Mafikeng – A North West man went to fetch his belongings from a house he rented last year, only to find his landlord dead in a bedroom, police said on Monday.

He had last seen his landlord alive in June, said Captain Amanda  Funani.

“When he came back last year December, he went to look for the (landlord) and could not find him at his home,” she said.

“(On Sunday), he went to one of the landlord’s relatives, who granted him permission to go and fetch his belongings.”

There was a bad smell in the house when he opened the door, said Funani.

The man then went to the bedroom used by the landlord and discovered a decomposed body inside.

“The police were summoned and it is suspected that the remains might be that of the 65-year-old landlord,” said Funani.

“According to information from the deceased’s neighbours, the man was last seen in July 2012.”

He had not been reported missing. – Sapa

Rustenburg – A mineworker is in a critical condition following clashes at Anglo American Platinum in Rustenburg in the North West, police said on Tuesday.

“There is one very critical person at the moment,” Brigadier Thulani Ngubane said.

He denied reports that a mineworker was killed in the clash between security guards and workers on Monday which left several people injured.

The critically injured person was taken to Milpark hospital in Johannesburg with serious head injuries.

“The person was hit by a blunt object,” he said.

Ngubane said that 13 people were injured at the Siphumelele shaft.

“Some of the people were hacked with pangas and sharp objects, while others were shot with security rubber bullets,” Ngubane said in a statement.

“A group of about 1 000 strong… attacked four people who were at the union offices. Mine security intervened and fired rubber bullets, and in the process a total of 13 mineworkers, including four security guards, (were injured).”

Workers’ leader Gaddafhi Mdoda said workers from all shafts did not report for work on Tuesday; instead they would meet at the Bleskop stadium.

“We want to do away with Anglo management. Details will be disclosed at the meeting,” he said.

In August last year, Amplats fired 12,000 strikers from its operation in Rustenburg. The workers were later taken back.

The North West town was the scene last year of violent mining protests which left dozens dead. – Sapa

Cape Town – Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries spokesman Lionel Adendorf has been suspended after he wrote a letter to the Cape Times criticising provincial ANC leader Marius Fransman last week.

Deputy director-general for Fisheries Greta Apelgren-Narkadien suspended Adendorf on Friday after the letter was published on February 14.

“It was the last straw,“ Apelgren-Narkadien told the Cape Times.

In the letter Adendorf described Fransman’s behaviour at a memorial service for rape and murder victim Anene Booysens as “inappropriate and disrespectful”. At the memorial Fransman launched an attack on Social Development MEC Albert Fritz and Safety MEC Dan Plato.

Adendorf is an ANC member and previously worked for the party when Mcebisi Skwatsha was chairman of the ANC.

Apelgren-Narkadien said Adendorf “attacked the deputy minister (Fransman) but didn’t declare it was his personal opinion”.

“Our employees have the right to speak to the media but they must say that this is their own opinion. I don’t think he did,” she said.

For more details go to www.iol.co.za

Pretoria – Paralympic track star Oscar Pistorius appeared in court in Pretoria on Tuesday for the resumption of a bail hearing after he was charged last week with murdering his girlfriend.

The 26-year-old appeared in the dock at the Pretoria court in a black suit, blue shirt and grey tie and stared straight ahead anxiously.

Magistrate Desmond Nair asked Pistorius how he felt. Pistorius shrugged and stared straight ahead.

After Pistorius was brought in, State prosecutor Gerrie Nel launched straight into the first official details of what allegedly led to the death of Pistorius’ girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

“There are objective facts that are not in dispute,” said Nel.

He said Steenkamp was shot three times behind a closed bathroom door.

Pistorius is charged with Steenkamp’s murder last Thursday.

Pistorius’s family was squashed between journalists in the packed court.

His brother Carl and sister Aimee barely spoke, as behind and around them at least 130 people were crammed into the court, which usually accommodates about 40 people, with more trying to get through the door.

Independent forensic pathologist for Pistorius, Reggie Perumal, also arrived shortly after 9.30am.

Pistorius was brought to court early from the Brooklyn police cells where he had been in custody since his first appearance on Friday.

He was brought in through a different entrance to the one used on Friday, mostly escaping the glare of international publicity.

His family had already run the gauntlet of crowds waiting outside the court and an official among those inside the court pleaded with the public and media for order.

“We can’t let one more person in. Please all step back now,” he said

For more details go to www.iol.co.za

Pretoria – Oscar Pistorius applied for six separate firearm licences in January. Less than a month later, he stands accused of fatally shooting his model girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

The killing took place during the early hours of Thursday at his luxury home in Pretoria.

On Tuesday, as the Paralympian prepares to show compelling reasons why he should be released on bail, The Star can reveal that Pistorius applied for licences for the following firearms:

* A Maverick shotgun;

* A Winchester shotgun;

For more details go to www.iol.co.za

By Staff Reporter

Xenophobia and its linkages with migration are to feature prominently during Provincial Consultation for the drafting of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) third progress report to be held as from 9h00 on Tuesday 19 February 2012 at the Mmabatho Convention Centre.

The objective of the APRM session for the period October 2010 to January 2013 to be hosted by the North West Provincial Government is to solicit stakeholder inputs on progress made in the implementation of the National Programme of Action (NPoA) and resuscitate Provincial Governing Councils.

The final consolidated country report is to be submitted to the African Union (AU) Summit Head of State and Government of APRM participating countries in May of this year.

“The participation of provincial government departments, municipalities, business sector, traditional leaders, labour, civil society, faith based organisations, non-government organisations, the academia, researchers, women organisations and youth organisations will contribute towards a balanced and objective review that will inform the NPoA,” says Premier Thandi Modise.

Premier Modise has noted that the APRM Country Review Report of 2007 had recorded that in South Africa:

• Definitions and measurement of poverty are agreed upon and applied.• Land reform contributes to sustainable livelihoods• Improved effectiveness and efficiency of the education system at all levels.• Strategies and programmes to improve children’s nutrition and ensure their healthy development are successfully implemented.• An integrated and holistic approach to combating HIV and AIDS, as well as diseases such as TB and malaria and other communicable diseases• Universal access to constitutionally mandated basic rights and services. While it observed that social capital is built at local levels, particularly in vulnerable and marginalised communities, and participation of civil society organisations in socio-economic development processes is improved, it called for development and strengthening of key institutions and social group to make them more effective. This includes support to women-led enterprises,

The report also highlighted that South Africa had demonstrated a firm commitment towards a total overhaul of the Asylum Seeker and Refugee Management (ASM) processes to strengthen its credibility, efficiency and

effectiveness.

Positive policy developments and refugee and immigration regime management that were recorded in the 2007 review report included:

• The Refugees Amendment Act No. 12 of 2011 which enabled the country to establish Refugee Status Determination Committees to improve the objectivity in the adjudication process.• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were drafted for officials involved in the processing of asylum seekers such as officials adjudicating claims; the inspectorate; and officials at ports of entry and Permitting to ensure uniformity in the processing of asylum seekers and refugees and more effective security and coordination.• Progress has been registered in enhancement of the National Internet Information Service (NIIS) that supports the processing of asylum seekers and refugees and assist with the adjudication of asylum claims, the tracking and tracing of applications and the production of reliable management information. This work will feed into the broader modernisation of systems programmes that will enable the integration of the entire management system. In addition to perceived linkages between migration and xenophobia, the report had noted that one of South Africa’s enduring characteristics is its diverse racial and ethnic composition and warned that, if not appropriately managed, can become a source of tension and division leading to political instability, social unrest, conflict and economic decline.

By Obakeng Maje

Rustenburg-The resurgence of violence ascribed to rivalry between National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and Association for Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) calls for urgent dispute resolution interventions to prevent another bloodbath, North West Premier Thandi Modise said in calling for cessation of hostilities on Monday. 

The Amplats workers downed tools last night after an argument between AMCU and NUM members that prompted to shoot-outs.

Currently more than 4000 mineworkers are gathering at a Bleskop soccer field.

The rift between NUM members and AMCU allegedly caused by AMCU members who stormed at NUM offices and ordered them to vacate offices as they no more hold more members at the Amplats.

13 people were reported injured after shoot-outs.

“Though there were no fatalities, we are extremely worried that unions within the mining sector are allegedly involved in a bitter turf war that might open old wounds. The price that we all paid in Marikana was too costly for us not to be concerned about the impact recent developments might have on our economy,” emphasised the Premier.

According unconfirmed reports, one person died however North West police dispute that information.

No one has been reported dead and those reports are biase said police.

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Pretoria – Oscar Pistorius’s slain girlfriend is to be cremated on Tuesday as the South African “Blade Runner” appears in court for a bail hearing expected to reveal more about what happened the night she was shot dead.

Model Reeva Steenkamp, 29, was shot four times in the early hours of Thursday and she died of her wounds at the scene.

Pistorius’s family has insisted that the evidence will refute “any possibility of a premeditated murder or indeed any murder at all”.

Defence lawyers are expected to argue that there are “exceptional circumstances” for Olympic athlete Pistorius to be freed pending trial.

As a result, more details will likely emerge of what happened during the Valentine’s Day shooting at Pistorius’s upmarket home in a gated estate in the South African capital.

The state, arguing premeditated murder, will oppose bail.

Both sides have called in heavyweight lawyers, setting the scene for a major legal showdown.

In Port Elizabeth meanwhile, Steenkamp’s family were preparing their final farewells.

In an interview published on Monday, Steenkamp’s mother described her death as “horrendous”.

“Why my little girl? Why did this happen?” June Steenkamp told the Times of South Africa.

“She had so much of herself to give and now all that is gone. Just like that, she is gone… In the blink of an eye and a single breath, the most beautiful person who ever lived is no longer here.”

Her uncle said the family bore Pistorius no grudge, but wanted clarity about Steenkamp’s death.

“The family haven’t got that animosity or hatred or anything like that but questions, and we realise that it’s going to come out,” Michael Steenkamp told reporters.

Steenkamp’s parents were having a quiet day at home ahead of her memorial after the arrival of family members and friends.

Michael Steenkamp said the family were not watching television or listening to the radio. “We just ignore it completely.”

On Saturday, a celebrity television show aired haunting footage of Reeva Steenkamp speaking about the need to leave a positive mark on life, words laden with poignancy after her death.

“Not just your journey in life, but the way that you go out and make your exit is so important, you have either made an impact in a positive way or a negative way,” she said.

The law graduate had been going out with the 26-year-old Pistorius since late last year. – Sapa-AFP

By Obakeng Maje

Chemical castration for rapists proposes NWest Premier Modise

Chemical castration of perpetrators of sexual violence might serve as a deterrent to reduce the scourge of rape, North West Premier Thandi Modise has suggested. Premier Modise who was herself a victim of rape in her teens has vowed to lead a campaign to lobby for chemical castration given the unacceptable levels that the scourge has reached across the country.

The Premier announced her crusade and reiterated her call for real men to stand up to be counted against the scourge of rape at the inauguration of the newly nominated Provincial Council on Aids (PAC) held 

 at the Mmabatho Palms Hotel on Monday.

 In an emotional address, Modise commended members of the outgone council for playing a huge role in mobilising their constituencies for the fight against HIV and AIDS in the province.Modise said the PCA has done an excellent job in the past years and should continue to play its role.

“We are very proud of the work done thus far by the PCA particularly all those members who have contributed their efforts since the inception of the council. We value their contribution in ensuring that people of the province are united in the fight against HIV and AIDS for Zero infections,” she said.

She also congratulated new members of the council and encouraged them to serve in the council with high standard of professionalism.

“We expect new members of the PCA to continue with the excellent job and serve with dedication,We want new members to understand that being in the PCA, you are working for the people of the province therefore we expect them to do their job to the best of their ability,” she said.The new provincial council is expected to coordinate and monitor the implementation of programmes and strategies for the province’s response to HIV and Aids.

It has to create and strengthen partnerships for an expanded North West provincial response among government agencies, NGOs, donors, the private sector and people living with HIV and Aids.

The outgone chairperson of the PCA, Reverend Piet Tlhabanyane said that continued and collective effort is needed in order to win the fight against HIV and AIDS.

“We will never win the fight against the pandemic if there are no united voices in the province and the entire country at large.HIV and AIDS affect all of us in the country, so we need to stand firm at all the time to fight the pandemic that is killing many of our people,” he said.

In supporting the PCA, Deputy Chairperson of SANEC, Mmapaseka Letsike said even though South Africa is registering success each and every year with regard to the fight against HIV and Aids, more still need to be done.

She also congratulated new members of the PCA in the province and encouraged them to take the lead in the fight against HIV and AIDS.

“This is not the time to reduce our contribution to the fight against HIV and Aids. South Africa is still faced with many challenges because every day we lose our sisters and brothers as a result of this pandemic,” she said.

The new council to serve for 2 years will be charged with governance in matters pertaining to HIV and Aids in the province, and delivery of the mandates in terms of the North West Provincial Council on Aids Act.

Government departments, the business sector, Disabled People South Africa-North West, People with Disability, North West People Living with HIV and Aids, National Association of People living With Aids, including political parties represented in the provincial legislature are among the organisations that have nominated the 26-member council.

By Obakeng Maje

Urgent intervention required at Amplats mines-NWest Premier

The resurgence of violence ascribed to rivalry between National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and Association for Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) calls for urgent dispute resolution interventions to prevent another bloodbath, North West Premier Thandi Modise said in calling for cessation of hostilities on Monday. 

Premier Modise was reacting to a report that 13 people were wounded in gun and panga attacks at an Anglo American Platinum mine in Rustenburg after a crowd of about 1000 people besieged a union office.   “Though there were no fatalities, we are extremely worried that unions within the mining sector are allegedly involved in a bitter turf war that might open old wounds. The price that we all paid in Marikana was too costly for us not to be concerned about the impact recent developments might have on our economy,” emphasised the Premier.

According to police the recent incident was provoked by a dispute between the two unions over access to mine offices that prompted the intervention of mine security which fired rubber bullets, and in the process a total of 13 mine workers, inclusive of four security guards were hurt.

More than 50 people were killed in labour strife at Lonmin’s Marikana mine in August last year. Anglo American Platinum (Amplats) has proposed a restructuring process that might lead to closure of four shafts and 14 000 job cuts..

Amplats, the world’s largest platinum producer, was hit by violent strikes last year, caused in large part by the union battle for membership. The company’s shares closed down nearly 5% on Monday in trading at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange