Johannesburg – Murder-accused Oscar Pistorius will be back in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday for his pre-trial hearing.

The Paralympian, who has kept out of the public eye, faces a life sentence if found guilty of murdering his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, who was shot dead in his house on Valentine’s Day.

The world will probably only be given a brief glimpse of Pistorius as he appears for the first time since being whisked away from court and into a near four-month period of reclusion after being freed on bail.

Prosecutors say the hearing will probably last only minutes and be postponed until another date in August as police investigators continue to gather the evidence that will be presented at his trial.

“The proceedings will be an unopposed postponement”, the justice and constitutional development department said in a statement.

Pistorius is facing a charge of premeditated murder.

During a bail hearing, Pistorius’s defence read out a statement in which he said he thought Steenkamp was an intruder.

He was released on a R1m on 22 February, but under conditions which he later challenged in the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria.

Several of the conditions were relaxed, including bans on international travel and alcohol consumption.

On Sunday night, Pistorius’s uncle Arnold Pistorius said a leaked photograph, purportedly showing the scene where Steenkamp was shot dead, had “shaken” the family.

“We were shaken by the graphic images, leaked into the public domain this week, of the accident scene at Oscar’s house,” he said in a statement.

The picture was posted on the SkyNews website on Friday.

The photograph shows blood on a toilet seat, and a pool of blood on the floor.

Bullet holes in the bathroom door are marked with tape, and a panel near the door handle is taped-up.

Uphill battle

Pistorius’s defence team will have a difficult task on their hands, experts said.

Lawyers familiar to the case, but not representing Pistorius, said he was claiming “putative self-defence”.

“The fact that he has admitted that he has killed her by pulling the trigger means the state has a prima facie case and it is expected of the accused to come and convince the court otherwise,” Marius du Toit, a former prosecutor, magistrate and now defence attorney with over 20 years’ experience in South Africa’s justice system told CBC News.

He said that Pistorius’s account would be scrutinised in the finest detail.

Even with the principle of innocent until proven guilty, for any defendant in Pistorius’s circumstances, “it’s on you to come and show to the court that what [you] did was not so unreasonable”, Du Toit said.

Martin Hood, a firearm lawyer, told CBC News: “I do not see how Oscar Pistorius could have concluded that a closed door constitutes danger to such an extent that his life is in danger.”

He has predicted an “uphill battle”, as putative self-defence is “extremely difficult” to prove.

“I do not see how Oscar Pistorius could have concluded that a closed door constitutes danger to such an extent that his life is in danger, bearing in mind that he had gone into that situation,” Hood said.

“So, it begs the question why did he go looking for trouble?”

Why didn’t he check where Steenkamp was, or just leave the room and the perceived danger? Simply, “what he should have done is… got out the bedroom,” Hood said.

Family support

Pistorius’s family continued to support him ahead of his appearance on Tuesday.

“We believe in him, love him and will support him every step of the way in what lies ahead,” said Arnold Pistorius.

The family asked that the legal process be allowed its run its course with integrity.

“The leaking of evidential material into the public domain, before the court case, does not advance this process. We continue to have great faith in the South African legal justice system and believe that Oscar’s account of what happened on that terrible night in February will be borne out by the evidence that the defence team will lead in court,” he said.

When asked about the photograph, Pistorius’s legal team said it would discuss the issue.

“We will take this up among ourselves. Beyond that I cannot comment at this time,” his lawyer Kenny Oldwage said on Friday.

National police spokesperson Phuti Setati said on Friday the police could not comment on the photograph because it did not know how it came to be in SkyNews’s possession.

“We don’t want to be distracted by these deliberate tactics. All that we want to do is secure a conviction, so we are working throughout and investigating professionally,” he said.

– SAPA

The conduct of the police should at all times be above reproach and deviant behaviour that suggest that some members of the service stood idly while a man was being stoned to death by a mob should be investigated by the Independent Police Directorate, North West Premier Thandi Modise said on Tuesday.

“The police officials captured on the video that has surfaced should account for allowing lawlessness to take place and for the man to be brutally murdered while they were spectators to the horrific and barbaric incident,” said Premier Modise in agreeing with Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Zukiswa Mbombo that those involved should be brought to book.

General Mbombo said that the video presented contradicting information from the initial information that was received from the report that was sent by the station that alleged that police arrived at the scene after the incident had already happened and found the man already dead.

Thirty-four -year-old Boytjie Molefe was stoned to death by community members after allegedly stabbing his 24 –year old girlfriend Motlalepula Matlala, in the chest and running away on May 25. She died at the scene.

The couple who were allegedly breaking up was buried by their respective families over the past weekend.

Mbombo said people should allow the law to take its course, and not take it into their own hands.

The Provincial Commissioner moved to assure the public that lawlessness would not be tolerated, and that those responsible would be arrested.

“The SA Police Service has systems in place to deal with police officers who do not take their jobs seriously such that a life is lost,” she emphasised.
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North West Premier Thandi Modise has called on Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) and National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) to denounce violence and commit themselves to peaceful coexistence at Lonmin and other mines around Rustenburg.

“We condemn in the strongest terms possible the violence that has claimed the life of an NUM shop steward and left another injured after a shooting incident at Wonderkop hostel earlier today. There is no place for strong arm tactics and the use of violence in our labour relation regime that allows freedom of association,” stressed Premier Modise on Monday.

Modise called on workers to remain calm and assist police in their investigations in order to unmask those behind the recent spate of violence.

“Those stoking the violence have lost sight of the need for workers to act in unison to address the challenges facing the mining sector. Acts of intolerance and violence can only serve to weaken them when taking up genuine issues against their employers,” she highlighted.

According to police, one of the two men died at the scene and one was taken to hospital after the shots were fired between 11am and noon.
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By Obakeng Maje
The Bureau for the Prevention of Blindness, SA National Council for the Blind’s Eye Care Services Division, has just celebrated 60 years of mobile outreach service to South Africa.
To mark this, Council and our Bureau are launching a dedicated eye care facility in the North West.
Due to the need for eye care services in this province, a special Parkhome is earmarked to become a permanent eye care facility in the North-West Province at Mafikeng Provincial Hospital. This is where pre and postoperative care will be provided” MEC Magome Masike said.
The department said The facility will be opened by the SA National Council for the Blind in association with the North West Provincial Department of Health and funded by the Allergan Foundation.
“The launch will be held by North West Provincial Department of Health and the SA National Council for the Blind at the Mafikeng Provincial Hospital Complex.
80% of blindness is avoidable either through prevention or through treatment – we hope that this dedicated facility helps to meet the challenges of urgent eye care treatment for those in need” said Masike.
The event starts at 2pm on 5 June 2013 at the Bophelong Mafikeng Provincial Hospital Complex Recreational Hall and will be attended by the MEC.
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By Obakeng Maje
Potchefstroom-The DA has received confirmation from Public Protector Thuli Madonsela that she will investigate Tlokwe Mayor Maphetle Maphetle. This is in addition to an investigation by the Hawks after the DA formally laid charges at the SAPS concerning the Tlokwe Council adminstration and Mapethle Mapethle.
The DA commissioned the forensic audit as part of the party’s campaign against corruption during our short time in charge of the Tlokwe municipality.
Fraudulent transactions involving more than R3,2million tax payers funds relating to shares in the Mooiriver Mall is included in the investigation
“In addition, the report found Mayor Maphetle to be involved in fraudulently siphoning R300 000 from the municipality’s Poverty Relief Fund to sponsor a jazz festival” DA Tiaan Kotze said.
“Further abuse of the Disaster Management Fund by Mayor Maphetle are also documented by forensic auditors” said Kotze.
These findings indicate that Mayor Maphetle appeared to have been led by personal gain to abuse funds meant to assist impoverished residents with disasters such as shack fires said DA.
Democratic Alliance said The ANC’s Tlokwe leadership has already showed that it is not serious about fighting corruption as they have dismissed the forensic report’s findings outright. This is despite the report being handled by a reputable firm – Nexus forensic services.
“The DA trusts that the Public Protector will come to a fair conclusion about the suitability of Mr Maphetle to hold office and the ANC’s overall mismanagement of Tlokwe municipal funds” said DA.
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The North West recorded a marked increase in the number of participants at this year’s Comrades Marathon, with the tally of medals equally on the rise.
Compared to last year, when only one out of the 15 participants did not finish the race, the number at this year’s 88th edition of the world-famous Marathon was more than 80 participants with an impressive tally of medals up to more than 26.
There were three Silvers, 15 Bill Rowans, 25 Bronze and nine Vic Claphams.
“The medals at the Comrades are classified as follows: Gold for first ten men and women, Wally Hayward medal for position 11 to sub 6 hours, Silver is for 6 hours to sub 7 hours 30 minutes; Bill Rowan medal for 7 hours 30 minutes to 9 hours; Bronze is for 9 hours to sub 11 hours; and the Vic Clapham for 11 hours to sub 12 hours” Department of Sports, Art and Culture in the province said.
This year the marathon was run by more than 18 000 athletes from around the world with the official distance being 86,863 km.
The race started at 05:30 am on Sunday June 2 at the Durban City Hall and finished at 17:30 at the Cricket Oval in Pietermaritzburg. It alternates in terms of start and finish between the two cities, meaning next year will be the “down-run”, from Pietermaritzburg to Durban.
“Eighty four of the runners from the North West were sponsored by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture for their trip to the race and accommodation. Of the North West athletes who finished nine were female’s athletes and 49 males” said Vusi Kama.
MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture Tebogo Modise was ecstatic about the Province’s performance.
“What we need now is to build on the success of these athletes,” she said. “We commit ourselves to supporting our athletes so that the pool becomes even bigger” MEC Tebogo Modise said.
David Gatebe of Impala Plats was the first North West runner to cross the finish line, coming in at number 24 with a time of 06:19 minutes and earned himself Silver.
The Two Oceans champion said he was slightly disappointed with his position although he ran a fairly good race.
“I was expecting to do much better, but the race was fast,” he said. “I will continue to work hard” David Gatebe said.
Gatebe said the North West had great potential in athletics and that he was encouraged by the spirit shown by the young athletes he trained in Zeerust and Lichtenburg.
The other Silver medalists were Tshidiso Karaka (7:21:18) and Festis Mokgabisi (7:22:15), both of Ottosdal’s Diamond Marathon Club.
Nomvula Molaba of Tlokwe Athletics Club was the first North West lady to finish the race winning a bronze with a time of 10:23:55.
She was followed by Matshidiso Mochobo of Bert’s Bricks in Potchefstroom, also with a bronze at a time of 10:39:45.
“The first Comrades Marathon was run on May 24, 1921 when 34 runners lined up before the Pietermaritzburg City Hall to commence a race to Durban to commemorate the spirit and camaraderie of the soldiers who fought in the Great War.
(Edited by Obakeng Maje)
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Banyana Banyana head coach Joseph Mkhonza has trimmed his squad down to 21 players following the fitness and assessment tests that took place in Johannesburg over the past four days.

The Sasol-sponsored senior women’s national team underwent rigours tests to enable the coach and his technical team to select the 21 players that will travel to Mpumalanga today, Monday, 3 June. The squad is currently preparing for their international friendly match against Mozambique to be played at the Kanyamazane Stadium in Nelspruit on Sunday (kick-off: 15h00).

The coach said after careful assessment of all the players, he had tried out new combinations and was impressed by the quality that each player possessed. Unfortunately he could not take all the players and had to trim down the squad for this camp.

“After assessing all the players called up, we had to leave behind three players and move on with the other 21. It is always hard to cut players from camp but they should not be discouraged as we will call them up in future. The 21 players that are left in camp will be put through their paces before they come up against tough opposition in the friendly against Mozambique,” said Mkhonza.

Mkhonza said they were looking for certain qualities in the selected players. He will want the players to play a brand of football that will become synonymous with Banyana Banyana, one that will leave a lasting legacy in women’s football.

“I have however warned some of the older players to guard against complacency as nobody’s position is guaranteed. Everyone is required to put in an equal amount of effort as we look to take this team to greater heights,” said Mkhonza.

A squad of 18 Banyana Banyana players will travel back to Johannesburg on Monday (10 June 2013) for the next friendly encounter against Zimbabwe on Saturday, 15 June at the Sinaba Stadium in Daveyton.

Banyana Banyana captain Janine van Wyk said the spirit in camp was at an all-time high and has encouraged players who did not make the cut to work hard and not give up on their dreams.

“I am appreciative of the spirit in camp. Everybody has been putting in their best and we further understand that not everyone will travel to Mpumalanga but I have encouraged them not to give up on their dreams and work towards making the team a success,” said van Wyk

Banyana Banyana team manager and former national team player, Lydia Monyepao shared her experience about becoming a Banyana Banyana player. She encouraged those who did not make the team to not give up on their dreams but to go back to their clubs and work on improving their talent.

“The team has come far in its 20 years of featuring in international football. Banyana Banyana made history by going to the Olympic Games in London last year. We need to look at the bigger picture and aim for greater heights such as building towards winning the 2014 African Women’s Championship. That will be our ticket to qualifying for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada and look even further to participating in the 2016 Olympics in Rio. Don’t give up on your dreams and work harder because your efforts will be recognised,” said Monyepao.

Banyana Banyana squad that will travel to Mpumalanga:

NAME

CLUB

1. Andile Dlamini

Mamelodi Sundowns

2. Nkosingiphile Zungu

Remax Shooting Stars

3. Mahlatsi Mogola

TUT PTA

4. Primrose Ndlozi

TK Stars (Mpumalanga)

5. Gabisile Hlumbane

Kovsies Ladies

6. Nothando Vilakazi

Super Falcons

7. Nelisiwe Mchunu

Moroka Swallows

8. Lebogang Mabatle

Zebra Force

9. Janine Van Wyk

Mondeor Meteors Ladies

10. Charlotte Mshengu

Durban Ladies

11. Nwabisa Kolisi

City Lads

12. Amanda Dlamini

Durban Ladies

13. Nocawe Skiti

Cape Town Roses

14. Nomathemba Ntsibande

Springs Home Sweepers

15. Nomawethu Nyusani

Coastal United Ladies

16. Memory Makhanya

Durban Ladies

17. Noko Matlou

MaIndies

18. Zingawe Phakathi

United Ladies

19. Silindile Ngubane

Durban Ladies

20. Shiwe Nogwanya

Celtics

21. Zamandosi Cele

Durban Ladies
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By Obakeng Maje
Klerksdorp- Police are investigating a Culpable Homicide case after two vehicles collided head-on the N12 Klerksdorp/Wolmaransstad road on Sunday at about 15:51.
“The driver of a white Bantam Bakkie with nine passengers on board collided head-on with a maroon Ford Bantam Bakkie with three passengers on board” said Colonel Sabata Mokgwabone.
Two passengers of the White Bantam Bakkie, a 29-year-old woman and a 10-year-old girl died on the scene.
Police said all the other victims were rushed to the hospital with serious injuries.
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By Obakeng Maje
Taung- North West police are investigating a culpable homicide case after a teenager was knocked down by a taxi in Modutong village, near Taung.
“A minibus taxi was travelling along the Modutung road when he allegedly saw two boys walking on the left side of the road.The driver of the Minibus Taxi was about to pass them when the 19 year-old boy crossed the road without observing” Colonel Sabata Mokgwabone.
The accident took place on Saturday at around 13:15.
He collided with the victim, and he was rushed to a local hospital.
“The victim later died at a hospital from injuries sustained” said Mokgwabone.
A culpable homicide case is being investigated by the police.
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By Obakeng Maje
Wolmaransstad- Police are investigating a culpable homicide case after they were called to attend an accident at Wolmaransstad/Makwasie road near Reabona School.
“A vehicle with six occupants overturned. All victims were transported to the Local Hospital. Three men aged between 26 and 35 allegedly later died in the Hospital and the other two are still in hospital with serious injuries” Colonel Sabata Mokgwabone said.
A Culpable Homicide case is being investigated by the Police.
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