We will co-operate with HRC on Tatane’s case-Minister

March 30, 2013The Guardian NEWS Leave a comment

By Obakeng Maje

Pretoria-Appeal sought to clarify willingness to cooperate with Human Rights Commission on implementing recommendations on effective crowd controls plans.

The Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa wishes to correct some of the recent media reports about the South African Police Service (SAPS) appeal to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) following the Ficksburg service delivery protest, which resulted in Mr Andries Tatane’s death.

“There is an appeal document that was lodged internally by the South African Police Service (SAPS) with the SAHRC and the Minister of Police is named as the appellant in this appeal” Ministry of Police spokesperson Zweli Mnisi said.

Mnisi said the appeal was filed on 14 February 2013 but the decision was taken in December 2012 to lodge this appeal, precisely because issues such as crowd control, policing of public protests are operational functions which are implemented by the department, not the Ministry.

“Nonetheless, there has been some misrepresentation in the media reports about this issue, more so as the reporting is wrongly linked to the court’s decision on the case this week, where the accused were acquitted” Mnisi said.

“The focus of the appeal is not with regard to the findings themselves or the merits of the case, as has been widely and incorrectly reported this week” he said.

Mthethwa’s office said the appeal sought to clarify SAPS willingness to cooperate with SAHRC process however because the matter was before both criminal and civil courts, SAPS needed to respect these pending court processes.

What the appeal mainly focuses on are the SAHRC recommendations, particularly in effectively managing public protests.

SAPS have argued that processes had already been in place to deal with these recommendations, in so far as they related to improvements around crowd control measures, systems and protocols.

“To this end, SAPS had further argued that they had not had an opportunity to have sight and respond to the entire complaint” Mnisi said.

In the appeal SAPS asked that the report be set aside or it be referred back for further investigation so that they could have an opportunity to make representations or that the investigation be held in abeyance pending the outcome of the criminal case.

“The Minister and SAPS have absolute respect for all Chapter 9 institutions and would continue to cooperate on any matter that is brought before them, however cautions against any misrepresentations of facts by those who make uninformed public commentary, to kindly exercise prudence”.

A bloody fight between brothers ended in death

March 30, 2013The Guardian NEWS Leave a comment

By Obakeng Maje

Koster-Police are investigating a case of murder after Tshotlego Majola (19) was found lying dead next to the toilet with a stab wound on his chest.

“The deceased was found at his residential place in Koster on Friday at about 04:55″ sergeant Kelebogile Moiloa said.

“It is alleged that Majola came home and found his brother, a 20-year-old suspect and his friends having drinks outside their shack and disrupted them” Moiloa said.

“Allegations further state that the victim threw his bicycle on his brother’s shack.The brother who is a suspect got furious and headbutt his brother” police said.

According to the information received the brother went into the shack and grabbed a knife and stab the victim once on his chest and left him there.

While they were enjoying their drinks, the suspect got up and found his brother lying dead next to the toilet.

“The suspect’s friends called the police and a 20-year-old suspect was arrested” police said.

The purpose for the murder is still unknown.

The suspect is expected to appear before the Koster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 02 March 2013 on charges of murder.

Investigation continues.

Two kids drown at Kleinfontein Dam

March 30, 2013The Guardian NEWS 1 Comment

By Obakeng Maje

Brits-North West police are investigating an inquest case after two kids drown in a river.

Police said Oregomoditse Nenushungwa,5 and his friend Kgosietsile Makoti,3 were playing in the street next to a canal in their hometown.

“Two kids were allegedly swept away by heavy water at Oukasie village,near Brits on Wednesday” Kelebogile Moiloa said.

It is allegedly that two boys were playing next to a canal and because of heavy rain, the canal was full of water.

“They were allegedly swept away into Kleinfontein dam. Their parents reported them missing after have difficulties to locate them” sergeant Moiloa said.

The missing case was opened and the search began police said.

The body of Nenushungwa was found at Kleinfontein dam on Friday after intensive search.

The searching team was intensified and more divers were brought on board.

“More divers from Mahikeng, Potchefstroom were brought in and a search for Kgosietsile Makoti was launched after divers couldn’t find his body Moiloa said.

Makoti’s body was found yesterday in the same dam and a case of inquest was launched.

Pirates held to a draw by TUKS

March 30, 2013The Guardian NEWS Leave a comment

Orlando Pirates dropped more points in the race to defend their league title as they played to a disappointing 0-0 draw against the University of Pretoria at the FNB Stadium on Saturday night.

Chances were few and far between for both sides, and when openings were created, both teams finishing in the final third was poor.

The opening ten minutes saw very little action with both sides packing the midfield.

After twenty minutes there was still no genuine scoring chance on goal.

In the 23rd minute Daine Klate was let down by a poor first touch when he was played into a great position on the left side of the danger area.

Three minutes later Mame Niang pushed into the danger area and got his long legs around the ball, but as he shot Ayanda Gcaba got in an excellent slide tackle to send the ball out for a corner.

With just a minute to go before half time, Bucs had a very good chance to open the score through Daine Klate. The Bafana Bafana winger beat his man twice, before getting the ball onto his left foot, but his stinging effort was tipped for a corner by Washington Arubi.

Tuks came close in the 56th minute when Junior Sibande bustled his way past two markers, but Senzo Meyiwa did really well to save in a one on one situation.

Arubi was called into action to tip over a speculative attempt as Bucs added some pressure in the 76th minute.

Happy Jele had the ball in the back of the net in the 81st minute, but it is ruled out for offside after a goal mouth scramble in which Bucs had about three good chances blocked on the goal line.

In the 86th minute Andile Jali played a one-two with McCarthy but his attempt from range flew over the bar.

A minute later Jele rattled the crossbar with a stinging long range attempt, which had left Arubi rooted to the ground.

In the dying seconds Meyiwa made a world class save to deny Tuks a clear goal when he made himself big to block a Zungu volleyed attempt as the game ended goalless.

Courtesy of wwww.soccerladuma.com

Another Top Official fired in North West

March 30, 2013The Guardian NEWS Leave a comment

The provincial education department has fired suspended acting head of department Dr Abe Seakamela after it found him guilty on three charges of misconduct.

This adds to a long list of senior officials suspended or fired for various reasons in the department. The department said Seakamela pleaded guilty to two charges of misconduct and the department subsequently found him guilty on another charge, resulting in his expulsion.

Department spokesperson Brian Setswambung said that Seakamela changed his earlier stance and pleaded guilty before the disciplinary chairperson could even make the final ruling.

“Both Dr Seakamela and his lawyer pleaded guilty to two charges of misconduct. This was contrary to the stance he adopted upon his suspension in August. The plea of guilt by Dr Seakamela was even done before the presiding officer could make a final ruling,” Setswambung said.

He said that the chairperson of the inquiry found Seakamela guilty on charges of irregular expenditure and unlawful transfer of staff.

“The amount involved in the irregular expenditure is in the range of R4000. On the issue of the transfer of an employee, Seakamela acted against a moratorium issued by MEC Louisa Mabe when she joined the department in May. He went on to move his wife from his office to another directorate and brought another staff member into his office as well,” he said.

Apparently, Seakamela was alleged to have illegally promoted his wife, who worked in his office and earned more than R400000 a year. But several investigations, including one done by the misconduct unit in the premier’s office, had cleared him of any wrongdoing.

After his suspension in August, Seakamela had allegedly referred his matter to the public protector and the department charged him for that.

Setswambung said by going to the Chapter 9 institution, Seakamela had bypassed internal processes.

“He was also charged and found guilty of prejudicing the department and provincial government’s administration by referring a forensic report to the public protector prior to exhausting internal remedies. On the basis of the guilty plea and the seriousness of the case, the ruling of dismissal was passed,” he said.

However, the department dropped charges for the promotion of Seakamela’s wife, who is understood to still be working at the institution.

Courtesy of http://www.thenewage.co.za

Sundowns and Stars in a stalemate

March 30, 2013The Guardian NEWS 1 Comment

ABSA Premiership

Result: P Stars 1-1 Sundowns

Date: 30 March 2013

Venue: Royal Bafokeng Stadium

Mamelodi Sundowns and Platinum Stars shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw which saw Alje schut and Henrico Botes sent off in the 26th minute.

The Brazilians started the game well and saw Elias Pelembe test Siyabonga Mpontshane in the third minute with the goalkeeper tipping his shot around the post.

Edward Manqele then saw his shot blocked moments later before Schut opened the scoring in the 18th minute when he got onto the end of a ball into the area and nodded home.

The goal brought Dikwena to life but controversy would strike in the 26th minute when Schut and Botes confronted one another and the referee sent them both for an early shower.

Thuso Phala should have done better when he got into the area in the 36th minute but he took too long on the ball and was crowded out.

Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane then took off Manqele in the 38th minute for midfielder Hlompho Kekana as he looked to control the extra space.

Phala sent a volley miles over with five minutes left in the half while Mogakolodi Ngele went close on the stroke of half-time after a free-flowing move.

The hosts started the second period from where they left off but Katlego Mphela would lash a shot just wide four minute in – though he was eventually flagged offside.

Wayne Sandilands then raced off his line to gather a loose ball under pressure from Phala while Teko Modise wasted a chance with a long-range strike.

Stars would go on to draw level when a fantastic strike from Phala came back off the post and Mogakolodi Ngele came racing in to slot the rebound.

Richard Henyekane was denied in a one-on-one situation in the 66th minute by a brilliant save while Henyekane then fluffed a superb chance to play a teammate in for a tap in soon after when he took too long to make the pass.

Modise shot straight at the goalkeeper in the 79th minute while Sundowns would miss another effort in the dying seconds as Henyekane couldn’t take advantage and the points were shared.

P Stars: Siyabonga Mpontshane, Tshepo Gumede, Luvolwethu Mpeta, Vuyo Mere, Benson Mhlongo, Lindokuhle Mbatha, Innocent Mkhabela, Thuso Phala, Robert Ng’ambi, Mogakolodi Ngele, Henrico Botes.

Sundowns: Wayne Sandilands, Alje Schut, Method Mwanjali, Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Elias Pelembe, Esrom Nyandoro, Jabulani Shongwe, Tsholofelo Modise, Tebogo Langerman, Katlego Mphela, Edward Manqele.

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

New CAR leader promises no reprisals against Rivals

March 30, 2013The Guardian NEWS Leave a comment

Central African Republic’s new leader Michel Djotodia, who is facing international isolation after seizing power, said on Saturday he would not take reprisals against rivals and called on those who fled abroad to return.

The United States said on Saturday it did not recognise Djotodia, who toppled President Francois Bozize on March 24 after leading thousands of his Seleka rebels into the mineral-rich nation’s capital Bangui, triggering days of looting.

“I make a patriotic and brotherly appeal for our countrymen, who have chosen the path of exile, to return,” the former civil servant turned self-declared president told several thousand cheering supporters near the presidential palace.

“There will be no witch hunt, because we must establish tolerance, dialogue and forgiveness,” he said.

Though violence in the riverside capital has ebbed, Djotodia said looters would face justice and called for international help, particularly from former colonial master France.

But the takeover has been condemned internationally. The African Union suspended Central African Republic and imposed sanctions on Seleka leaders, including Djotodia, this week.

France and the United States say the rebels should adhere to a power-sharing deal signed in Gabon’s capital Libreville in January that mapped out a transition to elections in 2016 in which Bozize was forbidden from running.

Djotodia has pledged to act in the spirit of the agreement and said on Friday he would step down in 2016. But Washington on Saturday said Nicolas Tiangaye, named prime minister under the Libreville agreement, was now the only legal head of government.

“We strongly condemn the illegitimate seizure of power by force by the Seleka rebel alliance, Michel Djotodia’s self-appointment as president, and his suspension of the constitution and National Assembly,” read a statement from State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland

Bozize seized power in a 2003 coup but his failure to keep promises of power sharing after winning disputed 2011 polls led to the offensive by five rebel groups known as Seleka, which means “alliance” in the Sango language.

Emergency summit

Chadian President Idriss Deby, chair of the 10-nation Economic Community of Central African States, has called a summit in N’Djamena on April 3 to discuss the crisis.

South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma has been invited and will attend the meeting, spokesperson Mac Maharaj said on Saturday. The opposition in South Africa and analysts have asked why a South African military training mission suffered 13 deaths in Central African Republic last weekend as its members fought against rebels alongside government troops.

South African media suggested the soldiers were defending mining interests in a country rich in diamonds, uranium and oil, but Pretoria officials denied this. They say 400 troops were present due to a 2007 bilateral defence accord with Bozize.

On Friday, Djotodia, responding to questions about resource licences awarded to Chinese and South African firms by Bozize, said he would review resource deals signed by the previous government.

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

SAPS will fully co-operate with HRC on Tatane case- Mthethwa