Court has convicted and sentenced Sifiso Innocent Kuhlase (37) to life imprisonment for the r**e of a 10-year-old girl. The crime took place on the night of 19 June 2021 in KwaDela, Davel.

The victim was walking home from a nearby tuck shop when she encountered the accused, her neighbour. Kuhlase grabbed her, dragged her to a roadside, and r**ed her. He then threatened to unleash his dogs on her if she reported the incident. The victim’s aunt noticed her struggling to walk and appearing distressed. Upon questioning, the girl revealed the assault and identified Kuhlase as the perpetrator. She was immediately taken to the Ermelo Thuthuzela Care Centre for a medical examination, leading to the accused’s arrest.

In court, Kuhlase pleaded not guilty, alleging that witnesses had conspired against him. However, State Prosecutor Chané Rothman presented compelling evidence, including the initial report, the victim’s testimony (facilitated through intermediary services to reduce trauma), and a J88 medical report confirming the injuries. The court deemed the state’s witnesses credible and dismissed Kuhlase’s defence as implausible.

During sentencing, the victim testified about the profound impact of the ordeal. Prosecutor Rothman emphasised that, as a neighbour, Kuhlase was expected to protect the child, not violate her. She noted the victim’s history of multiple traumas and Kuhlase’s lack of remorse, arguing that no substantial circumstances justified deviating from the prescribed life imprisonment sentence under the Criminal Law Amendment Act.

In its ruling, the court highlighted the alarming prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa and the urgent need to protect vulnerable individuals. Kuhlase was sentenced to life imprisonment and ordered to be entered into the National Register for Sexual Offenders. He was also declared unfit to work with children or possess a firearm.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes this sentence, reaffirming its dedication to delivering justice for victims of gender-based violence and fostering safer communities. This ruling sends a strong message that sexual violence against children will be met with the full force of the law.

Ends

22/07/2025

We're streaming live the funeral of Pastor Gumbi...
Continue to rest in peace tata

22/07/2025

29-YEAR-OLD ARRESTED FOR PURCHASING A VEHICLE USING FRAUDULENT DOCUMENTS

MPUMALANGA: The Hawks Secunda based Serious Corruption Investigation and Serious Commercial Crime Investigation arrested a 29-year-old in Greytown, KwaZulu-Natal, on Saturday, 19 July 2025.

The suspect allegedly purchased a Toyota Fortuner on credit by submitting fraudulent bank statements and fraudulent payslip to the finance institution in Delmas.

The vehicle worth R455 900 was handed over to the suspect in October 2020. Ever since the vehicle was driven out of the dealership, not a single installment was paid for in the past five years.

The financial institution turned to the Hawks for investigation. The professional investigation led the team to Greytown, where the suspect was arrested on Saturday, 19 July 2025.

Mthobisi Shezi (29) made a brief appearance in Delmas District Court yesterday, Monday, 21 July 2025. He was remanded in custody for legal representation. He is expected to appear before the same court today, Tuesday, 22 July 2025.

18/07/2025

MANDELA DAY CELEBRATION IN ERMELO.

Ermelo 18 July 2025


The Msukaligwa Local Municipality Executive Mayor Cllr Nkosi and the Premier Of Mpumalanga Mr Mandla Ndlovu celebrated their last part of Mandela day with the elderly people and the Disabled citizens of Msukaligwa Local Municipality.

The event was held at Msukaligwa Civic Center, where elders were showered with blankets while enjoying a cake to celebrate the day.

18/07/2025

💢WARNING GRAPHIC IMAGES💢

18 JULY 2025

THREE PEOPLE KILLED IN MIDDELBURG HEAD ON COLLISION.

Three people, two males and one female were killed instantly on Friday morning in a head-on collission involving a Sprinter Mini-Bus and Quantum Mini-Bus taxi between R555 and Mandela Drive in Middelburg. A light delivery vehicle (LDV) on the same road was involved with a mini-bus taxi.

The three deceased are passengers in both taxis and their ages range between 33 and 43 years.

At least 14 people sustained serious injuries and they include one driver. Three people were slightly wounded and they include the driver of the LDV.

The occupants of the mini-bus were reportedly travelling from Mhluzi going to work at one of of the mines in Middelburg.

The injured were transported by ermeregency services to nearby hospitals in Middelburg.

The cause is not yet clear, however, reckless and negligent driving cannot be ruled out at this point.

ends.

17/07/2025