Six men injured in an accident in Benoni

Mluleki Mrwebi
31 August 2014

Six people sustained minor to critical when their bakkie collided with a roadside barrier on R21 in Benoni, Johannesburg last night.

ER24 Spokesperson Lyanda Majija said emergency services arrived on scene and found that the bakkie’s canopy had fallen off and the six men sitting in the back of the bakkie were ejected.

Majija said one of the men sustained critical injuries had to be airlifted from the scene by a medical helicopter.

She the other patients were transported to various nearby hospitals for further medical treatment.

 

DA to discus water crisis in four provinces

Mluleki Mrwebi
31 August 2014

The Democratic Alliance plans to hold round table discussion on water crisis on Monday.

It is alleged that four provinces have been struggling with water shortages and this discussion aims to address those challenges.

DA Research and Communications Officer Yaseen Carelse said these provinces include the local Municipalities of the Eastern Cape, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the North West Province, the DA can no longer allow the situation to deteriorate further. 

Carelse said further said action must be taken immediately and in each province there will be a DA representative. 

 

 

 

 

Mogwase Police are searching for two suspects

Mluleki Mrwebi
31 August 2014

Police in Mogwase are searching for two unknown suspects who allegedly murdered a 47-year old woman and her 21-year-old son. 

The suspects shot the two victims dead in their bedroom. 

Police said they are investigating a case of murder and they are calling on community who have any information to come forward. 

Brigadier Thulani Ngubane said the suspect went to the bedroom wherby they shot the mother and the another boy escape through the window and the other children were unharmed.

Ambulance assistance killed in an accident

Mluleki Mrwebi
30 August 2014

A 34-year-old ambulance assistant was killed this morning when she and her two children were involved in a motor vehicle accident.

The accident took place at the St. Helena Bay Veldrif turnoff.

Emergency Management Services Spokesperson Robert Daniels said two patients from the other vehicle as well as the two children are in a critical condition.

He added that they were rushed to Vredenburg Provincial Hospital as well as a private medical facility in the area by EMS ambulance.

 

Right to Know Campaign wants evidence from the Seriti Commission

Mluleki Mrwebi
30 August 2014

The Right to Know Campaign said it is unacceptable that the Seriti Commission is failing to act in a manner. 

This is after the commission has refused to release important evidence. 

Right to Know National Spokesperson Murray Hunter said evidence is being kept away from the public. 

Hunter said the commission is hiding the information and the whistleblower has had at the commission been told that they can not get the information.

Rape suspect arrested in Knysna

Oscar Thomas
30 August 2014

A 24-year-old man was arrested in Knysna and charged with house robbery, kidnapping and rape. 

It is alleged that the suspect entered the house of a 68-year old who was with her husband at the time. 

He demanded cash and also took several items from the house including two cellphones and clothing. 

The suspect then tied the husband of the victim and ran with the victim. 

Captain Bernadine Steyn said they travelled to a bushy area where the suspect raped her.

“The suspect was arrested in a yard near the area of the incident and is set to appear in court soon Steyn added.

Drug trafficking suspect arrested in Yeoville

Oscar Thomas
29 August 2014

Police in Yeoville arrested a 37-year-old suspect for allegedly being involved in drug trafficking in the area. 

Captain Augustinah Selepe said the man was arrested by the Drug Task Team and Yeoville following an investigation about drug syndicate in and around Yeoville. 

Captain Augustinah Selepe said the drugs were confiscated and amounted to R50 000.

“The suspects are due to appear in the Johannesburg Magistrate Court on the 1^st September Selepe added.

 

Ramaphosa and Boere-Afrikaner Volksraad discuss Afrikaner self determination

Oscar Thomas
29 August 2014

Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday had a meeting with representatives of the Boer-Afrikaner Volksraad in Pretoria. 

The meeting was to discuss concerns regarding self-determination, which Ramaphosa said such engagements were important for promoting dialogue and understanding among South Africans. 

Deputy President Spokesperson Ronnie Mamoepa said such engagements are important for promoting dialogue and understanding among South Africans.

Mamoepa said Government needs to be available to discuss any matters of concern to citizens.

“The government will continue to engage with the Boer-Afrikaner Volksraad and any other formations to discuss issues of interest and concern Mamoepa added.

A female in her 20’s died in an accident in Carletonville

Lusanda Bill
29 August 2014

An accident this morning in Carletonville, Gauteng left one person dead and another in a critical condition. 

This is after the vehicle they were travelling in struck a tree on Annan Road. 

ER24 Spokesperson Russel Meiring said when paramedics arrived on the scene they found the light motor vehicle wedged up against the tree. 

Meiring said paramedics found that a female passenger had sustained fatal injuries during the collision.  The male driver was pinned inside the vehicle and in a critical condition.

“He was extricated from the vehicle and was provided with advanced life support before he was transported to hospital for further care” Meiring added.

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

 

Speed a major cause of road fatalities in the WC

Lusanda Bill
29 August 2014

Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Work’s said speed plays a major role in fatal crashes in the province. 

Provincial statistics show that there has been a 29 percent reduction in roadside fatalities since the beginning of 2009. 

This month the department has come up with a theme titled “Speed Kills – Get the facts” to educating motorists about the dangers of speeding. 

Departmental Spokesperson Hector Elliot said speeding or inappropriate speed is involved in 33% of all fatal crashes.  As speed increases it becomes increasingly hard to respond to unaccepted hazards and to control the vehicle.

Elliot said speed also determines the amount of force of a crash so the higher the speed the more severe the injuries and the greater chance of being killed.

“We have now released a real CCTV footage which shows what happens when people drive at excessive speed.  It also shows how easily you can lose control and how quickly things can go very wrong when you are speeding” Elliot added. 

UDM says MP’s need to obey rules and regulations of Parliament

Lusanda Bill
29 August 2014

The United Democratic Movement has expressed its disappointment at the alleged threatening of Economic Freedom Fighters Leader Julius Malema. 

UDM Secretary General Bongani Msomi said bussing in African National Congress to threaten Malema life cannot be accepted.

Msomi said two wrongs have never made a right.

“We saying there are internal rules and regulations that govern the conduct of members of parliament, as well as mechanisms to handle situations where the code of conduct has been breached. Msomi added. 

 

DA welcomes ruling on Sanral case

Lusanda Bill
29 August 2014

The Democratic Alliance on Thursday welcomed the ruling by the Western Cape High Court to dismiss the South African National Roads Agency Limited’s application for documents relating to the N1/N2 highways. 

Sanral wanted to keep certain documents of the details of the project to be not made public. 

DA Provincial Leader Ivan Meyer said it is becoming abundantly clear that Sanral’s N1/N2 tolling project is doomed to fail.

Meyer said the DA has won the case to have it in open court whereas Sanral wanted to have this discussion in closed court.

MEC Plato concerned about a lack of detectives who speak isiXhosa in Khayelitsha

Loyiso Langeni
29 August 2014

Western Cape MEC of Community Safety Dan Plato has raised his concern regarding the criticism of recommendations proposed by the Khayelitsha Commission of Inquiry report is receiving.

MEC Plato said the recommendations by the commission will help the three Khayelitsha police stations to run more effectively. 

One of the recommendations has to do with police officers bringing in more detectives who are able to speak isiXhosa. 

Ministerial Spokesperson Ewald Botha said the department of Safety in the Western Cape after read the receiving the report on Monday has started studying the findings to look at how best they can effectively be implemented. The SAPS have adopted the same approach and have already claimed to be implementing some of the findings.

“The SAPS have adopted the same approach and have already claim to be implementing some of the findings

Sapu and all other organisations and individuals affected by the findings of the Commission’s report should adopt a similar approach and be to haste on the initial basis.” Botha added.  

WCED: Wellness Mobiles for school health going well

Loyiso Langeni
29 August 2014

The Western Cape Department of Education said the introduction of the Wellness Mobiles for school health will offer learners to have their medical and dental care attended to on the spot. 

MEC of Health Theuns Botha together with MEC of Education Debbie Schafer visited one of the mobile units at Delft Primary School on Thursday. 

The mobile units which will go around schools will help learners identify vision speech, hearing or skin problems as well as to assess their motor skills.

Ministerial Spokesperson Jessica Shelver said it’s credible when people cannot read not because they do not have the ability, they cannot see properly often these issues are not defected due to the fact that parents are not able to afford screening such as this. 

“The mobile clinics will make a huge contribution in addressing this problem.” Shelver added.

SA must save during good times – Cyril Ramaphosa

Oscar Thomas

28 August 2014

Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa today addressed the South African Reserve Bank Leadership Conference, where he stressed that the key challenges to economic growth in the country are domestic.

Ramaphosa said developing economies around the world remain vulnerable to volatile capital flows.

The economy contracted by 0.6 percent in the first quarter of the year, and barely grew in the second quarter, as mining and manufacturing production fell sharply and growth in other sectors remained modest.

Supply side disruptions have plagued the domestic economy over the last couple of years, weakening confidence and reducing the level of investment and household consumption.”

Meanwhile Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa said government plans to radically transform the South African economy, and one way of doing that is through the implementation of the National Development Plan.

Ramaphosa said we seek a qualitatively different economy. Measures will be introduced to address poor lending practices and excessive charges in some parts of the financial sector, and make the financial sector more inclusive and accessible.

Ramaphosa said government would strengthen the regulation of financial institutions to ensure savings were protected. The Postbank would play an expanded role in the banking services.
“We need to work together to ensure the financial sector serves the real economy Ramaphosa added.

NPA to hand over SPY Tapes used to drop charges against Zuma

Oscar Thomas
28 August 2014

The Democratic Alliance has described the decision by the Supreme Court of Appeal to order the National Prosecuting Authority to hand over so-called spy tapes as a historic day for our democracy.

In 2009, then acting NPA boss Mokotedi Mpshe, used the tapes as grounds for dropping more than 700 counts of corruption charges against Zuma. 

DA’s Jamie Turkington said both electronic and written data will be released to the DA.

“Using those tapes we will proceed with a review of whether the NPA took the right decision in dropping 700 counts of corruption against President Jacob Zuma Turkington added.

Safety of initiate’s top of the agenda at a meeting of initiation forums



Oscar Thomas
28 August 2014

26 representatives from initiation forums across the Western Cape met to discuss the recent initiation season with focus on safety of initiate.

Western Cape MEC of Cultural Affairs and Sports Dr Nomafrench Mbombo said it is important for the department to promote safe initiation through initiation protocol and guidelines. 

Ministerial Spokesperson Siviwe Gwarube said the focus is mainly on initiation safety, protecting the culture and enhancing mutual respect.

“These meeting were organised by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sports in order for us to enhance our relationship with initiation forums Gwarube added. 

A motorcyclist left with severe head injuries following an accident

Lusanda Bill
28 August 2014

An accident late last night on the R64 in Kimberley left a motorcyclist in a critical condition. 

This is after a light motor vehicle collided with the motorcyclist head-on. 

ER24 Spokesperson Russel Meiring said when paramedics arrived on the scene they found the motorcyclist who is in his 40’s lying on his back in the middle of the road.

Meiring said the patient sustained severe head injuries and was transported to the Kimberley Hospital for medical care.  The two occupants in the light motor vehicle were not injured.

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

  

WC Community Safety Committee endorses Khayelitsha Inquiry report

Lusanda Bill
28 August 2014

The Western Cape Provincial Parliament’s Standing Committee on Community Safety have endorsed the Khayelitsha Commission of Inquiry report into policing in the area.

The commission handed-over a 580-page report on policing in the area to Premier Helen Zille earlier this week. 

Committee Chairperson Mireille Wenger said some of the recommendations made the commission require reports and reporting to the Provincial Parliament by South African Police Service and MEC of Community Safety. 

“For example the commission recommends the establishment of a monitoring oversight team to ensure that efficiency is identified at the three Khayelitsha police stations are improved” Wenger added.

Wenger said the commission has conducted a thorough examination into the complaints raised. The focus must now be on implementing the recommendations to ensure the safety of the residents of Khayelitsha can be improved.

Two teenage girls rescued off a boat in Simonstown

Lusanda Bill
28 August 2014

The National Sea Rescue Institute in Simonstown rescued two teenagers who were part of the 2014 Lipton Cup Challenge representing the Knysna sailing team. 

The NSRI also had to rescue six boys who were on board the Bishop Diocesan College yacht. 

All six boys were not injured however the two girls had to be transported to hospital for further care. 

NSRI Spokesperson Craig Lambinon said one girl a 17-year-old injured her leg and the other girl a 16-year-old suffered from hypothermia.

Lambinon said both girls have since been released from hospital and they are continuing with the Lipton Challenge.

Missing Adult Alert: Desmond Luyt

200 Delft beneficiaries received title deeds

Loyiso Langeni
28 August 2014

Western Cape MEC of Human Settlement Bonginkosi Madikizela handed over title deeds to over 200 beneficiaries in Delft.

MEC Madikizela said transferring of title deeds is part of the department’s strategy to bring about a sense of ownership and responsibility amongst housing beneficiaries.

MEC Madikizela said this is part of our enhanced extended discount benefit scheme. Which is a program that makes subsidy available to people who has been renting these house prior 1994 up until now.

“We are doing this to normalise the situation because government took a decision to subsidies people for free, therefore, those who has been paying for these houses we feel that it’s only fair that they also get their debt paid off so that the can get tittle deeds.” Madikizela added

Missing Child Alert: Nokubonga Jamile

Education wellness mobile for school health screening learners at Delft Primary School

Oscar Thomas
28 August 2014

The screening of Grade R and Grade 1 learners in the Metro will begin today, as part of the Wellness Mobile for School Health project. 

Five fully equipped mobile units will be visiting schools across the province to screen learners for medical and dental issues. 

Western Cape Department of Health said the province is the only province rolling out this project in schools. 

Ministerial Spokesperson Helene Rossouw said the wellness mobiles for school health is a first-in-the country, in partnership with the private sector. The Western Cape is the only province rolling out a project to screen learners to this extent.

Rossouw said each wellness mobiles for school health includes a consultation room where general health screening can be performed. This includes a physical assessment, assessment of gross motor skills, height and weight, ear, nose and throat examination, screening for TB symptoms and other psycho-social issues.

“It also included a dental unit section for screening for oral health and rendering of dental and oral hygiene services.an optometry unit, for the testing of eyesight with a view to providing the same learner with spectacles if needed Rossouw added.

Premier Zille joins Minister Launching Free Wifi in Atlantis

Oscar Thomas

27 August 2014

Western Cape Premier Helen Zille today launched the free wireless internet in Atlantis. 

The initiative is a pilot project which forms part of the provincial government’s R1.3 billion broadband plan to connect the province’s residents to affordable internet.

Premier Zille has called on residents to take advantages of this new facility and the range of economic opportunities it will provide access to. 

Premier Zille’s Spokesperson Michael Mpofu said a 5GB bundle on a mobile device typically costs R362. Through this initiative, residents of Atlantis will be able to access that same amount of data for free over a month’s period. It’s been proven that internet access is a major catalyst for job creation.

“The free WiFi would improve education and “enable teachers to access this material in order to assist them with teaching techniques as well as accessing additional material to make their lessons more interesting Mpofu added.

 

 

Glenwood Police In search of rape suspect

Oscar Thomas
27 August 2014

Glenwood police are searching for a suspect who allegedly raped a 29-year-old woman in January this year.

The Brighton Beach Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit said the suspect is believed to be in his twenties and has been described as having short dreadlocks and medium height. 

Captain Thulani Zwane said it is alleged the suspect threatened the women with a knife and forced her to a nearby park where she was raped.

“The suspect fled the scene on foot, we are appealing to anyone with information regarding this matter to please come forward or call 0800 1011 Zwane added.

 

 

One man died in an accident in Pretoria

Mluleki Mrwebi
27 August 2014

An accident this morning along Nana Sita Road in Pretoria left one person dead. 

This is after he collided into another vehicle. 

Netcare 911 Spokesperson Chris Botha said when we arrived there we found a man lying on the ground with extensive injuries and he had died.

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

City of Cape Town prepared for possible flooding

Mluleki Mrwebi
27 August 2014

Cape Town Disaster Risk Management today said it has contingency measures in place, to deal with the cold front expected over the next few days. 

Disaster Risk Management Spokesperson Wilfred Solomon-Johannes said the City of Cape Town, also has an extensive flood risk reduction programme in place to minimize the impact on its residents.

Snowfall has also been forecasted in high-lying areas of the city. 

Solomon-Johannes said thus far there has been no areas affected in Capet Town and they are keeping an eye on all areas.

Nehawu calls for action against the Regional Manager of Public Works Department in Mthatha

Mluleki Mrwebi
27 August 2014

The National Education Health and Allied Workers Union has called for immediate action to be taken against the Regional Manager of Public Works Department in Mthatha. 

Nehawu alleges that Nomzingisi Tukels has had various failures and violations following the deterioration and near collapse of the department. 

The workers at the department are also calling for her qualifications and experience to be investigated. 

Nehawu Spokesperson Sizwe Pamla said there are many allegations about her from the workers and the she is interfering the payment processes of the department and we do not think she is suitable qualified for the position.

 

Missing Child Alert: Jayden Simons

Eight suspects arrested for torching Metrorail train in Khayelitsha

Loyiso Langeni
27 August 2014

Cape Town police have arrested eight suspects in connection with the train that was set alight during protest action in Khayelitsha last week. 

Protestors threw petrol bomb on the train destroying four carriages.  Several police vehicles were also damaged during the protest. 

Captain FC van Wyk said it is alleged that the protestors wanted to build shacks in a vacant land in Mew Way Road, Zwelitsha and Khayelitsha. 

Van Wyk said during the investigation CCTV video footage showed what transpired on that evening and police managed to track down the suspects.

"The arrested suspects are between the ages of 19 and 30-years-old from Zwelitsha and Enkanini, in Khayelitsha. They are facing charges of public violence and malicious damage to property and are expected to appear in  the Khayelitsha Magistrates’ Court as soon as they are charged.” Van Wyk added.

Cable thefts affects the neediest: Second Cable Theft in five weeks

Oscar Thomas
27 August 2014

The National Government Organisation Hope said it is concerned about the second cable theft in five weeks in Blikkiesdorp. 

Hope Manager Fahim Docrat has called on authorises to take the necessary steps to ensure that communities are better protected when it comes to cable theft. 

Docrat said this continued cable theft is having a negative impact on the community of Blikkiesdorp.

When thieves steal from the needy,it is a very sad day.We ask that authories take necessary steps to ensure that our communities are better protected and we ask the community to come forward with any information so that these thieves can be brought to book. 

Case against man charged with posession of abalone postponed

Oscar Thomas
26 August 2014

A 29-year-old man has appeared in the Beaufort West Magistrate Court after he was arrested for being in possession of illegal abalone. 

The suspect was arrested after the Central Karoo K-9 unit was patrolling the N2 when they stopped a car with one occupant inside. 

Captain Bernadine Steyn said the perlemoen was found in the Nissan X-trail he was driving on the N12 towards Oudtshoorn. When police stopped him he tried to run away, but was caught.
“He made his first appearance in court on Friday and was kept in custody Steyn added.

NCOP: Only 10 petitions considered in 5 years

Oscar Thomas

26 August 2014

The Democratic Alliance has raised its concern regarding the Parliamentary Select Committee on Petitions and Executive Undertakings. 

The DA said the committee has not sat since the start of the 5^th Parliament and that it has a backlog of about 60 petitions. 

DA MP of in the NCOP George Michalakis said the DA has written to the chairperson of the Select Committee, requesting him to schedule an urgent meeting for this week, to discuss the committee program and to receive a briefing on petitions referred to the committee.  No reply to this letter has yet been received.

“The ANC within the NCOP continues to obstruct a vital channel through which the Executive can, and should, be held accountable to Parliament and the people Michalakis added.

 

MEC Winde launches free WiFi hotspots in George

Oscar Thomas
26 August 2014

Western Cape MEC of Economic Opportunities Alan Winde launched the free wireless internet in George which will connect about 20 000 residents. 

MEC Winde said the project would foster economic growth in the region.  He added that the free WiFi project is assisting the provincial government in developing the most effective way of delivering internet access to residents. 

Ministerial Spokesperson Bronwynne Jooste said I hope residents and business will be able to use this to further their education, digital literacy and to promote local tourism, the high cost of data has prevented many residents from accessing the internet. It costs between R15 and R25 per hour to browse at internet cafés.

“The project would foster economic growth in the region.The Free Wi-Fi project is assisting us in developing the most effective way of delivering internet access to residents Jooste added.

District Six claimants meet with Minister of Rural Development

Mluleki Mrwebi
26 August 2014

Over 700 District Six claimants met with the Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform Gugile Nkwinti over the weekend whereby several resolutions were agreed upon. 

Departmental Spokesperson Vuyani Nkasayi said one of the big resolution that the claimants agreed on a Communal Property Association to hold their land for the claimants. 

Nkasayi said one of the decisions that was taken was to mandate the Minister to negotiate with the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development to talk about the money that was paid and this needs to be reversed and paid by the District Six Development Trust, it is about R 225 ,000. 

Meanwhile another decision which was made during the meeting with the minister was that claimants who own properties at the time of dispossession will receive row houses. 

Minister Nkwinti said it is important for government to create platforms in communities for people to discuss and make decisions. 

Nkasayi said the other issue that was discussed was the prioritization of elderly people because those people need to be settled at the bottom so that it must not be a hustle to go up. 

Public Transport Voice condemns vandalism on Metrorail trains

Mluleki Mrwebi
26 August 2014

The Public Transport Voice has condemned the acts of violence which occurred last week in Khayelitsha whereby a train was torched. 

The organisation has called for calm and an initiation of workable solutions to all parties affected by the violence. 

Last week Metrorail suspended the service in Khayelitsha until the damaged had been assessed. 

PTV’s Simo Sitandathu said what they saw around Nkanini Informal Setlements was very bad and the PTV does not believe in violence and something about this anarchy.