Daily Archives: November 15, 2012

Premier Thandi Modise calls on communities to assist police in manhunt for muti-killers   

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North West Premier Thandi Modise calls on members of the community to assist police trace the two men who were last seen talking to a murdered teenager who was skinned and some of his body parts removed in Mmakau Village, near Brits.

 

 “While we call on the community not to take the law into their own hands but to support police in their investigations, we condemn in the strongest terms possible the murder Neo Ramaswe and call on police not to leave any stone unturned to ensure that those responsible for the gruesome murder are speedily arrested. Our prayers and thoughts are with the Ramaswe family during this period of sadness” said Premier Modise.

 

Modise reiterated her earlier statement that the phenomenon of muti-killings should be stopped and the heartless criminals behind the wicked crime that is terrorising rural communities removed from society,

 

According to police the 13 year old boy was skinned and his throat, tongue and kidneys were removed, possibly for making muti, traditional African medicine, Ramaswe’s body was reportedly found on Sunday in an open field by a passer-by in the area after he was last seen by his friends last Thursday after playing soccer.

 

Police have since launched a manhunt for the two men suspected of being involved in the disappearance and ultimate murder of the teenager.

 

Meanwhile, Representative of the provincial government MEC for Education and Training, Louisa Mabe is to be part of the community prayer meeting against muti-killings to be held at the Mmakau Community Hall on Sunday.

 

 

North West making strides towards renewable energy

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By Obakeng Maje

The North West Province is registering progress towards removing barriers towards the uptake of renewable energy technologies through the creation of strategic, financial, technical and other enabling environments, the Provincial Executive Council (Exco) concluded in its fortnightly meeting held in Mahikeng on Wednesday.

North West Premier Thandi Modise has expressed appreciation that the Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (IPPPP) which is aimed at stimulating the renewable energy industry across the country also holds substantial potential for the province.

MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Motlalepula Rosho reported that although fifteen projects are being developed for the province under the IPPPP programme, the project that has thus far been approved is the Rust Mo1 solar PV plant by Momentous Energy planned for Rustenburg. The project has a capacity of up to 7 Mega Watts (MW).

Other solar PV projects ranging from 5-340 MW earmarked for Brits, Christiana, Taung, Rustenburg, Vryburg, Mahikeng, Tswaing and Orkney are at various stages of the bidding and planning process for implementation.

Other initiatives include a platinum-based fuel cell mine locomotive prototype launched by Anglo American Platinum Limited, a prototype modular unit that can convert one ton of agricultural waste into a barrel of diesel and 0.5 megawatt hours of electricity a day developed by NECSA.

Sixty bamboo trees have been planted in Khayakhulu in a bamboo trees for cash crops bio diesel trial project.

The Provincial Renewable Energy Steering Committee established to develop the Provincial Strategy and Implementation Plan on Renewable Energy has among others identified the application of solar photovoltaic technologies, solar water heaters, fuel cells, municipal solid wastes as renewable energy sources that hold the most potential and a competitive strength for the province.

“Energy efficiency is in the majority of instances the first point of entry and can often be leveraged to result in the implementation and use of renewable energy technologies and cogeneration. The announcement by the Minister of Energy, Dipuo Peters that a renewable cogeneration round will be launched has raised our hope of substantial potential that we could derive through waste heat as our province has   large number of smelters and industrial processing plants linked to the local mining sector,” highlighted Premier Modise.

She added that the roll out of Eskom solar water heater rebate programme can be greatly increased for the province through development and capacitating of municipalities and local energy service companies.

Meanwhile, a Green Jobs Report released by the Industrial Development Corporation estimates that growing South Africa’s green economy could create more than 460 new jobs by 2025 while cutting the country’s dependence on carbon-intensive industries.

Ex-Bok arrested after match

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File picture of Robbie Kempson. Picture: Tertius Pickard

Durban – Robbie Kempson will know his fate on Thursday after being arrested in Bermuda on Tuesday in connection with an off-the-ball incident during a match between the Springbok Legends and the USA at a World Rugby Classic tournament at the weekend.

The former Springbok, Sharks, Stormers and Western Province prop was accused of running into the USA’s Leif Gibson while his back was turned.

Gibson was taken to hospital in a neck brace. It was feared he might not play rugby again.

The former Bok and EP (Eastern Province) Kings coach was arrested after a case was opened by Gibson, according to South African Rugby Legends Association chief executive and Legends player Stefan Terblanche.

The Royal Gazette, a Bermuda news website, said Kempson, 38, was “absolutely shattered” about the serious injury to the American player.

However, Kempson said the incident, which left Gibson with a spinal injury, happened during the course of the game, and “I don’t think it should have gone as far as it has”.

Kempson spent 12 hours in police custody after being arrested over what police described as an “off-ball assault”.

South Africa ended up beating the US 43-10.

Speaking from Bermuda on Wednesday night, Terblanche told The Mercury that Kempson was no longer under arrest, but would have to report to the police station on Thursday.

“We are fully supportive of Rob, he is one of our team members although he will not take part in the semi-final against Argentina.”

Terblanche added that the team would wait for the verdict and take legal advice if necessary.

Kempson was doing fine in the circumstances, he said.

For more details go tohttp://www.iol.co.za/

Teens dump teacher’s body under tree

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IOL news aug 12 Handcuffs jun23Butterworth -Two Eastern Cape youths have been arrested for killing a teacher in Nkanini outside Butterworth, Eastern Cape police said on Thursday.

The pair was arrested on Wednesday, said Captain Jackson Manatha.

The 44-year-old teacher was drinking with one of the them in a shebeen last Friday, and later the two went to his house.

“It is believed the deceased became drowsy and slept. It was at that stage the… student drove away with the car of the deceased and he went to his friend at Komga township,” said Manatha.

He said the 18-year-old and his friend, 17, later drove back to the man’s home where they allegedly attacked and killed him while he was asleep.

They locked his body in the car boot and drove to Komga where they dropped him under a tree along the N2.

Manatha said the teacher was reported missing when he did not report for duty on Monday.

“The principal called his wife, who is also a teacher in Bizana. The wife came and reported her husband as missing,” he said.

Police investigations led to the arrest of the pair, who were found in possession of the man’s car.

“After they were taken for questioning they admitted to killing him. They took police where they (had) dropped the corpse,” said Manatha.

The two are due to appear in the Butterworth Magistrate’s Court on Monday to face a charge of murder. – Sapa

Farmworkers demand action after man killed

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IOL news nov 15 South Africa StrikesA police truck, left, that was overturned by farm workers after they went on a rampage in Wolseley on Wednesday

Cape Town – Striking farmworkers defied a government call to return to work Thursday, with labourers demanding action against a police captain over the death of one of their colleagues during clashes.

Workers in the Western Cape town of Wolseley – earlier the scene of deadly violence -marched through the town early on Thursday, chanting and singing, despite government announcements that the strike had been suspended.

The government and Cosatu had earlier announced that workers would freeze the strike for two weeks while the sector’s R70 minimum wage is reviewed.

But protesters have insisted they will not return to the fruit-growing region’s farms until they receive a daily wage of at least R150.

“It’s not over for us. We are continuing no matter what. We are going forward no matter what,” said 19-year-old seasonal fruit farm worker Mandla Betshe.

“It’s just a wish for them (for it) to be over.”

“The strike is not finished,” insisted Pieter Opperman, 38, who earns R80 a day

“If we get that settlement of R150, I will go back to work with all my heart. Because then I know I can put food on the table for my family and I can sort myself out.”

The scene early Thursday was tense, with a heavy police presence.

A worker delegation handed a list of demands to police including the suspension of the local police captain, after 28-year-old Michael Daniels was killed in clashes.

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) had opened an investigation into the matter.

“The most important thing is… who gave the order to shoot. Obviously someone has to take a responsibility,” said Lamie Mqungquthu, part of the worker delegation.

“Our aim today is to make peace with the police, they must leave the people because all of us have a right” to protest, he said.

Police described the situation as “volatile,” with disturbances in the towns of De Doorns, Ceres and Swellendam.

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

Standard Bank brings the Orange Africa Cup of Nations, SOUTH AFRICA 2013 to the Friendly City

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BY Obakeng Maje

The Trophy of Africa’s most prestigious football tournament is headed to Port Elizabeth, where Standard Bank and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) are offering fans the opportunity to see and be photographed with the coveted prize.
 
The Orange Africa Cup of Nations, SOUTH AFRICA 2013 Trophy will be at the Greenacres Mall in Port Elizabeth on 17 November from 11:00 to 15:00, accompanied by two Bafana Bafana legends in Neil Tovey and Brian Baloyi.
 
This follows the success of the Trophy Tour stop-over in Durban last month, where hundreds of fans got to see and be photographed with the Trophy. They also interacted with Neil Tovey and Brian Baloyi. 
 
“We had a great time in Durban, it was fun to meet the fans and see the excitement on their faces for the upcoming tournament. Taking the Trophy to the people like this is a wonderful idea from Standard Bank and they should be applauded for the initiative,” Tovey says. 
 
Baloyi agrees and says it helps to build a sense of occasion ahead of the 2013 event.
 
“The eyes of the continent will turn to South Africa in January next year and we want to show them what fantastic hosts we are and what a great footballing country this is. That is why we want to create a positive vibe among South African fans and really help them get behind the tournament. Standard Bank has gone a long way in achieving this,” Baloyi says.
 
Port Elizabeth is known as the Friendly City and it is gearing up to hosts fans from across the continent for the tournament that runs from January 19 to February 10. The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium will be a major host of matches, with seven games to be played at the venue, including the third-place play-off.  
 
The city will be hosting Group B, which includes the Black Stars of Ghana, bronze medalists in 2012 Mali, DR Congo and Niger. Both Tovey and Baloyi think it will be a tough pool.
 
“On the face of it you would say Ghana and Mali should advance, but the DR Congo has Coach Claude LeRoy in charge and few people know more about African football than him. I think he is appearing at his eighth Africa Cup of Nations as a coach. And Niger have proven to be a stubborn opponent before too,” Tovey says.
 
“It is all about momentum and if any side can get a win in their first game, then anything is possible, because that lifts the players, the technical staff and the fans. In just about every Africa Cup of Nations tournament of the last 20 years there have been more fancied sides going out in the first round, so anything is possible. Not many would have picked Zambia to get out of their group, let alone with the trophy in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon,” Baloyi adds.
 
After Port Elizabeth, Standard Bank takes the Trophy to the Jabulani Mall in Soweto on 24 November (11:00-15:00), before the final stop at the Riverside Mall in Nelspruit on 8 December (11:00-15:00).
 
Standard Bank is the Official Banking Partner of the Orange Africa Cup of Nations, SOUTH AFRICA 2013 and the Trophy Tour is a successfully established initiative by CAF and the bank to present “Africa’s Cup” to fans in the run-up to the event.  The 2008 tournament in Ghana and the 2010 event in Angola were also supported by Standard Bank Trophy Tours.
 
“We are delighted to have the trophy back in Mzansi after hosting successful Standard Bank Trophy Tours in the country ahead of previous Orange Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. The fact that this time it will stay here until the final of the 2013 event on February 10 makes it extra special.  
 
“The Africa Cup of Nations is a tournament steeped in history and over the past 55 years of competition we have seen some memorable tournaments. This Standard Bank Trophy Tour is the start of what we hope will be another great memory for the continent and further proof of South Africa’s tremendous ability to host major international competitions,” says Jenny Pheiffer, Head of Brand and Sponsorships, Standard Bank.
“We see this as a major opportunity to connect with our customers, football fans and our employees through our shared passion for Africa and African football. It will allow them an opportunity to become part of the South Africa 2013 tournament and share their love for the game,” she added.
 

70-YEAR-OLD FARMER MURDERED IN BUFFELSHOEK

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BY Obakeng Maje

Buffelshoek-Police were called to a murder scene and found the badly decomposed body of Walter Niedinder (70) yesterday at16:00 North West police said.

The half naked body of Niedinder was discovered 40 meters away from his Braakfontein farm by his neighbours.

“It is alleged that Niedinder was with his friend who visited him for the weekend. It is further alleged that the two friends had an argument before the murder took place” Captain Amanda Funani said.

Niedinder’s friend is still missing and his whereabouts are unknown.  

 

“Niedinder’s blue Mercedes Benz was also stolen during the incident as well as a Plasma TV and DVD player.  At this stage it is unknown what caused the death of the victim or the exact date of his death because of the body being badly decomposed” She said.

Police are still waiting for the forensic report that will determine the cause of death and are investigating a murder, motor vehicle theft and house robbery case.

No one has been arrested.

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SAFA condemns unfortunate attack on Zambian bus

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By Obakeng Maje

The South African Football Association (SAFA) condemns in the strongest of terms, the attack last night on the Zambian football team bus by two youths who have since been apprehended by the police.

 

The incident happened as the Zambian national team bus was leaving FNB Stadium where they had just won the Nelson Mandela Challenge after beating Bafana Bafana 1-0.

 

Two youths, aged 12 and 13 were immediately detained and are being held at the Booysens Police Station and investigations in a case of malicious damage to property have been opened. The security around the team was the high level security that the SAPS and Traffic Police provides to all visiting teams.

 

SAFA President, Kirsten Nematandani who has since apologised personally to his Zambian counterpart, Kalusha Bwalya reiterated his disappointment at the incident.

 

“Kalusha understood that this was an isolated incident. Our relationship with Zambia goes beyond the sporting fields. South Africa and Zambia have a bond which dates back to the days of apartheid in which most of our fellow South Africans were harboured by our Zambian counterparts,” said Nematandani.

 

“Such an embarrassing behaviour is alien to the South African Football Association and damages the good name of our association and country. We do not want at any time to be associated with these scoundrels of society,” said an irate Nematandani. “Such people do not belong to the football family and once the investigations have been concluded, the police should send out a strong message against future perpetrators.”

 

AFCON 2013 CEO, Mvuzo Mbebe also condemned last night’s attack but added such isolated incident should not in any way harm the Africa Cup of Nations preparations which he said were going on smoothly.

 

“We are disturbed by this incident which is totally an isolated one. South African fans do not behave like this and are known to take defeat in the good spirit.

 

“This country has hosted numerous international events and we have not experienced such a conduct,” said Mbebe

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Teens released after Zambian bus attack

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Johannesburg – Two teenagers taken into police custody for allegedly pelting the Zambian soccer team’s bus with stones at FNB Stadium have been released, Gauteng police said on Thursday.

 

“The boys were taken into custody on Wednesday night. One was released into the custody of his parents and the other was taken to a place of safety,” Brigadier Neville Malila said.

 

“Investigations continue and police are looking for two other minors who threw the bus (sic) with stones outside the stadium. One window was broken.”

 

Malila said the motive was not known and the boys faced a charge of malicious damage to property.

 

The SA Football Association (Safa) said the stone-throwing happened after Bafana Bafana lost 1-0 to Zambia.

 

Zambia’s goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene, who also plays for the Free State Stars in South Africa, was injured, according to a tweet by the Zambian Football Association.

 

“Very sad that Zambian bus was stoned and Kennedy Mweene sustained a head injury. Has had stitches and is ok, but the incident was shameful,” read the tweet, posted on Thursday morning.

 

Safa spokesman Dominic Chimhavi said the behaviour was unacceptable.

 

“Safa does not condone this behaviour. The match was played in honour of (former president) Nelson Mandela and these people are not welcome at our stadiums.

 

“They should watch the games at home…People come to the games with their families and this behaviour is not acceptable.” – Sapa

 

 

Premier Modise applauds awards and calls for more effort for quality water

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By Obakeng Maje

The Blue Drop Status that Rustenburg, Matlosana and Tlokwe Local Municipalities have achieved this year should challenge other municipalities across the North West Province to improve the quality of their drinking water, risk management, operations and asset management of their water services, North West Premier Thandi Modise said on Tuesday.

“We wish to single out Tlokwe Local municipality for living up to its motto as “The City of Expertise”. The prestigious status that the municipality was awarded together with Ekurhuleni, City of Johannesburg, Mogale City and Ethekwini as the top 5 highest scoring municipalities in the country has made us proud and set the standard for other municipalities across the country  to emulate,” stressed Premier Modise. 

 

Modise said that her administration is impressed that most Water Services Authorities(WSA’s) have showed improvement in their 2012 Blue Drop results compared to 2011. The average Provincial Blue Status score increased from 62, 25% in 2011 to 78,7% this year. A total of 82% of WSA scored over 50% as compared to 55% in the previous assessment.

Tlokwe was awarded a platinum status as it has retained its blue drop status for the fourth successive year since 2009.

Meanwhile, Premier Modise has noted efforts by the Department of Water Affairs to work closely with Tswaing, Ramotshere Moiloa and Ratlou Local Municipalities to bring water quality in the respective municipalities up to standard.

Communities in Delareyville, Sannieshof, Dinokana, Lehurutshe, Motswedi,Gopane Kraaipan, Madibogo, Madibogopan have been informed not to drink the tap water without improving the quality first by either boiling or using other methods of purification.

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