Microlight killed one soul in JHB

Nontando Mafanya
30 August 2016

One person has been killed and another is in the critically condition after a microlight crashed into a ground on the corners of Langkloof and Rogers in Alrode, South of Johannesburg, today.

Paramedics arrived on the  scene and they discovered one man had succumbed to multiple injuries.

Paramedics treated the patient and provided him with advanced life support interventions.

Paramedics says in a statement one patient was declared dead on the scene and one was transported to nearby hospital.

Cutting of trees make tokai residents Angry

 Nontando Mafanya

30 August 2016

The chopping of dozens of trees in the Tokai and Cecilia plantations will begin today.

According to South African National Parks the Mountain to Ocean Forestry Company won a public tender and purchased the pine trees from the Government in a multi-million rand deal involving other plantations in the Western Cape as well.

 But residents are angry because they say they weren't properly consulted about the project.

 A large warning sign with the words “Harvesting in Progress” is attached to the front of one of the pine trees set to be cut down later today.

Several park rangers are stationed nearby the cut down area and meters away a few Tokai residents who were opposed to the cutting down of the trees can also be seen.

At least one of them broke down in tears.

One resident says the community was assured the trees would only be cut down at a later stage.

Two workers are in a serious but stable condition after a trench collapsed at a construction site in Durban.

Natasha Mabuto

30 August 2016

Marshall Security spokesperson Kyle van Reenen said that the men had been excavating a trench for the placement of cables when the sides gave way, burying them alive.

The site was on Umhlanga Rocks Drive near the Ilala Ridge area. Reports say the structural collapse took place at an Umhlanga housing complex.

Various officials worked together to free the men, in their 30s, from the soil and rubble. 

They were taken to hospital for treatment.

The committee tasked with finding a replacement for Public Protector Thuli Madonsela is expected to meet today for the last time.

Natasha Mabuto

30 August 2016

The committee is due to finalise and approve its report, which recommends Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane to fill Thuli Madonsela's place when her term ends in October. 

According to the parliamentary programme, the committee will then table the report to the National Assembly before it is considered on Wednesday the 7^th September. 

In their last meeting, political parties including the ANC, EFF, IFP and NFP recommended Mkhwebane to be the suggested candidate, while the DA reserved its comment on the issue.

Nine people died in one week

Nontando Mafanya

29 August 2016

At least nine people, including two teenagers, have been killed in Delft since last Wednesday.

In the most recent incident, in the early hours of this morning, a man in his twenties and a teenage girl were gunned down.

The police’s Noloyiso Rwexana says, she can confirm that cases of murder and attempted murder are under investigation after a shooting incident which occurred this morning.

No one has been arrested in connection with both incidents.

Pit bull nearly bites off gran's hand in vain bid to save toddler

Leonie Pretorius

29 August 2016

A family is in mourning after their pit bull terrier killed their 18-month-old daughter, Faith.

 Nowell’s mother Lientjie Hendricks was playing with Faith in the garden of the Hendricks family home in Mount Pleasant, Hermanus, on Friday.

The dog, Bruno, was on his chain but managed to free himself and started biting Faith on the legs.

 The grandmother jumped on the dog to try to calm him down, but he got out from under her and grabbed Faith by the throat.

That is whe the dog almost bit the grandmother’s hand off “Her hand was hanging from a sinew.  

When they finally got the dog out of the way, Faith was rushed to hospital, but she was already dead.  

Provincial health department spokesperson Bianca Carelse said the grandmother was in a stable condition in the Worcester hospital.

 Faith would be buried in Mount Pleasant on Saturday.

The Hermanus Animal Welfare Society also put the dog down.

Woodstock evictions: Rights group urges developers to meet with families

Somila Nkosana

29 August 2016

Civil rights group Reclaim the City has called on a private developer to meet with the families they are planning to evict from their homes in Woodstock.

The Woodstock Hub purchased the homes in Bromwell Street in 2013 and now wants to build a parking lot. But residents are up in arms and have refused to move.

The group’s Emile Engel says they’re calling on directors of the Woodstock Hub to come and meet these families which they’ve not done.

He has also called on the City of Cape Town to intervene.

PARKS TAU SAYS THE ANC MUST CONFRONT THE ABUSES OF STATE AGENCIES.

Wayne Boonzaaier
29 August 2016

Former Johannesburg Mayor Parks Tau says the African National Congress must confront the abuses of state agencies. 

Tau appeared to throw his weight behind Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan who failed to report to the Hawks last week for a warning statement. 

Gordhan and three other former South African Revenue Services officials have been identified as suspects in an investigation into a controversial unit. 

Tau says the ANC must be bold enough to confront the wrongs happening within the organisation and in government.

School racism investigation at Pretoria Girls High

Wayne Boonzaaier
29 August 2016

Education authorities are set to visit Pretoria High School for Girls, after racism allegations surfaced against the institution. 

Pupils claim they have been subjected to intense racism over a long period of time. They say their blackness has been discouraged. 

The pupils allege that rules are in place to discourage hairstyles such as afros, bantu knots, dreadlocks and braids. 

One girl was allegedly barred from writing her exam because her hair was somewhat “spiky” and “unkempt”. 

Apart from their hair, the pupils claim they are banned from speaking their mother tongue. They claim one teacher allegedly called the pupils 'monkeys' while they were singing and chanting in class.

Parliament oversight committees to visit Limpopo to assess service delivery

Wayne Boonzaaier

29 August 2016

The select committees on education and recreation and social services were expected to conduct a joint oversight visit in Limpopo to assess service delivery in the area, Parliament said yesterday. 

Parliamentary communications service's Malatswa Molepo said the select committee on education and recreation was expected to focus primarily on Vuwani, where several schools were torched during a separation dispute recently. 

The select committee on social services was expected to assess the provision of quality healthcare through the roll-out of the National Health Insurance pilot project, the provision of quality water and housing, as well as visiting border management of the Beitbridge Port of Entry, said Molepo. 

The committees were expected to start their visit at the Beitbridge border post.

Parks Tau honours ANC councillor who died at city council meeting

Leonie Pretorius

28 August 2016

Former Johannesburg mayor Parks Tau has paid tribute to the Johannesburg African National Congress councillor who collapsed during a meeting to vote for the new leadership of the city last week.

Tau was speaking at the funeral of Nonhlanhla Mthembu saying she was a gallant activist who contributed in making apartheid ungovernable.

The life of Mthembu who's fondly remembered as Black Diamond and Stompie is being celebrated by family, friends and comrades.

Tau, who's is still referred as mayor by his comrades, says Mthembu was committed to the ruling party.

According to the ANC, she recently celebrated her 50th birthday and was a long standing member of the party, having served as a Johannesburg councillor since 2011.

She had just been re-elected to serve another five years when she died.

Details on the exact cause of death haven’t been released.

Eskom says electricity safety is everyone’s business

Leonie Pretorius

28 August 2016

Eskom today repeated its call on South Africans to ensure they use electricity safely.

Eskom yesterday, embarked on a week-long countrywide campaign to educate South Africans about using electricity safely and responsibly.

The aim of the annual Eskom National Electricity Safety Week is to make communities aware of the basics of safe electricity usage and the risks associated with electricity theft, meter tampering, bypassing, and illegal connections.

The parastatal in a statement said they want people to know how to identify the dangers and what to do if or when they spot them.

Western Cape health authorities manage to contain swine flu outbreak

Leonie Pretorius

28 August 2016

Health authorities in the Western Cape have managed to contain a swine flu outbreak in George and doctors say there's no need for panic.

At least 22 people have been treated for the H1N1 strain in the Southern Cape Town.

Clinical manager at Walk in Doctors in Heatherlands, Dr Marcelle Herbst, says there is no epidemic coming through the country at the moment or through the Garden Route area.

Dozens protest against eviction in Woodstock

Leonie Pretorius

27 August 2016

Dozens of people are protesting outside the old Biscuit Mill Shopping Centre this afternoon against the eviction of 28 families from Woodstock.

The families who live in Bromwell Street have been joined by civil society group "reclaim the city" and other activists in a demonstration against the proposed development of the area.

The families have more than a week left to remain in their homes according to an eviction notice from private property developers who have bought the properties.

Dozens of locals have joined the families in their protest to the Old Biscuit Mill, a high-end retail development that has already invested in the area.

Toddler dies after pit bull attack

Leonie Pretorius

27 August 2016

A one-year-old girl has died after a pit bull attacked her in Hermanus.

Police say the family dog, a power breed, attacked the child and her grandmother for no apparent reason yesterday.

The girl suffered severe bite marks on her head and body.

Her grandmother is recovering in hospital.

The police’s Frederick Van Wyk says, The pit bull, was taken to Hermanus animal welfare and put down.

The grandmother was transferred to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

He says they’ve  opened an inquest docket for further investigation.

NPA considers options in Pistorius case

Leonie Pretorius

27 August 2016

The National Prosecuting Authority says it is considering its options after Judge Thokozile Masipa dismissed its application for leave to appeal the six-year sentence of Oscar Pistorius.

Masipa, who handed down her ruling in the High Court in Johannesburg yesterday, said the State's petition had no reasonable prospects of success.

Masipa had sentenced the Paralympic gold medallist in July for murdering his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, in 2013.

However, the prosecution had said the decision was shockingly lenient and disproportionate to the crime committed.

The State now has the option to petition the Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein.

Gauteng policeman arrested for armed robbery, kidnapping

Leonie Pretorius

27 August 2016

Gauteng police today said that a 33-year-old South African Police Service detective from Kempton Park police station has been arrested for kidnapping and armed robbery.

It is alleged that on Monday, a Senegalese national arrived at OR Tambo International Airport from Pretoria  Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said.

He was on his way to Hong Kong to buy stock for his shop.

While the victim was on his way to the check-in point, he was intercepted by two African men.

One of the men identified himself as a police officer stationed at crime intelligence in Kempton Park,said Mohlala.

The police officer apparently informed the man that he suspected he was carrying drugs and wanted to search him at the police station in Kempton Park.

It is alleged that they then went to a car parked outside the airport. 

The arrested police officer is expected to appear in court on Monday.

An investigation was still underway to locate the other suspects.

WC Health Department says there's no reason to panic following reports of an outbreak of swine flu.

Wayne Boonzaaier

26 August 2016

The Western Cape Health Department says there's no reason to panic following reports of an outbreak of swine flu in the Southern Cape.

More than 20 people are being treated for H1-N1 flu in George.

Doctors say they have so far treated mostly children under the age of two and people with a weakened immune system. Provincial Health Department Spokesperson, Mark van der Heever, says the H1-N1 strain should not be confused with the more serious AH1-N1 form of swine flu.

ANC DENIES INVOLVEMENT IN ALLEGED PRASA BRIBES

Wayne Boonzaaier

26 August 2016

The African National Congress has rejected allegations that the governing party was implicated in the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa “bribes”.

According to reports chairperson Popo Molefe has filed court papers claiming the ANC benefited from Prasa’s controversial locomotives deal.

Molefe alleges under oath that the supplier of Prasa’s controversial Afro 4,000 locomotives paid R80 million to entities who were not "creditors”of the company after an Angolan businesswoman had insisted that 10 percent of the tender’s value be paid to the governing party. 

The ANC has dismissed the claims.

Western Cape accused of failing to implement police report

Wayne Boonzaaier
26 August 2016

The Social Justice Coalition and Equal Education have accused the Western Cape government of failing to implement the recommendations of the Khayelitsha Commission of Inquiry into police inefficiency in the area. 

A march has been organised in the Cape Town CBD for Thursday to deliver a memorandum of grievances at the Office of Premier Helen Zille. The final report was released in August two years ago. 

It listed several interventions to improve policing in the area, but the SJC says these have not yet been implemented. 

SJC General Secretary Phumeza Mlungwana says that Thursday's march intends to highlight recommendation 12 of the report.

Lack of service deliveries still a common problem in SA

Nontando Mafanya

25 August 2016

The Economic Freedom Fighters female members today will be leading pickets outside at least 40 police stations in Gauteng to highlight a lack of service delivery and failure to protect black communities.

The party says today’s demonstration will also highlight the difficulties women face when reporting sexual violence and other crimes at police stations. 

The EFF’s Mandisa Mashego says he think some of the issues that women complain about are commonly known.

Victims of sexual violence, domestic violence and just violence in general in our society.

States Proposal to appeal Oscar Pistorius sentence has been dismissed

Nontando Mafanya

26 August 2016

Judge Thokozile Masipa has dismissed the State's application for leave to appeal the sentence handed down to former Paralympic star Oscar Pistorius with costs.

The State earlier today argued that an appeal court may impose a harsher sentence on Oscar Pistorius, saying that Judge Masipa may have misdirected herself.

 Addressing the matter, Judge Masipa said that she is not persuaded that another court will come to different decision.

The former athlete was initially convicted of culpable homicide for killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in 2013 and sentenced to five years in prison but the Supreme Court of Appeal ruled he should be convicted of murder and be re-sentenced.

Last month, Masipa sentenced Pistorius to six years in jail which the State believes is soft.

Giving others a voice

Panayiotou and his co-accused to appear in the Port Elizabeth High Court for a pre-trial hearing.

Somila Nkosana
25 August 2016


Murder suspect Christopher Panayiotou and his co-accused, Sizwezakhe Vumazonke and Sinethemba Nenembe, are expected to appear in the Port Elizabeth High Court for a pre-trial hearing.

Panayiotou is said to be the alleged mastermind behind his wife Jayde's killing last year in April. He has since had his bail application dismissed twice.

Last month a fourth suspect, Zolani Sibeko, was also arrested in connection with the murder. Last month Zolani Sibeko was formally charged for conspiracy to commit murder, murder and abduction after police said they had linked him to the co-accused.

Police claim that through their investigations including cell phone plotting, they placed Sibeko with Vumazonke and Nenembe on the day that they allegedly scouted Jayde's route to her school. Panayiotou has been incarcerated for more than a year.

Panayiotou is expected to sit in the docks with his co-accused in a pre-trail hearing. The official trial date has been set for October 3.

Mother and son, 2, burn to death in their home in Milnerton

Somila Nkosana
25 August 2016

A mother and her 2-year-old son burnt to death in an early morning shack fire in Joe Slovo Park, Milnerton, on Wednesday, the City of Cape Town's fire services said.

Spokesperson Liezl Moodie said firefighters responded to the scene at 01:00, where they found the lone iron and wood structure in flames.

No other shacks were affected.

The woman and the little boy were found dead in their home.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined and police are investigating.

58 police officers arrested countrywide

Natasha Mabutho
24 August 2016

The Hawks have arrested 58 police officers countrywide for corruption over the past five months.

Briefing the police portfolio committee in Parliament yesterday, the unit's national head Berning Ntlemeza revealed 37 of those arrests were made in Gauteng.

Ntlemeza says since April, the Hawks' anti-corruption unit apprehended their some of own.

Of the four arrests, two are from the national office’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), while the others are from KwaZulu-Natal and the North West DPCI.

The DPCI is cleaning up within itself.

Police shot armed robber in the leg in Site C,CPT

Nontando Mafanya
24 August 2016

An armed robber was shot in the leg while his accomplices escaped after a shootout during a heist at an Mfuleni shop on Tuesday.

Captain FC Van Wyk said A taxi driver told a police patrol about a robbery happening nearby at 11:30.

As the police moved in that direction, shots were fired at them by men who were pretending to be bystanders near the spaza shop.

Police members returned fire and one man, who was inside the shop with the owners, robbing them at gunpoint, was shot in the leg and arrested.

Three men escaped, leaving behind their getaway vehicles, a rented Hyundai and a white Ford bakkie, which were parked behind the shop.

The injured man, a 25-year-old from Site C in Khayelitsha, would appear in the Blue Downs Magistrate’s Court soon on a charge of business robbery.

Police arrested 36 year old man with abalone worth R2m

Nontando Mafanya
24 August 2016

A tip-off led police to an abalone haul worth R2 million in Mitchell's Plain.

Captain FC van Wyk said that the bust was made on Monday night, after the local crime prevention unit got information about illicit activities at a house in Chelsea Street, Rondevlei Park.

He said Police found the abalone during a search of the property.

Police confiscated the abalone and arrested a 36-year-old man, residing in Belhar, for the illegal possession of abalone.

The suspect is due to appear in the Mitchell’s Plain Magistrate's Court soon.

Sotheby's boss to be moved to Stellenbosch for court appearance

Leonie Pretorius

23 August 2016

Police say Sotheby’s International Realty CEO Jason Rohde, who’s been arrested in connection with his wife's murder, will appear in the Stellenbosch Magistrates Court within the next 48 hours.

Rohde was arrested at his Bryanston home in Johannesburg this morning.

Susan Rohde was found dead in a room at Spier, an exclusive wine estate and hotel in Stellenbosch, late last month.

The police’s Frederick van Wyk says, They can confirm that a 47-year-old suspect has been arrested earlier today in Johannesburg for the murder of Susan Rohde.

Her body was found on 24 July at a hotel near Lynedoch.

The suspect is due to appear in the Stellenbosch Magistrates Court on a charge of murder.

CEO of Sotheby International Realty will be charged for his wife murder

Nontando Mafanya
23 August 2016

The husband of Susan Rohde, whose body was found in a bathroom of an upmarket Stellenbosch hotel, has reportedly been arrested in connection with her murder.

Western Cape police confirmed to reporters that a 47-year-old man had been arrested in Johannesburg this morning.

Jason Rohde is the chief executive officer of Sotheby International Realty.

He was expected to appear on a charge of murder in the Stellenbosch Magistrate’s Court soon, said Captain FC van Wyk.

Teenage boy died after being electrocuted in Philippi

Nontando Mafanya
23 August 2016

An investigation has been launched after a teenage boy was electrocuted in Philippi.

It's believed the 17-year-old was trying to install an illegal power connection at the Jim se Bos informal settlement yesterday.

A friend who was with the teen said he had climbed onto a pole-mounted transformer and was shocked while trying to switch on the electricity supply.

He died on the scene.

The City of Cape Town says about three years ago, a 12-year-old boy was also electrocuted in the same area after apparently falling on an illegal power connection.

Child hanged and 2 family members shot in brutal KZN murder

Natasha Mabuto
23 August 2016

KwaZulu-Natal police on Monday appealed to the public for information about the murder of a mother and her two children.

Lieutenant Colonel Thulani Zwane said that police were called to the Mzungu area in Ndwedwe on Friday night.

They found the bodies of Thandokwakhe Bhengu, 35, and her two children Lindelani, 16, and Lungisani, 8.

The mother and teenager had been shot dead and Lungisani was hanging from a pole.

The motive for the triple murder had not been established yet.

Economists warn that the fuel price hike will likely be at the end of the year

Nontando Mafanya
23 August 2016

Motorists can look forward to a second consecutive fuel price cut next month.

However Economist Dawie Roodt says fuel prices will likely start rising again closer to the end of the year.

The cost of petrol came down by 99 cents this month and another drop.

Over the medium term, because of an expected rise in the price of international oil and an expected weaker currency, further falls should not be expected in the coming months.

We can surely expect a petrol increase by the end of this year again.

Issues of the SABC, election violence and public protector will be discussed at Parliament this week

Natasha Mabuto
23 August 2016

Today, the Hawks will brief the police portfolio committee on some of their high-profile cases, including the arrest of terrorism suspects in Gauteng and individuals linked to rhino horn poaching.

Violent protests,the selection of the new public protector and pre-election killings will be the focus in Parliament this week.

A number of councillor candidates were killed in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.

Tomorrow, the committee will question the SA Police Service on their handling of violent pre-election protests in areas such as Tshwane and Vuwani, and murders committed during the period.

KZN sex-tape teacher victim attempts suicide

Wayne Boonzaaier
22 August 2016

One of the alleged victims of a Nquthu teacher who allegedly filmed himself having sex with students is in a stable condition after reportedly attempting to take her own life over the weekend.

The teacher was exposed after graphic footage was reported to the department of education last week. He was immediately suspended and has not reported for work since then.

Department of Education spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi said that they had received a report over the weekend that one of the victims who appear in the sex videos had tried to commit suicide.

Reports of no fees hike for 2017 denied

Leonie Pretorius

22 August 2016

Cabinet has denied reports that President Jacob Zuma has instructed Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan, as well as his Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande to find money as to not hike next year's tuition fees at tertiary institutions.

Over a week ago, the National Treasury told theFees Commission of Inquiry , looking into the feasibility of free tertiary education, that such a decision was not budgeted for.

Briefing the media in Pretoria, the Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe, reiterated government's position that a decision on whether there would be an increase in tuition fees, would only be made after consultations with stakeholders.

Pregnant woman dies week after being run over at car wash

Leonie Pretorius

22 August 2016

The heavily pregnant woman who was run over at a car wash in Pretoria has died.

Belinda Louw was in the waiting area of the car wash of a Sasol filling station in Gezina on August 13 when an employee lost control of a vehicle he was not authorised to drive and drove over her.

Louw was 38 weeks pregnant and her son, who was going to be called Ryan, would have been born by Caesarean section last Friday.

He did not survive the accident. She died in the Muelmed Hospital in Pretoria Sunday night, Rekord Moot reported.

Louw broke her wrist, six ribs and her pelvis, suffered lacerations to her pancreas and hurt her lungs and kidneys.

The employee was trying to drive a Toyota Fortuner from the washing area to vacuuming area.

About 13 000 customers affected by Telkom strike

Leonie Pretorius

22 August 2016

Telkom spokesperson Jacqui O'Sullivan says about 13 000 customers had been hit by outages caused by sabotage.

This has happened as the Communication Workers Union strike against Telkom moves into its fourth week.

O'Sullivan says while about 870 CWU members were on strike on Friday, their behaviour has now had a significant impact on many residential and business customers.

She says the No Work No Pay policy will be implemented.

More arrests pending in connection with DA Councillor's murder

Nontando Mafanya
22 August 2016

The Hawks say more arrests are pending in connection with the murder of Democratic Alliance councillor Hannes Baatjies.

A suspect was arrested on Friday and is expected to appear in the Post-mas-burg Magistrate’s Court today.

Baatjies was reportedly tempted to what he believed was a business meeting last week, where he was then shot and killed.

Baatjies, 49, was found dead near his car in Groenwater in the Northern Cape, just hours before he was due to be confirmed in as a DA councillor.

A 29-year-old suspect who was arrested on Friday, and faces murder and attempted murder charges.

SANCO expressed sadness over the death of 11 solders

Natasha Mabuto
22 August 2016


The South African National Civic Organisation has expressed sadness at the death of 11 soldiers who died on the R712 near Golden Gate in the Free State.


Spokesperson Jabu Mahlangu said in a statement that the death of the soldiers “put a damper on Women’s month”.


He says that are saddened by the tragic loss of the lives of their warriors, protectors of their freedom, and democracy.


Mahlangu called on road traffic law enforcement authorities to increase visibility in order to reduce the carnage on public roads.


Accident reconstruction experts were sent by the Road Traffic Management Corporation to investigate the bus crash.

Alleged Killer will appear in George Magistrate court

Nontando Mafanya
22 August 2016

A mother accused of killing her son is expected to apply for bail in the George Magistrates Court today.

The woman allegedly stabbed her 29-year-old son during an altercation last weekend at their home in Pacaltsdorp.

The woman has been in police custody since her arrest last Saturday. Police say she reportedly got into a fight with her son after he tried to steal items from her house.

The man was an alleged drug addict .His mother was arrested for his murder soon after his death.

Western Cape Social Development MEC Albert Fritz has condemned the murder, calling on families to seek help where drug abuse is a problem.

Illegal miners arrested.

Wayne Boonzaaier
21 August 2016

Seventy illegal miners, all foreigners, will appear in the Welkom Magistrate's Court on Monday on charges of attempted theft of gold bearing material, trespassing, and immigration laws, Free State police said.

Mine security called the Welkom police to inform them about illegal miners coming out from underground in the Eland shaft mine in Welkom on Friday, Captain Stephen Thakeng said.

After arriving at the scene, police arrested 70 illegal miners with the assistance of mine security officers.

GORDHAN & NZIMANDE TO FIND PLANS FOR ZERO FEE INCREASE

Wayne Boonzaaier
21 August 2016

President Jacob Zuma has instructed Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan and Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande to find the money to accommodate the zero percent fee increase for university students next year.

According to reports Zuma gave the instruction to the two ministers despite Treasury and Nzimande warning that a no fee increase will be unsustainable. Zuma called a meeting with both Gordhan and Nzimande in Pretoria last week Sunday.

Zuma apparently made it clear that he backed the call for a zero percent fee tertiary education by the progressive youth alliance. At the commission of enquiry into Higher Education and Training earlier this month, the Council on Higher Education recommended an across the board inflation-related increase at universities in 2017.

Man in Worcester arrested for possession of drugs.

Wayne Boonzaaier
21 August 2016

A 55-year-old man was arrested for drug possession in Worcester, Western Cape police said.

According to reports officers followed up information from residents and searched a house in Zwelethemba on Saturday morning.

They found 24 straws of tik and 307 mandrax tablets. The drugs had an estimated street value of R17 000.

The man Is set to appear in the Worcester Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

MAPHATSOE DEFAMATION CASE TO START ON MONDAY

Wayne Boonzaaier
20 August 2016

Former Intelligence Minister Ronnie Kasrils is suing the head of the uMkhonto we Sizwe Military Veterans Association Kebby Maphatsoe for defamation.

Kasrils is heading to the Pretoria High Court following allegations made by Maphatsoe over two years ago.

The MK veterans head apparently made remarks during a press conferences that Kasrils gave legal advice to “Kwezi”, the young woman who accused President Jacob Zuma of raping her.

Maphathoe also allegedly accused Kasrils of being a sell-out and an enemy of the revolution for dismissing a number of soldiers of uMkhonto we Sizwe. Kasrils has labeled the allegations untrue and malicious.

Man electrocuted by power lines on Western Cape farm

Wayne Boonzaaier
20 August 2016

A man was killed and another seriously injured when their industrial vehicle came into contact with power lines near the R44 near Somerset West on Friday.

According to reports the men had been working on a farm at the time.

It is believed that the industrial vehicle they were in came into contact with power lines and they were electrocuted.

Reports further explain that upon arrival at the scene, paramedics found one of the men, believed to be in his 60s, in a critical condition.

Paramedics had to resuscitate him, however, despite all efforts to save the man, he died.

The second man, who is believed to be in his 20s, sustained multiple burn wounds. He was treated and transported to hospital for further medical care.

Rhino horn trafficker caught in Johannesburg.

Wayne Boonzaaier
20 August 2016


A Chinese man with 10 rhino horns and scores of carved ornaments with an estimated value of R1.5-million was arrested in South Africa as he tried to board a flight to Hong Kong, police said on Friday.

The 48-year-old man was detained on Thursday at Johannesburg's OR Tambo international airport and will appear in court on Monday on charges of trafficking in rhino horns.

South Africa is battling a rhino poaching crisis, with nearly 1,200 animals killed for their horns last year.

Rhino horn is composed mainly of keratin, the same component as in human nails, but the substance is believed in some Asian countries, to have medicinal properties that could cure cancer.

Although scientifically proven to be false, the belief has fuelled a lucrative illegal trade in rhino horn in Asia.

EFF & DA feel let down by smaller parties after ANC retains Rustenburg.

Wayne Boonzaaier
20 August 2016

The Economic Freedom Fighters and Democratic Alliance in Rustenburg say they feel let down by the other small political parties who withdrew from an agreement to form a coalition government and oust the anc.

Yesterday, the African National Congress retained power with mayor Mpho Khunou returning for a second term in office.

Proceedings in the chamber got off to a rocky yesterday morning, with clashes between the ANC and EFF requiring police to be deployed to the city centre.

Opposition parties have been unhappy with the result after being confident that negotiations with other small entities, would lead to a coalition government.
 

two gangsters appeared in court today

Nontando Mafanya
18 August 2016

Two people were set to appear in the Bluedowns Magistrates Court today in connection with the theft of heavy military weapons.

They were arrested near Zevenwacht Mall in Kuils River earlier this week during an intelligence-driven operation.

During the operation, police discovered arms including an assault rifle, ammunition and a rocket-propelled grenade launcher.

It’s being reported the men, aged 25 and 28, are affiliated to the 28’s gang.

Presiding Judge of the Thulsie twins’ case says proper procedures were not followed

Natasha Mabuto
19 August 2016

On Monday,the Johannesburg Magistrates Court found the arrests of Brandon-Lee and Tony-Lee Thulsie were legal because the police had reasonable suspicion of an offence being committed.

The Hawks took the 23-year-old twins, at their homes in Newclare last month on suspicion that they were planning to bomb Jewish and US interests in the country.

However an urgent court application to challenge the arrests of the Thulsie twins has been struck from the roll.

Advocate Annelene Van Den Heever applied for an urgent court application to be heard in the High Court today to overturn Monday’s ruling.

The State was only served with the application last night and a single judge cannot overturn a ruling from a lower court.

The matter has to be challenged on review by two judges.

Rustenburg council meeting

Natasha Mabuto
19 August 2016

While the ANC prepares to play the role of opposition in the Tshwane council, the DA's Solly Msimanga is expected to be elected mayor of Tshwane today.

He will likely do so thanks to an agreement by opposition parties to stick together and oust the ANC.

No party could manage to get a 50% majority during the August 3 local government elections, leaving the council hung.

Following talks between parties, the EFF agreed to vote with the DA, while the FF Plus, UDM, Cope, and ACDP signed a coalition agreement with it.

Msimanga said he was looking forward to the day and the work that lay ahead.

Trial date in Khayelitsha teen murder case expected today

Leonie Pretorius

19 August 2016

A trial date for two men accused of the rape and murder of Sinoxolo Mafevuka is expected to be set today.

The accused have been in police custody for the past two months after they were denied bail earlier this year.

Mafevuka’s body was found in a communal toilet in Khayelitsha in March.

The two cousins are expected to hear when their trial is likely to start in the Western Cape High Court.

During their last appearance, the State had requested a postponement so that detectives could continue their investigation and gather evidence before trial.

Defence lawyer Thabo Nogemane had on a previous occasion requested that police focus their efforts on finding the deceased's alleged lover.

The investigating officer had told the court the man had fled to the Eastern Cape because he was scared of the two accused.

Public Protector candidature still running

Somila Nkosana
19 August 2016

Five candidates, including two judges, are head-to-head for the job. The committee tasked with finding a new Public Protector spent two hours yesterday eliminating nine of the 14 shortlisted candidates who were interviewed last week.

Two of the five candidates attracted the most debate, Judge Siraj Desai and Professor Bongani Majola. African National Congress members of Parliament argued strongly for Desai, including Amos Masondo.

But the Democratic Alliance noted Desai’s volatile temper, while the Economic Freedom Fighters questioned Desai’s lack of financial skills.

The EFF’s Floyd Shivambu also objected to Majola for being a prosecutor and magistrate under apartheid and having no struggle credentials. However, the ANC and DA backed him.

The committee meets on Wednesday to agree, or go to a vote, on a final candidate to recommend to the National Assembly.

Public Protector candidates list reduced to five

Natasha Mabuto
18 August 2016

In a relatively short meeting, the multi-party committee shaped down the number of candidates from 14 to five.

Five candidates will now be competing for the Public Protector position after an immediate cutting down of the candidate list today.

Most of the 9 other candidates were swiftly sent off with, including current Deputy Public Protector Kevin Malunga.

MPs did not even debate his candidacy, and merely said he must fall off the list.

The five candidates who made the list are judges Sharise Weiner and Siraj Desai, and advocates Busisiwe Mkhwebane, Muvhango Lukhaimane and Professor Bongani Majola.

While the three candidates Weiner, Mkhwebane and Lukhaimane, made the list without any objections, firm debates were held over Desai and Majola's candidacy.

ANC members walked out of the first council meeting in NMB

Nontando Mafanya
18 August 2016

Some African National Congress councillors have walked out of the first council meeting where Athol Trollip has been elected unopposed as mayor.

The UDM's Mongameli Bobani was also installed as the deputy mayor during the meeting.

Councillors have been warned not to insult other members at this afternoon’s sitting.

The Democratic Alliance secured 46.7 percent of the vote in this month’s local government polls and entered into a coalition with the United Democratic Movement, Congress of the People and the African Christian Democratic Party to form a multi-party government in the hotly-contested metro.

As Trollip took his mayoral seat, there were cheers and celebration.

Alleged serial rapist back in the court

Leonie Pretorius
18 August 2016

A man accused of committing at least 23 rapes over the past five years is expected to appear in the Bellville Magistrates Court today.

The 33-year-old suspect appeared in the dock in May and the State requested an additional three months for further investigation.

Forensic evidence linked the man to the rapes, committed over an extended period in Delft and Khayelitsha.

According to police, the man followed and threatened his victims before robbing them of jewellery and mone.

Cases of robbery and assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm have since been added to the charge sheet.

The man was nabbed in Epping three months ago.

At the time, seven victims had been traced.

The State said it needed more time to locate the rest of the complainants, who are aged between 18 and 28.

Some are currently in the Eastern Cape.

The suspect previously told the court he would not be applying for bail.

Solly Msimanga will be mayor of Tshwane and Athol Trollip will be the mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay

Leonie Pretorius
17 August 2016

It is all systems go for the Democratic Alliance to form a government in the municipalities of Tshwane and Nelson Mandela Bay.

Mmusi Maimane confirmed that Solly Msimanga will be mayor of Tshwane, while Athol Trollip will be mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay.

This after the party had secured coalition agreements with Congress of the People, African Christian Democratic Party, Freedom Front Plus, United Democratic Movement and Inkatha Freedom Party.

EC police tried to come up with the information of NMM University student murder

Nontando Mafanya
17 August 2016

Eastern Cape police today appealed for information to help solve the murder of Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University student Thambani Ngwekazi and the rape of his friend.

Ngwekazi, 28, and his 21-year-old friend were hijacked while they were waiting in a gold VW Golf in North End, Port Elizabeth, to pick up two other students for a night out on SaturdaySix men approached them and forced the two into the boot of their car at gunpoint.

They were taken to a beach in Port Elizabeth. The 21-year-old woman was raped and Ngwekazi was shot.

His body was found floating in the sea near Brighton Beach. The stolen VW Golf was recovered, but no arrests had been made yet.

The university said everybody was shocked by the first year emergency medical student's death.

Counselling was on offer for those who needed it. He was originally from KwaZulu-Natal.

Spokesperson Zandile Mbabele said the rape survivor was receiving counselling, as were the witnesses who saw them being bundled into the boot of the car.

Potential candidates of Public Protector will be reduced tomorrow

Nontando Mafanya
17 August 2016

Committee chairperson Dr Makhosi Khoza says in a statement they will be meeting to reduce the number of potential candidates from the 14 who were shortlisted to a possible five.

The Parliamentary Committee tasked with finding a new Public Protector is to meet tomorrow to narrow down its shortlist, with a final decision possible as early as next week.

All the shortlisted candidates were subjected to gruelling interviews last week that were broadcast live and continued from early morning until the early hours of the following day.

The committee chairperson says they’ll be meeting at Parliament at 1pm tomorrow to reflect on the performance of each candidate during their interviews.

The committee has until the end of the month to report back to the National Assembly.

Thuli Mandonsela says that society isn’t ready for a woman to lead

Natasha Mabuto
17 August 2016

With less than seven weeks to go before handing over the reins as Public Protector, Thuli Madonsela explained the importance of achieving the 50:50 gender parity goal by the year 2030.

Reflecting on her position as Public Protector, Madonsela said she is in the position she is in today because of other women who nominated her for the job and that society is not ready for women to lead.

Nigerians accused of human trafficking denied bail

Somila Nkosana
17 August 2016


Three Nigerian nationals have been denied bail in the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court for their alleged involvement in human trafficking.

The trio were nabbed last month and face additional charges of kidnapping.

It has been reported that desperate job seekers are often preyed upon and exploited by opportunists such as the three men. They lure their victims to Johannesburg under the guise of employment opportunities.

Magistrate Vincent Ratshibvumo says, “Together with two other ladies they were in a flat, and all of a sudden three Nigerian Nationals came about and told her the job she will be doing is one in prostitution."

The victims were held in a flat in Hillbrow. They were allegedly forced to pose naked for pictures on the internet as part of their
initiation. They claim they were made to eat human faeces and drink urine.

When they refused they were beaten up.

With the help of the local police, one woman managed to escape. She then opened a case.

During a sting operation, she identified the men who are her captors.

Two of the victims are still missing, while the third has been moved to a place of safety following the threats to drop charges.

The trio will appear in court later this month.

Eskom in the process of reconnecting power to Khayelitsha family

Nontando Mafanya
16 August 2016

Eskom says it is in the process of reconnecting power to a Khayelitsha family living without electricity for more than five months.

The Public Protector found the power utility had wrongfully disconnected the Khumalo home in February.

Last week, Shorn Khumalo told reporters their power was still disconnected, two weeks after the Public Protector’s report was released.

But Eskom's Khulu Phasiwe says they have tried to help the family.

Phasiwe says they are still awaiting the final report from the Public Protector.

Venezuelan woman arrested with 100 cocaine cigar tubes in Johannesburg

Natasha Mabuto
15 August 2016

The South African Revenue Service customs officials made a drug bust yesterday when they stopped and searched a Venezuelan woman trying to smuggle 100 cocaine cigar tubes at OR Tambo International Airport.

The suspect had flown in from Brazil and has been arrested.

The contraband weighed almost eight kilograms with an estimated value of R2 million.

SARS official Janine Mqulwana said that the interception, the confinement as well as the passenger will be handed over to the police.

They will investigate and from there, court process will take place too.

Johannesburg man living in fear after his family was murdered in Lawley

Natasha Mabuto
15 August 2016

A Gauteng man whose wife and children were shot dead execution style at their home in Lawley, south of Johannesburg, says he now fears for his life and the lives of the rest of his family.

The 47-year-old Bongani Dlamini survived the weekend attack in which several gunmen stormed into his house.

His wife Hlengiwe, their daughter Samkelisiwe, son Siyabonga and daughter in-law Tumelo died on the scene on Saturday night.

Dlamini says this was third time attackers had targeted his 21-year-old son.

He says he had moved his family from Soweto after the first attempt on his son’s life.

Siyabonga and Tumelo leave behind their two young children, aged two and seven-months-old.

The children were also in the house at the time of the attack. Police say they are investigating.

The rights of elderly disabled in KZN to be assessed by the Human Rights Commission

Natasha Mabuto
15 August 2016

The South African Human Rights Commission will visit KwaZulu-Natal to assess human rights issues affecting the elderly and people living with disabilities.

The five-day visit, which is expected to take place between August 15 and 19, will be led by Commissioner Bokankatla Malatji, who is responsible for the portfolio on disability and older persons.

South African Human Rights Commission spokesperson Wisani Baloyi said complaints received by the commission had highlighted systemic challenges.

The commission had launched its Older Persons Report in 2015, following investigative hearings into the treatment and abuse of older people.

ANCWL urged SA to support Caster Simenya

Nontando Mafanya
14 August 2016

The ANC Women’s League has slammed some international media organisation’s interest in South African runner Caster Semenya’s sexuality.

The league has labelled the criticism as humiliating and demoralising and that it creates the impression an African woman can’t excel in sport.

The ANCWL has called on South Africans to support the gold medalist and to condemn speculation around her gender

Pistorious under suicide watch

Nontando Mafanya
14 August 2016

Convicted murderer Oscar Pistorius has been placed on suicide watch after sustaining severe wrist injuries in jail.

Pistorius was rushed to Pretoria's Kalafong Hospital last weekend but his family insisted it was not a suicide attempt but rather a very bad fall.

There was a report that the former paralympian's case has developed with three senior prison sources confirming that he laid a complaint of attempted murder against prison nurses three weeks ago.

Langa Murder Rate decreased with 17%

Nontando Mafanya
14 August 2016

The high murder rate in the township of Langa has contributed to more than 55% of the total number of murders in Cape Town's police cluster.

The statistic has been revealed during this weekend's Policing Needs and Priorities workshop hosted by the Western Cape Community Safety Department in Salt River.

Various safety groups and law enforcement agencies within the Cape Town policing cluster have been attending the talks.

The department's latest crime statistics have revealed the Langa police precinct has contributed to more than half of the total number of murder cases in the Cape Town police cluster over the past five years.

Overall the murder rate in Langa has dropped since 2011, from 65 murders to 43 during the 2014/2015 period.

The overall murder rate has decreased by 17% between 2010 and 2015.

Two men faces charges of malicious damage to property during the protest in Cullinan

Nontando Mafanya
13 August 2016

Two men have been arrested on charges of public violence after a protest in Refilwe, in the Cullinan diamond mining region this week.

Constable Connie Moganedi said the two are expected to appear in the Cullinan Magistrate's Court on Monday and would also face a charge of malicious damage to property.

Police were still monitoring the area but it had been an uneventful Saturday by midday.

In the protest, which started on Thursday night, municipal buildings and a vehicle were torched, and a road was blocked with burning tyres.

Police stopped an attempt at burning the municipal buildings down, but some damage was done.

Tshwane municipal spokesperson Selby Bokaba attributed the protest to an eviction notice, saying trouble had been brewing during the process of formalising informal settlements and relocating some residents.

EC ANC candidate and wife killed in their home

Nontando Mafanya
13 August 2016

Eastern Cape police have formed a high level task team to investigate the murder of ANC councillor-in-waiting, Zolile Malangeni, and his government employee wife Ntombovuyo this week.

Police spokesperson Colonel Mzukisi Fatyela said today the couple was killed in their home in Mayamuleni, Tsolo, on Thursday night, with two small children present.

The children were both 2 years old.

Malangeni's wife died at the house, and Malangeni died later in hospital. The children were not physically harmed.


Fatyela said nobody has been arrested yet, but the provincial commissioner of police, the cluster commander and members of the specialist police unit the Hawks visited the scene on Friday and have formed a task team to investigate the murders.

AIC demanding Matatiele reincorporate into Kwa-Zulu Natal

Nontando Mafanya
13 August 2016


The African Independent Congress says it will not back down on its demand to have Matatiele reincorporated into KwaZulu-Natal.


The AIC is expected to meet the African National Congress tomorrow about forming a coalition government in Ekurhuleni.


The ruling party in the province won 48.64% of the vote and is hoping to use the AIC's close to 2% to have an outright majority.


In 2006 the Constitutional Court found that Matatiele's redemarcation was invalid with the party meeting with President Jacob Zuma who promised to resolve the matter.


The party's Mandla Galo says they have also been approached by the Democratic Alliance but are waiting first for confirmation from the ANC.

Gauteng SAPS ask people for help in finding fake cops

Nontando Mafanya
13 August 2016

Gauteng police have advised community members to come forward with any information about suspects who pose as fake cops as tracking criminals down is proving to be difficult.

Yesterday, a Roodepoort woman and her toddler were kidnapped and robbed after being stopped by fake cops who accused her of robbing a bank.

The mother, who says she was stopped by men dressed in the police uniform, told her to get into their vehicle so that she could fill out a statement at the police station.

Spokesperson Kay Makhubele says while some have been arrested for the illegal use of police uniforms they are having a tough time finding other criminals.

Home Affairs officials nabbed for corruption

Leonie Pretorius

12 August 2016

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation today said that its anti-corruption unit had arrested two Home Affairs department officials on suspicion of fraud, corruption and extortion.

Captain Matimba Maluleke of the Hawks briefly in a statement said that The first suspect, who is an Assistant Manager at Giyani Home Affairs, was arrested after a long and profound investigation which started in 2012.

He says The suspect allegedly solicited bribes from Asylum seekers from different countries during his tenure as the manager of the Refugee Centre at Beitbridge Home Affairs.

He adds The second suspect, who is a 42-year-old immigration officer, was arrested for allegedly stamping the passport of an illegal immigrant who was detained in police custody for being in the country illegally.

Both suspects were expected to appear in the Musina Magistrate’s Court today.

Police monitor taxi protests in Hout bay

Leonie Pretorius

12 August 2016

Calm has returned to the Imizamo Yethu area in Hout Bay after a protest this morning.

Taxi drivers blocked off a number of roads.

The main road into the informal settlement has been re-opened after protesting taxi drivers blocked it off earlier this morning.

Vehicles that had been blocking the road have been towed away and protesters have spread.

It's unclear what the drivers were demonstrating over. Apart from traffic being affected there have been no reports of violence.

Africa's oldest community radio station launches funding campaign

Bush Radio 89.5fm, Africa's oldest community radio station has embarked on a campaign to help fundraise for the station.

As a non-profit community radio station which services the needs of the various communities on the Cape Flats and surrounds, Bush Radio as been broadcasting legally since the 9th August 1995. Prior to that the little station in the "mother city" took on the apartheid regime by pirating and pushing for freedom of the airwaves in South Africa.

Due to its actions the station paved the way for the establishment of community radio in South Africa and the establishment of the the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) which evolved into the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA).

For more details of the funding campaign visit: www.bushradio.wordpress.com

Gauteng ANC'S leadership receive warnings of attempt to be disbanded by the SACP

Wayne Boonzaaier
12 August 2016

As the African National Congress’s National Executive Committee continues its meeting in Irene this morning.

The South African Communist Party says it believes there will be an attempt by some to convince the NEC to disband the leadership of the Gauteng ANC.

The SACP says the ANC must ask itself if it really was only urban black voters who based their voting decisions on how the party handled the Nkandla scandal.

It says that position is unsustainable because the ANC lost support across the country in last week’s local elections.

Deputy Public Protector Kevin Malunga does not have the required security clearance to get his boss’s job

Wayne Boonzaaier
12 August 2016

Deputy Public Protector Kevin Malunga does not have the required security clearance to get his boss’s job.

The ad hoc committee tasked with finding Thuli Madonsela’s replacement had received a letter from the State Security Agency bringing into question Malunga’s qualification for the position.

Malunga is one of the 14 candidates competing to fill Madonsela’s shoes when her 7-year term ends in October.