Two drivers survive a deadly accident

Mluleki Mrwebi
31 January 2014

Two drivers of a light motor vehicle and a truck survived a serious accident this afternoon in Johannesburg. 

Both drivers collided into each other causing the truck to overturn and extensive damage to the light motor vehicle. 

ER24 Spokesperson Christo Venter said the driver of the light motor vehicle was found sitting on the drivers` seat with minor injuries and the truck driver as well sustained minor injuries.

Venter said both drivers were treated at the scene and then sent home, the police are investigating the cause of the accident.

Langebaan learners stranded with no school transport

Mluleki Mrwebi
31 January 2014

Community leader Sammy Claassen said about 139 high school learners have since schools opened been stranded in Veldrif due to lack of buses which the Western Cape Department of Education is supposed to provide. 

Meanwhile a new hi-tech initiative, which will monitor taxis transporting pupils, was launched on Thursday in Cape Town. 

Claassen about 300 learners in Langebaan are missing classes and tests because they have not been to school since the schools opened.

He added that community leaders today had a meeting and they signed a memorandum giving the Department of Education an ultimatum.

One person died and five injured in an accident in Mogale City

Mluleki Mrwebi
31 January 2014

A family of six was involved in a serious collision on the R28 in Mogale City on Thursday evening whereby one person died and the rest injured. 

It is believed that a truck apparently made a U-turn at the Westville intersection and the vehicle the family were traveling in crashed into the side of the truck. 

ER24 Spokesperson Werner Vermaak said when paramdedics assessed the incident found that the fathers was killed on the scene and two boys with other patients were in a critical condition.

Vermaak further said the injured were treated at the scene and then transported to the nearby hospital for further and police are investigating the cause of the accident. 

Search for two missing fishermen still continuing

Mluleki Mrwebi
31 January 2014

The National Sea Rescue Institute says an extensive search for two fishermen who went missing two days ago is still continuing in Hout Bay. 

The two fishermen are believed to have gone fishing illegally because they did not have fishing rights. 

Meanwhile on Wednesday a group of fishermen blocked the entrance to the Hout Bay harbour in protest over fishing rights. 

NSRI Spokesperson Craig Lambinon said the search is continuing, and the divers are still at Slangkop searching for the fishermen.

Denosa concerned about safety of healthcare workers at Pelonomi clinic

Lusanda Bill
31 January 2014

The Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa said the continued safety problems at Pelonomi clinic must come to an end. 

Several healthcare workers at the clinic have been attacked by intruders during their night shift. 

Denosa’s Provincial Secretary in the Free State Veronica Fransman-Hendricks said the fact that these attacks happened without any safety control measures, shows the highest level of risk night-duty employees are being exposed to.

Veronica Fransman-Hendricks said Denosa has had several discussions with the Department of Health and officials from the security department indicating in terms of the processes with security. 

Hendricks added that the problem is that security guards are not placed at all sites and for the whole night.  

Langa residents calling for housing development to be halted

Lusanda Bill
31 January 2014

Disgruntled Langa residents have called for the Expanded Works Programme for housing development to be stopped.  Residents are claiming that the City of Cape Town is not communicating with them about developments of the project. 

Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services Tandeka Gqada said the city has on numerous occasions engaged with residents on this matter.

Gqada said as the City of Cape Town we cannot start a project anywhere without informing the community. We even have the project steering committee that is consists of councillors from Langa and also the beneficiaries.   

“So that is why I am saying I don’t know who the angry Langa residents represent because they have been informed even the ward committees.  So we have recognized structures in Langa and we always update the community of any developments that are taking place in the area” Gqada added.

Missing Adult Alert: Menville Murray

An accident in Mpumalanga leaves one man dead

Lusanda Bill
31 January 2014

A 40-year-old man on Thursday died this is after his sedan clipped the rear end of a truck’s trailer on the N4 near Nelspruit. 

ER24 Spokesperson Christo Venter said paramedics and other services arrived on the scene and found that the man was trapped in the wreck and he unfortunately had passed away already and he was declared dead on the scene.

Venter said the truck driver was not injured in the accident and traffic was affected badly pending the removal of the body of the man and also of the wreckage, as both vehicles were obstructing the road.

The exact details of the cause of the accident will remain the subject of a police investigation.  

Cape Chamber calls for Parliament to focus on unemployment

Lusanda Bill
31 January 2014

The Cape Chamber of Commerce has called on Parliament to stop wasting time on unrealistic legislation and focus on real problems such as the economy and unemployment among the youth. 

President of the Chamber Janine Myburgh said in the mining, engineering and construction industries more than 90% of those employed are men, so it will be an impossible task to find the qualified women to fill half the management jobs in these major industries.

Myburgh said Parliament should understand that in our democracy people have the right to choose their own career path and naturally some career paths would be more appealing to women then to men in order to rectify the gender imbalance in certain professions.

“Interventions need to happen at an early education stage and in a holistic fashion along with social engineering.  However most importantly for business the role of the legislature is to remove barriers and red tape and not to create barriers which the Women Empowerment and Gender Equality Bill will do” Myburgh added. 

Missing Child Alert: Sadieka Titus

A 37 year-old arrested for sexual assault and pornography

Loyiso Langeni
31 January 2014

A lengthy investigation by the Galeshewe Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit has led to the arrest of a 37-year-old man for sexual assault, sexual grooming and child pornography in Kimberley. 

The suspect appeared in the Barkly West Magistrate Court on Wednesday and his case was remanded until the 7^th of February for a formal bail application. 

Lieutenant Sergio Kock said the police saw several pornography material involving children and arrested the suspect on the 28^th January at his house in Newpark.

The Police also found one 11 year-old boy he was in the custody of the suspect.

It is alleged the suspect lured three children, groomed them and taught them to perform sexual acts with each other. The investigation against the suspect dates back to September 2013.

Home Affairs ready to issue ID’s and Temporary Identity Certificates

Loyiso Langeni
31 January 2014

The Department of Home Affairs on Thursday said it is ready to issue Identity Documents including delivery of uncollected IDs and Temporary Identity Certificates to those in need especially as voter registration weekend is coming up. 

The Independent Electoral Commission has set aside the weekend of the 8^th and 9^th of February as the second voter registration weekend, ahead of elections in a few months time. 

Department of Home Affair’s Director General Mkuseli Apleni said as part of the overall plan of the department for the voter registration weekend and in keeping with past practices we have directed managers in all Home Affairs offices across the country to ensure that all Home Affairs offices to be opened from 08h00-17h00 on both days 8-9 February.

“All Home Affairs offices operate to full capacity during the two-day voter registration weekend, including our mobile offices.” Apleni added. 

Missing Adult Alert: Aviva Jahaardin

AU appoints Binta Diop as Envoy for Women, Peace and Security

Loyiso Langeni
31 January 2014

Head of the African Union Commission Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma on Thursday appointed a special Envoy for Women, Peace and Security Mrs Binta Diop to ensure the voices of women and the most vulnerable are heard much more clearer in the peace building and conflict resolution.  

Dlamini-Zuma was speaking at the 22^nd Assembly of the AU Heads of State and Government, with the crisis in South Sudan and the Central African Republic dominating talks. 

“We have to work together to ensure that we have lasting peace and security in all countries in Africa this as part of our efforts to silence the guns in the continent,” Dlamini-Zuma added

Ms Binta Diop is the President of Femmes Africa Solidarite an independent body promoting the role of women in preventing, managing and resolving conflicts.

Kidnapping Child Alert: Minenhle Angel Nkosi

Right2Know calls for the investigation of the causes of police brutality

Mluleki Mrwebi
31 January 2014

Right2Know has continued to call for a comprehensive interrogation into the causes of police violence as well as the root causes of service delivery protest. 

This as the country has been hit by a spate of service delivery protests which have resulted in four people being killed allegedly by police. 

Right2Know’s Dale Mckinley said it is about time that political parties take a stand on the brutal policing of protest. 

Mckinley said the issues of the secrecy bill and the power of the intelligence services are linked to together; you can not deal with other without looking at the other.

He added that the series of service delivery protests is a sign of a crisis. 

MOD centres across the Western Cape improving

Mluleki Mrwebi
30 January 2014

Western Cape MEC of Cultural Affairs and Sport Dr Ivan Meyer visited a few schools in Rockland’s as part of the Mass participation, Opportunity and access Development and growth. 

The MOD programme has grown to 181 centers across the province since it started in 2010.  MEC Meyer said the performances of MOD centers are constantly being evaluated to keep improving the service.

Meyer said the MOD centers were introduced to opportunities for the youth after school, the programmes allow children to be in school from 8am until 6pm.

He added that learners can come at any time to do their homework’s or any other school work in those centres.

A man hospitalised after a hit and run accident in Claremont

Mluleki Mrwebi
30 January 2014

A 30-year-old man was this afternoon involved in a hit and run accident in Claremont. 

The man was attempting to cross the main road when he was hit.

ER24 Spokesperson Christo Venter said paramedics tried to stabilise the man on the scene before he was transported to the nearest hospital for further care.

Venter said the driver of the car fled the scene, soon after the accident.

He urged anyone with information regarding this incident to contact the nearest police station.

The exact details of the cause of the accident will remain the subject of a police investigation.

CSM calls for Minister Blade Nzimande to ensure funding for all students

Mluleki Mrwebi
30 January 2014

The Congress Student Movement has come out saying students should not have to protest to obtain funding to assist them to complete their studies. 

This is after students from the University of Johannesburg this week protested in order to have access to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme. 

Acting General Secretary of the Congress Student Movement Khotso Mofokeng said Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande need to do something urgently or else all institutions will come to a stand still on Monday.

Mofokeng said the CSM plans to march to the offices of the Minister on Monday.

About 30 students at the University of Johannesburg were charged with public violence when they protested for funding. In Kwazulu Natal Universities one student was arrested for public as they were also protesting. 

New African finance studies institute launched

Mluleki Mrwebi
30 January 2014

The first academic institute which is dedicated to producing a crop of African finance sector professionals was launched in Sandton on Wednesday. 

Western Cape MEC of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism Alan Winde said one of the institute’s key aims is to meet the demands of industry for skills in the banking, risk management and financial market sectors by developing local talent. 

Winde said the idea is that we have so many things but as South Africans are not playing the same role that Hong Kong plays in China.

Winde added that we need to produce more highly qualified young black professionals not only for South Africa but for the whole of Africa. 

Couple arrested for drugs in Woodstock

Lusanda Bill
30 January 2014

Woodstock Police on Wednesday arrested a couple for being in possession and dealing in drugs. 

The arrest comes after police were informed about alleged illegal activities happening at the Grey street home. 

Sergeant Hilton Malila said police executed a search warrant and upon searching the premises we confiscated 338 packets of tik, 187 units of heroin and 65 mandrax tablets.  The drugs are estimated to the street value of about +-R35 000.

Malila said both suspects are in police custody and are due to appear in the Cape Town Magistrate Court on Friday and face multiple drug related charges.  

Waterkloof four get parole

Lusanda Bill
30 January 2014

The Department of Correctional Services said the so called Waterkloof four will be released on parole next month. 

They were each sentenced 12-years in jail for murdering a homeless man back in 2001 in Pretoria. 

Departmental Spokesperson Manelisi Wolela said the four are well behaved and have all completed internal correctional programmes. 

Wolela said the four offenders have been considered by the correctional supervision and parole board and they have been granted parole. 

“The parole for all four will take effect from the 11^th of February this year” Wolela added.

Five suspects arrested for attempted murder and kidnapping

Lusanda Bill
30 January 2014

Five suspects aged between 19 and 32-years-old were arrested on Wednesday for kidnapping and attempted murder. 

It is alleged the suspects went to the house of the 22-year-old victim in Hartbeesfontein and accused him of breaking into their house.

Police Spokesperson Captain Pelonomi Makau said once they could not find anything in the house, two of the five suspects locked the victim into the boot of the car and drove with him to the nearest bush in the area where they allegedly poured petrol on him and thereafter set him alight.

Makau said the victim managed to take off his t-shirt, roll on the ground and extinguished the fire that had consumed him.  It is alleged that the victim was burnt from his head and back.  The suspects drove back to the victim’s house and his sister alerted the police.

“The victim was taken to hospital with severe burns and all five suspects were arrested” Makau added.

Their case has been postponed to the 4^th of February for bail application.  

WCED says more learners enrolled in schools this year

Lusanda Bill
30 January 2014

The Western Cape Department of Education said its provisional figures show that the department has enrolled over 13 000 learners for 2014 compared to 2013. 

The WCED is currently busy capturing data and the final enrolment figures will be released soon. 

WCED Spokesperson Paddy Attwell said the department is currently processing data captured online by schools for our snap survey and the deadline for that was Tuesday this week. 

Attwell said schools had to capture details of every learner on the system by that date.  Now the department is double checking the data before submitting it to the Department of Basic Education.

28-year-old SANRAL employee arrested for terrorism

Loyiso Langeni
30 January 2014

A 28-year-old South African National Roads Agency Limited employee has been arrested for terrorism following a spate of bomb scares at Sanral’s operation centre in Johannesburg last week. 

Hawks’s Spokesperson Paul Ramaloko said investigation into the matter is continuing and more arrests are possible.

Ramaloko said the man was arrested yesterday by the Hawks in Gauteng and he is facing charges related to acts of terrorism

“The 28-year-old will appear in the Pretoria Magistrate court tomorrow on these charges,” Ramoloko added.

Missing Adult Alert: Katleho Lehana

ACDP supports Collective Democracy

Loyiso Langeni
30 January 2014

The African Christian Democratic Party said the different political parties in the country will be working together in their interest to bring diversity to voters.

ACDP MP Cheryllyn Dudley said the Collective Democracy is a mechanism that will increase cooperation on major issues affecting citizens. 

Dudley added a country of diversity deserves a political leadership that represents such diversity. Voters can now understand that their votes do count as the separate political parties will be working collectively in their interest. 

“The Collective Democracy is a mechanism that will sub parties working together hoping to rescue South Africa for what we know to be a collapsing economy and the ruling party presiding over corruption. So this is what has to happen because time has run out and what has been done to in terms of collective democracy will bring value in the upcoming elections.” Dudley said

DA questions Robert McBride appointment

Mluleki Mrwebi
30 January 2014

The Democratic Alliance on Wednesday said the appointment of Robert McBride as the Director of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate will compromise the fight against police brutality. 

The DA has written to Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa requesting that he reconsiders the appointment of McBride as the head of the IPID.

DA MP of Police Dianne Kohler Barnard said Mr McBride is not the right candidate for the job and the DA will be writing to the Minister and if he does not respond then they will write to the President.

She added that is the ANC government is serious about fighting corruption in this country then they should not hire McBride.

A man died while swimming at a Thornville Dam

Mluleki Mrwebi
29 January 2014

A man tragically died after a drowning incident at a Dam in the Thornville area in Kwazulu Natal Midlands this morning.

It is alleged that the man went for a swim when he disappeared under water.

Netcare Limited Spokesperson Chris Botha said it is alleged that the man was swept in by the water and police divers were called in to rescue the man but he sadly died.

The exact details to cause of the incident will remain the subject of the police investigation. 

Five suspects arrested for mob justice in Hartbeesfontein

Mluleki Mrwebi
29 January 2014

Hartbeesfontein police have confirmed that they have arrested five suspects on allegations of kidnapping and attempted murder.

It is alleged that the suspects took a 22 year-old man tortured him before they set him alight. 

The suspects appeared at the Hartbeesfontein Magistrate court today and their case was postponed to February the 4^th.

Police Spokesperson Pelonomi Makau said the victim managed to take off his t-shirt and rolled on the ground to extinguish the fire but he was badly burnt on the head and face.

Makau added that the suspects will remain in police custody.

Denosa condemns the possible closure of St Mary’s Hospital

Mluleki Mrwebi
29 January 2014

The Democratic Nursing Organization of South Africa in KwaZulu Natal has condemned the move by management of St Mary’s Hospital to close the facility. 

The management filed papers with the high court to have the hospital closed as soon as possible. 

Denosa Provincial Secretary Cassim Lekhoathi said the closure is ill-considered, lacks leadership insight and could have been avoided. 

Lekhoathi said the closure of that hospital would affect millions of people who are dependent on that facility.

Lekhoathi further called on government to take over the hospital rather than to have it closed.  

Search continues for two missing fishermen

Mluleki Mrwebi
29 January 2014

The National Sea Rescue Institute is still searching for two fishermen who went missing off shore of the Slangkop Lighthouse in Kommetijie. 

The two fishermen went missing this morning and an extensive sea, air and shore search is continuing.

NSRI Spokesperson Craig Lambinon said it is believed that the boat suffered engine problems with four men on board and it is also understood that the boat was heat by a wave.

Lambinon further said the boat was later recovered at Hout Bay and the police together with the dive unit have been searching since the early hours of the morning. 

Two women injured and a child died in separate accidents

Mluleki Mrwebi
29 January 2014

A 6-year-old child was this morning knocked dead by a motor vehicle on Simon Bekker Road in Germiston. 

Netcare 911 Spokesperson Santi Steinmann said upon their arrival on scene they found that a six-year-old child had been knocked over by a motor vehicle.

Steinmann said the child was treated on scene and rushed to a nearby hospital but tragically died upon arrival at the hospital.

Steinmann said the girl died due to the severe injuries she sustained. 

In another accident two women where left seriously injured after they were knocked over by a vehicle on Van Ryneveld Avenue, Centurion.

Netcare 911 Spokesperson Santi Steinmann said upon their arrival on scene they found that two women were knocked over by a vehicle resulting in one woman sustaining serious injuries and the other woman sustaining moderate injuries.

Steinmann said both women were treated on scene before they were transported to hospital for further medical care.

The exact detail to the cause of the accident and preceding events will remain the subject of a police investigation.

 

 

Cosatu calls on Impala and police to protect workers

Loyiso Langeni
29 January 2014

The Congress of South African Trade Unions in North West said it is disappointment that the management of Impala is continuing with its arrogance, calling workers to report to work while they are not providing security to those workers, who are not part of the strike.

Cosatu Provincial Secretary Solly Phetoe said workers are being beaten and assaulted on their way to work, many entrances from the shaft are closed and this is taking place mainly at Impala mines.

Pheto said they are unapologetic that this conduct of Impala management scheming with people who are unruly, people who disrespect the policies and the piece accord that was signed.

It is on that basis that Cosatu is calling workers on to be peaceful and respect other workers who go to work.”  Phetoe added.

He concluded by saying that management and the police must deal with the people who threatened those workers.

NUM not happy with Mathunjwa’s reaction to the media

Loyiso Langeni
29 January 2014

 

The National Union of Mineworkers has expressed its concerns regarding comments that the President of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union Joseph Mathunjwa has made regarding Num in the media. 

Acting Num National Spokesperson Livhuwani Mammburu said there is no need for Mathunjwa to blame the NUM when his union is facing internal problems.

Mammburu said instead of dealing with the issues that he was being asked about.

“He mentioned NUM President’s name when it was not necessary. Mammburu added.

 

 

 

Hawks arrested four people in Randfontein

Loyiso Langeni
29 January 2014

Four suspects between the ages of 20 and 45-years-old were on Tuesday arrested for being and dealing in drugs in Randfontein. 

These arrests follow a search and seizure operation which was conducted by the Hawks after the Randfontein Magistrate Court gave a warrant for the search to happen. 

The suspects are expected to appear in court on Thursday on charges of dealing in drugs. 

Captain Paul Ramaloko said they arrested the four suspects in possession of mandarax, tik and some cocaine.

“We are convinced that this type of operation will encourage the community to report the dealing matters to the Hawks and we are still going to carry on conducting this operation in this area.” Ramaloko added.

Missing Child Alert

Cosatu WC calls for JP Smith to be fired

Mluleki Mrwebi
29 January 2014

The Congress of South African Trade Union in the Western Cape has once again called for City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith to be fired.

Cosatu Provincial Spokesperson Tony Ehrenreich said the city is in a desperate crisis that needs to see a united effort in confronting the scourge of drugs and gangsterism that result in rising levels of criminality. 

Ehrenreich said what we need is a leadership that is concerned about the people and focuses on people.

Ehrenreich added that JP Smith has been concerned about barking dogs and cell phones, he should be fired and replaced with someone who knows about policing and is there to work on hard issues.