A 35-year-old Egyptian national has been sentenced on Tuesday 17 February to 40 years direct imprisonment after pleading guilty to the kidnapping and murder of Al.Shaheed in March 2023.

Mustapha Elbesherny was convicted at the Mitchells Plain Regional Court in December 2025 on charges of murder, aggravated robbery, kidnapping, defeating the ends of justice, assault common, and contravention of the Immigration Act. The court also declared him unfit to possess a firearm.
The case stems from the disappearance of Shaheed, who was kidnapped and murdered on 31 March 2023. When Shaheed was reported missing at Grabouw Police, a multi-disciplinary investigation team was immediately activated.

Investigators achieved a swift breakthrough, arresting Elbesherny and a co-accused in April 2023. One suspect was apprehended in the Eastern Cape, while the second was arrested in Grabouw. Both suspects were denied bail and remained in custody throughout the investigation.

The Western Cape Provincial multi-disciplinary Anti-Kidnapping Task Team continued the investigation before transferring the case to Mitchells Plain Regional Court for trial. Elbesherny entered guilty pleas on all charges brought against him.

The Western Cape has welcomed the substantial sentence, viewing it as a significant outcome in the fight against serious violent crime in the province.The case highlights the effectiveness of multi-disciplinary law enforcement cooperation, with investigators from multiple units working together to solve the crime and secure arrests within weeks of the initial report.

Elbesherny’s co-accused will face a separate trial, with the matter postponed to 26 February when a trial date will be set. The co-accused remains in custody pending the proceedings.The successful prosecution demonstrates the commitment of Western Cape law enforcement agencies to pursuing justice for victims of kidnapping and murder, crimes that have increasingly concerned communities across the province.

The Station Commander of the Grabouw Police, Colonel Winston Coetzee welcomes the lengthy sentence and applauded the investigation team for their exceptional dedication and hard work in bringing the case to a successful conclusion.

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A Hermanus High School alumnus continues to make his hometown proud on the international stage.

The waves off Morocco’s Atlantic coast witnessed something truly special last weekend as “local boy” Tristan Lee Roberts once again proved why he’s considered one of bodyboarding’s greatest talents, claiming victory at the prestigious 2026 Morocco World Bodyboarding Championship.

The 29-year-old delivered a masterclass performance that had the bodyboarding world buzzing.

With the 2026 season now officially underway Roberts has set the pace early for what promises to be another exciting year of competition.

“I’ve been watching events since I was a kid, but I never fully understood how hard it is to win one until experiencing it myself. It can look easy when you’re watching the best in the world do what they do, but there’s so much that goes into every result.”

This latest triumph adds to Roberts’ already impressive trophy cabinet, which includes world titles from 2019 and 2022. His first championship came after victories at both the Itacoatiara Pro and the Gran Canaria Fronton King, where he defeated two-time world champion Amaury Lavernhe in a thrilling final.

“I’m incredibly grateful to have experienced this feeling 10 times. Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way. Let’s see how many more I can chase. This is going to be a long year chasing down my third world title, I appreciate having you guys in my corner.”

Roberts, who took the bodyboarding world by storm after finishing school, has long been the pride and joy of Hermanus. His journey from riding the local waves of Hermanus to conquering international championships serves as inspiration for aspiring athletes across the Overberg region.

“Tristan embodies everything we love about Hermanus,” said a spokesperson from his former school, “determination, passion, and an unbreakable connection to the ocean. He’s proof that dreams born in our coastal town can reach the highest peaks of international sport.”

The Morocco Championship served as the opening event of the 2026 IBC World Tour season for both Junior Men and Men divisions, making Roberts’ victory even more significant as the first scoring event of the year.

Athlete seeding was based on the final 2025 IBC World Rankings, and Roberts proved once again why he’s consistently ranked among the world’s true elite.

For Hermanus Roberts’ continued success on the world stage serves as a reminder of the incredible talent that emerges from South Africa’s coastal communities.

The bodyboarding community will be watching closely as he seeks to defend his newly-won title throughout the season.

As he represents the present and future of bodyboarding, one thing is certain – the waves of Onrus helped shape a true world champion.

The 2026 IBC World Tour continues with upcoming events across the globe. Follow Tristan Roberts’ championship campaign as he looks to add to his growing legacy.

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Vyf toonaangewende rolspelers in die Suid-Afrikaanse wynbedryf is op 5 Februarie by die jaarlikse Wynoes-herdenkingsgeleentheid vereer, en een van hulle is van die Overberg.

Denzel Swarts, die verkoops- en handelsmerkbestuurder van Zoetendal-wingerde in Elim, het is vir sy transformerende leierskap om inklusiwiteit ten spyte van talle uitdagings te bevorder, vereer. Hy het die toekenning in die afdeling vir die Bevordering van Inklusiwiteit ontvang.

Swarts se loopbaan het by Simonsig begin en daar het hy vroeg-vroeg al gewys sy werk is nie net ‘n dagtaak nie, maar ‘n passie en hy is vinnig tot senior bestuursvlak bevorder. Hy het deur deur rasse- en sosio-ekonomiese grense gebreek en die weg gebaan vir ander om in sy voetspore te volg. Hy het daarna sy passie om transformasie in die wynbedryf uitgeleef en was lid van die Stellenbosch-wynroete-transformasietaakspan, ondervoorsitter en later waarnemende voorsitter van die Universiteit van Kaapstad se nagraadse handelsfakulteit en is tans die direkteur van die Pinotage-akademie vir jeugontwikkeling asook direkteur van die professionele liggaam van die Suid-Afrikaanse wynbedryf.

Een van die hoogtepunte in sy loopbaan was sekerlik toe hy die eerste mens uit Afrika was om die gesogte Golden Vines® Wine Scholar Guild-beurs in 2022 te ontvang, wat hy op onselfsugtige wyse prysgegee het vir iemand anders in nood.

“Swarts is iemand van bewonderenswaardige statuur en getrou aan sy herkoms, terwyl hy voortdurend streef na persoonlike groei en gemeenskapsbevordering. Dit maak van hom ‘n verdienstelike ontvanger van hierdie eerbetoon,” het die komitee tereg gesê.

Die plaaslike minister van landbou, ekonomiese ontwikkeling en toerisme, dr. Ivan Meyer, het oor die geleentheid gesê: “Die Wynoesherdenkingsgeleentheid vier die krag en erfenis van die wêreldklas-wynbedryf van die Wes-Kaap. Landbou bly steeds ‘n sleuteldryfkrag agter ekonomiese groei en werkskepping in die provinsie en vandag verleen ons erkenning aan die uitmuntendheid, vernuwing en inklusiwiteit wat hierdie sektor internasionaal mededingend maak. Ek bring veral hulde aan die landbouwerkers wie se toewyding die bedryf onderhou en landelike gemeenskappe versterk.”

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When the Master Winemaker Top 100 2026 list was announced one name stood out not just for her exceptional wines, but the unlikely path that brought her to winemaking excellence. Natasha Williams, winemaker at Hasher Family Winery, represents everything unexpected about South Africa’s evolving wine industry.

Williams’ journey began with resistance, not romance. Growing up in a household where alcohol was strictly taboo, wine was never part of her world. “Wine was never in my cards,” Williams reflects. Her scientific mind initially drew her towards molecular biology at Stellenbosch University, until a chance encounter occurred.

The turning point came through a career counsellor’s unexpected suggestion. Williams had envisioned herself as a scientist or accountant, but he saw something different: “He told me I should consider the Stellenbosch University winemaking course. He said you would be perfect as a winemaker.” Williams walked out upset, dismissing winemaking as a “far-out idea”.

After switching from molecular biology in her first year Williams discovered winemaking had fed “the curiosity I had had inside me.” The real revelation came during harvest season: “When I started getting my hands dirty I understood what it meant to make wine. It came to life when I did my first harvest.”

Williams’ personal label Lelie van Saron, tells her unique story. The Afrikaans name reflects both her approach and heritage: “Lily represents purity and humility. It speaks to my approach to winemaking. Saron pays tribute to where I come from, which you always need to know before knowing where you’re going.”

Her philosophy draws from American slam poet Maya Angelou’s wisdom about women flowing like rivers, arriving “prepared to be herself and only herself.” Williams crafts wines that showcase fruit purity and terroir through minimal intervention, allowing grapes and winemaker to collaborate naturally.

Perhaps most significantly, she champions wine’s power to transcend cultural boundaries. A formative California internship showed her wine’s community-building potential, connecting people across languages and cultures. “Wine translates across borders,” she explained. “You may not know what the other person is saying, but you are bonding.” Today, as Williams continues challenging misconceptions about wine consumption in multicultural South Africa, her inclusion in the Top 100 represents more than personal achievement. It symbolises the industry’s evolution towards inclusivity and innovation. From reluctant convert to recognised master Williams proves that sometimes the most unexpected journeys lead to extraordinary destinations.

• The Master Winemaker Top 100 brings an exclusive selection of the most accomplished and influential winemakers from the Global Wine Masters Series, one of the industry’s most rigorous and respected competitions, together. The publication recognises winemakers who consistently demonstrate excellence, innovation and leadership while championing the pioneering spirit continuing to shape the industry.

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When most classical musicians think about performance preparation wine pairings rarely enter the equation. But for pianist Ida Pelliccioli the marriage of music and viticulture represents an exciting frontier in concert experience.

On 24 February the Gereformeerde kerk in Sandbaai will host an unprecedented musical experiment as Pelliccioli presents an all-Bach recital paired with carefully selected wines. The evening, beginning with registration at 17:45, promises to challenge traditional concert formats through what she calls “oenological concerts”.

Pelliccioli’s ambitious programme showcases Johann Sebastian Bach’s genius as interpreted by piano masters across centuries.

The evening features Bach-Busoni “Chorale Preludes” (BWV 639 and 659), the monumental “Prelude, Fugue and Allegro in E-flat Major” (BWV 998), and Bach-Liszt’s powerful “Preludes and Fugues in both A Minor (BWV 543) and B Minor (BWV 544)”.The recital concludes with two jewels: Bach-Kempff’s delicate “Siciliano from the Flute and Harpsichord Sonata No 2” (BWV 1031) and the tour-de-force Bach-Brahms “Chaconne in D Minor” for left hand alone (BWV 1004).

Raka’s Sauvignon Blanc and Quinary will complement the evening’s musical journey.

The concert begins at 18:30 in the historic church on Bergsig Street, following wine and canapés from 17:45. This intimate venue provides the perfect acoustic setting for Pelliccioli’s exploration of how sensory experiences can enhance musical appreciation.

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At the tender age of 5 Maxim Kudiyarov’s grandmother Nina Kudiyarova taught him the game of chess. Her patient guidance sparked his love of the game, turning a quiet pastime into a serious passion, so much so that he played his first official tournament at the age of ten.

His rapid progression from the following year onwards established him firmly on the competitive chess circuit.

Now 14, the Grade 9 learner at Overberg High in Caledon, has been chosen to represent the Western Cape Province for the Overberg region at SAJCCC (South African Junior Closed Chess Championship) in Rustenburg during the March school holidays.

He is now recognised as a talented, strategic player regularly placed among the top players in his age group. Known for his sharp calculation, focus and composure at the board, Maxim continues to impress opponents and onlookers.

In the Mzansi Inter-Provincial Junior Championships, held in Gqeberha in December, he competed for the Western Cape A Team. Here he finished in the top 10 and qualified for the SAJCCC.

Eagerly looking ahead to the challenge, the prodigy said: “I am really looking forward to playing against some of the best junior chess players in the country. It’s exciting to compete at this level and I want to learn from every game and do my best.”

Maxim’s selection for the SAJCCC marks his second consecutive year qualifying for the event. This is a notable achievement as the event brings the country’s strongest junior players together and is regarded as one of the most prestigious fixtures on the national junior chess calendar.

Maxim has demonstrated a strong work ethic and drive for excellence, sustaining both serious chess preparation as well as academic commitment at his school.

No doubt his family, school and the Overberg community will cheer him on as he represents the region on the national stage.

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Wanneer dit by skaak kom, is daar nie veel wat ‘n mens Sam Brink van dié spel kan vertel nie, want sy speel immers al van sewejarige ouderdom met oorgawe. (“Koningin van die skaakbord”, Hermanus Times, 29 Junie 2022).

Sam, ‘n 16-jarige graad 11-leerder aan die Hoërskool Overberg, het die Wes-Kaap in Desember by die Mzansi-interprovinsiale jeugskaakkampioenskap, wat in Gqeberha plaasgevind het, verteenwoordig.

As lid van die o.18-Wes-Kaap-span het Sam besonder goed gevaar en vier van haar vyf rondes gewen. Tydens die Overberg -skole-opeskaaktoernooi, wat op 31 Januarie by Swartberg Sekondêr in Caledon plaasgevind het, het Sam weer eens haar staal gewys.

Nie net het sy vier uit ses rondes gewen nie, maar is sy ook as die beste vroulike speler van die toernooi aangewys. Daar gaan nog gewis baie van Sam gehoor word.

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For nearly two decades a remarkable group of women has been making waves along Overberg’s coastline, not just with their hiking boots, but with their unwavering commitment to community service and cancer awareness.

The Lighthouse 2 Lighthouse (L2L) Ladies Walk has become much more than an annual hiking event; it’s evolved into a powerful symbol of female solidarity, charitable giving and the transformative power of putting one foot in front of the other.

What started in 2006 as a heartfelt initiative to support cancer survivors and their families has blossomed into one of South Africa’s most impactful women-only charitable events. The vision was simple yet profound: combine the healing power of nature with the strength of community to create lasting change for those who needed it most.

The 100-km four-day journey from the historic Cape Agulhas Lighthouse – Africa’s southernmost point – to the Danger Point Lighthouse in Gansbaai, traces one of the world’s most breathtaking coastal routes. But for the hundreds of women who have laced up their hiking boots over the years, the real destination has always been something far greater than any lighthouse beacon.

The numbers tell an extraordinary story of impact. More than 20 walks have raised more than R8,5 million for 30-plus charities, transforming the L2L Ladies from a small group of determined hikers into a registered NPO that is a lifeline for numerous organisations across the Overstrand area.

“The route may have been refined over the years, but our core mission of camaraderie, fitness and charity has remained constant” is the reflection on the way this remarkable initiative has evolved. Organisations such as the Overstrand Hospice have been among the many beneficiaries who have felt the tangible impact of every kilometre walked and every rand raised.

As the 5-8 March walk approaches three deserving organisations set to benefit from the ladies’ extraordinary efforts: Hermanus Animal Welfare, Hermanus Senior Centre and Silwerjare-dienssentrum.

These beneficiaries represent the diverse ways the L2L Ladies continue to strengthen their community, from caring for vulnerable animals to supporting elderly residents and providing essential services to those in need.

Long-term partnerships have been crucial to the walk’s success, with Hermanus Toyota standing out as a sponsor that has supported the initiative from its very beginning. Owner Johan van Zyl reflects the spirit of community investment that makes the L2L Ladies Walk possible. Hermanus Toyota has supported L2L since 2006, which is key on its agenda.

“We would like to show the Hermanus community that Toyota is willing to support institutions in financial need,” Van Zyl said. “Not only do we support L2L, but schools and soup kitchens are also close to our hearts.

“But it is an honour to be part of L2L. As the ladies prepare for the main walk on 5-8 March we wish them strength and safe kilometres ahead.”

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Met die oorstromings wat die Overberg-streek verlede week getref het, is gemeenskappe oorval met weldoeners wat uit hul pad gegaan het om te help.

Die hewige storms verlede Maandag (9 Februarie) het groot skade in Greyton aangerig en volgens die projekkoördineerder van Gemeenspaksprojekte in Greyton, Henno Sauls, het baie families onder die natuurramp gely. “Dit was ‘n baie hartseer tyd vir menige inwoner van Greyton, maar wanneer sulke moeilike tye oor jou pad kom, kom daar ook ‘engele’ om dit te verlig. Een van die ‘engele’ is die Rooikruis-vereniging van Greyton,” vertel Sauls.

Volgens hom was hy veral beïndruk deur die Rooikruis se vinnige terugvoer en hul toegewydheid om ander te help. “Die Rooikruis-span het sonder ophou gewerk om ons te help om dié wat deur die storms getref is, by te staan. Ons het mense gehelp wie se huise gelek het en wie se huise heeltemal oorstroom is. Ek waardeer die Rooikruis se hulp en sê dankie dat ek altyd op hul knoppie kan druk. Ons wens die organisasie, sy span en bestuur net die beste toe en glo dat hulle van krag tot krag sal gaan,” het Sauls gesê.

• Bel Sauls by 073 022 2166 vir enige navrae oor die Greyton-gemeenskapsprojek.

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In a charming converted church hall in Hermanus something extraordinary happens three times a week. Where hymns once echoed the gentle piano accompaniment now guides a unique ballet class where grace knows no age limit, and Jo-Ann Strauss was there to witness it all.

The television personality and former Miss South Africa recently visited Hermanus as part of her inspiring ARTdacity YouTube series, with a mission close to her heart: proving that art doesn’t require formal training to enrich our lives. Her destination? A meeting with ballet legend Phillip Boyd, whose remarkable journey from international stages to a Hermanus church hall embodies everything ARTdacity represents.

Few Hermanus residents may realise they share their town with true ballet royalty. Boyd isn’t just any dance teacher; he’s a former principal dancer with the former Capab (Cape Performing Arts Board) and life partner of South Africa’s only prima ballerina assoluta, the late Phyllis Spira.

Boyd’s journey began with a childhood moment that would shape his destiny. “He accompanied a boyhood sweetheart to her ballet classes and immediately became mesmerised by the art form,” Strauss discovered during their conversation. Unlike many artistic pursuits that face family resistance Boyd was fortunate; his academic parents supported his unconventional career choice wholeheartedly.

The story deepened as Boyd shared memories of South African ballet’s golden era. “Names such as Dulcie Howes and David Poole were spoken of with awe,” Strauss related. It was Howes who, on a visit to Johannesburg, recognised Boyd’s potential and invited him to join her prestigious Cape Town school. What followed was “a world of rigorous discipline and ruthless training”, exactly what the young dancer craved. Boyd excelled, eventually becoming one of Capab’s principal dancers. His first partner was Nicolette Loxton, but it was with Phyllis Spira that he found his perfect match, both professionally and personally. They moulded together in flawless synchronicity, physically and spiritually, creating not just stunning performances but a life partnership that would last until Spira’s death.

But Boyd’s story extends far beyond personal success. He took over David Poole’s groundbreaking “Ballet for All”, a school born from the pain of District Six’s forced removals, created to help disadvantaged children. Boyd and Spira renamed it “Dance for All” continuing Poole’s vision of making ballet accessible to everyone, regardless of background.

Today, in what was once Christiaan Pinkton’s studio space, Boyd has created something unique. The former church hall now features specialised flooring and ballet bars, supporting what may be the world’s most inspiring dance class; students aged 44 to 77 prove it’s never too late to embrace art. “I want to share the message to pause and consider what artists are trying to communicate to us,” Strauss explained. “Art is here to enrich us in many different ways.”

Boyds Ballet Belles students embody this philosophy perfectly. They didn’t start ballet as children, didn’t attend prestigious schools and won’t perform at international venues. But they experience the same joy, discipline and transcendence that has made ballet beloved for centuries.

Through her ARTdacity series Strauss is on a mission to democratise art appreciation. Her Hermanus visit perfectly illustrated her core belief: that art’s true value lies not in exclusive training or elite access, but in its power to enrich any life willing to embrace it. “Apart from an extraordinary dance career,” Strauss reflected after their meeting, Boyd’s Dance for All is a story of success, devotion and love. A story worth listening to.

As Strauss’ camera captured the afternoon light filtering through the converted church hall, watching Boyd guide his mature students through positions and port de bras, the true magic became clear. Here, in Hermanus art continues to transform lives, not because of formal credentials or professional aspirations, but because of passion, dedication and the simple belief that beauty and grace belong to everyone.

The ARTdacity series continues to explore similar stories across South Africa, proving art matters not for its exclusivity, but its incredible ability to include, inspire and enrich lives at any stage.

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