Special courts for Soccer World Cup

By Ofentse Mokae
22 November 2009

South Africa plans to create special courts dedicated to handling crimes committed during the Soccer World Cup.

It aims to speed up the judicial process, especially for cases involving foreigners.

Government hopes the promise of swift justice will help stamp out crime during the event and ease worries of fans visiting one of the world's most violent countries.

Reports say if any foreigners are involved in crimes - either as victims or perpetrators - their cases will receive priority at the special courts.

Meanwhile the South African National Roads Agency says a spate of wet weather in Gauteng has caused a delay in 2010 construction work.

The company says the delays will not have a major impact on next years building deadlines.

This week’s persistent rain brought most of the province’s construction sites to a standstill.

SA government said to have known of Equatorial Guinea coup plans

By Ofentse Mokae
22 November 2009

Mercenary Niek Du Toit says the South African intelligence services knew of the 2004 foiled coup in Equatorial Guinea beforehand, but did nothing to stop the operation.

In an interview with a local publication Du Toit said the government gave its tacit approval because it wanted to get hold of the financiers behind the plans.

Du Toit, coup leader Simon Mann and three other South Africans were released from Zimbabwe’s notorious Black Beach Prison earlier this month after five years behind bars.

Strife continues for COPE in the Western Cape

By Ofentse Mokae
22 November 2009

The strife in the Congress of the People continues with a group of Cope members convening a grudge meeting in Langa, Cape Town this afternoon.

A group led by Bernard Joseph accuses the provincial leadership of undemocratic practices.

They are particularly unhappy about the actions of Mbulelo Ncedana in the Southern Cape.

The group accuse Ncedana of setting up a parallel leadership structure, in opposition to what they call the legitimate structure in the region.

The national leadership has been invited to this afternoon’s meeting.

Earlier this month Alan Boesak COPE’s provincial leader resigned from the party and tendered his resignation as a member of the Western Cape Provincial Legislature.

Boesak said COPE in the Western Cape continued to be in disarray and was characterised by faction fighting, strife, pitched battles for political supremacy and duplicity.

Meanwhile the party’s well known national leader Lyndall Shope-Mafole is under investigation by her former employer the communications department for an alleged multi-million rand scam.

COPE's national spokesman Phillip Dexter says they are aware of the meeting, however since its not an official party meeting they will not be part of it.

Dexter also confirmed reports of alleged scam by his party colleague Shope-Mafole however says she denies herself of any wrong doing.

A press statement is expected to be sent out later in the day by party officials.

Former DG and current COPE leader under investigation

By Ofentse Mokae
22 November 2009

Well-known Congress of the People leader Lyndall Shope-Mafole is under investigation for an alleged multi-million rand scam.

It is alleged that she poured 30-million-Rands into an initiative, run by her boyfriend that was meant to help schools into the digital age.

The Department of Communications claims that the initiative produced nothing.

A forensic probe has been launched into how the former director-general signed off 29-million-Rands in payments.

The payments include three-and-a-half-million-Rands for a business plan - to an organisation led by her partner, Henry Chasia.

Shope-Mafole is quoted as saying she can account for every cent.

She resigned from her post as DG in the communications department leaving the ANC and joining COPE last year.

UFS elects new council chair

By Ofentse Mokae
22 November 2009

The Council of the University of Free State has appointed a new chairperson.

The council announced that High Court Judge Faan Hancke has been replaced as its chairperson.

Another judge, Ian van der Merwe, was appointed in his place.

University spokesperson Lacea Loader says Hancke’s leaving has nothing to do with the problems at the university.

Some of the problems are those surrounding the Reitz students video saga and the decision by rector Jonathan Jansen to pardon them.

Loader says Hancke’s term has merely expired.

“The Council also welcomed the following new members who were present at the meeting Free State MEC for Education Mr Pule Makgoe, Mr Ndaba Ntsele, Chief Executive Officer of the Pamodzi Group and Mr Willem Louw, Managing Director of Sasol Technology,” Loader said.

The new Chancellor will be elected as soon as the proposed statute is approved by the Council in 2010 and published in the Government Gazette.

Prof. Jansen will act as Chancellor for the interim period from 1 January 2010.

Pikoli settles for millions

By Ofentse Mokae
22 November 2009

Former national director of Public Prosecutions Vusi Pikoli will walk away from his spat with government to get his job back with a seven-and-a-half-million-Rands out-of-court-settlement.

The Presidency says the parties yesterday agreed that Pikoli would withdraw his court bid which would have started in the North Gauteng High Court tomorrow.

Pikoli believes former president Thabo Mbeki unfairly suspended him to prevent former police commissioner Jackie Selebi being prosecuted.

The Ginwala inquiry found Pikoli fit for the job, but Mbeki’s successor Kgalema Motlanthe nevertheless fired him.

Zuma calls for end to water contamination

By Ofentse Mokae
21 November 2009

President Jacob Zuma has called for an urgent end to water contamination.

The president says that spillage of sewerage into South Africa’s water supplies would lead to water undrinkable.

Zuma was speaking during the official launch of the upgrade of the Nsezi Water treatment plant in Richards Bay this afternoon.

Zuma said the country must deal with the spillage of sewerage into our water supplies and other forms of contamination.

He says if we don’t deal with it urgently our water will end up undrinkable because of the high levels of contamination.

Road accident claims life of radio DJ

By Ofentse Mokae
21 November 2009

A Cape Town radio DJ has been killed in an accident on the N1 near Bellville in Cape Town this morning.

Az Abrahams is best known as a DJ at Heart FM.

Police say Abrahams was travelling in the direction of the city when his car crashed into a concrete barrier, causing it to overturn and roll.

He was flung out of the car and declared dead on the scene.

Police are investigating the cause of the accident and a case of culpable homicide has been opened.

Attempts to reach the station for comment proved unsuccessful.

KZN accidents keep paramedics busy

By Ofentse Mokae
21 November 2009

KwaZulu Natal paramedics had their hands full as several accidents occurred in the province in the past 24hours.

In the most recent incidents a taxi accident has left 14 people injured on the N3 near Ashburton in KwaZulu Natal.

Netcare 911 paramedics say it appears as if the rear wheel of the taxi had a blow out causing the driver to loose control of the vehicle before it overturn.

Five of the 14 passengers sustained serious injuries.

In another incident last night, seven taxi commuters were injured when their taxi and a bakkie collided head-on in Durban.

Two of the passengers are in a serious condition.

Meanwhile a motorcyclist has been killed when his motorbike collided with a vehicle in Musgrave last night.

The pizza delivery man was flung off his bike and landed on the curb.

Netcare 911 paramedics say the man sustained massive head injuries and died on the scene.

Hewana to hear his fate soon

By Ofentse Mokae
21 November 2009

Former Goodwood Station Commander Siphiwo Hewana will have to wait until the end of the month to hear his fate.

This follows after being charged with defeating the ends of justice, interfering with police investigations in a drunken driving charge against former ANC Chief Whip Tony Yengeni and false swearing.

Yengeni has since been acquitted on the drunk driving charge...

The Parow Regional Court will hand down judgement on the case on November 30.

Hewana pleaded not guilty to the three charges against him.

Accident claims one

By Ofentse Mokae
21 November 2009

A 32 year old man has been killed after his car overturned on the N1 highway just before the Malibongwe off-ramp this morning.

Johannesburg Emergency Services say the car rolled, went off the highway and landed six metres down on Rabbie Street, leading to Randburg central.

The driver died on the scene and three passengers were rushed to Helen Joseph Hospital in a critical condition.

Meanwhile the body of a policeman, who was swept away when a bridge over the River Derwent in Workington collapsed, has been found.

The officer was trying to help a group of people who were having difficulties. Assistant Chief Constable Jerry Graham says the force has taken the news badly.

Madiba concerned about the plight of children

By Ofentse Mokae
21 November 2009

Former President Nelson Mandela and his wife, Graca Machel say being awarded the decade global award for helping children, is very special given the place children occupy in their hearts and lives.

The couple will get about half of the 1-point-63 million US-dollars prize money from the Decade Child Rights Heroes award.

The remainder will be shared by the other 12 annual prize winners.

Mandela and Machel however expressed concern that too many children still suffer from hunger, disease, abuse and neglect.

The Swedish Children’s World Association has been awarding the annual award since 1999 for outstanding contributions in defending the rights of children and youth.

More than 7 million children took part in the global vote this year.

Twenty-six arrested for xenophobic in De Doorns

By Khanyisa Tabata
21 November 2009

A total of twenty-six people have been arrested in De Doorns in the Western Cape after xenophobic violence erupted this week.

More than three-thousand people, mostly Zimbabweans, evacuated their shacks in De Doorns when locals claimed they were robbing them of jobs on farms in the area.

Station commissioner Desmond van der Westhuizen says the suspects were allegedly involved in public violence during Tuesday’s confrontations between locals and the foreign workers.

Mayor removed from her position

By Khanyisa Tabata
21 November 2009

The African National Congress in the Eastern Cape, in consultation with the national leadership, has removed Nelson Mandela Bay mayor Nondumiso Maphazi from her post.

Zanoxolo Wayile is the Mayor-elect, with Nancy Sihlwayi as deputy.

The ANC says the decision follows a thorough evaluation of the political situation in the region, that has resulted in tensions and confusion.

The party confirms that it regards the Nelson Mandela Metro as the strategic hub of the province’s commercial and industrial zone.

Secret incident room for Soccer World Cup

By Khanyisa Tabata
20 November 2009

A super 2010 incident room, with links to all nine provinces, is to be established to keep an eye on crime and disasters during next year’s Fifa Soccer World Cup.

According to the senior government official responsible for the tournament, Zukile Nomvete, the room will be a nerve centre, the location of which is to be a closely guarded secret.

The staffing complement of the centre is also not to be publicly known.

Two behind bars for public drinking

By Nomava Nobumba
20 November 2009

Two people have been arrested for public drinking in Atlantis this morning.

This was during an ongoing Western Cape anti-crime operation ‘Operation Razor’ targeted gangs by Metro police and SAPS ahead of the festive season.

Search warrants were also executed for suspected drug dealers in the area.

“Fifteen search warrants were executed and we also confiscated drugs,” said Metro Police spokesperson Nowellen Pertesen.

COSATU set to march to UFS for continuing racism

By Kim Saulse
20 November 2009

Cosatu has arranged a march to the campus of the University of the Free State tomorrow, to protest against what it says is continuing racism at the university.

It says in a statement the Reitz Four have indicated that they won’t apologise for their alleged racism.

Cosatu says this confirms that it was wrong for the Rector, Professor Jonathan Jansen, to forgive the students before justice was done.

The labour federation says it has been informed that the university will seek a court order to prevent the march, but it will see the university in court.

22 arrested for xenophobic attacks in De Doorns

By Kim Saulse
20 November 2009



22 people were arrested in De Doorns today in connection with xenophobic attacks earlier this week.

Some 2 000 foreigners were forced from their homes when locals accused them of stealing their jobs and threatened to attack their families.

A local labour analyst believes the employment of foreign labourers fuels xenophobic attacks.

Cape Labour and Industrial Consultants’ Bernard Reisner said foreigners were often prepared to be exploited because they were desperate for jobs.

He said foreigners don’t complain about labour law and the minimum wage.

Meanwhile the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has sent a senior Home Affairs delegation to De Doorns in the Western Cape, where a number of Zimbabweans were forced out of their homes earlier in the week.

The delegation is being led by Deputy Director-General Jackie McKay.

Its main task is to assist those immigrants who lost their documentation during the protests this week.

No rematch for Ireland

By Nomava Nobumba
20 November 2009


Fifa says it will not grant the Football Association of Ireland's request for a replay of Ireland’s World Cup play-off against France, which France won.

The Republic of Ireland was beaten 2-1 on aggregate after France won with a goal from William Gallas, after Thierry Henry had his hands on the ball in the build up.


Fifa says its rules state that a referee's decision on points of fact is final and that’s that. It says a decision to replay the match would cause absolute chaos for football.

The Competition Commission targets well-known executives

By Khanyisa Tabata
20 November 2009

The Competition Commission is for the first time proceeding with five cases of criminal prosecution, against well-known former South African executives.

It has been reported that Arthur Barnett, the suspended chief executive of Adcock, is accused of lying and continuing the deception while aware that the Commission was investigating his company's affairs.

Former Vodacom legal executive Eleni Christodoulou is accused of lying to the Commission during an investigation into the merger planned between Vodacom's subsidiary Vodacom Service Provider and Global Telematics SA.

Ireland asks for replay of World Cup play-off

By Nomava Nobumba
20 November 2009

The Football Association of Ireland has lodged a complaint with Fifa asking for their World Cup play-off against France to be replayed.

Republic of Ireland were beaten 1-2 on aggregate after France won with goal scored when captain Thierry Henry handled the ball. Fifa insists its disciplinary code says referees' decisions "are final".

Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen also called for a replay, saying he would raise the issue with French President Nicolas Sarkozy at a Brussels summit.

UCT student fakes own kidnapping

By Khanyisa Tabata
19 November 2009

A University of Cape Town student who last month claimed she had been kidnapped and held random, has been arrested and charged for making a false statement.

Twenty-three-year-old Sharon Kaufmann allegedly faked her own kidnapping.

She informed her friends by a text message that the “kidnappers” wanted a 50-thousand-Rands ransom for her safe return.

Her friends reported the incident to the Rondebosch Police. But the student returned the same day to say that she had managed to escape and was somewhere in Kempton Park.

Kaufmann has appeared in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday and her case was postponed for the 17th of next month.

The police’s Angie Latchman says police investigations are continuing.

70 year old woman arrested for drug dealing

By Rosie Chauke
20 November 2009

An operation carried out by members of the DPCI (Hawks) resulted in the arrest of three female suspects for being in possession of a large quantity of drugs.

Information received from the local community initiated an investigation of the activities of the suspects aged 70, 50 and 44 respectively.

It is suspected that they operated a drug outlet from their residence in Mansfield Road, Ottery.

"During the operation, 20 000 Mandrax tablets, Cocaine and 1 kg Tik to the tune of
R 2 million were confiscated, which is deemed a considerable blow to the drug market," said police spokesperson Frederick van Wyk.

The suspects are being detained on a charge of dealing in drugs and are due to make a court appearance in Wynberg on Monday.

Motlanthe urges men to fight social ills

By Khanyisa Tabata
17 November 2009

Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe says International Men’s Day should encourage men to stand up to be counted in the fight against abuse of women and children, plus in fighting poverty and all other social ills.

Motlanthe addressed a gathering in Orlando, Soweto, today.

He encouraged men to play their part in the battle against HIV and Aids by promoting condom use and by opposing sexual violence. Motlanthe says men should live their lives as if every day is international men’s day.

Five appear in court for licensing scam

By Kim Saulse
19 November 2009

Five people appeared in court today for issuing fraudulent licences.

The five- four traffic officials and the owner of a driving school, were linked to 106 fraudulently issued learner licences through fingerprints.

“Initially the case was struck off the roll after the safe that contained exhibits relevant to the case were stolen from the Stellenbosch detectives offices. The department of transport then requested the reinvestigation which led to the suspects being linked by their fingerprints,” said police spokesperson Captain Frederick van Wyk.

The case has been postponed to December 4.

The five have been charged with fraud, defeating the ends of justice and racketeering.

They are out on R1000 bail each.

Anti-drug group lobbies for hookah to be banned

By Kim Saulse
20 November 2009

Westsiders Against Addiction, an anti-drugs group, has called on the hookah pipe or hubbly bubbly to be banned.

The organization will lobby the ban at parliament early next year. Spokesperson for the organization George Pappas, says that smoking the pipe increases the risk of throat and lung cancer, and is a gateway to hard drugs.

Pappas attributed this to the organizations interaction with school children, where they found that the trend is for children to replace molasses with dagga, mandrax and even heroin.

He says some substitute water with alcohol.

Westsiders Against Addiction, CANSA and the Medical Research Council are among the organisations lobbying the ban in Parliament early next year.

‘They must rot in jail,’ say residents

By Nomava Nobumba
19 November 2009

New Crossroads residents were protesting outside the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court today, where three murder accused appeared.

The three are accused of murdering Sithembele Mathiso principal Nomzoxolo Dziba in August.

Angry residents say they must rot in jail.

The throng was vying for Dziba’s blood,carrying placards saying ‘no bail for the accused’.

They also claim that they employed the third accused Vuyisile Ndzumeka to be the chairperson of the School Governing Body, but he turned on them by killing their principal in cold blood.

But that was before the court heard that Ndzumeka and his wife Yalezwa are denying bail.

The two told the court that they rather remain in jail until the case is finished.

While the second accused Luvo Nketo is still waiting to be granted bail.

The case has been postponed until the 28th of January next year.

Murder accused refuse bail

By Rosie Chauke
19 November 2009

The couple accused of murdering Sithembele Matiso principal Nomzoxolo Dziba have suddenly denied bail when they appeared in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court this morning.

Vuyisile Ndzumeka and his wife Yalezwa told the packed court room that they want to remain in custody.

However, the third accused Luvo Nketo is still waiting to be granted bail.

The case has been postponed for the 28th of January next year to give police enough time to continue with their investigation.

Meanwhile, the three will remain in police custody.

Woodstock suspect arrested for theft of Motor vehicle

Thandazani Nkomo
19 November 2009

Police arrested a 25 year old male early this morning. A motor vehicle suspect was arrested on the corners of the avenue and Chamberlain street in Woodstock.

Police on patrols noticed a White Isuzu vehicle with two occupants. The vehicle had no number plate in front.

Upon seeing the police the vehicle sped off. After a long pursuit, the vehicle stopped on the corners of the Avenue and Chamberlain Street. One of the suspects was arrested and the other is still at large.

The twenty five year old will appear before Cape town Magistrate Courts tomorrow. He faces charges of stealing a motor vehicle. Police are still looking for the other suspect.

Anyone with the information regarding the whereabouts of the suspect must notify the Woodstock police on 021-4423141

Two hit by car

Thandazani Nkomo
19 November 2009

Two pedestrians, a mother and her daughter, were hit by a BMW that had lost control and rolled in Bishop Lavis.

The incident occurred on the centre island in 35th Avenue, Lavis Drive yesterday.

On the same spot, a bakkie travelling the opposite direction hit multiple cars. When paramedics arrived the scene was packed with onlookers.

According to bystanders, the mother and daughter sustained minor injuries. They were rushed to Tygerberg Hospital for medical attention.

African soccer champions Egypt out of World Cup

By Nomava Nobumba
19 November 2009

Algeria beat African champions Egypt one-nil in a tense match last night that saw six yellow cards being handed out.

The win means that Algeria had qualified for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Security in and around the stadium was tight as police feared a repeat of Saturday’s violence in Cairo when 20 Algerian fans and three of the country’s players were injured.

Jubilant Algerians waved flags and fireworks, and drove through the streets of the Sudanese capital Khartoum cheering their first qualification for the World Cup finals in almost quarter of a century.

Now Algeria has joined Cameroon and Nigeria, who qualified on Saturday, and Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, who qualified earlier, for the World Cup.

DA enquires over lavish spending

By Khanyisa Tabata
19 November 2009

The Democratic Alliance plans to ask every Cabinet minister whether he or she had spend money on a private jet.

This follows the revelation that the Police Service had purchased a Cessna Citation Sovereign private business jet.

The DA’s Dianne Kohler Barnard says the jet, costing 150-million-Rands, will be used to transport Cabinet ministers and senior officials.

Kohler Barnard calls the purchase a disgraceful waste of public money. She wants to know whether any other department had made such a purchase.

Mthethwa guarantees security for 2010

By Khanyisa Tabata
19 November 2009

With just over 200 days left before the biggest soccer showpiece in South Africa, Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa unveiled a comprehensive security plan to ensure the safety of visitors during the tournament.

He said the plan, which includes addressing terror threats and hooliganism, has been endorsed by FIFA.

Mthethwa said about R640 million has been set aside for the deployment of 41 000 police officers specifically for the event. The figure includes 31 000 permanent members and 10 000 reservists.

The vast majority of the police deployed for the World Cup will be trained officers with experience in major events.

In addition, countries competing in the tournament will send their own specially trained police officers to assist with language and cultural differences and to support the South African Police Service.

Each of the 32 qualifying teams is also expected to send at least two police officers to support the security forces during the tournament.

Foreign farm workers aren’t paid slave wages farmers say

By Ofentse Moka
18 November 2009

Agri Western-Cape has strongly denied paying foreign workers less than locals.

Reacting to the past two days’ attacks on Zimbabwean seasonal workers in De Doorns in the Hex River Valley, chief executive Carl Opperman said what farmers pay their workers could be checked as employers were legally required to keep wage sheets.

Local residents attacked foreigners and drove them from their dwellings after accusing them of being prepared to work for slave wages.

Agri Western-Cape’s Portia Adams says foreign labour is only used because of shortage of workers.

“At the moment there is a shortage of local labour and therefore producers are making use of foreign labour especially during season time,” said Adams.

Adams says during season time the number of workers required on the farms increases significantly thus the use of foreign labour.

Climate change receives upper hand during hearings

By Ofentse Mokae
18 November 2009

Amid national debate on the political, economic, legal, gender and social impacts of climate change, parliament’s joint committees conducted public hearings on the matter.

The joint committees which included the portfolio committee on water and environmental affairs as well as energy amongst others, heard a number of submissions from environmental and agricultural based organisations and individuals.

The hearings which started yesterday were also aimed at positioning South Africa’s stance with regards to issues around climate change ahead of the Copenhagen Conference on climate change.

The conference will shape the outline of the successor to the Kyoto Protocol in December this year.

During the hearings, Agri SA, a federal organisation, which promotes the sustainable profitability and stability of commercial agricultural production, said increament in resilience by the sector is needed for improvement in productivity.

“The best way for agriculture to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change is to increase its resilience through improvements in agricultural productivity in a sustainable way,” the organisation said.

It says farmers have the capacity to provide solutions to both adapt to, and mitigate climate change through sustainable agricultural practices that decrease green house emissions from agriculture.

The Applied Center for Climate and Earth Systems Science (ACCESS) says South Africa plays an important role internationally in understanding global warming and planning a response to the daunting scientific and social challenges that it presents.

“South Africa can enhance its stature and benefit its people by taking advantage of the opportunities that our location and history provides to be a leader in this field,” ACCESS said.

It further said climate change poses profound ethical and policy challenges.

“Climate change requires balancing the needs of the historically disadvantaged with the avoidance of creating generations of future disadvantaged,” concluded the center.

Chairperson of the water and environmental affairs committee Makgotso Sotyu concluded the hearings which ended today, and said they will consider all the submissions presented during the hearings as they prepare for the Copenhagen conference.

FIFA extends ticket sales deadline to fans

By Kim Saulse
18 November 2009

Fifa has announced that the second 2010 ticket sales phase has been extended until Friday.

With the excitement of the final qualifier round reaching its peak today, fans will still be able to immediately purchase their tickets for the tournament.

To meet the strong demand by football fans, especially in the qualified countries, it has been decided to extend the second sales phase so that supporters do not have to wait until the third and main ticket sales phase kicks off the day after the final draw on the 5th of next month.

Body found on top of rubbish pile

By Rosie Chauke
18 November 2009

Police have found a decomposed body of a 66 year old man in Rondebosch East, yesterday.

Constable Gail Delis says, the man was found lying on top of a rubbish pile which was spread throughout his home, almost to the ceiling.

The fire department removed the body.

“We are still trying to determine the cause of death,” she said.

The inquest docket has been opened for investigation.

Eskom denies cutting tariff proposal

By Kim Saulse
18 November 2009

Eskom has denied reports that it was considering dropping its proposed tariff increase by 10%.

The power utility said earlier that it planned to apply for 45% price increases in each of the next three years.

According to media reports, Eskom spokesperson Andrew Etzinger, says he does not know where the 10% speculation comes from.

He says they are still securing inputs on their proposals.

A final application will be submitted to the National Energy Regulator by next Friday.

Land Claims Commission’s 10-billion-Rands bill

By Khanyisa Tabata
18 November 2009


The Land Claims Commission can reportedly not afford to honour at least 10-billion-Rands in outstanding commitments to land owners and claimants.

Media reports this could result in huge damages claims against the commission and a ballooning bill for taxpayers as claimants and owners turn to the courts to enforce their rights.

Rising tension may even spark violence.

Claimants have been told new land purchases were on hold. Signed commitments for billions in post-settlement grants for land already transferred cannot be honoured.

Two hit by trains, one dies

By Nomava Nobumba
18 November 2009

ER24 paramedics attended to two separate incidents where commuters were hit by trains yesterday.

A man, believed to be in his late thirties, was found lying on the tracks, under the train, at the Muldersvlei station in Stellenbosch .

ER 24 spokesperson Tristan Wadely says the man sustained serious injuries and was dead on arrival of emergency services.

“According to the eyewitnesses, it is alleged that the man jumped in front of the train,” said Wadely.

In a separate incident, a 21 year old man allegedly fell while attempting to get on a moving train at the Bellville station.

“He was found lying under the train between the tracks and the platform,” said Wadely.

Wadely says the victim sustained serious injuries, but in a stable condition was taken to Tygerberg Hospital for further treatment.

Outcomes Based Education failed pupils

By Khanyisa Tabata
18 November 2009

Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga says South Africa must return to tried and trusted teaching methods as Outcomes Based Education has in many ways failed to provide pupils with essential skills.

Motshekga told Parliament's portfolio committee on education the school curriculum would be reviewed over the next year.

Motshekga is quotes as saying the OBE curriculum had placed too heavy an administrative burden on teachers that undermined their primary task. It resulted in children not acquiring skills they needed.

Half naked body found in Woodstock

By Khanyisa Tabata
18 November 2009

The half naked body of a female was found murdered in Woodstock yesterday.

Police were informed about the body, which was lying at House of Cabins in Marine Drive.

Upon police arrival, the half naked body was lying underneath the staircase at one of the businesses situated in Marine drive.

Police’s Seargeant Hilton Malila says the deceased is believed to be in her late 20's.

A preliminary investigation revealed blood stains on the side of the deceased head.

“It’s been alleged that the deceased was hit with a blunt object, and later died due to the injuries sustained.The motive for the incident is being investigated,” said Malila.

Malila adds that they are waiting for the outcome on the autopsy report, to determine the cause of death.

Anyone that can shed light on this incident , is ask to contact Detective Sergeant Denver Parsons, at the Woodstock police on 021 486 2877.

Repo rate remains unchanged

By Ofentse Mokae
17 November 2009

The Reserve Bank left interest rates unchanged today.

Newly-appointed Governor Gill Marcus said the Monetary Policy Committee had decided to keep the key repo rate at seven-percent.

This means that commercial banks’ prime lending rate stays at 10-and-a-half-percent.

The Reserve Bank has cut its repo rate by 500 basis points since December 2008 to support the economy, which has been hit by its first recession in 17 years.

The decision will not please labour unions who had demanded a dramatic interest rate cut to ease job losses.

Two to appear in court for murder

By Nomava Nobumba
17 November 2009

Two men are due to appear in the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court soon on the charges of murder.

The pair was arrested yesterday in Khayelitsha and Gugulethu respectively, after police received a tip-off from the community.

Lingelethu spokesperson Inspector Siphokazi Mawisa says the information led them to 19 Block, Makhaya in Khayelitsha and arrested the first suspect.

He was arrested for two murders which occurred last month at A and E Sections.

Mawisa went on saying, on their further investigation they also arrested another suspect in Gugulethu who was wanted for the same murder that occurred at E Section.

“We also confiscated an illegal 9mm firearm, which may have been linked to the two murders at the first suspect’s home, said Mawisa.

Both suspects are age 21.

SARS extends hours of operation

By Kim Saulse
17 November 2009

The Revenue Service is extending its hours of operation at all branch offices to assist taxpayers trying to meet the Friday deadline for the electronic submission of tax returns.

Sars branch offices will be open from 7am to 6pm daily until Friday.

Some branch offices will be open until 7pm in the evening depending on taxpayer volumes during the day.

Until yesterday, the tax man had received three million income returns, nearly 700 000 more than in the same period last year.

Gill Marcus to reveal her interest rate policy

By Khanyisa Tabata
17 November 2009

All eyes will be on new Reserve Bank Governor Gill Marcus this afternoon, with labour unions demanding interest rate cuts to ease job losses.

Marcus is chairing her first Monetary Policy Committee meeting. Most analysts say Marcus will probably keep the repo rate at seven-percent.

But a few say she could surprise with a 50 basis point rate cut. Trade unions lobbied for former governor Tito Mboweni’s removal in the hope that they would have his successor’s ear.

Metro Police ‘Operation Choke’ chokes crime in Athlone

By Ofentse Mokae
17 November 2009

City of Cape Town’s Metro police ‘Operation Choke’ saw three people arrested and nearly 300 bullets found in Athlone.

Metro Police teams move into the area at the weekend and on Sunday evening, acting on a tip-off, they raided a house in Downing Street.

Also 90 R5 and 25 hollow point rounds were confiscated.

Metro police spokesperson Nowellen Peterson says a smoke grenade was also found which the South African Police regarded as significant because a smoke grenade was used last week during an armed robbery in Athlone.

On Friday six suspects were arrested in Athlone.

At a vehicle check point in Jan Smuts Drive a motorist was arrested for a fraudulent licence disc.

“Thereafter the focus shifted to crime prevention and two suspects were arrested for drug related offences and 44 packets of TIK were confiscated,” Peterson said.

Two people were also arrested for outstanding arrest warrants as they were wanted by the Athlone police on charges of shoplifting and possession of drugs, respectively.

Deputy metro police chief Yolanda Faro says another suspect was arrested in Eland Street in Kewtown, for the possession of dagga.

Twenty dagga stoppe and four TIK lollies were confiscated.

Fifty Mandrax tablets and quantities of TIK and dagga were also confiscated.

She says the operation has proved effective in Tafelsig and Athlone and this team is also operating in Atlantis.

“We appeal again for assistance from the residents in these communities who are the first to benefit when we put drug dealers and gang members behind bars,” Faro said.

Family of murdered boy blames police

By Nomava Nobumba
07 November 2009

The family of a murdered eight year old boy believe he would still be alive if police had acted sooner.

Moegamat Yunis Desai went missing two weeks ago and his mother immediately contacted police.

She told them she believed he was with his father, and wanted to open a case of kidnapping.

They allegedly refused to help her until five days later.

The little boy's body was found in bush along Vanguard Drive on Sunday. He had been beaten to death.

His father has been arrested on a charge of kidnapping.

The child's aunt, Manesha Manuel believes the police didn't act quickly enough.

“Police said they can’t arrest father’s child and we must provide his address, which we didn’t have,” she said.

ASA suspended staff accept suspension

By Khanyisa Tabata
17 November 2009

South African Olympics body Sascoc board member Ray Mali says Athletics South Africa's suspended staff members have gracefully accepted their suspension.

Mali took over ASA’s administration today after the suspension of the athletic body over the handling of the Caster Semenya gender debacle.

Mali says he met with ASA’s general manager Molatelo Malehopo and move out gracefully.

ASA president Leonard Chuene was not at the association's Houghton offices, but Mali said he would meet with Chuene as soon as possible.

Counselling for matrics after fatal car crash

By Khanyisa Tabata
17 November 2009

Western Cape Education MEC Donald Grant has expressed his shock over the deaths of two Grade 12 boys in a car accident
in Pinelands, Cape Town today.

Grant conveyed his condolences to the families and friends of the Oude Molen High School’s Darren Hoffman and Roqeeb Isaacs.

Five learners had just completed writing their Physical Sciences exam when they were involved in the crash.

Another learner, Monique Odendaal, is in a serious but stable condition in hospital, while Ezra Messenheimer and Jason Kansley have minor injuries. Their class mates are receiving counselling.

South African embassy in Paris distance itself from Ras Dumisani

By Khanyisa Tabata
16 November 2009

The South African embassy in Paris says it did not impose Ras Dumisani on the organisers of Friday's Test between the Springboks and France.

In a statement issued this afternoon the embassy says it had only one name of a South African singer in France and it provided the name of his agent to the French Rugby Union.

The embassy also rejected claims that it had chosen the singer. The South African Rugby Union’s media manager Rayaan Adriaanse says they were shocked and horrified by the reggae rendition of the anthem

Presidential meetings go creative

By Ofentse Mokae
16 November 2009

As part of his continuous engagement with different sectors, President Jacob Zuma is expected to meet with musicians and actors to discuss their role and contribution to social cohesion and nation building.

The meeting, scheduled to take place at the Sandton Convention Center in Johannesburg, will also afford the president an opportunity to report back on issues they raised during his first meeting with them last year.

In a statement the Presidency says Zuma will be fulfilling a promise made during the response to the State of the Nation address that government would meet with the creative industry sector to discuss issues affecting them.

“Issues of concern to the artists relate to broadcasting content, intellectual property rights, industry unity, anti-piracy, tax education and participation in 2010 FIFA World Cup activities,” the statement said.

In August Zuma met with principals to outline his expectations on how the education sector should contribute to the broader vision of making things better within the sector.

Also in first of its kind, President Zuma met more than 1,000 police station commanders from across the country in Pretoria on September 29 a week after the annual release of crime statistics painted a grim picture.

The president shared his vision with the station commissioners, and obtained from them, a firsthand account of work from the coalface.

Amid recent service delivery protests across the country, accompanied by his deputy Kgalema Motlanthe, Zuma also met executive mayors and mayors, to discuss the strengthening of the local government sphere last month in Cape Town.

In tomorrow’s meeting, Zuma is expected to be accompanied by members of his cabinet including Ministers in the Presidency Trevor Manuel and Collins Chabane, Arts and Culture Minister Lulu Xingwana and her deputy Paul Mashatile as well as Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane.

Two matrics killed in accident in Pinelands

By Kim Saulse
16 November 2009

Two matric boys have died in a road accident on Jan Smuts Drive in Pinelands this afternoon.

Traffic Services spokesperson Merle Lourens says five matrics from the Oude Molen High School were in the car when the driver lost control of the vehicle.

Two other learners were injured in the crash, while another one escaped unhurt.

Lourens says the boys who died were 17 and 18 years old.

The victim’s names have been withheld.

Reggae singer blamed for Springbok defeat

By Nomava Nobumba
16 November 2009

A former Springbok player says Ras Dumisani’s tuneless version of South Africa's national anthem performed ahead of the match between the two countries in Toulouse had contributed to their defeat.

He claims that his performance had been sabotaged.

Former flyhalf Naas Botha reacted with anger.

He suggested to the media that the performance had a hand in the World Cup title-holders’ defeat.

Meanwhile, President of the South African Rugby Union Oregan Hoskins has sent a letter of complaint to the French rugby union.

The reggae singer, Ras Dumisani, sang off-key and at times it sounded like he was shouting, rather than singing.

The South African embassy in France is quoted as saying it had supplied the French rugby union with a list of South African artists as requested, but had not recommended a specific artist.

Ras Dumisani says old equipment is to blame for his howling performance of Nkosi Sikelel iAfrika before the Test, which France won 20-13.

Rand strong because ANC-led tripartite alliance says Gwede Mantashe

By Khanyisa Tabata
16 November 2009


African National Congress secretary general Gwede Mantashe says the strong Rand is firmly in the sights of the ANC-led tripartite alliance.

The value of the currency is one of a number of issues to be tackled under a wider mandate the alliance team on macroeconomic policy wants to give to the Reserve Bank.

Mantashe says the rand was at a level that encouraged imports rather than exports, and was therefore deepening the economic crisis.

The Congress of South African Trade Unions has called for an immediate reduction in interest rates to three-percent.

Couple found dead in Tafelsig home

By Kim Saulse
16 November 2009

The bodies of a Mitchells Plain couple were found in their home in Tafelsig yesterday.

Upon arrival, police discovered the body of a 40 year old woman at the front gate, who had been shot through the mouth.

They found the man inside the lounge, with a bullet wound to the right side of his head.

Police were alerted of the incident after neighbours reportedly heard gunshots.

Captain Rewayne Muller says the motive is being investigated ,but a case of murder and inquest docket have been opened.

MEC condemns assault on traffic officials

By Ofentse Mokae
16 November 2009

Western Cape community safety MEC Lennit Max has strongly condemned the assault on two provincial traffic officers by a drunken driver and his passengers in Macassar, near Cape Town yesterday afternoon.

The female officer was assaulted when a breathalyzer test
indicated that the driver was under the influence of alcohol.

The driver and his passengers also assaulted the officer’s colleague who came to her rescue.

Through his spokesperson Julian Jansen, Max says such conduct constitutes a direct attack on the obligation that officers have to protect citizens.

“He says transgressors will not get off lightly and will have to answer to the courts,” said Julian Jansen.

Max says traffic officers will not be deterred by such unlawful conduct of drivers and will continue to stringently apply the law of the roads.

In another incident in Cape Town, a security guard was shot and killed in Milnerton last night in what appears to have been a dispute with a colleague.

The 42-year-old was shot in the head in his car which was parked along the N-7 highway.

Body of eight year old found decomposed in bushes

By Nomava Nobumba
16 November 2009

Police discovered the decomposing body of an eight year old boy between dunes and bushes in Philippi area yesterday.

A passerby found the child, lying on his side underneath a tree, still wearing his school uniform.

Police suspect the body could be that of Moegamat Yunus Desai who disappeared from Merrydale Primary School in Mitchell’s Plain about 11 days ago.

Desai’s aunt had last seen him playing with friends at the school during their interval but when she returned to pick him up her daughter informed her that he was missing.

After nearly two weeks of searching for the boy, a close relative was taken in for questioning and arrested and charges with kidnapping on Saturday.

Police’s Superintendent Andre Traut says police suspect that the body could be that of missing Mitchell’s Plain boy.

“DNA and forensic test will be used to determine the identity of the body,” he said.

Traut says a post-mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of his death.

Massive construction growth in emerging markets

By Khanyisa Tabata
16 November 2009

Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe says an international study has shown that construction growth in Nigeria will be the fastest of all markets in the next 10 years.

Addressing the 10th anniversary celebrations of the South Africa-Nigeria bi-national commission in Nigeria, Motlanthe said infrastructure construction in emerging markets is set to grow by 128-percent until 2020, compared with 18-percent over the same period in developed countries.

He says South Africa is already seeing this massive infrastructure development occasioned by, amongst others, the hosting of the 2010 Fifa World Cup.

Metro officers brings message of hope to Pollsmoor inmates

By Khanyisa Tabata
16 November 2009

Metro Police officers on Thursday paid a visit to Pollsmoor prison to the female section to encourage the inmates to be strong, accept responsibility for their deeds and also try to become better citizens.

Deputy Chief Officer Yolanda Faro says some women find themselves in prison not because of choice, but because of circumstances.

“We are obligated to respond to domestic violence complaints, and it is alarming to note how many women get arrested for assault on their partners. After years of abuse, some women just snap”.

“Well that is the perception of the ladies of the Metro Police’s Women’s Network Forum who are embarking on advocating for the rights of women and also raising awareness around women and child abuse as we approach the 16 Days of Activism,” said Yolanda Faro.

We need to advocate for the rights of other women out there. Although they are in prison, they are not lost and they can become better citizens and make positive contributions towards society added Faro.

Godsell’s position remains unclear

By Khanyisa Tabata
15 November 2009


It is unclear when former Eskom board chairperson Bobby Godsell will meet with Public Enterprises Minister Barbara Hogan to discuss his resignation.

His personal assistant said Godsell was out of the country. Hogan's office earlier said she and Godsell would meet over the weekend.

He resigned on Monday following a meeting with President Jacob Zuma.

In a statement, Godsell said he had submitted his resignation as the government had not been supportive of the board's move to oust Eskom chief executive officer Jacob Maroga.

New administration for athletics body

By Khanyisa Tabata
15 November 2009

South Africa's Olympic body Sascoc board member Ray Mali will take over Athletics South Africa's administration tomorrow as suspended ASA president Leonard Chuene faces being dismissed.

After a meeting yesterday, Sascoc said in a statement Mali would form an interim board to govern and regulate athletics in South Africa as the sport's administration faces an entire restructuring.

The Olympics body adds that the suspended ASA board and management figures will face disciplinary hearings.

ASA suffered another vote of no confidence when the Athletics Gauteng North board resigned.

Long-time administrator Daan du Toit and three other temporary members have been appointed to look after AGN board matters until elections can be held.

AGN joined the Eastern Province, Western Province, Boland and Free State athletics associations in officially denouncing the federation's board.

Government wants Godsell back at Eskom

By Khanyisa Tabata
15 November 2009

Public Enterprises Minister Barbara Hogan is expected to meet with former chairperson of Eskom Bobby Godsell today.

Godsell stepped down after chief executive Jacob Maroga denied that he had resigned, before the Eskom board confirmed his resignation.

Hogan said on Friday that government would be grateful if Godsell reconsidered his position. Industry experts say Godsell’s return could bring stability to the embattled electricity provider.

Hogan is quoted as saying while President Jacob Zuma's intervention in the Eskom saga was helpful, it did delay processes.

In a statement on Friday Zuma said government would not interfere with what happened in the boardrooms of state-owned enterprises.

It is rumoured that Maroga refused to go because he believed he had Zuma’s support, while Godsell left because he felt that he was not being supported by government.

Western Cape girl fights rare condition

By Khanyisa Tabata
15 November 2009

A young girl from Robertson hopes to go to the United States soon for medical treatment after being diagnosed with a rare disease.

Lihanda Smit was five when she was hit by a drunk driver 14 years ago. She has had to undergo several brain operations.

Her condition, superficial sideroses, developed because undetected bleeding on the brain caused a build-up of iron which suppressed her nervous system.

Without treatment her hearing will fail and she will end up in a wheel chair, with a life expectancy of around 10 years.

It is such a rare condition that no South African neurologist knows enough about it.

Her parents are raising funds for treatment by a neurologist in Baltimore.

Caster Semenya once again the centre of attention

By Khanyisa Tabata
15 November 2009


Britain’s The Guardian newspaper has rejected a claim that it tricked South African athlete Caster Semenya into being interviewed by one of its reporters.

Semenya has threatened legal action against the newspaper for a so-called exclusive interview with her, and says the quotes in the article were obtained under false pretences.

She says she continues to refuse all interviews.

But The Guardian says its reporter was invited to speak to Semenya by her coach, Michael Seme. It says Semenya agreed to the interview.

Probe into air show crash underway

By Khanyisa Tabata
15 November 2009


The pilot of a private fighter jet died when the aircraft crashed near the Overberg Air Force Base at Bredasdorp in the Western Cape yesterday afternoon.

The pilot has been identified as 46-year-old Dave Stock. The jet, a vintage English Electric Lightning, was well-known in Cape Town and belonged to Thunder City based at Cape Town Airport.

The plane was on its way to take part in an air show at the Overberg Air Force base and the pilot is believed to have had difficulties in ejecting.

The roof-wetting of Cape Town’s 2010 stadium celebrated

By Khanyisa Tabata
15 November 2009


Western Cape Premier Helen Zille says she had sleepless nights worrying about what Cape Town’s 2010 Green Point Stadium would look like.

She said she worried that it might permanently scar Cape Town’s renowned beauty.

But Zille told about two thousand guests at the stadium’s roof-wetting last night that she was now convinced that the ultra-modern stadium added to Cape Town’s beauty.

The guests were told to wear comfortable shoes, as they had to wind their way through a few unfinished sections of the stadium. The Cape Philharmonic Orchestra performed, conducted by Richard Cock.

Education Department obtains an interdict against students

By Khanyisa Tabata
11 November 2009

The Western Cape Education has obtained an interdict against the Congress of South African Students.

In a statement the department says the interdict was granted on Friday night and it restrains Consas from gathering or causing a gathering within 300 metres of any examination centre.

The interdict comes after Education MEC Donald Grant strongly condemned the disruption of matric exams at schools in Khayelitsha, Phillippi and Langa.

Fighter jet crash in Bredasdorp

By Khanyisa Tabata
11 November 2009

Fighter jet has crashed at an air show in Bredasdorp in the Western Cape.

It is understood the pilot was on his way to perform in the air show when he made a distress call.

“The plane crashed just on the other side of the Overberg Air Force Base, it is still unclear if the pilot is alright,” said Emergency Services’ Kenneth Brooks.

Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa met police officials in Mitchell’s Plain

By Khanyisa Tabata
11 November 2009


Western Cape police officials have been meeting with Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa at the Oval North High School in Beacon Valley, Mitchell’s Plain this morning.

The Cape suburb has been plagued by gangsterism and drug related crimes. Recently two neighbourhood watch members were shot and killed in the area.

The meeting is part of the police’s justice, crime prevention and security campaign and aims to provide residents a chance to question the minister.

Hi-jacking victim thrown from bridge

By Khanyisa Tabata
14 November 2009

A 24 year old woman is in a serious condition after hijackers forced her out of her vehicle and pushed her over the Umkomaas River Bridge on the N2 south in Chatsworth.

Netcare 911 paramedics say the woman was plunged almost 60 metres below the bridge on Friday night and landed in shallow water.

She sustained chest, head and spinal injuries that left her immobile.

The woman managed to keep herself afloat for over four hours before a passerby heard her cries for help and rushed to aid.

Fire-fighters, who arrived first on the scene, pulled the woman out from the water while paramedics treated her for hypothermia before she was airlifted to a hospital in Durban.

Police are still searching for the hi-jackers.

Breakthrough in World War II pilot’s death

By Khanyisa Tabata
14 November 2009

A man has been arrested for the murder of an 89 year old man, believed to be a former World War Two pilot.

Former fighter pilot Frans Swemmer was apparently bludgeoned to death in his Monument Park home yesterday.

Pretoria police say Swemmer’s body was discovered after neighbours noticed that his garage door was standing open.

A suspect believed to be in his 30’s was found sitting in the deceased’s Mercedes Benz at the Tower Plaza centre in Hamanskraal.

Police could not confirm which weapon was used in the murder but have ruled out a firearm and a knife.

Cater Semenya speaks out on life in the spotlight

BY Khanyisa Tabata
14 November 2009


South African gold medallist Caster Semenya says she is not comfortable with the fame she has acquired since her championship title was obscured by gender test revelations.

In an interview Semenya said people now want to stare at her.

The IAAF is currently reviewing gender test results to determine if Semenya is eligible to compete as a woman.

The athletics body has refused to confirm or deny Australian media reports that the tests indicate Semenya has both male and female organs.

A decision is expected to be announced next Friday.

SA diplomat injured in Durban accident

By Khanyisa Tabata
14 November 2009

A senior South African diplomat was seriously injured in an accident in Durban’s Isipingo area.

KwaZulu-Natal paramedics say the country’s ambassador to Malawi, Ntombile Mabude, sustained serious head and spinal trauma and was rushed to hospital.

Her bodyguard sustained minor injuries. It is alleged that the luxury SUV she and her entourage were travelling in was hit by a security vehicle at an intersection last night.

Matric exams disrupted

By Khanyisa Tabata
14 November 2009

176 matriculants have been forced to rewrite their Physics paper one, after their exams were disrupted by angry mobs at three high schools in Cape Town yesterday.

The Western Cape Education department says the schools exams at the Thembelihle High School in Khayelitsha, the Sinethemba and the Intsebenziswano schools in Philippi were brought to a halt after a crowd of pupils who were protesting over the closure of Lagunya Finishing School stormed into their classrooms.

They re-wrote their exams after the protesters dispersed. In a similar incident on Thursday exams at Langa Secondary School were disrupted and two pupils were injured after policed dispersed the crowd with rubber bullets.

“Razor” sharp crackdown in Atlantis

By Kim Saulse
14 November 2009

Yesterday, Metro police together with members of the Atlantis police station, arrested 6 suspects as they took operation “Razor” to Atlantis where the focus was on drug related offences.

Metro police noted with great concern the unacceptable increase in criminal activity in Atlantis and an urgent intervention was needed. We have been very successful with “Operation Razor” in other areas and we trust that it will have the same effect in Atlantis, says Deputy Chief, Yolanda Faro.

Nine search warrants were executed and three suspects were arrested for possession of drugs whilst three others were arrested under the nuisance by-law.

“Our colleagues of the South African Police Services also confiscated 100 Mandrax tablets and approximately R15 000 cash,” added Faro.

Kewtown falls victim to Operation “Choke”

By Kim Saulse
14 November 2009

Five suspects were arrested during Metro Police’s operation “Choke” in Athlone yesterday. The metro officers started the day with a vehicle check point in Jan Smuts Drive, Athlone, where they arrested one motorist for a fraudulent license disk.

Thereafter the focused shifted to crime prevention where they conducted stop and seizure exercises and patrols in Kewtown.

According to Deputy Chief Yolanda Faro: “The recent murders in the area are alarming and we need to act to rid the community from the fear of gangsterism and drug abuse in the area.

Today we arrested 2 suspects for drug related offences with in minutes of our exercise and confiscated 44 packets of TIK.

Over the next few days the criminal element, operating in the Athlone area, can expect a more stringent approach from our members.”

Two other suspects were also arrested for outstanding warrants of arrests as they are wanted by the Athlone police for charges relating to shoplifting and possession of drugs respectively.