WC ACDP leader concerned about increasing stats on crime

Rentse Khiba

30 September 2015

The Western Cape African Christian Democratic Party leader, Ferlon Christians says, the increase in drug-related incidents, car and truck hijackings and the continual battle against gangsterism are all hallmarks that still have a long way to go in the fight against crime.

Christians was responding to the national crime statistics released yesterday.

In a statement issued, Christians says corruption within the police service should be addressed and that rotten apples should be disposed of.

Christians explained that it was frustrating that 85% of Western Cape police stations have been left under-staffed and under resourced during the period of those statistics.

He feels that sufficient staffing at police stations will drastically improve the crime battles facing the Western Cape.

Three killed after crashing into basement

Melon Radebe

30 September 2015

Three men were killed when the driver lost control of the truck they were travelling in.

The vehicle crashed into the basement parking of a multi-story building in Sea Point late yesterday afternoon.

“The three man were killed on impact. Medical Service called in the services of a structural engineer for attempting to remove the bodies from the wreckage fearing structural damage to the building and injury to emergency personnel. All three bodies were eventually taken to Salt River mortuary.” Emergency Medical and Forensic Pathology Services Principal Communications Officer Robert Daniels said. 

Newly appointed Cape Cultural Commission revealed today

Melon Radebe

30 September 2015

The Western Cape MEC of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Anroux Marais, will officially welcome the newly appointed Western Cape Cultural Commission today.

MEC Marais will highlight the important role the newly appointed Commission will play in preserving, promoting and developing cultural affairs in the province.

“The newly appointed members of the Western Cape Council Commission will effectively contribute to the growth and development of the dynamic and cultural environment in the unified Western Cape.” Spokesperson for the MEC Stacey McLean said. 

COSATU North West welcomes judgement on farm worker killers

Melon Radebe

30 September 2015

The Congress of South African Trade Union in the North West has welcomed the High Court ruling on a case of a farm worker, who was brutally killed by a farm in 2012.

COSATU’s North West Provincial Secretary, Solly Phetoe says justice was delivered to the family of the late Bakang Moleka in Vryburg today.

He says that the two murderers were found guilty and will be sentenced on Thursday at the North West High Court.

“We have been supporting that strike for some time and we are in support of the family members, we are very happy that now the justice has taken its course, we are happy that the court after three and a half years has found the perpetrators guilty and what we expecting tomorrow is that, a clear message must go out there in public that whether you have money or not, it does not mean that you are above the law.” Phetoe says.

6-year-old child and an adult man drowns in swimming pool

Mbasa Gqokoma

30 September 2015

A six year old child and an adult man drowned in a swimming pool at a residential dwelling in Bordeaux in Randburg, Johannesburg yesterday.

The cause of this accident remains unknown, SAPS were on scene for investigation.

ER24 spokesperson Pieter Rossouw says “ER24 paramedics responded to the incident, but sadly there was nothing that could be done for the adult patient who was declared dead on the scene”.

Rossouw added that the child was transported to Mediclinic Sandton, but was also declared dead at arrival at the hospital.

Thousands to march against Corruption today

Mbasa Gqokoma

30 September 2015

The Right to Know campaign will be hosting a march in Pretoria, Durban and Cape Town today.

The march is a protest against corruption within the government and society.

The campaign believes in holding state security structures to account and exposing private sector corruption in political party funding and government tenders.

R2K national spokesperson, Murray Hunter says, “We calling for an open society, we calling for a society that is free from corruption, free from secret profiting not only in government but in the private sector as well.”

“This is an opportunity for the public to come together and to take a stand to say that we will no longer accept this type of behaviour in our society.” He concluded.

DA blames Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega for increase in crime

Rentse Khiba

30 September 2015

The DA says it is greatly concerned with the increase of crime in South Africa.

This reaction is due to the 2014/2015 statistic that were released on Tuesday by Minister of Police Nathi Nhleko.

The political party is most concerned with the murder rate.

The murder rate went up for the third consecutive year.

They claim that this is due to National Police Riah Phiyega.

DA MP Dianne Kohler Barnard explained that to this end South Africa needs effective leadership of the SAPS.

National government has failed police officers and citizens alike.

“Nowhere is this clearer than in the actions of police Minister Nathi Nhleko who is more preoccupied with exonerating President Jacob Zuma in the Nkandla scandal and of National Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega, who is now the subject of an inquiry, for her conduct contributing to the Marikana Massacre.”

Our SAPS remains politically and operationally rudderless and countless South Africans lives are at stake Kohler concluded.

Military Ombud’s sends condolence to soldier ambushed in Sudan

 Melon Radebe

29 September 2015

The South African Military Ombud’s lieutenant General Themba Mantanzima has sent his condolences to the SANDF soldier’s family, who was ambushed in Sudan.

Another soldier was also injured in the ambush. The ambush took place on Sunday in Sudan’s Darfur.

“He will also like to wish the seriously injured member a speedy recovery, whilst we are deeply saddened, we salute your dedication, bravery and heroism.” Nthombikayise Mdluli Jacha said 

Three people killed in different tragedies this afternoon

Rentse Khiba

29 September 2015

A head on crash on the R563 in Hekpoort this morning has left one person dead.

A report from the scene indicates that a heavy goods truck and car collided head on.

Netcare 911 spokesperson Chris Botha explained that Netcare911 paramedics arrived at the scene and found that the driver of the car was still trapped in the mangled wreckage of his car.

Tragically he died at the scene due to the extensive injuries that he sustained. The driver from the truck escaped uninjured.

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

Meanwhile in another incident a shooting at the Ga Rankuwa Mall has tragically left two people dead this afternoon.

Netcare 911 spokesperson Chris Botha reported that Netcare paramedics arrived at the scene and found the two men lying on the ground in the mall with life threatening wounds, one of them believed to be an employee.

Tragically, both men died at the scene due to the extensive injuries that they sustained.

Exact details to the cause of the shooting and preceding events will remain the subject of a police investigation.

Man sustains injuries after vehicle rolls 60 metres

Melon Radebe

29 September 2015

A man sustained moderate injuries this morning after his bakkie rolled 60 metres down an embankment off the Edendale Road near the Henley Dam in Pietermaritzburg.

“On arrival, ER24 paramedics found a single cab bakkie lying 60 metres away from the road. the driver of the bakkie was found seated five metres away against a tree.” ER24 spokesperson Russel Meiring said.

Local authorities were on scene for further investigation.

Man discovered in ditch in critical condition

Melon Radebe

29 September 2015

ER24 paramedics attended to a man found in a ditch in Robert Broom in Muinsieville Krugersdorp in the early hours of this morning.

“When ER24 paramedics as well as Fire and Rescue Services and others arrived on the scene they found the man lying in the ditch several metres deep.” ER24 spokesperson Chitra Bodasing said.

When went down the ditch, they discovered that the man had multiple injuries including stab wounds.

Authorities were on scene to investigate further. 

DA plans to lay criminal charges against ANC’S Chancellor House over bribe

Melon Radebe

29 September 2015

The Democratic Alliance says it will lay criminal charges against the African National Congress’s Chancellor House over $6 million Hitachi bribe.

In 2007, Hitachi Ltd won a R38.5 billion tender to provide Eskom with boilers for the Medupi and Kusile power stations. Last night they confessed to have made improper payments to the ANC’s investment company, the Chancellor House in the process leading up to the tender being awarded.

In a statement issued, the DA says, reports late yesterday evening claim that Hitachi Ltd agreed to pay $19 million to settle charges brought against it by the U.S Securities and Exchange Commission which alleged inaccurately recorded improper payments to the ANC via the Chancellor House.

“The DA will be laying criminal charges against Chancellor House with this regard. The DA will also be writing to the Public Protector, Thuli Madonsela, requesting that her office institute an investigation into this matter with immediate effect.”, Mmusi Maimane’s acting spokesperson Graham Charters said. 

Cultural Affairs and Sport MEC, Anroux Marais to launch improved library

Mbasa Gqokoma

29 September 2015

The Western Cape MEC of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Anroux Marais, will officially launch the relocated and improved Crossroads Library in Phillipi Village today.

Joined by the Executive Mayor of Cape Town, Patricia De Lile, Minister Marais will officially cut the ribbon and handover book donations at the new library facility.

MEC Marais will also highlight the importance of community libraries. 

Spokesperson Stacy Mclean says it’s is after magical spaces that the library where residents, children and adults have access to information by means of print material.

“Accessing electronic sources such as the internet facilities and computer services are also available at this new crossroad library which will serve as a social herb that will provide a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment to the different communities making use of the library.” she added. 

Western Cape Agri-processing sector could create 100 000 jobs

Rentse Khiba

29 September 2015

The Western Cape government has launched a bold strategy to double the size of the province’s agri-processing sector, adding up to a further 100 000 jobs to the economy.

Alan Winde, Minister of Economic Opportunities, said project Khulisa had identified agri-processing as a key sector for the province.

Tourism alongside oil and gas are the Western Cape’s other priority sectors for the next five years.

Spokesperson to Winde, Bronwynne Jooste explained that the Project include increasing exporting wine and brandy to China and Angola.

 The project will also make sure to improve local capacity to process agricultural produce.

China has been noted as the fastest growing emerging market for wine, this would be the best time to tap into this market, Jooste concluded.

Man found in veld with severe injuries

Rentse Khiba

28 September 2015

ER24 treated a man found in a veld this morning with severe injuries understood to have been sustained during an assault.

The man believed to be in his 40’s, was found in a veld at the corner of Nellmapius Drive and Main Road in Irene.

ER24 spokesperson Chitra Bodasing explained that paramedics assessed the man and found that he sustained multiple injuries.

He was treated and transported to hospital for further medical care.

It is understood that two other people, found at a nearby filling station, who were also apparently assaulted were treated by other services.

 Authorities were on scene for further investigations Bodasing concluded.

Eskom will not implement load shedding today

Melon Radebe

28 September 2015

Eskom says the power system is currently stable and, as a result, no load shedding will be implemented.

The parastatal says the stability of the system has enabled technicians to carry out the requisite maintenance of the power generating units.

It says its maintenance plan is aimed at increasing the reliability of its plant, and this will in turn increase its operating reserves and stabilise the grid.

“Eskom actually is not a load shedding company. We do not plan load shedding. We do not want to implement load shedding. It only happens when there is more demand than supply.” Eskom spokesperson Khulu Phasiwe said. 

2 988 vehicles stopped in weekend roadblocks

Melon Radebe

28 September 2015

Western Cape Traffic Services held another round of roadblocks throughout the province this past weekend.

24 roadblocks were orchestrated and an amount of 2 988 vehicles were stopped. 1 460 drivers were tested for alcohol where 58 drunken drivers were arrested.

Meanwhile, Traffic Chief Kenny Africa says there was only four fatalities recorded since the beginning of the long weekend.

“Two motorcyclists lost their lives Wednesday in accidents in Potsdam and one in Athlone. And Thursday evening, a passenger died in a motor vehicle accident on the N2 near Macassar. Saturday morning, a driver lost his life in a head on collision just outside Worcester on the N1.” Africa said. 

Two toddlers, adults injured in Kempton Park accident

Melon Radebe

28 September 2015

Four people, including were injured late last night after a taxi rear-ended a bakkie on the Zuurfontein Road in Kempton Park.

“When ER24 paramedics arrived on the scene, they found the taxi and bakkie in the middle of the road. Occupants from the taxi were found sitting in the sidewalk while occupants from the bakkie were walking around on the scene.” ER24 spokesperson Russel Meiring said.

“On assessment, paramedics found that two adults as well as a two-year-old boy and six-year-old girl has sustained only minor injuries in the collision. Fortunately, no serious or fatal injuries were reported on the scene.” Meiring added

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

Eleven left injured in Vereeniging taxi collision

Melon Radebe 

28 September 2015

Eleven people were left injured on Sunday evening after a collision occurred between two taxis on Joubert Road in Vereeniging.

“When ER24 paramedics along with other services arrived on the scene they found one of the taxis lying on the pavement while the second taxi sat in the middle of the road.” ER24 spokesperson Russel Meiring said.

“Occupants from both vehicles were found scattered around the scene, either on the sidewalk or in their vehicles.”

“Paramedics assessed the patients and found that one man has sustained serious injuries to his leg while another ten had sustained only moderate injuries.”

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

10 fishermen died and 3 remain missing

Mbasa Gqokoma

28 September 2015

Ten fishermen have died and three remain missing after they abandoned a fishing trawler which was taking on water in rough seas on Sunday night.

NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon says on arrival on scene the search commenced for a 21 crew who have abandoned the ship.

Lambinon said during the search 9 survivors were recovered from the water, 9 bodies of the deceased fishermen were recovered from the water and a search continued for 3 missing fishermen.

During the evening one of the survivors succumbed to his injuries and also died on one of vessels that had picked him up, he concluded. 

COPE: Die Stem part of our National history

Rentse Khiba

28 September 2015

The Congress of the People has rejected the call by the EFF to remove Die stem from the National Anthem. In a statement released by COPE, the congress believes that what the EFF is proposing will aggravate the situation and make things worse for those who are worst affected in society. 

Cope spokesperson Dennis Bloem emphasised that South Africa is for all who live in it.

Bloem Explained the congress of the people roundly rejects the call for the removal of Die Stem from the national anthem.

Bloem said “let the nation never dishonour the great work and outstanding legacy of Nelson Mandela.”

“Let us also never allow anyone to trample on our world class constitution.” he concluded.

Two killed in Sandton collision

Rentse Khiba

27 September 2015

Two people were killed and another injured on the M1 highway under the Graystone Road Bridge in Johannesburg.

ER24 Spokesperson Russel Meiring explained when ER24 paramedics along with other services arrived on the scene they found both light motor vehicles in the fast lane of the highway with car parts spread across the scene.

It is understood that one vehicle rear-ended the other in the collision.

On assessment of the vehicle that was rear-ended, paramedics found that two men had sustained fatal injuries in the collision.

Both men lay trapped inside the vehicle.

A third man was found lying in the passenger seat of the light motor vehicle with moderate injuries.

Paramedics carefully extricated the patient from the vehicle and began their treatment.

Once treated, the patient was transported to Johannesburg General Hospital.

The driver of the second vehicle fortunately did not sustain any injuries.

Rescue services had to use the jaws-of-life to later remove the bodies.

Local authorities were on scene for further investigations, Meiring concluded.

Maimane brings the DA’s Vision 2029 tour to the Western Cape

Rentse Khiba

27 September 2015

This weekend Democratic alliance Leader, Mmusi Maimane alongside DA Western Cape Provincial Leader, Patricia de Lile and DA National Spokesperson Phumzille Van Damme embarked on the Western Cape leg of the National Vision 2029 Tour.

Spokesperson to Maimane, Mabine Seabe explained that vision 2029 is the DA’s programme of action for building a better South Africa through 10 years of a DA National government, from 2019-2029.

It is also an expansion of the party’s Values Charter based on the Values of Freedom, Fairness and Opportunity, Seabe added.

The tour now on its seventh leg, has so far engaged with communities in KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West and the Eastern Cape.

MEC Plato to host safety oversight walk in Masiphumelele

Rentse Khiba

27 September 2015

The Western Cape MEC of community safety, Dan Plato will conduct a safety oversight walkabout in the community of Masiphumelele on Monday.

The safety oversight walk will see MEC Plato joined by the local neighbourhood watches, community policing forum and the South African Police Services.

Spokesperson for MEC Plato, Ewald Botha explained that MEC Plato will be speaking to community members and listening to their concerns for safety and the causes for the recent escalation in violence.

“MEC Plato will also inform community members about the options available to them when they are unhappy about the safety service delivery they receive.” Botha concluded

COPE Calls on Minister Mbalula to take ownership for soccer bribery scandal

Rentse Khiba

26 September 2015

The Congress of the People has called on Minister of Sports and Recreation, Fikile Mbalula to inform South Africa whether he had requested and obtained details from United States authorities regarding allegations of bribery by South Africa.

COPE spokesperson Dennis Bloem said now is the right time for Mbalula to come clean.

Bloem explained that Minister Fikile Mbalula should accept that South Africa paid a bribe and should assist the Swiss and the US authorities with all the information at its disposal.

“By assisting he will help to clean up soccer at international level. If he seeks to hide the truth he will be an accessory to crime. The truth will come out. “ Bloem concluded

Man killed on Seven Passes road in the Western Cape

Rentse Khiba

26 September 2015

Last night a man was killed after his vehicle rolled multiple times on the Seven Passes Road in Touwsriver in the Western Cape.

ER24 spokesperson Russel Meiring reported that ER24 paramedics received the emergency call and immediately responded to the scene on the gravel road.

On their arrival, paramedics found a light motor vehicle lying on its roof in the middle of the road.

Meiring said a lifeless body of a man lay a few metres away.

On further assessment, paramedics found the man had sustained multiple fatal injuries.

Nothing more could be done for the patient and he was declared dead on the scene.

Four other occupants from the vehicle were assessed by paramedics.

Fortunately the men escaped without injury.

Local Authorities were on scene for further investigations, Meiring concluded

Public Service committee welcomes the appointment of new Minister Ramathlodi

Rentse Khiba

26 September 2015

Portfolio committee on Public Service and administration welcomes the appointment of Advocate Ngoake Ramathlodi as the New Minister of Public Service and Administration.

The Committee views his appointment as ideal in the push to attain the professional public service as envisioned by the National Development plan.

Chairperson for the Committee, Peace Mabe believes Ramathlodi will do a great job but that he will also face some challenges.

Mabe explained that some of the priorities the new Minister will have to grapple with, include the fight against corruption within the public service.

The Committee believes that corruption represents the single most threat to quality service provision in the country and requires multiple protocols to deal with it effectively.

“Associated to this, the streamlining of processes in order to speedily conclude disciplinary processes against officials suspected of corruption must be expedited.” Mabe concluded

Five suspect sought after hijacking tourists in KZN

Loyiso Langeni

26 September 2015

Police in KwaZulu Natal are searching for five suspects after six tourists were hijacked at gunpoint by five suspects near the Emanguzi Policing area.

Police spokesperson Thulani Zwane said the victims from Mpumalanga were hijacked of their Fortune and Hi-Lux bakkies after which the suspects fled the scene in their Dark blue Polo with GP plates.  

“It’s alleged that around 07:00 yesterday six people were in their cars at Emanguzi area when they were hijacked by armed men. They were taken to a bush where they were left at and suspects fled the scene with their own vehicle,” Zwane added. 

The Emanguzi police are investigating hijacking and kidnapping cases. Zwane

Missing Child Alert:

Missing Adult Alert:

Homeless man saves a man from drowning

Loyiso Langeni

25 September 2015

A homeless man came to the rescue of a 37 year old man after a near drowning incident at a beach in Sea Point.

It is understood that a homeless man had witnessed the patient struggling in the water. He then run and dived into the water and pulled the man to safety.

ER24 Spokesperson Russel Meiring said paramedics responded to the beach, and on arrival, they found that metro services had just began their treatment of the male patient.

Meiring added that they assisted with the treatment before the patient was immobilised and transported to New Somerset Hospital for further treatment.

NEHAWU denounces Health Tenderpreneurship

Rentse Khiba

25 September 2015

The National Education Health & Allied Workers’ Union has denounced the Department of Health’s Medical Bureau for Occupational Diseases, following media reports exposing wasteful spending practices.

A newspaper reported that a Department health facility had buying appliances at highly inflated prices.

The union called for the investigation into these allegations in a statement on Tuesday.

NEHAWU Media Liaison Officer Sizwe Pamla explained that corruption has a very negative impact on healthcare and the provisions of healthcare because it wastes valuable resources and costs innocent people their lives.

There has to be strict control measures and improved management systems.

“There has to be a reversal of policies that have introduced healthy “tender-preneurism” in the health sector.” Pamla added

One person left dead and another critically injured after N3 collision

Rentse Khiba

24 September 2015

Last night one person was tragically injured in a rollover collision on the N3 near the Reitz off ramp in the Free State.

Netcare911 spokesperson Chris Botha explained, Netcare911 and their rescue unit arrived at the scene and found the roadway to obstructed with accident debris and the twisted frames of the vehicle.

After the seriously injured man was treated at the scene, they transported him to a hospital in Harrismith whilst under the care of an advanced life support paramedic, Botha added.

Exact details as the cause of the accidents and preceding events are unknown but local authorities were on scene for further investigation.

Taxi collision leaves three injured

Rentse Khiba

24 September 2014

Last night three people were injured  following a collision between a taxi and light motor vehicle at the Olievenhout and Northumberland Road intersection, Johannesburg.

ER24 spokesperson Werner Vermaak explained, when ER24 paramedics arrived on scene, they found the taxi lying on its side in the road.

On assessment, paramedics found that three people, including the taxi driver, had sustained moderate to minor injuries in the collision.

Paramedics carefully removed the patients from the vehicle and treated them for their injuries.

Once treated, they were immobilised and transported to a nearby hospital for urgent treatment.

The cause is not yet known but local authorities were on scene for further investigation, Vermaak concluded.

DA lays criminal charges against Road Accident Fund CEO

Rentse Khiba

24 September 2015

The Democratic Alliance has laid criminal charges against the CEO of the road accident fund and the RAF board.

The case was stalled as it was passed between 12 different police investigators.

The Democratic Alliance announced yesterday that the hawks will take over fraud investigations into alleged fraudulent acts committed by staff on the RAF.

DA shadow Minister of Transport Manny De frietas explained the evidence illustrated how the RAF essentially appeared to sue itself in order to maintain a certain cash flow.

This was done without the knowledge, instruction or consent of road accident victims and resulted in delays to their claims.

It also caused huge additional costs to the RAF and led to inflated legal expenses to the fund, De Frietas concluded.

Western Cape first city to host the World Opthalmology Congress

Mbasa Gqokoma

24 September 2015

The Western Cape will become the first African city to host the World Opthalmology Congress.

It is the biggest conference to be hosted in the region and it set to take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in 2020.

Western Cape Minister of Economic Opportunities Alan Winde has called this a major win for business tourism in the province.

Western Cape Government Spokesperson Bronwynne Jooste says we actively pursued major international conferences throughout the year.

She says this conference will earn more than R200 million for the economy and attracts 15 000 delegates.

This is a major boost for jobs and growth in the Western Cape Tourism Sector, Jooste added. 

Sivukile Sonele Movement to challenge allocation beneficiaries in Langa

Mbasa Gqokoma

23 September 2015

Sivukile Sonele Movement this morning took to the streets of Langa demanding the City of Cape Town to change allocation beneficiary of the new housing project.

They claim that people from Langa do not benefit on the new housing project and those people who are on the database, were not consulted with the move in, that is taking place today.

The first beneficiaries of the City of Cape Town’s flagship Langa Hostels Transformation Project, happened last week.

The City of Cape Town has never come down to tell us what is happening because they know exactly the housing problem that the community is facing because we had the engagements with him and they never wanted to reach any remarkable agreement with that hence now people are going out to protesting, Sivukile Sonele Movement Spokesperson Vusumzi Mandinda said.

Meanwhile the City of Cape said it is currently busy with hostel transformation programme in Langa.

Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements, Councillor Benedicta van Minnen said it must be noted that engagements about the allocation of units and the project in general have been in-depth, inclusive and thorough over months.

A clear process was agreed upon and is being followed. The 463 units which are being built on the Old Depot Site in Langa form part of the first phase of a project which will ultimately see the construction of more than 1 300 units in the next five years.

Van Minnen says “the community understands that we had various engagements with them and they have welcomed these opportunities. However, there is a very small minority of people who have been protesting because they are not beneficiaries of phase one”.

The City currently is will interdicting them as they have attempted to petrol bomb the building and we will continue to ensure that they do not damage the flats, Van Minnen added.

Three dead, one critically injured in Montrose accident

Melon Radebe

23 September 2015

An accident this morning left three people dead, while another sustained critical injuries in a collision along the N3 at Montrose.

It is believed three trucks collided on the N3 leaving the highway totally obstructed.

“Well this morning just after 4 o clock, the paramedics raced out to the N3 at Montrose where two motor vehicles had collided. When we arrived there, we found that some of the people were still trapped in the wreckage.” Netcare 911 spokesperson Chris Botha said.

“Tragically three of them had died due to the very severe injuries they had sustained. One man was in a critical condition. He was treated on scene and later transported to hospital,” Botha added.

Exact details to the cause will remain the investigation of the police. 

Two injured on N3 accident in Warden

Melon Radebe

23 September 2015

Two people were injured in an accident along the N3 between Warden and Villiers this morning.

It is believed that the bakkie veered off the road about forty kilometres from Warden and overturned several times.

“Netcare 911 paramedics at the scene found the wreckage of the vehicle and accident debris obstructing the roadway.” Netcare 911 spokesperson Chris Botha said.

“After triaging, it was found that one person sustained serious injuries while another escaped with minor injuries.” Botha added. 

Portfolio Committee on Communications looking to fill SABC positions

 Melon Radebe

23 September 2015

The Portfolio Committee on Communications is determined to fill three positions, left vacant after three members of the Board of the South African Broadcasting Corporation resigned. 

Committee Chairperson Joyce Moloi-Moropa said that they would re-advertise the positions in local and national media towards the end of September.

“We are restarting the process so that it is open for everyone, three posts will then be filled,” Moloi-Moropa added. 

Three die in Montrose accident

Melon Radebe

23 September 2015

An accident this morning left three people dead, while another sustained critical injuries in a collision along the N3 at Montrose.

“Netcare 911 paramedics, the fire services and the N3TC arrived at the scene and found some of the injured still trapped in the wreckages of the trucks,” Netcare 911 spokesperson Chris Botha.

“The critically injured man was stabilised at the scene before medics transported him to a nearby hospital for the care that he required.” Botha added.

It is believed three trucks collided on the N3 leaving the highway totally obstructed.

The police will conduct further investigations. 

Seven months pregnant woman killed in Bushbuckridge

Loyiso Langeni

23 September 2015

Police are searching for five men who are allegedly behind armed robbery, and kidnapping and murdering a seven-month pregnant woman.

The suspects forcefully entered a shack at Saselani and abducted the 20-year-old woman after robbing her siblings at gunpoint.

Police Spokesperson Gerald Sedibe said they demanded money after which the victims handed over an undisclosed amount of cash to them.

“The thugs then fled the scene and forcefully took the 20-year-old sibling with them, a Grade 12 learner. She was found the following day not far from the scene brutally murdered,” Sedibe added

Police urge any person with information regarding the whereabouts of the thugs to contact Warrant Officer Vincent Monaiwa on 082 054 2980 or 013 799 5517/8.

MEC Plato calls for calm in Masiphumelele

Loyiso Langeni

23 September 2015

Western Cape Minister of Community Safety Dan Plato has urged the community of Masiphumelele to remain calm and cooperate with the Police Service.  

A recent surge in violence and vigilantism has prompted the South African Police Service to increase its presence in Masiphumelele.

Ministerial Spokesperson Ewald Botha said MEC Plato says he strongly condemns the alleged vigilante attacks.

“Murder by any name remains a crime and murderers will have to face the full might of the law,” Botha added.

MEC Plato also called on the community to bring their grievances of policing, safety issues to his attention when he visits the community on Monday morning. 

Police condemn Lugelweni Village mob attack

Melon Radebe

22 September 2015

The South African Police Service in the Eastern Cape has called the community of Lugelweni Village not to take the law into their own hands, following the death of a 30-year-old man. 

Police Spokesperson Khaya Tonjeni said the victim is alleged to have been stoned to death by an angry mob.

“The community was complaining about the alleged deceased’s involvement in the killing of other people in the village.” Tonjeni said. 

“It is alleged that on 20 September 2015, a group of young people from the village mobilized themselves to go to the deceased’s place to assault him. When the deceased saw them coming, he ran away but was caught by the mob and assaulted with stones and later died.”

Tonjeni said they will not tolerate this behaviour, because avenge seekers become criminals themselves and Saps will have no option but to arrest them for their unlawful actions.