Johannesburg – National police commissioner Riah Phiyega believes she is the target of criticism because she is a woman, the Sunday Times reports.

“Why, when Phiyega comes it becomes a huge debate? The president can appoint a man or a woman to control and manage the organisation and I had the requisite skills,” she was quoted as saying.

“Are we having a veiled gender debate? What is the discomfort? You can feel that there is a sense of discomfort but what is it… I’m trying to unmask the discomfort.”

Phiyega said her predecessors, Bheki Cele and Jackie Selebi, had never received the same harrowing attention during their tenure.

“In the 100 years of the history of the police they introduce a woman. Is that a challenge? I don’t know, I don’t have the answer.”

Phiyega came under the spotlight in recent months after several cases of police brutality.

In Marikana, North West, 34 striking miners were shot dead by police on August 16 last year.

Phiyega testified before the Farlam Commission of Inquiry, which is investigating the shooting, on Thursday.

She would appear before it again this week.

On February 26, Mozambican taxi driver Mido Macia was dragged behind a police van in Daveyton and later died in police cells.

A video of the incident was posted on the internet.

Nine officers allegedly involved in the dragging and his death are facing charges in court.

This week, a North West policeman was arrested for allegedly dragging a court interpreter with his van in Setlopo village. – Sapa

Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa on Sunday warned police officers to adhere to their code of conduct, SABC news reported.

“We have a very big task on our shoulders of keeping our public safe. I just want to remind you that through your code of conduct you have a responsibility to help other members who may have wrong intentions which are not lawful.”

He was speaking at the Lomanayaneng police station at Mahikeng, in the North West, after visiting court interpreter Morgan Mohlala.

A police officer allegedly assaulted Mohlala and dragged him about 100m alongside a police vehicle in Setlopo Village, Mahikeng, on March 7. He sustained injuries to his feet.

Mthethwa commended North West commissioner Zukiswa Mbombo for suspending a sergeant who was allegedly involved.

The sergeant appeared in the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court on Friday and remains in custody.

He was expected to apply for bail on Wednesday. – Sapa

North West Premier Thandi Modise has expressed shock and condemned in the strongest terms the farm attack in which a 67-year-old farmer was murdered and his wife was allegedly assaulted on their farm outside Ventersdorp on Sunday morning.

Premier Modise has urged police to intensify their effort to work closer with the farming community to prevent farm attacks and to speedily arrest those responsible for the violent attack.

“We call on police not to leave any stone unturned until those responsible for the heinous crime are behind bars. Perpetrators of violence against our farming community, particularly the vulnerable elderly should have no place in society but be permanently removed,” said the Premier.She also appealed to the public to come forward with information which might assist police in their investigations. According to police, Two men confronted the farmer outside his house on the farm shortly before 10:00.They reportedly hit him over the head and dragged him into the house and attacked his 64-year-old wife they found in the house. It was believed that they also raped her.

The men tied her up and fled with two cellphones. She managed to free herself and found help on a neighbouring farm. SAPS-North West Spokesperson Brigadier Thulane Ngubane

  says that the farmer died on the scene while his wife was recovering in hospital in Klerksdorp.

Police suspect the motive for the attack was robbery and have launched a manhunt for the assailants who were still at large

By Obakeng Maje

Madibogo-Police arrested a 21-year-old woman for stabbing her uncle to death. 

The incident occurred on Friday at about 15:35 police said. 

“It is alleged that a suspect and the victim were arguing about the suspect’s visitor who did not want to leave the suspect’s house” captain Amanda Funani said. 

“The suspect stabbed the victim once in his chest and he died on the scene” she said. 

The suspect was arrested and charged with murder. 

She is expected to appear before Atamelang Magistrate Court on Monday.

By Obakeng Maje

Ventersdorp- A 59-year-old suspect was arrested for allegedly raping his 27-year-old mentally handicapped stepdaughter police said. 

The incident occurred thursday in Ventersdorp. 

“It is alleged that the victim’s mother left the her in the house with the suspect and went to the shop” captain Amanda Funani said. 

“A suspect allegedly raped her and she was found half-naked and crying hysterically” funani said.  

A suspect was later arrested and charged with rape police said. 

A 59-year-old suspect is expected to appear before Ventersdorp Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

By Obakeng Maje

Lichtenburg-North West police arrested a 22 year-old suspect for raping a teen on friday in Blydeville. Police said that the victim was allegedly from at tavern walking with her boyfriend when three men approached them. 

“Allegations further state that a suspect grabbed a 16 year-old girl and took her to his shack where he raped her” captain Amanda Funani said. 

“A suspect was arrested yesterday. And is expected to appear before Lichtenburg Magistrates’ Court on Monday” Funani said.

By Obakeng Maje

Setlagole-Police arrested a 21-year-old suspect after a murder of a 23-year-old victim. 

The incident happened yesterday at about 01:30 am North West police said. 

“It is alleged that a suspect and the victim who both from Setlhwatlhwe Section had an argument that led them to fight” captain Amanda Funani said. 

“Allegations further state that the suspect stabbed the victim in the neck and the victim died on the scene” she said. 

A case of murder was registered and a suspect is expected to appear before Atamelang Magistrates’ Court tomorrow. 

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By Obakeng Maje

Ventersdorp-Police are investigating a case of murder,attempted murder and house robbery after two suspects attacked and killed a 67 year-old farmer at his house in Sterkstroom near Ventersdorp.

The incident took place on sunday police said.

“Two unknown suspects allegedly attacked a 67 year old man at his house in a farm. While assaulting a man,the wife of a farmer saw them” Brigadier Thulani Ngubane said.

The suspects allegedly pounced on a 64 year-old woman after they dragged a man into the house where two cellphones were stolen.

Police suspects a woman was allegedly raped in the attack and they still waiting for result.

“The suspects tied up a woman before fleeing the crime scene. A 64 year-old woman managed to untied her and ran for help at the nearest farm” police said.

She was taken to Klerksdorp for medical attention.

Police are searching for unknown suspects and request for anyone with information that could lead the police in arresting two suspects to come forward.

 A 67 year-old man died on the scene after being attacked by hard object and investigations continue.

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The South African Masters and Legends Football Association (SAMLFA) will commence a series of roadshows in the nine provinces.

Limpopo province will be the first to host the former professional players at the Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane on Friday 22 March 2013 starting at 2pm.

SAMLFA Committee member Nkosi “Let Them Dance Molala” says convening the first provincial Imbizo in Polokwane is informed by SAMLFA’s success in staging a successful legends match against Germany at the Peter Mokaba stadium in August 2012. 

Molala says the meeting will focus on updating members about the achievements and challenges of SAMLFA following the unification of the three structures, namely the 2 South African Masters Football Associations and the South African Soccer Legends. 

The provincial Imbizo’s will focus on the following:

• SAMLFA’S strategy to support renewed efforts to reposition football development programs 

• SAMLFA’s pledge to support Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula’s Volunteer Corps program

• SAMLFA’s joint strategy with the South African Football Coaches Association (SAFCA) on technical related matters    

• Establishment of Provincial committees where they don’t exist.  

• Plans for elective National Congress 

“The roadshows are meant to meaningfully engage our colleagues throughout the country, they are long overdue following the unification process, and we are grateful to our Sponsors Aspen and the Polokwane Municipality for making this event possible, we therefore urge all former professional football players in Limpopo to join us at the Peter Mokaba stadium on Friday the 22nd of March 2013, full details of other provincial roadshows will be disclosed in due course. ” Said Molala.

SAMLFA takes this opportunity to wish Bafana Bafana success in the upcoming 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifying match against Central African Republic. Let us all rally behind the team; our support will propel them to achieve their 2014 Brazil destiny.

By Obakeng Maje

Lethabong-North West police are investigating two murder case after a 30 year-old man shot and killed his girlfriend and her mother in Lethabong village.

Police said a 28 year-old woman obtained a protection order against her boyfriend.

“According to information received, a boyfriend allegedly broke into his ex-girlfriend’s house and a quarrel ensued between them” Amanda Funani said.

It is alleged that the boyfriend drew a gun and shot at his ex-girlfriend in a stomach and chest.

The embattled boyfriend pounced on a 44 year-old mother and shot her three times in a chest and chin after she tried to intevene.

“A 28 year-old woman was rushed to a local clinic with gunshot wounds. She unfortunately passed on shortly after arrival” captain Amanda Funani said.

“The suspect is still at large and two cases of murder, possession of unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunitions were registered against the suspect at Lethabong Police Station” she said. 

Police are asking the community to assist them with any information that can lead to the arrest of the perpetrator. 

Anybody with information can contact Warrant Officer Lebogo 082 3753 791 or 082 4161 054. Investigation continues.