Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Fake gem victims speak out


Andiswa Mkosi
29 February 2012


More entrepreneurs have come forward to discuss how they were tricked by a fake gem syndicate.


Today a newsteam revealed that 500 people could be involved in the gem stone con.


Police have not arrested any suspects.


On Friday, a woman said she was approached by the syndicate because they wanted her to be an agent for animal products.

Police are still searching for missing girl


Andiswa Mkosi
29 February 2012


Police are searching for an eight-year-old Cape Town girl who went missing this afternoon.


Savannah Mersin was last seen wearing grey school pants, a white shirt and black shoes.

The girl was last seen by her foster mother.


Police’s Andre Traut urges anyone with information to contact the Steenberg police station.


Hout Bay Residents Association prepared to go to court

Mluleki Mrwebi
29 February 2012

The Hout Bay Residents Association today said the only way to stop the construction of the controversial Chapman’s Peak tolls was to go to court.


Association officials said that they will apply for a court interdict to stop the building of the toll plaza and office complex.

Last week construction started despite public protests at the proposed site.

The association’s Len Swimmer said that they have no other option but to press ahead with legal action.

Swimmer reiterated that nothing should be built on Chapman’s
Peak Drive, which is a World Heritage Site.

Three men arrested in connection with rape

Andiswa Mkosi
29 February 2021

Three men from Soweto have been arrested in connection with two different rape cases.


Two of them were arrested today after they drugged and gang raped a 17 year old girl.


The incident occurred on Monday evening at a party.


The suspects took her to a house where they gang-raped her.




Another ATM bombed in Cape Town


Mluleki Mrwebi
29 February 2012

There has been yet another ATM bombing in Cape Town,


Cape Town police said three armed men bombed a cash machine in Nyanga today.


This is the eighth incident in Cape Town in February alone.


The police’s Andre Traut said officers reacted to the incident quickly.


Traut added that the suspects shot at the police before fleeing the scene on foot.


Traut said the suspects are still at large.

Cape Town`s liquor by-law amended

Mluleki Mrwebi
29 February 2012

Amendments to Cape Town's liquor by-law are being tabled in the provincial legislature today.

On the new regulations businesses and places of entertainment will only be allowed to serve and sell alcohol until .

Cape Town Mayor Patricia De Lille said more permissive hours of trading are proposed for casinos, hotels and guest houses.

De Lille also said alcohol abuse remained top of mind when proposing amendments to the law.

A tipper truck collided with a bridge in Bellville

Mluleki Mrwebi
29 February 2012

A construction worker sustained minor injuries in an accident today on the N1 highway in Bellville.

The tipper truck he was driving collided with the Old Oak Bridge.

ER24`S Andre Visser said the cause of the collision is unknown at the moment, but the tipper part of the truck allegedly started to tip upwards while the truck was in motion.

Visser also said a passenger vehicle then collided with the rear of the truck. 

ER24 paramedics arrived at the scene they found that the single driver, a 50 year old male was trapped in the vehicle as the driver’s cab had disintegrated around the man.

Rescue workers from the local fire and rescue service as well as the Western Cape Provincial Department of Health: Emergency Medical Services used specialized hydraulic rescue equipment to cut the wrecked drive’s cab in order to free the man. 

Visser added that the man was later transported to nearby medical facility for further treatment.

The driver of the passenger vehicle sustained no injuries in the collision. 

Man appeared in court for touching a girl

Lauren Snyders
29 February 2012

A 31-year-old man has appeared in court after being accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl.

Gerald Abrahams was arrested last Friday after he touched a girl twice after she spent the night at his home.

The girl woke up to find Abrahams touching her private parts.

When she asked him what he was doing he stopped.

She said that she was sleeping and felt someone get into bed next to her, when she turned on her cellphones light she saw it was him.

She also said he tried to put his arms around her but she pushed him away and then he got up.

After the second incident the girl informed her sister about what had happened.

Man wakes up from coma after spiked drink

Lauren Snyders
29 February 2012

The man who had his drink spiked after celebrating the imminent arrival of his son, has woken up from his coma.

Travis Van Niekerk was fighting for his life while his girlfriend gave birth to their baby.

Van Niekerk woke up six days later and was told of what happened and that he became a father.

He was unable to recall anything about what had happened to him.

Tests showed a barbiturate type of sedative in his blood, while no other drugs were found in his system.

Possible suicide at Thornton station

Lauren Snyders
29 February 2012

Metrorail confirmed today that a possible suicide is being investigated at Thornton Station.

It is alleged that a woman leaped off a platform in front of an oncoming train.

Metrorail has confirmed that services on that line will be delayed.

The police's November Filander said the circumstances surrounding the death are unclear but information suggests the woman jumped in front of the train.

SANParks officials arrested for poaching

Anansa Jacobs
29 February 2012

Four SANParks officials were arrested yesterday afternoon in relation with rhino poaching activities.

The arrests followed after two killed rhinos were discovered in the Kruger National Park.

SANParks CEO David Mabunda says it is depressing that the poaching syndicates have tainted those trusted to protect the country’s heritage.

The suspects include a field ranger who is part of the group that has been on strike for several weeks, two traffic cops and also includes a member of the Protection Services unit.

Questions raised in Constitutional Court

Anansa Jacobs
29 February 2012

The African Christian Democratic Party says it completely supports protecting the independence of the judiciary.

However questions involving the timing and the need for an assessment of the judgments of the
Constitutional Court
are considered necessary.

Justice Minister Jeff Radebe released a discussion document yesterday on the transformation of the judicial system and the role of the judiciary in South Africa.

The ACDP’s Steve Swarts says they will carefully study the document.

Learner stabbed to death at school

Anansa Jacobs
29 February 2012

A grade nine learner has been killed at Beauvallon Secondary School in Valhalla Park, Cape Town.

The Western Cape Education Department said the learner was stabbed by another pupil yesterday morning.

Three others were also wounded during the incident.

The police's Andre Traut said they are investigating possible motives regarding the incident including gang violence.

SA man stabs Israeli soldier


Andiswa Mkosi
29 February 2012

A South African man is being held by police in Tel Aviv after he stabbed an off duty Israeli soldier in a bar brawl on Friday.

Adam Michael Gringruz was immigrated to Israel from Johannesburg in October 2011.

He and two of his friends were taken into custody.

According to officials the soldier was stabbed in the neck with a broken bottle. He is now recovering in hospital.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Cape Town school boy stabbed to death


Andiswa Mkosi
28 February 2012

A school boy from Valhalla Park in Cape Town was stabbed to death this morning.

The Western Cape Education Department reported that the learner was stabbed by another pupil.


Bronagh Casey of the department said the incident took place during break time.


Three other pupils were injured on the scene .Two learners fled the scene and a third one was treated on the school grounds. 

Transport Minister welcomes 20 year jail sentence


Andiswa Mkosi
28 February 2012


Today the Transport Minister S'bu Ndebele welcomed the 20-year sentence that taxi driver Jacob Humphreys received.


Humphreys actions killed 10 school children.


He drove past lowered booms at the Buttskop Level Crossing last year.


This afternoon Judge Robert Henney dismissed an appeal application from Humphreys.

Jacob Humpreys still in police custody

Mluleki Mrwebi
28 February 2012

Cape Town police said Jacob Humphreys is still in police custody and will probably be taken to jail this afternoon.

Earlier today, he was sentenced to 12 years behind bars after he was found guilty on 10 counts of murder.

Another eight years were added for four counts of attempted murder.

Judge Robert Henney said that Humphreys refused to accept responsibility for his actions and lacked remorse.

The judge further said Humphreys overtook several vehicles in the face of oncoming traffic.

Henney also said  Humpreys went over a railway crossing while the booms were lowered.

Sanral confirms an annual increase on toll roads

Mluleki Mrwebi
28 February 2012

The South African National Roads Agency Limited reiterated on Monday that tolls on the main Gauteng highways will go up annually by the rate of inflation.

There were claims that emerged that the toll charges could rise drastically as debts faced by the company increased.

The Congress of South African Trade Unions and other organisations responded with a threat of strike action against the toll roads.

Sanral Chief Executive Officer Nazeer Ali said that he was unhappy the strike will go ahead.

Killer taxi driver sentenced to 20 years

Lauren Snyders
28 February 2012

Killer taxi driver Jacob Humphreys has been sentenced to 20 years in jail.

When he was sentenced by Western Cape High Court judge Robert Henney, Henney said that a non-custodial sentence would have sent the wrong message.

Humphreys was convicted last year for ten counts of murder and four counts of attempted murder.


His taxi was hit by a train after he ignored lowered booms at a level crossing, killing ten children nearly two years ago.

Family believes son was murdered


Andiswa Mkosi
28 February 2012

Today the family of a five-year-old boy who was found dead in Phillipi says they believe he was murdered.


Alvino van der Berg went missing last Monday.


Alvino’s body was found last week on Friday


For four days authorities and community members searched for him.

Sadsawu says women desperate for work are being exploited

Lauren Snyders
28 February 2012

The South African Domestic Service and Allied Workers Union said today that with the increasing number of desperate women joining the sector to make ends meet, are exploited by their employees.

According to the trade union, many factory workers who lost their jobs and school leavers are choosing to become cleaners to support their families.

Sadsawu’s Myrtle Witbooi urged all employers to adhere to labour laws.

Witbooi added that knowing these women are desperate, they do get exploited.
She said that because they need to provide for their families, they keep quiet and she thinks it’s wrong.

Witbooi said this makes them vulnerable in the workplace.

No arrests in CT ATM bombings

Lauren Snyders
28 February 2012

It was confirmed by Western Cape police today that no arrests have been made regarding the recent spike in ATM bombings in Cape Town.

This month saw at least seven ATM bombings.

It is speculated that a man arrested last week at the Cape Town International Airport was connected to the attacks.

The police’s FC Van Wyk denied this.

He added that it was linked to the production of bank and credit cards and not ATM bombings.

Police are still searching for Asemahle Ntsabo


Andiswa Mkosi
28 February 2012

Western Cape Police are still searching for six year old Paarl girl Asemahle Ntsabo.


She was last seen in January playing outside her home in Mbekweni.


November Filander of the police said an arrest was made after a suspect confessed but it later turned out to be for another kidnapping.


Yesterday an autopsy was carried out on a 5 year old Philippi boy who disappeared while walking with his father from the shop.


Decision expected for Chapman’s Peak

Anansa Jacobs
28 February 2012

The Western Cape Transport Department said that its toll operator Entilini is expected to answer to a alternative proposal for Chapman’s Peak.

The Hout Bay Civil Rights Action Group (CRAG), is opposing the R54 million construction.

CRAG’s Terry Wyner said, he recieved a mail on Friday which stated that the department needed a couple of days, except that they are carrying on with the construction.

However Western Cape Transport MEC Robin Carlisle said they will continue with the construction of the canopy as this will form part of whichever plan they work on.

Police officer recovering in hospital

Anansa Jacobs
28 February 2012

A police officer is recovering in hospital after he was shot at the Kempton Park Police Station yesterday evening.

As the constable was booking his firearm out it went off.

Police spokesperson Tshisikhawe Ndou said that the policeman was shot in the upper body.

He further said that they were investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Hospitals receive more power

Anansa Jacobs
28 February 2012

Gauteng Health MEC Ntombi Mekgwe said that hospital CEOs were getting more power to deal with problems in their institutions.

The MEC did not mention when the improvements would begin.

Last week, Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane said the Health and Social Development Department would divided because of problems with provincial hospitals.

She made these announcements during her State of the Province Address in Pretoria.

More women opting for domestic work

Mluleki Mrwebi
28 February 2012

The South African Domestic Service and Allied Workers Union (Sadsaw) on Monday said that there is an increasing in the number of recently retrenched women that are joining the sector to support their families.

Union officials said added that dismissed factory workers and frustrated school leavers, who failed to find work, were opting to work as domestic workers.

Sadsaw's Myrtle Witbooi also said that they noticed an increase in the number of queries from domestic workers who want to know more about their rights.

Witbooi further said some of them come to the union for advice.

Monday, February 27, 2012

Two police officers appeared in court for fraud

Mluleki Mrwebi
27 February 2012

Two Cape Town police constables appeared in the Mitchells Plain Magistrate's Court today.

The two constables are charged with corruption.

The men, aged 31 and 32, were allegedly bribed by a minibus taxi driver.

The alleged crime took place in Rocklands on Friday.

The officers pulled over the driver allegedly for reckless driving.

Police Spokesperson Captain F C van Wyk said that the constables were arrested after they had convinced the taxi driver to give them R140 after which they let him go.

Students arrested for damaging property


Andiswa Mkosi
27 February 2012

Today police reported that five students from the Walter Sisulu University in Mthatha were arrested after violence erupted on campus.


Mzukisi Fatyela of the police says the students blocked roads with rubbish bins.


He continued to say that the students are extremely violent.


The students burnt tyres and papers and threw stones at the police.


Police investigate a shootout outside Vangate Mall

Mluleki Mrwebi
27 February 2012

Cape Town police are investigating a shootout outside the Vangate Mall.

The police`s Andre Traut said three men opened fire on a man as he was leaving the bank.

Traut further said that a shootout followed when the man returned fire.

The suspects including the victim they all fled the scene.

Traut also said at this stage it is not clear whether anyone was wounded in the incident.

The police have asked anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward.

Santaco meets with taxi drivers


Andiswa Mkosi
27 February 2012


Today the South African National Taxi Council said it would hold meetings with taxi operators in Ekurhuleni and Katlehong


The meeting will be about the violence which began from a disagreement over routes.


Last week three drivers were injured in a shooting after opposition operators clashed.


Ekurhuleni metro police reported that four people following the shoot out.

Bruno Bronn murder case resumed today

Mluleki Mrwebi
27 February 2012

The murder case of the Cape Town businessman, Bruno Bronn resumed today.

Accused number one in the case John Frederick Coetzee abandoned his bail application.

Coetzee was a bouncer at the club owned by Bronn in Green Point.

Coetzee`s three co-accused will proceed with their bail applications.

The court was adjourned till later today.

MEC Dan Plato holds a workshop

Mluleki mrwebi
27 February 2012

Western Cape Community Safety MEC Dan Plato today said employment opportunities were key to empowering the youth and keeping them away from crime.

Plato was addressing youth from the gang infested community of
Hanover Park
.

A number of youngsters, who matriculated in the last two years, listened attentively to as speakers talked about a list of possible employment opportunities.

Youth, who have been battling to find jobs, brought their CV`s along to submit to companies and exhibitors at the workshop.

Fisherman injured after being struck by hydraulic winch

Lauren Snyders
27 February 2012

A fisherman aboard a Mossel Bay trawler was brought ashore this morning after he was hit by a hydraulic winch.

The National Sea Rescue Institute, NSRI Craig Lambinon said the man went into shock early this morning after injuring his head, arm and legs.

Lambinon said the man was seriously injured after the hydraulic winch which according to the skipper flew loose after the safety pin snapped, hitting the crewman on the head causing him to fall.

Rescue crew boarded the trawler and stabilised the man.

The trawler returned to Mossel Bay and the man was taken to hospital.

An accident leaves three dead

Lauren Snyders
27 February 2012

Western Cape Government’s emergency medical services responded to an accident last night on the N2 incoming near the airport.

A minibus taxi overturned two of the occupants, one male and a female, is in a critical condition and was taken to Tygerberg and Groote Schuur Hospital’s.

Four males and one female have minor injuries and were taken to GF Jooste Hospital, Khayelitsha District Hospital and the female to Groote Schuur Hospital.

Three males were declared dead on the scene.

Grant says no to latecomers

Lauren Snyders
27 February 2012

MEC for education in the Western Cape Donald Grant was rounding up learners for late coming at Langa High School this morning.

Grant said he would like as many learners as possible to make it to school on time without disrupting the classroom.

The learners were urged to hurry up while a police officer scolded at them for being late.

A prefect said up to 150 learners come late everyday.

Grant said the number of latecomers is unacceptable.

Wynard Mansion tenants face eviction

Anansa Jacobs
27 February 2012

Several families face eviction from a state owned apartment building in Seapoint, Cape Town.

Wynard Mansion tenants were served with notices to vacate the flats for failing to pay rent.

The Human Settlements Department said that the tenant’s payments are in arrears.

The tenants have until the end of April to vacate the building.

Two lives lost in Muizenberg crash

Anansa Jacobs
27 February 2012

Yesterday two people were killed and several others injured in an accident involving three cars on
Baden Powell Drive
in Muizenberg.

A father and his daughter lost their lives and two children were airlifted to the Red Cross Children’s Hospital in critical condition according to ER24’s Derick Banks.

Banks said he is uncertain how many people were injured.

He also said another two children were taken to the Red Cross Children’s Hospital while a couple were taken to the Victoria Hospital in Cape Town.

Tensions need to be resolved for Malema

Anansa Jacobs
27 February 2012

Julius Malema says a meeting  with the ANC Youth League and its parent body is needed to resolve all tensions.

The League held a rally in Kliptown, Soweto, yesterday.

Its stressed president told the crowd that he would continue asking for a meeting, despite the fact that the ANC has not responded positively to previous requests.

Malema is still waiting for a final decision to be made on the disciplinary steps against him.

Man killed on a highway accident

Andiswa Mkosi
27 February 2012

Yesterday a man was killed and three others injured in an accident in northern Johannesburg

Paramedics said two vehicles collided between Malibongwe and

Beyers Naudé Drive on the N1 highway.

The injured have been taken to a hospital.

Police are investigating the incident.

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Madiba released from hospital


Andiswa Mkosi
26 February 2012


Nelson Mandela has been released from hospital.


Yesterday morning he was admitted to an unnamed hospital after a long-standing abdominal complaint.


This morning Defence Minister Lindiwe Sisulu said Mandela is healthy as can be for his age.


She continued to say that the 93-year-old former president underwent surgery to determine the cause of his abdominal ailment.


AfriForum slam Kommando Korps


Andiswa Mkosi
26 February 2012

The civil rights organisation AfriForum has condemned the violations taking place at the Kommando-korps’ training camps .


CEO of AfriForum Kallie Kriel says it is immoral and uncalled-for that children are being mistreated and exposed to racism frame of mind of a small group.


He emphasised that the majority of Afrikaners are reasonable and civilised people who are proud of their own cultural identity.


Kriel added that the fact that the statements of Frans Jooste of the Kommando-korps serve to try to substantiate the worst possible stereotype of Afrikaners with leaves one to question ifJooste is knowingly focussed on describing Afrikaners in a bad light.


ANC worried about call for leadership change by NUMSA


Andiswa Mkosi
26 February 2012

The ANC says it is concerned with the call by the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa yesterday for a change of leadership within the ANC.


Jackson Mthembu the Spokesperson says the position adopted by Numsa is equal to interfering with the internal democratic processes of the party.



He says the ANC will not interfere in the internal democratic processes that elect their leadership.


Karl Cloete spokesperson for Numsa told the media yesterday that the current national executive committee of the ANC should be replaced post-2012.


Madiba is in good condition


Andiswa Mkosi
26 February 2012


Former president Nelson Mandela is in a secure and pleasing condition.


Yesterday the Madiba was admitted to hospital for a long-standing abdominal complaint.


Officials from President Jacob Zuma’s office said Madiba is conscious and doctors are pleased with his condition.


The report said Mandela could be released from hospital on Sunday or Monday.


NUM praises Impala Platinum


Andiswa Mkosi
26 February 2012

The National Union of Mineworkers has honoured Impala Platinum for re-employing 17,200 workers.


The miners were dismissed after they took on an illegal strike.


Union leaders said Implats was under no position to re employ the workers.


Num spokesperson Lesiba Seshoka said when you take on an illegal strike you risk being fired.




Saturday, February 25, 2012

A man killed by a cow


Andiswa Mkosi
25 February 2012


Eastern Cape police reported that a man has been killed after being attacked by a cow that he was milking.


The incident took place in the village of Qeqe village near Butterworth.


The cow turned aggressive while 53-year-old Mziyanda Kayise was milking it.


The cow’s horns caused a deep wound during the attack and Kayise bled to death in front of his grandson.






Mandela’s health out of danger

Andiswa Mkosi
25 February 2012


Former president Nelson Mandela is doing well and is in good spirits after being admitted to hospital.


Officials confirmed that Madiba is being treated for a long-standing abdominal complaint.


Presidential spokesperson Mac Maharaj says the former president is not in any danger .


Meanwhile Journalists have now gathered at the One Military Hospital in Pretoria. Officials there state that Mandela is not being treated at the facility and they told reporters to leave the site.











Former President Nelson Mandela hospitalised


Andiswa Mkosi
25 February 2012

The presidency reported that former president Nelson Mandela has been admitted to hospital.The former president was admitted to hospital today.


Madiba has had an abdominal complaint and doctors feel it needs proper specialist medical attention.


It is not known which hospital he has been admitted to.Mac Maharaj the Presidency spokesperson did not want reveal further information.


He further said that they want to handle the matter with due regard to privacy and they will update the public as soon as they have new information.


The Presidency wishes Mandela a speedy recovery


Minister Grant to monitor late coming


Andiswa Mkosi
25 February 2012

On Monday the Western Cape Minister of Education Minister Grant will be monitoring late coming at the Langa Secondary School.


The school has been experiencing high levels of late coming this year.


The school is now beginning to introduce new measures to curb late coming.


Minister Grant will be monitoring the school gate on Monday and will also speak to the late learners promoting the message of time on task.




DA to look into a political training youth camp


Andiswa Mkosi
25 February 2012

The Democratic Alliance says the Human Rights Commission should look into reports that a youth camp in Mpumalanga is training boys to hate blacks.


Mmusi Maimane the spokesperson says the training includes firearm handling and political programming designed to promote racial hatred.


The camp called Kommandokorps has trained over one-thousand-500 boys. The boys aged between 13 and 19 were told that blacks could not use their initiative and could not govern properly.


Maimane says the DA must ask the SAHRC to investigate whether the activities at the camp were legal.









Alcohol and drugs dents health budget


Anansa Jacobs
25 February 2012

The Western Cape government announced that it was allocating nearly a quarter of its budget to deal with health related side effects of alcohol and substance abuse.


The provincial health department has set R630 million aside to treat mental health illnesses.


Health MEC Theuns Botha said district hospitals are struggling to deal with the growing number of drug addicts, diagnosed with mental illnesses.


He also said that If we are able to solve alcohol misuse in this province, we would probably avail up to 40 percent of our health budget.


Friday, February 24, 2012

Drug mule arrested at CPT International airport

Anansa Jacobs
24 February 2012

A 29 year old South African woman has been arrested after 600grams of heroin was found in her luggage.

The woman was traveling on a domestic flight from Durban to Cape Town.

The drugs have an estimated street value of more than R120 000.

The woman is due to appear in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

Standard bank complains against FNB

Anansa Jacobs
24 February 2012

Standard Bank has laid a complaint against First National Bank with the Advertising Standards Authority.

Earlier in the week Standard Bank said it was lodging the complaint because FNB was incorrect to claim it was the only bank to offer an account with no management fees.

Standard Bank said it offered an Mzansi Account and a mobile banking account that includes no costs.
 
FNB are yet to respond adequately to the complaint.

Gautrain bus shot

Anansa Jacobs
24 February 2012

Police have confirmed that shots were fired at a Gautrain bus in Midrand.

The Gautrain bus was shot at,as confirmed by the police today.Details are still unclear however no one was injured.

The bus was travelling along the M1 bus route when the shots were fired.

Gautrain’s Errol Braithwaite said that the bus was shot by a unknown person and no serious damages were reported.

Ancient foundations found in Cape Town

Mluleki Mrwebi
24 February 2012

Archaeologists are investigating a construction site in the Cape Town CBD after builders’ uncovered early 19th Century foundations today.

Demolition has been stopped while the structures are being studied.

The archaeologists are experiencing difficulty as they sift through the wreckage to get to the very old foundation.

Four trenches have been dug to give the team an insight into what they are dealing with.

Archaeologist Katie Smuts estimated that the foundations were constructed between 1830 and 1850.

Smuts added that according to records they could have belonged to taverns, inns or workshops.

A collection of small artefacts including animal bones, pottery and porcelain were found.

Rail Summit held in Cape Town

Mluleki Mrwebi
24 February 2012

The National Transport Ministry today said that there was a desperate need for a dramatic standardized shift for integrated commuter rail networks in South Africa.

The City of Cape Town held a rail summit today.

Officials said that the aim is to draw up a coordinated rail transport system.

All the officials attending and addressing the summit emphasized the importance of integration and coordination.

Ian Appleton to be re-sentenced

Mluleki Mrwebi
24 February 2012

The parents of an 11-year-old boy who was repeatedly abused by convicted paedophile Ian Appleton, said that they are anxious about his re-sentencing today.

Appleton a former school teacher admitted to abusing the boy between 2007 and 2009.

He was sentenced to five years behind bars.

But in 2011 the Western Cape High Court set aside his prison sentence.

Two
Western Cape judges ordered the Paarl Regional Court
to impose a sentence that would include correctional supervision and direct imprisonment.

The boy's father said that the family is unhappy about his sentence.

The father further said that his son was still traumatized and haunted by the abuse.

Tolling on N1 and N2 IN Cape Town still in discussion

Lauren Snyders
24 February 2012

City of Cape Town officials are almost finished with talks on tolling with national government and the South African National Roads Agency SANRAL.

The dispute was declared after the City warned that tolling on the N1 and N2 would affect residents living on the outskirts of the city devastatingly.

The City’s Brett Herron said they were hoping they could prevent what was happening in Gauteng where protests were planned against government’s decision to go ahead and charge motorist for the e-tags.

He added that they are still of view but that the extra capacity is not needed.

Herron said that the council’s consultants pointed out this was not necessary.

Health Department to re-advertise more than 90 top posts

Mluleki Mrwebi
24 February 2012

The Health Department's decision to re-advertise the jobs of more than 90 hospital`s chief executives has been welcome by medical professionals.

Minister of Health Mr Aaron Motsoaledi said that to ensure that hospital managers were suitable qualified, one of the specific requirements was a medical background.

South African Medical Association’s Norman Mabasa reiterated that a hospital manager with a medical background would run a facility in a better way.


Mabasa further said that it is always important to employ sector specific management, rather than appointing someone with a general skill.
The Democratic Alliance’s Patricia Kopane agreed that it was important to hire people with the right expertise to fill the important positions.

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said that no jobs would be lost.

'Luxurious' lifestyle of inmates once again in the spotlight

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