Johannesburg –

The death toll on South African roads has reached 1200, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) said on Monday afternoon.

Spokesman Ashref Ismail said 1207 people were killed in 1006 accidents since the beginning of December.

“No major fatal crashes have been reported in the last 96 hours,” he said.

“No provincial or road user breakdown data are available at this stage. Analysis, comparisons and conclusions will be a made at the end of the campaign when the schools re-open.”

The North West province recorded over 60 deaths since the beginning of December, the public safety department said.

Spokesman Lesolang Simon Mmope said four people died on Sunday, bringing the provincial toll to 62.

“The death toll stands at over 60. Stations reported only four fatalities this morning.”

He said roadblocks would be conducted on major entry and exit routes in the province from Monday.

“The focus will be on speeding, reckless driving and drunken driving,” Mmope said.

In Johannesburg there had been no accidents in the past 48 hours, the city metro police said.

There was a high visibility of traffic officers, who were focusing on drunken driving and excessive speed, said Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar. – Sapa

Transport authorities have slated drivers for continuing to drive while under the influence of liquor, saying 60 to 65 percent of all road fatalities, specially those over weekends, are as a result of alcohol abuse by motorists.

In a statement the Department of Transport and the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) called for drastic interventions and a complete mind-shift on the part of road-users to curtail the carnage.

Crashes have claimed more than 1 000 lives since December 1 and left many others injured.

In the statement, Transport Minister Ben Martins, added: “Since the beginning of the festive season, just over 2 000 motorists have been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. These are people who deliberately ignore the dangers associated with driving under the influence of alcohol and go on to endanger the lives of other road-users. Many other moving violations such as dangerous overtaking and excessive speeding at times have alcohol abuse as a common denominator”. Drinking and walking (jay walking) by pedestrians is another major challenge that requires urgent attention. At least 40 percent of road fatalities recorded annually in SA involve pedestrians. “(Law enforcement officers) can only succeed in their efforts if they get the necessary co-operation and support from the very same people whose lives they are trying to save: members of the public. We therefore call on road users, motorists, passengers and pedestrians alike to play their part in ensuring that we put a halt to any further loss of lives on our roads,” said Transport deputy Minister Sindi Chikunga. The RTMC, provincial and local traffic authorities will be out in full force to ensure law and order on our roads and pay special attention to people driving under the influence of alcohol, excessive speeding, dangerous overtaking and other violations.

Speed limits along hazardous locations/routes will be enforced through hand-held cameras, fixed cameras, average speed monitoring and through Moving Violation Recorders in marked and unmarked traffic vehicles.

“No person who takes alcohol in excess and still drives deserves to be on our roads. Such people should be taken away to a place wherein their barbaric deeds won’t endanger the lives of other law-abiding citizens,” said Martins.

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

Durban – A 14-month-old boy was rescued on Sunday after spending hours tied to his mother’s corpse, a few metres from the bodies of his three brothers and two sisters.

The family, who lived in a neat house in Inanda, north of Durban, had all been stabbed to death.

The bodies of the children – aged three, five, seven, nine and 14 – had been stacked in the bathroom while their mother was found, with the baby, in the passage. The toddler was unhurt but dehydrated and hungry.

Police spokesman Vincent Mdunge said the 38-year-old woman owned a tuck shop with her husband. The killings were thought to have taken place on Saturday.

Police were still awaiting the results of post-mortems to confirm their suspicions. The woman’s husband was making a statement to police late on Sunday.

Mdunge said the baby was taken to a clinic for medical attention. He was then given to relatives..

The dead woman’s brother-in-law raised the alarm on Sunday morning. According to Mdunge, he had tried to contact her on Saturday but, when he could not raise her, went to the house on Sunday.

Neighbours, who asked not to be named out of fear, said the brother-in-law arrived, went inside and soon afterwards came running out, shouting: “Everyone in the house has been killed.”

“When I entered the house I saw the body of the woman in the passage. She was covered in blood and there was a child – who was alive but not crying – beside her,” said one neighbour. “In the the bathroom, we found the bodies of his brothers and sisters.”

The children were “always playing outside”, said the neighbour, and would often be seen walking to the shop or to school.

One neighbour said she saw their mother on Thursday but since then she had not noticed any activity in the house.

“The doors were shut and the curtains drawn,” she said. “I thought they had gone on holiday.”

Mdunge called the crime a “mystery”. He said nothing had been stolen and there was no sign of forced entry.

The house was cordoned off and forensic experts were at the scene.

“A case of six counts of murder with aggravating circumstances was opened at Inanda police station and a task team will be established to find the killer,” said Mdunge.

For more details go to iol.co.za

Durban policeman Dean van Zyl, who was recently arrested in a sting operation when he allegedly tried to sell his police radio to a tow-truck driver, is back on duty.

Van Zyl, 26, who at the time was out on bail for the alleged theft of petrol and alleged armed robbery, was rearrested when he allegedly tried to sell his police radio in Pinetown for R2 000 this month.

A policeman, who would not be named, told the Sunday Tribune that Van Zyl was on active duty.

“He is at work in uniform. How can a police officer who has been charged with so many crimes be allowed to come back to work? What message are we sending to the public by allowing this? We can’t even police our own,” he said.

Another officer, who also requested anonymity, confirmed that Van Zyl was on duty after his third arrest in three weeks. “I was at the station when he was arrested for allegedly stealing petrol,” he said. “It is disgusting to see a policeman in the cells, we are meant to uphold the law.”

Police spokesman Captain Thulani Zwane provided a scant explanation as to why Van Zyl had not been removed from duty.

“Suspension of a serving member of the SAPS entails strict adherence to procedure and relevant legislation by the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner. This is a normal process and the members of the public are assured that the Provincial Commissioner will take an appropriate decision regarding suspension of the member,” he said.

“The member is entitled to the use of police equipment including the state-issue firearm during the performance of his official police duties,” Zwane added.

Repeated attempts to contact Van Zyl proved unsuccessful.

The DA’s police spokeswoman Dianne Kohler-Barnard said that it was unconscionable for police management to allow a member facing criminal charges to stay on active duty.

“The reality is that criminality isn’t taken seriously… Imagine a traumatised member of the public could be giving a statement in their home to a cop who has committed a crime but who the SAPS refuses to suspend. The SAPS is still treating the IPID (Independent Police Investigative Directorate) with the same contempt it treated the Independent Complaints Directorate, despite the fact that we strengthened the law considerably,” she added.

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

By Obakeng Maje

Vryburg- North West police are looking for six suspects after a supermarket was robbed.

According to statement received six suspects pounced on a security guard at vry street in Vryburg and demanded the keys for the supermarket before they tied him up with shoelace provincial police said.

“The suspects allegedly pointed a security guard with a firearm and demand keys for the supermarket” She said.

 “They gain entry through a glass door and help themselves with undisclosed amount of money before they flee the scene” Captain Amanda Funani said.

BY Obakeng Maje

Rustenburg Police arrested a 54-year-old man for allegedly raping his 22-year-old daughter North West police said.

“According to allegations the victim was asleep when her father entered the room. Allegation further states that the suspect the victim where alone in the house” captain Funani said.

“He allegedly undress and forcefully raped her daughter. The suspect is expected to appear before Rustenburg Magistrate Court tomorrow” She continues. 

By Obakeng Maje

Klerksdorp-A body of a 43 year-old man found in the street of Albama township in Klerksdorp with stabbing-wounds North West police said.

“A body of a man found lying in the streets in Albama near Klerksdorp with stabbing-wounds” Captain Funani said.

“The police are searching for suspect/s and appealing to the community to come forward with any information that could led to the arrest” She said.

By Obakeng Maje

Sannieshof- North West police are investigating a case of inquest after a 31 year-old man kills himself. 

The incident took place a Dwaalkraal were a 31 year-old man was allegedly engaged in an argument with his lover provincial spokesperson said.

“According to information received a 31 year-old man was in involved in an argument with his girlfriend and that led to a fight” Captain Amanda Funani said.

“It is alleged that a boyfriend stabbed his girlfriend with a pair of scissor before fleeing the crime scene” she adds.

The boyfriend allegedly fled the scene after thinking maybe his girlfriend has passed on.

He was found hanged to a tree at the nearest bushes and police suspects no foul play.

Follow us on Twitter@Taung_DailyNews

By Obakeng Maje

Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund has gone mainly for experience when announcing his 23-man Africa Cup of Nations 2013 squad today, Sunday, 30 December 2012 at the Southern Sun Monte Casino Hotel in Fourways, Johannesburg.

The tournament, which will be hosted in South Africa, runs from 19 January to 10 February 2013. The squad comprises of players who have been part of his national team set-up in the last six months.

Goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune retains his place alongside Wayne Sandilands and Senzo Meyiwa but there is no place for Belgium based Darren Keet.

Igesund has gone for seven defenders, Bongani Khumalo, Siyabonga Sangweni, Anele Ngcongca, Tsepo Masilela, Siboniso Gaxa, Thabo Nthethe and Thabo Matlaba, while Ricardo Nunes, Siyanda Xulu and Bevan Fransman missed the cut.

In the highly contested midfield area, the head coach has selected Kagisho Dikgacoi, Dean Furman, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Oupa Manyisa, Siphiwe Tshabalala, May Mahlangu, Thulani Serero, Lerato Chabangu and Thuso Phala.

Those left out are Thanduyise Khuboni, Teko Modise, Andile Jali, Daine Klate, Sifiso Myeni and Delron Buckley.

The firepower upfront will be provided by the foursome of Bernard Parker, Tokelo Rantie, Lehlohonolo Majoro and Katlego Mphela.

“It’s very unfortunate that I could not have all the players in the squad as CAF rules stipulate that only 23 will be needed for the tournament. No matter how much we try, we can’t please all the people in the selection process but I believe we have chosen the best that will represent this country well in AFCON 2013,” said Igesund.

“We had the best of the best in the camp, with excellent players competing against each other for positions but at the end of the day we had to cut down the squad to that stipulated by the governing body. However, those players who are not in the squad should not despair as they are all on stand-by in case of injuries.”

The head coach has thanked the South African public for their support of the national team and appealed for more support in the coming days.

“This is not my national team; I am just the driver so I would like to thank the public, including the media for their continued support of the squad that has been picked up as they represent all of us. We are now embarking on a long and difficult mission and we cannot do it alone, your support will be very crucial to see us through,” said Igesund.

“Now that the final squad has been selected, the focus is now on the tournament. Real and hard work begins for all of us. I am now able to instil my philosophy and I am confident by the time the tournament starts, I believe we will be ready and playing as a unit.”

Bongani Khumalo will captain the side.

The first assignment in the New Year for Bafana Bafana is the international friendly match against Norway at the Cape Town Stadium on Tuesday, 8 January 2013.

The squad will gather late on Wednesday, 2 January 2013 in Cape Town to prepare for the Norway clash.

In the second and last practice match Bafana Bafana will face Algeria in another international friendly match at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Saturday, 12 January.

South Africa begins their AFCON 2013 campaign against Cape Verde at the National Stadium (Soccer City) on Saturday, 19 January before facing Angola and Morocco in the group stages in Durban.

HERE IS THE FULL BAFANA BAFANA SQUAD FOR AFCON 2013:

NO.PLAYER’S NAMECLUB  

GOALKEEPERS:

  1.Itumeleng KHUNEKaizer Chiefs FC (SA)  

2.Wayne SANDILANDSMamelodi Sundowns FC (SA)  

3.Senzo MEYIWAOrlando Pirates FC (SA)  

DEFENDERS:

  4.Bongani KHUMALOPaok FC (Greece)  

5.SiyabongaSANGWENIOrlando Pirates FC (SA)  

6.ThaboNTHETHEBloemfontein Celtic (SA)  

7.Anele NGCONGCARacing Genk FC (Belgium)  

8.Siboniso GAXAKaizer Chiefs FC (SA)  

9.Tshepo MASILELAKaizer Chiefs FC (SA)  

10.Thabo MATLABA Orlando Pirates FC (SA)  

MIDFIELDERS:

  11.Kagisho DIKGACOICrystal Palace FC (Eng)  

12.DeanFURMANOldham Athletic FC (Eng)  

13..ReneilweLETSHOLONYANEKaizer Chiefs FC (SA)  

14.OupaMANYISAOrlando Pirates FC (SA)  

15.May MAHLANGUHelsingborg IF (Sweden)  

16.ThulaniSEREROAjax Amsterdam FC (Holland)  

17.Lerato CHABANGUMoroka Swallows FC (SA)  

18.ThusoPHALAPlatinum Stars FC (SA)  

19.Siphiwe TSHABALALAKaizer Chiefs FC (SA)  

STRIKERS:

  20.Bernard PARKERKaizer Chiefs FC (SA)  

21.Katlego MPHELAMamelodi Sundowns FC (SA)  

22.Tokelo RANTIEMalmo FF (Sweden)  

23.Lehlohonolo MAJOROKaizer Chiefs FC (SA)  

Andile Jali, Teko Modise, Daine Klate and Sifiso Myeni are left out as Gordon Igesund announces his squad for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

3.00pm Igesund: “Over the last six months I have been in a fortunate position to work with a number of talented players … it hasn’t been an easy task … the most difficult thing for me has been to leave people out of the team.”

3.02pm “The team will be three goalkeepers, seven defenders, nine midfielders and four strikers.”

3.05pm And with no ceremony, for once, the squad is:

Goalkeepers: Khune, Sandilands, Meyiwa

Defenders: Sangweni, Khumalo, Nthethe, Ngcongca, Gaxa, Matlaba, Masilela

Midfielder: Dikgacoi, Furman, Letsholonyane, Manyisa, Mahlangu, Serero, Chabangu, Phala, Tshabalala

Striker: Parker, Mphela, Rantie, Majoro

The announcement was made at the Southern Sun Monet Casino Hotel in Fourways, Johannesburg at 3pm.

Bafana wrapped up a three-day training camp at Orlando Stadium yesterday, where Gordon Igesund had a last look at players.

A total of 33 players took part in the camp, but the squad was trimmed to 23 for the tournament.

“I am excited that everything went well, the players raised their hands to say they want to be included in the final squad,” Igesund said yesterday. “You could tell almost all of them don’t want to be left out. This was a very important camp where we had the cream of the crop and I saw what I wanted to see.

“Now the wait for the players begins while for me it’s crunch time. The challenge is who to leave out.”

England-based Kagisho Dikgacoi and Dean Furman, as well as Belgium-based Darren Keet, were not part of the training camp owing to club commitments, while Benni McCarthy, Mulomowandau Mathoho and Ayanda Patosi will not be considered because of injuries.