Skeletal remains of two people found near Wellington

Leonie Pretorius

31 October 2016

The skeletal remains of two people were found along the Bainskloof Pass near Wellington this morning. It is understood that hikers came across the human remains on Saturday and alerted the Wellington Police Service.

The police tasked a team which included ER24, Worcester Metro Rescue, Worcester Police, Forensic Pathology Services and the Breede Valley Fire Department to search the area.

The team came across two vehicles several meters down the embankment of the Bainskloof Pass, approximately 10 kilometres from the well-known Calabash Bush Pub.

Rescuers stated that both vehicles, a car and a bakkie, appeared to have been burnt out completely.

However they found partial skeletal remains of two people a few meters away.

The rescuers were also unable to find any identification on scene.

The gender of the remains could not be established and it is not clear at this stage how long the remains have been there.

The scene has since been handed over to the Worcester Police for further investigation.

DA Leader Maimane to attend court proceedings on State Capture report

Leonie Pretorius

31 October 2016

Tomorrow, 01 November 2016, Democratic Alliance Leader, Mmusi Maimane, will be present at the North Gauteng High Court for the first day of legal proceedings relating the Public Protector’s State Capture report, which involves the hearing of the interdict applications by President Jacob Zuma and Minister Des Van Rooyen to stop the release of the report.

The DA Leader requested this investigation in March this year, and the DA has joined the application as an interested party. 

Guy Fawkes Safety

Wayne Boonzaaier
31 October 2016

Angelique Jordaan, the principle communications officer at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, shared some safety tips in regards with Guy Fawkes.

Jordaan said “Within the seven designated areas identified by the City of Cape Town for the discharge of fireworks keep behind a protective barrier and away from anything that could catch fire.

It is also important to avoid wearing loose clothing or flowing clothes as it could catch fire.

Always keep an eye on children, keep firework out of their reach and never allow them to handle matches, lighters or fireworks.

Never allow them to pick up pieces of fireworks as it still may be ignited and could explode at any time.”

City of Tshwane to restore water at Laudium and Atterdgeville

Nontando Mafanya

31 October 2016

The City of Tshwane says it hopes to restore water in some parts of Laudium and Atteridgeville in Pretoria West today.

The areas have been without supply since Sunday after reservoir levels dropped.

Over 10 water tankers have brought in to affected areas.

The city’s Lindela Mashigo says The City of Tshwane hopes that water will be restored fully in the early hours once the reservoirs have had time to recover during the night time.

This is as a result of water supply restrictions imposed by Rand Water and not service interruption.

This type of behaviour is nothing else but hooliganism: Dennis bloem

Nontando Mafanya

31 October 2016

The Congress of the People has called for stringent action to be taken against African National Congress members who were allegedly involved in bloody brawl during council meeting in Port Elizabeth.

The fight broke out during a meeting of Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality officials last week.

Two councillors were left injured, a security guard also apparently discharged a firearm.

Cope's Dennis Bloem says, “This type of behaviour is nothing else but hooliganism."

“We can see that the ANC don't want to accept the reality that they're no more in power in the Nelson Mandela Bay, in Tshwane Metro and in Johannesburg."

Christopher Panayiotou and his co-accused will appear in E.C High court today

Nontando Mafanya

31 October 2016

The trial of Christopher Panayiotou and his co-accused for the murder of his wife Jayde is expected to continue in the Eastern Cape High Court in Port Elizabeth on Monday. 

Panayiotou, Sinethemba Nenembe and Zolani Sibeko are on trial on charges of conspiring, kidnapping, robbing, and killing Jayde on April 21, 2015. 

They pleaded not guilty.

The alleged hitman, Sizwezakhe Vumazonke, died in September. Jayde Panayiotou, was abducted outside her home in Kabega Park, Port Elizabeth, while waiting for her lift to Riebeeck Park High School on Tuesday, April 21.

She was found shot dead in a veld outside KwaNobuhle Township, Uitenhage, and the following day.

Son of King Dalindyebo fighting for his father

Nontando Mafanya

30 October 2016

The Abathembu nation could have two kings acting in the place of jailed King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo.

Prince Azenathi Dalindyebo wants to act in his father's place, while his uncle Prince Mthandeni Dalindyebo has already been installed as acting king by the Abathembu Royal House.

 Azenathi Dalindyebo, the son of the jailed Abathembu king, is in KwaZulu-Natal on a mission to reclaim his place as acting king.

The 23-year-old addressed a gathering of Abathembu in uMzimkhulu on the lower South Coast.

 He attacked his uncle for robbing him of his right to the throne.

Man found in critical condition hanging from tree

Nontando Mafanya

30 October 2016

A 35 year old man is in a critical condition after he was found hanging from a tree in a park in Highlands North, Johannesburg.

Shortly before 11am paramedics arrived on the scene where bystanders took them to a river flowing through the park.

The bystanders explained that they were passing through the park when they noticed the man hanging from the tree.

They found that he was still alive and cut him from the tree.

Paramedics found him in a critical condition and placed him on life support before rushing him through to Charlotte Maxeke Hospital for further care.

The exact circumstances surrounding the incident is not yet known.

Police and security services also attended the scene.

Pedestrian killed in hit and run collision

Nontando Mafanya

29 October 2016

A pedestrian, believed to be in his forties, was killed this morning on the Umlaas Bridge at the N3 in KwaZulu Natal.

ER24 Spokesperson Werner Vermaak said in a statement shortly after 6am paramedics from ER24 arrived on the scene where they found the man’s body lying in the road.

He sustained multiple fatal injuries and there was nothing that paramedics could do for him.

He was later declared dead on the scene.

The vehicle that collided with the man was not found on the scene.

The incident was handed over to the local SAPS that attended the scene for further investigation.

Bonteheuwel Residents will hold candle-light vigil to honour a family who lost their lives

Nontando Mafanya

29 October 2016

Scores of Bonteheuwel residents are expected to hold a candle-light vigil in the Golden Gate area later today in honour of a family of six who lost their lives in a devastating fire.

Two sisters and their three sons between the ages of one and eight and an 11-year-old nephew, died in the blaze at their home during the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Their mother, the sole survivor, is recovering in hospital.

It's believed an electrical fault caused the fire but this has not yet been confirmed.

Three die near Wellington

Leonie Pretorius
28 October 2016

Three people have died in a collision on the R44 near Wellington. 

The incident, involving two cars, occurred last night.

Western Cape Traffic Chief Kenny Africa says officials reopened the road this morning.

There were four occupants in the Toyota vehicle.

Three people, including the driver, died in the accident. 

The occupants in the Chevy SUV were slightly wounded and taken to hospital.

11 Suspects arrested for looting

Leonie Pretorius

28 October 2016

Eleven suspects have been arrested following a looting incident at a shopping mall in Evaton in the early hours this morning, police said.

Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Lungelo Dlamini said:

“More arrests could follow as police continue to search for the stolen goods in the area of Evaton. The looting followed an illegal service delivery protest by the community who had earlier barricaded the roads. The extent of damage and stolen goods have not yet been verified. It is believed that criminal elements took advantage of the situation and broke into several shops at the mall, gaining entry through the roof.”

Dlamini said the shops affected include Cash Build, Ackermans, Bradlows, PEP and a motorspares shop. 

Respected author Tim Couzens dies

Leonie Pretorius

28 October 2016

The lead writer of Nelson Mandela's Conversations with Myself, Tim Couzens, has died.

The Nelson Mandela Foundation yesterday said it was devastated at his passing, saying he was a colleague and friend to many at the organisation.

Couzens was a literary and social historian working at the Graduate School for Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of the Witwatersrand.

Fire in Bonteheuwel kills 6 people

Natasha Mabuto       

27 October 2016

A Bonteheuwel family is devastated, after six of its members passed away due to a deadly blaze in the early hours of yesterday morning in their home.

Two adults and four children succumbed to fatal burn wounds, following a fire.

It is believed that the fire may have started from a candle light, as there was a faulty bulb.

Authorities are investigating the exact cause of the fire. 

Teachers Attacked At Khayelitsha Primary School

Wayne Boonzaaier

26 October 2016

According to reports teachers at Luleka Primary School in Khayelitsha claim a group of protesters who said they were parents beat them in front of learners and forced them to leave the school premises. 

The incident occurred yesterday morning. 

One teacher said she had arrived at school at 7:10 am and a group of young men told her to take her car outside the school. 

While she and other teachers waited outside the school, the principal arrived with an official from the Western Cape Education Department. 

When the school principal called the teachers to return to school, they were beaten.

Car slams into bridge killing a man

Natasha Mabuto

26 October 2016

This morning a man was killed after his light motor vehicle crashed into a bridge on Mahogany Road in Pinetown, KwaZulu Natal.

Paramedics arrived on the scene to find the wrecked light motor vehicle lying on a grassy embankment.

The man was carefully extricated from the vehicle and immediately assessed.

Unfortunately, the man had already succumbed to his multiple, fatal injuries and he was declared dead on the scene.

It is understood that the driver lost control of the vehicle as he drove around the corner, causing the vehicle to slam into the bridge.

The wet roads was believed to be a contributing factor to the cause of the collision.

Local authorities will be investigating further.

Mossel Bay officials apply for funding after landslide

Leonie Pretorius

26 October 2016

The Mossel Bay Municipality says it is looking into ways to help residents of homes which were damaged in a landslide in Hartenbos.

Last month, the landslide caused structural damage to houses in the Seemeeu complex where at least 30 residents had to be evacuated.

Acting municipal manager Harry Hill says they are in the process of applying for funding from the national disaster committee.

He says One suggestion made by engineers is to build a wall there to stop landslides, but that could be a very costly option of R30 million at least.

Three murder accused back in court today

Leonie Pretorius

26 October 2016

Three men on trial for a double murder and rape at Rhodes Park in Kensington last year will return to a High Court sitting in Palm Ridge today.

25 yr old Thabo Nkala, 23 yr old Admore Ndlovu,  and 32 year old Mduduzi Mathibela Lawrence, face charges of assault, robbery, rape, sexual assault and murder.

They are accused of being part of a 12-man gang that attacked two couples walking in the park on the evening of Saturday, October 17, 2015.

The couples were forced to lie on the ground, while being sexually assaulted. 

Their partners were forced into the lake, where they drowned.

The gang allegedly stole their clothes, jewellery and cell phones.

The accused have pleaded not guilty to the charges. 

Gordhan under pressure to deliver in mini budget speech

Leonie Pretorius

26 October 2016

All eyes will be on Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan this afternoon when he delivers his Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement in Parliament.

Economists and business leaders want to see decisive action to rejuvenate the economy.

Economist Muzi Mathema says they know since the 2016 February budget, the IMF, World Bank and the Reserve Bank have revised GDP downwards. 

More cars torched on University campuses

Somila Nkosana

25 October 2016

It is still unclear whether arson outbreaks at the University of Cape Town’s lower campus are related to student protests. According to reports, four vehicles were set alight overnight near the Baxter Residence.

Upon security arrival, the cars were already on fire and eventually the fire department arrived and extinguished the flames but the cars were already damaged.

The police then closed off area.

Meanwhile, the Cape Peninsula University of Technology’s Lauren Kansley has confirmed a sixth vehicle was set alight at the institution's Bellville campus overnight.

Two UKZN lecturers almost got arrested

Nontando Mafanya

25 October 2016

Two University of KwaZulu-Natal lecturers almost found themselves behind bars on Monday after police swooped on a peaceful meeting at the Pietermaritzburg campus.

Five students, however, were not so fortunate and were all dragged into custody for violating the university’s high court interdict preventing mass gatherings on campus property.

The arrests caused widespread outrage in the student community, which later on Monday afternoon resulted in two attempted arson attacks at prominent buildings on the campus.

The meeting which saw about 50 students, university staff and community leaders gather on the Main campus lawns lasted all of 20 minutes before police brought it to a halt.

Zero percent fee increases for TUT

Natasha Mabuto

25 October 2016

The Tshwane University of Technology has announced a no fee hike for the 2017 academic year.

Students embarked on a protest at the institution’s Soshanguve campus yesterday, burning tyres and dustbins to block entrances.

Student protests across the country began when a fee increase was announced for the 2017 academic year.

The university's counsel assembled a special meeting yesterday, where the decision for a 0% fee increase was made.

Students and management signed a memorandum of agreement that the academic programme would continue peacefully

Vehicles petrol bombed on UCT campus

Natasha Mabuto

25 October 2016

Several vehicles have been allegedly torched at the University of Cape Town’s Lower Campus.

According to reports,the university has this morning confirmed the vehicles appeared to have been petrol bombed.

The incident is under investigation and it’s unclear if the arson attack is linked to student protests.

Criminal activity rife in Khayelitsha

Wayne Boonzaaier

24 October 2016

                                                                  

Reports say police made several arrests in Khayelitsha over the weekend.

A man was taken into custody regarding a stolen firearm following a shoot-out with police in Site-C.

Another Khayelitsha man, was found in possession of a stolen firearm from a police officer, is due to appear in court later this week.

In Harare four suspects were arrested for murder.

Two trains collided near Kaalfontein

Wayne Boonzaaier

24 October 2016

                                                                  

One person has been killed and roughly 100 more injured this afternoon after two passenger trains collided on the Tembisa line near Kaalfontein, east of Johannesburg.

Emergency services arrived on the scene and found that the two trains had collided head-on.

EMS discovered a body lying trapped inside the wreckage. Unfortunately, nothing more could be done and the patient was declared dead on the scene.

Emergency services on scene immediately set up a triage area so the patients for be effectively assessed and treated.

A final total of 242 patients were treated and transported from the train collision in Tembisa. 

Paramedics treated the patients on scene and thereafter transported them to nearby facilities for further care.

Local authorities were on scene for further investigations. 

Possible water shortage in Cape Town

Somila Nkosana

24 October 2016

The Water and Sanitation Department says that dam levels are continuing to show a steady decline week-on-week. The department is appealing to all South Africans to use water sparingly.

The Department is on the verge to implement Level 3 water restrictions which include the banning of using hosepipes and sprinklers.

Spokesperson Sputnik Ratau says the department will continue to monitor all 211 dams on a weekly basis, adding that the seasonal outlook for rain is not looking promising

City of Cape Town to honour 'hero' truck driver

Leonie Pretorius

24 October 2016

The City of Cape Town is to honour a truck driver who assisted in arresting an misbehaving motorist.

Zain Small followed the white Jaguar as it was heading in the wrong direction on the N1.

Small attempted to stop the vehicle and also warned oncoming traffic by flashing his headlights.

The city's JP Smith says: “After having looked at the video tape, we are convinced that were it not for the intervention of Mr Small we would have had a horrible accident or a pile up. But he really is a hero and his actions certainly prevented the loss of life”.

UWC urges NPA to expedite bail hearing for arrested students

Natasha Mabuto

24 October 2016

The University of the Western Cape  has submitted an affidavit in support of a bail application by 25 students who were arrested last week.

The students are expected to make another appearance later this week to apply for bail in the Bellville Magistrates court.

They were taken into custody during chaotic protests against fee hikes. The University of the Western Cape has requested that the National Prosecuting Authority speeds up the processing of the arrested students' bail hearing.

UWC spokesperson Luthando Tyhalibongo confirmed management’s support for bail being granted to the arrested students.

Cape Town woman arrested for planning a hit on husband

Natasha Mabuto
24 October 2016

A Kenilworth woman is expected to appear in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court after she was arrested while she was allegedly paying a hitman to have her husband murdered.

Captain FC van Wyk confirmed that a 44 year old woman, was arrested during an operation while allegedly handing an undisclosed amount of money to a man in Lansdowne.


She was arrested last week.

Biker dies on R43

Wayne Boonzaaier

23 October 2016

According to reports a biker died after losing control of his bike on the R43 about 10km outside Villiersdorp in the direction of Worcester in a small mountain pass this afternoon.

It is understood that friends who were riding with him contacted emergency services.

Emergency services arrived on scene and found the man, believed to be about 30 years of age, lying under a barrier on the side of the road. His bike was lying on the road.

Upon assessment of the patient it was found that he sustained multiple severe injuries. Sadly there was nothing that could be done for him and he was declared dead.

The exact cause of the incident is unknown. Authorities were on scene for further investigations.

Collision between three vehicles leaves man in critical condition.

Wayne Boonzaaier

23 October 2016

Emergency services attended to a collision between three vehicles on the Cedar Road bridge just past Dainfern earlier this afternoon.

It is reported that a man believed to have been ejected from one of the vehicles was found a few meters down an embankment.

Paramedics used a scoop and ropes to bring him up to road level.

The man was in a critical condition. He was treated and transported to hospital for further medical care.

One person from another vehicle who sustained moderate injuries was also transported to hospital.

All occupants of the third vehicle declined to be taken to hospital.

The exact cause of the incident is unknown. Authorities were on scene for further investigations. 

Man crashes into house

Wayne Boonzaaier

23 October 2016

A man lost control of the vehicle he was driving and crashed into a house wall in Rautenbach Street, in Carletonville, late last night and is in a critical state.

It’s reported that the man went over a pavement and through a fence before crashing into the house.

There was extensive damage to the house and the front of the vehicle.

According to reports Fire and Rescue had to use the jaws of life to extricate the patient from the vehicle. 

Upon assessment of the patient, paramedics found that he sustained multiple severe injuries.

He was treated and transported to hospital for further medical care.

Authorities were on scene for further investigations. 

Three dies on N12.

Wayne Boonzaaier

22 October 2016

Three people were declared dead on the N12, west, on ramp to Jet Park Road late last night.

Paramedics arrived on scene and found that a taxi had crashed into the back of a truck.

The driver and two passengers were trapped in the vehicle.

Upon assessment it was found that the driver and front passenger had succumbed to their injuries.

They were declared dead. Despite all efforts to save the third passenger, the patient died.

The exact details surrounding the incident are unknown. Authorities were on scene for further investigations.

Collision on N2 leaves 7 injured.

Wayne Boonzaaier

22 October 2016

Seven people were injured in a collision between two vehicles on the N2 direction earlier today.

Emergency services attended to the incident.  

Upon assessment of the patients it was found that a woman and five children sustained injuries ranging from minor to moderate.

They were all travelling in the same vehicle. The driver of the second vehicle sustained moderate injuries.

All patients were treated and transported to hospital for further medical care.

School pupils strike for safer schools.

Wayne Boonzaaier

22 October 2016

Learners from public schools in Cape protested and demanded safe schools environments and appropriate sanitation.

Equal Education is a non-governmental organisation and they accompanied the students while they were protesting.

According to reports Equal Education representatives said they will consider spreading the protest action to the Western Cape Education Department soon.

The organisation’s Buhle Booi says they presented social audits on the issues to provincial education MEC Debbie Schafer. 

UCT medical students will complete the 2016 academic programme in 2017

Wayne Boonzaaier

22 October 2016

The University of Cape Town’s undergraduate medical students will complete what is left of the 2016 academic programme in January.

Protests started last week when management announced plans to resume operations soon.

Yesterday the Health Sciences Faculty announced that course curriculums and exams for students in years one, two and three will be finished next year.

According to reports the spokesperson for the university, Elijah Moholola, said that the affected students have also been requested to clear their residences. 

27 children injured in two-vehicle collision

Natasha Mabuto

21 October 2016

27 children have been injured this morning after a collision between two transport vehicles on the R603 in Umbumbulu, KwaZulu Natal.

Emergency services arrived on the scene and found a bakkie and light delivery van parked on the side of the road.

Children, believed to be aged between 6 and 10, were found walking around on the scene.

Paramedics assessed the children and found that they had sustained injuries ranging from minor to moderate.

Fortunately, no serious or fatal injuries were reported on scene.

Paramedics treated the patients and thereafter transported them to various hospitals in the area for further treatment.

It is believed that the children had all been travelling in the delivery vehicle, on their way to school, when the collision occurred.

The cause of the collision is not yet known but local authorities were on scene for further investigations.

The Esidimeni 37

Leonie Pretorius

21 October 2016

Families of former residents of Life Esidimeni are holding a Prayer Vigil and Demonstration in remembrance of the 37 lives lost and in solidarity with patients who are still in various NGOs.

The Vigil and Demonstration will be held outside the Gauteng Department of Health on Thursday, 27 October 2016.

The Families will be handing over a memorandum to the MEC of Health, Qedani Mahlangu, at the Vigil, as well as releasing a statement.

Various family members will be sharing their testimonies of how their loved ones died and the impact on them. 

DSD receives third clean audit and improves its services

Natasha Mabuto

21 Ocotober 2016

The Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Adv. Albert Fritz, tabled the department’s annual report for the 2015/16 financial year today.

The report is a reflection of how the Department used its R 1.87 billion budget in 2015/16 to bring improved quality social services to the more than 6.2 million people of the province;children, people with disabilities, and older persons.

During the 2015/16 financial year, the Department spent 99.5% of its budget, and once again obtained a clean audit, for the third year in a row.

Truck driver extricated from vehicle

Natasha Mabuto

20 October 2016

Earlier today a truck driver had to be extricated from a vehicle following a crash at Pomona and Albatross roads in Kempton Park.

Paramedics and other emergency services attended to the incident.

Upon arrival, the emergency services found two trucks that collided.

The driver of one of the trucks, believed to be in his 40’s, was trapped in the vehicle.

Fire and Rescue from Kempton Park extricated the man from the truck with rescue tools.

It was found that he sustained moderate injuries and was treated and transported to hospital for further medical care.

The exact cause of the incident is unknown.

Authorities were on scene for further investigations.

Deputy Minister Skwatsha to meet the Gugulethu community regarding land claims

Natasha Mabuto

20 October 2016

The Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform Mr Mcebisi Skwatsha will be hosting a District Feedback Session with the residents of Gugulethu, Nyanga, New-Cross Roads and other surrounding areas.

The meeting is primarily targeted at persons who want to receive a progress report regarding their applications for restitution.

Most claimants would be family members of persons and or families forcefully removed from places like Simonstown, Retreat, Goodwood and Ndabeni.

The meeting will also be used to clarify the implications of a judgement recently handed down by the Constitutional Court; the LAMOSA judgement.

15 injured in a taxi and bakkie collision

Leonie Pretorius

19 October 2016

In Hillcrest, Kwa-Zulu Natal this morning, 15 people were left injured following a head-on collision between a taxi and bakkie on the corners of the Old Main and Kassier Road intersection.

Paramedics and other emergency services arrived on the scene and found both the vehicles on the side of the road.

Several occupants from the taxi were found walking around on the scene.

On assessment, paramedics discovered that a total of 15 patients had been injured in the collision.

No serious or fatal injuries were reported.

The cause of the collision will be investigated by local authorities.

19 suspects arrested in Hout Bay

Natasha Mabuto

19 October 2016

A joint operation between various police units comprising Provincial Detectives, Sea Border, Task Force and National Intervention Unit resulted in the arrest of 19 suspects (aged between 18 and 38) in possession of a large quantity of abalone, earlier this morning.

The police’s Captain FC Van Wyk says the abalone was counted by officials from the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and amounted to 1 308 units, however the value is yet to be determined.

He further says that the suspects are due to appear in the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court on Friday on abalone related charges under the Marine Resource Act.

Substabce abuse awareness campaign in Western Cape thriving.

Wayne Boonzaaier

19 October 2016

The Western Cape Department of Social Development is encouraged at the rising levels of engagement with their awareness campaign on social media and their mobi site.

Sihle Ngobese spokesperson for the Minister of Social development said “As a department we are encouraged at the increasing level of awareness our substance abuse campaign is creating in the public.

Both through social media and our mobile website.

The department recently launched the website, which provides clear information on how to identify substance abuse.

As a department we’ll continue to roll out our substance abuse program and have allocated R68m for the financial year.

This covers 36 NGOs and work in over 51 sites across the province rendering substance abuse treatment.  

Of course our focus is to expand the quality in community based drug treatment services for the poor.”

SADSAWU will have demonstrations in front of parliament.

Wayne Boonzaaier
19 October 2016

The South African Domestic Service & Allied Workers Union is set to have a demonstrations in front of the gates of parliament tomorrow, 20 October, from 13:00 until 15:00.

SADSAWU’s Hester Stephens said: “We as the union feel that it is by time that domestic workers are covered by the basic conditions of employment.

Our demands are R4000.00 for a full-time domestic worker, domestic workers can’t cope with R2685.00pm.

We spot a problem with our government, when it comes to the vulnerable workers in South Africa they don’t seem to care about domestic workers.

We feel like we’re contributing to the economy of the country.

We would love to have the minster of labour there tomorrow to hand over our memorandum.”

Gordhan declines Abrahams’ invite to make representations

Somila Nkosana

19 October 2016

Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan has told National Director of Public Prosecutions, Shaun Abrahams that he would not be following his request to make representations yesterday or any other day for that matter.

Gordhan also requested that Abrahams withdraw the charges against him. His responses to Abrahams was set out in a letter by Gordhan’s lawyer Tebogo Malatji on Tuesday.

Abrahams had set a deadline on Tuesday for representations by Gordhan, Hawks head Berning Ntlemeza and SARS commissioner Tom Moyane in relation to an early retirement payout given to former SARS deputy commissioner, Ivan Pillay six years ago. 

Two dead after vehicle crashes into wall

Natasha Mabuto

17 October 2016

Paramedics as well as other services are currently on the scene of a vehicle crash at Hill and Vale streets in Randburg.

It is believed that the driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a wall.

Sadly the driver and the front passenger succumbed to their injuries.

Another passenger sustained moderate injuries and will be transported to hospital.

The exact cause of the incident is unknown.

Authorities are currently at the scene. 

Minister of Community Safety prioritises safety of learner

Wayne Boonzaaier

17 October 2016

Today, Western Cape Minster of Community Safety, Dan Plato, will launch a new Walking Bus initiative Strand.

The walking Bus initiative aims to create a safe and supervised route for learners to and from school every day with the commitment and involvement of the community playing a central part to help create safer environments.

Spokesperson to the Minister, Ewald Botha said: “The Walking Bud initiative launched in Strand following the success of the Walking Bus outreach that has already been launched.

Through the Walking Bus initiative, the parents, learners and educators of the DR. G.J Joubert Primary, Rusthof Primary, Rusthof Secondary, Strand Secondary, El Marine Primary, Lochnerhof Primary, Hendrik Louw Primary, Loreto Primary, Umnqophiso Primary and Strand Moslem Primary schools are making safety a priority in their community.”