Daily Archives: August 2, 2012

Banyana Banyana return home ready to challenge for CAF AWC title

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The South African Senior Women’s National Team (Banyana Banyana) returned home from the Olympic Games. The squad touched down on Thursday, 2 August 2012, richer in experience after holding World Cup champions Japan to a goal-less draw in their final Group F fixture in London this week.

The team, led by head Joseph Mkhonza and captain Amanda Dlamini, was welcome by Minister of Sport and Recreation, the Honourable Mr Fikile Mbalula, president of the South African Football Association (SAFA), Kirsten Nematandani – both of whom also arrived in the morning from the Games – as well SAFA National Executive Committee (NEC) members Xolani Mtumtum and Anthony Reeves.

“They met the best and were defeated, but we are still proud of them. The future looks bright though for women’s football in South Africa and we need to engage SAFA on trying to get going a professional women’s league in this country because that is the only advantage the other countries have on us. Well done girls, and we are aware you could have done a lot better, but qualifying and being at the Games is victory in itself,” said Minister Mbalula.

“We were surely not disgraced. We should applaud the girls for their good showing. Playing against such established countries is no mean feat, but our girls stood their ground, even though they went down in two matches out of three. We are proud of you girls, and are confident that going forward we will grow even more,” said Nematandani.

There were also family members and a few fans on hand to receive the team.

“This was an unforgettable and proud moment for me personally as well as the whole team. Also it was an experience of a lifetime, and we learnt a lot as a team and we are confident those lessons will stand us in good stead when we tackle the CAF African Women Championship 2012 in Equatorial Guinea starting at the end of October,” said Dlamini.

“To hold World Cup champions Japan to a draw in our final match was the highlight of the Olympic Games campaign as we fancied our chances against them as we play a similar style to them and backed our pace against them. Even though we started very slowly, we grew stronger as a team and we know next time we know what to expect. We lived our dream.”

Mkhonza was also full of praise for his players, saying they did the country proud.

“I must say I have mixed emotions. The team played against the best and we came second best, but we did not disgrace ourselves. It was through our mistakes that we were beaten, but we go into the future confident that we gave our best and will be a force to be reckoned with. The last game we played was mainly for pride, but the girls showed their true potential. I am happy with the performance but not the results,” said Mkhonza.

“Special thanks must go to SASCOC, Safa, the Department of Sport and Recreation and our team sponsor Sasol, for their support of our team. The South African public and the media have also shown great interest in our team and long may this continue.”

Banyana Banyana went down 4-1 to Sweden and 3-0 to Canada before holding Japan to a draw in the last match.

Striker Portia Modise made history when she became the first player to score for Banyana Banyana in an Olympic tournament.

“I cannot stand here and take all the glory. Gratitude should go to my teammates because I could not have done it without them. I am still excited over the goal, and I must agree it was a great goal. It’s one I will remember for a very long time,” said an elated Modise.

The squad will take a rest before resuming preparations for the upcoming AWC tournament.

South Africa and Cameroon represented Africa at the Olympics.

This was Banyana Banyana’s first Olympic appearance.

by OBAKENG MAJE

BRAVE SAPS MEMBERS FROM RUSTENBURG SAPS PREVENT ANOTHER ATM BOMBING

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On Thursday 02 August at about 02:30, the police received a tip-off from the community that there were people acting suspiciously at the ABSA ATM situated in Ridder Street, East End, Rustenburg.  Members from different units responded to the call and arrived at the scene within minutes. 

 

About seven suspects were placed strategically around the ATM and further down the street, giving protection to their partners in crime.  Just before igniting the explosives, members from the Dog Unit in Phokeng arrived at the scene. On arrival, the suspects immediately opened fire with automatic rifles and pistols.  The members, including a female W/Off from the K9-Unit, fearlessly retaliated.  Further Police back-up arrived and, the suspects realized that they were outnumbered.  The suspects fled the scene in what seems to be a charcoal coloured VW Golf GTI or black Audi A4.  The explosives were still attached to the ATM.  The scene was cordoned off and members from the Explosives Unit removed the explosives.

 

Provincial Commissioner Me Zukiswa Mbombo has expressed her satisfaction on a job well done, especially after a series of previous ATM Bombing incidents in Rustenburg. Members are congratulated on a job well done, especially in view of the fact that August month is “Women’s Month”, the valuable contribution of females in the SAPS is applauded.  “Wathinta abafazi wathinta imbokodo” – “You strike a woman, you strike a rock” the Provincial Commissioner said.   

 

A case docket for attempted murder and contravention of the regulations of the Explosives Act, 1956 (Act no 26 of 1956) (section 27(1)) was registered and is investigated by Captain Molale from the North West Organised Crime in Tlhabane.  Anyone with information is requested to phone him on: (014) 565 9033 or 082 856 0937 – Const Botheleng (Information co-ordinator).

by Obankeng Maje

INVITAION TO ATTEND THE SAPS WOMEN NATIONAL SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP

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The North West South African Police Service will be hosting the annual SAPS Women National Soccer Championship in Ikageng stadium, Potchefstroom from the 06 till 10 August 2012.  All nine provinces including the head office will be represented by women teams.  A total number of 240 female members expected to arrive on the 5 August 2012 from all the provinces. The opening ceremony will be held on Monday, 6 August 2012, at 07:00 in  Ikageng Stadium, Potchefstroom. This is where all police women teams will be parading according to their provincial colours. They will be introduced to the North West Provincial commissioner Lt Gen NZ Mbombo and her guests, thereafter the games will commence.

 

 All this will be followed by a closing ceremony on Friday the 10 August 2012, at Ikageng Stadium where the championship winners will be announced and presented with the trophies. This is the national police event created to honour the strides of women in blue usually held on women’s month yearly. The media is invited to attend the event   

by Obakeng Maje

11 SUSPECTS ARRESTED FOR ARSON AND PUBLIC VIOLENCE IN MANOKOANE REMINDED IN JAIL!

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BY Obakeng Maje

Taung- Eleven suspects who were arrested for arson and public violence in Manokoane, Taung were all reminded in jail and will appear on the 07th of August for bail applications.

“All suspects will stay in jail after their case was postponed today. They will appear on the 07th of August for bail application” said Sergeant Moiloa.

Eleven people were arrested after Manokoane community went on a rampage and burnt three houses belonging to their chief and other two belong to councilors.

They were protesting for poor service delivery and barricaded the roads with stones.

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Urgent meeting on NOW to discuss reports of Chief Pilane’s resigantion

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A reliable source within the Bakgatla Ba Kgafela Tribal Council in Moruleng dismissed reports that Chief Nyala Pilane resigned. Currently there is an urgent meeting at the tribal offices to discuss the reports and the media statement will follow there after. Our reporter is on his way there – we will keep you posted. 

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Angry miners demand answers after three were shot dead

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Police have are gearing support as outraged mine workers are coming in large numbers at Aquarius Mine in Rustenburg. The mine workers are angry after of three of their fellow employees were shot dead and others were injured yesterday.
About 250 miners who had been striking illegally for the past two weeks gathered outside the K5 Khwezi mine on Wednesday afternoon, Brigadier Thulani Ngubane said.

“There was a confrontation between members of the security and the unruly employees. Security guards fired shots at the mineworkers, killing three, while 15 others were injured.”

Ngubane said petrol bombs were confiscated from mine workers.

“Ballistic testing will be done on the security guards’ [guns] and post mortems will be conducted.”

No arrests had been made yet.

For more details go to http://northwestnewsonline.wordpress.com

Le Clos withdraws from 200m IM

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LeClos_medley1

London – Bert Le Clos, father of South African gold medalist Chad le Clos on Thursday confirmed that his son has pulled out of the men’s 200m individual medley (IM) final, according to radio station, 5fm.

Le Clos said the decision was taken in order for Chad to focus on the 100m butterfly heats and potential semi-final race on Thursday.

Chad Le Clos qualified for the 200m IM final on Wednesday night, but should he swim the race, he would be swimming in his second, if not third race of the day, with the 100m butterfly heats and semi-final also scheduled for Thursday. – Sapa

For more details go to http://www.iol.co.za

Dad drives over toddler

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iol news pic hospital bed

Pretoria paramedics tried in vain to save a two-year-old girl whose father had accidently driven over her at the family’s home, Beeld newspaper reported on Thursday.

According to Xander Loubser, manager of Best Care Ambulance Services, he and his team were at the casualty department of the Meulmed Hospital in Arcadia on Tuesday when a woman came running in with her child in her arms, begging for help.

Paramedics tried for half an hour to resuscitate the girl, but she died.

Brigadier Wiseman Mthembu, station commander at the Sunnyside police station, told Beeld that the child’s father had turned into the driveway at the block of flats where the family lived, and failed to see his child, who ran behind the car.

A case of culpable homicide has been opened. – Sapa

For more details go to http://www.iol.co.za

Obsession leads to teen’s murder

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crime scene_dec 7

A 14-year-old boy from Vanderbijlpark has been stabbed to death, allegedly by the son of his mother’s boyfriend, according to a report on Thursday.

Dante Chan, 14, was found on Tuesday afternoon with a steak knife protruding from his chest, in the driveway of the alleged attacker’s home, the Beeld reported.

His mother, Yolanda Coetzee, 37, who found her dying son when she came to pick him up after cricket practice, told the newspaper that she had tried in vain to save her child.

“I fell down next to him and said, ‘just breathe, son, you’re a tough one, fight to live’, but it was too late.”

A third-year student from North West University, who was arrested in connection with the incident, had been obsessed with the victim for a long time, according to Coetzee, who is in a relationship with the alleged attacker’s father.

For more details go to http://www.iol.co.za

Multi-million orphanage benefactor remarkable South African and Philanthropist says North West Premier

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BY Obakeng Maje

North West Premier Mme Thandi Modise has hailed murdered Potchefstroom farmer At van der Merwe as a remarkable South African and philanthropist whose compassion and love for humanity transcended class and race.

Premier Modise said that the Abraham Kriel orphanage advisory board owe it to his memory to ensure that his noble objectives are realised without compromise.

“The indelible mark and legacy that At van der Merwe has left us should be a lesson of love to all of us to care for those less fortunate than ourselves. Though he had no child of his own, he understood the African adage “Every child is my child,” she emphasised.  

Van der Merwe had no association with the orphanage towards which he left his entire estate worth R30 million. He reportedly led a hermit-like existence, was unmarried, and had no children of his own.

Premier Modise called on members of the community to assist police in their investigations so that those responsible for Van der Merwe’s death are arrested. He was reportedly assaulted and robbed in his home in April 2012 by unknown person/s. No arrest have thus far been made in connection with his murder.