Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Mantashe speaks for cabinet ministers whom are not in favour of Zuma

Somila Nkosana
30 November 2016

African National Congress Secretary General Gwede Mantashe says the party will not allow cabinet ministers who spoke in favour of a vote of no confidence in President Jacob Zuma to be persecuted.

Mantashe says they were well within their rights to raise the issue at the National Executive Committee meeting.

On Tuesday, the ruling party revealed that the call for Zuma to leave office didn't receive enough support and was thus rejected by the party's executive committee.

The motion was tabled by Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom.


‘Pens down’ for matriculants

Somila Nkosana
30 November 2016

The national 2016 matric exams have come to an end.

Many of the grade 12 pupils will now divert their attention to enrolling at tertiary institutions countrywide.


Matric results will be released on the 5 January.

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Two injured in shack fire

Natasha Mabuto
29 November 2016

According to a statement,a man and woman, both believed to be in their 50s, were injured this afternoon after a fire broke out in their shack in the informal settlement off Bremmer Road in Pretoria West.

Paramedics and other emergency sevices arrived on the scene and found the elderly man waiting by the side of the road.

The woman was found lying just a few feet outside of her shack which was well alight.

Upon assessment, paramedics found that both the man were found with numerous burn wounds and were both in a serious condition.

Paramedics treated the patients and provided them with advanced life support interventions.

Once treated, the patients were transported to Kalafong Provincial Hospital for urgent treatment.

It is believed that a gas cylinder exploded in the house, apparently causing the fire.


Local authorities were on the scene for further investigations.

10 children injured after taxi overturns

Natasha Mabuto
29 November 2016

According to reports,10 children have been left injured this morning after a taxi overturned on the Doreen Road in Ruimsig, west of Johannesburg.

Paramedics along with Fire Services, arrived on the scene and found the taxi lying on its side in the left lane of the road.

The driver of the taxi was found lying trapped inside the taxi, believed to have sustained moderate injuries.

The occupants from the taxi were found to be children with special needs, believed to be aged between 6 and 17.

Paramedics assessed the patients and found that the children had sustained minor to moderate injuries.

Paramedics treated the patients and provided the driver with advanced life support interventions.

It is believed that the driver lost control of the vehicle, causing it to crash into a wall and overturn.


Local authorities were on the scene for further investigations.

SADSAWU says proposed minimum wage is not enough

Somila Nkosana
29 November 2016
The South African Domestic Service and Allied Workers’ Union says while it welcomes the increase in wages, it simply is not enough.

As of Thursday, employees in urban areas who work a minimum of 27 hours a week will be paid a minimum of R2 422 per month and R12 49 for those who work hourly.

The union says it’s in talks with government to implement a R3 500 minimum wage.


Spokesperson, Myrtle Witbooi says unionised domestic workers are being exploited.

Monday, November 28, 2016

Occupants of a taxi escape uninjured

Natasha Mabuto
28 November 2016

On Voortrekker Road just off the R21, under the Albatross Bridge, earlier today, occupants of a taxi were lucky to escape uninjured after a taxi caught alight.

Paramedics attended to the incident and found the taxi on fire.

Fire and Rescue attended to the incident to extinguish the blaze.

It is understood that everyone travelling in the vehicle got out safely.

The exact details surrounding the incident are unknown.


Authorities were on scene for further investigations.

COSATU mourns the death of Cde Fidel Castro

Natasha Mabuto
28 November 2016

According to a statement the Congress of South African Trade Unions joins millions of people around the world to mourn the passing away of one of twentieth century’s foremost revolutionaries, the former president of CUBA, Cde Fidel Castro.

According to COSATU, Cde Castro reshaped the world and his influence and charisma inspired people from all corners of the world.


Cde Fidel Castro’s passing happened at a very significant time as it is a marking of 28 years since the glorious Battle of Cuito Cuanavale that took place in south-eastern Angola from September 1987 to July 1988.

Security guard dies after being shot multiple times in Vaal area

Natasha Mabuto
28 November 2016

A security guard has died after being shot this morning in the Vaal area.

It is understood that he was driving a cash vehicle on Westinghouse Boulevard, when suspects opened fire.

The man believed to be in his 30's was shot multiple times.

He lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a wall.

The man was in a critical condition.

However, his condition deteriorated and paramedics began to resuscitate him, but he unfortunately died.


The exact details surrounding the incident are unknown.

EC police arrest man over Tik bust

Somila Nkosana
28 November 2016

Eastern Cape police have arrested a suspect for being in possession of drugs worth R400 000.

The man was pulled over in the Port Alfred area over the weekend and his vehicle searched. Tik was found hidden in the man’s vehicle.

The police’s Mali Govender says the 49-year-old will appear in the Port Alfred Magistrates court tomorrow.

Sunday, November 27, 2016

Public Protector laid charges against Adv Mandonsela

Nontando Mafanya
27 November 2016

A criminal charge has been laid against former public protector Thuli Madonsela by the new head of the office Busisiwe Mkhwebane, after receiving a complaint from the president.

According to a report, Mkhwebane laid the charges against her predecessor after President Jacob Zuma complained about the release of the audio from his and Madonsela’s interview on the state capture report.

The report says that the charges were laid at the Brooklyn police station in Pretoria two weeks ago.

At the time, the Presidency announced that it had required clarity from the Office of the Public Protector on the policy of the institution regarding the release of audio recordings of interviews conducted during the course of investigations.

Saturday, November 26, 2016

Cuban revolutionary leader, Castro Died


Nontando Mafanya
26 November 2016

Fidel Castro, the Cuban revolutionary leader who built a communist state on the doorstep of the United States and for five decades defied US efforts to topple him, has died.

He was 90.

The details surrounding his death are not yet clear.

It is believed the revolutionary leader suffered from bad health in recent years and kept out of the public eye.

His brother Raul announced his death on state television todaymorning. Raul took over from Castro in 2008 after the late statesman led as prime minister and president from 1959.

Friday, November 25, 2016

Deputy Minister of Communications to award Western Cape learners with a film and television production skills certificate

Natasha Mabuto
25 November 2016

The Deputy Minister of Communications, Ms Stella Ndabeni Abrahams, will today, 25 November 2016 recognize the stellar achievements of learners who have successfully completed the Film and Television Skills Programme.


According a media statement the 35 Western Cape learners will be handed over their Statements of Results and awarded a Certificate of Completion in Film and Television Production; an NQF level 5 qualification.




Department of Community Safety’s 16 Days of Activism campaign

Natasha Mabuto
25 November 2016

According to a statement The Department of Community Safety’s 16 Days of Activism Campaign for No Violence Against Women and Children is already in full swing.

They plan to continue to reach out to communities for the full duration of the internationally observed campaign between 25 November 2016 and 10 December 2016.


This year, they are partnering with different safety stakeholders working within various communities under the the theme: ‘Speak Out – Silence to Strength’.

Thursday, November 24, 2016

Investigation continues for police officer killers.

Wayne Boonzaaier
24 November 2016

Constable Amanda Ladlokova was shot and killed while responding to a complaint in Philippi East Tuesday night.

Her colleague was wounded and an arrest has since been made.


According to reports Western Cape Police Commissioner Khombinkosi Jula has said that investigators continuing with the investigation for the two suspects wanted in connection with Ladlokova’s murder.

Judge absent for Blochliger murder accused bail application.

Wayne Boonzaaier
24 November 2016

Reports say magistrate Hafisa Mohamed was absent for the bail application for  one of the men accused for the rape and murder of Franziska Blochliger in Tokai Forest in March this year.

This led to the postponement of the bail application.


The accused then appeared before magistrate Goolam Bowa, who scheduled the bail application for December 6.

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

More than 150 left homeless by fire

Somila Nkosana
23 November 2016

At least 150 people have been left homeless after a fire spread throughout their shacks in Nomzamo, Strand.

No injuries have been reported following the blaze.

City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service member Theo Layne says those left homeless are currently in a hall in the area.


Disaster management is trying to find alternative accommodation for them

Armed Duo arrested for business robbery in CT

Nontando Mafanya
23 November 2016

Two armed men have been arrested following yet another business robbery in Cape Town.

There’s been a series of attacks on local shops over the past two weeks.

In the latest incident the men targeted a fast food outlet at Value Centre in Goodwood last night.

Two suspects were arrested shortly after last night’s robbery.

Police recovered cash and a toy gun.

A third suspect is still on the run following last night’s armed robbery in Goodwood.


Staff members were held at gunpoint while robbers emptied the cash registers.

Fire destroyed 150 shacks in Strand,Cape Town

Nontando Mafanya
23 November 2016

At least 150 people have been left homeless after a fire gutted their shacks in Nomzamo, Strand.

No injuries were reported following the blaze on Tuesday.

City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service member Theo Layne says, those left homeless are currently in a hall in the area.

Disaster management is trying to find alternative accommodation for them


Public protector’s report under spotlight at water and sanitation portfolio committee

Natasha Mabuto
23 November 2016

The Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation will today receive a briefing by the Minister of Water and Sanitation regarding the findings of the Public Protector’s Report on the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. 

The Committee will also receive a briefing on allegations of tender irregularities at Rand Water.


According to a statement these briefings are to enable the Committee to determine if there was any wrongdoing that occurred and implications thereof. 

Public protector’s report under spotlight at water and sanitation portfolio committee

Natasha Mabuto
23 November 2016

The Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation will today receive a briefing by the Minister of Water and Sanitation regarding the findings of the Public Protector’s Report on the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.

The Committee will also receive a briefing on allegations of tender irregularities at Rand Water.


According to a statement these briefings are to enable the Committee to determine if there was any wrongdoing that occurred and implications thereof. 

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

WC dam levels drop to 55%

Somila Nkosana
22 November 2016

Dam levels in the Western Cape have dropped to an average of 55%, worse off compared to the same period last year.

Local Government MEC Anton Bredell earlier briefed the media on the drought impact in various municipalities, some whom are implementing strict water restrictions.
The province has expressed concern at the situation in five towns where situation is deteriorating.


Last year this time we were seating at about 65% and as we’re heading now to our warmest and driest season, the depreciation in dam levels is very concerning.

WITS students to discuss with university’s Vice-Chancellor

Nontando Mafanya
22 November 2016

Wits students staying at the Junction House residence say they’re open to a discussion with the university's Vice-Chancellor Adam Habib over the alleged rape that occurred on the premises.

Last week, it was reported that a female student tried to commit suicide after being raped at the residence in October.

Students then accused the institution of not acting fast enough to ensure the alleged perpetrator, who is believed to be a student also living at that residence, be removed.

Wits Junction House committee chair Nkululeko Tselane says at this stage they want to engage to see what the investigation, brought by professor Habib, will bring.

He said there would be clear deadlines and mentioned something about 72 hours.


Another farmer assaults worker

Wayne Boonzaaier
22 November 2016

Another farmer has been arrested on a charge of assault in Lutzville.

According to reports a farmworker rights activist Billy Claasen said that the farmer allegedly assaulted the worker then offered the worker money to keep quiet about it.

The farmer was arrested on Sunday and was reportedly released on bail after a special court hearing.


The matter was postponed to November 27.

DA leader embarks on tour

Wayne Boonzaaier
22 November 2016

Today the Democratic Alliance Leader, Mmusi Maimane, will embark on the third leg of the #BackToThePeople Tour.

The tour will see the Leader visit all of the new metros and councils where the DA formed governments after the August Local Government Elections.

Following the August LGE the DA now governs more municipalities, delivering to 16 million residents with a budget that equates to over 50% of the total municipal budget allocation.


The DA Leader will be joined by the Eastern Cape Provincial Leader, Athol Trollip

Monday, November 21, 2016

Pivotal ANC meeting underway

Somila Nkosana
21 November 2016

African National Congress President Jacob Zuma and other members of the party’s national working committee are currently in a meeting with struggle stalwarts in Pretoria.

106 veterans have signed a document titled “For the Sake of the Country” which raises concerns about the declining state of the ANC.


Reverend Frank Chikane, Cheryl Carolus and Denis Goldberg are among 30 stalwarts expected to present the document today. 

Panayiotou case postponed

Somila Nkosana
21 November 2016

The Christopher Panayiotou murder trial, which is in its sixth week in the High Court in Port Elizabeth, was delayed this morning as suspect Sinethemba Nenembe was unavailable to attend the court proceedings.

He had to appear in another court as an accused in another murder case where a 78-year-old PE woman, Denise Webber, from Kabega Park was robbed and murdered.

He is one of four accused.  


The alleged middleman in the Panayiotou murder trial, Luthando Siyoni, made a brief appearance and again refused to answer any questions put to him by Marius Stander.

Patrick Wisani found guilty of murdering girlfriend

Nontando Mafanya
21 November 2016

Former ANC Youth League leader Patrick Wisani has been found guilty of his girlfriend's murder by the High Court sitting in Randburg today.

Wisani sjambokked 24-year-old Nosipho Mandeleleni to death at their home in Yeoville in September last year.

She died on the scene as a result of her injuries. 

Wisani denied he assaulted her.

He also denied that there had been an argument between himself and the deceased.

Wisani was subsequently arrested for her death and released on bail pending further investigation into the matter.


During this time he allegedly threatened and assaulted two State witnesses and as a result his bail was revoked.

DA to present alternative plan for universal healthcare in South Africa


According to a statement today (21 November 2016), the Democratic Alliance Leader, Mmusi Maimane, DA Shadow Minister of Health, Dr Wilmot James, and DA Shadow Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Heinrich Volmink, will present the DA’s alternative plan for universal healthcare in South Africa, the ‘Our Health Plan’ (OHP).

Their mission is to build an inclusive society where everyone has access to the educational and economic opportunities necessary to get ahead in life.


The critical step on the journey is to guarantee universal health care for all South Africans.

By: Natasha Mabuto

19 year old critical after driving through wall

Natasha Mabuto
21 November 2016

A 19-year-old boy is in a critical condition after he lost control of the vehicle he was driving and drove through a property boundary wall in Strydom Street, Kempton Park, yesterday afternoon.

The youngster was found outside the vehicle.

Paramedics arrived on scene and found that the vehicle had come to a standstill close to the house.

Upon assessment it was found that he sustained multiple injuries.

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


Authorities were on scene for further investigations.

Sunday, November 20, 2016

Diarrhoea cases remain high in Cape Town

Natasha Mabuto
20 November 2016

According to the City of Cape Town, it says while the number of child fatalities from diarrhoea have decreased, the amount of reported cases however remain high.

It is believed that the metro is gearing up for the surge period from November up until May of which they expect an average of 7,000 cases to be reported each month.


Diarrhoea is treatable and preventable, however it remains as one of the leading causes of death in children under the age of five.

Vegetation blaze in Jonkershoek

Natasha Mabuto
20 November 2016

Outside Stellenbosch,in Jonkershoek firefighters are battling a vegetation fire in the area.

Crews and volunteers are assisting to fight the blaze.

Cape Winelands Fire and Rescue Service says they have a helicopter moving over the top of the mountain.


They are trying to prevent the fire from moving down into the Jonkershoek Valley.

Renowned Mouth-Painting artist to host fun day in Khayelitsha with MEC Fritz

Natasha Mabuto
20 November 2016

According the Western Cape government, today as part of their ongoing commemoration of Disability Awareness Month, the Western Cape MEC for Social Development, Albert Fritz, will host a paint and arts fun day for 19 children with disabilities in Khayelitsha.

The fun day will be held at the Sibongile Day & Night Care Centre, an ECD centre and home for children with physical and intellectual disabilities, funded by the Department.


MEC Fritz will be joined by renowned quadriplegic mouth-painter, Mr. Brenton Swartz, from the Andries Olivier Quadriplegic Centre, who will host a mouth painting demonstration and lesson for the children and MEC Fritz.

Saturday, November 19, 2016

A man killed in shootout

Natasha Mabuto
19 November 2016

A man sadly died after he was shot in Riverlea earlier today.

Paramedics attended to the incident and found the man in a car in Nasrec Road.

He was in the driver's seat.

Upon assessment it was found that he was in a critical condition.

He had sustained severe injuries to the head.

According to reports,despite all efforts to save the man, he sadly died as the paramedics arrived at the hospital.

The exact details surrounding the incident are unknown.


Authorities were on scene for further investigations.

The search for toddler continues today

Natasha Mabuto
19 November 2016

The search for three-year-old Everlate Chauke is expected to resume today, more than a week since she was swept away during the recent flash floods in Gauteng.

It is believed that Chauke fell into rising flood waters when her family climbed up a tree to escape the heavy downpours.

Search operations have started and there has been no sign of the child.


Johannesburg Emergency Service’s spokesperson Nana Radebe says the search will be extended to other areas today.

13-year-old girl allegedly abducted at gunpoint and raped by 10 men in Nyanga

Natasha Mabuto
19 November 2016

Seven men are accused of raping of a 13-year-old girl in Nyanga.

It's alleged the victim was abducted at gunpoint by one of the accused while walking.

The suspects, between the ages of 18 and 20, were arrested shortly after the attack and made their first appearance in the Wynberg Magistrates Court on Friday.


Western Cape Social Development is assisting the victim and her family.

Seven injured in rear-end collision

Natasha Mabuto
19 November 2016

Seven people were injured last night after a light delivery vehicle rear-ended a truck on the N3 Highway near the Chatterton off-ramp in Pietermaritzburg.

On closers inspection, paramedics found the driver of the van, a 26-year-old man, lying trapped inside his vehicle.

Paramedics arrived on the scene and found the two vehicles on the side of the road.

Rescue technicians had to use specialised rescue equipment to free the man from the vehicle.

The patients were treated and thereafter transported to Mediclinic Pietermaritzburg and Northdale Provincial Hospital for further treatment.


Local authorities were on scene for further investigations.

Friday, November 18, 2016

Men stung by bees.

Wayne Boonzaaier
18 November 2016

Two men were transported to hospital by emergency services after they were stung by bees at a property in Glen Marias, Kempton Park, this afternoon.

Emergency services arrived on scene and found that both men had been stung multiple times.

The men were treated and transported to local hospitals for further care.

The exact details surrounding the incident are unknown however according to information received on scene, it is believed that a worker was cutting grass when a bee hive was disturbed.

EFF supports the removal of racist manager at FNB.

Wayne Boonzaaier
18 November 2016

EFF Western Cape welcomed the decision by FNB to dismiss a manager for uttering racial slurs.

EFF provincial chairperson Bernard Joseph said.

“The issue of racism is very serious where a branch managers of FNB called an employee a stupid monkey.

The employee didn’t feel comfortable being called in that way and has approached us as EFF to assist her to up this issue
.

We have taken the issue up.”

Student committee call on management


Somila Nkosana

18 November 2016



The Junction House student committee at Wits University has called on management to review its policies after an alleged rape at the residence.

A meeting was held between members of the committee and management last night but there have not been any resolutions as yet.

It is alleged that a female student was attacked at Junction House in October and since went back home to Kenya.

The Junction House committee says that the incident was not the first of its kind and calls on management to take a stand.

NGO shocked after a teenager was kidnaped and raped in Nyanga

Nontando Mafanya
18 November 2016

Women and Men Against Child Abuse says it’s shocked by the gang rape of a 13-year-old girl in Nyanga.

 The teenager was abducted and raped last weekend.

Seven suspects have been arrested and will appear in court today.

An eighth suspect is still at large.

The organisation’s Ngaa Murombedzi says communities must help in keeping children safe.

 Murombedzi said the teenager is likely to experience a collection of emotions.


At the same time, Social Development MEC Albert Fritz said they are assisting the 13-year-old victim.

Du Plessis pleads ‘not guilty’ to charge


Somila Nkosana

18 November 2016


South African cricket captain Faf du Plessis has been charged for breaching Article 2.2.9 of the ICC Code of Conduct, according to an ICC statement.

This is after television footage showing him applying what seemed to be saliva and later identified as an artificial substance to the ball during the fourth day’s play in the second Test in Hobart.

The charge has been laid by the ICC chief David Richardson and relates to changing the condition of the ball in breach of Law 42.3.

Du Plessis has pleaded not guilty to the charge and the matter will now be heard by Andy Pycroft of the elite panel of ICC match referees.

van der Westhuizen: Inmates are scared to report assault

Nontando Mafanya
18 November 2016

The Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services says inmates are often too scared to report assaults by prison officials.

The inspectorate hosted a seminar near Caledon on Thursday to engage with Correctional Services, civil society organisations and academics on ways to deal with the issue.

There's been an increase in assault incidents on inmates allegedly by correctional officers over the past year.

Inspector Judge Johan van der Westhuizen says some gang members have a tradition to inaugurate a new prisoner.

 The tradition is that one of the officials must be assaulted to the extent that he spills blood on the ground.

He says inmates are sometimes tortured by officers in retaliation.

 Van der Westhuizen says the victims are often too scared to report these incidents.


Thursday, November 17, 2016

ACDP strongly condemns coffin assault

Wayne Boonzaaier
17 November 2016

ACDP President and Member of Parliament, Rev Kenneth Meshoe, has condemned in the strongest terms the heinous and deplorable treatment of Rethabile Mlotshwa by Willem Oosthuizen and Theo Martins, who have been charged with kidnapping and assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm.
 
Keeno Petersen Media Liaison for the ACDP said

“The ACDP condemns this racist and evil actions in the strongest possible terms.

We also view these men and all who are advancing racism in the country as a hindrance to the creation of a non-racial society.

There’s absolutely no excuse for such a degrading and deplorable act. We are relieved that the magistrate denied the bail application.


We trust that the case will be prioritized so that justice for the victim will be swift.” 

SAHRC considering taking ‘coffin assault’ case to court

Somila Nkosana
17 November 2016

The South African Human Rights Commission says it is considering taking two men involved in the so-called ‘coffin assault’ to the Equality Court.

A short video footage of Willem Oosthuizen and Theo Jackson forcing a black man into a coffin and threatening to set it alight arose.

The clip went viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage and led to the arrest of the two men.


They appeared in court on Wednesday but have abandoned their bail application.

Seven suspects will appear in Wynberg Court in connection of rape

Nontando Mafanya
17 November 2016

Seven suspects have been taken into custody in connection with the rape of a 13-year-old girl in Nyanga.

 Police are still hunting for an eighth suspect.

The teenager was abducted and raped last weekend before being released by her attackers.

The police's Frederick van Wyk says the victim was walking alone in Robert Sobukwe Road in Nyanga, when she was abducted by a suspect and taken to a shack where she was repeatedly raped by him and his friends.

They kept her at the residence and released her the next day.


The group is expected to appear in the Wynberg Magistrates Court on Friday.

Two men who forced a black man into a coffin abandoned their bail applicaion

Nontando Mafanya
17 November 2016

Supporters of different political parties set their differences aside as they gathered outside the Middleburg Magistrates Court on Wednesday, calling for an end to racism after a black man was forced into a coffin by two white men.

A video of the incident involving Rethabile Mlotshwa went viral, leading to the arrest of Willem Oosthuizen and Theo Jackson.

The two yesterday abandoned their bail application.

The African National Congress Desmond Moela says racism and racists are not welcome in the country.


Wednesday, November 16, 2016

52 year old expected in Court for leaking of matric exam paper in Limpompo

Nontando Mafanya
16 November 2016

A 52-year-old man, believed to be behind the leaking of a matric exam paper in Limpopo, is expected to appear in the Giyani Magistrates Court today.

The Basic Education Department and the Hawks confirmed the arrest of the suspect on Tuesday following investigations into the matter.

The Hawks say the man handed himself over after it emerged matriculants had seen a Mathematics paper, which was apparently circulated via WhatsApp prior to their exam session last month.


The department says those implicated in the leakage could be required to re-write the exam

Molefe pays back money received for attending additional board meetings

Somila Nkosana
16 November 2016

Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa Chairperson Popo Molefe says he has paid back more than R600 000 that he received for attending board meetings, because it was ‘the right thing to do’.

He also says allegations that he tried to increase the number of board meetings to make more money are untrue because his board members only asked for extra money this year, after working overtime for several previous years.


The Transport Department says PRASA's board met more often than it should have and it was unhappy with the extra costs.

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

UCT serial rapist has been sentenced yesterday

Nontando Mafanya
15 November 2016

The University of Cape Town serial rapist has been handed nine life sentences.

Patrick Hlomane entered into a plea and sentencing agreement with the State in the Western Cape High Court on Monday.

He was arrested in March in connection with the rape of five women near Rhodes Memorial between November 2015 and February 2016.

Hlomane has pleaded guilty to all charges against him. He had been charged with the kidnapping, rape, assault and robbery of numerous women near Rhodes Memorial and the UCT campus last summer. 

Hlomane has admitted to mostly targeting women with braided hair.


 In his plea and sentence agreement he also admitted to often watching pornographic videos starring mostly females who had braids.

EFF leader says De Klerk must rot in jail

Nontando Mafanya
15 November 2016

 Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema says former President FW De Klerk must wish that he doesn’t become president because if he does, he will ensure the former president suffers in jail.

Malema was addressing supporters outside the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court.

He appeared on Monday on charges of violating the Riotous Assemblies Act when he advised supporters in 2014 to invade unoccupied land.

The case has been postponed pending the outcome of his application in the High Court, challenging the constitutionality of the act.


After Malema said the EFF would not slaughter white peoples just yet, De Klerk released a statement calling Malema’s statement a disclaimer of the core values of the Constitution and also announced he intended approaching the Human Rights Commission.

Two people were critically injured in Fochville

Nontando Mafanya
15 November 2016

Two people were critically injured when they were ejected from the vehicle they were travelling in after it rolled on the N12 between Fochville and Potch this evening.

ER24 spokesperson Chitra Bodasing says  “ER24 paramedics and other services attended to the incident and found the car on its roof in the veld.”

It was found about 25 to 30 metres away from the road.”

“A man who was found trapped under the car was extricated by Fire and Rescue.”

She says “He, as well as a woman found lying several metres away from the car, were treated for their injuries.”

“Both the patients, believed to be in their 30's, had sustained multiple injuries.” she adds

“They were transported to hospital for further medical care.”

“The exact cause of the incident is unknown.”

“Authorities were on scene for further investigations.” She concluded


NPA still to decide Fransman’s fate


Somila Nkosana
15 November 2015

The National Prosecuting Authority says it will decide within two weeks whether to charge suspended Western Cape ANC chairperson Marius Fransman with sexual harassment or not.

Fransman was suspended for five years after an ANC disciplinary committee found him guilty of sexually assaulting his then personal assistant - Louisa Wynand. Fransman is also accused of bringing the party into disrepute.

ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe has apparently called on Fransman to refrain from making allegations related to his suspension in the media.

Monday, November 14, 2016

Physically disabled beneficiaries will be in the spotlight in the Oudtshoorn housing handover tomorrow

Natasha Mabuto
14 November 2016

Tomorrow 15 November 2016 the Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Mr Bonginkosi Madikizela will handover more than fifty houses in Bongolethu, in Oudtshoorn.

The houses are part of a bigger project that will yield about 150 Breaking New Ground houses in different areas of Oudtshoorn.

BNG houses are those that were formerly referred to as RDP houses.


In line with the Department’s policy of prioritizing the elderly beneficiaries and those who have special circumstances, Minister Madikizela will be handing keys to physically disabled beneficiaries.

Bus crashes into ditch injuring 6

Natasha Mabuto
14 November 2016

This morning six people were injured after a bus left the road and crashed into a ditch on the Mid Illovo Road in Mid Illovo in KwaZulu Natal.

Emergency services and other provincial services arrived on the scene to find the bus on the side of the road. 

The front of the bus had been smashed when it crashed into the ditch.

Paramedics assessed the patients and found that the children had sustained minor injuries while the driver had sustained moderate injuries.

Once treated, the patients were transported to Northdale Hospital for further treatment.

It is understood that the driver lost control of the vehicle, causing it to crash into the ditch.


Local authorities were on scene for further investigations.

Two suspects were arrested for being in possession of abalone

Maitland Flying Squad members arrested two suspects aged 32 and 39-year-old for the possession of abalone. Picture by: SAPS/X The members ...