Friday, June 30, 2006
ACDP calls for stringent action in the Kebble-linked tax invasion
The African Christian Democratic Party has called for stringent action in the Kebble-linked tax invasion. This comes after reports that some ANC youth league leaders have benefited in the money that was donated by the late mining magnate Brett Kebble and one of the youth league member, Songezo Mjongile, appeared in court for tax invasion. ACDP Western Cape Leader, Hansie Louw says it is quite possible that some of the money was diverted to the ANC. He says Mjongile is setting a bad example for the youth. Louw says reports suggest that Kebble not only passed money to Youth League executive members, but also to former ANC Western Cape Leader, Chris Nissen. According to Louw, Nissen needs to come clear on these accusations.
Knysna dj set to plead not guilty
The Knysna disc jockey accused of raping and murdering two young women last year trial’s date is approaching after months of postponements, the Knysna District Court heard Thursday. Magistrate Elmarie Potgieter postponed the matter for further investigation after a brief hearing. Heinrich van Rooyen supported by family members was not asked to plea, but his attorney Daan Dercksen told the court repeatedly, that he would profess his innocence. Dercksen also stated that a date for trial has been set for August 24. According to the Cape Times the family of both Jessica Wheeler and Victoria Stadler were not present in court. Wheeler’s partly clothed body was found on October 13 and Stadler one month later November 15, both girls reportedly knew van Rooyen. Van Rooyen is set to remain in custody as he his lost bail application.
Initiation victim starves to death
Eastern Cape police and health department officials yesterday arrested 6 people involved in running illegal circumcision schools. The body of an uncircumcised 17-year-old boy was found in Ntabankulu near Mthatha. It is reported that the he starved to death. Eastern Cape Provincial health department spokesman, Sizwe Kupelo, says rescuers found the boy dead amongst 21 other boys in the region. The boys had been kept over 3 weeks and were not allowed to have food. Survivors were taken to hospital and are being treated for starvation. The death toll has now risen to 11 in the province since the start of the initiation season. A postmortem will be conducted on the boy and a case of murder is to be opened.
Young people to be trained in drug counselling
The Western Cape Social Services and Poverty Alleviation MEC, Ms Koleka Mqulwana, accompanied by Premier Ebrahim Rasool, will be launching the department's Siyabulela Campaign, at the Gugulethu Sports Complex today. The campaign will see one thousand unemployed and poor young people, mostly from rural areas, employed and trained in drug and substance abuse intervention mechanisms. The young people will subsequently be deployed throughout the province to provide counselling to people suffering from drug addiction.
pic:http://www.info.gov.za
Local pricipal suspended on sex charges
A primary school principal suspected of indecent assault and possession of child pornography has been suspended. The Department of Education in the Western Cape suspended the school principal after receiving affidavits from parents. Education MEC Cameron Dugmore says that the department will keep a close eye on the court proceedings and will conduct their own investigation. The suspect was granted bail on Wednesday in the Bellville Magistrate Court. Counselling for the pupils and parents have been arranged by education officials. Meanwhile an; acting principal has been assigned to take over when the new school term begins.
Disabled youth cries out in Youth Parliament
By Odette Ismail
Concerns were raised about accessibility for disabled youth at the two-day long National Youth Parliament hosted by parliament on Tuesday. This debate increased when the organisers of the Youth Parliament did not provide proper structures in accommodating the disabled. Ms Gwen Mahlangu, deputy speaker of the National Assembly in Tshwane, was very disgraced that disabled people were carried out of buses and demanded an explanation. There was a cry out to government to ensure more support and access to especially obtaining information for the disabled.” Let us show them we walked the path,” said Mahlangu, who referred to the youth of 1976 who joined forces so that the 30th anniversary of June 16 can be celebrated. Other highlights for the day were the need for safety in schools and the availability of jobs after the completion of studies. The results of the discussion will be written up in a report to be tabled for further consideration.
picture:www.ztpm.sk
Parliament seeks resolution for education
By Tarryn Le Chat
Parliament of the Republic of South Africa have been seeking to resolve issues within education and other topics by hosting the National Youth Parliament to mark the 30th anniversary of June 16, 1976 uprisings. The main focus was on issues within education itself, such as substance abuse, teacher/learner ratio, and disability, funding for education, language barriers and discrimination in schools. Tsietsi Tolo, chair: select committee on education put these issues forward to members on the committee to come up with resolutions. South African Students Congress says, “Government should take necessary steps to make environments more accessible to disabled students”. A committee member from Gauteng noted that language barriers wouldn’t be solved if they were taught in their ‘mother tongue’ at schools. “This will have a dangerous outcome”, Jolie said. However, the chairperson dismissed these claims saying, “Africans should be taught in their ‘African language’.” Further queries or reports can be sent to the parliament website, http://www.parliament.gov.za/ for the issues that were addressed for the different committees.
Youth representatives behaviour criticised
As the month of June draws to a close, so does Youth Month, which celebrates the 30th anniversary of the June 16th uprisings. The Republic of South Africa therefore hosted a National Youth Parliament to not only celebrate but also commemorate the Youth Month. The debated issues that were discussed at the youth parliament were those core problems affecting the youth of South Africa today. Some youth representatives behaviour were critised. Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Ms Gwen Mahlangu said that she was embarrassed at the behaviour and felt that some representatives should be given the rules of parliament as youth issues in South Africa are to be taken seriously.
pic:www.meyerandferreira.co.za
GERMANY BRACES FOR THE NEXT ROUND
BONN, GERMANY: It’s another rest day today for the remaining eight teams in the 2006 World Cup. The quarter-final qualifiers this year are Brazil, England, Germany, Argentina, France, Italy, Portugal and Ukraine.
Defending champions Brazil advanced to the next round of the World Cup by beating Ghana 3-0 in Dortmund on Tuesday, which saw Africa exit tournament.
But it’s really the people in the middle of the field that are making headlines constantly during this World Cup. The referees have come up for a lot of criticism from all sides. A committee met yesterday to decide on which of the 22 referees will remain in Germany to officiate the quarter finals. A full list will be revealed at a press conference later today. After 55 of the 64 matches that will be played in the tournament, 306 yellow cards and 25 red cards have been dished out. Both are World Cup records.
German fans are waiting with baited breathe as their team take on Argentina in Berlin at 5PM tomorrow, while Italy play Ukraine in Hamburg at 9PM. France meet Brazil in Saturday’s quarter final, while England take on Portugal.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
SA youth voice their issues in Parliament
Western Cape youth and Youth organisation from all over South Africa gathered in Parliament for a two-day long program in Parliament. This event is hosted every year in order to stimulate debates about issues affecting the youth of South Africa.This year the youth present at the gathering edged other young people to take responsibility and take part in improving development of the country and not leave things to the government. Other issues that were dug out were teenage pregnancy, the implementation of peer education, cultural practice, gender relations, poverty leading to crime, communication and the lack of involvement by the youth in community projects.
Zidane still on par
Zinedine Zidane scores the third and final goal in injury time to seal off Spain’s hopes of World Cup glory. In a typically ordinary style European soccer match the French midfielder played some good attacking soccer and composed himself to slot in his 29th international goal in his 105 appearance. The goal ensured the "Les Blues" as they are commonly known, advancement to the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup. They are now set to meet with the current World champions, Brazil, whom just qualified by an unconvincing win over African hopefuls Ghana who made it to the last sixteen on their debut. Zinedine came back from retirement in order to play and assist France in their World Cup assault in Germany 2006 and this showed his critics that his still on par with the best in the world.
Local baby eventually receives heart operation
Bridgetown baby Shakier Tofa finally had his heart operation on Wednesday at the Red Cross Children’s hospital, after he was sent away three times. Shakier’s surgery was arranged for May 23, but it was rescheduled to June 19 and then again to Monday this week. According to the Cape Argus the baby’s parents, Nadeema and Ali Tofu were extremely upset and concerned about their child’s life. Spokeswoman for the Red Cross hospital said that the reasons for the delays were ‘ increase in service pressures.’ She says this results in less intensive care unit beds and so like Shakier who needed ‘post operative care’ had to come back for surgery on another date. Shakier eventually had his surgery on Wednesday morning after it was rescheduled again this Monday.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
City to take next step in SATAWU damages claim
The City of Cape Town is set to take its claims for damages against the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union, to the next step. This comes after the city held a public meeting where members of the public could come forward to report damages caused by security guards during their strike on May 16th. According to the City of Cape Town’s spokesperson, Pieter CronjĂ©, 248 people reported damages that totaled R1,15 million. CronjĂ© says that after the meeting, the City recorded the information given by the complainants and opened a data-base of the information. CronjĂ© also says that a test case will be pursued by the City’s attorneys, on behalf of a selected group of claimants. He says that if the test case is successful, it will serve as a guideline for the rest of the cases. The data-base of the public’s reports and footage from the City’s closed circuit television cameras have been handed over to the police and the attorneys. The footage allegedly shows security guards damaging public property and committing acts of violence. The City is urging all claimants to keep all the evidence they may have in connection with the violence and damages, so that it can be used in the claims to be made against SATAWU.
NSRI seek missing fisherman
By Odette Ismail
The search to find Jacob Friesly, a Lambert’s Bay fisherman continued on Tuesday. He fell overboard from a fishing vessel west of Nature’s Valley on Sunday. Air and sea teams could not find Friesly on Monday but the search was expected to resume early Tuesday morning. According to the Cape Times Ray Farnham, the National Sea Rescue Institutes’s Plettenberg Bay station commander, Friesly was not wearing a life jacket.
Fishing vessels have been told to keep a lookout for the missing fisherman.
SAPS pay tribute to officers killed at Jeppestown
South African Police Service payed tribute to four fallen heroes of a gruesome gun-battle that broke out between the police and about 19 gang members. The gun-battle occurred after a robbery at a Pick ‘n Pay supermarket in Honeydew, Johannesburg. Eight of the suspects were killed and eleven were taken into police custody after giving up arms to the massive police presence around their alleged base house in Jeppestown. Four senior ranked policemen were killed during the shoot-out. The police were led to the house in Jeppestown and were met by a heavily armed gang. Inspector Frederick van Heerden (32) and Inspector Nzama Victor Mathye (49) were of the West Rand Dog Unit, Sergeant Gert Schoeman (30) was of the West Rand Emergency Response Services and Constable Peter Francois Seaward (31) from the Johannesburg Dog Unit were gunned down inside the house while trying to protect the public.
Racism blamed for rugby players death
By Tarryn Le Chat
Suspicions have arisen around the death of 24-year-old Riaan Loots, a Rawsonville rugby player, after a racism face off between rugby players of Delicious and Rawsonville Rugby Clubs turned ugly. Loots was declared brain dead at Worcester Medi-Clinic on Saturday. His death came as a result of an alleged assault during the match. DP Spangenberg, Chairperson of the Rawsonville rugby team, claims that Loots was allegedly punched and as he fell was kicked against the head. According to Bennie Leendertz, Chairperson of the Delicious rugby club, his players were provoked and taunted by players of the opposing rugby team who used racial slur. Leendertz alleges that a player of the Rawsonville team said to a player of the Delicious team, "Luister hier, hotnootjie. Ek gaan vir jou donner (Listen here, hotnootjie. I'm going to beat you up)." Leendertz would like to see the Rawsonville team face suspension with immediate effect as both teams were involved in the fight. Investigations are now underway on Loots' death and the Delicious rugby team is suspended with immediate effect.
Picture: www.bgs.qld.edu.au
N2 Gateway applications extended
By Chanel September
The closing date for the tenant applications for the N2 Gateway Project has been extended after scores of people queued at the Langa police station to hand in applications. Vusi Tshose spokesperson for the Local Government and Housing Department confirmed the extention of the deadline to Friday 30 June 2006. According to the Cape Argus the seven housing officials were being inundated with questions and did not know if there would be an extention. Officials had to close gates as many of those standing rushed to make it in time. The large turnout from residents clearly indicates that more time is needed to submit applications.
Picture: www.shf.org.za
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Missing boy found dead
The body of 14-year-old Gudio Keyster was found above the Grootwaterval ravine on Monday. Keyster went missing in the Grootwinterhoek Mountains near Porterville after he had gone hiking with friends, 13-year-old Eldino Patience and a 15-year-old whose name has not been released. According to the Cape Times the 15-year-old returned home without reporting his friends missing. Police were alerted by the missing boy’s parents as he never returned home. Meanwhile a farmer came across Patience and he was taken to hospital in Paarl. Patience later helped police find the missing teen’s body when he pointed out the last place he saw Keyster.
Men appear for Jeppestown bloodbath
By Megan Hartogh
The 11 people arrested in connection with Sunday’s bloodbath in Jeppestown, appeared in the Roodepoort Magistrate’s court on Tuesday. According to police spokesperson, Mary Martins-Engelbrecht, the accused were scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, but the change had been made early on Tuesday morning. It is reported that the courtroom, which was cleared of all journalists and onlookers, was filled by approximately 20 armed police officers. The 11 are believed to have been involved in a robbery at a Pick ‘n Pay in Honeydew, Johannesburg. According to reports, police officers were led to the house, where the shootout occurred, by a person who was arrested at the scene of the robbery. Four police officers – Inspectors Fredrick van Heerden and Nzama Victor Mathye, Constable Peter Francois Seaward and Sergeant Gert Schoeman – and eight robbers were killed.
Picture: www.saps.gov.za
SAPS launches the Beat project
The Women's Network for Legal Services in the South African Police Service (SAPS) will be holding a "Beat Project" on the 28th June 2006 at Lotus Gardens Secondary School in Pretoria West. The project is called BEAT meaning BUILDING EXTREME ACHIEVEMENTS TOGETHER. Police spokesperson, Senior Superintendent, Tummi Golding says the project is meant for identifying and adopting a place of safety for children from disadvantaged spheres of life, which is in line with the objective of the SAPS Women's Network. She says the network is promoting external services to women and children who have fallen victims of serious and violent crimes.
PIC:http://www.saps.gov.za
Access denied to hijacking accused
Access to the 21-year-old student, who is accused of attempting to hijack an SAA aircraft, has been restricted. This comes after a female journalist apparently visited Tinashe Rioga, posing as an employee from the University of Cape Town’s cafeteria. Rioga’s lawyer, Joshua Greef, made this announcement in the Bellville Magistrate’s court on Monday, when information surrounding Rioga’s bail application was made. Magistrate, David Tomisi, granted that visits to the accused be restricted. Only Rioga’s defence team, the investigating officer, a relative, a medical practitioner and members of the police force will be allowed access to the accused. During the bail application, Greef said that his client had no previous convictions or pending cases. However, prosecutor, Zamani Gcelushe, said that Rioga would have “to convince the court of exceptional circumstances for bail to be granted”. Rioga allegedly tried to re-route an SAA aircraft that was on its way to Johannesburg from Cape Town, to Maputo in Mozambique on June 17th. He also allegedly threatened an airhostess with a hypodermic syringe. Rioga, who is an information technology student at UCT, is charged with contravening aviation regulations by trying to seize an aircraft in flight and with assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm. Rioga’s bail application has been postponed until July 5th.
Police looking for missing people
Police are requesting the public’s assistance in locating three children and an adult who went missing on Saturday, June 24th. The four were last seen at the Retreat Railway station at approximately ten-past-ten on the morning of their disappearance. They were on their way to Wellington to visit relatives during the school holidays. However, according to the family friend who was meant to meet them at the Wellington train station, they were nowhere to be seen. Police spokesperson, Bernadine Steyn says that two of the four missing are twins, Karlin and Sandra Manuel from Cedar Road, in Westlake, Kirstenhof. Steyn says that the twins are 13-years-old and are 1,5 metres tall. Steyn says that they are slender built and have dark brown eyes. Karlin, who has black hair, and Sandra who has red hair, were wearing blue jeans, orange and black t-shirts, black and white takkies and light blue jackets. According to Steyn, the other two missing people are half-sisters, Andrea Williams and Bernedeen Goliath. Williams is 12-years-old, has brown eyes and is 1,5 metres tall. She was last seen wearing a brown skirt, brown jacket, brown t-shirt and boots. Goliath is 20-years-old, has short, curly brown hair and is also 1,5 metres tall. Steyn says that Goliath has a tattoo of a bird on her back. At the time of her disappearance, she was dressed in blue denim skirt, a blue denim jacket, a white top and black boots. Williams and Goliath are both from Kestrel Way, Westlake, Kirstenhof. If anyone has information about their whereabouts, please contact the investigating officer, Inspector Rodney Franks, on(021) 701 24 26 or the Crime Stop number of 08600 10 111.
Monday, June 26, 2006
Missing Plettenberg Bay man presumed to have drowned
Plettenberg Bay Sea Rescue officials are searching for a man who is believed to have drowned last night. According to the NSRI the man was not wearing a life jacket when he fell overboard the fishing vessel approximately one nautical mile off-shore. NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon says the search and rescue operation was suspended by midnight and Maritime Radio Services continued to broadcast to vessels in the area to be on the look-out. Lambinon says they will resume with the search today.
PIC:http://www.nsri.org.za/
Follow-up meeting regarding Jonkershoek land issue
The Western Cape MEC of Agriculture will today attend a first follow-up meeting with regard to evictions and land matters in Jonkershoek. Minister, Cobus Dowry says in view of the problems affecting the farming community, it was decided to have a meeting to resolve the matter in an amicable way and to investigate ways and means for a possible longer term solution. The meeting will take place at the Council Chambers in Stellenbosch. Dowry says this process of dialogue and constructive engagement in agricultural communities may very well be the first of its kind and may serve as a blueprint for other similar areas in the Province and South Africa.
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Shoplifting charges dropped against Mfeketo's son
Shoplifting charges that were brought against the son of Cape Town’s former mayor, Nomaindia Mfeketo, were dropped on Friday. The charges against Ondele Mfeketo were withdrawn, after a security guard – who was the state’s only witness – did not turn up to testify in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court. According to the Weekend Argus Mfeketo’s attorney William De Grass, asked magistrate Menzi Tyulu, to have the case struck from the roll, which was done. This now means that Mfeketo’s case may only be reinstated with written consent from the Western Cape Directorate for Public Prosecutions. Mfeketo was charged with shoplifting after stealing maize meal, fruit juice and potato crisps from the V & A Waterfront’s Pick n’ Pay in May 2005.
Is Cape Town ready for 2010 ?
Readiness of Cape Town for the 2010 Soccer World Cup is still a burning issue. Today the Western Cape department of Cultural Affairs and Sport held a meeting with six regional representatives of the South Africa Football Association to discuss the readiness of the city for the tournament. Department MEC, Whitey Jacobs, says the outcomes of the congregation determined that the construction of the Green Point stadium should be given a go ahead. Jacobs added that the meeting decided that a Soccer Summit should be held to discuss provinces soccer development. Today’s meeting is a predecessor of the meeting that will take place on Monday between the Western Cape government and the City of Cape Town. The meeting will decide the future of the province during the 2010 Soccer World Cup tournament.
Friday, June 23, 2006
Metrorail Commuters were left stranded yesterday evening
Yesterday evening Metrorail commuters were stuck in trains for more than two hours on the Northern line. With no reason given why the trains were suddenly halted. After 8 PM an announcer announced that the trains on the Northern lines would be subjected to delays. No explanation for the delay or indication as to the length of the delay was given.
According to eyewitnesses some commuters at the Bellville station started to attack the ticket verifiers who ran for safety. Fortunately no one was injured during the incident. When asked about what happened yesterday, Metrorail spokesperson Riana Scott said “We have so many trains, so it is impossible for me to keep track of each train”. After keeping Bush Radio on the line for five minuteswe were told that it was due to cable theft.
When asked why passengers were not told about the delay she said “The PA announcer did not know what was happening, she did not have any information that is why she did not mention it during the announcements’’.
pic:http://www.capemetrorail.co.za/
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
FEATURE: Life in a fan camp
DORTMUND, GERMANY: Recently, I visited a fan camp in Dortmund with a colleague from Indonesia and another from Germany, to do a story on “the life of a fan”. To deal with the huge demand for accommodation during the world cup, hosts Germany have provided fan camps close to some of the 12 world cup stadiums for their guests from around the world.
Just some background on Dortmund: It is a formerly industrial area, famous for steel and carbon. It now houses one of Germany’s biggest football stadiums, where six World Cup matches will be played.
We arrived at the fan camp around 3-o-clock on a Saturday afternoon, and after checking in, we were given a yellow plastic bracelet that would identify me as a “fan-camper”. We were given a bed in the “mixed’ hall (there are three halls: male, female and mixed). After travelling for two hours, we were eager to dump our bags. As we walked into the hall that would be our base for the next two days, I immediately got the feeling that something was missing.
Doors! There are no doors in the place. Two-thousand-five-hundred people and no doors! Upon closer inspection, I realised that there were no mattresses or pillows either. It was going to be a long night…
We dumped our things and set out to do some interviews, following two newly arrived fan campers from Brazil from the reception desk to their beds, to witness their reaction, and what they said is not fit for publication.
Then we set out to watch a game in the fan hall, where a few big screens had been erected. Brazilian, Australian, Swiss, Swedish, English and Irish fans, consuming large quantities of beer, were amongst those watching the game when we arrived. It was the Brazil-Australia match.
Various entertainment was arranged for fans. An African festival had been arranged for the night we stayed over, live music from the likes of Mory Kante, Magic System and Vitamin X could be heard from the stage.
At twelve, my Indonesian colleague, Nita and I walked back to our beds. As we neared our section, without warning, the lights were switched off. Finding our way in the dark we went in search of the shower area, and then settled down on our “beds” for the night.
We couldn’t sleep. I don’t know if it was the uncomfortable stretcher-like “bed”, the lack of a pillow, the thought that all our recording equipment and belongings were practically out in the open, or a combination of it all. I finally fell asleep around 4.30AM. And that’s when the party animals decided return. What followed was a chorus of giggles, screeches and loud whispering.
At 8AM, as the rowdy party-campers slept away their hangovers, we made our way to the bathrooms again, eager to wrap-up our last interviews and say goodbye to the camp and hello to the comfortable beds in our hotel.
Family murdered in Cape Town
There has been a family shooting in Guguletu in Cape Town. Three people, including a two-year-old girl, have been shot dead. Police spokesperson, Billy Jones, says that the shooting occurred after an argument between a family member and male friend, who visited the house. The shooting took place this morning at NY 89 Guguletu. Jones says the man has been arrested and detained at the Gugulethu police station. Jones added that other family members, who survived the shooting are receiving counselling at the police station.
Bush Radio contributes in the upliftment of Communities
It was all smiles, when Bush Radio staff, volunteers, friends and colleagues took to the streets of PJS in Site B Khayelitsha on Saturday, to bring disaster relief to some of the residents in the area. Bush Radio sponsored the residents with tarpaulin (sails) in an effort to reduce flooding in their dwellings. Bush Radio administrative manager, Brenda Leonard, said that the station provided the tarpaulin to ten of the dwelling owners that had leaking roofs. Leonard added that the program is initiated to bring about social upliftment in townships.
Its lunch time :Bush Radio staff, volunteers, friends,colleagues and community members posing for a picture, after work done.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
The latest on the security strike
The security guard strike, which has lasted nearly three months, may soon be coming to an end. This comes about after a meeting was held, under the auspices of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration, between the South African Transport and Allied Worker’s Union and employers in the security sector. According to SATAWU spokesperson, Ronnie Mamba, the latest offer takes the union’s two major issues into account – the salary increment and maternity leave. Some of the key changes, in the latest proposal, are that the Grade E guards who work in area five will be phased into area four. Mamba says that this means an automatic increase of R232 for the lowest paid security guards. All other demands, including that of maternity leave, meal intervals, study leave, night shift allowance and service benefits, have been met by security employers. Talks between the union and employers are set to resume on Thursday, and Mamba says that SATAWU will sign the proposed agreement if their members are satisfied and give them the go ahead.
One killed during SAPS operation
One man was killed and three policemen were wounded, while police were performing an operation in the Mfuleni area on Tuesday morning. The operation reportedly forms part of the SAPS’s ongoing investigation into taxi related violence. According to police spokesperson, Bernadine Steyn, the 25-year-old suspect opened fire on police officers at a house in Drift Sands, Mfuleni. Steyn says that it was when police officers returned fire that the suspect was shot in the right leg and abdomen, and died on the scene. The injured police officers are in a stable condition in a local hospital. A case of attempted murder and an Inquest Investigation into the incident is being investigated. A case of possession of an unlicensed firearm will also be investigated after police confiscated a R5 shotgun and two 38 special taurus.
A burned body of a baby found
Police are requesting the public’s assistance of any person who can assist in an investigation of a burned body of a baby that was found inside a burned tyre in Belhar. Police found the baby’s body in the bushes next to the railway line in Belhar on Saturday. Police spokesperson, Bernadine Steyn, says a case of concealment of birth and murder is being investigated. Anyone with information can contact the investigating officer, Constable Maxine Charles at the Delft police station on (021) 954 1345 or the police toll free number 08600 10111
More money for no fee schools
The Western Cape Education Department has allocated 29 million rand to fund the introduction of no fee schools during the 2006/07 financial year, focusing on the poorest schools.
The department plans to allocate 139 million rand in 2007/08 and more money for the following years to expand the no fee initiative to cover more schools over the next three years. Schools are ranked for funding purposes based on the relative poverty of the communities surrounding the schools.
The department says it is allocating 527 rand per learner to cover the first phase of the initiative this year. It also plans to expand the programme to cover 37.6 percent of learners in 2007, while increasing the allocation to at least 554 rand per learner.
Spur robbed of R10 000
Police are requesting the public’s assistance in locating seven unknown gunmen, who robbed a restaurant in Howard Centre, Pinelands on Sunday. According to reports, the men entered the Spur Steak Ranch posing as customers. The store’s owner, Colin Roll, said that the men were “mingling and blending in at the Salad Valley”. Roll said that one of the men demanded one of the restaurant’s managers to open the cash register. The men got away with R10 000. Police spokesperson, Billy Jones, says that the men fled the scene in a black Peugeot. Jones says that no customers were injured during the incident. Anyone who may have information regarding the robbery, is asked to call the Crime Stop number of 08600 10 111.
Attempted hijacker to remain in custody
The 21-year-old University of Cape Town student, who attempted to hijack an SAA flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg on Saturday, appeared in the Bellville magistrate’s court on Monday. Tinashe Rioga, who is from Zimbabwe, faces two provisional charges. These are: assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, and the other of contravening aviation regularities by attempting to seize the aircraft while in flight. According to reports, the third year UCT student’s case will be postponed until June 26th, to allow for further investigation into the matter. Until then, Rioga will remain in police custody at the Bellville South police station.
REPORTING ON THE WORLD CUP
Log onto http://blogs.dw-world.de/football2006/ for all the latest stories from a team of international journalists who are in Germany, covering the World Cup.
Above: Reporters (L to R) Nadia Samie (South Africa), Nita Roshita (Indonesia) and Ehsan Bahador conduct interviews in Unna, Germany
Pic: Peter Hille (Germany)
The team is currently based in Bonn and Berlin, where they are producing for both radio and television. Click on the link http://blogs.dw-world.de/football2006/ to read all about their daily exploits!
Above: Ivory Coast's Drogba practices in Triosdorf, close to Bonn
Pic: Chen Xianging (China)
While germany is abuzz with football fever, there are many other stories playing out off the pitch that has kept a certain group of journalists very busy. Read their stories here: http://blogs.dw-world.de/football2006/
MEC Fransman calls for more safety measures on the roads
The Western Cape MEC for Transport and Public works, Marius Fransman has called on motorists to practise safety measures during the June school holidays. Fransman was responding to the accident that claimed the lives of twelve people in Leeu Gamka this morning. The accident was between a taxi and a bus. He also urged people to be more visible and vigilant when they are using roads. Fransman added that drastically measures will be exercised by his department in partnership with the safety and security department, forming road blocks in the Western Cape roads.
Monday, June 19, 2006
22 killed on roads this morning
A total of 22 people have lost their lives on the country’s roads on Monday morning alone. Twelve of the deceased were passengers in a taxi that was involved in an accident on the N1 near Leeu-Gamka in the Western Cape. It is reported that the taxi apparently drove into the back of a bus, 20km outside the town. According to Metro Rescue officials, eleven other taxi passengers were taken to the Beaufort West hospital – two with serious and nine with minor injuries. Meanwhile, ten people lost their lives in a bus accident between Kroonstad and Koppies in the Free State at 1 a.m. on Monday morning. According to police spokesperson, Rosa Benade, the bus overturned with 60 passengers on board. Benade says that the cause of the accident is still unknown.
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Attempted hijack on SAA plane
A man tried to hijack a South African Airways domestic flight early today that was from Cape Town on its way to Johannesburg. SAA has confirmed that the incident occurred on SA 322 but the man was subdued before he could enter the cockpit. IOL quotes SAA spokesperson Jacqui O’Sullivan as saying that it appears a passenger threatened a crew member with some sort of weapon demanding access to the cockpit. O’Sullivan says the flight turned back to Cape Town and landed safely. Reports states that Officials say no passenger was injured in the incident. Pic:www.flysaa.com
Cape Town train torched
Two coaches were completely burnt down in Cape Town after a train caught fire this morning. Police Spokesperson Superintendent Billy Jones says the train had stopped at Philippi Station when the fire broke out between 5 am and 6 am. He says the train was apparently torched and a case of malicious damage to property has been opened. News 24 reports that according to Metrorail this was a third fire incident in as many days on its trains after two trains were burnt in Pretoria on Thursday night. No casualties were reported in all three cases.
Friday, June 16, 2006
Molo Songololo commemorates June 16
More than eighty children from the Western Cape have gathered at the Robben Island for the Youth Indaba. The indaba is organised by Molo Solonglo to commemorate and celebrate June 16. Molo Songolo spokesperson, Patrick Solomons, says the youth indaba will bring together children to play a positive role to prevent abuse, violence and delinquency amongst children. Solomons says the indaba intends on providing participats an opportunity to reflect on and learn about the history of South Africa and about future. The indaba forms part of a series of activities organised by the task team for Child Protection Month
Re-occupation of houses in Stellenbosch farms
The Congress of South African Trade Union, COSATU has called on all residents of Jonkershoek in Stellenbosch to be part of the re-occupation of farm houses that their were evicted from in the area. Western Cape Regional secretary, Tony Ehrenreich, says the reoccupation will be a joined initiative between government, municipality, the union and resident, signing an agreement that allow people to go back to their farm houses. Ehrenreich says the reoccupation is an advance of social justice and to exercise the rights of the farmers.
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Magazine editor killed in Johannesburg
Routes editor of Drive Out magazine, Megan Herselman, was found in a rental car on the N1 South Highway in Johannesburg on Wednesday morning. According to police spokesperson, Sefako Xaba, Herselman had been found in her vehicle that had rolled downhill. Xaba says that Herselman sustained four bullet wounds to her lower abdomen. It is reported that the deceased was apparently confronted by an unknown gunmen, while traveling to an undisclosed a hotel in Sandton. Herselman was in Johannesburg to attend an Outdoor Adventure Expo on the day that her body was found. The motive for the incident is still unknown, and police are appealing to the public who may have any information surrounding Herselman’s murder to call the Crime Stop Call-Share number of 08600 10 111.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Hi-Jacking and Kidnapping suspects wanted
Police are requesting the public’s assistance in identifying the person on the Identi-kit who can assist them with the investigation of the hi-jacking and kidnapping case. The incident happened on Saturday at a petrol station in Lotusriver. Two female occupants in a white Toyota Tazz were ordered to drive in the direction of Hanover Park by two men, who later dropped them in Springfield Road in Phillipi before droving off with their car. Anyone with information can contact Crime Stop on call-share on 08600 10111.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Golden Arrow employees injured during an armed robbery
Police are investigating charges of armed robbery and two attempted murder charges and are appealing for the Public’s assistance. This follows a robbery that took place yesterday morning in Khayelitsha. Police say four armed males fired shots at the Golden Arrow mobile ticket office that was parked at Makhaza bus terminus, wounding two male Golden Arrow employees. Police spokesperson Elliot Sinyangana says the suspects robbed an undisclosed amount of money. Anyone with information can contact Detective Inspector Saardick Benjamin of Harare SA Police service at (021) 363 90 34 /35 or crime stop at 08600 10111. Pic:www.gabs.co.za
de Klerk making steady progress in hospital
Former South African president, FW de Kerk, is reportedly recovering at the Panorama Medi-Clinic in Cape Town, after suffering lung complications on Thursday.
According to the SABCnews.com, de Klerk was placed on a ventilator after lung problems that arose after he underwent cancer surgery last week.
The website quotes de Klerk's spokesperson, Dave Steward, as saying that the former president has regained consciousness but is still under sedation. de Klerk had a malignant tumor removed from his colon.
Monday, June 12, 2006
Possible end to the Security guard strike
The ongoing security strike, which has been marred by violence, could be called off by this afternoon. This follows a new offer that was put on the table by the employers last Friday.
SATAWU spokesperson Jackson Simon says they have taken the offer to their members and the response has been positive so far. According to SABCnews, Simon says some regions still have to meet this afternoon to discuss the offer. He said should other regions reject the offer, the strike will continue.
Missing ten year old from Mitchell’s Plain
The Mitchell Plain Police are requesting the public’s assistance in locating a ten-year-old boy from Veerpyl Street, Beacon Valley in Mitchell’s Plain. Micarlo Anthony Stroydom went missing from his home on Thursday 8th of June 2006. Police spokesperson, Randall Stoffels, say at the time of his disappearance he was dressed in a blue tracksuit pants, blue t-shirt and grey sandals. Stoffels says the boy is described as of average build, 1.2 metre tall, light of
complexion, short black dark hair,brown eyes , thin upper and thick lower lips and tanned in complexion. Should anyone recognize or know his whereabouts is requested to contact the Investigating Officer, Inspector Winston Julies of Mitchells Plain SAPS on 021-370 1600 / 1622 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
A head-on-collision claim five life’s in Mpumalanga
A head-on-collision between a bus and truck has left five people dead and about eighty- seven injured at the Mangweni in the Nkomazi region, in Mpumalanga. The accident occurred this morning. SABCnews website quotes Joseph Mabuza, a spokesperson for the Mpumalanga transport department as saying four of the injured have been admitted to the Tonga Hospital in a critical condition. MEC of transport in the province, Fish Mahlalela, is expected to visit the injured at the hospital today.
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Three fatalities after shack fire in Cape
A shack fire has left three people dead in Mandela Park near Hout Bay in the Western Cape. Police spokesperson, Randall Stoffels, say a forty-year-old mother and her two daughters, aged four and six, were asleep in their dwelling late last night when it burned down. Stoffel’s says the course of the fire is still unknown, but forensic experts will today investigate the exact cause of the fire, but no foul play is suspected. The names of the deceased will be released as soon as their next of kin have been informed.
NEWS FROM THE WORLD CUP
By Nadia Samie
BONN, GERMANY: It’s the day everyone has been waiting for; the mood in Germany is definitely one of excitement. Three-point-five million tickets have been sold, one billion television viewers are expected accross all continents, and the 12 host cities are prepared.
Preparations for the following four weeks have been going on for the past four years! The 32 teams are ready and 3.5 million tickets have been sold for this sporting spectacle that will play out in 12 German cities.
Tickets to any of the 64 matches have certainly not been easy to come by, so many fans will be finding a place in front of the big screens that have been set up around the country. More than 60 big screens that have been erected countrywide. More than 2000 people were expected to converge on the Cologne area alone to watch the Germany/Costa Rica clash at 6PM, which is being played in Munich.
At 7.30PM, it’s also kick-off between Poland and Equador.
There have been many injuries during the friendly matches over the past two weeks or so. Probably most notably, Wayne Rooney was ruled out of the first three games of England’s challenge. He is expected to be fit for the knockout stages. Rooney and Steven Gerrard trained with their England team-mates on Thursday ahead of their World Cup opener against Paraguay. Rooney returned to Germany on Wednesday night after undergoing a scan in Manchester on his metatarsal injury.
Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse has also been ruled out of the world cup after he suffered a fracture to his tibia during a friendly against China.
Friday, June 09, 2006
Police seek missing woman
By Megan Hartogh
Police are requesting the public’s assistance in locating Monica Le Roux. 44-year-old Le Roux was reported missing after leaving her Chestnut Street home, in Bonteheuwel, on May 29th and not returning. According to reports, she was last seen at approximately 4:30 P.M on the day in question. Police spokesperson, Nomathemba Mgwebile, says that at the time of her disappearance, Le Roux was wearing a white striped shirt, black pants, black shoes and a grey jacket with fur edging. Anyone with information regarding Le Roux whereabouts, is asked to contact Inspector Arries of the Bishop Lavis police department, on 021 – 935 98 02. Alternatively, call the Crime Stop Call Share number of 08600 10 111.
ID's future strained
According to reports, the Independent Democrats’ future is in the balance following Wednesday’s bi-elections in Tafelsig, Mitchell’s Plain. The bi-election was won by the Democratic Alliance, who now hold one-hundred-and-six seats in the city’s multi-party government. Wednesday’s by-election came about after ward candidate, Sheval Arendse, defected from the ID to the DA, in a protest against the ID for siding with the ANC in it’s vote for Cape Town’s mayor. According to political analysts, the loss is a major setback for Patricia De Lille’s political party, who obtained less than 30-percent of the votes on Wednesday.
ACSA surprised by their inclusion in the name and shame campaign list
By Busisiwe Mtabane
Yesterday it was reported that the Cape Town international Airport and other Cape Town big businesses including the national and the provincial government owe the City of Cape Town more than 15 million rand for rates and taxes. The Airport Company South Africa management says they have been in formal discussions with the City since 2003 after they received a nine hundred percent increase in their rates and taxes.
ACSA spokesperson Deidre Hendricks says while in the process of these discussions, they came to an arrangement whereby an agreed amount was paid to the City in 2004 and 2005 with the City confirming in writing, that any potential outstanding balances will be settled in full once a final valuation of the airport is reached between ACSA and the City.
She says they have been working closely with the City on this issue and the process has almost reached conclusion, hence they are taken by surprise by the recent reports. Hendricks says as a good corporate citizen, ACSA takes its obligations very seriously and therefore it is incorrect to suggest that ACSA has failed to pay its rates and taxes to the City of Cape Town.
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Two vehicles used in Belhar shooting found
Police have found two vehicles that were used in a shooting incident in Belhar yesterday. Late last night Police patrols found the vehicles abandoned in the area. Two people who were fatally wounded during the incident were taken to a nearest hospital where they received treatment. Police spokesperson Randall Stoffels says both cars a Mazda bakkie and a Toyota corolla are confirmed to be stolen in Stellebosch and Bellville last month.
MP’s concerned over shortage of time for important debates
Tennis news from Paris
Belgium’s World number two Kim Clijsters reached the women’s semi-finals when she ousted Martina Hingis of Switzerland 7-6, 6-1. Clijsters will now face compatriot Justine Henin-Hardenne in the one semi-final, with the Czech Republic’s Nicole Vaidisova and Russia’s Svetlana Kuznetsova squaring up in the other semi.
Iraq releases 600 prisoners
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
WORLD CUP NEWS FROM GERMANY
By Nadia Samie
BONN, GERMANY: While Germany puts the finishing touches to the World Cup preparations two says ahead of kick-off, authorities have a dilemma on their hands: how to deal with the expected surge in the illegal sex trade industry.
Prostitution is a legal enterprise in Germany, and the competitive trade employs some 400 000 prostitutes. However, it is not the legal sex industry that authorities and the German Council of women are concerned about, but rather the thousands of young women from the eastern parts of Europe who are thought to be forced into prostitution.
Reports here estimate that 40 000 women will be brought into Germany during the World Cup to accommodate the higher demand. Other reports put the figure closer to 200 000.
Some hosts cities such as Cologne and Dortmund are even preparing temporary locations. There are concerns from authorities about the impact of the World Cup on prostitution, and they are now considering handing out condoms at World Cup stadiums.
19 injured in Sasol explosion
A blast that left 19 people injured, two with serious burn wounds was reported at Sasol's plant in Sasolburg in the Vaal Triangle yesterday morning. The explosion occurred when a contractor was removing a dangerous substance from the premises. The two people with serious burn wounds were admitted to a Johannesburg Hospital. Solidarity spokesperson, Jahni Cowley, says Solidarity will be involved in the investigation into the latest incident.
NPA concerned over criminal charges facing prosecutor
Body found next to railway line in Johannesburg
Minister announces SA's first national standards for air quality
FROM THE 2006 WORLD CUP IN GERMANY
By Nadia Samie
The residents of a little town in central Germany have found an interesting way of participating in the 2006 FIFA World Cup – off the pitch, that is.
The residents of Unna, a town of 70 thousand inhabitants, situated about a hundred kilometres from Cologne, have been knitting a scarf for the past year now.
Above: The 12.5km scarf knitted by the residents of Unna
This is not just any scarf, it is made up of many little scarves, which each depict the flag of a country that is playing in the world cup. The scarf now measures a whopping 12.5 kilometres, and was on display at a celebration held in the town recently.
Werner Kolter, the town’s mayor, says that world cup fever has hit the town in a big way. The residents are hoping to get the woollen scarf into the Guinness Book of World Records.
Organiser of the event, Elfie Blees is an actress in Unna, and is not very involved in sport. The scarf is a result of her wanting to be involved in the world cup in some way, but not necessarily on the field. She received many calls from peoples in surrounding towns, who all offered to knit once they had heard about the idea. Blees says that more than a thousand people assisted in the knitting process.
But what exactly do the residents plan to do with a scarf that measures 12 and a half kilometres? Blees says that she plans to sell the scarf, and she will use the proceeds to boost sports clubs for the youth in the area. Meanwhile, the mayor, who is a big football fan, has put in his prediction of which two teams will clash in the world cup final:
"I think the final will be between Germany and Brazil, and I think the score will be 2-1 to Brazil!"
Pic: Nadia Samie
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
New Bafana Bafana coach to be named on the 14th
250 people left homeless after Cape Town fire
Zimbabwe added to US State Department’s human trafficking blacklist
Angolan refugees encouraged to return home
SA’s customs policy to be brought in line with global advances
Thousands of suspicious transactions reported to authorities
Tennis news from Roland Garros
Sri Lanka thrashes England
Government the biggest property investment company
Mozambique monument to cost South Africa millions
SATAWU talks continues
Talks between unions, involved in the ongoing security guard strike, and employers, will continue tomorrow. These talks will be held under the auspices of the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration. Ronnie Mamba, spokesperson for the South African trade and Allied Worker’s Union, says that both unions and employers are hoping that an agreement will be reached, as they believe the security industry needs to be normalized. Mamba says that he hopes the outcome of tomorrow’s meeting will be a good one.
A rock chip killed teen hunter
Equatorial Guinea frees a sick South African
A Free State mayor and ANC chief whip die in a motor accident
In the Karoo, five people, including a child, were killed in a head-on collision between a bakkie and car between Leeu-Gamka and Prince Albert last night. Police say the bakkie was travelling to Beaufort West and the car was on its way to Cape Town when the accident happened. Two people in the car and one in the bakkie were injured and are being treated in hospital.
Telkom applies for ADSL broadband price cut
Beating heart transplant breakthrough
Beating heart transplant breakthrough
Beating heart transplant breakthrough
An Islamist militia seize Somalia's capital
Tony Leon to lay charges over an election pamphlet
Computers stolen from a Pretoria court
King Zwelithini urges young people to abstain from sex
Telkom beats expectations
Oil prices surge after Iran warns the US
Three more security guards killed
Meanwhile, six robbers used axes to attack security guards in cash in transit heist in Johannesburg. The police’s Mosima Manganyi says the robbers had guns, but hacked the two guards with axes in their upper bodies. They are being treated in hospital and are in a serious, but stable, condition. The robbers rammed the security van with their vehicles in Kensington on Sunday afternoon before attacking the guards and fleeing with an undisclosed amount of money.
Three people die in fires
Minister announces 392 additional long-term fishing rights
Monday, June 05, 2006
Teen killed in hunting tragedy
Smart ID cards put on hold
Yengeni misses appeal deadline
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Three die in Eastern Cape bus accident
Kidnapped Russians freed in Iraq
Security guard strike blamed for rising crime
South African-branded taxi popular in Switzerland
Nigerian oil workers released
Communist party wants amnesty for blacklisted debtors
Terror suspects arrested in Canada
ANC leaders take on Zuma
Zimbabwe train accident claims five lives
De Klerk undergoes tumour surgery
Good news for the unemployed
At least 14 people killed in road accidents
On the East Rand, a man was killed after losing control of his sports car on the M-12 West in Germiston. The 44-year-old man apparently hit the curb and the car overturned. Three people died at the Glen Douglas mine near Meyerton in Gauteng when a 50-ton truck drove over a car. In North West, two truck drivers burnt to death after their vehicles collided on the N-12 between Bloemhof and Wolmaranstad in the North West. One vehicle was a petrol tanker and the other truck was transporting vehicles. And in Mpumalanga, two motorcyclists were killed and a woman was critically injured when two powerful motorbikes collided between Sabie and Graskop during the Graskop Paradise Race.
Nigerian rebels take eight oil workers hostage
Laila Ali to fight in Cape Town
Cape provincial official investigated for surfing porn sites
Seven people die in three road accidents
And in Mpumalanga, two motorcyclists were killed and a woman was critically injured when two powerful motorbikes collided between Sabie and Graskop during the Graskop Paradise Race. The woman is a police captain, stationed at the Graskop police station. She is being treated in hospital.
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Tony Leon continues attack on Nqakula over crime
Sars’ e-filing proves popular
Stolen manhole covers replaced in Johannesburg
Afrikaner body opposed to changes to Women’s Monument
Theft costs Spoornet millions
Old Mutual settles in racism case
Anger over Nqakula’s dismissal of crime complaints
Axed Cape Town manager loses final court bid
Police officer arrested for wife's murder in Stellenbosch
A police officer in the Western Cape is set to appear in court shortly after being arrested for the murder of his wife in Stellenbosch. Th...
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A man suspected of killing and raping a number of members of the farm worker community in Philippi on the Cape Flats appears in a Cape Town ...
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''Human behaviour is the main cause of wildfires.'' These remarks were made by the Western Cape’s Local Government, Environm...