Another call for apartheid not to be blamed for poverty

By NEWSTEAM
30 APRIL 2010

Deputy Trade and Industry Minister Maria Ntuli has reiterated President Jacob Zuma’s statement that the government cannot continue to blame apartheid for failing to improve the lives of South Africans after being in power for 16 years.

Newsflash reports that Ntuli spoke today during a dti campaign in Kokstad in KwaZulu-Natal.

Ntuli blamed the mindset of South Africans from impoverished communities who had accepted poverty as part of their heritage.

She urged young people to stop depending on child support grants and to seize the economic opportunities government had provided.

NPC commissioners named

By Ofentse Mokae
30 April 2010

The long awaited announcement of commissioners to the National Planning Commission has been made by President Jacob Zuma in Pretoria today.

Topping the list of the 25 strong commissioners is businessman Cyril Ramaphosa who will be Planning Minister Trevor Manuel’s deputy.

Addressing the media, Zuma said the key aspect of the commission was to introduce effective planning as well as monitoring and evaluation capacity in the Presidency in order to guide government.

“Last year we announced that the new administration would do things differently and would work consistently to change the way government works, in order to improve service delivery,” Zuma said.

Zuma said the commission will enable the Presidency to make government’s policies and plans more coherent and focused on achieving the type of society that all envisage.

Some of the other well-known names on the commission are former Eskom chairperson Bobby Godsell, University of KwaZulu-Natal vice-chancellor Malekgapuru Makgoba, ANC national executive committee member Joel Netshitenzhe and former Western Cape Environment MEC Tasneem Essop.

They will tackle issues such as water security, climate change, food security, energy security and defence and security matters.

While the Democratic Alliance welcomed the announcement, its parliamentary leader Athol Trollip said it was essential that the candidates selected by the President reflect a commitment to good governance, rather than furthering the ANC’s political agenda.

“We are busy studying the list and will make our opinion public once the list of candidates has been given due consideration,” Trollip said.

The commissioners’ work starts immediately with their first meeting scheduled for 10 and 11 May and will report on an ongoing basis to Cabinet.

Student critical after vicious attack

By Kim Saulse
30 April 2010

A student nurse is in a critical condition after she was brutally attacked at her home in Oribi Village in Pietermaritzburg.

ER24’s Derrick Banks said it is believed the 28 year old woman was viciously assaulted by her husband who repeatedly shot her before allegedly fleeing the scene.

On arrival of paramedics, the victim was lying in pool of blood on the veranda of her home. She had sustained three bullet wounds to the head. Paramedics said a fourth bullet appeared to have amputated her thumb.

“Paramedics incubated the patient and took over her breathing by placing her on a ventilator as they tried to stem the bleeding and stabilize her for transport to Pietermaritzburg Medi-Clinic,” said Banks.

Police are investigating the motive for the shooting.

Fitness programme for SAPS members

By Khanyisa Tabata
30 April 2010

A fitness and weight loss programme is currently underway for senior South African Police members.

Spokesperson Billy Jones says this forms part of any police member’s career to ensure that they are physically fit.

Jones says senior management took the first step to encourage other members to do the same.

He says the official launch of the fitness initiative will take place at the end the four-week programme.

Suspect to appear in court on Monday for kidnapping

By Khanyisa Tabata
30 April 2010

A 19 year old suspect accused of kidnapping a one day old baby in Mitchell’s Plain has arrived in Cape Town.

Police spokesperson Captain Rewayne Muller says DNA tests will be conducted to determine who the biological mother is and an identification process will also be held on the suspect.

“The suspect from Philippi allegedly offered to carry the baby while the mother went to buy cool drink near the Mitchell’s Plain taxi rank last week Friday.

“She will appear in the Mitchell’s Plain Magistrate’s Court, court 4 on Monday on a charge of Kidnapping,” said Muller.

FPI urge communities to reject Naked News

By Ofentse Mokae
30 April 2010

The Family Policy Institute (FPI) has called on all South African citizens to reject the proposed NakedNews programme.

The institute says all responsible citizens should not accept what they call vulgar and contemptible attempts to profit off the negative stereotyping and objectification of women.

Errol Naidoo director at the institute says NakedNews is a cheap and puerile attempt at legitimising the sexual exploitation of women.

“Women, ostensibly reading the news and shedding their clothes primarily for the sexual gratification of men and no doubt curious children, cannot be considered newsworthy or an acceptable form of entertainment under any circumstances,” said Naidoo.

Naidoo adds that by utilizing the school boy charade of a pornographic news bulletin to reinforce the destructive stereotype that women are mere sex objects should be a criminal offense in a country where the rape & sexual abuse of women and children are epidemic.

NakedNews is an international news service, whose presenters strip naked while reading the headlines.

It will be available on cellphones for as little as R10 a week and Naidoo says this will enable millions of children to be easily exposed to pornographic images, which is a criminal offence in South Africa.

However NakedNews spokesperson Melissa Douman told the media that their program is not porn.

“We don’t use anchors that have been involved with strip clubs or the porn industry. It’s a tongue-in-cheek way of ­presenting the news. The aim is not to cause arousal,” she said.

Meanwhile the programme comes amid the South African Government working on legislation that could see the prohibition of all forms of pornography and nudity be it on the internet, cellphones and other mass media networks.

Home Affairs deputy minister announced that he had asked for advice from the South African Law Reform Commission on the feasibility of a law to ban all forms of electronic porn.

FPI say they are calling on government and the Film & Publication Board to urgently investigate NakedNews compliance with adult content regulations.

Eskom says they have enough power for 2010

By Khanyisa Tabata
30 April 2010

Eskom says they will be able to meet this year’s power demands, even with the added pressure of the Fifa World Cup, but they warned that the next two years will be tight unless new power generation facilities are made operational soon.

Eskom generation head Brian Dames says the proposed Medupi and Kusile coal-fired power stations will provide added capacity once they come on stream in 2012 and 2014.

Dames’ comments come just weeks after the World Bank granted Eskom a loan of 3-point-75-billion-US-dollars to get the Medupi power station up and running.

MISSING CHILD ALERT

City launches winter readiness plan for people on the streets

By Khanyisa Tabata
29 April 2010

The City of Cape Town says they have approved the earlier than normal launch of the City annual readiness plan for people who are living on the street.

Mayoral Committee member Councillor Grant Pascoe says winter is a particularly harsh time for street people.

“We hope that the earlier launch will help us deal with the expected increased numbers of homeless people in the City Bowl over the World Cup period.”

The programme will again offer homeless people food and a place to sleep.

Participants will also be kept occupied through a series of activities and life skill training programmes, with a view to reintegrating them back into the communities where they come from.

Pascoe added that the City will seek to partner with Non-Governmental Organisations who are experts in the field of taking care of- and rehabilitating homeless people. The programme will cost R500 000-00 and will be rolled out right across the city.

Kodwa must explain threatening phone calls to Blue Light victim says DA

By Khanyisa Tabata
29 April 2010

The Democratic Alliance is accusing an individual in President Jacob Zuma’s office of making threatening phone calls.

A man alleges that gun-wielding VIP Unit bodyguards manhandled him and his German passenger on a Cape Town highway.

According to the DA’s Dianne Kohler Barnard, the alleged victim received a threatening call after the event from a cellphone number which the DA has established belongs to presidential spokesperson Zizi Kodwa.

Kohler Barnard wants the Presidency to explain the call. She also wants action against what she describes as “blue light bullies”.

South Africa ready to receive Obama at World Cup

By Khanyisa Tabata
29 April 2010

Soccer World Cup organising committee chief executive Danny Jordaan says South Africa is ready to receive United States President Barack Obama should his schedule allow him to attend the tournament.

Obama expressed the wish to come to South Africa when he met last year at the White House with Fifa president Sepp Blatter. Jordaan says they are expecting a high number of other heads of states during the World Cup.

Blatter and Jordaan are also hoping that former president Nelson Mandela will be able to attend the opening ceremony.


But his grandson Chief Mandla Mandela told journalists the 91-year-old statesman would certainly not be attending the tournament.

He says there are no immediate health worries for his grandfather, but they are trying to limit his engagements. The family and the Nelson Mandela Foundation will make a final decision closer to the start of the tournament on the 11th of June.

35 year old man to appear in court

By Khanyisa Tabata
29 April 2010

A 35 year old man is expected to appear in the Paarl Magistrates Court on a murder charge after a 31 year old woman was stabbed to death at Stellenbosch train station yesterday.

Police spokesperson Captain René Matthee says according to the suspect, he and the deceased, Tina Nolubabalo, 31 years old of Khayalitsha, were family members of each other.

Matthee says the murder is still investigated by the police.

“The man from Khayamnandi is expected to appear in the Paarl Magistrate’s Court soon.

“The suspect will remain in custody until he appears in court,” said Matthee.

First Rift Valley Fever fatality in Western Cape

By Ofentse Mokae
29 April 2010

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases yesterday confirmed the first Rift Valley Fever fatality in the province since the outbreak in February this year.

The 49-year old male from the Karoo has been the first human to die from Rift Valley Fever in the Western Cape.

He died at the Oudtshoorn Hospital.

The NICD says it’s still investigating the patient’s source of exposure.

The provincial health department say it is unsure in which manner he contracted the disease.

There have been confirmed cases of Rift Valley Fever in animals in the Oudtshoorn area.

The Western Cape Department of Agriculture also confirmed today that two alpaca’s have died from Rift Valley Fever on a farm in Simondium, outside Paarl.

According to the provincial government this is the latest confirmed case of
Rift Valley Fever in animals in the Province, and also the first case in the south western part of the province.

Rift Valley fever is a viral disease that can cause severe disease in a low proportion of infected humans.

The virus is transmitted by mosquitoes and causes outbreaks of abortion and deaths of young livestock (sheep, goats and cattle).

Health MEC, Theuns Botha, said that health workers at hospitals and provincial health facilities in the Karoo and Boland have been alerted to lookout for symptoms of Rift Valley Fever among patients who visit their facilities.

Symptoms among humans include flu-like fever, muscle pain, joint pain and headache.

People, who have been exposed to raw meat sourced from possible infected animals, can be at risk, as well as people who have consumed unpasteurized milk from potentially infected animals.

Meanwhile the department of Agriculture suspects that the movement of infected animals could have been the cause of the disease’s appearance in the Paarl area.

However it says this case is an isolated one.

Late Mitchell’s Plain crime fighter honoured

By Ofentse Mokae
29 April 2010

The late Mitchell’s Plain crime fighter, Vincent Naidoo was honoured during the Presidential national orders ceremony held on Tuesday night.

Naidoo was awarded the Order of the Baobab in Silver for his outstanding courage in fighting crime in Mitchells Plain and for sacrificing his life for the safety of his community.

This Order is awarded to South African citizens for distinguished service.

Yesterday the Mitchell’s Plain Parliamentary constituency office commented President Jacob Zuma for honouring the late Naidoo in recognition of his contribution in the fight against gangsterism and drugs in the area.

Following Naidoo’s recognition ANC MP Marius Fransman yesterday described Naidoo as a dedicated community worker who died while on duty.

“A soldier literally died in his boots ensuring that each and every child in Mitchells Plain doesn’t get exposed to drugs. He sacrificed his time and that of his family ensuring that drug lords have no place within our communities,” said Fransman.

Fransman said though he was bound to a wheelchair, he died ensuring that his community slept in peace at night, that they are not terrorised by gangsters and that they live in peace.

Speaking during the ceremony, Zuma said: “When we talk of working together to do more for our country, we must think of Vincent Naidoo, the national hero who lost his life fighting against crime in Mitchells Plain in Cape Town”.

Naidoo was a well-respected member of his community, a husband, father, street committee member and dedicated crime fighter.

He was gunned down, at only 47 years old, while manning a bonfire outside a drug merchant’s house in Mitchells Plain.

Picture:Mitchell's Plain ANC Parliament Constituency Office

Duarte resigns from Presidency

By Ofentse Mokae
28 April 2010

The Presidency announced this afternoon that Jessie Duarte has resigned as its Chief Operating Officer.

Presidency head of communication, Vusi Mona says Duarte will leave her position at the end of May in order to pursue other interests as well as give more time to political work within the African National Congress.

Mona says Duarte a former Gauteng MEC, contributed immensely in stabilizing the administration of the Presidency.

“The organizational restructuring that The Presidency has undergone can largely be attributed to her work and vision as guided by the Union Building’s political principals,” Mona says in a statement.

Presidency Head Vusi Mavimbela expressed their appreciation to her work and expressed their gratitude.

“We thank Jessie for her contributions to the Presidency, the leadership and experience she brought to the organisation have been greatly appreciated and we wish her well in her future endeavours,” Mavimbela said.

Also in the statement Duarte says her decision to leave the Presidency was not an easy one.

“Resigning from the Presidency was a difficult decision. However, I have discussed this with my political principals and am leaving with their blessing.”

Before joining the Presidency, Duarte served as ANC spokesperson and as special assistant to former president Nelson Mandela.

She has also served as South African ambassador to Mozambique.

Ndebele to head Uni-Zulu

By Ofentse Mokae
28 April 2010

Former Kwa-Zulu Natal premier and current Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele is expected to be installed as Chancellor of the University of Zululand in Kwa-Zulu Natal.

Ndebele succeeds the former Chancellor, President Jacob Zuma, whose two terms expired last year.

The minister adds to the long list of politicians who have accepted such positions at universities.

Early in the year deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe accepted a post as chancellor at the University of Venda.

In a statement his department says Ndebele is honoured on his appointment.

“The Minister is both deeply humbled and honoured by the University of Zululand's Council decision to appoint him as the new Chancellor,” the statement says.

The installation ceremony is scheduled to take place on Friday and will see members of the University Council, Senate, Student Representative Council, students, government, labour and business leaders in attendance.

Man fatally wounded in a shooting in Mitchell’s Plain

By Khanyisa Tabata
28 April 2010

A man believed to be his in 20 has been shot and killed in Mitchell’s Plain this morning.

Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Ian Williams says police attended a murder scene in Bienne Donne Street, Westridge, Mitchells Plain.

“Allegedly the victim, a male estimated to be 20-25 years of age, was walking down the street when a white Opel came driving past.

“The passenger of the vehicle fired several shots at the victim, wounding him on his right side. The victim passed away on the scene,” said Williams.

Williams added that the victim, a male was dressed in dark blue jersey with label “expedition”, a white peak cap with “parmy”, blue jeans and white tekkies with black stripes.

Anyone who has information about the incident can contact the investigating officer detective Debbie Alaart of Mitchells Plain police on 079 458 5321 or 021 370 1706.

Woman fatally stabbed in a train

By Nomava Nobumba
28 April 2010

A woman travelling by a Metro rail train was stabbed to death at the Muldersvlei train station near Stellenbosch this morning.

The 31 year old deceased was commuting from the direction of Cape Town when the man jumped into the train as it stops, stabbing her with a knife.

She died on the scene due to the injuries she sustained.

Police spokesperson Captain Rene Matthee says the suspect was arrested on the scene.

Police are investigating the motive for the attack.

Allege kidnapper of Cape’s newborn baby nabbed in Johannesburg

By Nomava Nobumba
28 April 2010

A woman believed to be a kidnapper of a Cape Town one day old baby is behind bars.

She was arrested yesterday afternoon in Johannesburg’s Park Station following a long investigation by the police.

The baby was kidnapped in Mitchells Plain on Friday after her mother gave her to a woman who offered assistance.

The mother went to a shop to buy a cool drink when she return the suspect was no where to be found with the newborn.

Police Captain Rewynne Muller says the suspect will be transported to the city today.

“The process to confirm the identity of the woman and the baby will start as soon as they arrive,” said Muller.

Muller adds the investigation still continues.

Murder suspect arrested in Woodstock

By Khanyisa Tabata
28 April 2010

A 22 year old man has been arrested in Woodstock for murder. Police spokesperson Sergeant Hilton Malila says the man was arrested in Railway Street, for a murder that was committed at about 01:45 the morning, in Albert road, where a 25 year old man was fatally wounded.

“The arrest follows after an intense investigation into the Murder case, where a 25 year old man was stabbed six times in Albert road Woodstock. The victim sustained stabbed wounds to the chest, arms and back.

“It is been alleged that the suspect took out a knife and stabbed the deceased six times, after an argument. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital, and later died due to the injuries sustained,” said Malila.

Malila added the identity of the deceased is not yet known. The motive for the Murder is still being investigated by the Woodstock police.

The suspect currently in police custody will appear in the Cape Town Magistrates’ court tomorrow on a charge of Murder.

Selebi back in court

By Nomava Nobumba
28 April 2010

The trial of the former police chief Jackie Selebi is resuming in the South Gauteng High Court today.

Last proceedings on the case were on Thursday where Prosecutor Giel Nel asked for more time in preparing lines for his cross-examination.

Nel told Judge Meyer Joffe he wants to focus on money matters and that line of questioning could take some time.

He will focus on spending patterns in Selebi’s bank accounts and a KPMG audit report on the former-police chief’s lifestyle during the time period under scrutiny.

This is the seventh day Selebi is on witness stand for corruption and defeating the ends of justice.

Zuma says apartheid still haunts the country

By Khanyisa Tabata
28 April 2010

As many South Africans made their voices heard at yesterday’s Freedom Day celebrations, President Jacob Zuma reiterated his call for unity and reconciliation.

He was addressing thousands of people gathered at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

The celebrations were also attended by opposition parties who delivered their messages of support.

Zuma believes the ghost of apartheid still haunts the country, despite 16-years of democratic freedoms, a proud constitution, entrenched rights, and universal suffrage.

At the gathering, the Congress of the People's Mvume Dandala spoke about the economic struggles facing South Africans.

Suspects back in court for assault of one year old

By Kim Saulse
28 April 2010

The two men accused of beating one year old Marzaan Kruger and her minder Francian Sekhu will appear in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court today.

The case against 25 year old Geraldt Nyantumbo and 28 year old Nelson Maphosa was postponed on Monday as the two needed an interpreter.

They face charges of attempted murder and aggravated robbery.

The third suspect linked to the assault of Kruger and Sekhu is still at large.

City to make Khayelitsha properties available for social care purposes

By Khanyisa Tabata
28 April 2010

The City of Cape Town’s Property Management Department says it has identified 15 definite and 53 potential sites in Khayelitsha which could be used for churches, educare centres and other social care purposes.

This is after Cape Town Mayor Dan Plato had a meeting in the area.

Plato’s spokesperson Rulleska Singh says they are nevertheless committed to finding and negotiating a compromise which is in the best interests of the Khayelitsha community

“Sixty eight potential properties are being investigated of which 15 have been found to be appropriately zoned as Institutional II and can, by tender, be made available, either for lease or sale.

“Of these 15 sites, 11 are occupied. The structures on the occupied erven include churches, educare centres, a combination of churches and educare centres, and other structures where the usage cannot be determined,” said Singh.

Singh added that he City will meet the current occupants to determine whether occupation has been authorised by the City, its predecessors or the Provincial Government of the Western Cape.

Those occupants who claim to enjoy authorised occupation will be required to produce the necessary proof to corroborate this.

Eight year old drowns in Bloemfontein

Newsteam
27 April 2010

An eight year old boy has drowned in their neighbor’s pool in Bloemfontein.

It is believed the boy was playing with a ball which landed in the neighbor’s yard. The boy then climbed over the fence and ended up in the pool.

Meanwhile, a 23 year old farm worker might lose his foot after it got caught in a piece of machinery and was crushed above the ankle.

NSRI appeals to public to be on the lookout for injured shark

By Kim Saulse
27 April 2010

The NSRI is appealing to boaters, fishermen and the public to report any sighting of an injured white shark in the Miller’s Point, False Bay area.

“A diver accidentally shot the shark in the region of the gills while attempting to frighten the shark away from divers that were in the water at the time,” said NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon.

Lambinon said the diver insisted that although the three to four metre shark was not acting aggressively, it got close to divers and as it turned to swim away the diver shot at the shark in an attempt to scare it away but accidentally shot the shark near its gills.

Anyone who spots the shark, which may be floating or which may beach itself, should call the NSRI communications on 0823803800.

Zuma congratulates freed peace keepers in Sudan

By Khanyisa Tabata
27 April 2010

President Jacob Zuma says the release of the four South African peace keepers who had been kidnapped in Sudan is the best Freedom Day gift the country and the families of the hostages could have received.

Zuma was instrumental in liaising with the United Nations, Sudanese Government and other structures to secure the release of the four men.

The President wished the men well as they cope with the emotional trauma. He also congratulated them for their bravery and resilience. The Presidency says arrangements are being made for their return home.

Furniture shop burn down in Bellville

By Khanyisa Tabata
27 April 2010

A fire has caused hundreds of thousand of rands damage to a well known furniture store in Durban Road, Bellville.

The blaze has destroyed much of the stock in Tafelberg Furnishers and the building has been gutted.

Fire and emergency services are still on the scene as the flames in the ceiling are being doused.

It is not known what caused the fire during the early morning hours, but it is believed a short in one of the electrical appliances could be the culprit.

It was reported the shop was still closed when the fire started. Nobody was injured in the blaze.

Call for struggle heroes to be honoured

By Khanyisa Tabata
27 April 2010

The African National Congress says South Africans should today pay tribute to the many heroes of the struggle for liberation who made it possible for everyone to be celebrating Freedom Day.

The ANC’s Brian Sokutu says South Africans should remind themselves of how far the country has come since the dismantling of apartheid.

He adds that the legacy should be preserved through fighting crime and corruption, volunteering to work for good causes and working alongside government in ensuring the success of its programmes.

But the Congress of the South Africa Trade Unions says South Africa still has a lot to achieve before everyone is really free.

Spokesperson Patrick Craven says the 58-percent of South Africans who live in poverty, and who cannot benefit from political freedom as they face a daily struggle to survive, cannot be ignored.

Craven says massive inequality has made South Africa the most unequal society in the world.

The main Freedom Day celebrations take place at the Union Buildings in Pretoria today.

President Jacob Zuma will be the keynote speaker, while an array of musicians will entertain the crowd.

Kidnapped SA peackeepers freed

By Ofentse Mokae
27 April 2010

The four South African peacekeepers who were kidnapped early in the month have been freed.

Reports say the two men and two women, who are part of the United Nations African Union Mission to Darfur in Sudan, are in good health, and no ransom was paid for their release.

The four were kidnapped on April 11 when Sudan held its first democratic elections in over 20 years.

Meanwhile the country’s President Omar al Bashir has been declared the winner of the historic election.

His 68-percent victory in the elections has however been marred with a warrant for his arrest still issued by the International Criminal Court and labelled a war criminal.

Blatter in line for National Order

By Ofentse Mokae
27 April 2010

FIFA President Sepp Blatter will today be one of the people to be honoured by the South African government during the National Orders ceremony tonight presided by President Jacob Zuma .

Blatter will receive the prestigious Order of the Companions of O.R. Tambo along with Confederation of African Football President Issa Hayatou.

The prestigious honour is given by the President to foreign nationals who have promoted South African interests around the world.

Blatter, along with Hayatou will both receive the honour, for their contribution to the development of football and for bringing the Fifa World Cup to Africa.

As Patron of the National Orders, Zuma will also bestow other recipients the Order of Mendi for Bravery, Order of Mapungubwe, Order of Ikhamanga, Order of Luthuli and Order of the Baobab amongst others.

The ceremony which coincides with national Freedom Day will be held at the Presidential Guest house in Pretoria tonight.

Deputy minister to address Youth Summit

By Ofentse Mokae
26 April 2010

As part of the many Freedom Day celebrations across the country deputy home affairs minister Malusi Gigaba, will address the Youth Economic Development Summit in Pietermaritzburg.

The summit is convened by the Maritzburg Christian Church in celebration of Freedom Day.

The summit will bring together young people from Msunduzi Municipality under one roof to address socio-economic issues in the 21st Century.

Gigaba, who hails from Kwa-Zulu Natal will address the meaning of democracy for young people.

He is also expected to speak on economic and skills development opportunities and moral regeneration.

Ndebele conveys condolences to families of KZN crash victims

By Nomava Nobumba
26 April 2010

Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele today expressed his condolences to the families of the 16 people who were killed in an accident in Kwazulu-Natal this morning.

The incident occurred between a minibus taxi and a truck.

Ndebele says the department of transport knows that traffic law enforcement is inadequate at this time, but says they have mobilised to make the roads safer.

Ndebele says over one-thousand-500 unroadworthy vehicles have been confiscated in the last two months.

Popcru opposes militarisation of police

By Khanyisa Tabata
26 April 2010

The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union say their members are being exploited by the re-militarisation of the police.

Popcru had a meeting yesterday, calling on its members to march to the ANC headquarters, to address the issue.

General secretary Nkosinathi Theledi says the implementation of the new police ranks does not only pose a threat to Popcru, but also to the South African community.

Theledi says the new police ranking system is in contrast to what the constitution requires.

Case of beaten toddler postponed

By Nomava Nobumba
26 April 2010

The case of the two suspects who allegedly beat a 1 year old Johannesburg toddler has been postponed in the local Magistrate’s Court this morning.

The duo is facing charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances and two counts of attempted murder.

Last week the toddler and her minder were brutally beaten leaving the child unconscious.

She is in a serious but stable condition in hospital.

The suspects aged 25 and 28 were employed at the toddler’s home early this year.

They made their way with a laptop and a modern.

The case has been postponed for Wednesday to find an interpreter.

Three year old injured in an accident

By Khanyisa Tabata
26 April 2010

A three year old girl is in a critical condition, while parents are both in a serious condition after collision involving two light motor vehicles on the Bonniemile road of Kuilsriver in the early hours of this morning.

ER24 spokesperson Derrick Banks says paramedics arrived on the scene to find the little child and mother lying in the road, while the father was entrapped behind the steering wheel.

“The little three year old had suffered a possible head injury and bone fractures. Advanced Life Support intervention was performed on the child before being rushed to Red Cross Children’s Hospital in a critical condition.

“The Jaws of Life was used to free the father from the vehicle. Both the mother and father had suffered bone fractures and multiple lacerations,” said Banks.

Banks added that the second vehicle was further down the road but injuries are unknown to ER24 as it is believed that Metro Ambulance may have dealt with the injured in that car.

All necessary authorities were on the scene and a full investigation would be done into the accident.

Operation Razor net 33 for drunk driving

By Khanyisa Tabata
26 April 2010


33 people have been arrested in Mitchell’s Plain while 19 were arrested in Gordon’s Bay for drunk under the influence of alcohol.

Metro Police Deputy Chief Yolanda Faro says on Saturday evening, within the first hour, 15 arrests for drunk driving were made on Spine road.

“The fact that so many drunk drivers were arrested in such a short space of time at a single location, gives us an idea of the extent of the problem.

“We also confiscated 28 packets of Cocaine, eight rocks, ten packets of dagga and a plastic carrier bag of dagga. In Woodstock, the Metro Police’s dog Unit arrested three suspects for the possession of narcotics; this follows the searching of a suspect and the discovering of empty TIK lollies in his possession,” said Faro.

South Africa celebrates 16 years of Freedom and Democracy

By Ofentse Mokae
26 April 2010

Tomorrow, April 27 the country will celebrate 16 years of Freedom as well as democracy.

On this day 16 years ago millions of South Africans from all walks of life irrespective of gender or race for the first time exercised their hard-won right to vote.

Since that eventful and joyful day in our national life, South Africans have had four free and fair national elections.

Under the theme “Together deepening our democracy and celebrating our freedom” President Jacob Zuma will deliver a key-note address at the national celebrations to be held in Pretoria.

This year’s celebrations coincide with the 20th anniversary of the release of one of the world’s most respected freedom fighters and the first President of a democratic South Africa, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.

The department of Arts and Culture, together with the provincial government of Gauteng and the City of Tshwane will join hands in ensuring a successful event.

The department says of special note is that the celebrations happen on the eve of the biggest sporting event, the Fifa Soccer World Cup, which will for the first time take place on African soil.

“In the spirit of patriotism and promoting social cohesion, we call all upon all South Africans, political parties, NGOs, private sector, civil society, religious groups, old and young, to be part of Freedom Day celebrations this year,” the department says in a statement.

It further says government reaffirms its commitment to consolidate democracy, promote tolerance and social cohesion in South Africa.

Police search for missing four day old baby

By Ofentse Mokae
26 April 2010

Police are continuing with their search for missing new born baby.

The little girl was snatched from her mother Friday afternoon hardly a day after her arrival to the world.

Her 31 year old mother from New Flats, Samora Marchelle in Nyanga, reported her as kidnapped at the Mitchells Plain Police station.

Police spokesperson Captain Wayne Muller says while the mother was on her way to the taxi rank she was approached by an unidentified woman who offered to help her carry the baby girl to the rank.

“At the taxi rank she requests the victim for a cool drink. The mother left the baby in the suspects care and went to by the cool drink,” Muller said.

Muller says however when the mother returned the suspect with the baby was no where to be found.

Mitchells Plain police immediately launch an investigation into the disappearance of the missing girl.

“The baby was dressed in a small pink blanket, pink cap, white crawler and pink baby suit. The baby’s body is very hairy,” added Muller.

The suspect is known as Fiona Luke aged 20 years old and is fluent in Xhosa and Afrikaans.

Anybody who can assist with any information can contact the investigation officer Warrant Officer Josh Samuels of the Mitchells Plain FCS Unit at 083 548 4677.

Higher Education Summit useless talk shop-DA

By Ofentse Mokae
25 April 2010

The two-day stakeholder Summit on Higher Education Transformation, which concluded on Friday, has been described as a “useless talk shop”.

The summit hosted by the higher education and training department together with the Centre for Education and Policy Development was intended to present the first opportunity for a frank engagement in the sector on the complex issue of transformation.

It brought together management, the academic community, students, workers and government to interrogate amongst others, issues of student access and success, teaching, learning and curriculum transformation.

Democratic Alliance shadow minister on higher education and training Wilmot James says the summit steered away from the main problem the country faces, which according to him is to build quality in teaching, research and governance at universities.

“The fact is that the Ministry of higher education and training does not have the money to grow student enrolment or build quality. Universities therefore have to do more with the money they have and the students they must graduate. Current levels of misery will therefore inevitably spread,” argues James in a statement.

He says no solution was found for the lack of fit between the country’s 50 further education and training colleges and the 23 universities.

“Students in the one sector cannot easily move into the other, SETAS were not discussed at all, nor was the fact that the National Skills Fund sits with R2,7 billion in unspent funds,” he added.

The party however welcomed recommendations made which included the introduction of a 4 year long undergraduate degree and the retention of foreign African graduates in lecturing posts.

The summit held at Cape Peninsula University of Technology’s Bellville campus was also addressed by deputy president Kgalema Motlanthe who emphasized the need for human resources development to address skills shortage in the country.

“It is imperative that we increase the country’s human resource capacity by producing high-level and scarce skills that are needed by the economy and for effective service delivery to the population,” Motlanthe said.

He added that he was convinced that if a workable consensus on identifying the challenges and solutions to South Africa’s education transformation potential was reached, then they would be better placed to respond to government’s five priorities of education, health, rural development and land reform, creating decent jobs as well as fighting crime and corruption.

Universities urged to produce more graduates

By Ofentse Mokae
25 April 2010

Universities have been urged to produce more graduates amid the high shortage of skills particularly in fields of engineering, science and technology.

The call was made by deputy president Kgalema Motlanthe during his address to about 500 heads of tertiary institutions at the University of Cape Town.

The leader of government business said universities are a critical role player in ensuring that all the Millennium Development Goals of the United Nations are achieved.

The 192 UN member states have fiver years remaining to work towards combating, among others, HIV/Aids, poverty, malaria and ensuring environmental sustainability.

Meanwhile yesterday minister in the presidency responsible for the National Planning Commission Trevor Manuel urged teacher unions to stop defending members who break the law and bring their profession into disrepute.

Manuel was addressing the Education Summit in Mitchells' Plain, Cape Town, attended by amongst others his colleague in parliament, chairperson of the Higher education portfolio committee Marius Fransman.

The former finance minister urged teachers to show commitment to their work and parents to be involved in their children's education.

Zuma HIV negative

By Ofentse Mokae
25 April 2010

President Jacob Zuma has announced he is HIV negative.
The first citizen addressed thousands of people at the national launch of the new HIV counselling and testing campaign in Johannesburg today.

Zuma said he had taken his fourth HIV test early this month and the result, like the previous three, has seen a negative outcome.

He however said although he is generally open about his personal life but sharing his results should not put pressure on any other South African to do the same.

Zuma stressed that everyone’s privacy and dignity should be respected by health workers as well as the general public.

The launch held at the Natalspruit Hospital on the East Rand, was attended by Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane, several cabinet ministers who also underwent the public test and other government officials.

Archived material reveals alleged ANC corruption

By Ofentse Mokae
25 April 2010

Media reports say a massive collection of forgotten letters and documents from a neglected storeroom containing inner details of the ANC have been salvaged.

The documents from Fort Hare University in the Eastern Cape contain amongst others details of Nelson Mandela's presidency.

According to reports the confidential journals, letters and internal ANC reports allegedly show how senior party members were investigated for looting donor funds.

The documents also reveal how members fleeced the party out of millions in cash and assets.

The archived material is being authenticated and documented by a team from the university.

Some of it sheds light on investigations into people who have gone on to become prominent businessmen.

It is also reported that historian Professor Cornelius Thomas from the university, who is safeguarding the ANC archive, described some of the material on Mandela as fascinating and "extraordinary".

Act of right-wing group regrettable, says department

By Ofentse Mokae
25 April 2010

Officials from the department of International Relations and Cooperation say a right-wing group that burnt the South African flag during a protest in Sweden is not supported by that nation’s government.

Spokesperson Nomfanelo Kota says members of the Swedish Resistance Movement held a demonstration calling for an end to what they call the “genocide of white people” in the country.

They marched to the South African embassy in Stockholm last week.

Protestors carried the Vier Kleur flags and a portrait of slain AWB leader Eugene Terre’Blanche.

Kota described their behaviour as regrettable as it does not represent stance of the Swedish people.

NUM members embark on strike action

BY NEWSTEAM
24 April 2010

Over 1000 members of the National Union of Mineworkers nationwide today downed tools at Lafarge over a wage dispute.

Chief amongst their demands workers want management to implement an 11 percent across-the-board salary increase.

Lafarge has both a cement and aggregate business unit.

Workers are also demanding a shift and housing allowance.

NUM has warned that the strike will have a negative effect on the construction industry.

Bulls president resigns

By Ofentse Mokae
24 April 2010

Newsflash News Agency reports that Blue Bulls Rugby Union President Boet Fick has resigned from the position.

Fick is expected to vacate the post on June.

This follows his election as an executive member of the South African Rugby for the next four years.

His deputy Louis Nel, will take over the reigns until November, when new elections will be held during the Blue Bulls Rugby Union’s annual general meeting.

To the field now, the Bulls led the Lions 29-11 late in a local Super 14 derby in Pretoria this afternoon.

Earlier the Waratahs stayed in contention for the semi-finals when they beat the Brumbies 19-12 in Sydney.

In New Zealand, the Hurricanes won an exciting game against the Highlanders 33-31.

And the game between the Sharks and the Blues has just kicked off in Durban.

German football adamant on hotel stay amid security concerns

By Ofentse Mokae
24 April 2010

Despite reports of security concerns the German football federation says its team aims to stay in their booked World Cup hotel outside Pretoria.

Local authorities reportedly raised security concerns and recommended that the team change its accommodation.

However Velmore Hotel owner Emil Keyser explained that they spent 80-million-Rands on upgrading the four-star hotel to Fifa requirements.

He says the problems, which should soon be sorted out, were not about safety, but stemmed from the lack of the required expansion certificate.

Meanwhile Newsflash reports that Brazilian police say gunmen have stolen hundreds of thousands of stickers for World Cup photo albums.

According to the report the Sao Paulo Public Safety Department says five heavily armed men held up the company that distributes the stickers and got away with 675-thousand of them.

No one was hurt and the assailants are still at large.

The stolen stickers for the highly popular sticker book albums in Brazil are worth over 400-thousand-Rands.

Measles vaccination campaign extended

BY NEWSTEAM
24 APRIL 2010

The Health Department has extended its measles and polio campaign for another two weeks in a bid to vaccinate more children.

The campaign, which was launched on 12 April, was due to end today.

However due to labour disruptions in certain Metros which impacted on healthcare service delivery, the department has decided to extend the programme.

By last Friday almost six-millionchildren under the age of 15 had been vaccinated for measles.

Almost two-million babies and toddlers had received polio vaccinations.

New oversight committee on the Presidency on the cards

By Ofentse Mokae
24 April 2010

A new multi-party portfolio committee on the Presidency could be established sooner if timeframes to the process on this effect are applied.

The follows deliberations in parliament initiated by the official opposition to establish a parliamentary committee to oversee changes in the Presidency in terms of its budget, size and structure.

Thursday afternoon Democratic Alliance parliamentary leader Athol Trollip together with DA Chief Whip Ian Davidson, met with Max Sisulu National Assembly Speaker, to discuss the DA’s proposal for the establishment of the Committee.

Trollip says at the meeting Sisulu reiterated the support shown for the proposal at Tuesday’s Chief Whips Forum, and discussed the procedures involved in the establishment of the proposed committee.

“The DA envisages that this committee will be tasked with overseeing the work of the Presidency and its two new ministries – the National Planning Commission and the Ministry of Performance Monitoring, Evaluation and Administration,” said Trollip in a statement.

He says before recommendations can be made to the Joint Rules Committee on the establishment of this committee, four preliminary phases need to be carried out.

“Firstly, a draft document on the proposed portfolio committee must be considered by the various political parties. Secondly, a multiparty team will be constituted to consider its establishment,” he added.

The proportional representation of political parties on this committee will then be determined by the Chairperson of Committees Obed Bapela.

In turn the multiparty committee will report its findings to the Chief Whips Forum, which will, lastly, make recommendations to the Joint Rules Committee.

However Trollip requested that appropriate time frames be applied.

Sisulu’s office confirmed the sitting of the meeting and expressed government’s commitment to better Parliament in its work.

Zuma takes lead in HIV Testing campaign

By Ofentse Mokae
24 April 2010

President Jacob Zuma and his deputy Kgalema Motlanthe are expected to take a lead in the national launch of the HIV counselling and testing campaign.

The country’s first citizens respectively will publicly get tested themselves.

The HIV counselling and testing campaign will officially kick off tomorrow at the Natalspruit Hospital on the East Rand in Johannesburg.

Media reports say the campaign was initially due to start on April 15 but was postponed while Zuma was away on official duty.

Government says it wants to lead by example during the campaign, which aims to test up to 15 million people by June next year.

MEC slams national transport department on Quantum vans

By Ofentse Mokae
24 April 2010

Robin Carlisle transport MEC in the Western Cape strongly criticized the national department’s decision to allow the licensing of illegally modified Quantum vans.

The decision by the national department will allow these vans to continue operating as taxis a move Carlisle regards as an "appalling dereliction of duty".

According to him the national transport department said it would rather modify illegally converted vehicles than leave passengers without transport.

Carlisle responded by saying this reason by the department to say that trade trumps public safety is outrageous.

The provincial department has stopped issuing operating licences for the vans.

Deputy Minister to launch waste management projects

By Ofentse Mokae
24 April 2010

Deputy Water and Environmental Affairs Minister Rejoice Mabudafhasi will launch the “All Hands on Waste” project as well as the “Go Green Bus” mobile exhibition unit at Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape on Wednesday.

The projects are aimed at educating the local community on effective waste management principles.

Last year the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality was declared overall winners of the Greenest Municipality Competition under the Metropolitan category in the annual competition.

The competition was organized by the Department of Environmental Affairs.

The department says the total prize money of R1.5 Million won in two consecutive Greenest Municipality Competition is released to the winners on condition that it is invested into waste management initiatives.

The department further say the initiatives must involving communities and other stakeholders to ensure sustained cleanliness.

South African flag burned in Swedish

By Ofentse Mokae
24 April 2010

The South African embassy in Sweden has confirmed that members of Neo-Nazi organisation burned a South Africa flag during a protest march in Stockholm.

Newsflash reports that the ultra-rightwing group called the South Africa government a “terrorist regime”, accusing it of inciting what they regard as “genocide” against white people.

The group of about 60 members of the Swedish Resistance Movement cited the murder of more than three-thousand white farmers since 1994 and other violent crimes like rape and robbery.

They asked how the governments of the world, including the Swedish, could support South Africa’s staging of the Soccer World Cup.

In their protest last weekend, they also referred to ANC Youth League leader Julius Malema’s singing of the Shoot the Boer song.

SAA says it is coping with passenger backlog

By Kim Saulse
23 April 2010

South African Airways says it is dealing with the backlog of passengers efficiently.

Thousands of frustrated globetrotters have been left stranded at airports after the eruption of the Icelandic volcano left an ash cloud hanging over most of Europe.

SAA's Fani Zulu has reportedly said stranded passengers in the United Kingdom and Germany have now all been cleared.

SAA must now tackle the backlog of passengers travelling to Europe and the UK.

Zulu is quoted as saying preference will be given to certain passengers.

Metro Police operations crack down on illegal narcotic trade

By Nomava Nobumba
23 April 2010

Yesterday the City of Cape Town’s Metro Police together with South African Police Services have conducted several integrated operations with search warrants being executed at suspected drug dens.

12 people were also arrested during the operation.

Also yesterday in a separate operation by the Metro Police Dog Unit and the Tactical Response Unit six search warrants were executed in Macassar.

Where Metro Police Deputy Chief Yolanda Faro says two suspects were arrested for possession of narcotics, and another four were arrested for dealing in narcotics.

In Bonteheuwel, Atlantis and Kraaifontein other six warrants were also executed.

“Six suspects were arrested for possession of narcotics,” Faro said.

In the last operation one motorist was arrested in Atlantis for drunk driving.

Four people have been arrested in Paarl

By Khanyisa Tabata
23 April 2010

Four suspects will appear at the Paarl Magistrates Court on Monday on a charge of armed robbery.

Captain Frederick van Wyk said flying squad members were conducting patrol duties near Muldersvlei Market in Klapmuts. He says the vehicle the assailants were travelling in nearly drove into the squad members.

“After the community shouted armed robbery, the vehicle sped off at a high speed and members immediately gave chase,” said Van Wyk.

Van Wyk added they chased the suspects for approximately 5 km’s when the suspect’s vehicle tipped over. Two suspects jumped out of the vehicle and fled in different directions, a third suspect was arrested inside the vehicle. We later managed to arrest a second suspect in a nearby field.

During the arrest and search process, two firearms and three cellphones were seized.

The four suspects aged between 30 and 34 will appear in the Paarl Magistrates’ Court on Monday on charges of armed robbery.

Community up in arms over assault on baby

By Nomava Nobumba
23 April 2010

Randburg residents are up in arms over the brutal attack on a one year old girl and her family’s domestic worker.

Police say the gang bust into the home in Robin Hills, tied up the domestic worker and then assaulted her and the little girl.

The girl’s mother found her baby blue and unconscious when she came home last night.

However, police have vowed to leave no stone unturned in their efforts to find the gang.

The toddler is still in the intensive care unit in hospital where she is fighting for her life.

The domestic worker is also being treated in hospital for her injuries.

False 200-rand notes a great concern

By Khanyisa Tabata
23 April 2010

The South African Reserve Bank says it is concerned about the circulation of high quality counterfeit 200-rand bank notes of the old series type.

The bank says these notes lack upgraded security features and the matter has been placed under specialized investigation. Reserve Bank Governor Gill Marcus says all old series 200-rand notes are being withdrawn from circulation.

She says members of the public are requested to present these banknotes for exchange at the nearest commercial bank by the end of next month.

Marcus says 200-rand banknotes of the upgraded series bearing her signature and that of her predecessor Tito Mboweni have the required security features and will remain in circulation.

Second body found on Wilderness beach

By Nomava Nobumba
23 April 2010

The body of the second person who drowned at a Wilderness beach was recovered last night.

National Sea Rescue Institute’s Craig Lambinon says the body had washed up on the shore.

The first body was found on Tuesday.

The man is believed to be one of three people who drowned on Saturday.

MISSING CHILD ALERT

Four in court for dagga

By Nomava Nobumba
23 April 2010


Four drug dealing suspects are due to appear in the Bellville Magistrate’s court today.

The suspects were arrested on Wednesday in Delft on two separate drug raids incidents.

Two of them, both aged 25 and one 35 were arrested after police on patrol noted a suspicious man in Kunene Street Laden.

When the suspect was searched police found dagga hidden into his pants.

Police’s Joe Wilson says further investigation led them into arresting two more suspects.

Wilson adds during the patrol a female suspect aged 18 was also arrested after her house was searched and more than 30 parcels of dagga were discovered.

The suspects are facing charges of illegal possession of dagga.

Nzimande call for compulsory African language

By Khanyisa Tabata
23 April 2010


The Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande says universities should consider making students study an African language compulsory for certain courses.

The minister says the technique was used to teach Afrikaans to non-Afrikaans speakers, adding that the move would help strengthen African language departments around the country.

Nzimande was speaking at a summit on transformation in higher education.

Nzimande is quoted as saying it would be beneficial to all the students, help strengthen the African language departments and raise the status of African languages.

Nzimande stressed the importance of curriculum, adding that some African language departments at leading universities have become weaker over the years.

Nzimande said it is essentially about radically changing our society, including our education and training system and all other areas of life to ensure that they can serve the interests of all South Africans in a democratic, equitable and prosperous society.

Assistance needed in identifying culpable homicide victim

By Kim Saulse
23 April 2010

Delft police is requesting public assistance in identifying a culpable homicide victim.

Captain Joe Wilson says the driver alleged that he was traveling down the road when the pedestrian emerged from between three vehicles parked along the road.

“The pedestrian ran into the path on the oncoming taxi. The emergency services treated the injured male on the scene, but he subsequently died in the ambulance,” said Wilson.

No Identification documents were found on the deceased.

The deceased was wearing a white flannel top with brown pants and shoes.

Anyone with information about the incident or who can assists in the identifying of the deceased is requested to contact the Investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Clinton Franks at Delft SAPS on (021) 954 9000.

Senior citizen arrested for abalone possession worth R200 000

By Kim Saulse
23 April 2010

Police arrested a 62 year old woman for the illegal possession of abalone worth R200 000 in the Strand area yesterday.

The arrest comes after police acted on information received from the public.

“This morning Strand police reacted on information received from the public regarding a white bakkie off- loading illegal abalone at a house in Webb Street,” said Warrant Officer Olebogeng Tawana.

Police executed a search warrant and found 601 abalone hidden in the bathroom .

The suspect will appear before the Strand Magistrate’s Court today.

Accident claims two SAPS members in Kraaifontein

By Khanyisa Tabata
22 April 2010

Two members of the South African Police Service have died after they were involved in an accident this morning in Botfontein Road, next to the fence of the Kraaifontein SAPS.

Police spokesperson Captain Gerhard Niemand on the scene the Kraaifontein SAPS members found a white Volkswagen Golf and a Toyota Landcruiser that collided into each other.

“The occupants of the Golf was Killed with impact and the occupants of the Landcruiser had minor injuries.

“After an investigation, the Detectives of the Kraaifontein SAPS found out that the occupants of the Golf, a state vehicle, are employees of the South African Police Service, stationed at Mitchells Plain,” said Niemand.


Earlier ER24 spokesperson Tristan Wadeley said the driver of the Land Cruiser sustained minor injuries but declined being transported to hospital.

It is alleged that one of the vehicles was on the wrong side of the road when the incident occurred

Captain Niemand the Kraaifontein Detectives are busy to investigate to what exactly happened.

They called in the Road Crime - Crash Scene Investigator, to help reconstruct and determine the cause of the accident.
A culpable homicide case was opened added Niemand.

The Community is asked to come forward with any information that can help with the investigation, if they did see the accident occur.

People can contact Detective Constable Andre Marks at the Kraaifontein SAPS or telephone at 021 980 5500. All the information will be dealt with confidentially.

Stringent plans for province’s roads

By Nomava Nobumba
22 April 2010

The City’s Metro Police Officers are applying an approach in policing drunk driving on the province’s roads.

This week 11 motorists were arrested for drunk driving at a roadblock in Khayelitsha.

In Atlantis two motorists were arrested for the same offence.

Deputy Chief Yolanda Faro says this follows the arrest of 44 motorists over the past weekend for drunk driving of which 36 were in Mitchells Plain, seven in Kuils River and one in Atlantis.


“The officers also conducted vehicle and foot patrols in Fisantekraal, Durbanville concentrating on illegal drugs and anti-social behavior.

Thirteen people were arrested for riotous behaviour after they became hostile when they were searched. Some of the suspects were swearing and wanted to attack the officers and were restraint and arrested. An additional four people were arrested for drinking in public,” Faro said.

Faro has reiterated that they will conduct regular patrols in the areas where shooting incidents took place over the past weekend.

“We want to once again encourage the public to come forward with information regarding criminal activities in their communities”.

Public assistant required in Kleinvlei

By Khanyisa Tabata
22 April 2010

Police are requesting the assistance of the public in tracing a murder suspect in Kleinvlei.

Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Anaclette Mothoalo says a male known as Johannes Hendricks was walking from his home in Blackheath towards Waterworks in Blue Downs.

“While walking through an open field he was approached by two males who stabbed him. He later died in hospital,’ said Mothoalo.


Anyone with information regarding this incident or knows the whereabouts of the suspects can contact the Investigating officer Detective Constable Christians on 082 469 7142 or (021) 902 8300.

Man arrested for possession of stolen property

By Kim Saulse
22 April 2010

A Blikkiesdorp resident has been arrested for the possession of stolen property with an estimated street value of R1 000.

The arrest follows after police initially found dagga in the suspects possession, but upon further investigation recovered 309 cellular phone pouches under his bed.

“The suspect was not able to give a reasonable proof of purchase and was arrested for being in possession of suspected stolen property,” said Captain Joe Wilson.

Police have urged anyone who suspects the property might be theirs, to contact the investigating officer, Detective Constable Beukes at Delft SAPS on 021 954 9000.

Four nabbed for dagga dealing

By Nomava Nobumba
22 April 2010

Four people, including a female were arrested during police patrol in Delft yesterday for drug dealing.

Captain Joe Wilson says members on patrol noticed a person acting suspiciously when he saw them in Kunene Street Leiden.

“They searched the suspect and found a parcel of dagga hidden into the front of his pants,” said Wilson.

Further investigation led the members to two addresses, one where dagga is sold, and the other one was the storage.

“On their arrival at one of these houses they found 153 parcels of dagga with a total weight of 20 kilograms, openly displayed on the dining room table,” said Wilson.

He says they made another bust in Freedom Farm Informal Settlement where they recovered 31 parcels of dagga and one compressed bag full of dagga, weighing about 12kilograms at a shack.

A female suspect aged 18 was also arrested.

Wilson says the street value of the dagga confiscated is R25, 000.

The suspects aged 18, 25, 25, and 33 are facing charges of illegal possession of dagga and they will appear in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court tomorrow.

Two Die in Head-On Collision

By Khanyisa Tabata
22 April 2010

Two people died in a head-on collision involving a Citi Golf and a Land Cruiser on Botfontein Road in Kraaifontein this morning.

ER 24 spokesperson Tristan Wadeley says both occupants of the Golf were dead on arrival of paramedics.

“The driver of the Land Cruiser sustained minor injuries but declined being transported to hospital.

It is alleged that one of the vehicles was on the wrong side of the road when the incident occurred. Police are investigating the collision,” said Wadeley.

Minister says Rovos Rail disaster an isolated incident

By Kim Saulse
22 April 2010

Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has conveyed condolences to the families and relatives of those killed in the Rovos Rail train accident near Pretoria yesterday

. He expressed his heartfelt wishes to those injured, and wished them a speedy recovery.

The minister dispatched a team of investigators to the scene to determine the exact cause of the accident.

Ndebele said the accident was an isolated incident and had no impact on the Integrated Transport Plan.

Community assistance leads to arrest of murder, rape suspect

By Kim Saulse
22 April 2010

A suspect wanted for the murder and rape of a 16 year old girl in Villiersdorp was arrested yesterday.

The suspect, Aäron Setona also known as “Papie” , allegedly raped the girl on Monday, in an orchid while she was passing through it on her way to school.

Captain Frederick van Wyk said the father went to investigate after he was alerted by his daughters screams. The suspect then attacked him with a knife.

When the deceased’s father returned with assistance, her body was found next to a river with several stab wounds.

“Further investigation and support from the general public, as well as security company, assisted SAPS Villiersdorp. Regular information was received which led the SAPS to a farm in the district of Joubertina,” said Van Wyk.

The Port Elizabeth flying squad followed up on the information and arrested the suspect early yesterday morning.

The man is currently in police custody .

He will appear in the Caledon Magistrate Court tomorrow.

ANC takes on the DA for alleged racist e-mail

By Ofentse Mokae
21 April 2010

The African National Congress in Western Cape is standing by its guns to prove alleged racist practices by the Democratic Alliance in the province.

This is despite DA leader and Western Cape Premier Helen Zille told the media on Tuesday that a report from an investigation she commissioned proved that an alleged racist e-mail was a fake.

The party’s leadership in the province today laid formal charges at the Human Rights Commission regarding the racist email.

Early in the month the party’s interim leader Membathisi Mdladlana released a letter to the media containing the e-mail sent from Stellenbosch municipal manager Marthinus du Plessis to local government MEC Anton Bredell.

The e-mail contained derogatory words making reference to blacks using the K-WORD, but Mdladlana would not reveal sources to the letter.

Zille said the independent investigation has confirmed her initial suspicion that the e-mail was a hoax designed to discredit the Democratic Alliance and the Western Cape provincial government.

But the ANC’s Jackson Mthembu says they are convinced that the email is genuine and that steps need to be taken.

Meanwhile Mdladlana and ANC leader in the legislature Lynn Brown have been given five working days to respond to Zille’s letter in which she requested the ANC to foot the bill for the investigation amounting to R72 000.

Police officer remains in custody

By Nomava Nobumba
21 April 2010


A 28 year old police Constable has appeared in the Somerset West Magistrate’s Court today facing a charge of house robbery.

The suspect stationing at Lwandle police station was arrested on Monday following a further investigation by police about an incident that occurred in a house in Smuts Avenue, Somerset West last year.

It is allege two men, neatly dressed went to the house claiming they are investigating a case. They produced an ID card and a docket.

Police spokesperson Captain Anneke Van der Vyver say they soon afterwards, pointed the victims with a firearm and knife, demanding money and keys to the safe to the owners.

“They then tied the couple up with cable ties and a tapped their mouths,” she said.

One of the victims manage to activate the panic-button in her pocket and the suspects left the premises in a blue VW Golf.

They made their way with cash and jewellery to the value of R 3000,00.

The suspects were arrested soon after the incident and they are currently awaiting trail in Pollsmoor Prison.

The officer will remain in custody until his next court appearence on April 28.

Diamond city abuzz with soccer fever

By Ofentse Mokae
21 April 2010

Although the diamond hub of the country, has not been allocated with any match for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, its oldest township is abuzz with soccer fever today.

Thousands of soccer fans have gathered at the Galeshewe stadium near Kimberley, to mark 50 days ahead of the kick-off to the soccer spectacle.

President Jacob Zuma together with FIFA Local Organising Committee CEO Danny Jordaan is expected to address the crowds.

BuaNews reports that colourful South African flags and vuvuzelas can be seen all over the local stadium which is packed with scores of people who have converged to celebrate the event.

Local residents are being entertained with music by members of the South African police band and the defence force.

The province has no games for the World Cup and many have questioned the organising committee’s decision to hold today’s celebrations in the province.

However Jordaan said the Northern Cape was one of the provinces where people have shown a huge interest in the world cup despite the province not hosting any games.

Uruguay has also chosen Kimberley as its base camp while many visitors will be staying in the town during the month-long tournament.

Zuma and Jordaan both agreed that South Africa is “more than ready” to host the international event for the first time on African soil.

Municipal strike continues despite reports of an agreement

By Nomava Nobumba
21 April 2010

The South African Municipal Worker Union says the nationwide strike will continue despite earlier reports that an agreement had been made with the South African Local Government Association last night.

Samwu says all strike action continues pending an announcement this morning.

Workers have been on strike for more than a week, with numerous reports of protests turning violent.

Samwu says the workers are looking for Salga to introduce a uniform job-grading system.

Mother City earns Blue Drop Status

By Kim Saulse
21 April 2010


A report detailing the performance of the country’s drinking water quality management has ranked the Mother City, Durban and Johannesburg as the cities with the best drinking water in the country.

The assessment programme, known as the Blue Drop, is carried out by the Department of Water and Environmental Affairs annually and tests the quality of the country’s drinking water.

Blue Drop status is only afforded to cities obtaining the score of 95% or more.

Bitou municipality, Ekurhuleni, Pretoria and Mogale City also earned Blue Drop status.

Seven arrested for possession of drugs, firearms and ammunition in Kensington

By Kim Saulse
21 April 2010

Kensington police arrested seven suspects for the possession of drugs, ammunition, and unlicenced firearms in the area yesterday morning.

Captain Frederick van Wyk said police were conducting vehicle patrol duties in Glider Crescent in Factreton when they noticed suspicious movement at a known gang house.

As police approached the house, one of the suspects attempted to flee.

“Police gave chase and noticed how the suspect drew a firearm, but fell out of his hands. Members apprehended the suspect and seized a 9mm Norinco pistol and eight 9mm rounds. We established that the firearm was not reported as stolen,” said Van Wyk.

A search of the premises was executed during which police arrested a second suspect in possession of a shotgun and two rounds of ammunition.

“Further investigation led to the arrest of a third suspect in possession of nine 9mm rounds and two ‘stoppe’ dagga and a half mandrax tablet,” said Van Wyk.

Four other suspects, in possession of “five stoppe dagga” and four mandrax tablets were also apprehended.

The seven suspects are believed to be members of the Wonder Kids Gang.

They will appear in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.

Three injured as driver loses control of vehicle

By Kim Saulse
20 April 2010

One person sustained critical injuries while two others were seriously injured on the N3 near the R 550 off ramp in the Heidelberg area earlier today.

“It is believed that a 37 year old man was stopped on the shoulder of the N 3 to put up sign boards. The driver of a Toyota Hilux lost control of his vehicle and struck the 37 year old worker. The vehicle then hurtled out of control and came to rest at the base of a steep embankment,” said Netcare 911’s Chris Botha.

On arrival at the scene, paramedics attempted to stabilise the injured victims before transporting them to hospital for further treatment.

Training workshops aim at combating paraffin fires this winter

By Ofentse Mokae
15 April 2010

As the winter season approaches residents especially those within informal communities are warned about the dangers when using paraffin stoves as they are one of the main courses of fires.

Given this, paraffin safety trainer workshops will be conducted throughout the province.

The workshops are a joint initiative between the Western Cape Local Government Department through, its Disaster Management Centre, and the Paraffin Safety Association of Southern Africa.

Phumzile Mteyi Regional manager of the association says the aim of the training is to educate Community Development Workers and municipal disaster management officials around the dangers associated with paraffin.

“This is done in order to prevent and assist communities with paraffin related incidents,” Mteyi said.

The department says the training also forms part of the province’s pro-active approach to reduce paraffin fires this winter, covering the safe use of paraffin, prevention of paraffin poisoning etc.

“The reality is that the Western Cape, like other provinces, is affected by numerous incidents relating to the use of paraffin, including the paraffin poisoning and informal settlement fires which often lead to injuries or lost of life,” the department says in a statement.

According to the Paraffin Association, informal settlements in South Africa experience around 45 000 paraffin-related fires each year, resulting in about 3 000 deaths.

The association adds that more than 11 million South Africans come into contact with paraffin every day.

ANC says Malema didn’t disobey Zuma

By Khanyisa Tabata
20 April 2010

The African National Congress says Julius Malema has not disobeyed President Jacob Zuma. The party reported back in Johannesburg this morning on the top leadership’s lengthy meeting with its Youth League.

Deputy secretary general Thandi Modise says Zuma had only requested Malema not to sing songs that could racially polarise the country.

Therefore, Malema had not transgressed by singing apartheid-era songs.

The party is now considering the Youth League’s request that charges against its president be dropped.

Malema came under fire from Zuma earlier this month over his support for Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe's Zanu-PF and his controversial land-reform policies.

Zuma also rebuked Malema for continuing to sing violent struggle songs and embarrassing the ruling party by throwing a foreign journalist out of a news conference.

Public assistance requested in murder case

By Ofentse Mokae
20 April 2010

Villiersdorp police is requesting the assistance of the public in tracing a murder suspect known as Aäron Setona alias “Papie”.

This after a 16 year old girl was murdered at the Morning Glory farm in Villiersdorp yesterday morning.

Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Sylvester De Long says the girl was walking alone through the orchard to catch a school bus, when she was approached by a male suspect.

“Her parents heard screams out of the orchard. When the father went to investigate he found the suspect still on top of his daughter,” said de Long.

De Long says when help arrived they found her body in the ravine next to a river with several stab wounds.

Police also suspect that the victim was raped.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Investigating officer Detective Constable Hendre Baardman on 079 893 9915 or 028 840 8019.

COMMUNITY INFORMATION NETWORK

The Depression and Anxiety Group gives support to family members, friends and partners of those suffering from Bipolar Mood Disorder. Metings are held on the first Tuesday of every month at the Crescent Clininc, Main Road, Claremont from half past seven to nine O’clock in the evenings. For more information or bookings contact 082 458 8044.

The Fish Hoek police will hold a public meeting at the police station on Wednesday April 21 to introduce and explain the concept of the sector policing. To RSVP or for more information call 021 784 2700 and ask for Mrs Luyt or Inspector Du Toit.

An adoption support group meets weekly on Wednesday from half past seven to nine O clock in the evenings in Rondebosch. The group welcomes those who have adopted or who are considering adopting and is facilitated by a clinical psychologists and a social worke. Contact Jean on ct.adoption.support@gmail.com or call 084 685 4839.

If you would like our community information network to announce your community notice, submit a paragraph detailing the information of your event or project. Send those details to news@bushradio.co.za or fax them to 021 448 5451 or call us on 021 448 5450. You can even send a sms to 32158. Don’t forget notices that can uplift the community will be broadcast free of charge.

Six behind bars for armed robbery

By Nomava Nobumba
20 April 2010


Woodstock police have arrested six suspects for armed robbery.

The incident occurred last night in Trill road, Observatory where a complainant was robbed of his belongings at knife point.

Police’s Sergeant Hilton Malila says the arrest follows as police members on routine patrols, reacted swiftly to information received from the complainant in connection with the whereabouts of the suspects.

“When the police officers approached the suspects, they ran in different directions, but were soon arrested afterwards,” said Malila.

He adds during a searched of the suspects, police recovered complainant’s belongings in their possession.

The complainant was robbed of his cellphone and cash.

The suspects then fled on foot.

Malila says the suspects between the ages of 16 and 24 are facing a charge of robbery with aggravated circumstances.

They will appear in the Cape Town Magistrates’ court tomorrow.

Plato to deliver presentation on Khayelitsha investments

By Nomava Nobumba
20 April 2010


City of Cape Town’s Executive Mayor, Alderman Dan Plato is expected to deliver the city’s investments presentation in Khayelitsha this morning.

Spokesperson Rulleska Singh says at the Subcouncil 9 meeting, the Mayor will provide a detailed breakdown of the Urban Renewal Projects and the Violence Prevention through Urban Upgrading initiatives.

The meeting will be held at the Khayelitsha Training Centre on the corners of Bonga Drive and Spine Road.

Fines to the value of R 14 700 issued in Nyanga

By Kim Saulse
20 April 2010

Nyanga Police held a three day operation that yielded 105 arrests and traffic fines worth R14 700 were issued.

The operations were carried out in Nyanga, Gugulethu and Philippi East. Captain Ntoboxolo Sitshitshi says in Nyanga alone 74 people were arrested for cases ranging from house and armed robberies, dealing in liquor, assault and the possession of unlicensed firearms.

Computer equipment was also confiscated at a residence in Nyanga.

“Two suspects (16 and 17 years old) were also arrested for stabbing a 15 year old boy of Browns Farm during an argument,” said Sitshitshi.

The suspects will appear in the Athlone Magistrates court today. One of the two suspects also faces a charge of rape.

Mitchell’s Plain Crime Prevention operation a success

By Kim Saulse
20 April 2010

A joint crime prevention operation executed in Mitchell’s Plain netted 162 arrests at the weekend, among them 31 for drunk driving.

Warrant officer Ian Williams says traffic fines valued at over R80 000 were issued when road blocks were executed. 850 vehicles were also searched during which weapons and drugs were confiscated.

“Three firearms, 29 units of tik, including four tik lollies, six bags of dagga, 89 dagga cigarettes and various other contraband and liquor were confiscated,” said Williams.

Armed suspects make off R15 400 after robbing store

By Kim Saulse
19 April 2010

Two armed suspects made off with R15 400 after they robbed a supermarket in Durbanville yesterday.

Sergeant Bernice Laäs-Bezuidenhout says the two entered the Sonstraal Superette in Hebron Street and held the manager and cashier at gunpoint and demanded they open the cash register.

“They both had beanies on with safety hats. They fled with an unknown vehicle,” said Laas-Bezuidenhout.

No one was injured in the incident. No arrests have been made yet.

Police are investigating a case of business robbery .

Any one with information that on the incident is asked to contact Detective Warrant Officer Maree Abrahams on 021 970 5600.

Two alleged drug dealer’s nabbed

By Nomava Nobumba
19 April 2010

Two suspects were arrested in Strand at the weekend for being in possession of drugs.

Police’s Warrant Officer Godfrey Tawana says public alerted police about drug activities happening in the area.

“When we executed the operation, we arrested the two suspects while they were busy wrapping the drugs into parcels,” said Tawana.

The following items were confiscated during the raid: Three boxes of ashton parson crammed with 18 powder packets filled with heroin, seven packets of one gram plastics filled with heroin, one plastic bag filled with 38 gram of crystal meth (tik), one plastic small bag filled with 0.4 gram of crystal meth, one x plastic bag filled with 15.7 gram of rocks, one x plastic bag filled with 9 gram of cocaine, one box containing three dupe max blades.

Tawana says also ten empty ashton and pason powder boxes, one glass bowl, one bag containing 112 unknown brown tablets, small digital scale used to weigh drugs, five cellphones, two digital cameras and R3 510. 00 were also confiscated

The street value of these drugs is estimated at R 40 000. 00.

The suspects aged 31 and 43 were charged for possession of drugs and were released and warned to appear before the Strand Magistrate’s Court on August, 23.

Order restored at Naphakade

By Ofentse Mokae
19 April 2010

Following a week of violent protests and destruction of school’s building, order has been restored at Naphakade high school in Malmesbury in the Swartland.

Western Cape Education MEC Donald Grant says teaching has resumed at the troubled School.

Pupils at the school went on the rampage last week setting fire to classrooms and clashing with police.

They were protesting over what they call overcrowding at the school.

During his visit today at the school for assessment Grant said the entire school will by next year be fully relocated to another area not far from where it is currently situated.

Reports learners can expect a new school which hopefully will have enough space to accommodate every one, however in the meantime mobile classes would be brought in.

“The WCED has worked hard over the weekend to ensure that learning continues in a safe environment and to deliver on our commitment to ensure that the school is relocated to an alternative site,” Grant said.

He said that over the weekend officials from the education department and teachers from the school successfully removed the damaged mobiles from the site in preparation for the return of learners at the school today.

This included debris from three classrooms and two ablution facilities.

The land is currently being prepared for construction.

About 10-15 mobiles will be erected, and provision will also be made for administration and ablution facilities.

This will be a temporary site until the new high school is constructed, which is due for completion in 2011.

Two arrested for house breaking in Mowbray

By Khanyisa Tabata
19 April 2010

Two people have been arrested for house breaking and robbery in Park Estate, Mowbray.

Police spokesperson Captain Angie Latchman says police received a received a report of suspicious persons on a property in Park Estate, Mowbray. On arrival at the scene, police spotted three unknown males, which then triggered off a foot chase between police and the suspects.

“Police eventually managed to apprehend two of the suspects near Rondebosch Common. One suspect managed to escape and is still at large.

“One of the arresting officers was injured during the chase on this right thigh, whilst jumping over a gate. The police officer has since been removed to hospital, where his condition has been described as stable,” said Latchman.

Captain Latchman says investigations at the scene have established that the suspects had broken into a residence in 4th Road in Park Estate were they removed several items of clothing before fleeing from the scene.

“The suspects have also been linked to a theft of motor vehicle which also occurred in the early hours of this morning in Heath Road in Mowbray, where a digital camera was removed,” said Latchman.


The suspects will appear at the Wynberg Magistrates Court on Wednesday, on charges of housebreaking and theft out of motor vehicle.

Multiple people injured after truck and bus collided

By Ofentse Mokae
19 April 2010

With the heavy rainfall this morning a number of accidents were reported.

A bus and truck collided in Parow at the corners of Industrial and Ring Roads.

The bus allegedly impacted the truck head on.

ER24 spokeswoman Vanessa Jackson says the three occupants of the tuck sustained minor to moderate injuries while the ten to fifteen occupants of the bus all sustained minor injuries.

“All of the patients on scene were transported to local hospitals by ER24 medics as well as other emergency service ambulances,” Jackson said.


She says the absolute cause of the incident is unknown, but the local police department, as well as traffic police was on scene to assess.

Meanwhile a man was killed in a hit and run accident in the intersection of Phoenix Highway and Eastbury, while a 52yr old man has sustained serious injuries after a passing vehicle side swiped the driver’s door as the man was about to climb out.

And a driver of a heavy goods truck is in a serious condition after his truck overturned on the Tugela river bridge last night.

Malema faces the music

By Nomava Nobumba
19 April 2010

The African National Congress Youth League leader Julius Malema is to appear before the party’s disciplinary committee today.

Media reports say Malema is facing charges of ill discipline following his public behaviour in recent weeks.

However the ANC has retaliated that what happens to this hearing is no body’s business, rather than the party's.

“What happens to Malema next is the ANC’s business not any ones and he is leading the ANCYL not any party,” said party spokesperson Jackson Mthembu.

Mthembu was fuming during the interview with the Bush Radio news team last week when he was asked about Malema’s behaviour.

He said the ANC has never failed to prepare Malema, but just like any human being the Youth League leader also makes mistakes.

Last week President Jacob Zuma rebuked Malema following his behaviour towards a BBC reporter at the league’s media conference at Luthuli house in Johannesburg after calling him a ‘bastard’ and a ‘bloody agent’.

Meanwhile, the ANCYL’s Floyd Shivambu refused to comment saying if there is anything that needs to be communicated to the media they will release a statement.

Two swept out to sea while conducting a baptism ritual

By Kim Saulse
19 April 2010

Two people have died after they were swept to sea while conducting a baptism ritual on a Wilderness beach.

National Sea Rescue Institute spokesperson Hennie Niehaus says the incident unfolded 100m from where a 35-year-old fisherman was swept off the rocks and into the sea a few hours earlier.

Niehaus says NSRI Wilderness, the South African Police Force and the Metro Ambulance and Rescue Services were activated following a reported drowning in progress 3km West of Ballots Bay.

“Despite an extensive search, the fisherman could not be found.

They were called back after reports that a 56-year-old female sangoma and a man were both swept out to sea while conducting a ritual,” Niehaus said.

58 arrested during Metro Police operations

By Kim Saulse
19 April 2010

The execution of Operation Razor by Metro Police netted 58 arrests around the city at the weekend .

44 motorists were arrested for drunk driving on Friday evening. In Mitchell’s Plain alone, 36 arrests were affected. Meanwhile, in Kuils River seven motorists were arrested for drunk driving at a joint roadblock executed by the metro police and members of the Kuils River police station.


Aside from the roadblocks, suspected drug houses were also searched.

According to Deputy Chief Yolanda Faro “more community members are coming forward with complaints regarding illegal activities in their respective areas and with the good working relationship with other enforcement agencies, which include the South African Police Services, we embark on regular joint operations to combat and address drug related crime in the city”.

Faro also commended the work of the officers and vowed that Metro Police will continue to crackdown on drug related crime.

“Our members are doing excellent work and apart from the many roadblocks and house searches, we continue with enforcing traffic violations and the city’s By-laws. During routine vehicle and foot patrols, we issued 542 traffic fines whilst 6 by-law offences were recorded.” said Faro

Former principal found dead at residence

By Kim Saulse
18 April 2010

A case of murder is being investigated after a retired high school principal was found dead by his wife at their Hopefield residence on the west coast.

Details around the incident are still unclear but police spokesperson Dian Lourens says it seems as if the deceased was trying to stop an intruder from gaining entry to their house.

She added that a shot was fired.

SATAWU strike action planned for Monday

By Kim Saulse
18 April 2010

The South African Transport and Allied Workers Union announced it will embark on strike action tomorrow.

The Union says about 1000 of their members employed at the Road Accident Fund will halt services in Johannesburg and Pretoria as workers hand over a memorandum of demands to the National Transport Department.

Employees at the RAF have cited concern over their job security under the corporations’ new operating model as a grievance.

According to media reports, Satawu’s Tinzi Lubabalo said negotiations have deadlocked and an attempt to interdict the strike by the corporation failed.

Three swept out to sea in Southern Cape

By Kim Saulse
18 April 2010

The NSRI fears another two people may have drowned within a hundred meters of where an angler was swept off the rocks near the Wilderness in the Southern Cape yesterday.

“NSRI Wilderness rescue swimmers and our rescue craft raced back to the scene after Police reported that another two people had gotten into difficulty almost at the same place but just 100 metres away,” said NSRI spokesperson Hennie Niehaus.

Niehaus confirmed that a Sangoma had been conducting a baptism ritual when the two were swept out to sea.

The search is on going for the three missing people.

Malema to appear before ANC disciplinary committee

By Kim Saulse
18 April 2010

ANC Youth League President Julius Malema will appear before the ANC’s disciplinary hearing.

This after the ruling party formally charged Malema of bringing the organisation into disrepute.

According to the Sunday Times, the fact that Malema brought the ANC and government into disrepute through his remarks about Zimbabwe and his endorsement of Zanu-PF, have been cited as motivation for the hearing.

A recent rant directed at a BBC journalist at a press conference has also been cited as motivation for the hearing.

No date has been set yet.

Municipal strike to resume

By Kim Saulse
18 April 2010

The nationwide municipal strike will resume tomorrow after negotiations between the South African Municipal Workers Union and the South African Local Government Association deadlocked.

The two met yesterday to discuss the possible end to the mass action.

SAMWU members embarked on strike action nationwide last week.

SAMWU says it will not accept SALGA’s proposal.

The Workers Union is calling on SALGA to implement a uniform job grading system.

Seven injured in three car pile up

By Kim Saulse
18 April 2010

Seven people were left injured after the vehicle they traveling in collided with a taxi and bakkie on Vanguard Road in the direction of Cape Town.

“ER24 arrived on the scene to find the light motor vehicle on its side, while the taxi and bakkie were near the intersection. There was three occupants from the light motor vehicle injured of which two had suffered serious injuries,” said ER24 spokesperson Derrick Banks.

The taxi passengers and three other people were treated for minor injuries.
It is believed that the light motor vehicle was traveling on the N2 from the Strand and took the off ramp when the collision occurred between the three vehicles.

“The necessary authorities were on the scene and would investigate the accident,” said Banks.

Search ongoing for angler at Ballot Bay

By Kim Saulse
17 April 2010

The National Sea Rescue Institute, police and other rescue services have prolonged their search for an angler who is believed to have drowned at Ballot Bay near the Wilderness in the Southern Cape.

The mans body washed off the rocks at the Bay. NSRI spokesperson Hennie Niehaus says efforts to find the angler in the sea failed.

The victims name is not known at this stage.