Missing Adult Alert: Danny-John Josias

16 people injured in separate accident between Pretoria and Pietermaritzburg

Loyiso Langeni
30 September 2014

 

An accident on Solomon Mahlangu Drive in Faerie Flen, Pretoria left four people injured, this is after a side-impact accident.

Netcare 911 Spokesperson Santi Steinmann upon their arrival on scene, they found that four people sustained injuries ranging from moderate to serious after two vehicles were involved in a side impact collision.

Steinmann added that were treated on scene before they were transported to hospital for further medical care.

Meanwhile in another accident on Town Bush Road in Pietermaritzburg left twelve people injured,one moderately.

This is after a combi drove into the back of a truck.

ER24 Spokesperson Russel Meiring said when they arrived on scene, they found the two vehicles on the side of the road. The occupants of the taxi sat on the grass on the side of the road.

On assessment, paramedics discovered that one man had sustained moderate injuries while the remaining patients sustained only minor injuries.

Paramedics provided the moderately injured patient with advanced life support before he was transported to a nearby hospital for further treatment.

The remaining eleven patients were treated for their injuries and thereafter transported to nearby hospitals for further observations.

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

One critical, another injured in truck collision

Oscar Thomas
30 September 2014

An accident this morning on the N3 near Liberty Mall in KwaZulu Natal left two people injured, one critically. 

This is after two trucks collided into each other. 

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

ER24 Spokesperson Russel Meiring said Rescue services had to use the jaws-of-life equipment to free the patient in a two hour rescue.

Meiring said once freed from the wreckage, paramedics provided the patient with advanced life support before transporting him to a nearby hospital for further treatment.

Meiring said the second driver was treated for his moderate injuries and thereafter transported to a nearby hospital for further observations.

“The cause of the collision is not yet known but local authorities were on scene for further investigations Meiring added.

WCED enrolment for 2015 closed

Oscar Thomas
30 September 2014

The Western Cape Department of Education said the final round of school enrolment for 2015 has closed. 

MEC of Education Debbie Schafer said the school population in the province is growing rapidly year-by-year, and therefore it is important that children are enrolled for school as soon as possible ahead of 2015.

In a statement MEC Schafer said enrolment in the province started early this year.

Ministerial Spokesperson Jessica Shelver said Parents should note that many schools have already concluded their admissions processes.

Shelver said those parents who have yet to enrol their children have therefore reduced their chances of enrolling at a school of their choice.

“Parents who have applied to schools and have not secured a space at any school may contact our district offices for assistance Shelver added.

Missing Child Alert: Jeremy Johannes

KZN R102 pedestrian crash leaves man critical

Oscar Thomas
30 September 2014

Netcare 911 paramedics this morning attended to an accident scene whereby a forty-year-old man was knocked over by a car on the R102 between Verulam and Canelands in KwaZulu Natal. 

The man is in hospital in a critical condition.  Netcare 911 Spokesperson Santi Steinmann said Details surrounding the accident is still unclear at this stage and will remain the subject of a police investigation.

Netcare 911 paramedics arrived on the scene and found the critically injured man lying on the roadway after he was knocked over by a motor vehicle.

Steinmann said due to the extensive injuries he had sustained, a medical helicopter was activated to airlift the critically injured man to hospital for the urgent medical care that he required.

“The traffic on the north bound was severely affected, as all the lanes were closed down for the helicopter to land Steinmann added.

Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa to return to Lesotho to resume facilitation

Oscar Thomas
30 September 2014

Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa is today returning to Lesotho to resume facilitation efforts on behalf of the Southern African Development Community. 

The facilitation is to help bring the country back constitutional normalcy. 

Deputy President Spokesperson Ronnie Mamoepa said the visit comes in the context of the Southern African Development Community Double Troika mandate for Deputy President Ramaphosa to help create dialogue among all Lesotho's political and other role players with a view to addressing their current political and security challenges.

“The Facilitator is supported in these efforts by SADC Deputy Executive Secretary Dr Themba Mhlongo who is leading the regional body's team of experts and members of the Secretariat including Zimbabwe, Namibia and Botswana Mamoepa added.

 

Sabric warns of banking scam that has resurfaced

Lusanda Bill
30 September 2014

The South African Banking Risk Information Centre has warned the banking details scam has resurfaced again.

SABRIC CEO Kaylani Pillay said the bank customers must be wary when being told that a certain supplier has changed their banking details and must verify if the details have changed.

Pillay said bank customers receive emails that state that their banking details have changed.

“It is very important that people need to make sure that private information pertaining banking details are secure” Pillay added.

Missing Adult Alert: Siphiwe Zembeta

Four suspects arrested for murdering a 60 year old in Limpopo

Loyiso Langeni
30 September 2014

Police have arrested four suspects for allegedly murdering an elderly woman near Rust De Winter in Limpopo.

Police’s Ronel Otto said the body of 60-year-old was found in her home last week Thursday when her neighbour realised that something was wrong after seeing an unknown man driving her vehicle away from her house.

Otto added that her neighbour went to investigate and found her body lying on the bed in her bedroom. It would seem as if she had been stabbed several times with a sharp object.

“Four suspects were arrested in connection with the murder over the weekend in Gauteng. We have recovered the stolen vehicle that was taken during the incident.” Otto said.

Police investigates Hartswater crash

Loyiso Langeni
29 September 2014

Police in Hartswater are investigating an accident which left 15 people dead.  This is after a bakkie which was fully loaded with passengers collided with a taxi. 

The driver of the taxi a 59-year-old man has been arrested and charged with culpable homicide. 

Lieutenant Olebogeng Tawana said a bakkie collided with the Taxi on the N18 on Saturday. 16 people were declared dead.

The suspect is due today to appear before the Hartswater Magistrates’ Court.

Missing Adult Alert: Mason Mangena

Six dead in KZN taxi crash

Oscar Thomas
29 September 2014

Paramedics said six people died and nine people were injured on Saturday, when a minibus taxi overturned and rolled down an embankment of about 30 metres on the P262 in Izingolweni on the KwaZulu-Natal south coast.

Netcare 911 spokeswoman Santi Steinmann said paramedics arrived and found the minibus lying on the embankment.

Netcare 911 spokeswoman Santi Steinmann said after assessment of all the occupants of the minibus, it was found that there were fifteen occupants in the minibus.

“The injured people were treated on the scene before they were taken to hospital Steinmann added.

Missing Child Found: Mercia Carolous

A 15-year-old boy was shot and killed in Valhaala Park

Oscar Thomas
29 September 2014

Spokesman Robert Daniels said A gunshot wound to the head caused the death of a 15-year-old boy in Eleanor Road, Valhalla Park, at 1pm today.

Daniels said details surrounding his death are still unclear.

“Western Cape emergency personnel came across the body of the boy inside a house, while tending to a less serious medical emergency in the immediate area Daniels added.

Meanwhile, in an unrelated incident, a 25-year-old man was taken to Tygerberg hospital by provincial emergency services in a critical but stable condition after also suffering a gunshot injury to the head.

“He was shot on the side of Ertjie Boom Road in Delft and his incident appears to be gang related Daniels added.

ACDP calls for increased police visibility in communities

Loyiso Langeni
29 September 2014

The African Christian Democratic Party has called for an increased police visibility in our communities.

This follows the latest crime stats which were released last week and which showed that murder has increased. 

ACDP MP Cheryllyn Dudley said society as a whole must continue to address challenges such as poverty, unemployment and drug abuse. 

“The fact that South Africa has one police officer for every 346 South Africans makes the need for all of us to contribute to reducing crime and fighting corruption in our communities an absolute necessity. It is crucial for communities to grasp the importance of working closely with police to reduce these terrible statistics.” Dudley added.

She cocluded by saying that the ACDP calls on the department to prioritise increased police visibility in communities.

SAMWU WC not happy with Fire and Rescue Department

Loyiso Langeni
28 September 2014

The South African Municipal Workers Union in the Western Cape said it is shocked and disappointed at the continued discriminatory practises within the Fire and Rescue Department. 

A debate has ensued again about the treatment of female fire-fighters losing their allowances when they become pregnant. 

Samwu’s Mikel Khumalo said what they would want to see happening is that, the physical test or assessment that they have put in place, forcing fire fighters to run or go through excessive body fitness be withdrawn and stopped immediately.

“There are a number of our members who have lost those allowances and we are not allowed to work over time because they have failed the assessment test.” Khumalo added.

Police arrested three JCY gang members in Worcester

Loyiso Langeni
28 September 2014

Worcester police arrested three Junior Cisko Yakee gang member after a lengthy investigation into a spate of murders in Worcester from January to August this year. 

Captain FC van Wyk said members from Operation Combat and the Tactical Response Team arrested a 37 year old man at his residence in on two murder charges, the one committed in March and the other in August.

Van Wyk added that both his brothers and the leader of the JCY gang were arrested earlier this year on murder charges and under the Prevention of Organized Crime Act.

“Another five JCY gangsters also linked to murders over the same period, are currently in Worcester and Robertson prisons and will be requisitioned to appear in court.” Van Wyk said.

The three are expected to appear in the local magistrate court on Monday. 

New Horizons Clinic opened in Plettenberg Bay

Loyiso Langeni
27 September 2014

Western Cape MEC of Health Theuns Botha on Friday opened the upgraded New Horizons Clinic in Plettenberg Bay.

The renovated clinic consists of eight consultation rooms, a medicine store and observation room and serves a community of an estimated 7 000 people. 

MEC Botha said the waiting time will be further decreased with the delivery of chronic medication parcels at the community hall. 

“It is a beautiful facility equipped with all new equipment and it serves a population of about 7 000 people.

Together with this facility and the new Kwanokuthula CDC that was opened two years ago. We have now really addressed the health needs of the Plettenberg Bay.”   Botha added.

Missing Child Alert: Kaylynn Jacobs

Five people died in Beaufort West collision

Loyiso Langeni
27 September 2014

An accident this morning outside Beaufort West has left five people dead and ten others injured after a bakkie and trailer rolled on the Aberdeen road.

Western Cape Emergency Medical Services Spokesperson Robert Daniels said three children are among the injured.

Daniels added that all the injured patients were transported to Beaufort West Hospital.

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

Premier Zille to visit 110% Green Projects

Lusanda Bill
27 September 2014

Western Cape Premier Helen Zille will this weekend be conducting several oversight visits to 110% Green Oversight Tour. 

The Green Project was launched in 2012 by the Western Cape government to encourage organisations to make a contribution to growing the Green Economy. 

Premier Zille will visit green projects in the Cape Winelands District Municipality.

Premier Zille Spokesperson Michael Mpofu said the visits will be an opportunity for the Premier to have a look and see the progress that has been made since the project launched in 2012. 

Mpofu said the Western Cape government has the aim of becoming greenest regional government in the world and we are working towards that.

DA, EFF, FF+, IFP and ACDP stage a walk-out at Nkandla Committee

Lusanda Bill
26 September 2014

Five opposition parties today staged a walk-out of the Nkandla ad hoc Committee. 

This is after the parties called for President Jacob Zuma to appear before the committee to answer to the findings by Public Protector Thuli Madonsela, however the African National Congress refused. 

The opposition parties said they refuse to be part of a process that is being hijacked and manipulated by the ANC to protect President Jacob Zuma from accountability. 

DA Parliamentary Leader Mmusi Maimane said the view of the opposition parties is that Parliament must be a place that executives to account. 

“Therefore we felt that we could not sit through a process that does not allow President Zuma to come and account.  And also wants to make the Public Protector to be the same as the SIU.  So we then took a decision to say we could not participate in that so we decided to walk out” Maimane added.  

Three people including two children rescued in Southern Cape

Lusanda Bill
26 September 2014

The National Sea Rescue Institute in Hartenbos and Victoria Bay have warned of strong rip currents in the Southern Cape. 

This is after two children and a 60-year-old man were caught in rip currents in Mossel Bay.  Fortunately all three were rescued and were not injured. 

NSRI Spokesperson Craig Lambinon said we are asking people to be of the dangers of rip currents and also for parents to educate their children on the dangers of rip currents.

Lambinon said spring tide happens at new moon and again at full moon every month, causing a higher than normal high tide and a lower than normal low tide hence the stronger than normal rip currents.

An accident in Kagiso leaves three people dead

Lusanda Bill
26 September 2014

An accident this morning on the M13 in Kagiso on the West Rand left three people dead and one person critically injured.

This is after the vehicle they were travelling in lost control and crashed into a tree. 

Netcare 911 Spokesperson Santi Steinmann said when paramedics arrived on the scene they found that three men had tragically lost their lives and a fourth man was ejected from the vehicle and in a critical condition.

Steinmann said the Netcare helicopter was activated to airlift the critically injured man to hospital for the urgent medical care that he required.

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

Man arrested for being in possession of 31 bags of abalone

Lusanda Bill
26 September 2014

Somerset Police arrested a 26-year-old suspect in Zwelihle in Hermanus on Thursday night for being in possession of 31 bags of abalone. 

Police Spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk said police received information of an Isuzu LDV travelling on the N2 with possible abalone in it.

Van Wyk said police noticed the vehicle on the N2 and a chase ensued between them. The vehicle was pulled over and the 26-year-old suspect was arrested.

“The abalone was worth R1 500 and the suspect is expected to appear in the Somerset Magistrate Court soon” Van Wyk added.  

North West FET campus under siege

Oscar Thomas
26 September 2014

The Democratic Alliance has called for the Minister of Police Nkosinathi Nhleko to intervene in the security issues at the North West FET Campus. 

The DA says the Matlosana Centre for Artisans and Learnership in the province is under constant and immediate threat by armed gangs of illegal miners making it impossible for students and staff to work there. 

DA MP of Higher Education and Training Professor Belinda Bozzoli said in the immediate term a substantial police presence must be urgently provided, both to protect the campus, its staff and its students, and to rid the area of the criminal gangs that now control it.

“In the longer term, the DA believes that the Department of Higher Education and Training has no alternative but to provide the Centre with alternative accommodation and to move the expensive equipment into a safer venue Bozzoli added.

More road deaths on payday weekends

Oscar Thomas
26 September 2014

Western Cape MEC of Transport and Public Works Donald Grant says analysis of 2014 shows fatalities on pay day weekends increase by 23.6% compared to other weekends.

In a statement MEC Grant said in August this year saw the worst weekend recorded with 26 deaths over the pay weekend. 

Ministerial Spokesperson Siphesihle while on average, 3.6 people are killed every day on Western Cape roads, this rises to an average of 6.2 people per day over payday weekends.

Dube said the spike could be attributed to people having more money to travel and buy alcohol.

“He advised people not to use the roads after drinking alcohol, to wear seat belts and drive cautiously Dube added.

MEC Winde calling for visa regulations to be withdrawn

Lusanda Bill
26 September 2014

Western Cape MEC of Economic Opportunities Alan Winde on Thursday attended hearings on the new visa regulations. 

MEC Winde said the new visa regulations will have a negative impact on growth and jobs.

The Department of Home Affairs outsourced the handling and processing of visa applications to a company called Visa Facilitation Services. 

Winde said I understand that Home Affairs has a job to do in regards with security in our country and making sure we have proper control measures.  When it comes to these regulations I am certain that they are the wrong things to be putting in place.

Meanwhile MEC Winde said the first initial study on tourism shows a R10 billion lost to our economy and 21 000 jobs lost due to the new regulations. 

MEC Winde has called on Minister of Home Affairs Malusi Gigaba to retract the new visa regulations, which until a full investigation into their impact of the regulations has been conducted.

Six people left injured when a truck overturned in Johannesburg

Lusanda Bill
25 September 2014

A truck accident late this afternoon at Paul Kruger and Christiaan De Wet Road at Johannesburg West left six people injured and one critically. 

ER24 Spokesperson Russel Meiring said when paramedics arrived on the scene they found a large refuse truck lying on its side and five people were lying around the vehicle.

Meiring said the injuries of the five people ranged from moderate to minor and one man was trapped by his side with his legs under the vehicle.

“Rescue equipment had to be used to free the patient and once he was freed he was immediately transported to hospital for the urgent medical care that he needed” Meiring added.

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

Zimbabweans can start renewing their special work permits

Lusanda Bill
25 September 2014

Minister of Home Affairs Malusi Gigaba today announced that Zimbabweans who are in the country can start renewing their special work permits as from next week. 

Minister Gigaba said this only applies to the 245 000 holders of the Dispensation for Zimbabweans Project. 

He added that the department is ready to process all applications at the ten VFS offices across the country. Capacity has been set aside within the Permitting section to be able to process the applications.   

Minister Gigaba said currently there are 120 dedicated staff members who will be dealing with ZSP applications.  From October 1sr Zimbabweans will be able to apply online as per the initial plan and not go to the VFS offices. 

An accident leaves two people critically injured

Lusanda Bill
25 September 2014

An accident this morning on Ondekkers road in Johannesburg West left two people injured.

This is after a motorcycle collided with a pedestrian. 

ER24 Spokesperson Russel Meiring said when paramedics arrived on the scene they found both patients laying on the middle of the road in a critical condition. 

Meiring said advanced life support was performed on both patients before they were transported to hospital for further medical care.

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

A man sentenced to 25-years for rape and murder

Lusanda Bill
25 September 2014

A 26-year-old man in Nongoma has been sentenced to 25-years in prison for rape and murder which happened in 2013. 

KwaZulu Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni said the detectives on the case did great work in collecting evidence which led to the prosecution and sentencing of the suspect.

Police Spokesperson Thulani Zwane said it is alleged that the man raped his girlfriend and killed her by strangling her.

Zwane said a case of murder was then opened at Nongoma Police station and through an investigation the detectives managed to arrest the suspect the same as the incident happened.

Nirco stresses the importance of rights of victims and inmates

Lusanda Bill
25 September 2014

The National Institute for Crime Prevention and the Reintegration of Offenders has called on government and civil society to start focusing on matters of incarceration and corrections regarding inmates. 

Nicro Spokesperson Jacques Sibonmana said one of the recurrent criticisms posed by the South African society is that criminals have more rights than their victims. 

Sibonmana said there is a perception within our society that offenders cannot be welcomed in our communities, but the reality is both the offender and victim are part of our communities.

Meanwhile as this week marks Corrections week, Nicro’s Jacques Sibonmana said it is vitally important that we uphold our human rights. By doing so we strengthen our constitution and safe guard our democracy.

Sibonmana added that we call for rehabilitation programmes for offenders and support mechanisms for community members.  So that they receive the necessary attention and necessary programmes to move on from the traumatic experiences.

COSATU NW to picket outside court against Sun City security

Oscar Thomas
25 September 2014

The Congress of South African Trade Union in the North West is today picketing outside the Mogwase Magistrate Court against Sun City security. 

This is after it has been alleged that the security guards stripped the workers of their clothes and searched for money in their private parts. 

Cosatu Provincial Secretary Solly Phetoe said justice needs to be done to those poor workers who have been accused and harassed by white security company which is still doing that on a daily basis.

Phetoe said we hope justice will be done to those poor workers who have been accused and harassed by the white security company which is still doing that on a daily basis.

Phetoe said this is the one case out of many others that have been reported to the police and we are still demanding a full detailed report on those cases.

“They must also appear in court when investigations are completed and we know that investigations are completed, but we just want to hear the response from the investigators as they know very well that delaying cases is a strategy for throwing the cases into the dustbin and we are watching with very big eyes Phetoe added.

Minister Mbombo takes the IsiShweshwe Traveling exhibition to Lwandle

Oscar Thomas
25 September 2014

Today Cultural Affairs and Sport Minister, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo, will be launching the IsiShweshwe Traveling exhibition at the Lwandle Migrant Labour Museum as part of the 2014 Heritage Month celebrations.

The exhibition celebrates the beauty of isiShweshwe clothes, from street wear to costumes which carry deep cultural significance.

Spokesperson for Minister Mbombo Siviwe Gwarube said the exhibition consists of 10 panels and 12 dolls dressed in isiShweshwe fabric in nine different designs.

Gwarube said it traces the history of isiShweshwe, and its indigo print cloth predecessors, and celebrates the richness of the ways that it is used in contemporary dress in South Africa. 

“Minister Mbombo will be taking this exhibition to the people of Lwandle and it will make its way across the province in different museums Gwarube added.

COSATU NW and the eviction of farm

Oscar Thomas
25 September 2014

The Congress of South African Trade Unions visited the farm workers and farm dwellers who are being threatened with illegal eviction by the new owner of the farm at Rietfontein.

The new owner bought the farm in 1999 after the old owner sold it to him but he did not explain anything to those farm workers and farm dwellers who were born on that farm.

COSATU NW provincial Secretary Solly Phetoe said the farm workers have been served with papers from the lawyers of the new owner saying that within thirty days they must have left the farm or they will be evicted.

“We call on all relevant departments to make sure that farm workers are protected and not evicted without proper accommodation, with water and electricity, and that children are able to go to school Phetoe added.

DA calls on government to help small businesses

Oscar Thomas
24 September 2014

The Democratic Alliance has called on government to play its part in help small businesses to get off the ground. 

DA Parliamentary Leader Mmusi Maimane said the National Development Plan approach can lead to 11-million new jobs in South Africa by 2030 through less state control and more free market factors. 

Maimane said we should ask ourselves why a department is spending money on luxury travel, when places like Emdeni industrial park is in decay.

Maimane said the DA will get to the bottom of this scandal by asking more questions in Parliament to discover exactly where the Deputy Minister and her contingent stayed to spend R1.2 million on a single trip overseas.

“With your support, we would implement policies that would help small businesses to grow so that they can be more profitable and create more jobs Maimane added.

SA, Russia agree to $50-billion nuclear deal

Oscar Thomas
24 September 2014

The Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution has requested a copy of the Inter-Governmental Agreement on a Strategic Partnership and Cooperation in Nuclear Energy and Industry. 

Minister of Energy Tina Joemat-Pettersson signed a deal with Russia on the side-lines of the 58^th session of the UN General Assembly of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

CASAC’s Lawson Naidoo said I have requested a copy of the Inter-Governmental Agreement on a Strategic Partnership and Co-operation in Nuclear Energy and Industry.

“CASAC is concerned whether proper and appropriate procurement and other approval processes have been followed in respect of this Agreement Naidoo added.

DA : Crime statistics need to be auduted independently

Lusanda Bill
24 September 2014

The Democratic Alliance said Police Minister Nathi Nhleko and National Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega may have lied about crime state audit.  This is after the Auditor General’s office said they have not audited the latest crime stats. 

DA MP of Police Dianne Kohler Barnard said they have long held the view that the reporting methodology behind the nation’s crime stats has been inconsistent and at times incorrect. 

Barnard said the minister together with the police commissioner have stated that the figures have been audited by the Auditor General. 

“Now if the AG’s claims are true that the stats have not been audited, I will move to have the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police to summon both the police minister and the national police commissioner before the committee. They need to explain why they lied to the South African public about the integrity of the statistics” Barnard added.

Barnard empathised that it is important that the stats are audited independently.    

City of Cape Town’s Vice Squad clamping down on sex trade

Lusanda Bill
23 September 2014

The City of Cape Town’s Vice Squad over the weekend conducted several operations in clamping down on sex trade in and around the city. 

Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith said during the operations they were able to close a house used as a brothel in Goodwood.

Smith said they are working hard with the Hawks to ensure that there are convictions for the people who are involved in sex trade especially those who are busy ruining the lives of young people.

Meanwhile Smith said the City’s Vice Squad has been trying to clamp down on various parts of the sex trade in three ways including street walkers, residential brothels and trafficking cases. 

Over the weekend operations were conducted in Parow and Goodwood dealing with illegal property.

Smith said street walkers and properties that are being used as brothels in residential areas generate lost of complaints.  The city reacts to this by using the Land use legislation and the Business Act. 

“Our unit also deals with trafficking cases and we have had a few successes in rescuing young woman and in some cases men who have been brought into this industry often under false pretences and promises”.