Johannesburg – Seven people were arrested on Friday for attacking and robbing a farmer in Somerset, near Machadodorp, Mpumalanga police said.

On their way to the scene on Thursday night police spotted a car with two men outside the farm, police psokesperson Leonard Hlathi said.

“When they were questioned about their presence on the farm, they became evasive and told the police that they were in the vicinity to buy oranges.”

Police became suspicious as there were no orange farms in the area.

The men then said they were waiting for other men who had gone onto the farm to collect something.

The two were arrested.

A neighbouring farmer made his private helicopter available to help the police.

After a lengthy search, three more men were arrested.

Hlathi said they were found trying to hitch-hike towards Mbombela.

“After their arrest, they disclosed the whereabouts of the sixth man. The police followed the information and the man was nabbed also hitch-hiking towards Nelspruit.”

He was found in possession of a gun and a laptop.

He shot dead a police dog and tried to conceal the weapon by throwing it into a river.

Police divers retrieved the gun on Friday morning.

Another laptop which had been stolen from the farm was found in the grass near the river.

Police were still searching for a seventh suspect, believed to be armed.

All six, aged between 21 and 46, would appear before the Belfast Magistrate’s Court on Monday facing charges of house robbery, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

Police said the men had been linked to several crimes across the province.

One of them was out on parole after serving a jail sentence for murder.

The farmer was not injured in the attack.

“He was tied up but managed to untie himself and get help from his brother who alerted the police,” said Hlathi.

It was unclear if any other possessions were stolen from the farm house.

– SAPA

Johannesburg – The SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) will investigate the living conditions of residents of an informal settlement in Polokwane, the DA said on Friday.

“The SAHRC in Limpopo on Friday agreed to a DA request to investigate the appalling conditions under which the people of Disteneng informal settlement in Polokwane live,” spokesperson Jacques Smalle said.

“Around 27 000 people live in Disteneng, share 20 self-made toilets and only three water taps. The settlement has existed for more than a decade now and not a single basic service delivery measure has been provided to them.”

SAHRC spokesperson Victor Mavhidula said the organisation would first conduct an inspection of the area before sending an investigator to look into the matter further.

– SAPA

Johannesburg – Agang SA will launch as a formal political party on Saturday, four months after its leader Mamphela Ramphele announced the formation of the platform.

“This is a momentous week for Agang SA as we prepare for the launch of our party on Saturday,” Ramphele said.

“Agang offers the prospect of restoring the promise of freedom and a hope for the future that is striking a chord with people across the country.”

Ramphele has spent the past few months visiting communities around South Africa as part of Agang SA’s consultation period.

She has been vocal about the problems facing the country, such as education, health, and land.

The former activist and businesswoman has also spoken out about electoral reform and raised concerns about the independence of elections.

Earlier this week, Ramphele told the Cape Town Press Club that the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) had eroded as an independent electoral commission.

She said Agang SA was in talks with other political parties, the DA in particular, to double-check certain IEC processes.

Ramphele said that during a four-month tour of the country, she became aware of “sinister” intimidation of voters.

She had heard of some people being required to take pictures of their ballot papers with their cellphones to be “rewarded for doing the right thing”.

“Voters don’t actually know that they have a choice. Many are being told that if you go into that ballot box, we can see who you vote for and, therefore, we will punish you and take away your grants or your RDP houses,” she said.

Ramphele said she believed it was necessary to launch Agang SA as a political party, despite fears that it would divide the opposition.

Naming battle

Last week, a non-governmental organisation laid claim to the name “Agang”.

The Hola Bon Renaissance (HBR) Foundation said in a statement on Thursday one of its “strategic programmes” was called “Agang”.

In response Agang SA said it launched in February and its trademark application was still underway.

“It appears that an alternative trademark application was made in April. However, our legal advisers suggest that this should be unsuccessful,” the party said in a statement.

On Friday, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu said someone of Ramphele’s calibre should be welcomed into South African politics.

“… I have known Dr Ramphele for more than 30 years as a brave and principled leader who has been ready to take costly stands for social justice,” Tutu said in a statement.

He said a strong constitutional democracy was strengthened by the presence of a vibrant and credible opposition.

Agang SA would be launched at the Tshwane Events Centre in Pretoria with an entertainment line-up of local musicians which included MiCasa, Sibongile Mngoma, and Imilonji KaNtu.

“I would like to invite South Africans from all walks to join the thousands of our supporters, who will be there from 09:00, for a day of celebration with music, food, and entertainment,” said Ramphele.

The party said supporters would be able to register as members at the launch.

– SAPA

Former Grand Slam tennis doubles champion Bob Hewitt has denied allegations that he sexually molested young girls he coached in South Africa decades ago, The Star reported on Friday.

“I am innocent. These charges have caused my family and me huge hardship and with the lawyer’s permission I am going to sue,” he was quoted as saying
For more http://www.sabc.co.za

Residents of Cape Town’s townships and informal settlements want service delivery, jobs and houses.

They got a one on one audience with President Jacob Zuma during a community outreach visit. They also highlighted social ills like gangsterism and drug abuse plaguing communities. President Zuma gave them assurances that their needs would be addressed.

Hout Bay is one of the richest neighbourhoods in the country. But in the midst of the wealth, is the informal settlement of Imizamo Yethu. Here the ANC President found shocking living conditions, with a lack of basic services like electricity, water and sanitation.

Residents blame the municipality for neglecting them. Zuma has promised to take up their complaints with local authorities. He also visited several other Cape Town townships. Also raised here are issues of poor service delivery, unemployment, gangsterism and drugs. Across in Hangberg, alcohol and drug abuse are rife.

The election campaign has not officially commenced, but judging by the reaction of the communities as they interact with politicians, it’s clear that jobs and service delivery will feature strongly.

For more http://www.sabc.co.za

The Polokwane Magistrate’s court has dismissed an application by Julius Malema’s defence to have his money laundering and racketeering charges struck from the roll.

Magistrate Mohamed Shaik has ruled that Malema’s case will be heard in the Polokwane Circuit High Court between November 19 and 29.

Malema’s lawyer, Tumi Mokoena, had wanted the case struck from the roll. Malema and five-co accused face charges relating to a R52 million rand tender awarded to On-Point Engineering for road maintenance in Limpopo.

Wits have succeeded in their efforts to secure Benjani Mwaruwari for the upcoming 2013/14 PSL season.

Soccer-Laduma revealed last week that Mwaruwari was a target for The Students, with the Braamfontein club now having all but concluded the deal.

Mwaruwari and Wits have agreed on terms, with deal currently being finalised.

Wits CEO, Jose Ferreira, confirmed that the deal is being concluded with the finer details being ironed out. The deal is expected to be finalised soon, with the player expected to turn out for the Gavin Hunt-coached outfit in the new camapign.

“Yes, you are correct. The deal is as good as done,” said Ferreira, Wits’ CEO.

With the deal having been agreed to in principle, an official announcement from the club is expected to be made in the near future.

The striker played for Chippa United this past season, after signing with the club in February. However, he left this past month due to contractual disputes between himself and the club’s management.
Source: http://www.soccerladuma.com

Orlando Pirates have completed the signing of Fatau Dauda from Ghanaian Premier League side, Ashanti Gold SC.

Soccer-Laduma predicted on Tuesday that the goalkeeper’s transfer to Bucs was imminent, after he underwent a medical with the Parktown-based side.

It has now been confirmed that the 28-year-old has penned a deal with the Soweto giants, with a high-ranking source at Pirates confirming the deal with Soccer-Laduma.

Bucs have emphasised the importance of reinforcing their squad for the upcoming 2013/14 PSL season, as well as their CAF Champions League campaign.

Roger de Sa is aiming to continue with their run in the Champions League, in the group stages, as the team looks to emulate the team of 1995, who won the prestigious competition.

With Moeneeb Josephs’ future still hanging in the balance, Bucs’ goalkeeping department needs to be reinforced. Dauda is expected to compete with Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa and Brighton Mhlongo for the number one jersey.

Pirates are also expected to conclude a deal with last year’s Ghanaian Premier League top goal scorer, and Dauda’s teammate at Ashanti Gold, Yakubu Mohammed.
For more http://www.soccerladuma.com

KickOff.com can confirm that Dove Wome has arrived at Mamelodi Sundowns to conclude a deal.

As we reported recently, the Free State Stars midfielder is moving to Sundowns but there was one important outstanding issue – the medical – and we can now confirm that Wome, who has been on holiday back home in Togo, is on the verge of concluding everything pertaining to the deal after arriving back in South Africa.

“Yes, I’m at Sundowns for a medical but it looks like I will be around even tomorrow because we didn’t finish everything. I was there for a medical,” he says.

It is now only a matter of when, not if, Sundowns officially announce Wome’s signing.

His club teammate Kennedy Mweene is also joining the Brazilians.
For more http://www.kickoff.com

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Orlando Pirates fitness training Japhet Borges says”most” of the squad have kept up their fitness during the off season.

Pirates’ squad returned to training after a three-week break on Wednesday, ahead of their Champions League campaign which kicks off on July 20.

Bucs then face Kaizer Chiefs in the Carling Black Label Cup at Soccer City a week later.

“When the guys left at the end of last season we gave them a programme to follow during their break,” Borges tells the club’s official website.

“From the initial tests we have conducted I believe most of them have been doing some extra work during the break which is comforting.”

Borges says he will be doing further tests with the players over the next few days, to make sure their fitness levels are up to scratch, before intensifying the training sessions.

“We have very little time to prepare for the games ahead, so we will need to get the guys up to speed very soon,” he added.
FOR MORE http://www.kickoff.com