NPA withdraws charges against Limpopo University students

Leonie Pretorius

29 September 2016

The National Prosecution Authority  has withdrawn all charges against three University of Limpopo students who were arrested for public violence.

Police spokesperson Motlafela Mojapelo says all the students who were initially detained have been released.


Meanwhile, classes remain suspended at all Durban University of Technology  campuses.

DUT suspended classes on Tuesday as students join the nationwide Fees Must Fall protests.

Western Cape Education Department announces spring school holiday plans

Natasha Mabuto

29 September 2016

Learners and teachers across the Western Cape will be celebrating the end of the third term and the start of the “spring” holidays tomorrow.

A number of programmes to ensure that learners have safe places to go during the holidays, the Western Cape Education Department has put together programmes. 

These programmes aim to keep the youth positively engaged, entertained and safeguarded.

There are various workshops and development programmes put in place for Grade 12 teachers and holiday programmes for Grade 12 pupils too.

In terms of safety during the period of the programmes, WCED’s Safe School directorate has arranged increased security at identified schools.

CT murder-convicted to be sentenced tomorrow

Somila Nkosana

29 September 2016

A Cape Town man who has been convicted for the murder of a police officer will be sentenced at the Cape Town High Court tomorrow.

Adrian Hendricks was convicted earlier this month for the murder of Warrant Officer, Petrus Johannes Burger Holz last July. Following his conviction, Hendricks surprisingly admitted he was guilty of fatally stabbing the police officer who had stopped to change a flat tyre on the N2 in Cape Town.

Hendricks apologised after taking the stand at the Western Cape High Court after his lawyer, Sheriff Mohamed had argued that the accused was young, could be rehabilitated and was asking for forgiveness.

Patient raped by the doctor in Nyanga community clinic

Nontando Mafanya

29 September 2016

 A Nyanga doctor accused of raping a patient is expected in court next month for a formal bail application.

The accused works as a locum at a Nyanga clinic.

He appeared in court yesterday on four counts of rape and has been remanded in custody.

The accused lawyer has argued for his client to be released on bail, because he is the only breadwinner, he is married and has two young children.

The prosecution has told the court the doctor sexually assaulted a patient who had gone to the Nyanga Community Clinic with a back pain.

The accused had apparently told the woman to lie on a bed in the consulting room, where he allegedly sexually assaulted her before raping her.

The State says he could face more rape charges, as the prosecution is waiting on other rape investigations dating back to 2014.

Man injured in car accident on R61

Wayne Boonzaaier

28 September 2016

This afternoon a man was injured when after his bakkie rolled on a gravel road between the R61 near the railway in Alberton.

Emergency Services arrived on the scene and found the man seated on the embankment being treated by a medic from the local authorities.

He was assessed and it was found that the man had fortunately escaped with only minor injuries to his leg.

Thereafter he was transported to a nearby hospital for further treatment.

Local authorities were on scene for further investigations.

AfriForum condemns protests.

Wayne Boonzaaier
28 September 2016

AfriForum has called for legal action after student protests have become rife at tertiary education institutions across the country.

Charles Castle, the provincial coordinator of Gauteng South, said: “AfriForum is looking for a way to assist students and parents in curbing the violence that’s happening on campuses.

Because some students are being victimised and threatened on campus. Universities are losing academic time and money.

It is also important for students and parents to join hands together against the small group of students that are disrupting the classes.

The university can act against this seeing that they have these students’ details so they can keep these students off the campus for classes to continue.”

South Africa’s unemployment is a national emergency

Natasha Mabuto

28 September 2016

According to the Congress of South African Trade Union, South Africa’s unemployment is a national emergency created by the failures of the National Treasury.

COSATU Spokesperson Sizwe Pamla says that COSATU has noted the statements coming from Minister of Finance Pravin Gordhan that the unemployment is a national emergency.

He says they actually agree with him with regards to that and it is a result of the Treasury’s policy.

According to Pamla what the Minister is doing is to deflect attention away from the fact that for the last 20 years the Treasury policy has done very little in terms of transformation and to structure the economy.

The structure of the economy has continued to side-line the majority of South African workers in particular from participating in the economy.

Cable Way Company currently striking

 Nontando Mafanya

28 September 2016

The strike of the cable way company will commence today.

The cable way will be brought to a standstill until the workers reasonable demands for a decent wage and humane conditions of employment are met.

Jan Kotze from Saccawu says While the strike is underway the cable way cannot guarantee the safety of passengers with their temporary untrained staff.

Cosatu cautions users of the cable way to avoid the cable way for the duration of the strike.

Head-on collision kills three on the R512.

Wayne Boonzaaier

27 September 2016

Three people were killed and another person sustained critical injuries in a head-on collision on the R512 in Renosterspruit near Lanseria.

Emergency services arrived on the scene where they found the occupants of one of the vehicles trapped.

Three people sustained fatal injuries in the vehicle and were declared dead.

The critically injured patient as well as another person with moderate injuries was extricated from the vehicle. They were transported to Hospital for further medical care.

A security guard was found with moderate injuries in the second vehicle. He was treated and transported to a nearby hospital.

It is understood that there were five occupants in the one vehicle, while the security guard was alone in his vehicle at the time of the collision.

The exact cause of the collision is not yet known.

Ongoing protests at UCT block traffic

Natasha Mabuto

27 September 2016

Access to the UCT campus has been restricted.

The UCT Media Liaison Elijah Moholola says that he can confirm that this morning a group of protesters blocked the access to Baxter road on the Lower campus where the Jammie Shuttles normally stops.

Another group of protesters blocked the North entrance on Upper campus next to the Sports Centre and later on proceeded to block the South entrance.

As a result the Jammie Shuttles have been temporarily suspended.

Security officer shot during attempted robbery in Sea Point

Leonie Pretorius

27 September 2016

A Cape Town security guard is in a critical condition after he was shot during an attempted robbery in Sea Point.

The incident occurred this morning.

The guard was shot in the hand and face.

Netcare 911's Athlenda Mathe says, When they arrived on the scene they found that the officer had been shot multiple times.

She says they also found that he was in a critical condition.

They managed to stabilise him on scene before transporting him to a nearby hospital for further medical care.

Liquor licence renewal scam

Natasha Mabuto

27 September 2016

A Ladysmith liquor outlet owner has brought to the South African Police Services’ attention an incident which they believe to be a scam.

The owner of the liquor outlet received an SMS requesting that he make a deposit of R250 for the renewal of the liquor licence.

Lieutenant Colonel Thulani Zwane said that he would like to warn liquor license owner and that they must make sure they do not become victims of this scam, with regards to people asking liquor license holders to deposit money to renew their licenses.

Upon receiving such SMSes it is advised to first verify the bank details before handing over any money and to ensure that the Liquor Authority is contacted in order to verify the contents of the SMS.

FAWU Supports Robertson Winery Workers

Wayne Boonzaaier

26 September 2016

The Food and Allied Workers’ Union supports the ongoing  and noble struggle of  hundreds of workers at Robertson Winery in demand of a decent wage to improve their livelihoods.

FAWU’s Media Officer Dominique Martin said “FAWU supports the struggle of hundreds of Robertson Winery workers. 

These employers make huge profits of these workers backs who work long hours and are dedicated.

FAWU feels that these employers can give their workers are tangible decent increase because they’re in a apposition to do so.

We also feel that thinking of our history especially concerning farm workers in rural ares. 

Employers should feel compelled to make a real difference in their compensation and give them a decent living wage.”

Five injured in truck rollover

Natasha Mabuto

26 September 2016

Upon arrival at an accident scene paramedics found that the front of a truck had gone down the embankment.

Emergency services attended to the incident involving the truck that overturned on the N3 at Key Ridge last night.

Upon assessment of the patients, it was found that the driver, believed to have been ejected, sustained serious injuries.

Three others sustained injuries ranging from minor to moderate.

Patients were treated and transported to hospital for further medical care.

The exact cause of the incident is unknown.

Authorities were on scene for further investigations.

Shooting leaves one critical.

Wayne Boonzaaier

26 September 26, 2016

A shooting incident on Kelly Road in Brakpan left a man critically injured this afternoon.

Emergency services and local authorities arrived on the scene and found a cash-in-transit vehicle parked on the side of the road.

One man was lying on the pavement while several others were found walking around on the scene.

The man was assessed and it was found that he had sustained several gunshot wounds to his legs and arms.

Once treated, the man was transported to Life Glynwood Hospital for further treatment.

The security members had been attending to a building on Kelly Road when they were allegedly attacked by an unknown number of gunmen.

SECURITY GUARD ASSAULTED IN RANDFONTEIN

Wayne Boonzaaier

26 September 26 2016

A security guard was allegedly assaulted during a robbery at a construction site on Lazaar Avenue and corner Malan Street in Randfontein.

The security guard was found by workers on site at about 06h00 this morning.

He sustained moderate injuries.

The exact detail to the cause of the incident is unknown at this stage but authorities are investigating.

Emergency services arrived on the scene and they managed to stabilise the guard before transporting him to a nearby hospital for further medical care.

Man died in accident on Vanderbijlpark area

Nontando Mafanya

26 Sptember 2016

A man sadly died and several others were injured in a collision between two vehicles on Tshepiso Road, Vanderbijlpark area, on Saturday night

 ER24 spokesperson Chitra Boddasing says in a statement ER24 paramedics as well as other services attended to the incident and found that two cars had collided.

 Sadly a man, believed to be in his 20's, who was found trapped in one of the vehicles had succumbed to his injuries.  

 Bodasing says… A woman also believed to be in her 20's was found lying near one of the vehicles.

Upon assessment it was found that she was in a critical condition. She was treated and transported to hospital for further medical care.

It is understood that there were at least two other patients on scene.

 They were transported to hospital by other services. 

 The exact cause of the incident is unknown.

 Authorities were on scene for further investigations.

ANCYL supports Motsoeneng

Somila Nkosana

26 September 2016

The ANC Youth League is fully behind SABC COO, Hlaudi Motsoeneng. This was made evident during a press briefing in Johannesburg following the youth league's two-day national executive committee meeting.

Last week, the Supreme Court of Appeal dismissed Motsoeneng's bid for leave to appeal against a Western Cape High Court ruling that set aside his permanent appointment as the COO of the SABC.

The league's spokesperson, Mlondi Mkhize says they respect the SCA's ruling but adds that the SABC performed well under Motsoeneng's leadership and therefore they remain his supporters.

Eight months pregnant woman injured in collision

Wayne Boonzaaier

25 September 2016

A woman understood to be eight months pregnant was one of three people injured in a collision on the N3.

The incident occurred on the Johannesburg side of the Villiers toll plaza heading towards the Free State earlier today.

Emergency services from Pietermaritzburg came across the incident and rushed to assist the patients.

The vehicle was laying on its roof.

Upon assessment it was found that she sustained moderate injuries and her baby appeared to be fine at the time.   

Several meters away was the second vehicle that was involved in the incident which had rolled into a veld. 

The driver was in a serious condition but the passenger however sustained minor injuries.

Patients were treated and emergency medical services from Grootvlei that were contacted to assist transported the patients to hospital.

Man killed after vehicle rolled over

Wayne Boonzaaier

25 September 2016

A man died when the vehicle he was travelling in rolled on the M13 West bound, Hillcrest.

Apparently the vehicle hit an embankment and rolled ending up on its side. 

Emergency services attended to the incident. 

The man was found a few metres away from the vehicle and it is understood that he was ejected. 

Sadly there was nothing that could be done for the man who sustained multiple injuries.

The exact cause of the incident is unknown.

Man found trapped under vehicle.

Wayne Boonzaaier

25 September 2016

Emergency services found a badly damaged vehicle on a pavement in Caversham Road, in Pinetown.

The driver was trapped under the vehicle that had rolled.

The man had submitted to his injuries and he was declared dead.

Fire and Rescue was on scene to lift the vehicle to gain access to the man.

The exact cause of the incident is unknown.

One dies and two injured in car accident in Cape Town.

Wayne Boonzaaier

24 September 2016

A driver lost control of the vehicle on the M5 between Ottery Road and Wetton Road, in Cape Town early this morning.

One man died and two others were injured in the incident.

Emergency service services were on the scene. Upon arrival they found the overturned vehicle laying on its side. 

A man was found lying about 10m away from the vehicle and he was declared dead.

Two other men were assessed and it was found that one was in a serious condition and another sustained moderate injuries.

They were treated and transported to the hospital for further medical care.

The exact cause of the incident is unknown but authorities were on the scene for further investigations.

Driver lost control of vehicle and hit a boulder.

Wayne Boonzaaier

24 September 2016

A woman lost control of the vehicle she was driving on Loopspruit Avenue in Fochville earlier today.

According to reports the vehicle hit a boulder and rolled over after the woman lost control of the vehicle.

Paramedics found the 25-year-old woman trapped in the vehicle.

She sustained minor injuries and was treated and transported to hospital for further medical care.

The exact cause of the incident is unknown.

Authorities were on scene for further investigations.

Nine injured after driver looses control of vehicle.

Wayne Boonzaaier

24 September 2016

This morning nine people were injured when the driver lost control of the vehicle on a gravel road near Karee Kloof Road in Kliprivier.

Paramedics found that the vehicle had gone down a ditch and patients were scattered across the scene.

Upon assessment it was found that they sustained injuries ranging from minor to moderate.

They were treated and transported to hospital for further medical care.

The exact cause of the incident is unknown.

Man found with multiple stab wounds

Wayne Boonzaaier

24 September 2016

Early this morning a man with multiple stab wounds  was transported to hospital.

An off duty security officer contacted emergency services.

Paramedics arrived on the scene, in Braamfischerville and found the man laying in an open field.

Upon assessment it was found that he was in a critical condition. He had sustained at least 30 stab wounds across his body.

The man was treated and transported to hospital for further medical care.

Details surrounding the incident are unknown.

One killed in a shooting accident

Nontando Mafanya

23 September 2016

One man has been killed and two other people sustained critical injuries in a shooting incident in Lenasia earlier today.

ER24 spokesperson Chitra Bodasing  says Upon arrival at the scene ER24 paramedics found that a man believed to be about in his 50's /60's had sadly succumbed to his injuries.

He was declared dead.

A woman, believed to be about 30 years of age, was in a critical condition.

She was treated and transported to hospital for further medical care.

Another man was also found to be in a critical condition.

The cause or details surrounding the incident are unknown.

Authorities are on the scene. 

Presidency accepts SCA’s judgement of Motsoeneng

Somila Nkosana

23 September 2016

The Presidency says it has accepted the Supreme Court of Appeal’s judgment on Hlaudi Motsoeneng’s position at the South African Broadcasting Corporation.

The court dismissed Motsoeneng’s application for leave to appeal at a High Court ruling regarding his permanent appointment as chief operating officer being set aside.

Motsoeneng got the job at the SABC despite questionable findings by the Public Protector, including that he misrepresented his qualifications and awarded staff and himself irregular salary increases on several occasions.

The presidency’s Bongani Ngqulunga says that The Presidency just wants to make it clear that it accepts and respects the decision of the court. 

City of Cape Town to spend 171 million on fixing congestion problem in Kommetjie

Leonie Pretorius

23 September 2016

The City of Cape Town will spend R171 million on a project aimed at easing traffic congestion in the Kommetjie area.

The Kommetjie Road Project is expected to start within the next few weeks.

A two-way traffic flow system, not a stop-and go-control, will be in place for the duration of the project.

The City’s Brett Herron says Kommetjie has been identified as a congestion hotspot.

He says they expect the project to take just under three years to complete and they expect to start late in October.

SANCO condemns torching of University of Fort Hare building

Natasha Mabuto

23 September 2016

The South African National Civic Organisation today condemned the torching of the Equicent Infrastructure Development Building by protesting students at the University Of Fort Hare’s Alice.

Jabu Mahlangu, the SANCO National Spokesperson said that the act is condemned a senseless destruction of university properties and is outrageous.

He says the infrastructure is going to be a draw back on the development of the country and neighbouring countries as well as for students of our own country.

Mahlangu further added that as SANCO they are highly distraught.

Winnie Madikizela-Mandela says the country is in need of fresh leadership

Leonie Pretorius

23 September 2016

Winnie Madikizela Mandela says combined with some of the elders they should try and figure out where things went wrong for the African National Congress  and fix the problems South Africa currently faces.

She says the protests at universities are concerning and while she sympathises with the students, she thinks free education for all will be unlikely.

Madikizela-Mandela also said that  South Africa has too many challenges and the governing party cannot deny that something is seriously wrong.

Real estate executive Rohde back in court

Natasha Mabuto

23 September 2016

Multi-millionaire Real estate executive Jason Rohde, is expected back in the Stellenbosch Magistrate's Court today on a charge of killing his wife Susan on July 24.

He was released on bail of R100 000 in August, on condition that he provide a R1 million guarantee assurance by 14 September.

Rohde is accused of killing his wife in their hotel room at the upmarket Spier Wine Farm.

The multi-millionaire couple had been attending an annual conference at the time, he said that he found her dead in the bathroom of their room.

An indication of foul play was discovered after an inquest docket was opened. 

Her death was initially thought to have been suicide up until post mortem results were made available.

Uber plans to tighten security

Somila Nkosana

22 September

Many people will be glad to know that transport service, Uber says it is in the process of testing  of security features, including an emergency button, to ensure the safety of passengers.

In the past few months, the convenient cab service has faced scrutiny after reports of bogus drivers and crimes committed inside ‘ubers’. In August, a Johannesburg couple was kidnapped and attacked allegedly by a man posing as an Uber driver.

Uber has also appointed a new head of physical security to improve security measures for users. Uber's Alon Lits says the company has started testing a number of safety features.

Infant dies in shack fire in Kraaifontein

Leonie Pretorius

22 September 2016

Fire and Rescue Service's Theo Layne says A baby has died in a fire in Kraaifontein and that firefighters were called out to an informal settlement in the Bloekombos area at around 10pm last night.

He says the infant suffered fatal burns also that the age of the child is not yet known, he adds another adult also suffered burns that is believed to be the child’s mother.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this stage.

Five arrested for murder and robbery in Claremont Cape Town

Leonie Pretorius

22 September 2016

Police have arrested five armed suspects in connection with a failed robbery at a Claremont shopping mall.

It is believed, security caught one of the suspects on the scene while the others were arrested yesterday

They were found with a VW Polo vehicle that was traced to a murder incident in Strandfontein, where a man was shot and killed when his vehicle was robbed last week as well as an illegal firearm.

The men are expected to appear in court this week once they have been charged.

South Africa is warned of water shortage

Natasha Mabuto

22 September 2016

Ken Terry, head of the National Disaster Management Centre, has warned that regardless of rains this summer, water will be scarce.

With water levels in the country's major dams just over 50% with a further 1% drop each week, Terry elaborated.

Flooding and droughts in many parts of the world are a result of climate change, this has led to the crucial implementation of improved disaster risk reduction systems.

UCT students vow to continue protesting

Leonie Pretorius

22 September 2016

University of Cape Town students have vowed to continue demonstrating until their demands are met.

It has been said that student leaders have been in talks with management this week amid a campus shutdown.

Protests erupted this week after it was announced fees would be increased next year 2017.

Yesterday, more than a hundred UCT demonstrators and workers, marched from Cape Town train station to the Hiddingh Campus in the CBD.

Students say meetings with management haven't gone accordingly.

Activities at UCT have been suspended until Sunday.

DA welcome the suspending of Jonas Makwakwa

Nontando Mafanya

21 September 2016

Democratic Alliance  welcome the news that South African Revenue Service Commissioner, Tom Moyane, has suspended the Chief Officer of Business, Individual Taxes and Digital Information Systems, Jonas Makwakwa, who allegedly received suspicious and unusual payments in the amount of R1.2 million between 2010 and 2016.

DA Shadow Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament David Maynier in a statement says they are concerned about what appears to have been an undue delay in dealing with this matter, not least because it was raised with Tom Moyane at a meeting of the Standing Committee on Finance on 23 August 2016.

Maynier says DA must now determine whether, in dealing with this matter, Tom Moyne, acted correctly and in the best interests of the South African Revenue Service.

37 Year-old man knocked and killed by train in Kempton Park

Nontando Mafanya

21 September 2016

A man believed to be 37 years of age was killed after being knocked by a train in Kempton Park earlier today.

ER24 spokesperson Chitra Bodasing Harduth says ER24 paramedics and government EMS attended to the incident which was close to the Pretoria Road and Van Riebeeck Road intersection.

Upon arrival, paramedics found the man laying near the train tracks.

Upon assessment of the man it was found that he sustained severe injuries to the head as well as injuries to left arm.

Sadly there was nothing that could be done for the man. He was declared dead.

The exact details surrounding the incident are unknown.

Authorities were on scene for further investigations.

ANC ward officer shot at his home

Natasha Mabuto

21 September 2016

African National Congress campaign and media officer Sakhile Gumede at ward 57 at Inanda north of Durban is fighting for his life in hospital after he was shot by unknown men at his home.

He was alone at the time he was shot during the early hours of this morning.

Member of the ANC Branch Executive Committee in the ward Bongani Ndlovu says it is not clear what the motive for the attack was.

Four injured in vehicle collision

Wayne Boonzaaier
21 September 2016

This morning four people were injured when two vehicles collided at the Strandfontein and Ottery Road intersection in Ottery.

Emergency medical services alongside Metro services arrived on the scene and found a bakkie and light motor vehicle on the side of the road.

Four people were found walking around on the scene.

The four patients were assessed and there was found that they had sustained minor injuries.

The patients were treated and transported to Constantiaberg Hospital for further treatment.

The cause of the collision is unknown, authorities were on the scene for investigations.

SARS Commissioner to face questions in Parliament

Somila Nkosana

21 September 2016

Next month, SARS Commissioner Tom Moyane will face questions over the investigation into suspended top tax official Jonas Makwakwa in Parliament.

Last week Makwakwa was put on suspension by Moyane, awaiting an investigation into alleged suspicious payments into his personal bank account.

Kelly-Ann Elskie, SARS employee and alleged to be Makwakwa’s significant other, is also assumed to have received payments.

The payments reportedly amount to more than R1 million and took place over the past six years.

A meeting was set down for October 12 Parliament’s Standing Committee on Finance wants to hear from Moyane as well as Treasury and the Financial Intelligence Centre about the progress of the inquiry in a meeting set down

Police on standby in Langa after protests

Leonie Pretorius

21 September 2016

Law enforcement officials remained on high alert in Langa on the Cape Flats overnight.

This follows violent protests in the area which saw the post office being torched and shops looted.

Police have arrested 40 people on a charge of public violence.

Around 30 police vehicles and a police helicopter were used to disperse protesters.

Stone throwing resumed at police and private motor vehicles.

The Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith says, The Post Office was burnt out, with substantial damage to the building and there was an attempted break in at Shoprite.

Deadline looms for Lesotho nationals living in SA

Leonie Pretorius
21 September 2016

Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba is calling for Basotho nationals living in SA to regularise their stay by 30 September.

Undocumented Lesotho citizens living in South Africa have been urged to take advantage of the remaining days to regularise their stay in South Africa before the deadline.

Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba says residents have until the end of September to submit applications.

The Lesotho permit initiative is a special dispensation for Lesotho nationals who work‚ study or do business in South Africa and arrived in the country before 30 September 2015.

The permit initiative was launched in February 2016 and will expire in December 2019.

Gigaba says they have simplified the application process.