Recent vandalism in Nyanga cost Metrorail R2.2 million

Loyiso Langeni
31 July 2014

Metrorail in the Western Cape said the current incident of vandalism between Khayelitsha, Nyanga and Mitchell’s Plain has cost about R2.2 million.  25 critical areas were damaged and services on the central line have been suspended. 

A group of people vandalized a signal cables causing major disruptions since yesterday. 

Regional Manager Richard Walker said this vandalism incident has caused major chaos to the system. 

Walker said in the interest of operational safety ensuring that we recover and repair equipment the damage of equipment.

“Still operating, we have decided to suspend between Khayelitsha and Nyanga as well as Mitchell’s plain. We spill over from our stations in the affected line they will then be taken care of by MyCiti ramping up to ensure that commuters who want to use services can use it as well as the arrangement we had with Golden Arrow.” Walker added.

Meanwhile Walker said this is a criminal act because these people deliberately vandalized the signal cables. 

Metrorail has laid criminal charges and Walker said they are confident that these criminals will be arrested soon.  

Eleven stations had to be closed down due to intimidation.

He explained that these criminals were caught in the act by our own patrols while they were busy at night, firing shots at own staff. There are charges of attempted murder that’s been laid by our staff as well as malicious damage to property.

“Yesterday Morning I have gone to Philippi East police station and laid a charge of sabotage. I’m quite confident through the efforts and the work of police the net is closing on these criminals,” Walker said.

Cosatu welcomes ban of public officials doing business with government

Loyiso Langeni
31 July 2014

The Congress of South African Trade Union welcomed the ban on public figures doing business with the state. 

Cosatu Spokesperson Patrick Craven said it becomes particularly toxic when public figures or their close family members do business with public bodies. 

Craven said Cosatu has always been at the forefront of the fight against corruption for many years.

Craven said we have requested the public representatives particularly those at senior level should not be involved in businesses at all because even if they are not doing any business with the government it nevertheless affects their judgement.

 

"Based on analytic to represent the people and specifically in the case of the ANC they own the membership and their mandate must be the party’s manifesto and conference resolution and they should never be influenced by the fact that they have got big investment in companies which may have decent interests,” Craven added.

Three people arrested for possession of precious metal

Loyiso Langeni
31 July 2014

Three suspects aged between 19 and 30-years-old appeared in the Bafokeng Magistrate Court today on charges of dealing in precious metals. 

The three Zimbabwean nationals were arrested under the contravention of Section 5 of Precious Metals Act. 

The arrest took place this week at Motlhabeng Section in Kanana near Rustenberg.

Colonel Sabata Mokgwabone said their arrests came after Police got a tip-off that there was a platinum melting activity that was taking place at a certain house in Kanana.

“Upon following up on the information and arrival at the identified premises police managed to find three suspects busy melting the platinum. They could not give account of the platinum as well as the activity that they were busy with hence they were arrested.” Mokgwabone added.

Minister of Trade and Industry summoned to Parliament

Natalie Malgas
31 July 2014

The Democratic Alliance has welcomed the decision to summon Minister of Trade and Industry Rob Davies to Parliament to account for the limitations placed on corporate visa applications in relation to business undertakings.

DA MP of Trade and Industry Dean Macpherson said the Minister failed to respond to questions for the decision on any other platform.

Macpherson alleges that no consultations took place between stake holders and the committee when conclusions were drawn on the matter.

“For this reason,” he added “we want to interrogate the Minister about the decision he has taken to ensure that such a decision is not implemented.”

The Trade and Industry MP fears constraints on the corporate visa applications would stifle job creation and investment to certain secures.

“It will be problematic if they are unable to employ people across the labour spectrum,” he reiterated.

Departments of Home Affairs and Tourism team up

Natalie Malgas
31 July 2014

Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba met with the Minister of Tourism Derek Hanekom on Wednesday to discuss the new immigration regulations. Minister Gigaba said his department has the capability to extend the visa facilitation services to areas of high volume demand.

He added that the Department of Tourism will have to assist the Department of Home Affairs in identifying these areas that need the visa facilitation centres. 

As an example, Minister Gigaba said India currently has two visa facilitation centres and 12 pick-up points.

“Given that people now need to apply in person and submit biometric details, there is a need to establish more facilitation centres.” Gigaba said.

To ensure an efficient visa application process, plans for more facilitation centres are set in other countries of high demand such as China.  

Missing Child Alert: Khanyisile Bhokoloshe

Bus Driver injured after a shooting in Durban

Mluleki Mrwebi
31 July 2014

Netcare 911 paramedics attended to a shooting incident along Newlands west Drive near Earlsfield whereby a 35-year-old bus driver was shot and injured.   

Netcare 911 Spokesperson Chris Botha said when paramedics got onto the scene they the bus driver still trapped inside the bus.

Botha said he was stabilised on scene before being transported to a nearby hospital.

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

Nehawu calls for the Gauteng Health Department to be investigated

Mluleki Mrwebi
31 July 2014

The National Education Health and Allied Workers Union has welcomed the investigation of the billion rand tender scandal against the Gauteng health department.

Nehawu has called on law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned in its investigation into alleged corruption in the provincial health department.

Nehawu Provincial Tshepo Mokgeranyana said they are disturbed by some of the revelations because it shows the level of the crises that has engulfed the provincial department for years.

Makgeranyana said the Gauteng department of Health has had problems for quiet some time now and that needs to be looked at closely during this investigation.

Missing Adult Alert: Michelle Jacquelin Gaven

Two suspects arrested for the possession of dagga

Mluleki Mrwebi
31 July 2014

Two suspects aged 23 and 29-years-old have been arrested for dealing in drugs in an operation conducted by members of the Rosedale police station. 

The suspects are expected to appear in the Upington Magistrate Court soon. 

Police Spokesperson Lieutenant Sergio Kock said the investigation is underway.

Kock said the police are investigating a charge of possession of dagga and the suspects are from Lesotho and they do not have valid passports.

He added that the dagga weighed 8kg and it is estimated to be worth around R 30 000.

Two died people die in separate accident and multiple injured

Loyiso Langeni
30 July 2014

An accident this morrning left a woman dead and two people injured when a minibus and car collided on Queens road near Princess Road in Mayfair.

 

Netcare911 Spokesperson Santi Steinmann said Upon their arrival on scene they found that a minibus and a motor vehicle had collided resulting in the minibus knocking over a group of pedestrians.

A woman tragically lost her life while one person was found in a critical condition and another person was found to be in a serious condition.

Both patients were treated on scene and transported to hospital for urgent medical care.

In a separate accident this morning a female pedestrian in her late twenties died and multiple injured in a four vehicle collision on Vermeulen street in Putfontein Benoni.

ER24 Spokesperson Luyanda Majija said they arrived in the misty area where the deceased’s body lay on the road surrounded by the carnage and the injured patients.

“ER24 and other emergency service personnel commenced with treatment of the thirteen patients who were occupants of the two taxis and two light motor vehicles collectively.

These patients were treated for their minor to moderate injuries and transported to various hospitals in the area, including Sunshine Hospital, for further medical care. ” Majija added.

Exact details to the cause of the accident and preceding events will remain the subject of a police investigation.

Teachers Union misunderstood

Jelmer Lelieveld
30 July 2014

The South African Teachers Democratic Union says that it is not demanding extra holidays for teachers, but being wrongly cited in media reports.

SADTU General Secretary Mugwena Maluleke said he never called for more or longer holidays but that he was highlighting the systematic challenges facing the Department and the quality of education. 

The Union is saying it was talking about the fact that “the system is dependent on teachers working on holidays”. SADTU received complaints from teachers saying that that their holidays are being taken away, as they have to take exams on the final day of term and then mark these at home, during weekends, or during their holidays.

This is causing stress on their families and that is why they are demanding that their holidays are respected. 

 

SAMWU struggles with Executive Directors

Jelmer Lelieveld
30 July 2014

The South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) held a general meeting on Tuesday after its talks with the City of Cape Town Mayor Patricia de Lille about workers’ grievances were unsatisfactory.

During that meeting, Mayor De Lille outlined the process for dealing with the workers' grievances, starting with meetings between Executive Directors (EDs) and SAMWU Shop steward Committee Office Bearers (COBs).

Some of the grievances of the Union included the alleged suppression of workers by the City. Although the Mayor was willing to work towards a solution the Union had some concerns.

SAMWU’s Mike Khumalo added that “unfortunately the process that the Mayor is putting […] is that the EDs are supposed to play a meaningful role to ensure the actual implementation once she has decided. We (SAMWU) are getting challenges in that the EDs are not cooperating with us”.

Cosatu condemns labour brokers that benefit from Employment Tax Incentive

Mluleki Mrwebi
30 July 2014

The Congress of South African Trade Unions opposes the fact that labour brokers are profiting from the recently introduced Employment Tax Incentive.

The Union is speaking out about this after recent reports in the local newspapers.

The Incentive, formerly known as the Youth Wage Subsidy, does not guarantee newly hired young workers a job after the tax rebate expires, which is seen as exploitation by COSATU.

COSATU Spokesperson Patrick Craven said it is very bad to note that young people start at work on a price and this is like selling them

Craven also said the union has been fighting for a total ban of labour brokers because they exploit work and now they are even more exploited.

George Police recovers firearms and arrest two people

Loyiso Langeni

30 July 2014

The George police recovered several firearms after a house robbery in Kleinkrantz. 

Police were informed of a house robbery taking place in the area where the thieves raided the house and stole three pistols and three revolvers before fleeing the scene.

Police arrested two suspects for the robbery.

Captain Malcolm we have arrested an 18 year-old and a 19 year-old and both of them were brought before to court on Tuesday on charges of house breaking and theft.

“We also managed to recover five firearms that was stolen and taken from the safe of the residence that hey broken into last week.” Pojie added.

He also said both suspects were remanded in custody and are expected to make another appearance in court on the 18 of August.

Popcru pleased with arrest of a man who allegedly killed a police officer

Loyiso Langeni
29 July 2014

The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union are pleased with the apprehending of a suspect over the murder of Warrant Officer Thabo Abednigo Mahlaba by the South African Police Service in Gauteng.

Mahlaba’s body was found by a passer-by after his disappearance.

Theto Mahlakoana said a lot of work goes into cracking a case like this so we would like to congratulate the officers who worked on the case and made sure that we have a suspect in custody and hopefully will lead them to more suspects.

“We are very certain that the full might of the law will take place and that justice will be served, ensuring that the family gets closure on this matter” Mahlakoana added.  

41-year-old arrested for shooting a traffic officer in Rocklands

Loyiso Langeni
29 July 2014

Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith said he is pleased with the arrest of a man who allegedly shot and injured a City of Cape Traffic Officer. 

The 41-year-old was arrested after he shot the officer outside his home in March in Rocklands, Mitchell’s Plain. 

Smith added that when the man was arrested he was also found to be in possession of a 2.2 pistol. 

“This is one of six officers in the city that have been injured since the beginning of this year. This particular case is the first one where we have had a real breakthrough” Smith added.

Smith empathized that they are working closely with the National Prosecuting Authority to achieve a conviction.  If we cannot protect our members in uniform then they cannot protect the public.

Seven people injured in Tokai collision

Loyiso Langeni
29 July 2014

An accident this morning on Tokai Road in the Western Cape has left seven people injured. 

ER24 Spokesperson Russel Meiring When ER24 paramedics arrived on scene, they found the taxi and truck stationed in the middle of the road.

He explained that one of the injured, a woman in her 40s, was trapped inside the taxi and the seven other occupants of the taxi sustained injuries ranging from minor to moderate.

“Provincial services used jaws-of-life equipment to free the patient in a 30-minute rescue.

He explained that once the patient was freed, all the patients were treated for their injuries and transported to a nearby hospital for further treatment.” Meiring added.

This is after a taxi collided with a truck.  The exact details of the cause of the accident will remain the subject of a police investigation.

Sentech says strike action will not interfere with service

Loyiso Langeni
29 July 2014

Over 300 Sentech workers affiliated to the Communication Workers Union have been on strike since Saturday for better wages. 

Sentech Spokesperson Sithembele Senti said about 20% of the company’s workforce is on strike. 

Senti added that they are concerned about the impact the strike might have on customers and stakeholders. On Monday Sentech management offered CWU a revised offer which they have taken back to their members.

He added that in the regions where our network has got national footprint we have almost about 90% of staff attendance who are not participating in the industrial action

"We have put emergency plans in place even if the 399 employers were to go on strike. We have assured all our customers in respect of maintaining the current service levels of availability of our network, up to Saturday on commencement of the strike until today we have not experienced any disturbances on the network" Senti added.

Missing Adult Alert: Nozuko Mbonambi

Two students drown in Settlers dam while fishing

Oscar Thomas
29 July 2014

Grahamstown police have confirmed that two Rhodes University students aged 21 and 23-years-old drowned at Settlers dam over the weekend. 

Three students who are Zimbabwean nationals hired a boat and went fishing at Settlers dam on Saturday, however due to strong winds the boat capsized. 

Lieutenant Luvuyo Mjekula said one student managed to swim to shore and report the incident. 

Police searched for the two students and only found their bodies on Sunday night. 

Mjekula said police divers, search and rescue personnel from East London and Port Elizabeth were mobilized in search of the bodies.

Mjekula said after an extensive search the bodies were found on Sunday afternoon, family members were notified to positively identify the bodies.

“They suffered no physical injuries and therefore a possibility of foul play will be ruled out Mjekula added.

DA welcomes end of Numsa strike

Oscar Thomas
29 July 2014

The Democratic Alliance has welcomed the end to the 5 week long strike in the metal and engineering sector. 

Members of the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa accepted a 10 percent wage increase on Monday.

DA MP of Labour Ian Ollis said both parties need to seek to ensure stable labour relations within the sector going forward. 

Ollis said we are quite happy that the strike has come to an end as workers are able to go back to work and the industry can go back to normal.

“The economy struggling so much this year due to large scale strikes in the platinum industry however the DA feels it’s time that we review the current state of labor relations in South Africa Ollis added. 

Bawusa disappointed of the injustice of Micheal Daniels murder case

Oscar Thomas
29 July 2014

The Bawusa Agricultural Workers Union of South Africa said it is disappointed at the outcome of the case of the murder of Michael Daniels. 

It is alleged that Daniels was struck by a bullet fired by a police officer during a strike in Wolseley almost two years ago. 

The court acquitted John Geldenhuys of all charges of the basis of insufficient evidence. 

Bawusa General Secretary Nosey Pieterse said farmworkers cannot rely on the police and the courts for justice.

Pieterse said one can see now what we have been saying all the time has been true that there is no justice for farmworkers and we can’t rely on the courts and police to defend farmworkers.

“We will have to take the defence of farmworkers into our own hands because relying on the system will just bring about more disappointments Pieterse added.

WCED urging parents to register their children for 2015

Mluleki Mrwebi
29 July 2014

The Western Cape Department of Education has appealed to parents to enrol their children early for schooling for 2015. 

The WCED said parents need to enrol their children especially those starting primary or high school in 2015 before the 26^th of September deadline. 

Ministerial Spokesperson Jessica Shelver said the school population in the province is growing rapidly year-by-year. 

Shelver said the parents should try to apply to more one school and ensure that they communicate with the schools in writing there after and the school would also notify them in writing in their children have been accepted.

She added that parents must accept the school that gives them positive results because acceptance is not guaranteed in any of the school due to the overcrowding. 

Six people died in WC road accidents over the weekend

Loyiso Langeni
29 July 2014

Western Cape Traffic Authorities conducted 24 roadblocks over the past weekend of which 1 969 vehicles were stopped and checked.

602 drivers were tested for alcohol of which 26 drunken drivers were arrested. 

Provincial Traffic Chief Kenny Africa said the highest reading recording was reading of 1.09mg/1000 ml and that was on the N2 near Caledon

The total amount of money fines that were issued was R82 300.

The highest speed recorded in the Western Cape in the weekend was 152km/h in a 120km/h zone and that was on the N1 outside Beaufort West

Meanwhile also during the roadblocks one person was arrested for being in possession of false documentation in the Beaufort West area.

Provincial Traffic Chief Kenny Africa said six fatalities were recorded on the provincial roads over the weekend

“Two drivers died in separate accident in the Metro and another two pedestrian in separate accident died in the Metro area and Saturday evening on the N7 outside Louriesburg a driver lost a control of his vehicle and he lost his life in this accident and near Villiersdorp another driver lost control his vehicle and he also died in this accident.” Africa added.

Metro Rail Protection Service Workers stage protest at Cape Town Station

Oscar Thomas
08 July 2014

Metrorail private security workers alongside Economic Freedom Fighters  members took to The Cape Town station where they staged a protest towards the poor treatment and working conditions of staff members within the Metrorail protection services.

A memorandum stating all the staff’s demands drawn up by Metrorail’s private security workers was handed to Ernest Hendricks and Phindile September the head of Metrorail protection services.

In May 2013 there was an advert at Metrorail that stated that all private security workers working under Metrorail should apply to be part of such learnership.

The workers applied for this but only to find out not even 10 percent of the poor staff members applications were considered instead people from retail industry and from other provinces but those of greener pastures.

Shop steward of IRIS security compnay Luyanda Gosi said we are here to drop a memorandum to the head of protection services Ernest Hendricks.

“We are demanding we get permanent employment as the people who are protecting Metrorail’s assets Gosi added.

Eff regional leader in Western Cape Lephalo X Mohoto said these workers are working under dangerous circumstances.

Mohoto said they are shot on a daily basis because of criminals who won’t stop at nothing to steal railway cables. These workers don't even have bullet proof vests to protect themselves and when there injured the companies don’t pay them out.

“When they die there is no pay out and therefore on behalf of those workers we ask that the head of Metrorail protection services answer these demands put forward by their workers Mohoto added

 

 

Two people died in separate collisions in Kimberley and Bloemfontein

Loyiso Langeni
28 July 2014

An accident late last night in Kimberley left a woman dead and three others injured. 

it is believed that the car she was travelling in lost control and crashed through a wall.

Netcare 911 Spokesperson Santi Steinmann said upon their arrival on scene they found that a motor vehicle had left the roadway and crashed through a wall.

One person tragically lost a life while three others were injured.

All the injured patients were treated on scene before they were transported to hospital for further medical care.

In another accident early this morning a pedestrian was killed after she was knocked over by a minibus on Dr Belcher Road in Bloemfontein.

Netcare 911 Spokesperson Santi Steinmann said upon their arrival on scene they found a woman belived to be in her 50’s tragically lost her life after she was knocked over by a minibus.

The woman was also entrapped underneath the minibus and a few services had to be called inculding the Fire Department to help remove the body from underneath the minibus.

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

Clothing and Textile Workers threaten strike action

Natalie Malgas
28 July 2014

The Southern African Clothing and Textile Workers Union has issued a strike notice to cotton sector employers. This follows last week’s failed wage negotiations in the sector.

Members are demanding a 10% wage increase.  Over 3 000 cotton sector textile workers are currently on strike nationally.

Cotton National Sector’s Christopher Soetsane said wage negotiations commenced in April this year but after three rounds of talks, they had not reached an agreement.

“The Constitution of National Textile Bargaining Council dictates that negotiations must take place within three rounds of discussion and a conclusion must be reached by then. Regrettably, we could not reach an agreement within the stipulated time,” Soetsane added.

Following the three rounds of meetings held with the Union and employers, a further meeting was convened on July, 10 2014 but an agreement was still not reached.

Cape Town police crackdown on wanted criminal suspects

Natalie Malgas
28 July 2014

Cape Town police arrested 95 suspects who were either found in possession of drugs or selling them this past week. 59 houses were also searched for drugs and police found mandrax tablets worth an estimated street value of R32 000, tik valued close to R200 000 and dagga worth R485. 

Captain FC van Wyk said through other operations conducted by police 19 wanted suspects were arrested and five firearms confiscated in the Kuilsrivier Cluster. 

It is understood a further 302 suspects have been arrested on charges ranging from murder, attempted murder, assault and drunk driving.

Van Wyk added several criminals were kept of the street since the start of the operations with, “69 suspects were jailed overnight. Some were released on fines for charges such as drunk and disorderly conduct in public.” 

Only 40 out of a total of 516 SAPS officers found guilty

Oscar Thomas
28 July 2014

The Democratic Alliance said it is shocked that between 2010 and 2013 only 40 out of a total of 516 SAPS officers have been found guilty of aiding escapees were dismissed. 

DA MP of Police Dianne Kohler Barnard said there is clearly a complete lack of accountability in the police service for crimes committed by police men and women. 

Barnard said there is clearly a lack of accountability within our Police service. This only puts them in danger but it also may result in the harm to members of the public when they perform their duties.

“The DA believes that for the police service to be efficient and effective, the government must ensure that they are well resourced and appropriately trained Barnard added.

NPA to hold sexual offences Indaba

Mluleki Mrwebi
28 July 2014

The Sexual Offences and Community Affairs Unit of the National Prosecuting Authority together with its partners will hold a Sexual Offences Indaba on the 28^th -30^th July.

The indaba will focus on a range of prevention and service delivery topics as the control of a value system in service delivery, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms and best practice interventions.

NPA’s Pumeza Mafani said this is the only platform that government has to try to bring people to together to curb the scourge of sexual violence.

Mafana added that this is also trying to come up with the something called 360 degrees against sexual offences because the country can not be termed the capital of sexual violence.

MEC Winde commends Cape Town tech entrepreneur

Loyiso Langeni
28 July 2014

Western Cape MEC of Economic Opportunities Alan Winde has commended Cape Town technology entrepreneur for launch of cutting edge technology.

Winde said capsule technologies earned international recognition for the Western Cape’s ICT sector with its ground breaking technology.

They planned to expand their operations this year and were committed to only hiring local employees.

Ministerial Spokesperson Bronwynne Jooste said MEC Winde believes that we really have to celebrate our entrepreneurs in the Western Cape and through the intervention Capsule Technologies is a great advertisement for the Western Cape Technology and the ICT sector.

“We know that ICT is one of our focus areas and its our great industry that employs over 30 000 people  and contributes R3 billion to our GDP.” Jooste added.

Bawsi: no wage agreement

Loyiso Langeni
27 July 2014

Over 80 workers from the Douglas Green Bellingham have embarked on a wage strike. 

They are demanding an increase of 10 percent while management is only offering 7 percent. 

BAWSI Agricultural Workers Union of South Africa Nosey Pieterse said it is the view of the union that it is the objective of ruthless capitalist employers to maintain the levels of poverty, hence they continue with inflate rate related increase.

“As a compromise we were prepared to accept 7.5% and after we came to an agreement facilitated by CCMA management then suspended eight workers and send thirty to disciplinary hearing for misconduct during the strike, but they were not prepared to suspend two management who drove through the strikers and knocked two of them down.

At this stage we do not believe as the union that we have an agreement.” Pieterse added.

A Pedestrian knocked over by a vehicle in Mbali

Loyiso Langeni
27 July 2014

Netcare 911 paramedics late last responded to an accident whereby a man was hit by a vehicle along Edendale road in Mbali.

Netcare 911 Spokesperson Chris Botha said when they arrived at the scene they found that a man lying on the road way with life threatening injuries.

“They tried to resuscitate the man for quite some time, but tragically he was declared dead at the scene.” Botha added.  

Exact details to the cause of the accident and preceding events will remain the subject for police investigation.