Huhudi Stadium is filled to capacity with late arrivals being ushered to overflow areas to watch the 

 the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) Mass Prayer Service to be addressed by North West Premier Thandi Modise and sermon by His Grace, The Right Reverend Bishop Dr Barnabas Lekganyane from four big screens. The service commences at 10:00 am this morning.

A capacity crowd estimated at over 100 000 congregants from around Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana, North West Province, Northern Cape, Gauteng including other provinces from around the country are part of the weekend mass prayer meeting hosted by the North West Provincial Government as part of moral regeneration.

The provincial authorities are satisfied that joint safety operational and contingency plans that are in place will ensure that there is no opportunistic crime and all roads are safe for usage by all road users.

Motorists who will be driving vehicles to the weekend prayer services that started on Friday evening were advised to arrange co-drivers and to rest after every 200 kilometers and or two hours of driving to avoid fatigue as they drive back home.

Road closures are maintained along Mosiapoa, Eli Mabusela, Segawana and Mokgosi streets around Huhudi

  Stadium.

 Motorists are requested to cooperate with traffic officials and to obey signage that will direct them along alternative routes to demarcated parking reserved for the various types of motor vehicles.

 ZCC marshals are deployed to guide motorists on how to park vehicles for swift movement in and out of the parking areas.

Premier Modise wishes congregants who will be travelling back home safe travel and appreciates the warmest welcome and hospitality the residents of Vryburg have extended to them.

Johannesburg – The police investigation into Oscar Pistorius’s killing of his girlfriend on Valentine’s Day won’t be completed until August, prosecutors said on Saturday, ahead of the double-amputee Olympian’s first court appearance in nearly four months.

The National Prosecuting Authority said in a statement that it was “content with the progress thus far” of the investigation, which would have taken nearly six months by the time the state was ready to proceed with the murder trial.

Pistorius will return to the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on 4 June.

He is expected to appear for only 10 minutes, but will give the world its first view of him since bail was granted on 22 February in a hearing that lasted nearly a week and during which he cut a broken, sobbing figure as details of the shooting were aired.

The NPA expects the 4 June proceedings to be “a mere postponement” ahead of another date in August.

Police police investigators were meanwhile continuing to collect and scrutinise evidence and identify and interview possible witnesses to Pistorius’s shooting of Reeva Steenkamp at his upscale home in the pre-dawn hours of 14 February.

Gated community

Since Pistorius left public view, whisked away from the court building in the back seat of an SUV with darkened windows, his defence team has successfully appealed some of his bail restrictions.

He has been living at the house of his uncle, Arnold Pistorius, in an upmarket Pretoria suburb that is not far from the gated community in which he fired the shots through a toilet door that killed Steenkamp.

Pistorius denies murdering Steenkamp, claiming he mistook her for a nighttime intruder.

The State says he killed the 29-year-old model and law graduate intentionally following a fight and charged the multiple Paralympic champion with premeditated murder.

But while Pistorius has been finding ways to cope “with his sense of isolation,” according to a statement by his family, he faces a life sentence in prison if found guilty.

“We as the National Prosecuting Authority are content with the progress thus far on the currently continuing investigations,” the NPA said, “and we anticipate … the investigations shall be wrapped up by or before August 2013.”

The NPA said the hearing would be presided over by Acting Chief Magistrate Daniel Thulare, who is not the same magistrate from the bail application.

There have been only two reported sightings of Pistorius in public since he was freed: an image of him on his carbon fiber blades walking on his practice running track and a visit to a Johannesburg restaurant.

AP

Johannesburg – Numsa is taking Johannesburg City Power to court over an R800m tender, the Saturday Star reported.

The newspaper reported the case would be heard by the High Court in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

The National Union of Metalworkers of SA (Numsa) wants the court to force City Power to reveal records and documents that led to the awarding of a tender to manufacture solar water heater geysers to Tasol Solar Energy Solutions.

Numsa told the newspaper the company was itself importing the units from China when they could have been manufactured locally to support employment in the metal industry.

Numsa treasurer Mphumzi Maqungo accused City Power of failing to prioritise local companies when awarding the contract.

He said when the union asked City Power to disclose all the information regarding the awarding of the tender, it was given blank documents.

“We are not casting aspersions on City Power but we want transparency. They have failed to share this information with us for the past 12 months,” he was quoted as saying.

City Power told the newspaper it was ready to defend itself in court.

City Power legal head Andrew Lishivha said accusations by the union were not true.

“With regard to the information on the scores obtained by companies which bid for the tender, we are unable to accede to Numsa’s request as it consists of confidential information that related to third parties,” he said.

SAPA

Johannesburg – Two men were arrested after they were found in possession of cocaine at the OR Tambo International airport, the Hawks said on Saturday.

Spokesperson Paul Ramaloko said a 41-year-old Nigerian man and 28-year-old American were arrested shortly after arriving from Sao Paulo, Brazil.

He said the Nigerian was found with cocaine worth about R600 000 hidden in his luggage.

The American had apparently swallowed the drugs and 25 small packets containing the drug had been recovered by Saturday afternoon, said Ramaloko.

“He still has a few more in his body.”

The two will appear in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

SAPA

Johannesburg – A suspected robber was killed and four other people were injured when a high speed chase ended in a collision in Randburg on Saturday, Gauteng police said.

Spokesperson Lungelo Dlamini said three men had robbed two Malawians of their luggage in Randburg when they sped off in their car.

Security guards followed them and a high-speed chase ensued.

“The suspects’ vehicle made a U-turn on Jan Smuts Avenue and faced on-coming traffic and was involved in a serious collision with another vehicle,” said Dlamini.

One of the alleged robbers was killed in the crash.

A woman and her daughter were seriously injured and were taken to hospital.

Police recovered a firearm from the men’s car as well as the stolen goods.

Police were investigating whether the Malawians had been followed from the OR Tambo International Airport where they had just landed or were only targeted outside the house in Bordeaux.

SAPA

By Obakeng Maje

Durban-Kaizer Chiefs clearly showed that they were still in a celebratory mood after winning Absa Premiership title.

They were up against Suspersport United in a Nedbank Cup final that was played at Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban.

Supersport started to insinuate their way into Chiefs half from the first whistle.

They were playing with euphony and the prose between former Bafana striker Sibusiso Zuma and George Maluleka was out of this world as they played with delicacy.

Pretoria side started asking questions to Chiefs defence that was marshalled by evergreen Molumowandawo Mathoho.

Maluleka was a thorn in Chiefs flesh as he maneuvered his way into Chiefs yards earnestly.

He was brought down by Chiefs and Bafana midfielder Simphiwe Tshabalala only five minutes into the game.

Soweto-based club were former selves as they were playing spuriously and felt browbeaten in times.

Chiefs created only one real chance on the 12 minutes when Parker set up Majoro who was judged offside.

Former Orlando Pirates strike Sibusiso “Rhee” Zuma’s header was parried away by Itu Khune.

Chiefs midfielder George Lebese received a yellow card after bringing Zuma down. He was substituted fifteen minutes before full-time where he made way for seasoned player, Siyabonga Nkosi.

Supersport continue to deny Chiefs more space and played with more deception.

Chiefs defence was more buyoed at the back and denying Supersport striker Maluleka a golden opportunity to score. Maluleka cried our for a penalty, but the referee gave him a yellow card for diving. He was substituted by Gavin Hunt and made way for Hartog.

“We all worked hard at the village, from top management down to a tea lady, including our supporters. We really deserve it” Parker said.

The reigning champions started to pick up the tempo of the game in second half and showed more pedigree.

On the 84 minutes, Katsande tries to break the deadlock with an ambitious 20-yard strike that was slightly too high.

Bafana defender siboniso Gaxa suffered an harmstring muscle and he was substituted in referee’s additional time.

Chiefs coach brought in Zvasiya to keep the back door closed.

The game ended in a stalemate after the referee blew his whistle sending a game into extra-time.

Chiefs striker Bernard Parker scored a thunderbolt few minutes in extra time after receiving a telly pass from Tshabalala.

Hunt shuffled up his striking force by bringing in Bradley Grobler for Kermit Erasmus.

Chiefs started to put mount of pressure on Supersport when Majoro forced Williams to come to the rescue.

Supersport Ashley Hartog missed a sitter after Grobler turned Chiefs defence upside down.

Simphiwe Tshabalala continued to ochestrates moves in the middle of the park and his shot was blocked by Supersport goalkeeper Williams. 

The game went to interval chiefs still in the lead.

Former Pirates striker Zuma was unable to continue with the game after suffering and injury and this forced Supersport to play with 10 men as they already reached their subsitutes limits.

Chiefs brought in Ngcobo for Majoro.

Supersport tried to manipulated their way in Chiefs 18 area after Zvasiya adjudged after he brought Grobler down. 

It was a catfight in the 18 area and it was cleared by Chiefs chattering defence.

“We dedicate all trophies to our unwavering support we received from our supporters. They stood by us since day one and we deserve to be double champions” Chiefs captain Itumeleng Khune said.

Bafana duo Itumeleng Khune and Tshepo Masilela received a yellow cards for time wasting.

Supersport received a free kick just few metres outside Chiefs 18 yard and Williams took a thunderbolt shot that was easily dealt with by Khune.

“I am delighted and players were so brilliant and is because of their commitment and hardwork displayed by them. Superport were difficult customers to deal with, but my boys did it” Stuat Baxter said. 

Letsholonyane received yellow card for time wasting in referee’s additional minutes.

Supersport goalkeeper Williams abandoned his poles and played as an in-field player.

Kaizer Chiefs depicted their name on prestigious Nedbank trophy after a referee blew game over.

“We were supposed to be 3-0 before they scored. We did not take our chances and Chiefs did” Supersport Gaivn Hunt said.

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North West Premier Thandi Modise has condemned in the strongest terms possible vigilantism after a mob stoned to death a 34- year-old man who he had fatally stabbed 24 -year-old former girlfriend in Majemantsho village outside Mahikeng on Saturday.

“We are saddened by the loss of lives and wish to convey our condolences to the families that have lost their loved ones. Vigilantism is lawlessness .There is no justification for people to take the law into their own hands .Our courts are the relevant institutions to dispense of justice,” said Premier Modise.

 The Premier has expressed confidence that police will soon arrest those responsible and appealed to members of the community who witnessed this ghastly and barbaric act to assist them in their investigations.

According to Herminah Matsheng, her sister Motlalepula Matlala was accosted by her former boyfriend Boytjie Molefe at her home while she was cleaning the house at around 10:00 am.

Matsheng alleges that her sister was stabbed on the chest and behind her back as she tried to flee but collapsed and died on the spot.

A mob that was attending a funeral in the neighbourhood rushed to the scene in response to her screams and chased Molefe before they caught him about and stoned him to death about 100 meters from Matlala’s house.

Police who arrived at the scene were also stoned and had to fire three warning shots to disperse the rowdy and blood thirsty mob.

It is alleged that Matlala was in the company of her 9 year niece and her 6 year old daughter at time of the attack. Matsheng was part of the mourners who were attending the funeral.In another incident, a woman died after her boyfriend allegedly assaulted her with a piece of firewood in Mooinooi outside Brits on Friday evening.

According to police, the 43-year-old woman and her boyfriend were having an argument at her parents’ house when he attacked her at about 8:00pm.

“It is alleged that the victim had open wounds on her neck, at the back of her head and on her shoulder. She was also bleeding from her left ear and died at the scene,” Spokesperson for North West Police, Captain Pelonomi Makau said.

In conveying condolences to the family of the deceased, Premier Modise appealed to the community to assist police in their search for the 38-year-old boyfriend.

Modise appealed to couples experiencing tensions in their relationships to seek counselling and professional help before matters get out of hand. 

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The South African Football Association’s International Affairs Department has been invited to attend a FIFA Transfer Matching System (TMS) Conference which will take place on Wednesday, 29 May 2013 in Casablanca, Morocco.

The FIFA TMS is a Transfer Matching System; a monitory web-based system by FIFA aimed at making the football players’ transfers more transparent, foster integrity, accountability and also protecting minors against human trafficking and other issues such as money laundering.

In the context of the football transfer market, FIFA TMS aims to:

• Enable clubs to confirm the terms and conditions of player transfers;

• Facilitate the transfer of player registrations between Associations;

• Help safeguard the protection of minors;

• Provide information and decision-making tools to key stakeholders;

• Train and support key stakeholders;

• Monitor player transfer activities and investigate alleged breaches of the transfer regulations; and 

• Enforce adherence to the transfer regulations through a specific sanction system, presenting breaches of those transfer regulations and proposing sanctions to the competent FIFA-bodies

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has been recognised by FIFA as one of the most competent users of the system since its introduction in October 2010.

SAFA’s Director of International Affairs Ms Pinky Lehoko says she is delighted to be part of this transformation and welcomes the recognition by FIFA.

“We are honoured and humbled by the invitation and mostly being recognised as one of the most competent users of the system and we are hoping to continue improving in providing our professional teams with the necessary support in this regard,” she said.

Ms Lehoko will be travelling with Ms Zanele Thwala who is the Association’s TMS Manager and administrator to the department.

The team will leave on Monday 27 May and return on Friday the 31st.

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By Obakeng Maje

Mahikeng-Police in Lomanyaneng near Mafikeng have opened two cases of murder. This follows after a  24 year old woman was murdered this morning at about 09:00 at her place.

“A woman was stabbed to death with a knife by her ex-boyfriend” said captain Pelonomi Makau.

“It is alleged that after the ernomity, the suspect ran away and the community members who saw what happened followed him and took the suspect back to where the incident happened” Makau said. 

Police said the community members stoned the suspect to death. 

No one has been arrested and the police are investigating.

“Police won’t tolerate mob justice incidents, where the community do not report cases of this nature,but rather take the law into their own hands” captain Makau said. 

Police appeals to the community to report cases of this nature as arrests will be made.

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By Obakeng Maje

Mooinooi- North West police are looking for a suspect after he allegedly killed his girlfriend and fled.

The monstrocity took place yesterday at Mooinooi, near Brits where a man and his girlfriend was involved in an argument.

“A 38 year-old man was allegedly at his girlfriend’s parental house when an argument ensued between the two” captain Pelonomi Makau said.

Police said the two was involved in an argument even though the cause of the argument is ambiguous,left a man truculent.

“The man allegedly bludgeoned a woman with a half-burnt wood and killed her instantly” Makau said.

A 43 year-old woman suffered open wounds in her neck and shoulder. She was allegedly bleeding profusely and died from her injuries.

A man fled a scene and police were summoned.

“Police are appealing to the community to alert them when they come across the suspect for an immediate arrest, or phone Mooinooi police station at 014 574 3222/ 014 574 6905” said Makau.

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