Mamelodi News

“They Treat Us Like Dogs”: South African Employee Exposes Abuse by Foreign Bosses at Cake Zone Bakery. By Mamelodi News - December 9, 2025 A desperate South African worker at Cake Zone bakery, located in Pretoria West Carl has blown the lid off alleged workplace exploitation, claiming staff are overworked, underpaid, and subjected to racist abuse, sometimes forced to sleep in storerooms just to keep their jobs. In an anonymous post sent to Mamelodi News pleading “Pls hide my name 🙏🏾,” the employee detailed a toxic environment where  workers, are being mistreated by their bosses who are allegedly from Zimbabwe and Mozambique. “Rena le problem as ba bereki go company yengwa e bitswa gore ke Cake Zone,” the worker wrote in a Setswana. “Re bereka go feta tekano, reka fetsha 3 days rele mowe re bereka 😣 and re yeme ka maoto.” Translation: “We have a problem as the workers of CakeZone factory, We are working beyond expectations. We sometimes spend more than 3 days at work, standing...

🔥 SOUTH AFRICAN STAR ON THE RISE: ORAPETSE KHANGALE IS TAKING OVER THE WORLD! 🌍✨ Orapetse Khangale just made history! The South African beauty has been crowned OVERALL WINNER at the prestigious International ARTS Talent Showcase 2025, beating thousands of actors, models & dancers from across the globe! This isn’t just a win… it’s her official passport to the international stage! 🛫 Because of this victory, Orapetse received the golden ticket every model dreams of: ✈️ A personal invitation to Model Source New York. 📅 28 July 2025 – 31 July 2026 (full year of elite training!) She’ll be training, walking, shooting and networking in the fashion capital alongside top agencies, legendary runways and global casting directors. Manhattan, get ready, Mzansi’s queen is coming! 👑 Before the world domination, she’s been: 📺 Killing it in major TV commercials 👠 Owning runways at Montecasino international fashion shows 💼 Signed to the agency that’s taking her straight to the top Casting dir...

Spaza Shops Collapse Under Festive-Season Extortion Surge Khayelitsha, Cape Town - Dozens of spaza shops and small township businesses in Khayelitsha, Harare, Mfuleni and surrounding areas have shut their doors permanently in the past three weeks as extortion gangs dramatically hike their “protection” fees ahead of the Christmas trading season. Traders describe a well-organised racket in which multiple gangs, some linked to local street committees, others to numbered prison gangs, demand monthly payments throughout the year. With December here, these groups have now imposed one-off “Christmas bonuses” ranging from R2,000 to R10,000 per shop, on top of the regular R1,000–R3,000 monthly fees. “I am paying four different groups every month,” said a Site C spaza owner who asked to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals. “One takes R1,000, another R1,500, the third R2,000 and the fourth R3,000 from the fourth. Now all four want a ‘festive bonus’ before the 15th of December. I told them I do...

Families Demand Justice for Lerato, Lebo, Tebogo, Mingeni, and Lucky Cullinan, Gauteng - Five ordinary men - Lerato Mabuza, Lebohang Mokoena, Tebogo Mahlangu, Mingeni Nkosi and Lucky Shabangu, were ambushed, beaten, tied up and burnt alive in their taxi on 11 September in Mamelodi East, simply because they were accused of driving on the “wrong” route. Three died inside the burning vehicle. Lerato and Lucky fought for weeks in hospital with 90% burns before they, too, lost their lives. Five days later, the two men accused of orchestrating the killings, Masipa Victor Maepa (38) and Job Matsobane Magongwa (43), walked free from the Cullinan Magistrate’s Court after being granted R2,000 bail each. As the magistrate announced the decision, the victims’ mothers and sisters collapsed, screaming the names of their loved ones. Outside court, families and neighbours held posters with the five men’s faces and shouted: “Our brothers were burnt alive for bread money! No bail for killers!” #mamelod...

Mamelodi's Shadow Killer: Hero, Monster, or the Devil in Disguise? By Mamelodi News, November 19, 2025 Dust chokes the air in Mamelodi's narrow alleys. It's 2021, and the night hums with fear. The Boko Haram gang rules like wolves, extorting shop owners for "protection" cash, smashing windows, spilling blood for fun. Foreign traders huddle in the dark, paying R300 or more just to breathe. Then, whispers spread: a ghost walks these streets. They call him "John Wick." One man. One gun. No mercy. Bullets whisper death to the gang's foot soldiers. Hope flickers in terrified eyes. But is he savior... or something far worse? It starts in August. Two thugs slump outside Santorini Club, riddled with holes, eyes wide in surprise. September: a 33-year-old enforcer drops at Mamelodi Heights Hostel, the gang's iron fortress. October brings the storm, a 30-year-old in Section K, then Mnguni on the N4 highway, his body twisted like a warning. Another falls nea...

BREAKING NEWS: Some go to church to pray, others for "bedroom service"(Inkonzo yase kamereni, Kosha ya la ntlong) Some people go to church to worship God and sing hymns. But two church members had a different plan. A shocking video shows a woman and a man from the same church. They went behind the church building while the service was still going on inside. The woman took off her church uniform. Then they started having sex, "tlof tlof", right there. The video is now spreading fast on social media. Many people are very angry and upset. They say this is disrespectful and wrong in a holy place meant for prayer.

Mamelodi’s Atlegang Mashele to Represent South Africa at Global Summit in China. By Mamelodi News, October 8, 2025. Mamelodi, Pretoria - Atlegang Mashele, a talented professional from the vibrant township of Mamelodi, has been selected to represent South Africa at a prestigious global summit in China on 26 October 2025. The event, which gathers world leaders, innovators, and change-makers, focuses on fostering international cooperation and development, offering a platform to share knowledge and forge partnerships. Mashele’s selection highlights their exceptional skills and dedication. With a strong educational background and extensive experience, they have earned a reputation as a collaborative and innovative thought leader in their field. Their contributions to various projects have showcased their ability to drive meaningful change, making them a fitting representative for South Africa. The summit will see Mashele engage with global delegates, share South Africa’s achievements, and e...

Alleged Rapist Freed on 'Self-Defence' in Mamelodi After Stabbing Victim's Sibling. By Mamelodi News, October 6, 2025 - Mamelodi, Pretoria. A Mamelodi family is outraged after their neighbour, accused of attempting to rape their young lesbian sister, was released from custody on Monday, October 6, citing "self-defence." The man allegedly stabbed the victim's sister with a broken Black Label bottle during a confrontation. On September 30, the suspect targeted the woman in her early 20s in Mamelodi East, allegedly due to her sexual orientation. "He cornered her and made it clear it was because she's a lesbian," a family member said. "She fought him off and ran home screaming." When her siblings confronted the man, on the 3rd of October 2025, he stabbed her sister, requiring stitches. The family reported attempted rape and assault to Mamelodi East SAPS on October 3, but the suspect was freed without bail, claiming the siblings attacked hi...

Mamelodi Man Seeks Help Amid Suspected Girlfriend Betrayal, Echoes Previous Tragedy By Mamelodi News, Pretoria, Gauteng - October 7, 2025 An anonymous Mamelodi resident has reached out to Mamelodi News in a desperate plea for assistance, claiming his life is spiraling into a nightmare reminiscent of the heartbreaking September 9 hostage crisis involving police constable. Immediately after contacting us via TikTok Inbox, the man deactivated the account he used to send the message, heightening fears for his safety. The resident detailed a chain of alarming events that began shortly after he publicly shared his concerns online. "A few hours later, I got robbed of my phone at gun and knife point," he wrote, linking the theft directly to his post about the similarities to constable's case. This morning, in a bid to recover his communications, the man asked his girlfriend to lend him her phone. She initially agreed but then exhibited behavior he found deeply suspicious: deletin...

Featured: Meet Refentse Difeto, A Strength of Hope And Change In The Miss Teen Gauteng Pageant. By Mamelodi News,  Mamelodi’s own Refentse Difeto is shining bright as a finalist in the 2025 Miss Teen Gauteng pageant. A passionate advocate for mental health, underprivileged communities, and children battling cancer, Refentse is using her platform to inspire change and uplift the youth. In an exclusive interview with Mamelodi News, she shares her journey, her advocacy, and her vision for a brighter future. Refentse Difeto is a proud Mamelodi native with a heart for service. “I’m deeply passionate about uplifting my community and being a voice for the youth,” she says. Her decision to join the Miss Teen Gauteng pageant was driven by its potential to amplify her advocacy for mental health, support for the underprivileged, and her role as a Cupcakes of Hope Ambassador for children with cancer. “This pageant is a platform to inspire change, promote self-confidence, and address issues tha...

Featured: Orapetse Khangale from Soshanguve Crowned Miss Junior Queen of Face of Xtremes 2025. On 6 September 2025, Fashion Kapitol in Johannesburg CBD buzzed with excitement as the Face of Xtremes Pageant showcased young talent from across South Africa. Among the standout contestants was Soshanguve’s own Orapetse Khangale, whose elegance and determination stole the spotlight. At just 11 years old, Orapetse captivated the audience and judges, earning the Public Choice Winner title and the prestigious crown of Miss Junior Queen of Face of Xtremes 2025. Her victory was a testament to her hard work and belief in herself. “This isn’t just about a crown it’s about proving young girls can dream big and achieve greatness,” Orapetse said. Her journey reflects resilience and courage, inspiring children who look up to her as a symbol of hope. But Orapetse’s story doesn’t stop at the stage. Shortly after her win, she announced the launch of the Orapetse Khangale Foundation, dedicated to empowerin...

Anonymous Source Alleges Manipulation in Constable Thapelo Mashego’s Relationship.          Photo: Social media Mamelodi, September 15, 2025 – An anonymous tip sent to Mamelodi News has raised troubling claims about the personal life of the late Constable Thapelo Mashego, who died in a tragic murder-suicide during a 16-hour hostage standoff in Mamelodi East on September 9, 2025. The source alleges that Zandile, Mashego’s girlfriend, exerted significant control over him, contributing to the emotional turmoil that preceded the devastating events. According to the anonymous sender, Zandile’s influence over Mashego was profound, despite his reputation as a strong yet compassionate individual. “Anyone who knew Thapelo’s girlfriend knows how much she controlled him,” the source wrote. “We would always ask how, because Thapelo had a strong yet kind character, but when it came to her, he would be like a child.” The tip further claims that Zandile, along with her family,...

Featured: Meet A Mamelodi Star Shining for Change, Lesedi Makgae. Mamelodi, September 14, 2025 – Lesedi Makgae, a young woman from Pretoria with a passion for service, is making waves as a finalist in the Miss Teen Gauteng pageant. For Lesedi, this journey is more than a quest for a crown it’s a platform to amplify the voices of young girls in Mamelodi and beyond who often feel unseen. “Beauty is not just how we look,” she says, “but how we uplift, inspire, and serve.” Becoming a finalist feels “surreal and humbling” for Lesedi. The sash bearing her name symbolizes not just her achievement but the dreams of countless girls who dare to aim high despite challenging circumstances. Her path to this moment has been fueled by hard work, prayer, and an unwavering belief that faith can open doors. Lesedi’s advocacy focuses on personal hygiene and mental health issues she calls “silent struggles” that profoundly impact daily life. A pivotal moment came during a hygiene drive when a young girl t...

Mamelodi Resident Speaks Out After A Long Wait And And Rude Staff At A Local Clinic. By Mamelodi News, September 11, 2025 – Mamelodi East, Pretoria. A Mamelodi resident is upset after a terrible experience at Stanza Bopape Clinic, located at 2 Shilovhane Street in Mamelodi East. The clinic is supposed to help people quickly, especially in emergencies, but one family waited over 15 hours for care and faced rude treatment from staff. The resident, who does not want their name shared, went to the clinic with their injured brother on September 9, 2025, at around 9:00 AM. The brother was in bad shape and could not eat or drink. They had to wait in a long queue just to open a file, which took until 11:30 AM. After that, they waited more until 2:30 PM when the files went to the doctor. But the brother only got a drip and was not seen by a doctor until 12:30 AM the next day over 15 hours later. “We were there from morning, and they only helped my brother after midnight. He was in pain the whol...

 Thapelo Mashigo’s Final Words. “They’ve taken everything! I slaved for this family loans to keep this house alive, food on the table! And they repay me with lies! When my sister was kidnapped my sister, now dead I led the search. I tore Pretoria apart to find her! And they turned it on me, said I was mad, on drugs! They framed me, my own blood, to tear me down! My brother! He stole Zandile, my girlfriend! She carried his child a child I thought was mine! Since 2020, he’s been sneaking with her, laughing while I raised his son as my own! They’re obsessed with me my siblings, watching my every move, tampering with my life. They tried to poison me, to kill me for the inheritance! They think our mother loves me more, so they plot to take it all! She says the whole family’s in the Nedbank will, says no one can sell this house. But I know they got to her. They’re stealing what’s mine. They wanted me dead. My enemies, they alter my things, curse my path. But I’m still here… and now they’...

Community Divided Over Constable Thapelo Mashego’s Tragic Death. The sad story of Constable Thapelo Mashego has left Mamelodi divided. Family secrets caused a big fight, with Mashego learning his fiancée’s child was not his but his brother’s. There were also claims someone tried to harm Mashego, possibly over money from his insurance. In a voice note, Mashego shared his pain, saying, “When I go to work, my brother stays home with my wife,” showing how hurt he felt by his brother’s betrayal. People have mixed feelings. Some feel sorry for Mashego, understanding his pain from betrayal and possible mental health struggles. Others say he was wrong to act violently, especially against his nephew, Keitumetsi Mashego, who died. On social media, some blame cheating and family lies, with one user saying, “Sex causes so much trouble.” Others call the situation “wild” and feel sad for Keitumetsi, seen as an innocent victim. Mamelodi News got many messages on TikTok and Facebook from people facing...

A Constitutional Court to Rule on Gender Bias in Surname Adoption. Pretoria, South Africa - September 10, 2025 - In a landmark case that could redefine marital rights and challenge deep-rooted gender norms, the Constitutional Court is poised to deliver its judgment on Thursday, September 12, regarding the constitutionality of Section 26(1)(a) to (c) of the Births and Deaths Registration Act 51 of 1992. At the heart of the dispute is whether these provisions unfairly discriminate against men by denying them the ability to adopt their wives' surnames upon marriage a right currently reserved exclusively for women. The case stems from a 2019 application by businessman Pieter van Vuuren, who sought to change his surname to his wife’s after their marriage in 2017. Van Vuuren argued that the law's asymmetry violates Section 9 of the Constitution, which prohibits unfair discrimination on grounds including gender, and undermines the equality principle in Section 8. Under the current Act...

In the sweltering heat of Mamelodi East, Pretoria, a powder keg of family secrets exploded into a harrowing 16-hour siege that gripped the nation. What began as a whispered betrayal shattered into gunfire and tragedy, leaving a trail of blood and heartbreak in its wake. At the center of this chilling drama was 32-year-old Police Constable Thapelo Mashigo, a man sworn to protect and serve, whose world unraveled in a storm of rage and deception. It was just after 8 a.m. on September 9, 2025, when the first cries for help pierced the quiet Buffer Zone neighborhood. Mashigo, an off-duty officer stationed at Boschkop Police Station and deployed with the regional Essential Infrastructure Task Team since joining the South African Police Service in 2019, barricaded himself inside his family home. Armed with his service weapon, he held three loved ones captive: his 69-year-old mother, an 18-year-old nephew, and a young boy. Witnesses later described the air thick with tension, the constable...

BREAKING NEWS: Armed Police Officer Hold Mom and Learner Hostage in Mamelodi on September 9, 2025. By Mamelodi News, September 9, 2025. A dramatic hostage situation unfolded in Mamelodi East, Tshwane, on Tuesday afternoon, September 9, 2025, when an armed police officer allegedly took a mother and her teenage child hostage at a residence in the area. Eyewitnesses reported hearing two shots fired before the incident escalated, prompting a swift response from local authorities. According to reports from Pretoria Rekord and The Citizen, the suspect is believed to be a police officer from the Boschkop police station. Mamelodi police were immediately dispatched to the scene, deploying negotiators and the elite Tactical Response Team (TRT) to manage the high-risk standoff. The TRT unit arrived promptly, securing the perimeter around the house to ensure public safety while attempting to de-escalate the situation. Details emerging from the scene indicate that the officer allegedly entered the ...

Parents Demand Refunds After Unsuccessful Educational Trip at Ribane-Laka School. Mamelodi, September 4, 2025 – Parents of learners at Ribane-Laka Maths, Science, and ICT School of Specialisation (SOS) in Mamelodi have lodged a formal complaint with Mamelodi News, expressing frustration over the school's refusal to refund R120.00 paid for an educational trip that failed to deliver due to limited space. The botched outing has left learners and parents disappointed, with the school administration providing no clear justification for denying refunds. According to the complaint, the trip, intended as an educational experience, was compromised, leaving learners unable to fully participate. Despite multiple requests and formal letters sent to the school, parents report that the administration has repeatedly delayed or avoided addressing refund demands. “Our children are frustrated, and that money could be used for other educational needs,” one parent stated, echoing the sentiment of many...