Monthly Archives: August 2012

Top cops knew about Motaung and co-accused probe

NEWS Leave a comment

Image

Nelspruit-Motaung and his former business partners, Herbert Theledi and Chris Grib of Lefika Emerging Equity, were arrested by the Hawks this week in connection with fraud estimated at R143m.

 

Lefika won the tender to design the R1.2bn Mbombela soccer stadium in Nelspruit for the Soccer World Cup.

 

This was the first arrest relating to the corruption claims since Mbombela speaker Jimmy Mohlala blew the whistle in 2008.

 

He was assassinated the following year.

 

The corruption case has been in limbo for the past four years, amid persistent allegations of political interference and police bias. 

 

Senior police sources told City Press last week that intelligence reports implicating Motaung, Theledi, Grib and municipal officials were given to provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Thulani Ntombela in 2009 but he did nothing about it.

 

“The intelligence guys looked stupid when their reports were ignored as they worked hard on the case and presented their reports to the commissioner. These arrests could have been done a long time ago,” said a senior police officer.

 

The crime intelligence unit, City Press understands, was also excluded from Mohlala’s assassination case, which led to the wrongful arrest of two cops and three others in October 2010.

 

Ntombela is also accused of ignoring audit reports commissioned by the Mbombela municipality that were given to him by former mayor, Lassy Chiwayo.

 

Ntombela laid defamation charges against Chiwayo last year when Chiwayo accused him of taking political sides in the matter. 

 

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Leonard Hlathi said: “The Mbombela case falls within the mandate of the Hawks, so there’s no way (Ntombela) could have sat on reports. As for the defamation case, he is the complainant and won’t discuss it in the media.”

Two more police sources said last week’s arrests were precipitated by deteriorating relations between Ntombela and the Mpumalanga head of the Hawks, Major-General Simon Mapiane. 

 

Police sources have told City Press that the fall-out had emboldened Mapiane to act against Motaung and his co-accused.

 

Hawks spokesperson McIntosh Polela did not respond to written questions.

 

Motaung and Theledi were released on R50 000 bail on Thursday, while Grip appeared on Friday and was given a lesser bail amount of R20 000 after pleading poverty.

 

The three allegedly submitted a fraudulent tax certificate when Lefika bid for the tender to design the Mbombela Stadium in 2006. The alternative charge is theft of R143m.

 

They are also accused of faking a letter on an Mbombela municipality letterhead and forging the signature of an official to apply for an R1m overdraft.

 

The bank declined Lefika’s request after probing the letters’ authenticity.

 

Lefika was appointed to design and project manage the Mbombela Stadium. Lefika’s appointment also gave them the privilege of sitting in on supply chain committees that appointed other contractors for the stadium’s construction.

 

But the company became the centre of controversy.

 

Problems started with the sod-turning ceremony on which R1.4m was spent. 

 

This became the subject of a KPMG probe.

 

KPMG said Lefika had declined to provide information on its expenditure, and when it did, the information was not legible.

 

Other allegations and audit probes followed thick and fast.

 

Lefika awarded the construction tender to Mbombela Stadium Joint Venture, a partnership between Basil Read and French firm Bouygues Civil Works, but did not declare that it was working with Basil Read on another project – the Amakhosi Stadium project in Krugersdorp, that still hasn’t been built.

for more details http://www.citypress.co.za

Arrested protesters at Marikana set to appear in court today

NEWS Leave a comment

Image

Thirty-four striking miners were shot and killed at the mine, near Rustenburg, in North West, on Thursday when they stormed a police line.

 

“People have died already so we have nothing more to lose … we are going to continue fighting for what we believe is a legitimate fight for living wages. We would rather die like our comrades than back down,” said miner Kaizer Madiba.

 

President Jacob Zuma yesterday called for a week of mourning after the tragedy and set up an interministerial commission to deal with the crisis. He reiterated his call for a judicial inquiry.

 

Lonmin has refused to give in to the demands.

 

The JSE and London-listed company stood by the court order, obtained on August 10, that the miners return to work or be fired.

 

Madiba and his co-strikers watched 34 of their colleagues being shot and killed by police.

 

Armed with pistols, shotguns, pangas and traditional weapons, the miners stormed a line of police carrying semi-automatic rifles and pistols.

 

Yesterday, the miners vowed to fight to the death.

 

“The only thing that will end this strike is a positive response from management. I am still asking myself why management refuses to negotiate with us.

 

“We only want R12000 for rock-drill operators and a minimum wage of R7500 for everyone working underground,” he said.

 

Madiba said the strikers would meet today to decide what to do next.

 

All they wanted, he said, was to be able to create a better future for their children back home.

 

Thursday’s killings were against the backdrop of a week-long violent illegal strike by the Lonmin miners, in which 10 people were killed, including two policemen sent to bring calm to the situation, and two security guards, who were burned to death in their car.

 

Lonmin spokesman Barnard Mokwena yesterday defended the company’s decision to re-issue the ultimatum, saying it applied only to rock-drill operators.

 

“There are many options on the table. It is not as if ‘To fire or not to fire’ is all we are considering.”

 

Mokwena said it was not the company’s decision to re-issue the ultimatum. Instead, he said, the wording was a consequence of the court order the company had obtained.

 

“The company is going through a mourning period and is focused on the needs of its employees and their families,” he said.

 

But the ultimatum has angered the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu).

 

“It is too harsh of management to talk in this way,” said Amcu treasurer Jimmy Gama, describing the ultimatum as “very unfair”.

 

Frans Baleni, the secretary-general of the National Union of Mineworkers, said the situation was still very “sensitive” and it could not be expected that workers would take up their duties if they were threatened by more violence.

 

Zuma said yesterday: “We must avoid finger-pointing and recrimination. We must unite against violence from whatever quarter.”

 

The inter-ministerial committee, which will be led by Minister in The Presidency Collins Chabane, is made up of North West Premier Thandi Modise and ministers including Mineral Resources’ Susan Shabangu and Police’s Nathi Mthethwa. They are due to visit Marikana today.

 

Zuma’s spokesman, Mac Maharaj, yesterday said details of the judicial inquiry into the deaths of the miners would be made public this week.

 

The “Marikana massacre” has highlighted the problems affecting South Africa’s mining industry.

 

Baleni pointed to “other hot spots in the platinum sector”, hinting that there was a risk of a spillover of violence into other sectors.

 

Gideon du Plessis, general secretary of trade union Solidarity, said he knew of “early signs of the same conflict” in other places.

 

Chief executives – drawn from various mining sectors – met top government and trade union officials, as well as the Chamber of Mines, on Saturday to discuss the problems besetting the mining industry.

 

The meeting reportedly ended with the following goals defined:

 

Repair damage to the image of the mining industry;

 

Avoid a spillover of violence into other industries in the mining sector; and

 

Stabilise the industry to limit opportunities for what the meeting’s participants described as “militant opportunists”.

 

It is believed the last goal was in reference to expelled ANC Youth League president Julius Malema, who visited Marikana on Saturday.

 

He called for Zuma and Mthethwa’s resignations because of the massacre.

 

The miners took a break from protests yesterday, sitting around in groups drinking, shaving and sharing memories of their dead comrades.

 

Though on Thursday hundreds of heavily armed police were patrolling Wonderkop, where the shooting took place, the only sign of a police presence yesterday was a roadblock set up for the police to search vehicles for weapons.

 

Police spokesman Captain Dennis Adriao said that though the situation was quiet but tense, a strong police presence in the area will be maintained until everything was under control.

 

The 259 strikers arrested in connection with the violent protests will appear in the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court today.

For more details go to http://www.timeslive.com

Corrupt cop sentenced

NEWS Leave a comment

Image

staff reporter

Atamelang- Former constable, G J Melamu (34) appeared before Regional Court in Wolmaranstad on charges of corruption.

The constable who had spent nine-years of his police service as a Constable was stationed at Sannieshof Stock Theft Unit.

On Saturday, 15 October 2011 information was received that constable Melamu had his hands on the cookie jar, this was after he was caught demanding an outstanding amount of R2000.00 from Atamelang two suspects accused of stealing stock in Atamelang.

It was reported that the Constable on two occasions an amount of R3000.00 was already paid to him in order to withdraw stock theft cases against the two accused.

“According to the two, Constable made arrangements to collect the outstanding balance at Ottosdal town. This appointment was scheduled for Saturday, 12 October 2011, for the delivery of cash, but the constable did not show up. Later that day they rescheduled to meet in Klerksdorp the following day and again for some reason he could not make it” Sergeant Nkwalase. Said.

However, he alternatively requested the suspects to bring the money in Wolmaransstad on the 15 October 2011.

A controlled action was set up for him by the North West Hawks, Anti Corruption Unit who accompanied the with the suspects to Wolmaransstad Engine Garage in Broad street.

The suspects handed R2000  to him at the garage parking where after the Hawks moved in and Constable Melamu was arrested.

The state money was later recovered in his possession, on Friday and after a long trial he was found guilty of corruption and sentenced to three years imprisonment.

The North West Provincial Commissioner , Lieutenant General Zukiswa Mbombo  congratulated the Hawks Anti corruption unit for their swift response and successful apprehension of the Constable.

She sternly warns perpetrators  of corruption that they actions will not go unpunished . She said corruption within our ranks remains  one of our worst enemy in the 21st century.

Malema hold no punches against Zuma

NEWS 1 Comment

Image

President Jacob Zuma and Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa must resign following the death of mineworkers at Lonmin’s Marikana

operations, in the North West, expelled ANC Youth League President Julius Malema said on Saturday.

“President Zuma decided over the massacre of our people, he must step down.”

Malema was speaking in Wonderkop where around 34 people were killed in a clash between police on Thursday.

He said Mthethwa must also resign because the police shot people under his command.

“He must resign because he failed in executing his duties.”

Malema told the crowd that the police were supposed to protect them and not kill them.

“It has never happened before that so many people were killed in a single day and it became normal,” he said.

Malema, who pledged his support for the striking mineworkers urged them not to retreat and to stand firm on their demand for a R12,500 salary.

He said the reason the police shot at the people was because they were protecting the interest of ANC NEC member, Cyril Ramaphosa, who he alleged owned shares in Lonmin.

“Lonmin had a high political connection that is why our people were killed. They were killed to protect the shares of Cyril Ramaphosa,” he said.

He told the gathering that it was amazing that Ramaphosa was able to buy a buffalo for R18 million but could not pay them the R12,500 they were demanding.

Earlier today, the Shanduka Group, which was formed Cyril Ramaphosa, pledged R2 million for the burial of scores of people killed in the Lonmin clashes.

Malema said one reason why he called for the resignation of President Zuma was that he failed in his duty to protect the citizens of the country.

“When you were killed, Zuma was still in the country. He decided to go to Maputo, Mozambique and once he was there he was advised that he made a wrong decision. That is why he returned to the country yesterday (Friday).”

He told the crowd that if they were asked who is the president of the country, they should say they do not have a president.

“I don’t have a president. Zuma is not a president.”

He called on the mineworkers to form a militant union that would represent their interests.

He said that the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) was no longer a union that represented the interests of the workers but interested in making more money.

“NUM is not a union, it’s a company. They hold shares in mining companies, that is why when there are problems in the mines they are the first to sell out the workers.”

The crowd dispersed peacefully after Malema’s address.

A total of 34 people were killed in a shootout that erupted near the mine when police tried to disperse striking miners.

More than 78 people were injured. Another 10 people had by then been killed in the violent protests at the mine over the past week. – Sapa

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

Edward Manqele …


Image

Edward Manqele scored with five minutes left to save a 3-3 draw for Mamelodi Sundowns in their MTN8 first leg semi-final against Moroka Swallows in Atteridgeville on Saturday night.

 

The match got off to a cracking start as Swallows struck twice within the first eight minutes.

 

Felix Obada hit the back of the net as early as the sixth minute when he slotted in a close-range effort that stayed low.

 

Two minutes later Lerato Chabangu delivered a corner that found Ashraf Hendricks on the far side of the box, and Hendricks slammed a header into the ground that bounced in, with Punch Masenamela abandoning Sundowns’ near post.

 

Downs hit back nine minutes later after they were awarded a penalty for a handball infringement in the area.

 

Teko Modise’s first shot from the spot was saved by Greg Etafia, but the referee ordered a retake after the Birds’ goalkeeper was found to have moved off his line too early.

 

Modise, who was otherwise wayward during the opening period, made no mistake with his second attempt, although Swallows managed to maintain their 2-1 advantage for the rest of the first half.

 

Sundowns gained control in the second stanza, with Manqele wasting a gilt-edged chance six minutes after the break, fluffing a header in front of an open goal.

 

With half an hour left, Method Mwanjali also came close, but an outstretched Etafia got a hand to the ball and tipped it against the post.

 

Four minutes later, Hlompho Kekana found the equaliser, tapping in a well-placed shot as Downs fought their way back into the game.

 

Swallows edged ahead again when Bennett Chenene scored a stunning goal, curling the ball past the Brazilians’ keeper Wayne Sandilands to regain the lead for the visitors.

 

Manqele, however, netted the equaliser in the dying stages, collecting the ball in the area, controlling well and turning to fire it in with his left foot from a difficult angle.

 

The two sides meet again in the return leg next weekend.-sapa

NUM backs Zuma’s inquiry

NEWS Leave a comment

The National Union of Mineworkers has welcomed the commission of inquiry to investigate the killing of striking workers at Lonmin Marikana mine in North West.

“The NUM strongly believes that such a commission is necessary and would help unearth the motive forces behind the senseless violence,” said the union on Friday.

NUM said the commission should help the country understand the underlying threats faced by the country’s democracy.

It said the public display of dangerous weapons, threats and intimidation should have no place in the South African democracy.

President Jacob Zuma earlier announced that a commission of inquiry would be set up to uncover the truth behind the shootings at the Lonmin mine in Rustenburg where 34 protesters were gunned down this week.

“We remain fully committed to ensuring that this country remains a peaceful stable, productive and thriving nation that is focused on improving the quality of life for all,” Zuma told reporters at the Lonmin conference centre.

A total of 34 people were killed in a shootout that erupted near the mine on Thursday when police tried to disperse striking miners.

More than 78 people were injured. Another 10 people had by then been killed in the violent protests at the mine over the past week.

The protests were believed to be linked to rivalry between the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) over recognition agreements at the mine. Workers also wanted higher wages. – Sapa

Zuma concludes Marikana visit

NEWS Leave a comment

ZumaLonmin

President Jacob Zuma has concluded his visit to Marikana near Rustenburg where more than 30 people were tragically killed, the presidency said on Friday.

The President received a briefing from the police and later from injured workers at the Andrew Saffy Hospital, said spokesman Mac Maharaj.

“I am convinced that the Commission of Inquiry will uncover the truth and facts will emerge. We have asked relevant government departments, including especially the provincial government, to provide every possible assistance to the families during this painful and difficult period,” Zuma said.

“The loss of life in this manner is unacceptable and we have to ensure that this never happens again.”

Zuma added: “We know that many families are still desperately looking for their loved ones. Therefore government stands ready to assist.”

The President was accompanied by State Security Minister Siyabonga Cwele, Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa, Mineral Resources Minister Susan Shabangu, North West Premier Thandi Modise and National Police Commissioner Ria Phiyega. – Sapa

North West roads project to resume

NEWS Leave a comment

By Obakeng Maje

Construction on the Lichtenburg-Koster road is to resume in the next few weeks ending months of suspended work and protracted litigation between the North West Provincial Department of Public Works, Roads and Public Works and Down Touch Investment. This follows a settlement agreement reached by the two parties on Thursday.

 

In welcoming the agreement reached by the parties for an amicable parting off ways presented to her by MEC Raymond Elisha, Premier Mme Thandi Modise congratulated them for taking into account the interest of the Public in the usage of the road and the inconvenience caused which is highly regrettable particularly on the basis of the delays and discomfort considering that the road has been a subject of litigations for an inordinately long and protracted period of time.In terms of the out of court settlements agreement reached after a mutual understanding of the principle of Government in maintaining clean governance, Fairness and Transparency as enshrined in the constitution, the PFMA and supporting Supply Chain prescripts, Down Touch Investment has agreed to leave site.

 

Both parties have agreed to withdraw all litigation processes against each other including the Appeal Process that saw the department pursuing to challenge Justice Landman’s decision.

 

 

 

Though pressurised by public demand and socio economic dynamics to ensure the delivery of the road and to restore the calmness and peaceful use of the road by business people who have been affected, directly or indirectly, The Provincial department will explore all fair and transparent process and acceptable legal prescripts and authorities to expedite a legitimate process towards appointment of a new contractor.

 

 

 

The Department will in due course communicate to all the bidders who took part in the earlier bid and who were also affected by the award process and probably having a keen interest in the litigation cases.

 

 

 

Internal disciplinary proceedings of the officials who flaunted supply chain processes in the irregular award of the tender will continue until they are finalised.

 

 

 

Premier Modise has committed her administration to clean governance, to fight corruption and maladministration across departments including municipalities and has vowed that her administration will not be intimidated or deterred to seek the truth on the fairness, transparency and cost effectiveness of awarded tenders.

 

l

SAFA new partner looking for future stars

NEWS 3 Comments

Image

By Obakeng Maje

Castle Lager has unveiled its ambitious initiative to find and develop South Africa’s undiscovered football talent, strengthening the future prospects of soccer in South Africa.

 

The programme, called Castle Superstars, will run in partnership with the South African Football Association (SAFA) to identify tomorrow’s soccer stars.

 

During the eight-month campaign, players from the 52 SAFA regions will compete for a place in the Castle Lager Superstars XI.  Qualifying players will be coached, conditioned and mentored by the country’s top professional coaches, trainers and ex-Bafana players, earning them the opportunity to prove themselves to local professional football clubs, and possibly even abroad.

 

“Castle Lager has been a proud supporter of South African football for over 50 years and Bafana Bafana for 20 years, and is extending that commitment to drive the development of our local undiscovered talent, giving them an opportunity to prove themselves at the highest level of the game that they would otherwise not have experienced,” explains Alastair Hewitt, General Manager for Castle Lager.

 

Performance analysis services will be provided by Amisco, which serves 60% of FIFA member countries with football statistics and analysis technology.  Data captured by Amisco will be used by coaches and scouts to identify and monitor individual talent throughout the campaign.

 

The first phase of the campaign, commencing in September, will see players in 52 SAFA regions throughout the country being scouted to be part of the Castle Superfans XI.  Scouted and selected players will attend a two-week training camp in January 2013, where they will coached and mentored by ex-Bafana captain Neil Tovey and be exposed to camp life at a professional level in preparation for professional trials.

 

SAFA CEO, Dr Robin Petersen, explains the importance of the initiative to the Association’s long-term development strategy.

 

“By partnering with a brand that has been a strategic sponsor of the South African national team for over 20 years, we are able to build a talent pipeline for South Africa’s professional leagues and ultimately the national team.  While development takes time, this initiative will bring players closer to where they should be at their age.

 

 “SAFA is all about development, and this initiative is one of many that the Association is using to help nurture talent from an early age.

We have to use the bottom-up approach, because if you take care of development using the right components and the right personnel, then the top, which is Bafana Bafana, will take care of itself,” he explains.

 

 

Two boys arrested for raping a 16 year old girl

NEWS Leave a comment

Image

By Obakeng Maje

Lurutshe- Two suspects appeared before Lurutshe Magistrate Court yesterday in charges of rape.

Sphamandla James,18 and his co-accused who cannot be named because of his age were arrested after allegedly raping a 16 year-old girl in Selosesha,near Lurutshe.

According to Police, a 16 year girl was walking with her friend when they passed group o men in the stree.

“The girl was dragged in the nearby bushes by two men waring balaclavas. And she was raped and assaulted by two suspects” said Sergeant Nkwalase.

The two suspects, James and hs co-accused who is a 17 years-old teenager were reminded in custody and will appear back on the 22 of August for bail application.

Follow us on twitter@Taung_DailyNews