DA wants stats of police officers with criminal offences

Mluleki Mrwebi

24 July 2014

 

The Democratic Alliance said a reply to its question to the Minister of Police Nkosinathi Nhleko regarding the number of police members who have been convicted or has criminal offences in the last year has revealed a serious problem within the SAPS.

 

DA MP of Police Dianne Kohler Barnard said Minister Nhleko does not know how many cops have been convicted in the last year as the figures are not readily available. 

 

Barnard said the country can not afford to have police officers that are criminals and the Minister himself does not know anything about this and this needs to be investigated.

 

She added that the DA will be writing to Parliament and this needs to be finalsed sooner.

Eleven suspects arrested for theft and possession of stolen property

Mluleki Mrwebi
24 July 2014

Lwandle police over the weekend arrested eleven suspects for stolen property in the area. 

Constable Phindiswa Gcume said police conducted an operation with the aim of recovering stolen geysers at a hostel in Lwandle. 

Gcume added that seven geysers were discovered during the search. 

She added that the suspects appeared at the Strand Magistrate court.

 

Suspect arrested for being in possession of nine bags of dagga

Mluleki Mrwebi
24 July 2014

Rawsonville Police arrested a suspect after he was found of being in possession of dagga on the N1 at a truck stop. 

Captain FC van Wyk said police were conducting patrol duties when they noticed bags covered with branches in front of a truck near the weight bridge. 

Van Wyk said when police inspected the bags they found that there were nine bags which contained dagga. 

Police proceeded to search the trucks and started with the one where the bags were found. 

Van Wyk said the driver and the passenger agreed to be search and the police found dagga with a street value of R 534,00.

WC government committed to empowering people with disabilities

Lusanda Bill
24 July 2014

Western Cape MEC of Social Development Albert Fritz while delivering his Budget Vote in the National Council of Provinces Chamber last night said, a tangible commitment to delivery and empowerment of people living with disabilities is needed. 

MEC Fritz said people living with disabilities have historically been neglected in South Africa and this needs to change. 

He added that the Western Cape government is declaring 2014/2015 the year of focusing on disabilities. 

Meanwhile MEC Fritz has welcomed the allocation of R150 million by the National Minister of Social Development Bathabile Dlamini to establish treatment centres for substance abuse in the Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, North West and the Free State. 

He added that the quality of services that people receive at the various treatment centres is important for the provincial government.

“The Western Cape has ten treatment centres for substance abuse and specifically for substance abuse” Fritz added. 

Ten children injured in an accident in Polokwane

Lusanda Bill
24 July 2014

An accident this morning at the Marshal and Dorp Road intersection in Polokwane left ten children between the ages of six and eleven-years injured. 

This is after the vehicle they were travelling in lost control and rolled over coming to a standstill on its side. 

ER24 Spokesperson Russel Meiring said three ER24 ambulances arrived on scene and found one six-year-old girl trapped inside the vehicle which was lying on its side. 

Meiring said the other young patients were all scattered on the road.  Paramedics then immediately started extrication of the young girl trapped in the vehicle. 

“Once she was free advance life support was performed on her. Nine other children were treated for their injuries ranging from minor to moderate.  All the patients were transported to a nearby hospital for further treatment” Meiring added.

The exact details of the cause of the accident will remain the subject of a police investigation. 

Popcru happy with review of the SA Police Service Act

Lusanda Bill
24 July 2014

The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union said it is happy with the move by the Minister of Police to professionalize the Police and review the current SA Police Service Act. 

Minister of Police Nkosinathi Nhleko delivered the police’s budget vote in Parliament this week. 

Popcru’s General Secretary Nathi Theledi said they acknowledge the steps taken by the Minister in the recruitment processes of new police members entering the department.

Theledi said the union will continuously engage in terms of prioritising areas of service delivery to ensure that all South Africans are kept safe and secure, as this is the mandate of the South African Police Service.

“We are comfortable with the budget by the Minister of Police and he has our full support” Theledi added.    

Missing Adult Alert Found: Michelle Luyt

DA: South Africa’s Mathematics in a shocking state

Oscar Thomas
24 July 2014

The Democratic Alliance said the current state of mathematics study in South Africa is shocking. 

DA MP of Basic Education Annette Lovemore said in the Eastern Cape and Limpopo the number of schools not offering mathematics has grown substantially over the last three years.

Lovemore added that the confusion with respect to learner numbers and teacher placement does not bode well for any urgent action, as promised by President Zuma in his State of the Nation Address. 

Lovemore said there are 227 schools in South Africa  not offering Mathematics.

“When asked about how many Mathematics teachers are at schools they did not have an answer and my question is how are we going to plan on improving the situation if we do not know these crucial details Lovemore added.

Missing Adult Found: Anthony Guest

Abalone confiscated near Gaansbaai

Mluleki Mrwebi

24 July 2014

The Organised Crime Unit on Tuesday confiscated bags of abalone at a building in Gaansbaai.

It is alleged that the abalone was hidden and waiting to be transported.

The Police have asked the public to come forward with any information that may lead to the arrest of suspects.

Captain FC Van Wyk said no one has been arrested as yet in connection with this and the abalone is estimated to the value of R 8 524.

21 SJC members appeared in court over illegal gathering

Mluleki Mrwebi
23 July 2014

The Social Justice Coalition today marched to support the twenty-one SJC members who are standing trial after they chained themselves to the railings outside the office of Mayor Patricia de Lille.

The members were charged with contravening the Regulation of Gatherings Act by convening and attending an illegal gathering. 

The members appeared today at the Cape Town Magistrate Court and will appear again on Thursday. 

SJC’s Luthando Ntokota said will continue fighting for the rights of the people and the authorities need to take them seriously. 

Twelve people injured in an accident in KZN

Mluleki Mrwebi
23 July 2014

ER24 paramedics this morning attended to an accident scene on Sweetwaters Road in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal, whereby a taxi rolled over leaving twelve people injured. 

ER24 Spokesperson Russel Meiring said paramedics arrived on the scene and found the patient lying around and some other patients were treated for mimnor injuries.

He added that the injured were transported to the nearby hospital for further care.

The exact details of the cause of the accident will remain the subject of a police investigation. 

A 31-year-old man arrested for murder in the Eastern Cape

Mluleki Mrwebi
23 July 2014

A 31-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday night by Eastern Cape police in connection with the murder of a 28-year-old woman. 

Police Colonel Sibongile Soci said the man has been charged with murder and is expected to appear in court soon. 

Soci said the woman was reported missing on July the 10^th and her body was found on the 21^st July not far from the scene.

She added that the Eastern Cape Police Commissioner has commeneded the police that worked around the clock to arrest the suspect.

 

MEC Winde supports Operation Phakisa

Natalie Malgas
23 July 2014

As President Jacob Zuma launched Operation Phakisa over the weekend, the Western Cape government has committed its support of the programme.  Operation Phakisa plans to create one million jobs in key maritime sectors.

Western Cape MEC of Economic Opportunities, Alan Winde, said marine economic development depends on well-functioning harbours. 

He added that the province’s twelve small fishing harbours can play a crucial role in supporting fishing communities and providing them with access to other economic opportunities. 

Through ministerial spokesperson Bronwynne Jooste, MEC Winde confirmed the province’s support of Operation Phakisa:

“The Western Cape is in full support of President Jacob Zuma’s Operation Phakisa. We are working with them, agriculture and other IDZ sectors.”

MEC Winde reiterated that through co-operation, his department could stimulate growth and jobs of the oceans economy.

A search for a missing man continues at sea

Loyiso Langeni
23 July 2014

The National Sea Rescue Institute is continuing a search this morning of a man who fell overboard the Port Elizabeth long line fishing trawler at St Francis Bay. 

NSRI Spokesperson Craig Lambinon said the man may have had a rope entangled around his foot which resulted in him falling overboard. 

“Despite the extensive search thought out the day which include NSRI, Chokka fishing boats, Helena Marie from which the fisherman have fallen on the board and two air force helicopters.No sign of the fisherman was found.

Air force and Helena Marie are continuing with the search but there is still no sign of the fisherman,”Lambinon

Cosatu concerned about Impala Mine Union Bashing

Oscar Thomas
23 July 2014

The Congress of South African Trade Union in the North West said they are concerned about Impala Mine Union bashing.

Cosatu said it declares war on the Impala management for their continued union bashing against Num.

Cosatu North West Secretary Solly Phetoe said the Impala is undermining the laws and policies of this country.

Phetoe said management of Impala has never given us a security assessment plan for those workers who are due to go back to work.

“We need a secure and safe security plan in order for our workers safety to be guaranteed but they unfortunately have not managed to provide us with this Phetoe added 

There is a drop in the WC schools vandalism and burglary

Mluleki Mrwebi
23 July 2014

The Western Cape Department of Education today released a report that it had received fewer reports of incidents of vandalism and burglary at schools during holiday.

The departments say this shows a drop in the reports of vandalism.

MEC Debbie Schafer said one burglary at a school is enough but they can be happy about this.

Schafer said during the June/ July holiday period 23 schools across the province reported incidences of vandalism and/or burglary. This represents a decrease from 31 incidents reported for the same period last year.

 

Of the 23 schools, the Cape Winelands District reported 9 incidents of burglary and vandalism. We received 4 reports from the Metro Central District, 4 from the Metro South District and 2 reports from the Metro North District.

 

Cosatu NW condemns the attack of farm workers

Mluleki Mrwebi
22 July 2014

The Congress of South African Trade Union in the North West said they are concerned about the attacks on farm workers.

Cosatu North West Secretary Solly Phetoe said it is alleged that these attacks are racially motivated because eyewitnesses claimed that white farm workers were attacking black farm workers.

Phetoe said these attacks took place in areas such as Brits and Kleinfontein.

Phetoe said it is not the first time such attacks happen because back in the 2000`s there was a group that called themselves Amaporho Amathamara that was attacking farm workers.

He added that the security forces should look at this urgently and protect the workers that are being attacked.

 

Upington police investigate a housebreaking

Mluleki Mrwebi
22 July 2014

The Upington Police are investigating a case of housebreaking after a 32 year-old suspect was caught in a closet at a house where he broke into with the stolen goods in his possession.

On Thursday, the Crime Prevention members were busy to conduct crime prevention duties in Jooste Eiland, Louisevale, Upington Cluster.

Constable Charlton Andrews discovered the alleged suspect in a closet in one of the rooms in the house.

Lieutenant Andrea Cloete said the stolen clothes were confiscated by the police and returned to the rightful owners and the suspect appeared in court today for his bail application. 

Portfolio Committee Police calls on all resources to arrest high jack killers

Oscar Thomas
22 July 2014

The Portfolio Committee Police has criticised the killing of a 4 year-old Johannesburg boy after their car was high jacked.

The Committee calls on the police to deploy all its resources in order to arrest the criminals.

It is alleged that the boy was not quick enough to get out of the car during the highjacking and he was strapped by a safety belt.

Committee Chairperson Francois Beukman said we believe everything should be done in order to catch the perpetrators and bring before court as soon as possible.

“Our deepest sympathy goes to the family after the litte boy,the modest family and the people of Boksburg Beukman added.

Boksburg accident leaves one dead and eight people injured

Loyiso Langeni
22 July 2014

An accident this morning at the Dickens and Trichardts Road intersection in Boksburg left one person dead and eight people injured when a taxi collided with a light motor vehicle. 

ER24 Spokesperson Russel Meiring said when they arrived on scene they found the intersection blocked by the two wrecked vehicles.

Paramedics discovered one man lying lifeless inside the taxi. Seven other occupants from the taxi as well as the driver from the light motor vehicle all sustained injuries ranging from minor to moderate.

Paramedics treated the patients and thereafter transported them to nearby hospitals for further medical treatment.  

The exact details of the cause of the accident will remain the subject of a police investigation. 

CTICC to be expanded

Mluleki Mrwebi
22 July 2014

Western Cape MEC of Economic Opportunities Alan Winde said the expansion of The Cape Town International Convention Centre will deliver a significant boost for the Western Cape’s growing travel industry.

It is projected that the CTICC will add R22 billion to the national gross domestic product over the next five years.

Ministerial Spokesperson Bronwynne Jooste said the expansion of CTICC is a great initiative that will help to bring more business in the province.

She added that this is in line with the job creation and people in this province will benefit from all this.

 

DA to protest on Higher Education Budget Speech

Mluleki Mrwebi
21July 2014

The Democratic Alliance will on Tuesday hold a protest for Higher Education Budget Speech by Minister Blade Nzimande.

DA Youth Chairperson Yusuf Cassim said despite our constant calls for an increase in the National Student Financial Aid Scheme budget, the Minister will again announce no new steps to ensure everyone has acces to the NSFAS.

Cassim said the students will continue with their protests up until the Minister make changes and accommodate as many students on NSFAS.

Cassim added that the Minister has been talking but no action and this is the time. 

A man died after being hit by a car near Umhlanga

Mluleki Mrwebi
21 July 2014

A man has tragically died after he was hit by a car on the M4 North near the Umhlanga off ramp this morning.

A report from the scene indicates that the man tried to run across the busy highway when he landed in front of a vehicle traveling on the North bound lane.

ER24 Spokesperson Chris Botha said when paramedics arrived on scene the man had died due to his injuries.

The circumstances surrounding the accident are unknown at this stage and the police are investigating.

 

Western Cape MEC announces policing consultation process

Oscar Thomas
21 July 2014

The Western Cape Community Safety MEC Dan Plato on Sunday announced the 2014/2015 policing needs and priorities consultation process.

The consultation process will include holding public hearing with communities. The process is scheduled to start on the 26 of July 2014.

Ministerial Spokesperson Ewald Botha said the five month consultation process across the province aims to gather information from communities on their specific policing needs and priorities to be included in the PNP report which will be submitted to the National Minister of Police for his consideration, when determining where different policing resources are needed.

“It is important that all communities use the consultation process as an opportunity to have their say on their safety concerns. Through the PNP, the Western Cape Government is committed to working Better Together to increase the safety of all our communities Botha added.

 

         

A Baby died and several others injured in Silversands collision

Loyiso Langeni
21 July 2014

ER24 paramedics and other services responded to an accident on Hindle Road in Silversands yesterday after a taxi and a light motor vehicle had collided.

Paramedics Spokesperson Luyanda Majija said they arrived at the scene and found that the deceased baby’s body lay inside the light motor vehicle.

“Three of the critically injured commuters were entrapped in the taxi and while their extrication was carried out the taxi caught alight. Fire fighters acted quickly and extinguished the fire before it could injure the patients further.” Majija added.

Majija said once the extrication was complete all patients, including the six moderately injured patients, were treated and thereafter transported to Tygerburg Hospital for urgent medical treatment.   

The incident is currently under investigation by local authorities. 

WC Traffic Authorities held roadblocks over the weekend

Mluleki Mrwebi
21 July 2014

The Western Cape Traffic officials held 24 roadblocks over the weekend across the province.

1 949 vehicles were stopped in these roadblocks and 884 drivers were tested for alcohol.

Western Cape Traffic Chief Kenny Africa said several drivers were arrested for various offences.

Africa said they arrested drivers for drunken driving, reckless and negligent driving. They also arrested one illegal immigrant in Mossel Bay.

Meanwhile several motorists were prosecuted on these roadblocks and issued with fines.  

Africa urged motorists to drive with care and tolerate each other more especially with the schools opening and the holiday makers returning home.

Africa said the total amount of fines issued was R 157 600 and the highest speed recorded in the Western Cape was 144 km/h on the N2 near Swellendam and there were fifteen fatalities reported over the weekend and out of those there were 7 pedestrians killed in different areas.

Three people died and six others sustained injuries in Klerksdorp

Mluleki Mrwebi
20 July 2014

Three people were killed and six others sustained minor injuries when a bakkie overturned on Klerksdorp, North West. 

ER24 Spokesperson Luyanda Majija said paramedics arrived on the scene and found that the three deceased had already succumbed to severe head injuries. They are suspected to have been in their twenties. 

Majija said six other occupants of the bakkie sustained minor injuries and were transported to Tsepong Hospital for observations.  The driver of the bakkie was left uninjured in the collision. The incident apparently occurred when he lost control and the bakkie overturned multiple times ejecting its occupants. 

The exact detail to the cause of the accident is not yet known and the police are investigating.

SJC held a public hearing on flush toilets in Khayelitsha

Mluleki Mrwebi
20 July 2014

The Social Justice Coalition and Ndifuna Ukwazi hosted a public hearing on the findings of a week-long social audit on the janitorial service for communal flush toilets in four informal settlements in Khayelitsha on Saturday.

Social Justice Coalition`s Spokesperson Axolile Notywala said the social audit entailed comprehensive inspections of more than 600 flush toilets and nearly 200 interviews with residents who use the facilities and janitors who clean the toilets in PJS, Nkanini, BM and BT. More than 80 people, representing a number of civil society organisations from across the country participated in the audit.

Notywala said at the public hearing held, participants presented their evidence and community members gave testimonies of their experiences of this service.

He further said the attendance and participation of members of government is welcomed by the SJC and most encouraging. Councillor Ernest Sonnenberg, Mayco Member for Utility Services and Gisela Kaiser, Executive Director for Utility Services, were respondents for the City of Cape Town. Western Cape Premier Helen Zille as well as several members of local, provincial and national government attended the hearing as guests.

“The preliminary findings show that the implementation of the janitorial service is inconsistent and haphazard, suffering from a severe lack of planning and consistency. The result is that residents are left without access to safe and dignified toilets, posing life-threatening risks to the poorest and most vulnerable communities in the city. This is due to the lack of an implementation plan for the service” said Notywala.

Two crewmen rescued at Umhlanga

Mluleki Mrwebi
19 July 2014

The National Sea Rescue Institute in Durban and volunteer sea rescue duty crew were activated following reports of jet-ski with motor difficulties 300 meters behind back line at Umhlanga with 2 local male crew onboard and drifting off-shore in a light South Westerly wind.

NSRI Spokesperson Craig Lambinon said the NSRI volunteer sea rescue duty crew at the Durban Boat Show hooked up the sea rescue craft Eikos Rescuer II on her trailer to our sea rescue vehicle and responded and launched at Vechies Pier. 

Lambinon said on arrival on-scene we located the two men with their jet ski and we established tow line and towed them to Vechies Pier from where they had launched earlier.

He added that additional NSRI crew were on hand to assist to recover their jet ski to their trailer and no further assistance was required.

 

 

A woman injured in an accident near Maseru

Mluleki Mrwebi
19 July 2014

A woman was left critically injured after the vehicle she was travelling in overturned along the N8 near the Maseru border in the Free State last night. 

ER24 Spokesperson Luyanda Majija said paramedics arrived on scene and discovered the mangled vehicle stationed in the veld alongside the road. 

Majija said the injured woman was seated in the front passenger seat of the vehicle, conscious but in immense pain. She was immediately stabilised and rushed off to Pelanomi Hospital to receive urgent medical care. 

She added that there were no other vehicles or individuals on scene.  

 

 

Cosatu-There could be serious issues with Amended Immigration Regulations

Mluleki Mrwebi

19 July 2014

The Congress of South African Trade Unions has some serious concerns about the Amended Immigration Regulations which took effect from 22 May 2014.

These are intended to amend the Immigration Act by tightening existing regulations and closing loopholes.

There are also several fundamental omissions and flaws that make it difficult for COSATU to support the regulations in their current form.

Cosatu National Spokesperson Patrick Craven said it have serious effect on families and tourists as well because they might find it difficult to get into the country.

 

Police seize 4000 mandrax tablets in Mannenberg

Oscar Thomas
19 July 2014

On the 17^th of July 2014 at approximately 10:45 Manenberg police arrested a 24 year-old female in possession of 4000 mandrax tablets. The arrest follows after police members from Manenberg SAPS received information of a suspicious vehicle transporting drugs.

As the members continued the search for the vehicle, they spotted the white Toyota that was driven by a female. When the driver stopped the vehicle at Helen court, the SAPS members approached her.

Phinidiswa Gcume said when the members informed the female driver of their intention, they searched the vehicle and found a large bag on the back seat. Inside the bag they found four brown packets tightly wrapped with buff tape.

“While the members were still busy with their search, the suspect managed to get hold of the brown packs and threw it to the community, and some of the community members attempted to attack the SAPS members Gcume added.

 

Step father kidnaps and kills 6 year old boy

Oscar Thomas
18 July 2014

A 26-year-old man is due to appear in the Esikhawini Magistrates’ Court today, 17 July 2014 facing kidnapping and murder charges.

He was arrested on 14 July 2014 after he handed over himself to Empangeni police station.

On 10 July 2014 the woman reported that she suspected that her six-year-old boy was taken away by his stepfather after an argument at Esikhawini area.

Captain Thulani Zwane said this is not acceptable in our society where children are killed because of an argument between the parents. We appeal to the community members to solve their differences without involving the children.

Police officer killed while off duty

Oscar Thomas
18 July 2014

A police officer from Phuthaditjhaba K9 Unit was shot and killed by four suspects during a business robbery in the early hours today at Marakong Village in QwaQwa.

The off duty officer was responding to a business robbery at a foreign owned business in the area where he resides.

Sgt Mmako Mophiring said it is alleged that on 17 July 2014 a security guard working at a Bangladesh shop saw four people attempting to break into the business and alerted the police.

“I want to send my humble condolences to the family, his colleagues and community members he was serving. We shall take extensive measures to seek, find and bring his killers to book. The death of one police officer is a death to many Mophiring added.

Six people arrested for dealing in drugs in Elsies River

Loyiso Langeni
18 July 2014

Western Cape Police have arrested six suspects for dealing in drugs on Tuesday.

Constable Phindiswa Gcume said after obtaining a search warrant, Saps in conjunction with Metro police unit conducted a search and seizure operation. 

“They found an undisclosed amount of cash, more than 800 whole mandrax tablets, 46 half mandrax tablets, 24 gram of mandrax powder 57 gram of tik, 0.5 gram of ecstasy powder, 85 ecstasy tablets, 197 small plastic packets, two digital scales,” Gcume added

She conluded by saying that one of the suspects, a 32 year-old male is well-known for his illegal drug activities in the Elsies River area. The other five suspects are aged between 16 and 32.