Johannesburg – Four men were arrested for public violence during a service delivery protest in Langa, Uitenhage, on Thursday, Eastern Cape police said.

The protest started on Wednesday after the municipality demolished illegally built houses, said police spokesperson Basil Seekoei.

He said residents set fire to a municipal health and wellness office, an ANC councillor’s house, and a DA office.

Residents burned tyres and blocked a road with rocks.

Police managed to get the situation under control.

“We have a high presence of police on the scene and we will not tolerate lawlessness,” he said.

– SAPA

Johannesburg – Cricket South Africa (CSA) and the public service broadcaster, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), on Thursday concluded a broadcast rights deal that will see ball-by-ball coverage return to television screens for all Proteas matches during the upcoming season.

In summary, all the Sunfoil Test matches against India and Australia, the Momentum ODI’s against Pakistan and India and the KFC T20’s where the Proteas take on Pakistan and Australia will be shown live on free to air and fans will be able to soak up all the international action.

The deal also covers radio as 2000FM will be providing live ball-by-ball updates.

“We are obviously excited for all our fans with this wonderful news,” said CSA Chief Executive, Haroon Lorgat.

“Having a relationship with our national broadcaster is key for us and I’m delighted that we have secured this agreement. We have plenty of international cricket this summer and I am sure that our fans would love to follow the Proteas live in action.

“Free to air TV coverage and SABC radio has always been important for us to take the game to every corner of our country as we pursue our vision of making cricket a truly national sport.

“Cricket needs the SABC and I would like to thank all those involved in securing this agreement for the benefit of not only both parties, but especially for our fans” added Lorgat.

The SABC’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Lulama Mokhobo, said: “As a public service broadcaster, we have a mandate to cover and develop sports of national interest, and cricket is a major sporting code with a large following. We have committed ourselves to providing world-class coverage of these cricket tournaments.”

CSA has also committed to providing SABC with regular content for their various magazine shows.

This entails content from the Proteas, Domestic Cricket, Women’s Cricket, Youth Cricket, Development Cricket as well as Mini-Cricket.
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North West Premier Thandi Modise has condemned the violence that is brewing in Setlagole village near Mahikeng and appealed for calm in the area.

“We appeal to the residents of Setlagole to desist from taking the law into their own hands. We appeal for calmness in the area so that the law can take its course unhindered,” said Premier Modise.

This after several properties of alleged child kidnappers and two shebeens were reportedly set alight by a group of angry residents.

Police say that shops belonging to foreign nationals were also looted.

This follows an alleged kidnap of a 7-year-old boy earlier this month in what residents believed to be a muti-related incident.

The residents were apparently angry that no arrests have been made so far.

Modise says it is uncalled for, for residents to destroy properties as it is an unlawful act that will not lead to a solution but more arrests.

“We wish to urge to the community to support police in their investigations. Although we understand that thorough investigations sometimes take time, we also appeal to the police to get to the bottom of the disappearance of children as speedily as possible. If anyone is dissatisfied with the probe there are other processes that can be followed rather than resorting to violence,” cautioned the Premier.

Modise said the province was steadfast in resuscitating noble values through the Social Cohesion and Moral Regeneration Programme in order to address many of the social ills that continue to trouble the province and the country at large.

“We must therefore refuse to be unnecessarily drawn into belligerent acts that will undermine this important nation-building project that seeks to build a society that is free, just and fair and that lives in tranquility, free from current social ills. That’s the North-West and the South Africa that we want to see,” added Modise.-TDN
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Pretoria – There was nothing unfair about a hearing into the professional conduct of Dr Wouter Basson, the Health Professions Council of SA (HPCSA) said on Thursday.

“This is a fair hearing… There is no substance to the argument that it has been unfair and detrimental to Dr Wouter Basson,” said Salie Joubert, for the HPCSA.

Joubert was presenting his closing arguments at the hearing.

Basson’s defence team, led by Jaap Cilliers, had argued that the hearing had been delayed, to Basson’s detriment, and that there had been an unfair administration of justice.

Joubert said this was incorrect.

“Dr Basson took more than 18 months before answering to the charges. The delays regarding these proceedings can be attributed to Basson.”

Basson had also failed to raise the issue in previous proceedings and at the courts, he said.

“The issue is irrelevant and is brought at a stage when proceedings are about to end,” said Joubert. The hearing began in 2007.

The charges against Basson arise from his involvement in the apartheid government’s chemical and biological warfare programme in the 1980s and early 1990s.

Charges

He is accused of acting unethically by being involved in the large-scale production of Mandrax, cocaine and tear gas, of weaponising teargas, and of supplying it to Angola’s Unita leader Jonas Savimbi.

He is also accused of acting unethically by providing disorientating substances for cross-border kidnappings and by making cyanide capsules available for distribution to operatives for use in committing suicide.

In 2002, Basson was acquitted by the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria of criminal charges arising from his conduct.

The HPCSA reviewed the judgment to establish if there were grounds to continue with an inquiry against Basson.

The State appealed the high court’s decision in the Supreme Court of Appeal, but the appeal was dismissed.

The State then went to the Constitutional Court to appeal the decision. This was also dismissed in September 2005.

– SAPA

Johannesburg – Security ministers have abandoned a bid to stop Public Protector Thuli Madonsela from releasing her draft report on upgrades at President Jacob Zuma’s Nkandla homestead, according to news reports on Thursday.

Eyewitness News and eNCA reported the government felt it had already obtained an extension through the court process. Taking the matter any further would be an academic exercise.

The State’s application was set to have been heard in the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on Friday.

Costs

The only matter left to argue on Friday would be about the costs of the application, Eyewitness News and eNCA reported.

Sapa was not immediately able to confirm the reports.

The chief registrar of the North Gauteng High Court said the court was not allowed to release documents about a case that was still pending.

Police spokesperson Zweli Mnisi declined to comment on the matter and referred all queries to government spokesperson Phumla Williams, who was not immediately available to comment.

Madonsela’s spokesperson Kgalalelo Masibi could not immediately confirm the reports.

On Wednesday, Madonsela made public her court documents opposing the interdict. In it, she said the state made several attempts to stop her investigation.

Madonsela’s provisional report on security improvements to Zuma’s Nkandla residence was given to the state security cluster on 1 November.

This followed a special request that it have access to the report ahead of all other parties, to establish if its contents would compromise Zuma’s security. The return date for comments was 6 November.

The cluster filed an urgent application on Friday to prevent Madonsela from releasing the report.

– SAPA

The 5th edition of the Sasol League National Championships is set to bring the City of Matlosana to life when the nine Sasol League provincial league winners do battle at Alabama and Matlosana Stadiums from Monday, 25th November to Sunday, 01st December 2013.

The tournament will see a number of seasoned National Championships campaigners, Durban Ladies (Kwa-Zulu Natal), Cape Town Roses (Western Cape), Bloemfontein Celtic Ladies (Free State), Royal Wizards (Northern Cape) and City Lads (Eastern Cape) all making a return to this prestigious week long competition.

Hosts Al’s Puk Tawana (North West) will also be making a return to the tournament with Empumalanga Ladies (Mpumalanga) making their first appearance at the tournament. Empumalanga Ladies will look to be the surprise package and repeat the feat that was achieved by Detroit Ladies (Mpumalanga) back in 2009 when they were crowned the inaugural Sasol League National Champions.

“We are very excited about this year’s Sasol League National Championships. Over the past for year’s we have watched the level of football getting better and better and this year will be no different,” said Dumisani Mbokane, Sponsorship Specialist at Sasol.

The tournament will see the introduction of a new format to where each group will have 3 teams and each team will play two matches in their respective groups before qualifying for the quarter finals. The top two teams in each group along with the highest ranked third placed team will qualify for the quarter finals with the winner subsequently qualifying for the semi-finals and then the finals.

“This years’ tournament will be the most challenging tournament for all the teams due to the ever increasing standard of women’s football in the country. The days of one team dominating women’s football have come to an end and we look forward to an exciting tournament and a befitting end to another Sasol League season,” said Balebetse Monnakgotla: SAFA HOD Competitions.

Alabama Stadium will play host to the Opening Ceremony as well as the groups stages from Monday, 24th– Wednesday, 27th November 2013 and the quarter-finals on Thursday, 28th November 2013.

Matlosane Stadium will host the semi-finals set for Friday, 29th November 2013 and the Finals on Sunday, 01st December 2013 where the 2013 Sasol League National Champions will be crowned.

‘Teams that will be participating in the Sasol League National Championships are:

1.Eastern Cape – City Lads Ladies FC
2.Free State – Bloemfontein Celtics Ladies FC
3.Kwa-Zulu Natal – Durban Ladies FC
4.Mpumalanga – Empumalanga Ladies FC
5.Northern Cape – Royal Wizards Ladies FC
6.North West – Al’s Puk Tawana Ladies FC
7.Western Cape – Cape Town Roses Ladies FC
8.Gauteng – T.B.C
9.Limpopo – T.B.C

DRAW

Teams

Group A

Group B

Group C

A1:

Al’s Puk Tawana

Al’s Puk Tawana

Cape Town Roses

City Lads

A2:

Limpopo

Limpopo

Gauteng

Durban Ladies

A3:

Royal Wizards

Royal Wizards

Bloemfontien Celtics

Empumalanga Ladies

B1:

Cape Town Roses

B2:

Gauteng

B3:

Bloemfontien Celtics

C1:

City Lads

C2:

Durban Ladies

C3:

Empumalanga Ladies

FIXTURES – Sasol League National CHAMPIONSHIP 2013

Day 1 – 25 Nov 2013 (Monday)

Host

Visitor

Time

Stadium

Match No.

City Lads

vs

Durban Ladies

10:00

Alabama Stadium

1

Cape Town Roses

vs

Gauteng

12:30

Alabama Stadium

2

Official Opening Ceremony

Al’s Puk Tawana

vs

Limpopo

15:30

Alabama Stadium

3

Day 2 – 26 Nov 2013 (Tuesday)

Host

Visitor

Time

Stadium

Match No.

Gauteng

vs

Bloemfontien Celtics

10:00

Alabama Stadium

4

Limpopo

vs

Royal Wizards

12:30

Alabama Stadium

5

Johannesburg-A massive media contingent consisting of 44 journalists are flying in from Spain to cover the much anticipated South Africa versus Spain match on 19 November 2013 at FNB Stadium. The size of the media contingent reflects the intense interest in the game that will be screened live throughout Europe and other parts of the globe. 

Media representing radio, online, print and television from 14 different media establishments in Spain will cover the game and give a healthy boost to South Africa’s image in the process

The match is set to be a rip-roaring affair with both sides pitching their best players. Bafana coach Gordon Igesund promises he will make South Africa a force to be reckoned with in time for the 2015 and 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments in Morocco and Libya and the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Nine foreign-based players have been called up and fans can expect some spectacular action in the stadium that saw the first and last goals (by these same teams) scored in the last 2010 World Cup.

Combining the best of youth and experience, Bafana Bafana will field formidable veterans like captain Itumeleng Khune, Siphiwe Tshabalala, Bongani Khumalo and Kagisho Dikgacoi, alongside emerging talent that includes Bongani Zungu, Ayanda Patosi and Kermit Erasmus.

Spain is the reigning World and European Champions and will be fielding an impressive team that include 13 players who were part of the 2010 FIFA World Cup winning team in South Africa. Crowd pleasers like Sergio Ramos, Xabi Alonso, Jesus Navas and Juan Mata will be on display.

With this kind of interest from Spanish media in the game, it’s plain to see that it’s going to be an amazing spectacle and soccer fans, sports enthusiasts and just anyone eager to see excellence in action and enjoy an entertaining night out is encouraged to be there. “In terms of world-class soccer on our doorstep, it doesn’t get any better than this,” said Khune.

Tickets for the match are on sale at Computicket, Shoprite, Checkers and Shoprite/Checkers stores countrywide. Tickets cost R50 for the top tier; R200 for the middle tier and R100 for the bottom tier.

There are also suite ticket packages available for R895 and R1650.-TDN

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Johannesburg – A 24-year-old man found in possession of drugs in a minibus taxi heading to Johannesburg has been arrested, Eastern Cape police said on Thursday.

Lieutenant Colonel Mzukisi Fatyela said police on a routine stop and search operation flagged down a minibus taxi on the R51 outside Mthatha on Wednesday.

“They found 3.4kg of dagga and 40 Mandrax tablets in his possession, packed inside a blanket.”

He said the dagga had an estimated street value of R3 400 while the Mandrax tablets had an estimated street value of R3 600.

The man was expected to appear in the Mthatha Magistrate’s Court on Friday.

In a separate incident three armed men robbed the Ncgobo post office outside Mthatha of an undisclosed amount of money.

Fatyela said the three locked the postmaster inside an office after the robbery on Wednesday.

“No arrests have been made. We are following leads,” he said.

SAPA

Johannesburg – Cosatu’s march against e-tolling started in Braamfontein, central Johannesburg, on Thursday morning.

Marchers gathered at Cosatu’s head office in Jorissen street at 08.30 and left shortly before 11:00 to deliver memorandums to the labour department, the provincial transport department, the office of the MEC for transport, the Gauteng legislature and the Gauteng premier.

The final leg of the march would be to deliver memorandums to the SA Chamber of Mines, the Johannesburg central police station, the office of the auditor general, and the Hawks.

SAPA

Johannesburg – Provincial police commissioners have full confidence in national commissioner Riah Phiyega’s ability to perform her job, the SA Police Service said on Thursday.

National spokesperson Lieutenant General Solomon Makgale said the provincial commissioners met on Wednesday and discussed the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) investigation into Phiyega.

“The provincial commissioners noted the support and leadership provided by the national commissioner despite the current circumstances,” Makgale said.

“As part of the leadership team, the provincial commissioners remain committed to fighting crime and ensuring that all decisions taken at various management levels are implemented. The provincial commissioners have full confidence in the national commissioner.”

‘Business as usual’

The commissioners said they wanted to reassure the country that they would work hard and ensure that “on the ground, it is business as usual”.

“In other words, the matter involving the national commissioner will not impact on the day-to-day management of crime.”

Last month, the Ipid said it would investigate allegations that Phiyega tipped off Western Cape commissioner Lieutenant General Arno Lamoer about an investigation against him by crime intelligence.

According to reports, Phiyega told Lamoer on three occasions that she was aware he was under investigation.

The Sunday Independent reported that their telephone conversations had been legally recorded by crime intelligence operatives monitoring Lamoer’s calls.

Phiyega denied tipping-off Lamoer.

Makgale said the commissioners also met Phiyega on Wednesday, as part of the final board of commissioners (BOC) meeting for 2013.

The meeting discussed the overall state of crime over the past six months and noted with concern the number of murders reported.

“These murders are closely associated with the abuse of alcohol and other social ills,” Makgale said.

“The BOC committed itself to ensuring that the crime prevention and combating initiatives for the festive season, which have already been implemented, pays special attention to this.”

SAPA