North West Premier Thandi Modise has expressed a concern that the Marikana

Peace Accord signed earlier this year has been completely disregarded by

perpetrators of violence in and around Marikana.

Modise’s concern comes amid confirmation that another union leader has been

killed in the area.

Former National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) shop steward Percy Letanang

reportedly died in hospital last-night after being shot seven times at the

weekend.

According to police the shooting incident took place on Sunday evening at

his home in Segwaelane outside Marikana.

“It is clear that our repeated pleas for people involved to resort to

peaceful means to deal with their problems have fallen on deaf ears. The

heartless instigators of these barbaric and senseless killings who have no

regard for human lives are hell bent in unleashing a campaign of terror in

our mining communities and need to be unmasked to face the wrath of the

law,” said Premier Modise in condemning the killing.

The Premier said that she will ask police to brief her on their

investigation into the on-going violence.

“As we convey our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, we also

want to assure them that we will not rest until the culprits are arrested

and brought to book.

We have had enough of these despicable and heinous acts and call on law

enforcement agencies to intensify efforts to curb the killing spree and for

those who are on the receiving end of the violence not to be provoked to

violence and retaliation, ” stressed Modise.

Several people have been killed in the area in a suspected rivalry between

labour unions. Modise said the provincial government has intensified

efforts to engage all sectors of society including community leaders,

inter-faith denominations, traditional authorities to build social cohesion

and curb the scourge of violence and other social ills in the province.-TDN

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Basetsana captain Kaylin Swart is confident that the SA national under-20 team will make it to the next round of the FIFA U20 Womens World Cup qualifiers when they play Botswana in the return-leg on Saturday, 9 November 2013.

The clash will take place at the Bidvest Stadium. Kick-off is at 15h00.

The South African U20 Women’s National Team ran out 5-2 winners in the first leg clash played in Gaborone over a week ago and will be looking to cement their victory in the return leg clash.

“We are excited about the upcoming match, we just want to do the job and qualify for the next round. It is going to be a big match on Saturday.

“Looking at the next opponent in the second round we are aware that it will get tougher as we progress. But we need to do what we do best, go out there and score goals. We are up for the challenge and we are going to fight to get that spot in the World Cup tournament,” said Swart.

Two African countries will represent the continent at the 2014 edition of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup set for Canada from 5 – 24 August.

Swart, a Bachelor of Arts student at the University of the Western Cape, says preparations for the return-leg have been going well.

“I feel preparations are on track and everyone in the team is working hard with expectations of winning the return-leg,” she added.

Zambian referee, Gladys Lingwe will be in charge of the match. She will be assisted by Bernadette Kwimbira (Malawi) and Jane Cherono (Kenya).

Sarah Selemani (Zambia) is the fourth official.-TDN

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North West Premier Thandi Modise has welcomed an indication by the South

African Human Rights Commission that it will probe claims of racism at a

North West school.

“Any act of racism must be thoroughly investigated and perpetrators need to

be dealt with accordingly. We are hopeful that an independent investigation

by the HRC will get to the facts and make appropriate recommendations,”

said Premier Modise earlier today.

 Modise had earlier reacted with dismay to media reports on claims of

racism at a North West school and called for human rights education, values

and anti-racism to be intensified as part of the curriculum.

It was reported that 14-year old twin brothers Kago and Kagiso Mangope, who

are doing Grade 8 at Potchefstroom Gimnasium school were constantly being

referred to as “kaffirs.”

In welcoming the probe, Modise said it is important that all South Africans

fully understand the disastrous repercussions of racism.

“We are busy repairing the damage done by racism in this country and we

cannot allow incidents such as the one that is being reported to take us a

step back. We want to ensure that as we celebrate twenty years of democracy

in this country no South African is called by derogatory names or

denigrated in any way,” said Premier Modise.

The Premier said that the provincial government will await the outcome of

the HRC investigation, adding that there will be no place for racists in

South Africa.-TDN

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The Bafana Bafana team selected to play the world champions will be announced at a press conference in Johannesburg tomorrow.

World and European champions Spain will take on South Africa at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on November 19.

Danny Jordaan, the newly-elected president of SAFA, whose lobbying made the game possible said it will be a milestone for Bafana Bafana to be playing the best in the world.

“Every South African knows that Bafana Bafana has been underperforming. Well, we have a master plan that is going to change that, starting with Spain,” he said.

Jordaan said that competition for places is fierce. “They all want to be part of the team because to play the world champions is a massive opportunity, particularly in a game that is going to be televised live throughout Europe. This game will be one where reputations can be made overnight.”

Jordaan refused to speculate about the team selection. “I will say though, that in soccer you must always be prepared for a surprise.”

Tickets for the game which range in price from R50.00 to R200.00 went on sale yesterday and a SAFA spokesman Dominic Chimhavi said that sales had been brisk. “The R100.00 tickets that allow fans to be close to the action are proving to be the most popular and are going fast.”

Chimhavi also said that 3000 seats have been allocated for Spanish fans in a separate area. -TDN
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The Bafana Bafana team selected to play the world champions will be announced at a press conference in Johannesburg tomorrow.

World and European champions Spain will take on South Africa at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on November 19.

Danny Jordaan, the newly-elected president of SAFA, whose lobbying made the game possible said it will be a milestone for Bafana Bafana to be playing the best in the world.

“Every South African knows that Bafana Bafana has been underperforming. Well, we have a master plan that is going to change that, starting with Spain,” he said.

Jordaan said that competition for places is fierce. “They all want to be part of the team because to play the world champions is a massive opportunity, particularly in a game that is going to be televised live throughout Europe. This game will be one where reputations can be made overnight.”

Jordaan refused to speculate about the team selection. “I will say though, that in soccer you must always be prepared for a surprise.”

Tickets for the game which range in price from R50.00 to R200.00 went on sale yesterday and a SAFA spokesman Dominic Chimhavi said that sales had been brisk. “The R100.00 tickets that allow fans to be close to the action are proving to be the most popular and are going fast.”

Chimhavi also said that 3000 seats have been allocated for Spanish fans in a separate area. -TDN
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Pretoria – There is no reasonable prospect that another court will change the convictions of the 20 Boeremag members, the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria concluded on Wednesday.

Judge Eben Jordaan dismissed an application by former Mokopane medical doctor Lets Pretorius for bail pending an application for leave to appeal against his high treason conviction and 30-year prison sentence.

Pretorius’s wife Minnie started crying and sat with her head between her hands for a long time after his bail application was dismissed.

Pretorius and his sons Johan, Kobus and Wilhelm were among the right-wingers sentenced to long prison terms last month for their plot to violently overthrow the ANC government.

The men were sentenced to between five and 48 years’ imprisonment, with parts of their sentences suspended.

This resulted in five of them walking out of the court as free men, and the others having to serve jail terms of, in effect, between five and 25 years.

One of the men, who is in an old age home after suffering a stroke, was not sentenced.

Pretorius, who has to serve a prison term of in effect 20 years, earlier claimed he was unlikely to receive parole because he was white and a political prisoner, and would probably get out of jail only at the age of 87.

He told the court he had not expected such a long sentence and needed bail so he could draw up a will, make proper provision for the care of his wife and grandchildren, and earn money for his appeal.

He said he had health problems for which he needed operations, and wanted to support his wife, who had previously had breast cancer and suffered from depression.

Bail application

Pretorius, who was out on bail for nine years of the decade-long trial, maintained that he did not pose a risk to the public.

The State opposed his bail application, arguing that he was an escape risk because of the long prison term he faced.

Jordaan said it was logical that Pretorius’s situation had changed since his release on bail.

He said he had to take into account the prospects of success on appeal, which in his view did not exist.

“In my view, there is no reasonable prospect that any other court would set aside the conviction… or impose any other sentence than long term imprisonment.

“The accused’s conviction rested on the sum total of numerous witnesses and a finding that he was not a credible witness,” Jordaan said.

Another troubling aspect was Pretorius’s bail of R500 000, which was secured by the property of a company in which he no longer had any interest.

He would, therefore, lose nothing if he fled.

“I cannot see why he can’t prepare his will while he’s in jail. His health problems can be treated while he is in prison,” Jordaan said.

He said Pretorius’s wife would have to fend for herself, but that this was a natural result of the long term of imprisonment imposed on her husband.

– SAPA

Cape Town – President Jacob Zuma on Wednesday denied claims by SA National Defence Force (SANDF) officials that he was involved in the “Guptagate” scandal.

“No, I have no prior knowledge, involvement or communication relating to the landing of a private plane at AFB [Air Force Base] Waterkloof,” he said while answering questions in the National Assembly.

“The president is neither directly or indirectly involved in the authorisation of civilian aircraft landing at airports such as AFB Waterkloof.”

However, opposition party MPs, including DA parliamentary leader Lindiwe Mazibuko, pressed the president for more answers.

“Mr Speaker, a senior official in the SANDF stated under oath that a call was received from Mr Bruce Koloane informing her the president wanted to know and I quote ‘if everything is still on track for the flight’,” Mazibuko said.

“If the answer is that he did not know about the landing, can the president explain to this House how it could possibly be the case in light of the fact that the landing at Waterkloof Air Force Base included three fixed-wing aircraft, seven helicopters, 88 vehicles and 490 personnel, 194 of whom were employees of the state?” she asked.

Zuma said it was not his duty to know who landed at the country’s airports.

“There are so many that land… why should the president know about these numbers? I have given the answer. I had no knowledge. I know nothing about it,” Zuma said.

“I can’t answer on behalf of an official in some military tribunal, that’s not my business,” he said.

Military tribunal

Two SANDF officials have testified at a military tribunal that Koloane, former chief of state protocol, had indicated to them that Zuma was behind the irregular landing of the plane.

The chartered commercial aircraft, Jet Airways flight JAI 9900 from India, ferrying more than 200 guests for the wedding of Vega Gupta, 23, and Indian-born Aakash Jahajgarhia, landed at the base in April.

The passengers were then transported, either by light aircraft, helicopter, or in police-escorted vehicles, to attend the lavish ceremony at Sun City’s Palace of the Lost City in North West.

The landing sparked widespread criticism and several investigations were launched.

A government investigation exonerated Zuma and his ministers, and found that the landing was the result of collusion and name dropping by officials.

DA MP David Maynier said the real issue was Zuma’s relationship with the Gupta family.

“When the Guptas say jump, the Zumas say how high,” Maynier said.

Zuma responded: “I’ve answered the question. Maybe he [Maynier] jumps higher than others.

– SAPA

Pretoria – One of the four men arrested in connection with the murder of Major General Tirhani Maswanganyi was forced to “confess”, the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court heard on Wednesday.

John Hlaisa, for Tshepo Mosai, said his client was kept at Brooklyn police station, in Pretoria, separate from other accused “so that his rights could be trampled on”.

“Why did members of the investigating team visit him at the cells, without his lawyer when the accused had indicated that he needs legal representation?” Hlaisa asked Colonel Abednego Shibiri.

“He was forced to admit involvement when the crime was committed. A [police] pocket book was given to him when he had not requested it,” said Hlaisa.

Shibiri said Mosai had voluntarily confessed to the murder.

“The officers didn’t have a writing pad and the station commander provided the pocket book,” said Shibiri.

He said the officers had visited Mosai to show him an identity kit of another accused person.

Shibiri is head of the police’s Gauteng provincial investigating team.

Hlaisa put it to him that the visit by the officers was meant “to induce Mosai to turn State witness”.

Shibiri argued that it was Mosai who had asked to be a State witness, but that such a process would be handled by the prosecution.

Earlier, Shibiri said the authorities had yet to ascertain how Maswanganyi was killed.

He said the cause of death would be known only when toxicology and histology reports were released.

“We can get the histology reports any time from now, but the toxicology reports do take time. We have requested the department of health to expedite the process,” said Shibiri.

“Normally those reports can take four to five years,” he said.

The health department had said the toxicology reports should be available in the first quarter of 2014.

Shibiri said indications so far were that Maswanganyi was strangled.

Bail application

He was opposing a bail application brought by Maswanganyi’s alleged killers Nditsheni Daniel Nefolovhodwe, Ndaedzo Isaac Vele, Tshepo Mosai and Roger Godfrey Moseki.

Shibiri said property stolen from Maswanganyi, including cellphones and a computer tablet, had not been recovered.

He said the police had yet to arrest other suspects related to the crime, and that if released on bail, the four would jeopardise the ongoing investigations.

Maswanganyi was found dead in a field near the R101, near Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria, in June.

His hands and feet were bound. A police patrol found Maswanganyi’s abandoned Isuzu bakkie next to the road.

A police uniform and police identification card were in the bakkie, which prompted a search.

Three of the four accused, Moseki, Vele and Nefolovhodwe, were members of the SA National Defence Force.

– SAPA

Johannesburg – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) advised businesses on Wednesday to be on the lookout for criminal elements using fraudulent NPA requests for quotations and government orders.

“We have been able to establish that these criminals send a request for a quotation and thereafter issue a fraudulent government order to convince businesses to process the order,” NPA spokesperson Bulelwa Makeke said in a statement.

The people would then call businesses persistently with the view to pressure them into immediate delivery.

Makeke advised businesses to pay attention to the orders they received.

Possible signs of a fraudulent order included receiving and sending e-mails from/to a gmail address and phone calls from a cellphone.

“All legitimate requests for the NPA should come from an e-mail address ending @npa.gov.za. Where faxes are used, they will generally originate from the NPA official numbers.”

She encouraged businesses to verify quotations by calling the NPA supply chain management office at 012 845 6000.

– SAPA

Cape Town – DA parliamentary leader Lindiwe Mazibuko has proposed a private members’ bill to replace the contested National Key Points Act.

Mazibuko said on Wednesday the law was unconstitutional and should make way for legislation that would protect the country’s critical installations in a transparent manner.

It was adopted by the apartheid regime in 1980.

Her proposal, which she will hand to Speaker Max Sisulu, would see the power to declare a national key point – currently held by the police minister – passed to a board of officials and strict criteria introduced to make sure it was used only to protect areas of national security.

It would also oblige the state to make public the full list of such protected places.

Opposition parties and rights groups have in recent years, petitioned government to end the practice of keeping its list of national key points under wraps.

Mazibuko said the law was used by the apartheid regime to combat political resistance by declaring places key points so that any attack on them could be prosecuted as sabotage or terrorism.

“It was used to wage war on our own people… It is clear that this legislation is unconstitutional and has no place in a democratic South Africa.”

She said the law was being abused by the current government to cover up the use of state funds, such as the R206m in taxpayer’s money spent on improvements at President Jacob Zuma’s private homestead in Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal.

“When the public outcry mounted, President Zuma and his cabinet ministers used an archaic, unconstitutional piece of legislation to not only justify the expenditure but to hide its true extent.”

She added: “These actions are congruent with the behaviour of the apartheid regime.”

Public Works Minister Thulas Nxesi said earlier this year that Zuma’s home in Nkandla was declared a national key point in 2010.

The Right2Know campaign and the South African History Archives last month launched a court bid to force the minister of police to release a list of national key points.

The activist group said the post-apartheid government had on numerous occasions used the law to prevent democratic protest in public places.

It went to court after its application in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act to have the list released was refused.

– SAPA