Daily Archives: January 17, 2014

New arrest on Krejcir linked-hit plot


Johannesburg – A fifth person was arrested on Thursday for allegedly plotting to kill a police investigator associated with the Radovan Krejcir investigation, said Gauteng police.

“The suspect is a 34-year-old woman, who is a sergeant within the crime intelligence environment,” said Lt-Gen Solomon Makgale.

He said the woman allegedly provided software to track investigators.

Nine cellphones were confiscated from her.

Earlier, three men and a woman were arrested for allegedly plotting to kill forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan and crime intelligence officer Colonel Nkosana “Killer” Ximba.

One of the men was also linked to the kidnapping and attempted murder case for which Krejcir is being investigated.

The kidnapping case allegedly involves Czech fugitive Krejcir, Sandton businessman Desai Luphondo, and two members of the Hawks Ä Warrant Officers Samuel Modise Maropeng and George Jeff Nthoroane.

They were arrested in November.

In June, they allegedly kidnapped and assaulted a man whose brother, known only as “Doctor”, disappeared with a 25kg shipment of tik he had been recruited to help smuggle through OR Tambo International Airport.

They allegedly kept the man at Krejcir’s Money Point business in Bedfordview, Johannesburg, for four days, and assaulted him.

Sapa

NPA to discuss Mpisane’s case


Durban – The NPA will examine the State’s decision to withdraw corruption and fraud charges against Durban businesswoman Shauwn Mpisane, it said on Thursday.

“National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Mxolisi Nxasana instructed the head of the special commercial crimes unit to submit a detailed report for his consideration with the view to establish whether the reasons for the withdrawal warrant his intervention in a form of a review or not,” said National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesman Nathi Mncube.

Mpisane faced more than 50 charges of fraud, forgery, and uttering of a forged document.

She was accused of submitting forged documents to obtain Construction Industry Development Board gradings, which were then used to win five public works department tenders worth R140 million.

The State dropped charges against Mpisane on Wednesday in the Durban Commercial Crimes Court.

KwaZulu-Natal NPA spokeswoman Natasha Ramkisson-Kara said the withdrawal was because the State could not submit a forensic investigation report to the court by Wednesday afternoon.

Mncube said Nxasana had noted the public’s outrage at the State’s decision to withdraw the criminal case.

“The NPA will inform the public on the next course of action in this matter once the NDPP has applied his mind on the matter,” he said.

The report by the special commercial crimes unit was expected to reach the NDPP’s office Monday.

Mpisane still faces charges in two other cases. In the Durban Regional Court she is accused of inflating invoices of her business Ä Zikhulise Cleaning, Maintenance, and Transport CC Ä by almost R5m to cut her tax bill.

In the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court she stands accused of interfering with a State witness related to the tax fraud case.

The lead prosecutor in those two cases has been removed and the NDPP will inform the courts on January 31 whether the cases will proceed following representations by Mpisane’s lawyers about the prosecution’s conduct.

Mpisane’s legal team has accused the prosecution of suppressing evidence.

Sapa

Matriculant commits suicide


Johannesburg – A matric pupil has hanged herself at her home in Hurlingham, Johannesburg, Gauteng police said on Thursday.

This happened on Wednesday, the first day of the 2014 academic year, said Constable Thabo Malatjie.

The 17-year-old girl was a pupil at St Theresa’s School in Rosebank.

School principal Sister Barbara Summer said a trauma counsellor was called in to speak to the pupils.

“With the help of the counsellor, the girls prayed and lit a candle in memory. They shared stories and just supported each other,” she said.

Malatjie said an inquest docket had been opened and that the police would investigate.

Sapa

Marikana miners were unaware of police


Miners running from a hill at Marikana on August 16, 2012, did not know they were heading straight for a police line, the Farlam Commission of Inquiry heard on Thursday.

Dali Mpofu SC, representing wounded and arrested Marikana miners at the inquiry, put it to Brigadier Adriaan Calitz that his clients’ view was obscured by Nyala police vehicles.

“My point is that the reason why the view between the approaching strikers and the tactical response team’s line was obscured, is because of those Nyalas that were in front of them. The Nyalas subsequently made way,” said Mpofu.

“The shooting happened almost immediately after one of the Nyalas cleared the way and the volley of bullets came. It’s like there is a Nyala, and they [protesters] are coming. It opens the way, and they get shot.”

Calitz said he did not understand Mpofu’s assertion.

Mpofu went on: “You have testified that the line was not there when the people were blocked by Nyala four. When they were going around the kraal, surely they did not know that the people [police] had run and formed the basic line.”

The three-member commission’s chairman, retired judge Ian Farlam, intervened, urging Mpofu to move to another point in his cross-examination.

“Please let us move on to matters that he can deal with effectively, which will enable you to get answers of value for you to argue with at the end of the case.”

Mpofu insisted that Calitz take the questions.

“With respect, chairman, I can’t see why any human being, whether it’s this witness or another person cannot answer the questions.”

Farlam ordered Mpofu to move to another point of his cross-examination.

Earlier, Mpofu said that when the protesting mineworkers left the hill, they were not looking for trouble.

They were simply going to the Nkaneng informal settlement when they were attacked by police, he said.

“As far as using the path [to Nkaneng] is concerned, the only difference between the first group and the other group behind them, is that those who came first managed to go through, while those who followed were blocked,” said Mpofu.

Calitz said protesters who were peaceful were permitted to go through, and that “militant groups” were intercepted by the police.

“The peaceful groups moved, and the militant groups remained behind [at the hill]. It is not as if it was a coincidence that they [peaceful protesters] went past,” said Calitz.

Mpofu said members of the militant group were not able to proceed to the informal settlement, because the path was blocked by a Nyala police vehicle.

Calitz disagreed: “That is not correct. They did not proceed because they chose to carry out an attack [on police officers].”

Calitz was the operational police commander during the protracted strike at Marikana, near Rustenburg.

The commission of inquiry is probing the circumstances surrounding the deaths of 44 people during labour-related unrest at Lonmin’s platinum mining operations at Marikana, near Rustenburg, North West.

On August 16, 2012, 34 people, mostly striking miners, were shot dead and 78 people were wounded when the police fired on a group gathered at a hill near the mine while attempting to disperse and disarm them.

In the preceding week, 10 people, including two policemen and two security guards, were killed in unrest-related violence.

The public hearings resume on Friday.

– Sapa

SAHRC to probe Mothutlung killings


The SAHRC will investigate the deaths of three people in Mothutlung, near Brits in North West, following violent protests about water shortages, it said on Thursday.

“The SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has decided to launch an own initiative investigation into the causes of the protest in relation to the provision of water,” spokesman Isaac Mangena said in a statement.

On Monday, mineworker Osia Rahube and a photographer known as Bra Mike were shot dead during a protest, allegedly by police.

On Tuesday Lerato Seema died after jumping from a moving police Nyala. Police said he was trying to escape from custody. Residents claimed police brutality.

The area has been without water for at least three months.

Mangena said the SAHRC had met the Madibeng local municipality and community representatives.

It had noted residents’ concerns and would follow up on the promises made by the municipality, which included restoring the water supply.

“The SAHRC condemns the situation in Mothutlung, particularly the unnecessary deaths of three people.”

Mangena said the SAHRC welcomed the investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid). It hoped Ipid would establish the causes of the deaths and ensure that those responsible were brought to book.

“It is disappointing that the [SA Police Service] top management seems not to have heeded the recommendations of the SAHRC following its investigation into the death of Ficksburg activist Andries Tatane in 2012 during a similar service delivery protest relating to water shortages,” he said.

In its report on Tatane, the SAHRC found the police had used a disproportionate amount of force and that officers had not been properly equipped and trained to deal with the riot.

It recommended, among other things, that the police improve training to ensure protests were peaceful, and that a training manual for the public riot unit be developed.

“The SAHRC was willing to help the SAPS in this regard. It was also recommended that the SAPS actively engage in communication with communities where there are popular protests like in Mothutlung,” he said.

Mangena said the deaths in Mothutlung could have been avoided had the police implemented some of the recommendations.

“It is also worth noting that, a few weeks ago, the SAHRC issued a report on the failure of the Madibeng local municipality, which also covers Mothutlung, to deliver water services to the people.”

The report followed a complaint received in March from residents of Klipgat C, who said they had been without water for five weeks, and that the municipality had failed to address the problem.

The SAHRC found that the municipality failed to provide residents with water and sanitation.

“We recommended that the municipality put interim measures in place, that should be linked to the long-term provision of water,” he said.

– Sapa

Military brought in to calm situation in Mothutlung


The military will help provide water to Mothutlung near Brits, the SA National Defence Force said on Thursday.

A contingent of soldiers would be sent to the area on Thursday to help the water affairs department, spokesman Lt-Col Piet Paxton said in a statement.

“The first elements of 14 water bunkers with a protection element, escorted by military police, will reach the affected areas today.”

Three men were killed in the township during protests over water this week. On Monday, mineworker Osia Rahube and a photographer known as Bra Mike were shot dead, allegedly by police. On Tuesday Lerato Seema died, allegedly after falling from a moving police Nyala. Police said he was trying to escape from custody.

Residents claim they have been without water for at least three months.

“The main aim of this deployment is to render humanitarian assistance to the affected townships.”

Water and Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa on Thursday said water supply had been restored to parts of the township.

“We will continue working with the municipality at both local and district municipalities to ensure smooth running of the repaired pumps and that no further disruptions are experienced,” she said in a statement.

One pump had been refurbished and refitted, resulting in water being restored at about 60 percent of normal flow to the reservoirs. She had undertaken to have water supply fully restored to the area by Friday.

Cosatu in the North West on Thursday called for an independent investigation into the deaths of the three men.

While it welcomed a probe by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate, it said the Ipid reported to Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa and therefore could not be independent.

“Hence the Congress of SA Trade Unions North West is calling for an independent body which is not located in the ministry to be the one investigating this matter,” provincial secretary Solly Phetoe said in a statement.

Phetoe said the trade union federation was troubled by the fact that police, not criminals, were killing residents.

“We think that the community must know who called the police, who gave instruction to killing innocent poor people who were fighting for their rights and demanding service delivery for their own families.”

The African National Congress Youth League welcomed the intervention by Mthethwa following the killings.

“We appreciate that the minister sees that there is a problem that needs to be corrected within the SAPS,” the youth league said in statement.

The organisation called for better training of public order police to ensure they could handle riots better.

“We want these police who are in this unit to be the people that our citizens trust and rely on when there are riots and related incidents.”

– Sapa

Four nabbed for being in possession of drugs


Four men were arrested in Kimberley after they were found in possession of drugs with a street value of R74 000, Northen Cape police said on Sunday.

“Six plastic bags filled with 74 bundles of the drug called Cat were found hidden under the seats of the car they were travelling in,” said spokesman Lieutenant Olebogeng Tawana.

Police had responded to a tip-off about the vehicle.

The vehicle was pulled off the road and searched about 15 km outside of Kimberley.

The four men, aged between 29, 30, 31 and 32 are expected to appear in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court soon.
-Sapa

R50 000 reward for information on rape and murder charges


A R50,000 reward has been offered for information that may lead to the arrest of anyone behind the rape and murder of an elderly woman from Galeshewe near Kimberley, Northern Cape police said on Sunday.

Brigadier Masebueng Mochologi-Maleeme said the 88-year-old woman found in her home on November 25.

“[She] was raped, killed, and left naked in her house,” said Mochologi-Maleeme.

Anyone with information was urged to contact the police.
-Sapa

BCCSA dismisses a ENCA complaint


The Broadcasting Complaints Commission of SA (BCCSA) has dismissed a complaint against news channel eNCA for allegedly combining two clips to create the impression of praying at a meeting addressed by ANC deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa.

“The viewing of the material at the hearing of the matter clearly demonstrated that this was not the case,” BCCSA tribunal chairman Kobus van Rooyen said in his judgment, released on Thursday.

“A man with clearly identifiable clothing was shown to have been part of the audience in both instances, and in both he was sitting in the same place.”

The complainant stated the report, aired on November 11, showed a group of people in Kempton Park closing their eyes in prayer, apparently in support of Ramaphosa.

“It was obvious that the crowd of people was at a church rally of some sort, and not the same crowd at the same time supporting Cyril Ramaphosa,” the complainant stated.

“I want to formally lay a complaint against [eNCA] for dishonest reporting.”

In response, eNCA said the report of the rally in Kempton Park in support of the ANC showed “some few people” in the audience praying during the gathering.

“But they were not from some church service elsewhere as claimed by the complainant,” the news channel said.

“There was no superimposition of any audience and on the basis of this we submit that the complaint is without merit and should be dismissed.”

At the hearing, it was pointed out to the tribunal that at the meeting a man with clearly identifiable clothing was also a member of the group of people praying at the same meeting, said Van Rooyen.

“In both instances, the audience shown was one and the same group of people.”

While the complaint was of a serious nature, the facts before the tribunal clearly indicated that eNCA’s reputation had been unjustifiably called into question.

-Sapa

DA In North West To Kick-Start Debate


By Obakeng Maje
Potchefstroom-On Saturday The DA Youth will be having youth-only town halls all across the country.

“In order to create one national youth dialogue, we will be discussing only one topic each week” Tiaan Kotze said.

This week’s topic is: Will racism ever end in South Africa?

MP Joe McGluwa will be the guest Speaker.  

For more information, youth are encouraged to check out the DA Youth Facebook page as well as our Twitter account, @DA_Youth.

“We would like to challenge and invite all young people of South Africa to come out and use this opportunity to have themselves heard. We can no longer leave it to our elders to create the kind of South Africa we want to live in. Like the youth of 1976, it is now our opportunity to take responsibility and speak out” concludes Kotze.

Date: 16 January 2014

Time: 11:00

Venue: The yellow Evangelical Church across from Ipeleng Community Library, Sarafina street. Sarafina Ikageng. Potchefstroom.-TDN
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