Search continues for angler swept off ‘Boiling Pot’

THE search for missing angler Bert Meintjies resumed early yesterday morning and will continue today.

Meintjies, 38, was washed off the notorious “Boiling Pot” ledge at Cove Rock while fishing with his son-in-law Lourens du Preez, 28, on Sunday.

Du Preez tried in vain to cast his line in his father-in-law’s direction to save him, but watched in horror as a frantic Meintjies was smashed against the rocks while shouting for help. When he last saw saw his father-in-law he was floating face down in the surf.

Yesterday, K9 search and rescue member Warrant-Officer Pierre Marx said the unit as well as the SAPS Border police and the mounted police had searched the stretch of beach between Cove Rock and Leaches Bay between 7am and 10.30am.

He said they would take up the search this morning in the direction of Winterstrand.

● At least 100 Pakistani nationals, workers and local residents protested outside the Mqanduli Magistrate’s Court to oppose bail for a 30-year-old suspect charged with the murder of 23-year-old Aman Ullah last month.

The protesters carried placards reading: “Aman’s Blood Will Speak for Itself, Stop Killing Innocent People, No Bail For Criminals”.

Ullah was gunned down at a notorious hijacking hotspot on May 25, after gunmen armed with R4 rifles ambushed his car as he yielded for speed humps. He had been on his way to Mthatha from a hardware store he ran in the Mqanduli CBD.

Police spokesman Major Zamukulungisa Jozana said investigators were searching for a second suspect, who was still on the run.

The case was postponed to July 17 and the suspect will remain behind bars. — Loyiso Mpalantshane

● In an unrelated incident, police in Tsolo arrested 36 alleged members of a mob who beat to death a 60-year-old suspected stock thief.

The incident was captured live on national television with footage showing the suspect with his head being covered by a mealie bag during the sustained assault.

Fatyela said the suspects were rounded up in their homes – 17 were charged with murder and 19 were facing charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

In St Cuthbarts near Tsolo, a 24-year-old man was arrested yesterday after the rape of a 49year-old woman. The suspect was due to appear in the Tsolo Magistrate’s Court today.

A 23-year-old suspect was arrested in KwaLindile Village, Mthatha on Monday after he was found in possession of a .38 special revolver loaded with three bullets.

A 34-year-old alleged drug dealer was also arrested after he was found with 15 mandrax tablets and 3.2kg dagga with an estimated value of R3 200. — Loyiso Mpalantshane