One person burnt to death, homes flattened in Hout Bay blaze

Raymond Pani

27 February 2016

 A fire in the Imizamo Yethu informal settlement in Hout Bay, Cape Town burnt a man "beyond recognition" and destroyed about 200 homes earlier on today.

The City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue spokesperson Theo Layne said the police had been called to the scene to identify the body because it was "burnt beyond recognition".

“The cause of the fire is at this stage undetermined with the SA Police Service coming in to investigate further.”

“Some residents have been left homeless and those affected will be housed in a nearby community hall at this time. Clean-up operations have also begun.”

It is the second time this month alone that a fire has ravaged the area. 

Lily Mine probe results to be made public

Raymond Pani

27 February 2016

  

Mineral Resources Minister Mosebenzi Zwane says the results of the probe into the cause of the collapse at the Lily Gold Mine near Barberton in Mpumalanga, will be made public.

He visited the mine on Friday. The search for the mine's three workers is expected to resume soon. Rescue operations were halted for two to three weeks.

Pretty Nkambule, Yvonne Mnisi and Solomon Nyirende were trapped underground about three weeks ago when the container in which they were working collapsed into a sinkhole.

Zwane has described as satisfactory, the mine's efforts to get where its three staff members are trapped and said

“"In two to three weeks maximum we will be able to commence with our work. We are from the area where the new machine is drilling. They have addressed us about the progress and we are happy that we are on schedule despite the teething challenges.”

The City of Cape Town visited Glendale High school today

Nontando Mafanya

26 February 2016

The City of Cape Town’s Health Directorate went to school today to promote teen health. The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Health, Councillor Siyabulela Mamkeli, engaged with learners at the Glendale High School in Mitchells Plain on issues like personal hygiene, safe sex, HIV/Aids and tuberculosis.

Mamkeli says…“We can’t pretend that children and teenagers are unaffected by health issues weather it be HIV or TB or Sexual Transmitted Infection and we   have a duty to ensure that they know what their rights and choices are.”

 “It is crucial for us to engage with young people are growing up will miss perception and old wives takes because certainly topics are tobacco in their home and communities.” He added

Minister Marais honours Long Serving Officials

Chumani Simelela

26 February 2016

On Wednesday 24 February 2016, Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Anroux Marais presented Long Service Awards to officials of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport at the 2016 ceremony held in Milnerton. Minister Murray’s Spokesperson Stacey Maclean said.

“The 59 long serving officials for loyalty, commitment, dedication and significant contribution to our vision of a socially inclusive, creative and active Western Cape”.

She concluded by saying “These officials received awards for spending 10-40 years in the service of the public, an indication of the passion and perseverance they have shown in bringing about positive change to the people of the Western Cape. Their residential areas are also indicated for ease of reference”

Cope Leader satisfied about the Budget Speech

Nontando Mafanya

25 February 2016

Political parties have largely welcomed Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan’s budget speech. Most say the Minister did the best with the little he had.

Cope Leader Mosioa Lekota says…… “First of all let me say that we are very happy we the structural attachments the containments to control what he has attended to do is excellent.”  

“Secondly, we think that we have to go to tax because the was no other way he could go, but even there he tried to manage it.” He added

“Thanks to that is variable but then its conceiving when I send back to this. This previous budget speech and I record how many times we tried to advise President to reduce the size of the benefit. Said

“Certainly now he couldn’t given us 4 Billion he wouldn’t gone for that. The President has already  done, he doing well his hangouts to him supporting him even it If the consuming might sore that is out of his control”. he concluded

Basic Education and ECD expenditure in 2016 Budget

Simamkele Vakaza

25 February 2016

Minister of Finance Pravin Gordhan, yesterday in the Budget speech said the expenditure on basic education will increase from R204 Billion this year to R254 Billion in 2018/19.

“By 2018, 510 inappropriate and unsafe schools will be rebuilt”, said the Minister.

“2120 schools will be supplied with water and 916 schools with electricity”, he added.

“An additional allocation of R813 Million for Early Childhood Development is proposed to increase the number of children in ECD centres by 104 thousand over the MTF period”, He concluded. 

AgriSA renews call to declare drought a national disaster

Nontando Mafanya

23 February 2016

Agri-SA has repeated its call for government to declare the drought a national disaster, saying farmers will need at least R4-billion in aid in the next few years. Role players in the sector are waiting to find out what Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan has in store for drought stricken regions – if anything - when he outlines the Budget on Wednesday.        A task team reporting to government paints a dark picture of the drought gripping the country. At least four million tons of maize need to be imported and there are major concerns over cattle deaths.

Agri-SA president Johannes Moller said… “The sector will probably need at least R4-billion of government aid over the next three years to ensure that we can move back to a situation of food security in South Africa and to make sure that the animal herd, the animal production herd, is rebuilt to an acceptable level.”

Cape Town High Court to hear Zephany Nurse kidnapping case

Siphelo Bayana

23 February 2016

The trial of the woman accused of abducting baby Zephany Nurse 19 years ago is due to start today in the Cape Town High Court after a postponement on Monday.

The sensational case begins almost a year to the day that Nurse was reunited with her biological parents.

She was a mere three days old when a woman allegedly took her from Groote Schuur Hospital while her mother slept.

Getting to know her biological family has been a difficult transition.

Nurse’s grandmother said it was a big shock for her to find out that the people she loved and trusted were not really her family.

A total of nine witnesses are expected to take the stand.

The woman charged with kidnapping, fraud and contravention of the Children’s Act may not be identified in order to protect Nurse’s identity.

Alleged house robber shot in the head

Siphelo Bayana

23 February 2016

An alledged house robber was shot dead in Brakpan  yesterday afternoon.

Clifford Shongwe said…“The EMPD and police had been called to a residence in Brakpan North where a robbery had taken place.

When police arrived at the house, the suspects ran on foot to an open field that had enused mine shafts.

The suspects fired shots at the police.

A helicopter and a dog unit were dispatched in search of the suspects.”

Shongwe concluded…“As the search continued, one of the suspects opened fire at police, police responded. He was shot in the head and died instantly."

A 50 year old man found injured from the vehicle incident

Nontando Mafanya

20 February 2016

A biker believed to be 50 years of age was injured following a collision with a vehicle earlier today on Livingstone Boulervadbijlpark. He was treated and transported to hospital for further medical care.

ER24 Spokesperson “ER24 paramedics arrived on scene they found the man lying on the road several metres away he from the bike.”

“Upon assessment by paramedics it was found that he sustained moderate injuries. He was treated and transported to hospital for further medical care.” she concluded

Five suspects arrested in iNandi Drive, Newlands

Siphelo Bayana

19 February 2016

Yesterday morning the K9 Unit Member were conducting crime prevention duties along iNandi Drive Newlands East when they spotted a suspicious looking vehicle with five occupants. The vehicle was stopped and searched and four computers were recovered.

Nqobile Gwala said…“Investigattions reveal that the vehicle driven by the arrested suspects was hijacked last month.

They arrested suspects aged-31 & 40 are expected to appear in court soon.

The possession of suspects stolen property.” 

Cope says Zuma is under-pressure to implement NDP

Siphelo Bayana

19 February 2016

In a statement the Congress of the People says the mounting pressures on the economy and the harshness of the drought caused President Zuma to commit to the National Development Plan.

Dennis Bloem said…“As all of us know that the ANC was never serious of implementing the NDP, now yesterday President Zuma says he can assure everybody that he is serious about it.

The big issue however is President Zuma having broken his oath of office and the legislature through ruling party.

The constitution not holding him accountable and not taking proper action required.”

President’s SONA reply promise to SAPS

Simamkele Vakaza

19 February 2016

The announcement by President Jacob Zuma during his response in the debate on the State of the Nation Address, that ‘new’ Drug and Gun units will be formed within South African Police Services, will be welcomed by many Western Cape communities and the MEC of Community Safety Dan Plato call on President Zuma to honour those who have lost lives because gang violence with immediate implementation.

Spokesperson for the MEC Ewald Botha explained… “We welcomed by some many Western Cape communities and Mr Plato calls President Zuma to honour those who has lost lives because of gang violence with immediate implementation”.

“Minister Plato has been calling for the re-introduction of specialised units since 2011 and even though there’s been positive feedback last year by the National Minister of Police of the possibility of this happening, there’s been no action to date”, He concluded.

DA MP Breytenbach could face 25 years for deleting data NPA

Siphelo Bayana

19 February 2016

National Prosecuting Authority said…“Democratic Alliance parliamentarian Glynnis Breytenbach faces up to 25 year in jail for deleting data from her work laptop.

Glyniss Breytenbach has never denied that she deleted data from her NPA laptop four years ago.

Breytenbach said…“I deleted private files, my private information, my private account, photos of my dogs and my horses.”

But the NPA said that’s irrelevant to it’s decision to criminally prosecute Breytenbach and that the chargers are very serious.”

ANC WC says Zille must apolgise to Cape Times

Siphelo Bayana

18 February 2016

The African National Congress in a statement says Demacratic Alliance Premier Hellen Zille owes an apology to the Cape Times, its reported Quinton Mtyala and other titles of the same Indepent newspaper group she criticised for referring to her hiring of an undercover operative as Zille’s spy.

Khaya Gaxa said…“Zille was very vocal against even the coverage that was done in the independence around despite other issues.

Now that it came to this conclusion by the outcome of this investigation by the ambushment, she was supose to say have come clean and said something and put us to light.

Even if it means that she withdraws all the negative responses she has uttered during that time, or resign as a leader of government here as a Premier.”

Two suspects arrested for the murder of Constable Ben Koopman

Siphelo Bayana

18 February 2016

The South African Police Service have arrested two suspects in connection with the murder of Cape Town Metro Police officer Constable Ben Koopman.

Andrew Traut said…“Police arrested two suspects aged 35 & 38 yesterday.

The suspects are due to make court appearance once they are charged.” 

COSATU supports the Higher Education Amendments Bill

Nontando Mafanya

18 February 2016

COSATU strongly supports and welcomes Government High Education Amendment Bill and urges Parliament to pass it as a matter of the highest priority. The federation wants the bill further universities, colleges etc.

COSATU Parliamentary officer, Cde Matthew Parks says….We saw last year when the students and workers upright and protest.

“They really use a means for government to this transformation did a formal equity to ensure the university are affordable and allowance of inflation.  He added

“They shall ask student’s straight poor black and white has access to high education. As we also want to further amendments bill with the above bill.” He concluded

Minister Angie Motshega denies allegations that she is targeting SADTU

Chumani Simelela

17 February 2016

In a statement, the Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga has denied allegations made by the South African Democratic Teachers Union, that she is targeting the teachers union.

Following a preliminary report of a Task team, appointed to investigate the Jobs for cash allegations currently underway. Ministerial spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga explains.

”The minister of basic education has denied reports that she is targeting a particular teacher”.

                                                                                         

He concluded...“Has emphasised the fact that task team she set up was investigating all the unions, but also any individuals that might be belonging to the Union who might have done something wrong and investigation involved the participation of teacher Unions”

Western Cape Government First 1000 Days project introduced

Chumani Simelela

17 February 2016

The Western Cape MEC of Health, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo and the MEC of Social Development, Adv Albert Fritz will today launch the Western Cape Government’s First 1000 Days project which forms part of the province’s strategic goals for the next five years.

MEC Mbombo spokesperson Luyanda Mfeka explains that the MEC introduced a number of branded taxi vehicles to distribute promotional material for the campaign to members of the public.

Luyanda Mfeka said. “The minister introduced a number of branded taxis from the Department of Health, as part of a strategic initiative and promoting our campaign in the public, as well distributive promotional material to the public in the area”.

He concluded. “The 1000 days campaign is specifically targeted at communities but more specifically mothers and their babies in aims to encourage the public”.

MP’s expresses their utmost disappointment during SONA debate

Raymond Pani

17 February 2016

Members of Parliament yesterday debated their views on the State of the Nation Address delivered by President Jacob Zuma last week Thursday. Democratic Alliance leader Mmusi Maimane in his speech said

“Every honourable member on this side knows the damage that this man is doing to this country and their party.

But now that you have been exposed in the nation’s highest court, it remains to be determined how much you will have to pay because here is the thing whatever the amount, it will be nothing compared to what the people of this country have already paid for your presidency.

 Instead of redressing the structures of inequalities of apartheid you build yourself a big house on the backs of poor South Africans.

 A failure of leadership you should be ashamed, aninavalo.”  

Meanwhile, 

Economic Freedom Fighters Leader Julius Malema said “You’re questionable political life and the events that led you to become a president.

This is the man who knowingly had sex with a HIV positive woman and later explained to all that a shower will lessen the chances of contracting HIV.

This was another sign showing to us that you are incapable of becoming a president but we ignored that. This is the man who knowingly impregnated a friends child despite that he had many wives at home.

This is the man who in December exchanged ministers of finance in South Africa  alongside Mr Zuma’s unforgivable blunders are ministers and premiers who we learn from the best and implicate the same form of corruption and accountability in their departments and provinces”.

And United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa said

“Give us a mandate Msholozi to handle your exit in a dignified manner, further and to avoid another embarrassing sitting, president scoring own goals the house must demand the ministerial handbook for scrutiny.

South Africans while SONA was very lenient on corruption, billions were supposed to help improve our social ills in this county is being looted left and right.”

Five suspects arrested in connection with armed robbery

Simamkele Vakaza

17 February 2016

Yesterday, eThekwini Region Crime Intelligence Task Team in conjunction with National Mobile Train Unit and Pietermaritzburg Hawks conducted an intelligence driven operation at Inanda, Ntuzuma, KwaMashu, Umlazi, Mpumalanga, KZN and Pietermaritzburg areas. 

A total of five wanted suspects aged between 34 and 46 years were eventually arrested for armed robbery, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition as well as possession of property suspected to be stolen.

“During the operation, a suspected stolen Kia bakkie as well as a Toyota Avanza, which is suspected to be stolen at Mayville was also recovered”, said Lieutenant Nqobile Gwala.

  

“Two 9mm pistols, a Rossi .38 special plus 112 live rounds of ammunitions were recovered”, said Gwala.

She added that… “The recovered firearms will be sent for ballistic testing to ascertain if they were used in the commission of any crime in this country”.

“Cash suspected to be taken during the robbery was also recovered from the suspects”, she concluded. 

POPCRU condemns the killing of a WC Metro Police Officer

Siphelo Bayana

17 February 2016

The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union in Western Cape says in a statement that it is reeling in shock by killing of a metro police officer on Monday.

POPCRU spokesperson Mbolekwa said…“As POPCRU we condemn the killing of a metro police in Eerste Rivier.

We are calling on detectives to investigate these criminals and arrest them as a matter of urgency.

We are calling on the magistrate to refuse bail.”

UCT’s RMF movement remains firm on its housing allocation stance

Siphelo Bayana

17 February 2016

Yesterday, University of Cape Town’s Rhodes Must Fall Movement staged in front of the Jameson stairs where they were protesting for alleged lack of accommodation for their fellow black students. 

In one of the interviews Bush Radio Correspondent, Siphelo Bayana conducted, one of the students said “We are gathered here because the University is exploiting black students and directly removing them from the residences and accommodating foreign national’s students and white students only”.

Bayana spoke to the students of UCT who are also allocated to residence houses, however some expressed they are living in fear because they do not know how long they will be allowed to stay in the residence because of their financial exclusion and that decision is up to the University Counsel.

He says “They claim that the issue they are dealing with is poor service of administration and it’s been happening for at least 5-years.

He adds that “What happens is when a student applies to enrol at UCT they apply for residence accommodation as well and they receive confirmation that they have secured a place in the residence, when they get into UCT what they are not told is that there has been an over allocation of rooms which means if for an example the residence can accommodate 200 students and the Housing Department allocates 300 students to the residence, then it becomes an issue of first come first serve”.

He continued that “They put students in one big room where many bags and belongings are stashed into that small space as far as possible and you are expected to stay in a hall with other students you don’t even know and there is no privacy at all for the duration of this housing crisis.

This then means you are homeless because UCT does not consider black students, the reality is they make sure that whites and foreigners live much comfortable than actual black South Africans.”

“White students come to live in residences just for the fun of it for the experience and black students come to the residences because they have no means of living where they want to, they come with a hungry interest of learning, they come to res for survival” one student concluded

WC ANC condemns careless statements by one of its own

Nontando Mafanya

17 February 2016

In a statement, the Western Cape ANC says it condemns the careless statements made by its PEC Member, Andile Lili against the Chairperson of the ANC, Cde Marius Fransman and its spokesperson, Cde Jabu Mfusi on Monday.

ANC media liaison Yonela Diko says “the ANC has the best and fair internal courses to any matter related in this leaders.

“And Lili as the leader of the highest structure in Province has been director beneficiaries on this and is in the same process and single out or inside fellow leaders." He added

The ANC organisation in the soul inside fellow leaders when it comes of any internal courses.” He concluded

MEC Mbombo to secure the wellness of children

Simamkele Vakaza

16 February 2016

Western Cape MEC Dr Nomafrench Mbombo, alongside the Minister of Basic Education Mrs Angie Motshekga and the Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Joseph Phaahla will attend the National School Deworming Programme Launch.

The programme delivered through the Integrated School Health Programme in collaboration with the National School Nutrition Programme.

“The programme promotes the deworming of children and schools comprise one to two, which are typically disadvantaged schools and nutrition schools provide health care services to these children and communities that surrounds them”, said Luyanda Mfeka.

26 Year old Man arrested for robbery and another for alleged rape

Raymond Pani

16 February 2016

Willow vale Police arrested a 26-year-old suspect for robbery on Friday.

The suspect was with three other suspects when they robbed a 30-year-old man who was busy talking over his cell phone. Captain Jackson Manatha said

“I can confirm indeed that the Willow vale SAPS arrested a 26 year old man on Friday 12 February at around 10 pm at Main street.

He was arrested after he robbed a pedestrian’s cell phone, the pedestrian 

came across a police van that was patrolling and they alerted the cops.

Our police acted quickly, they arrested and recovered the phone of the victim.

The suspect has since the appeared in court on Monday the 15^th of February 2016.

His case was reminded for the 8^th of March 2016 for further investigation, we are still looking for the other 3 suspects.”

  

Meanwhile, Centane Police arrested a 30-year-old suspect for the alleged rape of a 15-year-old girl.

It is alleged that the victim and her friend were from an evening church service at Ntengo Location Teko Kona village on Saturday. Police Captain Manatha added

“The suspect was also from the same church service.

He offered the two girls to accompany them.

The suspect who is a Christian brother of the same church verbally threatened the girl, dragged her to his home and raped her on the 14^th of February 2016. 

She broke the silence to her parents, a case was opened we arrested him.

The suspect has then appeared in the Centane magistrate court today”

  

MEC Plato and Police Prov Commissioner Jula visit Uitsig

Chumani Simelela

16 February 2016

The Western Cape MEC of Community Safety, Dan Plato, together with South African Police Service, Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Khombinkosi Jula, wnt to the streets of Uitsig. Where they went to the houses of the community to listen to their views regarding their safety. Ewald Botha, the MEC Dan Plato’s spokesperson said.

“The Western Cape MEC of Community Safety, Dan Plato, accompanied by the South African Police Service, Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Khombinkosi Jula, is in Uitsgig this morning conducting a safety over sight outreach visit”.

“Both Minister Plato and Lieutenant General Jula will be going door to door, speaking to community members about their safety concerns and fears”.

“This after increased complaints that have reached the office Minister Plato about the general safety conditions this year. Together with increased incidents of gangsterism and drug acivities and shootings”.

City of Cape Town Metro Cop Murdered

Simamkele Vakaza

16 February 2016

City of Cape Town Metro Police Officer was shot in front of his house in Eerste River yesterday. The MEC of Community Safety Dan Plato in a statement wishes to extend his deepest condolences to the officer’s immediate family, his wife and three children as well as his friends and law enforcement colleagues for their loss. 

“Western Cape MEC of Community Safety Dan Plato condemns the strongest possible sense the murder of constable Koopman as part of the City of Cape Town’s Metro Police”, said Ewald Botha.

“The MEC sends his deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the officer who was shot and killed close to his house yesterday, MEC Plato urges the community members to work with the SAPS”, He added. 

“Anyone with information should report it to the nearest Police Station or call the Crime line help number”, said Botha.

He added that… “MEC Plato further stresses that even though he trusts the community will do the right thing”.

“Anyone with information should come forward even if the only motivation is the R50 000 reward that is given by the City of Cape Town”, He concluded. 

Police rescue 18 kids held in Eastern Cape church

Raymond Pani

16 February 2016

Police rescued 18 children who had allegedly been held hostage at a church near Ngcobo in the Eastern Cape on Monday afternoon.

Eastern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Mzukisi Fatyela, said

“The children stay in the church. We had to forcefully enter the church to recover the children aged between 3 and 13 years.

The children don’t go to school and some don’t even have birth certificates. It’s alleged that they were not allowed outside the gates. When you are staying at that church you don’t leave the church, the Department Social Development had been investigating the church for months.”

A city of Cape town Metro Police Lost his life on Duty.

Raymond Pani

15 February 2015

A City of Cape Town Metro Police officer has been shot dead. The shooting occurred in Avon Road in Eerste River a short while ago.

Police say the 53-year-old victim was robbed off his service pistol. The police’s Andre Traut says they are yet to arrest two suspects who fled the scene.

Three months ago the Transport Department said it was determined to introduce an insurance that will benefit the families of traffic officers killed in the line of duty.

The acting Transport Minister at the time, Ngoako Ramatlhodi, was speaking at a wreath laying ceremony for 19 slain officers - many of them killed while controlling traffic and executing roadblocks.

ANC sends condolences to the family of Tony Ehrenreich

Siphelo Bayana

15 February 2016

Yonela Diko said…“We are sending our condolences to the family. 

Sydney who is a father had really a long battle with prostate cancer. 

He was 79-years-old so he lived a full life. 

We know that Sydney was a life long activist and an ANC member. 

He was certainly central in shaping the political views of his son.

Sydney was a soul of his house, we believe that he worked very hard and courageous for his family with humility and grace he was truly loved.” 

UCT: uneven structures built to accommodate homeless students

Raymond Pani

15 February 2016

The steps of Jameson Hall at UCT are once again the site of protest by angry students, this time over an alleged apparent lack of accommodation for black students.

The protest was led by the Rhodes Must Fall activist movement and saw uneven iron structures and portable toilets erected at the bottom of Jameson Hall on upper campus.

One of the Rhodes Must Fall leaders, Chumani Maxwele, told reporters that “Black students constantly struggled to secure accommodation and that if one goes to the housing queue “there is no white person there”.

Protest action still ongoing, more details to follow

COPE’s readiness for local government elections in NC satisfactory

Chumani Simelela

15 February 2016

COPE visited the Northern Cape in Upington over the weekend.

Cope says they have very good support in the province.

Cope spokesperson Dennis Bloem spoke widely of it and said “We held the meeting with the Provincial Executive and the Regional Executive of the Northern Cape who access our readiness in regard with the local government elections.”

He says “We have the only province where we are in control of three municipalities and having a Mayor of the Congress of the People.

“We are very much satisfied with the readiness of our structures” Bloem concluded. 

Police still looking for Claremont Mall armed robbery suspects

Chumani Simelela

15 February 2016

Officials say the men ransacked the Trigg Jewellery outlet before fleeing with an undisclosed amount of merchandise.

This is the second hit on the Cavendish store in five months.

The police’s Frederick van Wyk said

“We can confirm that we have opened a business robbery case after it has been reported that yesterday morning at about 11:30am that 4 unidentified armed suspects robbed a jewellery shop in a shopping mall in Claremont.”

 He says the suspects fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of jewellery.

Police urge anyone with information about this incident is kindly requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or Claremont Police

No one has been arrested at this stage

Thabo Mbeki criticisesformer retired High Court Judge Chris Nicholson

Raymond Pani

15 February 2016

In one of his latest letters, former president Thabo Mbeki criticises retired High Court judge Chris Nicholson, who presided over the corruption case against President Jacob Zuma.

Mbeki says Nicholson wrongly accused him and others in his government of a political conspiracy to charge Zuma.

Mbeki said Nicholson offered no explanation for his September 2008 judgment, in which he dismissed criminal charges against Zuma.

He cited a political conspiracy to influence the case by Mbeki and others. In his judgment, Nicholson said the timing of the charges by former acting National Prosecuting Authority head Mokotedi Mpshe was most unfortunate.

The charges were laid after Zuma replaced Mbeki as ANC president at the party’s Polokwane conference in December 2007.

ANC, SACP welcome decision to prosecute Breytenbach

Raymond Pani

14 February 2016

The ANC and the South African Communist Party (SACP) have welcomed the decision by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to charge Democratic Alliance Member of Parliament Glynnis Breytenbach.

The parties said the decision indicated that she had a case to answer for.

 On Friday the NPA said Breytenbach and her lawyer would appear in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court on Monday on charges of obstruction and defeating ends of justice.

The hearing related to an NPA investigation in 2012 in which Breytenbach was investigated for misconduct.

The NPA claimed Breytenbach allegedly shredded relevant papers and wiped clean her laptop while she was still the head of the organisation's specialised commercial crimes unit.

Angry Umlazi Residents Threaten Violence

Raymond Pani

14 February 2016

Angry Durban hostel dwellers are threatening violence if their demands aren't met.

Umlazi hostel residents marched through the CBD on Saturday.

They are demanding answers from the eThekwini municipality about an unfinished housing project in T-section.

The multi-phase development was due to be completed by 2011.

Marchers handed over a list of their demands to city officials and want answers within a week. Mthembiseni Thusi of the Ubunye Dama Hostel Organisation said

"Within a week, they must give us a response, if they are failing to do so, we are going to ask our comrades from other hostel to, to be part of a huge march before election. They need to respond immediately before the bloodshed starts".

Marikana Residents remain defiant

Raymond Pani

14 February 2016

Angry residents of Marikana in the North West have vowed not to vacate the houses they are illegally occupying under a multi-million of rands Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) housing project.
This is despite government's efforts to seek a court eviction order. 
The residents have accused government officials of manipulating the list of beneficiaries, in favour of those who have political ties. Government spokesperson Ben Bole said

"We need just the municipality, just to come and register out people. Those who have already occupy the houses just come and register. People are being allocated houses without procedure being followed, we asked one question how come that the ANC give people houses, when the project itself not complete."

The NPA says there is no Political agenda in Breytenbach Case

Raymond Pani

14 February 2016

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is adamant that it is an independent institution and is not politically motivated in the case against Glynnis Breytenbach.

The former prosecutor and now Democratic Alliance Member of Parliament will be going to court in Pretoria on Monday, charged with obstructing the ends of justice and contravening the NPA Act. The charges relate to evidence she is accused of withholding and destroying during an internal investigation of her when she was still working for the NPA.

The DA says the prosecuting authority has a political agenda behind charging Breytenbach.

NPA spokesperson Luvuyo Mfaku has refuted those claims, he said

“We never dabble in politics. The NPA is an independent institution that is tasked with the responsibility of prosecuting on behalf of the state. And therefore, the leadership of the NPA took an oath of office to uphold the constitution and the rule of law and they are guided by the prosecution policy whenever they take a decision whether to prosecute or not,”