By TDN
PARLIAMENT, CAPE TOWN –The investments by government into the South African Police Service (SAPS) Forensic Services are yielding returns, not only in the direct impact on service delivery as per SAPS initiatives, but also in enabling the efficiency and effectiveness of the criminal justice system.
This is according to the Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa when responding to a Parliamentary question on how many cases were brought to the SAPS’ forensic science laboratories over the past three financial years based on DNA sample analysis, trichology analysis, substance analysis as well as Integrated Ballistics Identification System, which is a testing of firearms.
The Minister stated that exhibits received and which were outstanding within the Forensic Science Laboratory in the SAPS on Monday the 17th of June 2013, the date on which the reports were generated is presented per analysis as follows:
DNA ANALYSIS
FINANCIAL YEAR RECEIVED OUTSTANDING
2010/2011 62 571 0
2011/2012 82 525 49
2012/2013 96 425 5 345
TRICHOLOGY
FINANCIAL YEAR RECEIVED OUTSTANDING
2010/2011 930 0
2011/2012 1 571 0
2012/2013 1 402 3

DRUG ANALYSIS
FINANCIAL YEAR RECEIVED OUTSTANDING
2010/2011 52 245 1
2011/2012 59 120 13
2012/2013 68 470 4 902
INTEGRATED BALLISTIC IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM [IBIS]
FINANCIAL YEAR RECEIVED OUTSTANDING
2010/2011 53 575 0
2011/2012 94 546 0
2012/2013 126 320 15
“The turnaround strategy of the Division: Forensic Services focused amongst others on the increased capacity to enable the appointment forensic analysts, crime scene examiners, development and enhancement of skills and competencies in the core business of the Division, optimal utilization of resources and procurement of physical & technological resources – including optimized business processes.” Minister Mthethwa said.
The Division: Forensic Services establishment has grown from 6098 in the 2010/2011 financial year to 7450 as at 5 August 2013. In pursuance of our commitment and obligation to bring forensic services closer to the communities, forensic services has further decentralized the forensic biology capacity to the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal based forensic science laboratories.
“It is also eminent from the statistics provided that there has been a consistent increase in the number of cases received by the Laboratories, but also an equivalent increase in the number of cases finalized. This achievement can also be attributed to better management of resources within the forensic disciplines,” added the Minister.
“In an effort to modernize the business systems, we are deploying advanced technology in key areas to ensure improved turnaround times. In July 2012, we opened a state of the art laboratory in Plattekloof as part of this improvement and capacity drive. The modern design and technologies deployed greatly impact on the improved turnaround times of cases, particularly cases handled in the Western Cape laboratory,” stated the Minister.
With the DNA Bill under discussion by the Portfolio Committee of Police, the Division: Forensic Services continues to benchmark best practices with the peers in the field to ensure the smooth implementation of the Act once it is passed into law. This is of particular importance in the entire value chain, that is, from crime scenes to court processes.
Whilst these discussions are underway, the forensic DNA Laboratory is gearing up for the anticipated marked increases in the volumes of cases to be destined for forensic DNA analysis as a result of the provisions of this Act. This is to ensure that the outputs as well as the turnaround times depicted above are not negatively impacted by a sudden marked increase in case load.-TDN
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By TDN
Taung-Public Librarians across the North West Province recently put their heads together in a conference to map out a path towards the enhancement of information technology that would benefit library users. The aim was to give local communities, particularly in rural areas, greater access to modern technology that brings information within easy reach.
Under the auspices of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture’s (DSAC) Library and Information Services Directorate, the conference in Taung was attended by the National Librarian Mr John Tsebe and the Chief Information Officer Mr Lesiba Ledwaba both from the National Library of South Africa.
Also present were DSAC’s Chief Director: Arts, Culture, Libraries and Archives, Mr Thabo Mabe, Director: Library, Information and Archives Services, Ms Tinyiko Sempe as well as municipal representatives responsible for community libraries. The event also served as a follow-up to a similar gathering held in Rustenburg last year.
Themed: “Information Technology as an extension of library services in community libraries”, the event saw delegates deliberating on various ways to change the lives of ordinary citizens with the use of the modern technology at local libraries. The North West Province is a frontrunner amongst Provinces in the provision of free public internet access in libraries and ranks amongst the top in its use of modern technology.
“The purpose of the exercise was to strengthen relationships between the Department and municipalities to make sure that whatever we plan is implemented at grassroots level, and that everybody know their roles,” said Mr Mabe.

Mabe said at the end of the day they seek to create efficiency in delivery of services to the public.

“The response was phenomenal and the conference was productive. We did a needs-analysis on the part of the community and found that internet is one of the offerings highly in demand. With modern technology taking such great strides, we need to stay relevant to our library users.” He said.

The National Librarian and the Chief Information Officer of the National Library of South Africa showered the Provincial Library Directorate with praises for their sterling work towards service delivery in the Province.
“The conference was a great means of self-reflection where the Province looks at what it has been doing while projecting the future. They seek to bring to the communities such services as electronic publications, online-resources and internet access. We work well with them, and they are leaders in the game.” Ledwaba said.

He said that the province was on track towards helping with integration of services to library users.

“We are working on a ground-breaking approach with them where services will be integrated and centralized to benefit library users. If, for instance, a user is looking for Nelson Mandela’s Struggle For Freedom, at the click of a button we can give them a wide variety of options, such as videos, books, journals, digital collections and news clips on a single search interface. This is a way of making modern technology benefit the users.” Lewdwaba adds.

Mr Anele Moko, the Provincial Chair of the Library and Information Association of South Africa (LIASA) said the conference gave his organisation an opportunity to deliberate with delegates on ways to strengthen librarianship as a profession.

“We got to let the librarians know about our vision for the future of the profession,” said Mr Moko.
“We informed them about our new scholarship called “Next Generation Public Librarian”, where we encourage library staffs that are not in possession of librarianship as a qualification to enhance their knowledge with a post-graduate diploma that will add value to local libraries. They were enthusiastic about it.”
The workshop is a continuous effort and is held twice every year.-TDN
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By TDN
Maquassie Hills-Communities in and around Maquassie Hills in Kenneth Kaunda District, young and old gathered in the new library complex at Lebaleng Township to celebrate the opening of their own long awaited community library handed over by MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture Mme Tebogo Modise.
The library’s modern high-tech facility is part of the Province’s drive to deliver quality Libraries to local communities around the Province. It features free Public Internet Access (PIA) for local to surf for research and other educational purposes.
Another key feature is the brail facility for reaching the blind.
The opening of Lebaleng Community Library signified yet another milestone brought about by the partnership as well as integrated service delivery between Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and Maquassie Hills Local Municipality.
“There will be story telling hours, educational toys to play with and reading, research programmes for local crèches and schools. The youth will benefit from developmental programmes such as debates, youth talk – shows and seminars targeting the needs of the youth in general. Furthermore the libraries will provide and ensure that every citizen’s access to information, said MEC Tebogo Modise.
MEC Modise further urged the community to love, protect and promote their library so that it serves a purpose intended for, that is to improve culture of learning and reading amongst the various spheres of communities as well as aiding Adults community, as the library will offer Adult based education to eradicate illiteracy and prepare the community for better future of informed society.
Applauding the partnership of Sport, Arts and Culture and Local Municipality of Maquassie Hills for delivering the state of art library to the community of Lebaleng, Ms Aletta Emke of National Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) said the community should count themselves most fortunate to have a well-equipped library in their doorstep, something that a township would ever dream of in not so much past history of this country.
Emke further pleaded with the community to cherish the ideals of government to bring services to them, to improve their sense of pride and ownership of such magnificent infrastructure intended to shape the inner most development of a person.
“I pray that the establishment of this library shall rekindle the spirit of reading and learning amongst the young and old for the better future full of a changed community.” Mme Emke urges.
“ It is so good today that we witness the opening of this long awaited house, we kept asking what would be the end product of this building in our community, but today we see a library – at least there is something for our children. We are thankful as a community. We hope that this infrastructure will change how our children see things and make them better future leaders” said Jacob Skommer (78) a community member.
Motlalepule Selekiso (14) a student at Seepapito secondary school in the township was quick to say that the opening of the library in their long forgotten area came as a surprise to most of the youth in their “Kassie” and will never be the same again.
“We shall be mentioned as one of the progressive Kassies and thanks to the department. We have something to pride ourselves with” said Motlalepule as she was pushing herself to view what was inside the state of Art.
“Days of risking our lives by walking to Maquassie town for lending books are over, we have a library in our area now we can even just walk in and take books and get home quick before anybody could notice, thanks to the department and our municipality for such a generous gesture.” said Molebogeng Tomole (16) from Rutanang School.
The Member of Provincial Executive Council, responsible for Sport, Arts and Culture, Mme Tebogo Modise, also said her Department`s first consideration was to ensure that each municipality within each district receive its local library, and further feel that libraries in schools are rather small for the full development of children.
“We are here at Lebaleng today to come and usher mechanisms aimed at rectifying the imbalances of colonialism and apartheid” said Mme Modise.
Mme Modise further applauded the youth for their spirit of working together with government during the difficult times of the construction phases and for coming in such great droves to witness the opening of the library.
The MEC also encouraged youth to participate in sport, arts and culture activities for a better life and sustainable healthy living.-TDN
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Potchefstroom – Tempers flared and there was name-calling on Wednesday among rival parties in the Tlokwe Ward 9 by-election in North West.

ANC party liaison officer Ina Stoltz claimed she had been racially abused by supporters of independent candidate Khotso Ratikoane.

“They tried to provoke me by making racist remarks, but that did not work because I know why I’m here,” she said.

Party officials started calling each other names after the demarcation area outside the entrance to the polling station at the Boikhotso Secondary School in Ikageng, Potchefstroom, was moved.

Stoltz said her opponents seemed to enjoy taunting her, but vowed she would not give them satisfaction.

As the sun set in North West, the number of voters arriving at the school increased.

Supporters of the different parties sang and danced as voters made their way to the hall to make their cross.

The ANC had stationed members at street corners, and they were trying to convince people to vote for the party by telling them they were former president Nelson Mandela’s people and they knew who to vote for.

Two ANC supporters were overheard saying they were waiting for 22:00 to attend a braai hosted by the party.

The ANC in North West said it would hold a victory celebration in Ward 9 on Wednesday evening.

The celebration would be attended by ANC national executive committee deployees to the province and the provincial executive committee.

They would be joined by musicians, DJs and television stars, the ANC said in a statement.

– SAPA

Durban – A witness to the shooting of an IFP supporter told the Durban Regional Court on Wednesday that she had never read the statement she gave to police.

Joyce Mzolo said the police officer who took her statement had “mixed up” everything she told him.

She made this claim when it was pointed out to her that her testimony to the court differed substantially from the statement she had given police.

Mzolo was being cross examined by Simphiwe Moloi, the lawyer for National Freedom Party (NFP) Councillor Mgezeni “Bhungu” Gwala and his son Celimpilo ” Gwala.

They have been accused along with security guard Skhumbuzo Nxumalo of shooting Cebisile Shezi dead on 6 October, after IFP supporters converged on his house near the Thembalihle railway station, KwaMashu.

The group went to the house shortly after Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa addressed IFP supporters at a sports field in A-section KwaMashu, that day.

Shezi was wearing an IFP T-shirt at the time.

Mthethwa had been speaking to IFP supporters in an attempt to reduce tension in the area after the abduction of IFP councillor Themba Xulu.

Xulu was out on bail after he was arrested for allegedly trying to burn down Bhungu Gwala’s house. Xulu’s body was found the next day. He had been shot.

Statement

Originally another son, Bonginhlanhla Gwala, and another security guard, Sibusiso Ncengwa, were also charged with the murder. The charges against them were withdrawn.

Mzolo said had told the court that two people had initially appeared and started shooting on the crowd outside the Gwalas’ house, but in her statement she claimed there were four people, including Gwala’s other son Bonginhlanhla.

In her statement she had claimed that Bhungu Gwala was brandishing a firearm and started swearing at the crowd before the shooting.

However, in her testimony she said that only after the shooting did he emerge and start cursing the crowd.

Asked about the discrepancies, she said: “I never read the statement up until today.”

Asked why she had then signed the statement, she asked: “If a person says I must sign there, then what must I do?”

She denied embellishing her statement to police because she was angry that Gwala had left the IFP to join the NFP.

The trial continues.

– SAPA

A KwaZulu-Natal woman was arrested in a cows-for-sale scam in Soweto, police said on Wednesday.

“The woman told clients that she owned a farm in KwaZulu-Natal and was sellings cows,” police spokesperson Kay Makhubela said.

“She took sums of money ranging from R5 000 to R40 000 from the unsuspecting victims, but never delivered the cows,” he said.

The woman, 41, from Eshowe, KwaZulu-Natal, was arrested after three of her victims tipped off police.

On searching her, police found receipts she was issuing to clients, Makhubela said.

Police believed the scam dated as far back as 2011.

She was believed to have operated in Vlakfontein and Zaccharia Park.

“At one point the suspect took clients who had paid her to Eshowe, but she disappeared before she could hand over the livestock to them,” said Makhubela.

The woman was charged with theft under falls pretences and would appear in court soon.

– SAPA

Johannesburg – Most young South Africans believe the lives of women are getting better, according to a study released on Wednesday.

“It was found that almost two in three young South Africans feel the lives of women in SA were improving,” said consumer insight company Pondering Panda.

It polled 3 258 people between the ages of 15 and 34 across the country, spokesperson Shirley Wakefield said in a statement.

They were asked about their opinion on the lives of women and the importance of Women’s Day.

The survey found that 64% of respondents believed that women’s lives were improving.

About 21% said their lives were getting worse, and 12% believed women’s lives were staying the same.

“There were differences of opinion among both race and regional groups.”

About 68% of black respondents believed the lives of women were getting better, with 51% of coloureds and 44% of whites sharing this sentiment.

Most of the respondents (73%) believed the lives of women were improving the most in Mpumalanga, followed by the Northern Cape (72%), and KwaZulu-Natal (71%).

Most young people questioned (91%) believed it was important to celebrate Women’s Day.

Wakefield concluded: “If the opinion of young people is anything to go by, the lives of the majority of women in South Africa appear to be getting better.”

– SAPA

Two men accused of running an illegal initiation school in Windsorton, Northern Cape, appeared in the Barkly West Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, police said.

Police spokesperson Priscilla Naidu said Winston Moleleki, 38, was granted R500 bail, while Joseph Makhasane, 24, from Lesotho, was denied bail.

The two were also charged with kidnapping two youths and forcing them to attend an initiation school.

The youths were hospitalised after botched circumcisions, Naidu said at the two’s first court appearance in July.

They would appear in court again on 30 September.

– SAPA

Cape Town – Municipalities need strong political leadership to overcome a myriad of problems, the SA Local Government Association (Salga) said on Wednesday.

Salga chairperson Thabo Manyoni was commenting on the outcomes of the National Council of Provinces local government week.

Municipalities were operating in a space where finances were tight because of the global economic crisis, and where urbanisation was happening at a rapid pace.

“People get more into debt… The majority of people who are coming into cities, they don’t have skills,” said Manyoni.

“Those who are earning less than R3 000, for instance, are people who are spending more on food and transport rather than on shelter, and also on bettering the general conditions of their lives.”

This meant people could not sustain themselves, and it resulted in municipalities themselves battling to remain sustainable because they were not receiving the funds they expected through rates and taxes.

The problem of limited resources was twofold.

“The challenge of resources in terms of human and also capital… human in the sense of having skills and having citizenry who are skilled to sustain themselves, [but] also municipalities having the necessary skills to address challenges by stimulating the economy and maintaining infrastructure,” Manyoni said.

The key to success

Salga said an active citizenry, combined with good leadership, was key to making municipalities operate more successfully.

“People should also get involved in trying to better their lives instead of always having a citzenry that will always be passive, always expecting delivery… It’s an issue of culture.”

The political leadership at municipal level needed urgent improvement.

“I’m referring to political leadership who are interested in the areas in which they are meant to be operating, that is encouraging, that is meeting people instead of outsourcing those political functions and making sure we build communities that are understanding and able to take charge of their lives,” Manyoni said.

He said the lines of communication between municipalities and citizens were not open, which was one of the main causes of spiralling service delivery protests.

“Local government does not communicate adequately. We don’t talk to each other, we talk across each other,” he said.

“Those citizens… they must be able to understand what are the limitations what are the challenges [facing local government] and I think that will assist in minimising protests.”

– SAPA

Cape Town-The ANCYL in the Southern Cape accused the DA on Wednesday of using pupils to promote the party during a by-election.

The ANC Youth League said the by-election in Ward 4 Bitou (Greater Plettenberg Bay) on Wednesday, was being overseen by Western Cape Education MEC Donald Grant.

“This [has] happened in full view of… Grant who is also the Democratic Alliance’s elections co-ordinator,” it claimed.

“As the youth league, we take offence at the use of working class children as DA volunteers when they are supposed to be in class.”

Grant’s spokesperson Bronagh Casey said the claim that the pupils were being used in the “full view” of Grant was false.

“In no circumstance would the [MEC]… support learners taking time-off school to engage in political activities. He condemns such actions.”

The ANCYL said it would not rest until the “opportunistic tendencies of the DA are exposed as a whole”.

– SAPA