A search for another serial rapist in Gauteng

Lusanda Bill
30 November 2010

Police in Gauteng are again searching for yet another serial rapist.

The suspect is wanted for at least seven attacks, two serial rapists have been arrested this month alone.

The serial rapist that police are searching for now is believed to be targeting girls between the ages of 11 and 18 years-old.

The head of police detectives in Gauteng Norman Taoie said “the suspect strikes on Sundays, usually between 10am and 1 pm. The rapist operates in Gauteng and the North West province, more specifically in the Cartonville, Rustenburg and Potchefstroom areas”.

The wanted serial rapist usually wears a black wig, sunglasses and drives a car with no number plate; he forces his victim into his car with a gun.

Cases postponed due to a collapsed roof

By Lelethu Mquqo
30 November 2010

Cases at the Randburg Magistrate’s Court were postponed today after part of the roof of the court collapsed yesterday.

The Domestic Family Court which is situated at the second floor was the worst affected but no injuries were reported.

At this stage, the reasons that led collapse of the roof are still unknown.

Safety inspectors were on scene today examining the building to try and determine what could have caused the damage.

Cases in the court have been postponed until further notice.

DA says major restructuring are needed to save Road Accident Fund

By Lelethu Mquqo
30 November 2010

The Democratic Alliance has expressed its concern that recently released details regarding the Road Accident Fund’s indebtedness are only the “tip of the iceberg”.

The Road Accident Fund in South Africa is a state insurer established by an Act of Parliament.

It provides insurance cover to all drivers of motor vehicles in South Africa in respect of liability incurred or damage caused as a result of a road accident

The DA says the fund has technically been insolvent for many years and despite several interventions it is still battling with a backlog of over 300 000 claims amounting to over R42 billion.

“The DA proposes that the RAF drastically cut its staff and reduce its executive pay packages – these executives have clearly failed and do not deserve such excessive salaries. The fund should also shift its focus away from litigation and towards administration. There is an enormous stock of legal precedent that can be utilised to settle unresolved cases.” said DA‘s Shadow Minister of Transport Stuart Farrow.

Sakkie Jenner resigns as Western Cape ID leader

By Jurina Nkwazi
30 November 2010

Sakkie Jenner, Western Cape leader of the Independent Democrats has resigned as a member of the provincial legislature on Monday.

His resignation is believed to be based on health reasons.

Jenner lost his post as provincial Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport when Premier Helen Zille reschufled the provinces cabinet.

Western Cape MEC for Social Development Patricia de Lille said they wish him well as he is going for an operation.

Ms De Lille added that they hope he will have a speedy recovery.

1 died, 20 injured in Eastern Cape collision

By Jurina Nkwazi
30 November 2010

An Eastern Cape crash has left one person dead and 20 others injured.

A bus and a truck by Lydeke collided near Bizana.

The injured occupants were transported to the St Patrick’s Hospital.

The cause of the accident is not known and will be investigated by police.

Funeral service of Gauteng Premier’s son today

By Lelethu Mquqo
30 November 2010

A number of politicians, family and friends assembled at the Lady of Peace Roman Catholic Church in Kagiso for the funeral of Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane’s son, Retlabuse.

Journalists have prevented from attending the service, as they have blamed for his death by their “constant negative reporting on Retlabuse’s life”.

The 23-year-old, who most often found himself on the wrong side of the law, allegedly committed suicide early last week.

In July, Retlabusa was linked to an explosion that burnt down part of a house in Kagiso, west of Johannesburg.

Hundreds of mourners are watching the funeral proceedings on a big screen outside the church showing the face of the youngster.

Bathers warned of shark activity in the Cape

By Jurina Nkwazi
30 November 2010

Beach goers have been warned to stay clear of the Muizenberg and Fish Hoek beaches over the next two days due an increase in shark activity.

The City of Cape Town’s Sakhile Tsotsobe said Shark Spotters recorded consistent shark sightings at both beaches on Monday.

Tsotsobe said the sharks are following Yellow Tail fish which have been spotted as well as fishermen’s trapped nets.

He said the City will keep the public informed of any decrease in shark activity.

Tsotsobe added that the red flag which indicates a Shark Alert have been raised at the False Bay area beaches.

A new hijacking scam in Cape Town

Lusanda Bill
30 November 2010

Police in Cape Town have revealed that there is a new scam and are warning motorists to be careful.

Police spokesperson Godfrey Tawana said, “They create a body like a doll and throw it on the road with the intention that if someone stops, they can be robbed or hijacked.”

What the criminals do is they will place the life-size doll on the road to make the motorist think someone has been knocked down, and when motorist slow down to try and help the criminals attack you.

So far a resident who lives in Strand was victim of the scam but luckily she managed to get away, without being hurt.

A prisoner in the Eastern Cape has escaped for the second time

Lusanda Bill
30 November 2010

A prisoner in the Eastern Cape has escaped for the second time after appearing in court yesterday.

Sandisile Mtshingana, 27 appeared in the Eastern Cape High Court in Mthatha for shooting a police officer in 2007.

His case was postponed until the 14th of March 2011.

He escaped while he was waiting for the police truck to escort him to Wellington prison.

He first escaped in 2009 from his cell in Ngcobo in the Eastern Cape.

Lieutenant Colonel Mzukisi Fatyela said "He is regarded as dangerous and anyone with any information should report it to police".

Dewani murder confuses dad

By Lelethu Mquqo
30 November 2010

Murdered tourist, Anni Dewani’s father has refused to defend or attack his daughter’s widower Shrien Dewani.

When Vinod Hindocha was questioned by local newspapers if he believed his son-in-law was involved in his daughter’s murder, he answered “no comment”.

British newspapers quoted Hindocha saying his daughter was in tears and refused to sit next to Shrien Dewani on a plane when they left on their honeymoon.

He said he did not understand what was going on, he was told there two gunmen involved but more people have since been arrested.

Meanwhile, the three men accuse of murdering Dewani appeared in the Wynberg Regional Court earlier this week.

Magistrate Jackie Redelinghuys banned the publication of photographs identifying the suspects until an identity parade was done on Saturday, but failed to the photograph ban yesterday.

Jules High students arrested for drugs

By Jurina Nkwazi
30 November 2010

Gauteng police have arrested five students from Jules High School for the alleged possession of drugs and alcohol on Monday.

The learners were caught during a joint crime awareness programme search as they entered the school grounds.

Community safety spokesperson Thapelo Moiloa said, “Three boys had dagga in their possession and a 14-year-old girl had a 200ml bottle of Klipdrift. Another girl was found with 10 unidentified tablets. “

The so-called headache tablets according to the girl, turned out to be drugs following an investigation by the police.

Community Safety MEC Nonhlanhla Mazibuko expressed her dismay, saying a school environment was meant to be a centre for learning and teaching.

The NPA denies that Shrien Dewani is a suspect in his wife’s murder

Lusanda Bill
30 November 2010

The National Prosecuting Authority have stated that they have not
received any new information indicating British national Shrien Dewani is a suspect in his wife’s murder.

NPA Western Cape spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said "We know from a press conference held in Gugulethu two weeks ago where it was mentioned by National Police Commissioner General Bheki Cele that Dewani is not a suspect and we have not been told something different by the police up to now.

This announcement comes after numerous media including the British newspapers have speculated that Shrien may have been involved in her murder.

Anni Dewani was murdered in a hijacking in Gugulethu two weeks ago.

Fiona Coyne’s brother Bruce found dead today

Lusanda Bill
29 November 2010

Pretoria police have confirmed that Bruce Coyne the brother of the late Weakest Link presenter Fiona Coyne has died today.

Bruce was found by a neighbour at his home town near Moot.

The police’s Dwayne Lightfoot said "At this stage it’s uncertain what happened. We were phoned by a neighbour to say that Mr Bruce Coyne had passed away. On arrival at the scene officers found him in the house. It’s uncertain at this stage what the cause of death is that will depend on the outcome of a post mortem."

In August Fiona Coyne was found dead by her domestic worker at her home in Fish Hoek.

Missing Child Alert: Ashleen Alkana

Transport minister welcomes Cosatu’s stand on the Aarto Act

By Lelethu Mquqo
29 November 2010

Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has welcomed the Congress of South African Trade Union’s stand on the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Act.

Ndebele says the Department of Transport has long been engaging and will continue to engage with all stakeholders regarding the implementation of AARTO.

He added that as government, they welcome partnerships with various formations including organized labour, business, the religious community and civil society to end the killing on South African roads.

The Aarto system penalises drivers with demerit points for traffic offences.

Once a driver has 12 demerit points, his or her driver's licence gets suspended for three months.

A driver's licence gets cancelled on the third suspension.

Case against the three accused of Anni Dewani’s murder postponed

Lusanda Bill
29 November 2010

The three accused men in the murder case of Anni Dewani has been postponed for further investigation and to finalise a plea bargain with one of the accused.

The three men have been charged with murdering British tourist Anni Dewani in a hijacking in Gugulethu three weeks ago.

Magistrate Jackie Redelinghuys told the court "The matter is remanded until next Monday".

William da Grass, attorney for Zola Tongo said "The possibility exists that we may possibly conclude these negotiations and the plea bargain come the next appearance".

Frustrations over service delivery

By Lelethu Mquqo
29 November 2010

A public protest action has been taking place since the early hours of this morning in Kosovo Main Street to Samora Machel to demand improved service delivery.

A crowd of residents from Ward 33 are protesting the City of Cape Town’s defaulting on cleaning solid waste from the area for three weeks now.

The residents of this area which is mostly dominated by informal settlements complain that the contractors appointed to clean up the rubbish from the area have been appointed on a nepotistic basis.

Community Leader Ndoda Mdyogolo says all of the contractors are from only three family service providers and that other people who applied for the jobs were kept out.

Meanwhile, 12 members of Abahlali baseMjondolo will be in court on a murder trial today. More than a year ago, the Shackdwellers Movement was attacked by an armed mob which they claim was affiliated with the African National Congress.

Anti-Eviction Campaign’s Mncedisi Twalo says Abahlali baseMjondolo are only fighting for their right to housing and are not involved in any criminal activities.

Sex video report of the Jules High School case completed

Lusanda Bill
29 November 2010

The Gauteng Education Department has stated that it has received reports from a private investigator the department hired, in regards to the Jules High School cellphone sex video incident.

The department’s Charles Phahlane said “The investigator has submitted a report and the head of department is studying the report”.

The Gauteng Education Department hired the investigator to see if disciplinary action could be taken against any pupil, teacher or school official.

Two boys and one girl have been charged with consensual sexual penetration under the Sexual Offences Act.

They are all seeing a psychologist and depending on the psychologist’s report the charges against them could be dropped.

Two critical in Durban taxi crash

By Jurina Nkwazi
29 November 2010

A taxi crash has left 28 people injured, including two who is in a critical condition in Durban on Sunday evening.

The accident involving two taxis’s happened on the N2 highway in Amanzimtoti.

Netcare911 spokesperson Chris Botha said it is believed that a taxi smashed into the back of another taxi, resulting in one overturning.

The injured occupants were treated and stabilised on the scene before being transported to the Prince Mshiyeni Hospital.

The cause of the accident will be investigated by police.

Cape shack fire destroys family

By Jurina Nkwazi
29 November 2010

A shack fire in the Western Cape has claimed the lives of a father, his brother and his three children in Guguletgu on Friday evening.

34-year-old Mzoxolo Hlalayedwa, his three children Asoze Pomtala, 10, Onako, 8, and Esinako, 5, and his brother Siyabulela Saliti, 19, died in a fire that destroyed their shack in the Barcelona informal settlement.

The mother Ncakiswa Pomtala who was in the Eastern Cape following a funeral went into shock when she heard the news of her family.

Pomtala was immediately admitted to hospital.

It is believed that the fire started at the family’s shack that destroyed 10 other homes.

Tourist murder accused back in court

By Jurina Nkwazi
29 November 2010

Three suspects accused with the murder British tourist Anni Dewani in Gugulethu will re-appear in the Wynberg Magistrate's Court today.

Zola Tongo, 31, Xolile Mngeni, 23, and Mziwamadoda Qwabe, 25 face charges of murder, aggravated robbery and kidnapping.

The case was postponed because they did not have legal representation.

Anni and her husband Shrien who were married for two weeks was on honeymoon in the country.

It is alleged that the 28-year-old wanted to experienced the night life in township following a dinner in Somerset West when they were hijacked.

Her body was found in Khayelitsha.

Meanwhile, media reports stated that Shrien was in the country over the weekend to identify the suspects.

Western Cape exams have gone without a hitch

Lusanda Bill
29 November 2010

Exams in the Western Cape have gone well without any major hiccups.

This is the final week of the exams with subjects such as Maths and English already done.

Western Cape Education Department’s Brian Schrueder said “So far the national senior certificate examinations in the Western Cape have gone very well, we are very pleased with it. We have not had any problems; the exam papers are seemingly okay. We have not received any adverse comments from learners or parents”.

It’s not over for some matrics yet there is still Geography papers which will be written on Wednesday.

1600 motorists arrested for traffic offences in the Western Cape

Lusanda Bill
28 November 2010

In the past week in the Western Cape 1600 motorists have been arrested for traffic offences.

The joint operation between SAPS, metro police and Cape Town Traffic Services called “when duty calls” has done 258 vehicle check points and 45 road blocks.

This operation is in preparations for the festive season which is around the corner.

Police are using this as preparation in the lead up to the festive season.

The police’s Andre Traut said “We will not tolerate criminals to spoil the holiday period for our residents of the Western Cape. We appeal to our law abiding community to tolerate our additional efforts and bear in mind that these efforts are done with a sole purpose to create a safer Western Cape.”

A Eastern Cape constable shot dead in the head

Lusanda Bill
28 November 2010

A 22-year-old police constable has died after being shot today in the Eastern Cape.

He and other officer were dropping off a domestic violence victim in Duncan Village when they heard gunshots.

Lieutenant Colonel Mtati Tana said “The officers immediately responded and drove in the direction of the gun fire. They came across a black Volkswagen Golf parked on the side of the road surrounded by a group of about 12 people. Police identified themselves and were then shot at”.

The 12 ran away before the cops could get them.

No arrests have been made yet.

A probe into illegal selling of RDP houses underway

Lusanda Bill
28 November 2010

The Western Cape Human Settlement MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela has stated that he wants his department to probe how deeply rooted is the illegally selling of RDP houses in Samora Machel.

An investigation has shown that 230 homes were sold illegally and in violation of the pre-emptive clause.

The department has also revealed that hundreds of people are occupying homes illegally in the Western Cape.

The trend has also kicked off in the surrounding townships as well.

Government hotline to go under strict review

Lusanda Bill
28 November 2010

The government presidential hotline will be going under a strict review.

The hotline which was launched last year in September is intended to give South Africans an easier access to government.

The minister in the presidency for performance and evaluation said yesterday that the rumours that are doing the rounds that the service would be shut down are not true.

Government wants the hotline to go under review in order to increase efficiency.

Search for a fourth suspect is underway in Anni Dewani’s case

Lusanda Bill
28 November 2010

Police in Cape Town have reported that at this stage its pure speculation that they are on a search for a fourth suspect with the murder of Anni Dewani.

Latest reports suggest that the police are searching for a 31-year-old man who works for a top city hotel in connection with the murder.

Anni Dewani was murdered in Gugulethu two weeks ago in an apparent hijacking.

An ID parade took place in Manenberg Police Station on Saturday, of which Dewani was not asked to point out his wife’s alleged murderers.

ANC’s Bertha Gxowa laid to rest today

Lusanda Bill
27 November 2010

Bertha Gxowa an ANC stalwart was laid to rest today, after she died at 76-years-old from complications after an operation in Sunninghill Hospital in Johannesburg.

President Jacob Zuma said today at the Huntersfield Stadium in Ekurhuleni "Compatriots, indeed, on this sad occasion, we can only soothe our pain by taking solace in mama Bertha's achievements, and use her life as a book from which to learn.

She has been part of a very exemplary generation of men and women who understood the mission of building a better South Africa, based on tried and tested values enshrined in the Freedom Charter and the Constitution of our country".

Bertha will be remembered for her part she played in the historic Women's March to the Union Buildings in 1956 and the 1957 Treason Trial.

Cape Town school kids march against domestic violence and abuse

Lusanda Bill
27 November 2010

About 100 school children from Khayelitsha and Du Noon marched to Parliament today in support for the fight against domestic violence and abuse.

The children handed over a memorandum which highlighted the need for awareness around domestic violence.

Social Development MEC Patricia de Lille joined the march.

She has urged families in the Western Cape to stand up and say no to abuse at home.

This is all in support of the 16 Days of no Violence against Woman and Children.

Action to be taken against the boat owner which left six people dead

Lusanda Bill
27 November 2010

Investigations are still underway into the ferry that sank during an end of year function, hosted by Sasol which left six people dead.

The South African Maritime Safety authority has stated that it will be taking action against the owner of the boat.

A report by the South African Maritime Safety authority has revealed that the boat was overloaded and the acting skipper did not have a license to pilot the boat.

Samsa’s Saroor Ali “There is a preliminary inquiry which has been set up, also on the person who has certified this boat and the person who issued the certificate will be taken to task and dealt with in a very sizable manner”.

Petrol price to increase again before the end of the year

Lusanda Bill
27 November 2010

Another petrol hike will happen before the end of this year, motorists are asked to brace themselves.

All grades of petrol will go up by 13 cents per litre from Wednesday.

Diesel will increase by between 14 and 15 cents per litre and the wholesale price of paraffin will go up by 14 cents per litre.

Economist Elna Moolman said “We would expect petrol prices to remain relatively steady around these levels partly because we do not see any fundamental reason for the oil price to increase further and also we believe the rand will remain reasonably stable around these levels for quite some time”.

Economists have stated that after the petrol hike this week, then it should stabilise.

A bus driver tries to bribe a police officer

Lusanda Bill
27 November 2010

A driver of a Zimbabwean bus with handwritten cardboard number plates was stopped on the M1 North in Johannesburg last evening.

After being stopped the driver tried to bribe a police officer with R100.

The man gave photocopied and false documents to the policeman.

When the officer told him that he needed to have legal papers for public transportation, he gave a doctor's certificate.

The police officer took the money and the documents and arrested the man for fraud, corruption and bribery.

Seven die after a crèche was struck by lighting

Lusanda Bill
27 November 2010

Seven people and forty others were injured after a crèche was struck by lightning in Pongola, northern KwaZulu-Natal.

Children with their parents were having a Christmas party when lighting struck the building.

Of the seven who died two were parents, two teachers and three other staff members, they all died on the scene.

The injured all sustained burns and were immediately rushed to various hospitals in the area.

Cape judges to testify in Maqubela trial

By Jurina Nkwazi
26 November 2010

The case against the widow of acting judge Patrick Maqubela has been postponed to February for another pre-trial hearing.

She appeared in the trial hearing today where we heard that four Cape Town judges will testify the prosecution.

Acting Judge Patrick Maqubela was found dead in his lavish apartment in Bantry Bay on June 5, 2009.

City alarmed at attempted armed robberies

By Jurina Nkwazi
26 November 2010

Cape Town police says they are alarmed at two attempted armed robberies in the province today.

This follows an incident where five men tried to rob a cash-in-transit van in who was busy collecting money from businesses in the Harare.

The men who were in a white Isuzu allegedly fired several shots at the vehicle but the driver immediately reversed at a high speed and it was fully bulletproof.

The suspects left and fled in a brown colored Honda Ballade

No on was injured and no cash was taken.

In another incident, six armed robbers were arrested in an attempted armed robbery at a printing company in Epping this morning.

Lieutenant Colonel Andrè Traut said, “Police spotted three suspicious vehicles in the area and placed them under observation.

"Police officials nabbed the seven suspects when they approached a business in Fisher Avenue with the intention to carry out an armed robbery intervened.

"On of the men were injured during the operation."

Three firearms, believed to be stolen were confiscated.

The men will appear in the Goodwood court on charges of attempted armed robbery, possession of illegal firearms and the possession of stolen vehicles.

Public asked to help identify body

By Jurina Nkwazi
26 November 2010

The Grassy Park Police are seeking the assistance of the public in identifying a body.

The 30-year-old male was knocked down by a train in March between Southfield and Ottery.

He was dressed in a black top, red t-shirt, blue denim jeans and grey Adidas running shoes.

Anyone who has information of a person fitting this description can contact Detective Warrant Officer Witbooi at Grassy Park Police on 021 700 3900.

Gauteng police arrest another serial rapist

By Jurina Nkwazi
26 November 2010

Gauteng police have arrested a 32-year-old serial rapist today.

The rapist has been linked to eight rape and twelve kidnapping cases.

He allegedly picked up his victims using a Toyota Quantum while pretending to be a taxi driver.

Once the women were in the taxi, a chemical would be sprayed before raping them.

His arrest followed when one of his victims spotted him at the Westgate Shopping Centre.

He will appear in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s court on Monday.

12 injured in Gauteng taxi crash

By Jurina Nkwazi
26 November 2010

a Johannesburg taxi crash has left 12 people injured on Friday afternoon.

Netcare 911’s Chris Botha said, “The driver allegedly lost control of the taxi and overturned.

Paramedics arrived on the scene to find the taxi on it’s roof and passengers were found on the side of the road.

The passengers were treated on the scene before being transported to Edenvale hospital.

Roadlink bus impounded

By Jurina Nkwazi
26 November 2010

As part of the Safely Home Campaign in which random roadblocks are carried out by traffic officials, a SA Roadlink bus was impounded at the N2 Weighbridge in Somerset West on Wednesday night.

The double-decker bus carrying 47 passengers was taken off the road for operating without a valid permit.

Western Cape MEC for Community Safety Albert Fritz said, “We cannot afford the fatalities on our roads.

“The fact that we actually caught that bus is an indication of our proactive approach for this coming festive season.

“We are very serious and will not tolerate any form of illegalities as well as a zero-tolerance approach towards road safety this season.”

Western Cape ANC says national police minister must intervene

By Lelethu Mquqo
26 November 2010

The African National Congress is calling on Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa to intervene in the City of Cape Town Metro Police.

The ANC says Metro Police in Cape Town jumps from one scandal to the other, counting from nepotism, corruption, undue brutality against the public, regular complaints about its members and even poor control over arms and ammunition.

ANC spokesperson on safety and security in the City of Cape Town Werner Schwella says this call comes in the wake of the resignation by Cape Town Metro Police chief Rob Young in the middle of a disciplinary hearing for appointing his stepson Tertius Gilbert as a constable without disclosing their relationship.

“Minister Mthethwa urgently intervene in the City of Cape Town Metro Police to conduct a full investigation into numerous allegations” said Schwella.

Trade unions declare dispute with Exxaro over retrenchments

By Lelethu Mquqo
26 November 2010

The trade unions Solidarity together with the National Union of Mineworkers declared a dispute with the mining company Exxaro yesterday.

This comes after the company informed the trade unions earlier this month that it was planning to retrench an estimated 300 employees next year.

Solidarity and NUM claims the company failed to follow the correct procedure.

The trade unions have now called on the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration to intervene in the matter.

“According to Exxaro’s notice, the company intends to go ahead with the retrenchments if its Siyaya project can be implemented successfully,” Solidarity said in a statement.

Safety and Security achievers awarded in a special ceremony

By Lelethu Mquqo
26 November 2010

The City of Cape Town’s City’s Safety and Security Directorate will be recognising its staff for their outstanding achievements in a special ceremony tonight.

There will be awards presented for: officer of the year; supervisor of the year; team of the year; outstanding academic achievement; and canine bravery, amongst others.

The City’s Executive Mayor, Alderman Dan Plato, is expected to deliver the keynote address.

Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman J.P. Smith, will be delivering a speech.

City of Cape Town’s Executive Director of Safety and Security, Richard Bosman says this will be the first ceremony of its kind in five years.

Bosman said ceremony was just to show appreciation to the staff for the outstanding work they did this year and during the World Cup.

Glen Agliotti is a free man

By Jurina Nkwazi
25 November 2010

Glenn Agliotti accused of the Brett Kebble murder in 2005 is a free man.

Agliotti appeared in the South Gauteng High Court today where Judge Frans Kgomo granted his discharge application in the Brett Kebble murder trial.

He said Agliotti is not guilty and discharged in terms of Section 204.

This followed, after the accused’s lawyers asked for a discharge of the charges in terms of Section 174 of the Criminal Procedures Act.

Rhino’s injured in Limpopo

By Jurina Nkwazi
25 November 2010

The injuries to two rhinos that have been shot on a farm near in Limpopo on Monday evening have brought the deaths to two in the province.

Colonel Motlafela Mojapelo said, “The rhinos were found with bullet wounds with their horns and no arrests had been made yet.”

A case of illegal hunting of Specially Protected Animals without a permit has since been opened.

Dewani murder case postponed again

By Jurina Nkwazi
25 November 2010

Xolile Mngeni who is accused of being involved in the murder of a tourist in Cape Town has been postponed in the Wynberg Regional Court today.

Mngeni was arrested following the death of Anni Dewani during an alleged hijacking in Gugulethu.

The case has been postponed to November 29.

New Western Cape Police Commissioner

By Lelethu Mquqo
25 November 2010

National Commissioner of Police, General Bheki Cele has has made an announcement that, acting Western Cape Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Arno Lamoer has been permanently been appointed to the position with immediate effect.

SAPS’s Vish Naidoo said Cele is more than pleased to appoint Lamoer with immediate effect.

The 50-year-old General joined the South African Police Service 30 years ago and has been acting commissioner in the province since Mzwandile Petros moved to Gauteng.

“As a well a trained and experienced officer, coupled with his immeasurable knowledge of the Western Cape, General Lamoer is well suited to lead the police in that province”, said General Bheki Cele in a statement.

AfriForum Youth welcomes Minister of Higher Education’s announcement

By Lelethu Mquqo
25 November 2010

AfriForum Youth says it welcomes the announcement by the Minister of Higher Education, Dr Blade Nzimande, that the funding framework for universities will be revised and that possible ways to reward excellence at these institutions will be considered.

However, the organisation added that the framework should not only reward good education, but also promote it.

“The current funding framework does not make provision for multilingualism and consequently institutions like the University of Pretoria and North-West University do not receive any additional funding, even though they want to promote three of the country’s official languages”, AfriForum Youth said in a statement.

AfriForum Youth National chairman Ernst Roets says proposals with regards to this will be made to the Minister in January 2011.

Shocking revelations

By Lelethu Mquqo
25 November 2010

The annual report of the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services yesterday carried shocking relations that angered Members of Parliament.

Girls who are awaiting sentencing in Thohoyandou are locked up like animals in the heat of a “converted” storeroom and strip naked to survive conditions.

It has been reported that the only relief the girls, aged between 18 and 21 years, can get from the heat is by taking their clothes off because there are not enough windows.

As the country enters the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, prison authorities have been given 24 hours to come up with an alternative for these unacceptable conditions.

Condolences to families of 29 New Zealand Miners

By Lelethu Mquqo
25 November 2010

The 47-year-old body of the South African who died in a mine explosion in New Zealand will be brought back to the country to be buried on his family farm in Limpopo.

Koos Jonker had reportedly left the country after a crime-related incident.

Jonker was one of 29 trapped miners who had been trapped since Friday last week and were killed in a second blast yesterday at the Pike River coal mine.

Meanwhile, the South African Government has sent its deepest condolences to families of the miners who died in the mine.

Chief Director for Public Diplomacy, Mr Saul Kgomotso Molobi says the country expresses its admiration to the New Zealand government for trying everything they could to try and rescue the miners after the first explosion on Friday.

Social Development MEC to launch roadblock campaign

By Jurina Nkwazi
25 November 2010

The Western Cape MEC for Social Development Patricia de Lille will be launching a roadblock operation today as part of the 16 days of activism against women and children.

Ms De Lille says there will be 176 roadblocks throughout the province, eleven everyday to help families track down fathers who don’t pay maintenance.

She said, “If fathers are not there for their children, the least they can do is to take responsibility and pay the monies owed.”

As part of the campaign the names of non-paying dads will be published.

She will be handing over 298 warrants of arrest to MEC for Police Kenny Africa in Delft this morning.

A total of R2 316 508 is outstanding in the 298 cases.

An off duty police officer found murdered today

Lusanda Bill
24 November 2010

Today a 36-year old police officer has been found murdered in the Free State.

Amelia Henning, who was a clerk at Mangaung police station, was found with several stab wounds to the chest.

The body was found by two school children next to Pasteur Drive while they were on their way to school.

Lieutenant Colonel Annelie Wrensch said “we suspect that Henning was murdered in the early hours of Wednesday morning but did not know how she had come to be on the side of the road at that time. She was off duty. It will all be part of the investigation we haven't found her or any abandoned car, it is suspected she was on foot when she was murdered."

A murder case has been opened and investigation is underway.

Two suspects arrested for raping a Free State doctor to be released

Lusanda Bill
24 November 2010

The rape charges against Ntsokolo Nkwali, 24, and Thabang Motlhabane, 29 will be dropped. The two men were held for raping a Free State doctor at the Pelonomi hospital in Bloemfontein in October.

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Medupe Simasiku said “they are expected to be released from custody anytime from Wednesday, because no DNA linking them to the alleged crime had been found during the investigation”.

An investigation into a 16-year-old Lesotho national, who was still in custody, would continue as this was the only suspect linked to the crime by the victim.

The 16-year-old is expected to appear in court on the 29th of November.

Deadline for tax submissions getting closer

Lusanda Bill
24 November 2010

There are 72 hours until the deadline for tax submissions.

The South African Revenue Services has warned South Africans that offices will close as normal.

Over 3.5 million submissions have been made so far and another 1.2 million are expected by the end of the week.

SARS spokesperson Adrian Lackay said “We remind people to please visit our offices as early as possible if they do need assistance and not to wait for Friday, otherwise the queues will get longer and the public’s frustration will grow”.

Lackay added that no mercy for people who have not submitted their tax submissions by close of business on Friday.

Missing Child Alert: Aneeqa Akmeida

WC to get a permanent police commissioner

Lusanda Bill
24 November 2010

The province of the Western Cape should expect a permanent police commissioner by the end of this week.

Arno Lamoer has been serving as the acting Western Cape police chief since October.

Western Cape Premier Helen Zille today said “I have had several meetings with Arno Lamoer and I said we have to, as people who are applying the law, be the first ones to apply the law in the things we do”.

Zille added that she wants the correct selection process to be followed all the time.

ANC walks out of Provincial Parliament again

By Lelethu Mquqo
24 November 2010

The African National Congress in the Western Cape Provincial Parliament says it will not take part in critical debates on the annual reports of the 13 provincial departments and seven entities without suitable time to prepare.

This led to the second walkout in the second successive sitting of the provincial legislature by the ANC.

Last week ANC members stormed out of the Western Cape Legislature in protest.

Last week’s protest was provoked by a heated debate about when it is applicable for politicians to be excused from the legislature.

This week, the ANC says the reports by the committees for the financial year 2009/10 were only distributed to the MPP’s a few hours before the sitting.

“We only received the vital reports on which we should base the debate when I demanded it.

“Our members were to discuss the 38 page official parliamentary report in preparation of the envisaged debate. Our bid to have the debate postponed was rejected”, ANC chief whip Pierre Uys said in a statement.

Psychological help for police officials

By Lelethu Mquqo
24 November 2010

Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa has given the South African Police Service management a task to present him with an action plan aimed at boosting police in dealing with some of the psychological effects in their daily duties.

"The plan will have clear targets, time frames and retention strategy to assist police morale," said Mthethwa in his response to a parliamentary question on the actual and optimal number of police psychologists employed by the SAPS in each province in the past five years.

According to analysis conducted in the department, Gauteng has the highest number of psychologists at 161, followed by KwaZulu-Natal at 136, and the Western Cape at 106.

The North West province had the least psychologists, at 61.

The plan requested by the minister aims at identifying obstacles within the department and the levels of personnel with regards to psychological help.

Illegal kidney transplant accused fined

By Jurina Nkwazi
23 November 2010

One of the accused in the illegal kidney transplants at Durban's St Augustine's Hospital has pleaded guilty and fined R50 000 in the Durban Commercial Crimes Court today.

Samuel Ziegler’s five-year sentence was suspended when he admitted to magistrate Kim De Freitas that what he did was illegal and that it had contravened the Human Tissues Act.

De Freitas has said that she was very pleased to his admission of guilt.

Motorists warned to be extra vigilant

By Jurina Nkwazi
23 November 2010

Motorists have been warned to exercise caution at busy intersection in the Western Cape, following a number of smash and grab attacks on woman.

According to Warrant Officer Ian Bennett, most of the attacks took place at the corners of the N2 and Vanguard drive.

Thieves normally target female drivers travelling alone because they are less likely to fight back.

He said, “Motorists must ensure that all their valuables, including cellphones and handbags are not visible."

Anti-abuse campaign launched by Minister Lulu Xingwana in Cape Town

Lusanda Bill
23 November 2010

The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children was launched today by Women and Children’s Minister Lulu Xingwana.

The launch took place in Cape Town. She said at the launch “this year’s 16 Days of Activism campaign comes amid eye-opening findings from the recent study on gender violence in Gauteng, which revealed more than half of the women in the province have experience some form of abuse at the hands of men in their lives”.

She also stated that a society which fails to protect the rights of its most vulnerable members is dysfunctional.

Xingwana also wants the rising child abandonment in the Western Cape the and violence against children to be treated with urgency.

SABC appears before Parliament’s Communications Portfolio Committee

Lusanda Bill
23 November 2010

The South African Broadcasting Corporation board is appearing before Parliament’s Communications Portfolio Committee today to report back on issues plaguing the troubled broadcaster.

An improvement has been made, through half a billion rand debt that was knocked out.

The appointment of Phil Molefe as Head of News created great amounts of controversy.

This was because announcement was made in June, but his appointment was declared null and void after 10 of the 12 board members held a meeting to discuss it.

Board member Cedric Gina told the Communications Portfolio Committee that four candidates were short listed for the position, but on 6 September the board appointed Molefe.

Police searching for rhino poachers

By Jurina Nkwazi
23 November 2010

Limpopo police are currently trying to track down poachers following the death of yet another rhino last night.

It is alleged that people heard gun shots, who in turn alerted the police.The rhino's horns were not removed.

Meanwhile, 18 rhino carcasses were discovered in Limpopo last week bringing the death toll to more than 250 for the year.

A taxi accident leaves five people dead

Lusanda Bill
23 November 2010

A taxi accident on the N17 Highway near the Trichardt Road offramp, outside Benoni has left five people dead.

It is believed that the taxi driver lost control and the vehicle overturned numerous times.

Netcare 911’s Chris Botha “Several other people were seriously and critically injured. Paramedics and emergency services rushed to the scene and tried to stabilise all the injured before transporting them to various hospitals for further care”.

A further four people were critically injured and six other people had injuries ranging from serious to minor.

Eight to appear in court today over illegal organ transplants at Netcare

Lusanda Bill
23 November 2010

Five doctors and three other people are today expected in the Durban Regional Court in connection with illegal organ transplants at Netcare KwaZulu-Natal.

They are facing charges which include hospital's staff having illegally acquired kidneys between 2001 and November 2003.

Also performing transplants in which five of the suppliers were minors, and receiving payments for the operations.

Netcare's CEO Dr Richard Friedland was accused of being aware of the illegal transplants and allowing them to continue.

Summonses were served on the four surgeons, a doctor, a translator and another two former Netcare employees in October.

Car theft in the Cape Peninsula

By Lelethu Mquqo
23 November 2010

The Retail Motor Industry says it is not shocked by the thefts from car dealerships across the Cape Peninsula.

The RMI warned that car thieves are becoming more sophisticated and ground-breaking.

Last Friday’s media reports revealed several dealership bosses who suspected they were being targeted.

Yesterday local newspapers showed a car theft that took place in less than 60 seconds.

However, RMI boss Jeff Osbourne says the thugs would not be staying in Cape Town for long.

Nzimande to address the Higher Education Conference

By Jurina Nkwazi
23 November 2010

Academics and the media are expected to attend Annual Higher Education Learning and Training Association of Southern Africa today.

The Minister of Higher Education and Training Blade Nzimande will be delivering the key note address.

The conference which will be held at Fairview River Lodge in Tzaneen aims to promote quality in higher education practice through the creation of a synergistic network in Southern Africa.

The conference is hosted by the University of Limpopo’s Centre for Academic Excellence.

Reyneke granted bail

By Jurina Nkwazi
22 November 2010

Amanda Reyneke was granted bail of R5000 bail for conspiring to kill Blue Bulls rugby player Deon Helberg in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court on Monday.

The 47-year-old will be heading to a mental institution voluntarily which she will be paying for herself.

As part of Reyneke’s bail, she is not to make contact with Helburg or his family.

Helberg allegedly had an affair with Reyneke, who is also her daughter's boyfriend.

She then allegedly hired two Nigerians to kill him but the men turned to the police to catch her.

Meanwhile, Helberg’s death was faked by showing her a fake picture of his body lying in a pool of blood.

The case was postponed until January 27, next year.

Alleged cop killers in court

By Jurina Nkwazi
22 November 2010

The trial of five men facing charges of murder, two charges of attempted murder and four of hijacking and being in possession of an unlicensed firearm, started in the Harrismith Circuit Court today.

The men allegedly killed a policeman and two others in 2009.

Free State police spokesperson Mmako Mophiring said the allegedly hijacked a car in Bluegumbosch near the Three Rand tavern in May 2009.

Inspector Ike Mokoena, Tshepiso Radebe and Lerato Kolois’ vehicles were hijacked and then killed.

More charges against Gauteng alleged serial rapist

Lusanda Bill
22 November 2010

The 28-year-old Gauteng alleged serial rapist who is facing 12 counts of rape appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court today for the second time.

Prosecutors revealed today that eight new counts have been laid against him.

He is accused of taking women to upmarket restaurants before luring them to sleazy hotels in central Johannesburg and raping them.

He was arrested in a house in KwaZulu-Natal earlier this month.

Prosecutors today told the court that an investigation was on going but they needed more time, as some victims were writing exams. The case has now been postponed until the 2nd of December.

It has been ordered by the magistrate that no more photographs must be taken of the alleged rapist.

An investigation into the fatal boat accident is underway

Lusanda Bill
22 November 2010

Following the boat accident at Witbank dam in Mpumalanga that left six people dead, an investigation has now been launched into the accident.

The South African Maritime Safety Authority (Samsa) and Saps Waterwing are working together in this investigation.

The accident happened while 21 people were celebrating a Christmas party on a double-decker leisure boat when it sank at Barham Bay, a resort on the dam.

Two men and four women drowned. Fifteen people were able to make it to shore and sustained only minor injuries.

Some fishermen rushed into the water to help.

Samsa's head of Centre for Ships, Sobantu Tilayi said: "We have two of our people on site, carrying out the investigations into the integrity of the vessel and other circumstances surrounding the vessel's accident".

Dewani murder case postponed

By Jurina Nkwazi
22 November 2010

The murder case of Swedish tourist Anni Dewani, has been postponed to November 29, in the Wynberg Regional Court in Cape Town today.

The driver of the vehicle Zola Tongo and Mziwamadoda Qwabe are facing charges of robbery, murder and hijacking.

Meanwhile, 23-year-old Xolile Mmgeni who was arrested on Saturday will be back in court on Thursday.

Search continues for the three escapees

Lusanda Bill
22 November 2010

Police in the Western Cape are today still searching for three suspects who escaped from the Somerset West Magistrate’s Court last week.

At the beginning six suspects broke out of the holding cells at the court house.

Police rearrested one during a shootout on the N2 highway on Friday and two others were rearrested on yesterday in Macassar.

The suspects are now expected to appear in court soon.

Terre’Blanche trail could be postponed

By Lelethu Mquqo
22 November 2010

The trial of two men alleged to have killed Afrikaner AWB leader Eugene Terre’Blanche was set to start in the Ventersdorp Magistrate’s Court today but the defence is expected to ask for a postponement in the matter.

Terre’Blanche was beaten to death on his farm in the North West province in April.

Two of his farm workers were arrested for the murder.

The accused, Zola Majavu, the 15-year-old suspect’s attorney, said he needed more time to prepare.

Meanwhile, the media is planning to launch an application today asking the court for permission to sit in during proceedings regardless of the fact that one of the suspects is a minor.

Father of murdered tourist urges the media to dig deeper

By Lelethu Mquqo
22 November 2010

The father of British murdered tourist Anni Dewani, says he has many unanswered questions.

Vinod Hindocha has urged the media to please dig deeper into the murder of his 28-year-old daughter.

Hindocha said he had no idea how investigations into the murder of his daughter were progressing.

Anni and Shrien Dewani had reportedly known each other for 13 months before they got married in India.

The couple were hijacked in Gugulethu in Cape Town on a Saturday night while on honeymoon.

The husband was dropped off unharmed but the hijackers drove away with Anni.

Third suspect in Dewani murder to appear in court

By Jurina Nkwazi
21 November 2010

A third suspect arrested for the murder of Swedish tourist, Anni Dewani will appear in the Wynberg Regional Court today.

The 30-year-old man was charged with hijacking and murder on Saturday.

Anni was murdered on November 13 in Gugulethu.

She and her husband Shrien Dewani, who were on honeymoon, were travelling in a minibus shuttle to experience the nightlife in the township, when two unknown gunmen apprehended the vehicle.

Shrien escaped unharmed after he was released from the men.

Road traffic victims remembered

By Jurina Nkwazi
21 November 2010

In 2005, the United Nations endorsed this global day to be observed every third Sunday in November each year for road traffic injury prevention as the world remembers road traffic victims.

Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has called on South Africans to join the global movement for road safety on World Day for Road Traffic Victims.

About 1 053 million vehicles were stopped and checked during the month of October and thousands of fines were issued for various traffic offences.

Department spokesperson Logan Maistry says, “They call for partnership between labour, businesses, religious communities and civil society to end this carnage.”

Maistry said, “We can’t go on pretending that someone someday will make a change.

“Road safety is our absolute responsibility and it can only be through us that we transform to a good image in terms of road safety.”

“All of us want to end this carnage. All of us must end this carnage,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Metro police have arrested 76 motorists for driving under the influence of alcohol during roadblocks in the Western Cape.

According to Metro Police Deputy Chief Yolanda Faro, “Despite being arrested for drunk driving, an additional charge of negligent and reckless driving was added to one motorist’s after he tried to sped through the roadblock in Prince George Drive Steenberg and in the process collided with six vehicles”.

Faro said, “Our main aim is to reduce the usage, as well as to discourage motorists to drive while they’re under the influence of alcohol.”

Somali pirates arrested

By Jurina Nkwazi
21 November 2010

Somali pirates have been arrested for snatching seven Seychelles fishermen on Friday.

The arrests comes after a joint operation the European Naval Forces and a French E3F aircraft helped locate the boat as it sailed towards Somalia with the hostages.

Seychelles President James Michel has said that they rejoice with the families of the seven fishermen, in their freedom.

Man burnt to death in truck collision

By Jurina Nkwazi
21 November 2010

A man has been burnt to death on Sunday after a head-on collision with a truck in the Eastern Cape.

The accident happened on the N6 between Cathcart and Stutterheim.

Arive Alive spokesperson Tshepo Machaea said the man's body was burnt beyond recognition.

The truck allegedly overturned but no-one was injured.

Five year-old killed by Rottweiler

By Jurina Nkwazi
21 November 2010

On Saturday, a five-year-old boy was attacked and killed by a black Rottweiler Cape.

ER24 spokesperson Andre Visser said the child and his friend was playing on a wine farm in Durbanville Hills at the neighbour's house while its owners were away.

One of the children allegedly ran towards the house screaming that the dog had attacked his friend.

Visser said when paramedics arrived at the scene the boy was already dead and had injuries to his neck.

The boy apparently died from suffocation as there wasn't much blood loss.

Another arrest in British murder

By Jurina Nkwazi
21 November 2010

A 30-year-old man will appear in the Wynberg Regional Court on Monday on charges of hijacking and murder.

This follows the arrest of a third man on Saturday in connection with the murder of a Swedish tourist, Anni Dewani in Gugulethu who were on honeymoon.

According to reports, the 28-year-old’s husband Shrien Dewani will be flying back to South Africa next week accompanied by British police to identify the suspects.

Meanwhile, police are trying to link a gun with Anni’s death.

Man killed in KZN collision

By Jurina Nkwazi
21 November 2010

A KwaZulu-Natal collision between a car and a truck on on Saturday has left one man dead and five others injured.

Netcare911 spokesperson Jeff Wicks said a heavy goods truck travelling towards Pietermaritzburg crashed into a car on the N3 near Shongweni.

The man died on the scene due to his severe injuries.

The cause of the accident is not known at this stage.

Two injured in microlight crash

By Jurina Nkwazi
20 November 2010

A father and his son were seriously injured when their microlight aircraft in crashed in Escort, Kwa-Zulu Natal this morning

The aircraft allegedly struck an electricity power-line and went down into a field.

Both were transported to Escort Provincial Hospital.

8 ATM bombers arrested

By Jurina Nkwazi
20 November 2010

Gauteng police have arrested eight men for bank and house robberies and ATM bombings.

A man who allegedly robbed banks was arrested in Soweto and three others in Pretoria on Friday.

Police seized detonators suspected to have been used during ATM bombings during their searches for the men.

On Thursday four men were arrested in Randfontein after an FNB ATM was blown up in Soweto.

A man who got injured during the blast was caught.

He was taken to the Leratong hospital in Kagiso under police guard.

The suspects will appear in the Protea and Pretoria magistrate's courts on Monday.

Divers still searching for missing man

By Jurina Nkwazi
20 November 2010

Divers are still searching for a man who presumably drowned in a boat accident in the Witbank.

Captain Leonard Hlathi said the police divers are in the dam searching for the man.

The divers have been searching since Friday after the boat he was on sunk.

He was part of Sasol staff who attended a Christmas party.

Five bodies have been recovered thus far.

Eastern Cape taxi crash kills 9

By Jurina Nkwazi
20 November 2010

An Eastern Cape crash has claimed the lives of nine people on Saturday.

The accident happened in Sterkspruit and 12 people were injured.

It is allegedly that the driver of the taxi lost control causing it to roll down on an embankment.

Foreign nationals missing in NZ mine

By Jurina Nkwazi
20 November 2010

Five foreign nationals, including a South African are among the 29 people who went missing after a mine explosion at the Pike River mine in New Zealand.

The explosion happened on Friday afternoon and there has since been no contact with the men.

A concern of possible poisonous gases in the mine has prevented the search team to carry on their operation for the missing miners.

So far, only two people have managed to escape the explosion.

Durban police officials accused of murder granted bail

By Jurina Nkwazi
20 November 2010

Fifteen police officials charged with murder for beating Nhlanhla Lala Luthuli to death have been granted bail.

The men appeared in the Hammarsdale Magistrate's Court on Friday for the October 29 murder where the men allegedly searched Luthuli's home for a stolen gun from one of the Crime Intelligence Unit members during a house robbery.

He was then beaten in front of his 11-year-old son and dumped on the side of a road.

The Independent Complaints Directorate spokesperson Moses Dlamini said the suspects were granted bail of R5 000 each.

The case has been postponed to January 14.

Sasol Christmas party claims six lives

By Jurina Nkwazi
20 November 2010

On Friday, a Sasol Christmas party claimed the lives of six people after their boat capsized on the Witbank Dam.

A total of 21 people, including the driver were on board when the boat went sunk.

ER24’s Vanessa Jackson said 15 people were rescued and a pregnant woman and an elderly man were among the dead.

A search for the missing man has resumed this morning.

18 suspected illegal immigrants arrested in East London

Lusanda Bill
19 November 2010

Police in East London have arrested 18 suspected illegal immigrants during a raid on a shop yesterday.

Illegal food and appliances, valued at around R100, 000 were confiscated at a shopping mall.

Police spokesperson Mtati Tana said, “Police on the raid discovered that the ID documents for permanent resident were not up to scratch. Apparently they were not born in South Africa and police have to take them back to their original country”.

It has been reported that sixteen of the immigrants were Chinese nationals, while another two were from North Africa.

DA Youth withdraws from the NYDA

By Lelethu Mquqo
19 November 2010

Aimee Franklin, Democratic Alliance’s National Youth Director, has announced her resignation as the DA Youth’s representative on the National Youth Development Agency.

Franklin says the DA Youth is withdrawing from this organisation, which she says has become a R400-million ANC support scheme.

She adds that in the past few days, the DA has exposed how an additional R29 million in the appropriations adjustment has been designated to the NYDA, for the hosting of the ANC Youth League’s nine-day “World Festival of Youth and Students” conference, which will provide a platform for some of the most radical youth groups on the planet.

However, Franklin has made the assurance the DA Youth is still committed to youth development in South Africa.

Bheki Cele concerned about Western Cape stability of policing

Lusanda Bill
19 November 2010

Police Commissioner General Bheki Cele said in a meeting with Western Cape’s provincial police’s top brass in Gugulethu yesterday, that he was concerned about the stability of policing in the province.

Cele has publicly raised his concerns about policing in the Western Cape.

He cited the killing of tourist Anni Dewani, a surge in gang violence on the Cape Flats and the recent unrest in Khayelitsha.

Bheki Cele also mentioned the officers who were photographed sleeping on job, saying that the investigation is nearly completed.

The Police Commissioner also gave his full support to Acting Western Cape Police Commissioner Arno Lamoer to permanently occupy the post.

A debate into recycling graves to take place this afternoon in Durban

Lusanda Bill
19 November 2010

This afternoon Academics, cultural experts and religious leaders will gather at the Durban City Hall to discuss the controversial proposal to recycle graves.

About 20 000 bodies are buried each year in eThekwini and the city has space only for two-and-a-half years.

eThekwini Municipality recently announced that it would soon start recycling old graves because of a shortage of burial sites.

59 of the 60 cemeteries in Durban are already full.

Alternative burial methods have been suggested like vertical burials, cremation, freeze drying and the recycling of graves.

The public has strongly criticised the new methods.

Transport Department vows to curb road deaths this festive season

Lusanda Bill
19 November 2010

Motorists have been warned that all enforcement officials from national, provincial and municipalities will not be given leave in order to watch over the countries roads.

Since the beginning of October, over 1.3 million cars were searched, over 4,000 vehicles have been impounded and over 2,000 drunk drivers were arrested.

The transport department wants to stop and search one million vehicles per month, to ensure that all cars are roadworthy and that drivers are sober this festive season.

Transport Minister Sbu Ndebele said “I can give you a personal commitment that it is going to happen every month. We have committed ourselves that by 2014, death on our roads must be halved”.

More details on the Dewani murder

By Lelethu Mquqo
19 November 2010

Recent reports revealed that Shrien Dewani, husband to murdered British tourist murdered in Gugulethu Anni Dewani’s company is in debt.

According to a report in a British tabloid, Dewani’s firm owes an estimated £6.25 million (about R70 -million).

The firm run by the British businessman whose bride was killed in Gugulethu is in debt, a British tabloid has reported.

The PSP Healthcare company Dewani set up in 2005 with his brother and farther is said to owe £4 million in bank loans alone.

The tabloid also reported that figures for 2008 to 2009 reveal the company’s net losses doubled to £822 000 in a year and this year’s return are overdue.

Shrien and his wife were hijacked in Gugulethu last Saturday and Anni’s body was discovered on Sunday morning while her husband was left unharmed.

Two men from Khayelitsha have since been arrested for the murder.

A post mortem done on Anni’s body did not indicate any sexual assault.

ANC Women's League National Treasurer Bertha Gxowa has passed away

Lusanda Bill
19 November 2010

Bertha Mashaba Gxowa who is the National Treasurer of the Women's League of the African National Congress has passed away this morning.

She died in the Sunninghill Hospital in Sandton due to a medical complication.

Bertha Gxowa was born on the 28 November 1934, in Germiston Location where she spent her early childhood. She went to school at the Thokoza primary School and then the Public Secondary School, both in the location.

Bertha started her working life, working as an office assistant for the South African Clothing Workers’ Union.

She signed up the ANC youth league during the anti-Bantu education campaign strengthened her involvement in politics.

She became a founder member of the Federation of South African Women, which organized the historic women’s march against pass laws in 1956.

She was a Member of Parliament and Committee Member of the Portfolio Committee on Foreign Affairs. She joined the African National Congress 59-years-ago.

ANC Spokesperson Brian Sokutu said “She endure hardship in the hands of apartheid, she will be missed by all”.

Zuma faces tough questions about his reshuffle

Lusanda Bill
19 November 2010

President Jacob Zuma yesterday faced tough questions regarding his cabinet reshuffle.

Zuma was questioned as to why certain ministers were retained and others were fired.

The President commented that he was in no obligation to reveal the rationale behind the reshuffle.

One Parliamentarian enquired why Barbara Hogan and Geoff Doidge were fired when they appeared to be making progress in two chaotic departments.

He denied the fact that the reshuffle was due to internal conflict in the ruling party, he said “That is the imagination of whomever that this is about internal things in the ANC. That is the imagination. Absolutely,”

SA’s first electric car

By Lelethu Mquqo
19 November 2010

South Africa’s first electric car, the Joule, is set to take the country’s roads by storm when production begins in the Eastern Cape in 2012.

The battery-operated six-seater, designed by Optimal Energy, is set to cost the consumer just under three-hundred-thousand-Rands.

The car is made of eco-friendly materials and will also feature a roof-mounted solar panel as an option.

Optimal Energy spokesperson, Jaco van Loggerenberg says that charging the Joule will not place an extra strain on South Africa’s already-fragile national electricity grid

Charges against alleged gang-rape learners could be dropped

By Lelethu Mquqo
18 November 2010

The charges against three pupils in the Jules High School alleged gang rape case might be dropped.

The National Prosecuting Authority now says the matter does not belong in the criminal justice system.

Spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga says the presiding magistrate has requested a report from a psychologist before making a ruling.

The 15-year-old girl has been charged, along with the two teenage boys, despite claims of being the victim.

She appeared in camera in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court today and was charged under the Sexual Offences Act.

Meanwhile, the Community Law Centre Child Rights Project has expressed concern about current public discussion relating to the prosecution what it regards as “a group of under-aged children” for engaging in consensual sex.

Parliamentary Programme Coordinator Samantha Waterhouse says the main concern here is why are 14-15-year-olds engaging in sex with each other, what are the motives behind that?.

On the other hand, The African National Congress Youth League has requested the Public Prosecutor to drop criminal charges against all three pupils.

“In full respect of the rule of law and all criminal procedures that exist, it does not believe that criminally prosecuting children will correct their behaviour” the ANC Youth League said in a statement.

ANC Youth League’s Magdalene Moonsamy says the league is calling for participation by all corners of society, to bring back true morals in our education system.

Second British tourist murder suspect arrested

By Lelethu Mquqo
18 November 2010

Cape Town police have reportedly arrested a second suspect in connection with the murder of British tourist Anni Dewani over the weekend.

National police commissioner Bheki Cele made the statement at a news conference in Gugulethu today.

Cele added that one or two more arrests may follow.

Earlier today, the murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances case against 26-year-old Xolile Mngeni was postponed for a week.

The Wynberg Regional Court heard that Mngeni needed to arrange legal representation.

British tourist murder case postponed

By Lelethu Mquqo
18 November 2010

The man accused of killing British tourist Anni Dewani made his first court appearance today in the Wynberg Regional Court in Cape Town.

26-year-old Xolile Mngeni from Khayelitsha did not have a lawyer, and therefore the case was postponed to the 25th of November to allow him to get legal representation.

28-year-old Dewani’s body was discovered on Sunday morning after she and her husband Shrien were hijacked in Gugulethu on Saturday night.

Magistrate Jackie Redelinghuys told the accused that he was also being charged with robbery with aggravating circumstances.

Man pleads guilty to Shongweni massacre

By Lelethu Mquqo
18 November 2010

The only surviving suspect of the Shongweni massacre has pleaded guilty to all charges against him.

This comes after a second suspect was shot dead by police.

The 23-year-old alleged accomplice’s lawyer and the prosecution were preparing for a bail application when the man told in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court he wanted to plead guilty to all charges.

This sudden change of heart came just minutes after his lawyer told the court his client was an “upstanding citizen, who was entitled to bail”.

The man from Richmond faces charges of murder, rape, attempted murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances.

This follows the brutal murder of six people and the rape of a 13-year-old girl in Shongweni.

Honeymoon murder suspect allegedly confessed to killing Anni Dewani

Lusanda Bill
18 November 2010

Rumours are widespread that the 26-year-old Cape Town man arrested for the murder of British tourist Anni Dewani has confessed to the killing.

Dewani and her husband Shrien were abducted in Gugulethu on Saturday night, while on their honeymoon.

Reports say police are also investigating how Shrien Dewani could have escaped without a scratch despite allegedly being thrown out of the back window of the hijacked vehicle before his wife was murdered.

The 26-year –old is expected to appear in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court today on charges of murder and hijacking.

Police’s Frederick van Wyk said “The contents of the post mortem report will only be released once presented as evidence in a court of law and the body has been released to the family. The search for another suspect continues”.

Minister of Woman, Children and Persons with Disabilities to focus on the Western Cape regarding baby dumping

Lusanda Bill
18 November 2010

Woman, Children and Persons with Disabilities Minister Lulu Xingwana is regarding the high number of infants being discarded in the Western Cape as a top priority.

She said she has contemplated on setting up a hotline to help tackle the plague of mothers who dump their babies.

Yesterday a baby was found in Parow, dumped in a bag. The baby boy was found by a factory worker and he was still alive.

This comes after MEC for Social Development Patricia de Lille had held an emergency summit a few weeks ago to raise awareness around baby dumping.

Minister Lulu Xingwana is calling on community workers and local NGOs to help reduce the problem.

Children’s rights groups angered by alleged gang-rape schoolgirl charges

Lusanda Bill
18 November 2010

The 15-year-old schoolgirl from the Jules High School in Johannesburg and the two boys alleged to have raped her on the 4th of this month have all been charged with statutory rape.

Director of Public Prosecutions Menzi Simelane decided that the girl, who claims to be the victim, should also be charged.

The two boys, aged 14 and 16, appeared in camera in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

The case against them has been postponed until early next month and the girl’s case is being handled separately and will resume today.

Child line’s Lynne Cawood said “We do feel that this is further brutalisation and secondly traumatisation of a child who is incredibly vulnerable”.

Missing Child Alert: Odwe Ngqenstu

Missing Adult Alert:Zuanne Hough

Religion said to reduce violent activities in children

By Lelethu Mquqo
18 November 2010

Crime experts say children that are exposed to any form of religion in their home environment are less likely to be involved in violent crimes later in their lives.

Christiaan Bezuidenhout, a professor of criminology at the University of Pretoria, says all forms of religion have an effect on reducing violent tendencies.

Bezuidenhout’s comments follow a report on violent crime in South Africa, which was released by the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation last week.

She says children should be encouraged to take part in religious activities especially at a young age.

Lack of accountability amongst government department heads

By Lelethu Mquqo
17 November 2010

The Public Service Commission says only 15 director generals of the 41 government departments declared their financial interests.

The PSC says these financial interests are for the current financial year by the May 31st deadline.

This figure jumped to 34 by the end of last month.

PSC director general Mashwahle Diphofa made the announcement in front of Parliament’s portfolio committee on public service.

Diphofa says the lack of willingness to declare business interests is due to a lack of supervision, responsibility and accountability amongst senior government officials.

Municipalities under-spend

By Lelethu Mquqo
17 November 2010

The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs has confirmed that over 20 municipalities have under-spent.

The municipalities under-spent up to 920-million-Rands from the 41-billion-Rands allocated to them in the budget.

Mbombela and OR Tambo municipalities in Mpumalanga and Eastern Cape provinces have the highest under-expenditure of 83-million and 52-million-Rands respectively.

Through a partnership with the Development Bank of Southern Africa, under-spending municipalities are being provided with the necessary technical skills.

More deaths in South Africa’s mining industry

By Jurina Nkwazi
17 November 2010

A total of four mineworkers have died in separate incidents this week in South Africa’s mining industry.

The accidents happened at the Simmer & Jack’s Buffelsfontein mine, Goldfields’ Driefontein mine, Rand Uranium’s Ezulwini mine and Anglogold Ashanti‘s Mponeng mine.

Meanwhile, a mineworker went missing yesterday at Lonmin‘s Karee mine in Rustenburg.

A miner who went missing on Monday at Anglogold‘s Mponeng mine outside Carletonville has been found dead yesterday after a fall of ground.

A search and rescue team has been sent out to continue their search for the miner.

The National Union of Mineworkers has accused the Chamber of Mines of releasing incorrect mine death statistics.

The union expects the chamber to provide real leadership in the matter.

A man has been charged with the murder of Anni Dewani

Lusanda Bill
17 November 2010

A 26-year-old man who was arrested yesterday in connection with the attack on Anni Dewani and her husband Shrien from Britain has been charged.

The man has now been charged with hijacking and murder.

The preliminary post-mortem report has been released and it states that the 28-year-old passed away as a result of a bullet wound sustained to the neck.

Last night the father of Anni Dewani told journalists in the United Kingdom that his daughter had not been sexually molested before she was shot three times.

Police’s Frederick van Wyk said the suspect is scheduled to appear in the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.

Parow baby found in bag still alive

By Jurina Nkwazi
16 November 2010

A baby boy was discovered in a bag by an employee of KüHN Machines in front of their premises at 33 Tredoux St, Beaconvale, Parow Valley.

Police Warrant Officer Jacques Mostert says, “When he opened the bag the baby was wrapped in a khaki jersey and miraculously still alive.”

Paramedics have indicated that the infant is less than 24hours old.

The little one was transported to a nearby hospital.

A child abandonment case was opened and is under investigation by the Bellville Family Child and Sexual Offences Unit.

Anyone with information can call Captain Tantsi or Warrant Officer Barnard on 021 592 7092.

1time flight turned around due to a cracked windscreen

Lusanda Bill
17 November 2010

A 1time flight from Johannesburg to Durban was diverted back to O.R. Tambo International Airport due to a cracked windscreen.

This is the second case in less than a month that a 1time flight has been cancelled for safety reasons.

A few weeks ago passengers were evacuated after a plane’s engine caught fire.

1time CEO Rodney James said” We gave people the option to move to another flight; otherwise those who did not want to move to another flight will be going on the same flight”.

Another suspect connected to the Shongweni massacre killed

Lusanda Bill
17 November 2010

Another suspect sought in connection with the killing of 10 people in Shongweni and Mariannhill was killed in a shootout with police last night.

Members of the organised crime unit were tipped off that Khetha Bhenjani Nxele was hiding in the area.

The police found him at around 22:00 and he opened fire.

Nxele’s brother, Philani Nxele, also a prime suspect in the killings, was also shot dead by the police when he allegedly opened fire on them last month.

Police believe the Shongweni killings where ten people were killed and the Mariannhill killings where four people were killed are linked and that they were pure criminality.

Residents protesting in Alexander

Lusanda Bill
17 November 2010

Residents from Alexander in northern Johannesburg are protesting this morning.

Protestors this morning burnt tyres and blocked roads leading into the area.

The police’s Makgomo Semono said, “They are protesting against the Department of Housing because they heard they are going to be removed from their place of residence."

People in the area were told that the informal structures in the area would be demolished but they did not know when it will be done.

It has been a peaceful protest in the area.

Three people murdered in northern Limpopo

Lusanda Bill
17 November 2010

An elderly couple and one of their workers have been found murdered on their farm in northern Limpopo.

A passer-by found the body of the farm worker inside his house and alerted the police.

Detectives found the body of the 60-year-old woman with her hands tied.

The owner of the farm was found tied to water pipes leading to the farm dam.

Police spokesperson Ronel Otto says the killings happened a few days ago.

She also stated that the detectives are still on the scene and they are still trying to determine if there was more than one person involved in the murder.

No arrests have been made yet.

Man taken in for questioning in connection with tourist murder

By Lelethu Mquqo
17 November

A 26-year-old man from Khayelitsha in Cape Town has been brought in for questioning in connection with the murder of 28-year-old British tourist Anni Dewani.

She was found murdered in the back of a minibus shuttle on Sunday morning.

Dewani and her husband visited the Gugulethu Township late on Saturday night when their vehicle was hijacked by two men.

Meanwhile, the South African Institute of Race Relations says more than 700 people have been murdered in Gugulethu over the last five years.

This after Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa and national police commissioner Bheki Cele expressed their disgust at the hijacking of the British couple.

Cosatu expresses concern on human trafficking of Chinese workers

By Lelethu Mquqo
16 November 2010

The Congress of South African Trade Unions has expressed shock at recent reports that 16 Chinese workers have been arrested for working illegally for a Chinese company which has a R2.9 billion subcontract from Cell C to build its high-speed 4G network.

“The federation says it is concerned that this may be just the tip of the iceberg of international labour broking in South Africa”, Cosatu said in a statement.

The Home Affairs Department allegedly inspected work permits at the ZTE Corporation's premises in Durban on Thursday, after receiving a complaint about the validity of permits for workers from China.

As a result, Chinese workers were detained in Durban for allegedly having invalid work permits.

Police accused of being out of touch with township crime

By Lelethu Mquqo
16 November 2011

The Institute of Race Relations has accused the police’s senior management of being out of touch with the reality of life in the townships.

This follows Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa and national commissioner Bheki Cele’s expression of shock over the hijacking of a British couple in Gugulethu.

Anni and Shrien Dewani were hijacked last weekend and the car was discovered with Anni’s body the following morning.

The Institute’s data has shown that over 700 people were murdered in Gugulethu since 2005.

This amounts to one murder every two-and-a-half days for five consecutive years.

Woman and three children in hospital after gas explosion

By Lelethu Mquqo
16 November 2010

A woman narrowly escaped death when a gas exploded in her kitchen.

69-year-old Winfred Willoughby was cooking dinner at her home in Heideveld when she reportedly noticed a gas leak.

She reportedly called her children for help when she noticed the leak but the gas exploded before they could do anything.

The woman has reportedly suffered third-degree burns while her children suffered second-degree burns and are all in a serious condition.

ER24 spokesperson Andre Visser said paramedics worked hard to stabilize the mother and the family was taken to Tygerberg Hospital.

Dagga worth R500 000 found in the Northen Cape

By Jurina Nkwazi
16 November 2010

Northern Cape police has made a discovery of dagga worth R500 000 in a bedroom on Tuesday.

The police were responding to a housebreaking and theft complaint when two men aged 30 and 33 were found at the house.

The suspects allowed the police to search the house and allegedly said the bags contained clothes.

Captain Tony Modise said, "The nine bags contained dagga which is believed to be distributed for sale around Galeshewe.”

The two men were arrested and charged with dealing in dagga.

NUM calls for investigation into miner’s death

By Jurina Nkwazi
16 November 2010

The National Union of Mineworkers has called on the Department of Mineral Resources to launch an investigation at Mponeng mine following the death of a missing mineworker.

The mineworker who went missing on Monday at Anglogold‘s Mponeng mine outside Carletonville, has been found dead.

The supervisor allegedly got lost underground and the search and rescue team were unable to locate him yesterday.

Meanwhile, another mineworker has died at Rand Uranium‘s Ezulwini mine, earlier today.

NUM says he died after a fall of ground at the mine.

The union added that they regret the deaths and the ever increasing fatalities in South African mines.

WC parents warned to keep watch over their children

By Jurina Nkwazi
16 November 2010

A 72-year-old man accused of creating child pornography has been released on a 10-thousand-Rands bail at the Bellville Magistrate’s court.

Police officials reacted on a tip off and raided the man’s house where they found pornographic material.

The suspect allegedly lured children aged between 12 and 15, by buying them expensive cellphones and clothes.

Meanwhile, the Cape Town’s vice have warned parents to keep a close watch over their children and their activities.

A possible child sex network is being investigated.

A helping hand for SA boxing great

By Lelethu Mquqo
16 November 2010

South African boxing legend Jacob “Baby Jake” Matlala has been left nearly penniless as a result of hospital bills after suffering from double pneumonia.

Despite a 22-year boxing career, Matlala, who contested world titles 18 times, has hit hard times.

This follows recent reports that Matlala and his family had been struggling to pay his medical bills.

CEO of Golden Gloves Promotions Rodney Berman says they are organizing a tournament that is going to be held at Emperors Palace on January 27, in an attempt to raise R500 000 for Matlala.

Matlala, who was the shortest ever world champion, began his career on February 2, 1980 with a fourth-round victory over Fraser Plaatjie in Port Elizabeth.

He then retired from the ring in 2002 and has after a career of 68 fights.

A 45-year-old man shot nine times

Lusanda Bill
16 November 2010

An Eastern Cape man was today shot nine times near Mthatha.

The 45-year-old man was shot dead at Centane while he was opening the gate at his home.

Lieutenant Colonel Mzukisi Fatyela said “nine gunshot wounds were found on his body”.

A case of murder has been opened in the Mthatha Central Police Station.

No arrests have been made yet but police are continuing to investigate the matter.

Springboks could have unknowingly taken banned substance

Lusanda Bill
16 November 2010

The World Anti-Doping Agency says it is highly possible that the two Springbok rugby players sent home from Europe after failing doping tests were not aware that they were ingesting a banned substance.

Bjorn Basson and Chiliboy Ralepelle have been suspended after they tested positive for a stimulant.

Team doctor Craig Roberts said “Both were on medication that we have used for a long time and have not had problems with before. The medicine prescribed is used for the standard treatment of colds and flu. We will look at everything, but it is highly unlikely that it was the medicine”.

Springbok coach Peter de Villiers said “We are tested all the time. When the news came last night, as we were finishing up our analysis of our game at the weekend, we were speechless. We have not slept since as we try to get to the bottom of it.”

City sees drop in bribery cases

By Lelethu Mquqo
16 November 2010

City of Cape Town’s law enforcement department says it has seen a drop in alleged bribery cases this year.

Safety and Security Committee says this success is a result of recent exposures of fraud and corruption in all levels of the department.

In a survey conducted on two local radio stations’ listeners and one local newspaper readers related to bribery, nine people said they bribed a metro police officer, compared to over 1,800 in Johannesburg.

The city’s Director for Safety and Security Richard Bosman says six officers were found guilty of corruption in three separate cases this year.

Consumers may have some festive season relief

By Lelethu Mquqo
15 November 2010

Consumers may be in for yet another cut in the interest rate just weeks before the start of the festive season.

The South African Reserve Bank Monetary Policy Committee will decide on the interest rate.

This is expected to happen when they meet on Thursday for the last time this year.

Efficient Group economist, Marina Willemse says an interest rate cut would go a long way to help consumers these holidays.

She adds that the MPC will mostly likely cut the rate by a further point-five-percent.

ANC to appoint researchers to investigate the viability of nationalising the country’s mines

By Lelethu Mquqo
15 November 2010

The African National Congress will reportedly appoint two independent researchers to investigate the viability of nationalising the country’s mines.

The ruling party wants mining companies to help fund the researchers’ work.

Calls for the seizure of mines have been led by the ANC Youth League, which says the country’s mineral wealth needs to be more widely shared.

ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe’s remarks in Johannesburg today after a meeting of the national executive committee were interpreted by obsevers as an indication that the state wants a role in mining.

NEHAWU condemns 5% wage increasefor political leaders

By Lelethu Mquqo
15 November 2010

NEHAWU says it is disappointed by the president’s decision to approve the salary increases of political leaders by 5% for this year.

The union says it is challenging all political leaders to follow the advice they gave to public servants by rejecting the increase and forwarding that money to service delivery priorities.

NEHAWU’s Sizwe Pamla says political leaders already earn enormous salaries and have many benefits and therefore the union is calling for the reversal of that decision.

He added that ordinary South Africans have seen the price of nearly everything going up and are struggling to afford basic necessities.

Nehawu added that when poorly paid public service workers went on strike this year demanding 8.5% they only received as little as 7.5% because they were told that there is no money.

Investigation into British murder continues

By Jurina Nkwazi
15 November 2010

The South African Police Services says no arrests have yet been made for the murder of a British woman who was murdered on Saturday in Cape Town.

28-yr-old Anni Dewani along with her husband Shrien was hijacked in Gugulethu just one day after arriving in the Mother city to celebrate their honeymoon.

Police officials say they are still investigating the incident and are following up on possible leads.

Anyone with information can contact the investigating officer Colonel Riaan Theron on 082 463 8706 or Crime Stop on 0860010111.

Police are on a hunt for a murder

Lusanda Bill
15 November 2010

Today Free State police are hunting for a man who allegedly shot dead his wife and her sister at the weekend.

Constable Nomene Mokoale said “Matau Mojaji, 40, who was not living with her husband, was on her way from her parent's place to work.

She was allegedly approached by her husband at the bus stop the suspect took out a firearm and shot her in the head and she died at the scene.

The man then went to Mojaji's home where he allegedly shot her sister, Mmapaseka Marake, 38, in the head. She also died at the scene”.

Police are suspecting that the suspect might be somewhere in Gauteng.

Investigation is still underway and the motive for the murders is still not known.

Housing problems in the Western Cape getting worse

Lusanda Bill
15 November 2010

It was revealed yesterday by the Cape Town mayor Dan Plato that the housing situation in the Western Cape will not improve anytime soon.

At a local housing conference yesterday Plato stated that housing is one of the issues that gets people up in arms.

The mayor said “If I were in that position I would be doing the same thing and asking what the government is doing for me. People want houses."

Bonginkosi Madikizela, Western Cape housing MEC made a shocking revelation that South Africa has a population of 50 million people of which only 5.5 million are taxed.

People who are on waiting lists for houses will stay on those lists for another 15 to 20 years.

2 500 people have bribed traffic officers in South Africa

Lusanda Bill
15 November 2010

A survey done by Lead SA has revealed that 2 500 people in the country had bribed traffic officers over the past three months.

Most of the bribes were paid in Johannesburg, with 1 889 incidents reported, followed by Ekurhuleni with 387 and Tshwane with 121.

Cape Town was the lowest with only 9 people admitting to bribing officers.

Justice Project SA (JPSA) said "We hasten to add that as surprising as it may seem, the poll has not revealed just how bad things are, even though the figures produced are shocking to some. We would estimate that the results are merely the tip of the iceberg and the problem is way larger than even this poll has revealed."

Serial rapist suspect expected to appear in court today

Lusanda Bill
15 November 2010

The 28-year-old man who is being called a serial rapist, because of allegedly raping 12 women since August, will be appearing in the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court today.

The man was arrested on Friday outside Durban in KwaZulu-Natal.

The Durban central dog unit and the Durban organised crime unit assisted Gauteng police in following the man's trail since he fled his home in southern Johannesburg just before police raided it on Wednesday morning.

Police spokesperson Colonel Vishnu Naidoo said "The South African Police Service, in particular the task team would also like to express its gratitude to all the callers that have assisted the efforts of the team to track down this alleged perpetrator".

A British woman killed while on her honeymoon in Gugulethu

Lusanda Bill
15 November 2010

A couple’s honeymoon has ended in tragedy in the township of Gugulethu in Cape Town.

A British woman and her husband, who were on honeymoon in South Africa, were travelling in a minibus shuttle late on Saturday night when two unknown gunmen instructed the driver to leave the vehicle.

The husband was later dropped off unharmed in the Harare Township, where he called for help.

Western Cape police spokesperson André Traut said “We are obviously devastated. We have had no incidents from the World Cup up until now.”

Anyone who could help police catch the two attackers are asked to contact the investigating officer, Colonel Riaan Theron on 082-463-8706 or Crime Stop on 08600-10111.

DA slams ANC for benefiting from the energy crisis

By Lelethu Mquqo
15 November 2010

The Democratic Alliance has accused ruling party, the African National Congress of benefiting from the national energy crisis.

DA’s Sejamothopo Motau says this is done through the ruling party’s front company Chancellor House, which recently bought the major Swazi coal mine.

The mine is allegedly set to supply coal to several power plants.

Motau says this means the ANC stands to profit from higher electricity tariffs, and from the state’s World Bank loan deal.

The DA has once again called for the shut down of Chancellor House.

The opposition party says the Chancellor House is a front company that is enriching the ANC through questionable means.

Police convinced they have the right man

By Lelethu Mquqo
14 November 2010

Gauteng police have taken a suspected serial rapist into custody after tracking him down to KwaMashu.

The suspect faces charges of having raped at least 12 women in the Johannesburg area over the past three months.

He would allegedly lure his victims to up-market restaurants and pubs and then to seedy hotels in the Johannesburg CBD.

Police believe there might be more rapes but only the 12 was reported.

Police say they are confident that the man they have arrested is the man they have been looking for.