Rape-accused Reiger Park man released

A man accused of raping a 2-year-old girl has been released from police custody, as prosecutors declined to put the case on the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court’s roll, on Monday morning. NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said that there was not enough information gathered on the case for the court to formally proceed. The docket has since been returned to SAPS, with special instructions from the Prosecuting Authority.

According to Captain Mavela Masondo, the girl is believed to have been raped by her mother’s 34-year-old boyfriend on Tuesday after she was left alone with the man. The child’s mother had asked the man to take the child to the nanny. Masondo, however, said the man did not take her to the nanny and allegedly raped her. The girl was taken to a nearby hospital and that’s where doctors confirmed that she’d been raped. The man was arrested on Friday.

Done By

Kamo

#ReigerPark #Bokburg

Two children have died in the Athlone fire that destroyed 300 shacks

Two children have died and 300 shacks were destroyed in a devastating fire in Vygieskraal informal settlement last night, the ANC Athlone parliamentary Constituency Office said. The MP for Athlone mentioned the unbearable and inhuman conditions in which people are living in informal settlements throughout the Western Cape, adding that after years the City of Cape Town fails to spend its budget allocation for housing. Jacobs said the MEC for Human Settlements, Mr Simmers, must be called to account for the loss of lives at Vygieskraal and called for communities in informal settlements to unite and demand their constitutional right to safe and adequate housing.

The displaced community was aided by Evangelical Lutheran Church of SA and Gift of the Givers and asks the public for donations that can help the people who have lost everything and drop it off at our Parliamentary Constituency Office at Ebfin Bldg 1 George Street Athlone. Above Pep Stores Athlone.

Done by

Jasmine Johnson-Mazwi

Omotoso’s woes continue as jurisdiction appeal is dismissed

Omotoso’s woes continue as jurisdiction appeal is dismissed

Rape-accused Nigerian pastor Timothy Omotoso along with his cohorts Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho, will be forced to petition to the Constitutional Court after their unsuccessful bid to have all international charges, brought against them, excluded from their trial. This bid came after Omotoso and the other accused raised questions of whether or not the Eastern Cape High Court in Port Elizabeth had the jurisdiction to deal with these charges. According to the defence, the High Court does not have the authority to hear all of the charges that pertain to this case because some of the criminal offences are believed to have happened outside of South Africa but as of Monday the 21^st of October, the application for leave to appeal is dismissed.

The accused face 97 charges, among them rape, human trafficking and racketeering. #Omotoso #OmotosoTrial

Former Bishops teacher admitted to clinic as sex scandal inquiry heats up

The sexual scandal involving a former history teacher at a prestigious Cape Town involving two matric pupils is still continuing and a sexual misconduct inquiry has been opened. The inquiry was headed over by Graeme Dorrignton and senior attorney Francois Van Zyl which began on Friday. The sexual allegations came to light on October 11 and within the same day Fiona Viotti was fired from the school pending investigation.

During the investigation it came to light that the former history teacher Fiona Viotti had allegedly had sexual relationships with 4 other boys who were between the ages 17 to 18. Bishop headmaster Mr. Guy Pearson said “We have confirmed there have been several boys who have been affected over a number of years. This matter is under investigation by duly appointed attorneys and senior counsel”.

Fiona Viotti defence attorney said in a statement that, the allegations had taken a toll on his client’s health, and she has been admitted to a clinic during the weekend.\

By Chuma Matiwane

Alcohol abuse linked to Gender-based violence in the Western Cape

Alcohol abuse linked to Gender-based violence in the Western Cape

An incontrovertible correlation between increased levels of violence, interpersonal and gender-based violence and the abuse of alcohol and other addictive substances in the province, statistics shows. According to Albert Frits, Western Cape Liquor Authority became the focus of a discussion at the standing committee where it was said that WCLA is the only public entity which reports to the department, during the year under review an amount of R42.7 million was transferred to the public, Frits said.

Frits mentioned that, “The overarching role of the WCLA is alcohol harm reduction by ensuring Liquor outlets are licensed.” With that being said, the partnership with the alcohol Harms Reduction Game Change and Western Cape Liquor Authority 3500 inspections at Liquor outlets were conducted and participated in 76 joint enforcement operations. A total of 112 fines were issued, the fine has been increased to up to R100 000.

Done By

Fikile Kalimashe

A paramedic’s nightmare

With enthusiasm men and women of the Cape in green reflective uniforms carry medical supplies. Grooving along to the music, with free spirits, they count the packs of gauze, fold fresh linen and stow them away. Until it is time for a 12 hour overnight shift terror creeps in.

 What if’s controlling their minds, laying their lives on the line to save lives just to be gun pointed in their faces again, be searched at knife point again and ambushed again. This is the life of medics on duty for Western Cape Health Department Emergency Services. At their service in different location.

“it is a red zone” meaning ambulances have been attacked there recently. “There are no patient in sight!” They make a U-turn and get out in a hurry suspicious of a set up.

This is the life of a paramedic in the cape.

#lifeofaparamedicinthecape

Done By Namhla Monakali

Palestinian women up with the move

Palestinian women up with the move

There was jeering and cheering in the Palestinian streets as Dalia al-Darawish who is preparing for an exam to become one of the few qualified female Palestinian truck drivers told AFP that it shows that women can do anything. The 26 year old mother of two is among several Palestinian women pushing boundaries in the city of Hebron.

Meanwhile there have been protests in the West Bank area after a 21 year old woman was allegedly killed by her family members after posting an Instagram photo with fiancé to be. Cases like these are popular in Palestine and there is a high rate of unemployment in women for they quit their jobs to take care of their children.

The same is with Waface al-Adhami who couldn’t give up on her dream to become an artist. One of the women who is up of for the movement is 31 year old Asia Amer who set up women-only restaurant in Hebron. The Queen Restaurant is there to give women a space to feel at home and have their own freedom.

#upwiththemove

#weallequal

#equalrights

Done by

Thomas Cedrick

City Of Cape Town Limits Fireworks to the Athlone Stadium Parking Lot for Diwali

The City of Cape Town has availed the parking lot of the Athlone Stadium for Hindu residents who wish to discharge fireworks this Diwali.

The city said the site would be available next week Sunday. The decision was taken after Hindu residents expressed disappointment with the municipality's move last week to forego designated sites for fireworks during Diwali, Guy Fawkes and New Year's Eve. While many residents have praised the city's move to further restrict fireworks, others have been disappointed.

Especially Hindu residents, who said discharging fireworks was part of their culture while celebrating the five-day festival of lights, known as Diwali.

Mayco member JP Smith said to respect the Hindu cultural tradition, a site would be made available. Smith said groups were still able to apply for a firework permit, however, it would be too late for those celebrating Diwali next week.

By: Ellouise Muller

Heart and Stroke Foundation Concerned By High Child Obesity

With obesity week being observed until Saturday, the Heart and Stroke Foundation said it was concerned about the high levels of child obesity in South Africa.

The week is observed with the hope of creating awareness about the importance of healthy eating. The World Obesity Foundation has stated that, by the year 2030 the countries South Africa and China will see the largest spike in child obesity. Research has also found that more than 14% of children between the ages of six and 14 are overweight or obese.

Ntokozo Ngubane Dietician at the Heart and Stroke Foundation said overweight children were more likely to be exposed to diseases in their adulthood.

By: Ellouise Muller

What is a healthy diet and why is it imperative?

A healthy diet meets the nutritional needs of persons by providing sufficient, safe, healthy, nutritious and diverse foods to lead a good life and reduce the risk of disease. People cannot ignore the fact that nutritious diets at times are costly and is not affordable to many people.

Did you know that an unhealthy diet is the main risk factor for several deaths from non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancers? Nearly one of three people are affected by obesity and some other forms of malnutrition. No doubt, there are solutions to reduce all forms of malnutrition but global commitment and action to be taken are required with full commitment.

The combination of good nutrition and healthy weight reduces the risk of chronic diseases. If one eats healthy, nutrients will reach to your body and one will remain healthy, active and strong. Physical activity with healthy diet also plays an imperative role.

By: Ellouise Muller

World Food Day 2019

The theme around World Food Day 2019 is ‘’their actions are their future’’, healthy diets for a #ZeroHunger world. It focuses on tackling global hunger. Due to globalization, urbanization and income growth, their diets and eating habits are changed. Instead of seasonal, fibre rich food and plant based food they are shifting to refined, starches, sugar, salt, fats, processed food, meat etc. It has been seen that in urban areas time spent on preparing food or meals are very less, the reason being people these days rely on ready-made food, fast food, supermarkets, street food, etc.

Due to unhealthy diets and sedentary lifestyle obesity in persons are increasing in developed, low-income countries. FAO reports that, 670 million adults and 120 million girls and boys between the age group of 5 to 18 years are obese and 40 million children under 5 are overweight. Around 820 million people suffer from hunger.

The history of World Food Day.

The member countries of Food Agriculture Organisation established World Food Day in November 1979, at the organisation’s 20^th General Conference and called for the observance of World Food Day on 16 October 1981. This decision was rectified by the UN General Assembly on 5 December 1980 and urged governments and international, national and local organisations to contribute to celebrating World Food Day. Since 1981, World Food Day has been held every year.

The plight of farmworkers in the spotlight.

The future of farmworkers looks bleak as they face the problems of mechanization, less available farmland for food production and eviction from farm houses which they have occupied for generations. World Food Day, celebrated today, is not only putting a spotlight on food security in the country, however also the food insecurity of farms and their contribution to the economics of the whole food value chain. A national conference will begin today to highlight the future of farmworkers in Southern Africa in order to raise awareness of the integral role that they have in the economy and its food system.

By: Ellouise Muller

Presidential pardon for #FeesMustFall activist?

Justice Minister, Ronald Lomala says his department is in the process of assisting #FeesMustFall activist Knaya Cekeshe withan application to get a presidentpardon from Presidnet Cyril Ramaphosa, following the dismissal of his bid to appeal his conviction and 8 year sentence.

Making his ruling at the Johannesburg Magistrate Court, Magistrate Theuns Carstens acknowledged that Cekeshe was indeed tricked into a plea that there were discrepancies in the charge sheet, and that the applicant did not have a fair trial as the previous counsel was incompetent, Cekeshe removed behind bars. Shortly after the court made its ruling on Monday afternoon.

Lamola took to Twitter to share the news, saying that the Department of Justice and Correctional Services notes the dismissal of both the leave to appeal and bail for #FeesMustFall activists Kanya Cekeshe.

Lamola said they are in the process to award Cekeshe with a presidential pardon "We're in the process of urgently assisting him with an application for a presidential pardon or other legally available avenues" Lamola tweeted. 

Magistrate Carsten said that the law was clear that once it it establishes that a person knowingly took part in a disturbance, which endangered public peace, it was unnecessary to prove a particular act of violence was committed.

Cekeshe was convicted of public violence and malicious damage to property after he tried to set a police van alight during the protests. He's currently serving in Leeuwkop Correctional Services in Bryanston.

#FeesMustFall

Done By

Mitchum George

Still in the dark over Zuma's strategy

Former President Jacob Zuma is returning to court today with the nation still in the dark over whether he will allow his corruption, fraud and money laundering to proceed. the court said that the matter must be heard instead of being struck off the roll. The former president can allow the matter to proceed and later appeal the sentence if not happy or ask the same court to permit him to appeal Friday's judgement.

Friday's ruling by a full bench of the Pietermaritzburg High Court was that Zuma be tried after he had applied to have the matter squashed for good. However, Proffessor Perrie de Vos a Constitutional law expert at the University of Cape Town, said Zuma's chances of success should he decide to appeal were slim.

 Despite being out of office and having lost power the former president will have supporters from ANC members from eThikwini and Pietermaritsburg supports have arranged to court, they are expecting 8000 people that Zuma will address after his appearance.

#nationintedark

#ZumaTrial

Done By

Lindo Nkanyuza

WELCOME TO THE BUSH RADIO COMMUNITY INFORMATION NETWORK AND THESE ARE YOUR UPCOMING EVENTS FOR THIS WEEK!

The Alphen Antiques and Collectables Market

Venue: Garratt Memorial Hall, 5 Eskol Lane, Constantia Cape Town Time: 10am to 3pm Cost: Free Tel: 084 626 7499 Email: desd@cybersmart.co.za 

Shnit Reads! Live Script Sessions

22 October 2019 Venue: Raptor Room, 79 Roeland St, Zonnebloem Time: TBA Cost: Free Tel: 087 625 0630 Email: capetown@playgrounds.shnit.org

Let’s Groove Tonight Cape Town

25 to 25 October 2019

Let’s Groove Tonight Cape Town is a throwback to the popular Genres of Disco and Soul Music. It focuses on the social movement that defined fashion, several dance styles and paved the way for popular dance music that thrives today. Venue: Baxter Theatre, Main Rd, Rondebosch, Cape Town Time: 8.15pm Cost: R150 Tel: 021 685 7880 Website: www.baxter.co.za

I See U – Imagining a Space for Freedom

29 August 2019 to 30 November 2019

Spier presents ‘I See U: Imagining a Space for Freedom’, an exhibition featuring more than 35 works from the Spier Collection. Venue: Old Wine Cellar, Spier Wine Farm, R310 Baden Powell Drive, Stellenbosch Time: 9am to 5pm Cost: Free Tel: 021 809 1100 Email: info@spier.co.za

Morning Melodies | UCT Jazz Voices

31 October 2019 Venue: Baxter Theatre, Main Rd, Rondebosch, Cape Town Time: 10.30am Cost: R43 Tel: 021 685 7880

Cableway 90th Anniversary October Offer

1 to 31 October 2019

Children under the age of four do not have to pay for the ticket.Venue: Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, Tafelberg Rd, Gardens, Cape Town Time: 8.30am to 6pm | Last ride down 7pm Cost: R90 | Under 4 years free Tel: 021 424 8181Email: info@tablemountain.net

Future Nostalgia | Collective Photographic Exhibition

16 October 2019

Venue: ElevenEleven Creative Space and Cape Film Supply, 15 Wandel St, Gardens, Cape Town Time: Mon to Fri 9am to 5pm Cost: Free Tel: 082 499 5465 Email: mail@1111creativespace.com

And if you want us to broadcast your events you can email us at news@bushradio.co.za .

Banning of Fireworks by the City of Cape Town

City of Cape Town banned fireworks at designated sites. The City’s Mayco Member for Safety JP Smith announced there will be no fireworks discharge. Athlone CPF Peron Aziza Kannemeyer said Athlone Stadium a former discharge site would attract a lot of families and would discharge in that controlled environment with it being well managed with all necessary services present. The banning of the venue would mean everyone would do it in a dangerous area. Bishop Lavis CPF Chairperson Graham Lindhorst said they definitely welcome the decision to not have aby fireworks discharge sites as this comes with its own set of troubles in their community.

Teacher in sex scandal.

Teacher in sex scandal.

A teacher-in-training is expected to appear in Hopetown Magistrate’s Court for allegedly having sex with a minor at a school in Orania. The suspect name withheld was released on R5000 bail and strict conditions. The matter came to light on the 16^th September when members of the SAPS’s Child Protection unit visited the school and the suspect was arrested on the 23^rd September. Police spokesperson Captain Olebogeng Tawana confirmed to netwerk24 that the accused had since been released on bail. And in another incident prominent criminal attorney William Booth has rubbished claims that his client, Fiona Viotti, a former Bishops Diocesan College teacher, has skipped the country amid allegations of sexual abuse of a number of pupils at the private school in Rondebosch. The 30-year-old history teacher and who was also the sports/water polo coach had immediately resigned on Thursday at the elite boys'school when allegations of a sexual relationship with an 18-year-old matric pupil came to light. He allegedly wanted to end it, however she refused and he called for help from his parents, who informed the headmaster Guy Pearson. Over the weekend Pearson appear to indicate that the teacher, whose uncle is a Springbok rugby icon, has been involved in numerous other relationships with several different boys. He confirmed in a letter to parents that an investigation of serious misconduct was underway.

Weapons at school?

Weapons at school?

Panyaza Lesufi, Gauteng Education MEC, said the discovery of guns, knives and drugs at schools were disturbing. In the South of Durban at the Reunion Secondary School a pupil was stabbed in the chest after a short argument with one of their peers. The pupil was later arrested and is expected to appear in court soon. This is the third stabbing this week in a school this week.

World Homeless Day: Summit to tackle issues affecting Cape homeless

The City of Cape Town will today host a Street People’s Summit in adherence of World Homeless Day, with countless stakeholders working with the homeless on problems touching these vulnerable people.

Mayco member for community services and health Zahid Badroodien said, the summit are aimed at recognising gaps in facility of services to homeless people and developing better interface model between the City and organisations that deliver services to homeless people. He said, NGOs will get a chance to highlight their work and achievements. One of the conversation points is sector and City engagement around working together to provide social support for street people.

Badroodien said the event would be attended by 240 street people and would include a pop-up clothing stall, dignity station and hair grooming. Members of U-Turn Homeless Ministries were invited to talk at the summit, with the director of the organisation, Sam Vos, addressing the different spheres of homelessness.

Lucien Lewin, director at Dingley Marshall Inc - the law firm acting on behalf of seven homeless people fined by the City - said he hoped that at the summit, homeless people would get the opportunity to speak for themselves, without NGOs speaking for them.

By: Ellouise Muller

Arrests of three NSFAS CT employees 'won't impact' 2020 applications

Three employees were arrested from the National Students Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). NSFAS said the arrest of three employees would not affect the 2020 applications cycle.

On Tuesday, in Cape Town the trio was arrested at the NSFAS Wynberg office. Money from students were allegedly stolen by the trio and diverted it into their personal accounts.

Randall Carolissen NSFAS administrator said NSFAS were tipped off by students who detected suspicious activities in their accounts. Carolissen said these were isolated incidents.

“NSFAS would like to reassure the public that the arrest of the three employees will not have any negative impact on their 2020 application cycle which is expected to close successfully on 30 November 2019," he added.

The matter is being investigating by police.

By: Ellouise Muller

World Mental Health Day: 17 million in SA suffer, 75% go untreated

The World Health Organisation has reported that one in three South Africans will suffer a mental health episode in their lives. Of these, 75% will go untreated.

They mentioned anxiety, depression, mood disorders, post-traumatic stress, substance abuse and bipolar disorder were the most common mental health issues encountered. The Mental Health Federation of SA reported that 17million people in the country are facing anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, substance abuse and schizophrenia illnesses that add to the top five mental health diagnoses. The SA Society of Psychiatrists, Doctor Kobus Roux said worldwide developments displayed there had been a spike in the incidence of depression.

The central nervous system portfolio manager at Pharma Dynamics, Abdurahman Kenny said the rising incidence of anxiety and depression globally implied that there were other factors, too, that made modern-day society more vulnerable to mental illness.

By: Ellouise Muller

765 complaints filed against SA teachers

The South African Council for Educators (SACE) said 765 complaints were received against educators in South Africa with the Western Cape accountable for 200 of them.

According to Ella Mokgalane SACE chief executive when she presented its almanac 2018/2019 report to parliament’s portfolio committee on basic education. With the highest incident happened in the Western Cape was corporal punishment and assault category of unprofessional conduct with 173 cases, followed by inappropriate conduct. She said 636 files were opened against educators with some educators accused of more than one misbehaviour. Most cases were committed because educators spent a lot of time with pupils, even for afternoon classes. These acts were committed by mathematics and sciences.

The committee also received a briefing from the Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training (Umalusi). Bongiwe Mbinqo-Gigaba committee chairperson lauded Umalusi for highlighting challenges faced, raising it with the Basic Education Department and monitoring that the identified weaknesses were brought to the attention of national department.

The committee heard that the Umalusi verification of the state of readiness for the department was conducted from September 11 and completed on October 1, and that 629 197 full-time candidates were registered as at September 30 and 122 471 part-time candidates. Umalusi was further satisfied that the department, through the nine provincial education departments, considering the level of readiness, are ready to conduct the 2019 NSC exams.

By: Ellousie Muller

Parents of drug-addicted children often ask, 'Is there medication to stop the addiction?'

A 16-year-old with a weird look on her face was brought in to see me by her very distraught mother and highly supportive aunt. The child had a vacant but piercing, angry and fixed look. Her eyes were like sharp daggers about to stab their victim.

They have seen this type of patient several times before to warn me to tread cautiously and not to provoke and risk being assaulted. The child has been using cannabis for more than a year and in the past few weeks had become extremely aggressive, terrorising her elderly wheel chair-bound granny for money.

She was hearing voices and made serious threats of wanting to kill everyone in the home. The mother, though looking outwardly calm, was terrified, but at the same time wanted to save her child. They had to go about the consultation with great caution, because she seemed ready to pounce at me at any moment. The young lady had developed psychosis, which was precipitated by her use of cannabis. With very stoic permission, she allowed me to give her a tranquillising injection. They went about giving it with guarded apprehension. The mom was given a letter to take her to the hospital, urgently.

In the hospital, she had to be held down by three security guards in order to be given another injection to sedate her. It was the first night that the family rested in peace, without fearing that they were all going to be harmed or killed. They mention this case for two reasons: first to highlight the fact that cannabis is not a safe drug even though it has been decriminalised, and second, to illustrate the pain and hardships families endure when their children are on drugs. The question often asked by parents is: “Is there a medication to stop the addiction?” They feel very disappointed when told that there are no drugs or quick fixes to overcome addiction.

Once someone starts becoming addicted to substances, they take on a new identity. They lose their minds, lose all respect for themselves and their families and often end up on the streets, in jails and in psychiatric institutions. Some even become prostitutes or join gangs to support their addiction. For parents to raise a child on drugs must be one of the greatest challenges and nightmares. Some parents end up with severe depression or die from strokes or heart attacks in the process. What is the answer? Parents should attend support groups to equip themselves about addiction and how to deal with it.

Parents must always be vigilant about their children's change in behaviour or drop in their school performance and act on it before it is too late. They have written a book, Four Steps to Healing, based on over 30 years of treating patients with addiction and their families, to help addicts and their families to deal with this problem.

Protest action near Siqalo causes road closures

Motorists have been cautioned to avoid some roads leading to Mitchells Plain due to protest action.

A group of protesters are burning tyres and rubble along Jakes Gerwel Drive, close to the Siqalo informal settlement. Jakes Gerwel Drive at the R300 in both directions are closed due to protest action and tyres and rubble in that roadway.

The reasons for the protest action has not been confirmed yet.

By: Ellouise Muller

Meet the 59 candidates for the Western Cape Children's Commissioner

All 59 candidates that have been shortlisted for the Western Cape Commissioner for Children have officially been released for the public to comment on.

There have been rising requests for a children's commissioner over recent years given the high number of children deaths within the province. In August, statistics released by the provincial government made for a horrific reading with the news that 989 children were murdered in the last five years. The number equals nearly four children being murdered in the province every week.

According to an analysis of child murders in the province presented by the Department of Social Development, between April 1, 2013 and March 31 last year, more than 781 children between the ages of 13 and 17 were killed, as were 76 between the ages of six and 12 and 128 between the ages of 0 and five. Earlier this year, the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital revealed that over the past 25 years the hospital has seen an increase in the numbers and severity of child abuse and neglect cases at the facility. During the first five months of 2019 alone, over 270 children seen at the hospital have been victims of child abuse, neglect or violence against children

From today the public can give their opinion on the candidates for commissioner who will have the power to monitor, investigate, research, educate, lobby as well as advice and report on matters relating to children in the province.

Objections can be emailed to njamce@wcpp.gov.za or: delivered to N Jamce, The Secretary - Western Cape Provincial Parliament, 4th Floor, Provincial Legislature Building, 7 Wale Street, Cape Town, 8001.

By: Ellouise Muller

How safe are pupils at schools?

The Western Cape Government should provide children with a full and rewarding education, need to make sure that they’re able to learn in a safe and comfortable environment. However, learner safety isn’t limited to keeping children safe at school during school hours. It also means being aware and involved in their activities before and after the school bell rings.

With a budget of R33 million for the 2019/2020 financial year, key elements of the school safety initiative to make schools safer for children, include:

·        Physical security - fences, burglar bars, windows ‘stone’ guards (for vandalism), alarms, access control, armed response, guards, and patrols.

·        Plans, policies and procedures - school-based policies, district and provincial policies, safety procedures, planning support on all levels, and training interventions.

The Western Cape Government want to ensure the safety of children throughout the school day before, during and after classes.

In two cases that recently took place at two schools, one begins questioning the safety of students. Case against Sebokeng pupil accused of murder provisionally withdrawn and Mossel Bay pupils receiving counselling after duo's violent deaths

The State has provisionally withdrawn the case against a 15-year-old boy accused of killing his classmate in Sebokeng. The teenager made a brief appearance in the Sebokeng Magistrates Court on Tuesday. He was accused of stabbing his classmate with a pair of scissors on Monday at the Thuto-Tiro Comprehensive School. The boy's case was heard in camera because he's a minor.

On Tuesday, the boy's father told that he believed the stabbing was an accident but that his family accepted responsibility. He said he rushed to his son’s school after receiving an emergency call about a fight. When he got there, there were no paramedics in sight and frantic efforts were under way to save the life of the teenager his son was accused of stabbing.

The father said he understood the seriousness of what happened. He said even those who witnessed the incident thought the two boys, described as close friends, and were playing. The father said the teenagers grew up together and their families knew each other well.

Pupils of Hillcrest Secondary School in Mossel Bay are getting trauma counselling after the violent deaths of two pupils. A 16-year-old Grade 10 scholar was allegedly stabbed to death by three fellow scholars yesterday, while a 17-year-old was killed after being hit on the head by robbers at the weekend. 

Ivan Kronenberg school principal told the SABC on Tuesday. The situation is still volatile. They have strengthened their security at the school. For next two weeks there will be guards on the premises and they will have continuous surveillance on school premises. Malcolm Pojie police spokesperson Captain said three accused, ranging from Grade 10 to 12, were arrested last night in connection with the stabbing.

In August, three pupils were stabbed at the Indwe Secondary School in Mossel Bay on successive days. On August 21, a 19-year-old pupil was stabbed in the back by a pupil of a similar age off the school premises. The accused was arrested. The Mossel Bay Advertiser reported, the following morning a group of pupils allegedly brought a bag full of weapons to the school. They had waited for another group of pupils to finish writing a test before allegedly stabbing two of them. When a teacher tried to intervene, she was allegedly assaulted by the pupils.

It was also reported that some of the perpetrators were not from Indwe but attended other schools in the area. Five people were arrested over the incident. 

By: Ellouise Muller

Imtieyaaz Wagiet’s last soccer match.

Imtieyaaz Wagiet’s last soccer match.

On Saturday 5 October, Imtieyaaz Wagiet, who is the captain of Bayview FC’s Under 17 team, collapsed during a match against Strandfontein AFC. The match took place on the Westridge Soccer Field in Mitchells Plain and tragedy struck as this was his last soccer match. The 16 year olds mother who was supporting him witnessed everything, from him falling on the field to seeing foam coming out of his mouth.

She explains to the Daily Voice how a parent assisted her to transport Imtieyaaz to the Westridge Fire Station where the firefighters tried to resuscitate him, but it was too late. They are unsure if he died on the field or at the fire station and suspect he might have been in a coma. The family is anxious waiting for results of the post-mortem to determine the cause of his death.

The Vice-Chairperson of the Local Football Association mentioned to the Daily Voice that they tried everything in their power to save Imtieyaaz’s life. The Vice-Chairperson, a nurse and the coach of Strandfontein all performed CPR on him. When there was no response from Imtieyaaz, they rushed him to the fire station. The Fire and Rescure Station in Westridge was only 2 minutes and supposedly the facility for emergency services for the matches in Westridge. Which raises a big question on why there are no paramedics available or working at any match not just soccer.

If you have any comments surrounding this article please contact us on bushradio@googlemail.com

Done by

Jasmine Johnson-Mazwi

News Editor

Four killed in 'gang related' drive-by shooting in Eerste River

In Eerste River, four individuals were murdered and police are searching for suspects. Siyabulela Malo police spokesperson said, another individual were wounded in the crossfire and is in a critical condition.

On Monday at 8.20pm, in Mars Street, Somerset Heights in Kleinvlei attempted murder and murder cases were opened after an incident on Malo said murder and attempted murder cases were opened.

Siyabulela Malo said, police found five victims. Three individuals were confirmed dead and two were taken to hospital. Yesterday a fourth passed on in hospital. They were aged 18 to 20. No arrests has been made yet. Julian Unthank Community Policing Forum spokesperson said the incident appeared to be gang-related. Unthank said, the young victims were believed to be from Malibu, who were standing on a corner when a taxi came past and started shooting at them.

They have appealed to the cluster commander to have police members who were removed from the area deployed back into Kleinvlei. Kleinvlei is a hot spot at the moment. He added, they also have a problem with residents being fearful of sharing information with police or the CPF to ensure the perpetrators are brought to book.

Anyone with information can anonymously contact Kleinvlei police or alternatively Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or SMS Crime Line on 32211. 

By: Ellouise Muller

The dangers of vaping

The dangers of vaping

In South Africa, vaping is a common practise among teenagers where the children are allowed to smoke nicotine-free e-cigarettes and believes them to be safer than tobacco.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned against the dangers of vaping as the number of people afflicted by a mysterious ‘vape lung’ condition continues to increase. It was reported that around 450 people were affected by this condition, with five dying from it. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that people should refrain from using e-cigarettes products altogether, unto; a cause of the ‘vape lung’ condition is determined.

Concerns about health consequences of vaping are hitting the public health crisis around e-cigarettes. At least 12 people have died in the United States and hundreds of people have suffered lung injuries after using e-cigarettes. Many patients have first experienced stomach problems which is a range of conditions like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea as well as fever and tiredness. The CDC says e-cigarettes should never be used by youth, young adults, pregnant women or adults who do not use tobacco products.

E-cigarettes allow users to inhale nicotine in vapour rather than breathing in smoke. Unlike cigarettes they do not burn tobacco or produce tar or carbon monoxide. However they do contain nicotine, which is addictive.

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Done by

Jasmine Johnson-Mazwi

News Editor

Sexual charges against Pastor withdrawn

Sexual charges against Pastor withdrawn

Yesterday, a pastor from Mooreesburg, allegedly sexually molested a four year old girl for the second time in the past 5 months. He was arrested after being accused of raping and molesting the girl five months ago. He was to appear in court Monday 7 October.

The State yesterday, withdrew the charges against the pastor which left the family of the four year old girl devastated. The pastor was scheduled to appear in the Mooreesburg Magistrates Court yesterday following his arrest. According to IOL the toddler’s mother who will not be named said she became worried when his name was not on the court roll yesterday. She added when he was supposed to appear, the prosecutor said there was not sufficient evidence to prosecute the man.

Done by

Jasmine Johnson-Mazwi

News Editor