Daily Archives: May 28, 2014

‘Not enough evidence’ over Gupta landing


Johannesburg – The SA National Defence Force (SANDF) denied media reports on Wednesday that there was a second investigation into the landing of the Gupta family’s private aircraft at the Waterkloof Air Force Base, apparently because there was not enough evidence for a military court.

“It is not true,” said SANDF spokesperson Brigadier General Xolani Mabanga. “I don’t know anything about that.”

The Sowetan quoted Mabanga as saying an additional investigation was under way, and another was pending. However, Mabanga denied speaking to the Sowetan reporter.

According to the newspaper, he said: “The charges against one accused were withdrawn due to insufficient evidence. An application to consider charges against an additional accused was forwarded to the director of military prosecutions for consideration. The decision is pending.”

Supplementary affidavits

Beeld reported that a search for more information about the plane’s landing was under way, because there was not enough evidence for the military court.

The director of military prosecutions had reportedly asked for supplementary affidavits and information from the SA Air Force (SAAF) to strengthen the case against the only two remaining accused, Lieutenant-Colonels Christine Anderson and Stefan van Zyl.

The previous investigation against them and Warrant Officer Thabo Ntshisi had been dealt with and referred to military prosecutors for a decision on prosecution, and a trial date, which had not been set.

Beeld reported that Ntshisi became a State witness to strengthen the case after only a “watered-down” charge of violating an airforce instruction about private planes remained.

The two would have been charged with corruption, conspiracy, and fraud.

Compulsory leave

Their lawyer Jean Griessel said he had not been informed of new developments. They have been on compulsory leave for eight months.

A government investigation into the controversy exonerated Zuma and his ministers, and found the landing was the result of “collusion by officials”.

In October, Colonel Nomsa Khumalo, Van Zyl, Anderson, and Ntshisi appeared in a military court at the Thaba Tshwane military base in Pretoria. They were charged but a trial date was not set.

It was not immediately clear what the outcome of the case against Khumalo was.

SAPA

North West newly-elected MEC resigns


By Obakeng Maje
Mahikeng-The ANC in the North West Province has received a voluntary resignation from its deployed Member of the Provincial Legislature O.R Mochwari.

This happened as a consequence of a legal technicality in order to totally comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

“The ANC heartily thanks the comrade for acting in an exemplary manner as a disciplined cadre to save the ANC from possible litigation” ANC North West said.-TDN
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SANDF denies 2nd Guptagate probe


Johannesburg – The SA National Defence Force (SANDF) on Wednesday denied reports that a second investigation has been launched into the Gupta family’s landing of a private aircraft at the Waterkloof Air Force Base.

“It is not true,” said SANDF spokesperson Brig-Gen Xolani Mabanga.

“I don’t know anything about that.”

He further denied speaking to the journalist who penned the article published in The Sowetan.

Report

In the report, Mabanga is quoted as saying an additional investigation is under way, while another was pending.

“The charges against one accused were withdrawn due to insufficient evidence,” he was quoted as saying.

“An application to consider charges against an additional accused was forwarded to the director of military prosecutions for consideration. The decision is pending.”

A 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 last year.

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

The landing sparked widespread criticism and several investigations were launched. President Jacob Zuma reportedly has close ties with the Gupta family.

‘Collusion’

A government investigation exonerated Zuma and his ministers, and found the landing was the result of “collusion by officials”.

In October, four SANDF officials – Colonel Nomsa Khumalo, Lieutenant Colonel Christo Van Zyl, Lieutenant Colonel Christine Anderson, and Warrant Officer Thabo Ntshisi – appeared in a military court at the Thaba Tshwane military base in Pretoria over the scandal.

They were charged with contravening various sections of the military defence code.

In October, a trial date had not been set down and it was to be decided by the military’s prosecuting authorities.

The SANDF was unable to provide a date. At the time, media were not allowed to enter the court.

SAPA

Dad blows maintenance, state to repay


Pretoria – A father of two squandered a pension payout at a casino and now the state must make up for maintenance he failed to pay for his two children.

The minister of justice and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) will have to pay R24 500 in maintenance arrears to the children’s mother because maintenance officers failed to attach the pension payout received by the father.
For more http://www.iol.co.za

100 years old and still best friends


Johannesburg – Ouma Settie and Ouma Tielie have been alive for 100 years, and have spent 80 of those years as best friends.

They were born in the same month, married in the same year and each had nine children. They also share an equal love for going to church and attending funerals.
For more http://www.iol.co.za

Madiba opera funding a blame game


Johannesburg – They turned down jobs in an industry that doesn’t guarantee a steady salary to be part of a production that was the first of its nature in South Africa.

Now, about 150 people – 18 soloists, a 45-member orchestra, 60 choir members, five actors and technical crew – who had immersed themselves in Madiba: The Opera are shattered.
For more http://www.iol.co.za

Mines minister to try end platinum strike


Johannesburg – The new mining minister will meet with the world’s largest platinum producers after they and the main union at their mines failed to reach an accord to settle an 18-week pay strike.

Mineral Resources Minister Ngoako Ramatlhodi met with the leadership of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu) yesterday, he told Power FM today.
For more http://www.iol.co.za

Armed, dangerous and on the run


Johannesburg – Gauteng police are hunting for five awaiting-trial prisoners who escaped through the roof of a truck while being driven to Modderbee Prison. The incident happened near Putfontein in Ekurhuleni on Monday afternoon while they were being transported from the Tembisa Magistrate’s Court.

Police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Lungelo Dlamini asked anyone with information on the five to report their whereabouts.
For more http://www.iol.co.za

North West Top Cop Killers Sanctioned To Life Imprisonment


By Obakeng Maje
The National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation(The Hawks), Lt Gen Anwa Dramat commended members of the Hawks in the North West Province for their hard work and commitment which led to a good conviction and sentence of the murderer of a member of the Hawks in the North West.

“The late Warrant Officer Othusitse Ganenang was shot and killed on 4 September 2011 at his home in Mocoseng village, outside Mahikeng. Gananeng’s girlfriend was also shot and admitted at a local hospital due to serious injuries she sustained during the incident” captain Paul Ramoloko said.   

On Friday the North West Division of the High Court in Mahikeng sentenced Ronney Mashi(28) and Donald Khuma (25) to life imprisonment for the murder of Gananeng.  

“After this gruesome attack, Mashi and Khuma took two laptops, Gananeng’s service pistol, cash and cellular phones” Ramoloko said.   

Khuma was also sentenced to another 95 years imprisonment for 4 counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, attempted murder and discharge of a firearm in a public place.  

Mashi was also sentenced to another 75 years imprisonment for 4 counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, attempted murder and discharge of a firearm in a public place.

All sentences for both accused will run concurrently.  

“The accused were arrested a day after the attack, on 5 and 9 September 2011 respectively . The Hawks investigating team managed to recover the member’s service pistol, two other firearms, stolen cellular phones and laptops during arrest.” He said.

Ramoloko said their members are going beyond the call of duty in their day to day, they ensure that criminals are hold accountable for their involvement in crime.

“The investigating team in this case has done exactly what Gananeng would have liked them to do ” said Lt Gen Anwa Dramat.-TDN
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Shock over Springs ‘house of horrors’


Johannesburg – A Springs man who allegedly held his family captive for years is due to appear in court on Wednesday to apply for bail, after being arrested on charges of attempted murder, child abuse and obstruction of justice.

Sapa reported on Wednesday that the man will appear in the Springs Magistrate’s Court.

Beeld reported that the 36-year-old businessman also allegedly assaulted and tortured his wife and his five children between the ages of 2 and 16. The children were not allowed to leave the house and did not attend school.

According to the report, neighbours were not even aware that any children lived in the “house of horrors”. A neighbour said she was shocked that she had lived next door to a “monster” for years, adding that the man always looked smart and tidy and wore expensive clothes.

Escape

However, an 11-year-old boy escaped from the house last week Monday, fleeing to neighbours, who called the police. They also called the boy’s father, who took him back home and allegedly severely assaulted him.

Police officers visited the house the next day, and discovered the other four children and their equally abused mother. The injured boy had been hidden in the ceiling.

A warrant officer told Beeld that the house was dirty and there were rats scurrying about. Their suspicions were raised and they removed the wife and four children, launching a search for the missing boy. In the meantime, the father had taken the boy to a family member in the North West.

Beeld reported that the mother then found the courage to speak out against her sadistic husband, and told police where the boy was. The man was arrested on Friday.

According to the woman, the man repeatedly assaulted and tortured her and the children, including with electric wires and a blowtorch.

She and the children are staying with family members.

AFP reported that the man appeared in court on Monday and will appear again on Wednesday to apply for bail.-AFP