26 drivers arrested for drunk driving in Western Cape

Oscar Thomas
30 June 2014

 

Western Cape Provincial traffic law enforcements over this weekend conducted 22 roadblocks across the province whereby 2 168 drivers were stopped and checked. 

 

26 drivers were arrested for drunk driving and 932 drivers were screened for being under suspicion. 

 

Western Cape MEC of Transport and Public Works Donald Grant said the province is committed to ensuring safety on the roads. 

 

Ministerial Spokesperson Siphesihle Dube said one of our highest alcohol readings was found in Knysna at 1.71miligrams per 1000 milliliters which is seven times over the legal prescribe unit.

 

Minister Grant has maintained that we remain committed as part of our winter operational that we’ll be intensely conducting throughout the Western Cape. 

 

Meanwhile during the roadblocks over the weekend 257 fines were issued for various traffic violations ranging from driver to vehicle fitness. 

 

19 people died on the provinces roads this past weekend.  MEC Grant said road users must support the province’s efforts by behaving responsibly and respect other road users.

 

Ministerial Spokesperson Siphesihle Dube said over this past weekend we had a total of 19 reported fatalities ranging from driver fatalities as well as being predominantly being some pedestrian deaths along our roads.

Accident leaves one dead and other seriously injured

Oscar Thomas
30 June 2014

An accident on the R102 in Umtentweni on the Natal south coast last night left one person dead and another seriously injured. 

It is believed that two vehicles collided into each other.  One person was ejected from the vehicle during the accident. 

Netcare 911 Spokesperson Chris Botha said when we arrived there we found that one man had tragically died due to serious injuries.

“The one man sustained serious injuries where he was treated on the scene and taken to a nearby hospital for further medical care Botha added.

 

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

Two suspects linked to the murder of a police constable

Oscar Thomas
30 June 2014

Two suspects aged 39 and 46-years-old were arrested in Msinga following a murder of a police officer. 

Constable Philasande Zwane was murdered in May 2013 while he was on duty in the area.  Captain Thulani Zwane said the two are facing a charge of murder. 

Zwane said these two suspects were arrested last week Thursday in the Msinga area.

“These two suspects are linked to a murder of constable Zwane from Lady Smith technical task force team was shot and killed while on duty in search of illegal fire arms in the area Zwane added.

Police searching for Jozi FM presenter who allegedly murdered his girlfriend

Lusanda Bill
30 June 2014

Gauteng police a searching for a radio presenter who is wanted for murdering his girlfriend in Soweto. 

It is alleged that the presenter from Jozi FM stabbed his 32-year-old girlfriend multiple times at her flat in Jabulani. 

Police Spokesperson Kay Makhubela said after he killed his girlfriend the suspect called a friend of the deceased and told her what he had done.

Makhubela said the friend called the police and when the police arrived at the flat and found the woman with stab wounds. 

The motive for the murder is unknown at this stage however police are investigating. 

In response Jozi FM station manger Mpho Mhlongo said as a station they are shocked at this incident that has happened. 

Mhlongo has appealed to the suspect to hand himself over to the police so that the law could take its cause. 

He added that this is a step back after the station has assisted for so many years in promoting the rights of woman and children in the country.

Three people including two children injured in an accident at Umhlanga

Lusanda Bill
30 June 2014

An accident on the N2 at Umhlanga, Durban left three people including two children injured.  This is after two vehicles rear-ended into each other. 

Netcare 911 Spokesperson Chris Botha said there was one adult and two children who were in the vehicle and they all sustained injuries.

Botha said the adult was in a serious condition and paramedics stabilised all the injured on scene before they were transported to the nearest hospital for the further medical care that they required. 

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

Three children died in a shack fire in Kroonstad

Lusanda Bill
30 June 2014

Three children aged between 7, 8 and 11-years-old died in a shack fire in Snake Park Kroonstad on Sunday. 

It is believed that the mother locked the children inside the shack with the stove on while she went shopping. 

Netcare 911 Spokesperson Chris Botha said on arrival the fire department fought the fire for some time.

Botha said when they eventually managed to put the fire out they found that the children burnt and died in the fire.

An investigation is currently underway.

Ramaphosa to address the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Forum

Loyiso Langeni
30 June 2014

Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa is today expected to address the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Partners Forum in Johannesburg. 

The forum aims to emphasis the need to ensure the empowerment, wellbeing, and social protection of the world's most vulnerable people, especially women and children. 

The theme for the forum is “accelerate progress, envision the future”. 

Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa Spokesperson Ronnie Mamoepa The forum is also expected to be addressed by the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi and Mrs Graca Machel, in her capacity as the Chairperson of the partnership for Maternal, New-born and Child Health.

The two day forum will bring together health professionals, policy makers, business leaders and advocates to deliberate on progress towards and beyond the Millennium Development Goals on the issue of maternal, new-born and child health.

DA calls on investigation of Ramatlodhodi’s mining interests

Oscar Thomas
30 June 2014

The DA will request that Parliament’s Ethics and Members Interest Committee be urgently constituted so that it can launch an investigation onto claims relating to the Minister of Mineral Resources,Ngoako Ramathlodi’s alleged R20 million conflict interest in the mining sector.

This Follows concerning reports of Minister Ramatlhodi’s financial stake in Atlatsa Resources.

DA Minister of Mineral resources James Lorimer said i appreciate that the Minister is now saying that he is divesting himself from mining issues but his spokesperson said it had already been done when it hasn’t and why did the minister not do this earlier.

“This speaks of a very lacks attitude to ethics which the minister cant afford the impression created when his in the frontline portfolio when it comes to reassuring investors Lorimer added.

COSATU to march against Sun City and Sun International

Oscar Thomas
29 June 2014

COSATU Moses Kotane Local in the North West is fuming and is readying itself for strings of marches and industrial action against the alleged racist and exploitive global acclaimed entertainment hub called Sun City and Sun International as a whole.

It is clear that Sun City and Sun International and its lily-white management are turning this country into a Banana Republic as they clearly refuses to observe and abide by the Labour Laws of this country and no one seems to be prepared to act on that.

Cosatu North West Provincial Secretary Solly Phetoe said workers are saying they were not consulted secondly the way that they were treated and exploited by being unfairly dismissed.They were taken out of Sun City by security and thrown out of the premises.

“Now this is what COSATU have been saying about the fight against the Labour Brokers.The workers want all suspensions withdrawn and all the workers who have been dismissed reinstated Phetoe added.

DA : Cut red tape and support small businesses

Oscar Thomas
29 June 2014

A survey of established small businesses showed that small businesses spend on average, 8 days a month dealing with red tape.

Premier Hellen Zille is already doing this in the DA-run Western Cape where there is a dedicated Red Tape reduction unit.

In addition to this Premier Zille committed the Western Cape government to ensure that any new measures introduced by the provincial government will not increase regulatory obstacles to doing business in the province.

DA parliamentary Leader Mmusi Maimane said we realize more than anything that small businesses require more support from government.

That in fact we need to cut red tape make it easier for small businesses to trade and create more jobs as unemployment is still of great concern Maimane added.

SADTU congratulates ANC Provincial Premier on SOPA

Oscar Thomas
29 June 2014

The North West SADTU provincial leadership has congratulated the ANC Provincial Chair,the Premier of the North West Province, Supra Mahumapelo for delivering his maiden State of the Province address.

The moving and encouraging address was punctuated by ululations and deafening applauses from enthusiastic congregants.

Thabo Sematle said we must indicate for the first time we’ve had a speech delivered with not only promises but commitments which are very clear straight forward.

We hope would indeed be carried out by respective MEC’s specifically MEC of Education and Sports in the North West Sematle added.

Zimbabwean arrested for being in possession of fake ID

Oscar Thomas
29 June 2014

 

A Zimbabwean was arrested on Friday on Madiba Street for allegedly being in possession of a fake ID.

Department of Home Affairs director of fraud prevention and detection Nora Pitsi said it was unclear how the man had obtained the document.

The owner of the document had lost it, but was able to track down the fraudster who had assumed his identity but replaced his photo. Pitsi said the owner convinced the fraudster to return it and then tipped off the department.

Home affairs counter Corruption’s Nora Pitsi said I also want to state this matter is still under further investigation to uncover if there are any collision between the suspect and the department of home affairs officials or any other practitioner that may be involved in helping the suspect obtain these documents.

“We want to state that we will continue working very closely with the Hawks in order to stomp down on corruption Pitsi added.

 

NUMSA embark on nationwide strike

Oscar Thomas
28 June 2014

The National Employer’s Association of South Africa said the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa clearly does not understand that a strike will not only lead to the loss of production and the income of workers, but will also affect the country’s image as an investment destination. 

This as Numsa will be embarking on a nationwide strike on the 1^st of July demanding a 12 percent wage increase. 

Neasa Spokesperson Sya van der Walt-Potgieter said we feel that NUMSA walk out of negotiations without giving much attention to the serious issues that Neasa have put on the table.

Sya van der Walt-Potgieter said this clearly shows that their not serious about growing the economy,job creation and creating an environment that could accommodate millions of people who are unemployed to save South Africa’s international image as a reliable hub for investors.

"We really hope that we can be able to sort this out and hopefully the strike doesn’t last too long van der Walt-Potgieter added. 

ACDP welcomes apology by Patricia de Lille

Oscar Thomas
28 June 2014

The African Christian Democratic Party in the Western Cape has welcomed the apology made by the Mayor of Cape Town Patricia de Lille to residents of Macassar. 

Mayor De Lille has apologised for incorrect information that was made public about the relocation of residents to a piece of land in Macassar. 

Residents from Nomzamo informal settlement were earlier this month forcibly evicted from their homes by the South African National Roads Agency. 

ACDP Provincial Leader Ferlon Christians said as the leader of the ACDP in the Western Cape I think it’s not just acceptable for the Mayor to apologize. To take steps against the officials that gave her incorrect information.

“We know there was a lot of violence and I think that those officials that gave the wrong information should be held accountable. We hope that this matter will be resolved as soon as possible Christians added.

DA suspicious about possible delay on Nkandla report

Oscar Thomas
28 June 2014

The Democratic Alliance said it is suspicious that the Special Investigating Unit has delayed the release of their final report into President Jacob Zuma’s private homestead in Nkandla, KwaZulu Natal.

Chairperson of the DA’s Federal Executive James Selfe said South Africans deserve access to the full report so that they can interrogate its findings and its accuracy.

Selfe said the fact of the matter is that there are a number of unanswered questions around the R 246 million spent on the upgrade of the president’s residence and I will be writing to the head of the SIU to request that he provides reason why this report is being held back.

“If he does not provide those satisfactory reasons then we will launch a PIE application to obtain this report Selfe added.

 

 

MEC Fritz concerned by substance abuse in the Western Cape

Loyiso Langeni
27 June 2014

Western Cape MEC of Social Development Albert Fritz over 10 157 people access substance abuse services in the province and the department plans to expand community-based treatment programmes with a focus on rural areas. 

Drugs have riddled communities in Cape Town for many years.

“This year our budget that we will spend on substance abuse is R82.6 million and we are very excited that we can make difference and some interventions going in the area of substance abuse, specifically in the Cape Flats

We will also look on continuing to specifically look at our fantastic models like the school early intervention that we running at about six schools now. We want to roll that pile up throughout the province and to areas that we have seen in the rural areas where drug use is also now increasing” Fritz added.

APC applauds KZN SAPS on drug bust

Loyiso Langeni
27 June 2014

The African People’s Convention has congratulated the police in KwaZulu Natal for making the biggest drug bust in the entire country this week.  Police made a discovery of the biggest drug lab and confiscated drugs to the value of R3 billion. 

APC’s Edward Siweya said they are happy that the drugs have been removed from the street.

“Drugs which find themselves in the streets of South Africa are aimed at young people with the end results of making sure that there are drug independent instead of them being focus at school.

We feel that R3 billion drug quantity being removed from the street is a good thing for South Africa and for young people in the country and each and every citizen in the country. Edward added. 

One dead and multiple left injured in separate accidents

Loyiso Langeni
27 June 2014

Netcare 911 paramedics responded to an accident scene this morning on the N2 Tinley Manor on the Natal north whereby one person died and two others were left injured. 

It is believed that a vehicle veered off the road and collided head-on with another vehicle. 

Netcare 911 Spokesperson Chris Botha said when they arrived there one of the people was still trapped in the wreckage and was in a critical condition

Botha added that paramedics extricated the 70 year-old man and start with the resuscitation tragically despite all the effort he died on scene

“The other driver had sustained very critical injuries and one of the patients sustained minor injuries

They were treated on scene and transported to nearby hospital for further care,” Botha added.

In another accident near the N1 Danie Joubert Freeway late last night resulted in five people left critically injured. 

Netcare 911 Spokesperson Santi Steinmann said upon their arrival on scene they that a light motor vehicle had overturned and five people were ejected from the vehicle.

“Upon assessment of the patients they found that the patients sustained injuries ranging from moderate to critical.

All the patients were treated on scene before they were transported for further medical care.” Steinmann added.

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

MEC Plato says safety of children important

Lusanda Bill
27 June 2014

Western Cape MEC of Community Safety Dan Plato said drugs, substance abuse awareness, crime prevention, gangsterism prevention and life skills will be some of the activities in workshops organised by the provincial government during the school holidays.

On Thursday the Western Government announced plans it will take to ensure the safety of young people during the June/July school holidays. 

MEC Plato said priority places where these programmes will be executed include Mitchell’s Plain, Nyanga, Gugulethu, Khayelitsha, Hanover Park, Grassy Park, Atlantis and Delft.

“The objectives of these programmes is to build self-esteem among the youth, provide for peer education, prevent gang recruitments and educate our youth on the dangers of alcohol and drugs” Plato added

An accident in Durban leaves two people dead

Lusanda Bill
27 June 2014

An accident involving a motor vehicle and a bus left two females dead and one man critically injured on the N3 near Cato Ridge in Durban. 

Netcare 911 Spokesperson Chris Botha said on arrival paramedics found that people were still trapped in the wreckage.  Tragically the two females had died due to the very extensive injuries that they sustained.  Jaws of life had to be used to free them.

Botha said the bus driver sustained minor injuries but was severally shocked and was transferred to a nearby hospital.

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

NSRI: Two kite-boarders rescued at Sardinia Bay

Lusanda Bill
27 June 2014

The National Sea Rescue Institute volunteers in Port Elizabeth rescued two kite-boarders who were being swept out to sea at Sardinia Bay on Thursday. 

The two men aged 21 and 25-years-old were kite-boarding when both their kites failed to airborne due to strong waves. 

NSRI Spokesperson Craig Lambinon said when they arrived on scene there was no sign of the boarders but during a search they were both found safely ashore.

Lambinon said they had to abandon their kites and had managed to paddle safely ashore.  Both boarders were not injured in the incident.

MEC Donald Grant concerned about taxi violence in Cape Town

Mluleki Mrwebi
27 June 2014

Western Cape MEC of Transport and Public Works Donald Grant said they are very concerned about the continued prevalence of violent crime in the taxi industry. 

MEC Grant in a statement said since the deployment of the City’s Metro Police and Traffic Services in the Southern suburbs three illegal firearms have been confiscated and seven taxi drivers have been arrested for driving under the influence. 

Ministerial Spokesperson Siphesihle Dube said in the meantime they wanted to elaborate on the some of the interventions in trying to curb violence in the taxi industry.

Dube added that the Vreigrond Taxi Association has been issued with a suspension. 

Missing Adult Alert: Kashiefa Daniels

Lwandle Police need the assistance of the public

Mluleki Mrwebi
27 June 2014

Police in the township of Lwandle are searching for the family of a 29-year-old male who died in a shack fire in Richmond Street, Nomzamo.

It is believed that the victim was asleep when his shack burnt down. 

Constable Phindiswa Gcume said the police are currently looking for a relative of the deceased who is known as Kgotso Moshota.

Gcume added that anyone with information may contact sergeant Marius on 082 522 1208. He is the investigating officer at Lwandle police station.  

 

Two people arrested for drug possession in Lenteguer

Mluleki Mrwebi
26 June 2014

During a crime prevention operation police in Lenteguer arrested two suspects aged 24 and 30-years in two different search and raids where drugs were found in their homes. 

Police found several bags of tik and dagga during their operation. 

Constable Phindiswa Gcume said the suspects were arrested in different houses and both of them had drugs when they were arrested.

Gcume added that the suspects are expected to appear in court soon. 

 

Safety number one priority for WC government during school holidays

Andile Mbanjwa
26 June 2014

As part of the Western Cape Government’s commitment in providing opportunities for the youth of the province throughout the year, the provincial departments of Social Development, Community Safety, Education and Cultural Affairs and Sport have officially announced the Western Cape Government’s school holiday plans in order to ensure that young people remain safe during the June school holiday period.

Community Safety MEC Dan Plato says the Department of Community Safety has both ongoing and targeted youth programmes and interventions. He says the programmes address drugs and substance abuse awareness.

Meanwhile, Western Cape Education MEC Debbie Schafer says the department has allocated a number of winter holiday programmes for grade 12 learners that will be running across the province.

Schafer says the programmes will cover important topics such as substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, sexual abuse and teenage pregnancy seminars. She says the department will also provide curriculum support, particularly in schools where learners are struggling in specific subjects such as Mathematics and Physical Science.

On the hand, the Department of Social Development says it is offering educational sessions for over 1 000 young people. MEC of Social Department, Albert Fritzs says the aim is to engage young people on issues which affect their current lives, and offering them resources and avenues for support and development.

Missing Adult Alert: Yoonus Alexander

Numsa to strike for a 12% wage increase on the 1st of July

Mluleki Mrwebi
26 June 2014

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa has announced that it will be embarking on a strike on the 1^st of July. 

Numsa President Andrew Chirwa said it’s over 220 000 members have rejected the offer of between 7 and 8 percent wage offer made by the employers. 

The union is demanding a 12% wage increase. 

Chirwa said negotiations with employers and the mediation processes both failed. 

Chirwa added that the process has so far failed and the employers have offered what is not acceptable and this is just buying power of workers.

Missing Child Alert: Thando Sashweza

A taxi accident leaves seventeen people injured

Lusanda Bill
26 June 2014

A taxi that overturned on the Mangasuthu Highway in Umlazi left seventeen people injured with one left critically injured. 

It is believed that the driver of the taxi lost control and veered off the road. 

Netcare 911 Spokesperson Chris Botha said when they arrived there they found people scattered over a very large area.  Seventeen people were injured and one female sustained very critical injuries.

Botha said all the injured were stabilized on scene before they were transported to a local hospital for the further medical care that they all required.

Drug related arrests on the increase in Cape Town

Lusanda Bill
26 June 2014

Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith said there has been a major improvement in the number of drug related arrests. 

Drugs in Cape Town is a growing industry with the City stating that more law enforcement officials have been hired to help combat the problem. 

Smith said the city has been able to improve enforcement around drug dealing through improved intelligence driven policing over the last year and specifically in investment in the better training for our staff and the development of relationships with communities in terms of receiving tip-offs and paying informants.

“Over the last five months we have achieved 1 053 drug related arrests which 600 are gang-related” Smith added. 

ACDP: Youth unemployment biggest challenge in SA

Lusanda Bill
26 June 2014

The African Christian Democratic Party said the biggest challenge facing the youth is lack of opportunity for employment. 

ACDP MP Cheryllyn Dudley said the Sectors for Education and Training Authorities created some years ago to address issues of skills development, have not had the impact envisioned or required and adding insult to injury SETA’s continue to under-spend their budget. 

Dudley said young people are saying that the biggest obstacle is that government has not done enough to invest in skills development through the secondary education level. 

“Our country needs artisans like plumbers and electricians and in a developing country we need engineers too” Dudley added.

ACDP MP Cheryllyn Dudley emphasized that clearly the country has not done enough to convince and fund young people to get the education and skills needed to qualify as artisans and engineers among other things.

“The greater investment is going to be needed if the youth are going to get a chance that they deserve to escape and avoid the poverty trap” Dudley added.   

Missing Adult Found: Nonzwakazi Mrwabo

Mamoepa: President Zuma will make final declaration on the government system

Loyiso Langeni
26 June 2014

President Jacob Zuma while announcing his new National Executive in May said that some departments will be reconfigured and others have been expanded to improve capacity. 

President Zuma in a statement said the affected departments have been directed to study the legal and administrative implications of the policy announcement made by the President. 

Acting Presidential Spokesperson Ronnie Mamoepa said the process will culminate in a proclamation that will, amongst others, establish the new departments, transfer the administration of certain legislation from one Minister to another or transfer certain functions, agencies or institutions from one Department to another.

“Once this process is concluded, the President will make the final pronouncement on the new government system.” Mamoepa added.

Samwu wants EC Mayor to pay for committing fraud

Loyiso Langeni
26 June 2014

The South African Municipal Workers Union in the Eastern Cape said the arrest of Executive Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Speaker and Senior Officials undermines the union’s contribution in liberating the country and good governance. 

The mayor and her officials were arrested for fraud relating to illegal payments made from the money that was meant for Former President Nelson Mandela’s memorial service.

Samwu Provincial Spokesperson Siphiwo Ndunyana said the money that was used by corrupt people should have been used to better off the poor communities rather than it goes to individual hands.

Five city officials were arrested and released on R10,000 bail each on Monday after an investigation by the Hawks alleged they had used the funeral to channel government money to their friends.

Cosatu NW to march to the expensive toll gate

Loyiso Langeni
26 June 2014

The Congress of South African Trade Union in the North West said it will be embarking on a march to the most expensive toll gate in the country. 

Cosatu Provincial Secretary Solly Phetoe said the campaign is continuing and that every two weeks we will be marching to the toll gates demanding that the toll must be reduced. 

“We appreciate that the minister has set up a task team, however the task team has been postponed almost every time due to the unavailability of Bakwena.

The reason why we are going there is that while there is discussion around the task team we must either suspend the payment of the toll fee or we must pay a fair trade like the farmers that are given a 95% discount of paying R4 or R3 it is on that basis that Cosatu picketing,” Phetoe said