Monthly Archives: June 2014

Two sanctioned to life imprisonment for killing a cop


By Obakeng Maje
Garankuwa- Swift reaction, co-operation and diligence led to conviction and sentencing of Lucky Edwin Baloyi,26, to life imprisonment for murder and other charges while Jabu Javas Basaya,31, got fifty years imprisonment.   

The sentences were imposed by the North West Division of High seating in Ga-rankuwa on Wednesday. 

Colonel Sabata Mokgwabone said the accused were arrested after shooting Tshwane Metro Police Official two years ago along Molefe Makinta Highway.

By then, three Metro officials were enforcing National Road Traffic Act through Vehicle Check Point when attacked by the accused who shot one of the officials and robbed him his service pistol. The officials returned fire and that led to injury of one of the accused who was admitted to the hospital, while a metro official was rushed to Legae Private Clinic where he later died. 

“A joint intensive search by Ga-rankuwa, Mabopane, Hebron, and Tshwane Metro police officials led to arrest of one of the suspects within a short space of time after the incident” Mokgwabone said.

Jabu Javas Basaya was sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, twenty years for armed robbery, 3 years for each of five counts of attempted murder and 6 years for unlawful possession of firearm and ammunitions.  

The court also sentenced Lucky Edwin Baloyi to 25 years imprisonment for murder, 10 years for armed robbery, 6 years for each of 2 counts of attempted murder, and 3 years for possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunitions. Sentences will run concurrently.

The North West Provincial Commissioner expressed thanks to the members for their commitment and team effort that led to arrest and eventual sentencing of the culprits.

“This is an indication that working together will bring results such as this one; a long jail term. We will continue to serve and protect the community with pride and ensure that perpetrators pay for their deeds”, Lt Gen Zukiswa Mbombo said.    
-TDN
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Municipal manager quits over water crisis


Johannesburg – Lekwa Teemane municipal manager Andrew Makwapane has resigned amid a water contamination crisis that claimed the lives of three babies in Bloemhof.

“Yes, I can confirm that,” North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo’s spokesperson Sam Mokaila told Sapa on Friday.

“We received confirmation on the resignation yesterday [Thursday].”

Mokaila said an interim city manager would be appointed next week.

“The exco [provincial executive council] has requested for someone to be sent from the department of local government to sit in until someone is properly appointed,” he said.

“No one has been sent yet. The request came through yesterday, so the appointment is expected to be made on Monday.”

Task team set up

Earlier this week, a joint task team was set up to look into the municipality’s ailing infrastructure, governance, and administrative problems, and a spillage that resulted in the water contamination.

The team comprised members of the exco, the water and sanitation department, and other officials.

Makwapane was suspended on Monday following a meeting by provincial and municipal leaders.
Last week, Makwapane blamed a contractor for Bloemhof’s water contamination problem.

At the time, he said the water contamination followed a sewage spillage in Boitumelong and a contractor was hired to clean it up.

“…But he abandoned his work due to protest riots in the area,” said Makwapane.

He could not say when the spill happened, or specify which riots he was referring to.

Locals told to boil water

In April, violent protests erupted in Boitumelong and residents torched several buildings, including houses belonging to municipal employees. Residents wanted the entire municipal council removed.

Over the past two weeks, scores of residents were treated for diarrhoea at local clinics. Three babies later died after contracting severe diarrhoea.

The municipality shut down the water supply system for it to be cleaned and sanitised. Last Thursday, water was restored.

Afterwards, residents still complained of brown water coming out of taps. Residents were asked to boil the water before using it.

Water samples were taken and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases said tests for cholera were negative.
SAPA

NWest former MEC’s lambasts NPA


By China Dodovu

Dear Sir

I would imagine what you going through at this moment as the Head of the National Prosecuting Authority, is a very excruciating moment in your life. Many law-biding citizens have suffered similar fates from snipers within the NPA who succeed in gaining prominence and promotion at the expense of their colleagues and have irreparably destroyed professional and political lives of fellow citizens.

I note with disbelief and consternation the manner in which you are covertly stabbed by “traditionalists and triumphalists” within the NPA who seek to preserve and protect the status quo and denigrate this important pillar of our democracy into the gutter levels it is today.

You stand accused of concealing a crime you were acquitted of by a court of law about 30 years ago. This is despite a well known human resource practice that when applying for a position, every incumbent is asked to disclose previous criminal records or pending criminal cases and not cases in which not-guilt verdicts were pronounced. If every one was to disclose even instances where they were not found guilty, very few people will pass the test to pursue their careers.

The recent unfolding developments at the NPA you are leading is a microcosm of a protracted crisis it is facing. Over a decade now the NPA has unfortunately, not only failed to discharge its constitutional duty to be responsive and transparent to the people of South Africa but has also failed to be an effective and unbiased instrument to institute criminal charges on behalf of the state in line with the legislation which gave impetus to its establishment.

Given what you are experiencing now, it is clear that the NPA is still soaked in dirty campaigns and it is riddled with people who perpetually use underhand tactics to run such an important bedrock of our constitutional democracy. It is unbelievable that to date, the NPA remains unashamedly open to political meddling and interference, currying political favour and its potency.

In your short stint at the helm, you must have realize that at the NPA’s top echelons you inherited a rotten rod and implacable anarchy that abides by no code of law, be it legal or humane but well-skilled artisans of hypocrisy and elitism who incessantly employ and perpetuate all methods of extermination and manipulation to succeed.

The experience of the past decade has also shown that within the NPA, there is a group of elites who tend to perpetuate their hold to power by creating a culture of information leaking and witch-hunt. They also tend to abuse their power as they enhance their position at the expense of the critical mandate of the NPA. Whatever the inclination people like you might have to change the status quo, this will always be dissipated or neutralized by the weight of their resources, connections and influence.

If you are not aware by now, here you are dealing with powerful, well-intentioned people who perpetually commit incredible sequence of decision-making errors with profound negative implications for the criminal justice system including the prosecutorial system. When they institute criminal proceedings or withdrawing them, their actions “have eyes” and are largely motivated by political considerations and not by interests of justice.

The recent landmark judgement of the Supreme Court of Appeal involving General Richard Mdluli indeed has embarrassing and cataclysmic consequences for the NPA and is generating serious discussions on how NPA’s head must be appointed. In the last 14 years, 6 Directors (acting and permanent) were appointed signifying an unstable organisation at the height of crime and corruption engulfing the country.

In you I have no doubt that the President has appointed a person with the capacity and credentials to meet the challenges of the hour. What must comfort and console you is that many people in this country are behind you, supporting your unflinching efforts and burning desire to free the NPA from the shackles of corruption, manipulation and abuse.

I must say that this is indeed a very daunting but not insurmountable task. Your biggest test is not only to weld the broken fences at the NPA but to prosecute without fear, favour or prejudice. In fact, what must underpin your conviction must be an unflinching commitment to restore order, inspire confidence and make the NPA a beacon of hope for the people.

You must be inspired by what Fidel Castro, the Cuban outstanding revolutionary and lawyer said in 1953 when he spoke of people like those in the NPA: “Along the wicked, there are always good men! Along the coward, there are many heroes. Along with each traitor, there are many loyal men. And along with evil, there are also many fine things. Our pride and happiness is in the spiritual satisfaction that victory is certain”.

Be like me. At this critical moment in your life, ignore those who pour venom and direct vitriolic attacks at you. The architecture of lies they have erected about you will collapse like a house of cards. When justice is trampled over you, the words you speak must spring from the blood of your heart and the truth of your very gut. Do all these things with utmost clarity.

In the interest of the NPA and what it stands for, you must reduce to dust the incredible fabric of lies they have woven, expose the truth they concealed and ruin all their plans to destroy you to create yet another crisis for the entire prosecutorial system. Don’t allow this situation to stain and degrade your integrity as a person and negatively affected your standing as a chief prosecutor.

I have too much respect for your reputation to offer anything that remotely resembles sympathy for the predicament you are facing. Live by the old adage that the integrity of the upright will guide them but the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them.

Remember, traitors sell their country for a position as if that position worth a drop of blood. They batter the most noble things, no matter contemptible and contemptuous, in fighting for positions. You must somehow conjure a victory out of gloom in which you are currently enshrouded.

I truly believe in your resilience and fight back. As you will step out of this situation, you will step into a future of abundant blessings, unmatched favour, unexpected breakthrough, divine connection and overall success in fighting crime in our land.

Lastly, you must pray Almighty God. Remember, when God allows a burden to be put upon you, He will put His arms underneath you to help. So don’t worry if the road to transform the NPA is all uphill because the view from the top is breathtaking.

Yours truly

China Dodovu

(NB: Unedited)

SEDA To Help Taung Small Businesses


By Obakeng Maje
Taung- The Small Enterprise Development Agency(Seda) took time to lands its helping hand to reach out to the community of Taung.

Seda has partnered with Standard Bank in an outreach program. Seda as an agency of the South African Department of Trade and Industry (the dti), they said they came to Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District to disseminates information and teach small business persons how to grow and sustain their businesses.

The event was held at Papercity Tent Hire Conference Room on Wednesday in Taung.

Seda’s Marketing & Public Relations Officer Mlungisi Makhubela shared the organisation’s views and objectives. “Our mission is to develop, support and promote small enterprises throughout the country, ensuring their growth and sustainability in co–ordination and partnership with various role players, including global partners, who make international best practices available to local entrepreneurs” Makhubela said.

Seda was established in December back in 2004, through the National Small Business Amendment Act, Act 29 of 2004.
 
“It is mandated to implement government’s small business strategy; design and implement a standard and common national delivery network for small enterprise development; and integrate government-funded small enterprise support agencies across all tiers of government” Seda’s George Mmutle said.

Most small business owners in Taung were grateful and applaud the program. They said programs like this could be more visible and are eye-openers.

Greater Taung Municipality’s Local Economic Development co-ordinator Tsholofelo Kok shared the same sentiments. “We assist in giving support to small businesses by purchasing machinery and give them access to the market. We also have various programs within and can negotiate on their behalf.”

Even though most SMME’s are struggling to be sustained, Standard Bank Gloria Moremi alluded that the service at their disposal is more worth it. “Small business owners can come and access our service such as business growth, lending, investment, insurance and support”.

The Standard Bank also offers some workshops to business owners free of charge and want SMME’s to make use of that.

Attie Moremane who was representing Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District as a Business Advisor said they provide training, business advice and offer several business related service.-TDN
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CRECHE GARDENER FOUND GUILTY


National Child Protection Week (CPW) is commemorated in South Africa annually to raise awareness of the rights of children as articulated in the Children’s Act of 2005. But seemingly children’s rights are violated even in places where they ought to be protected.
A man accused of sexually assaulting a toddler at the Lesedi crèche has been found guilty at the Kimberley Regional Sexual Offences Court.
Cedric Golding was accused of sexually assaulting and rape of the young girl at the Day care centre and was only found guilty on the first account.
For more http://www.nctimes.co.za

Premier Mahumapelo condemns Oukasie mob justice


Brits- North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo has condemned in the strongest
terms mob justice after a 30-year-old man was stoned to death in
Oukassie outside Brits.

“Those who take the law unto themselves instead of reporting crime to authorities in the criminal judiciary system undermine the rule of law. We wish to discourage communities from taking the law into their own hands because our courts are the relevant institutions to dispense
of justice,” Premier Mahumapelo said.

Mahumapelo has expressed confidence that police will soon arrest those
responsible and appealed to members of the community who witnessed the
ghastly act to assist them in their investigations.

According to police, the man was killed in the early hours of
Wednesday, at Mosengleng Section.

“It is alleged that the two suspects broke and gained entrance into a
house,” Sergeant Kealeboga Molale said.

“The owner was woken up by the noise in the house. When the suspects
realised that the victim was awake, they ran away not knowing that
some of the community members saw what happened and ran after them,”
she said.

“The community members managed to apprehend one suspect while the
other ran away.”

Molale said the man allegedly stabbed a community member with a knife.

“It is further alleged that the community stoned and beat the suspect to death. No arrests have been made at this stage.”
-TDN
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MEC urges road users to buckle-up


North West MEC for Community Safety and Transport Management Gaoage Molapisi says road safety is everybody’s responsibility and called on road users to be ambassadors of road safety.

Speaking at the memorial service of five Correctional Services officers held in Rooigrond outside Mahikeng, Molapisi said government alone cannot reduce the rate of accidents on the roads but it requires commitment and self discipline from the road users.

“Let us give priority to the concept of self-policing to ensure that we all take responsibility for safer roads because road safety is everybody’s business.” Molapisi said.

He said the department will increase visibility on the R503 road and tighten the law enforcement until the numbers of incidents on this road have decreased.

“This accident has now opened our eyes and minds to look at excessive speeding and overtaking particularly on this R503 road. We are going to implement a high saturated law enforcement intervention and mainly focus on speeding, overtaking, use of cell phone while driving and drunken driving.”

“We are going to show no mercy to those reckless drivers and defaulters to get rid of this sickness of reckless driving on our roads,” warns Molapisi.

The MEC said his department will further intensify its road safety education campaigns to interact and educate road users on issues relating to driver behavior, drunken driving, safety belt, over speeding, cyclist, stray animals and pedestrian safety.

 “We are going to turn every road user and every citizen of this province to be ambassadors of road safety,” concluded Molapisi.
-TDN
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Banyana Banyana conduct coaching clinics in Zamdela


Johannesburg- Banyana Banyana took time off from their busy schedule on Wednesday afternoon, 04 June to conduct coaching clinics to leaners at Credo Primary School in Zamdela Township, Sasolburg.

As part of their CSI initiative, Sasol invited Banyana Banyana to spend the afternoon with the leaners, teaching them football skills.

The team was welcomed by more than two hundred leaners, both male and female from the different schools in the area.

Sasol Banyana Banyana coach, Vera Pauw and the players took the leaners through football drills and some small sided games.

“The welcome we received at the school was overwhelming, it shows the kind of support we have in Sasolburg. It is always great to give back to the communities across the country and we are grateful to Sasol for creating an opportunity for us to interact with the kids,” said Janine van Wyk, Sasol Banyana Banyana Captain.

“Sasol invests in creating shared values for communities by involving them. Sport, in particular football, is one of the fundamentals that unites people and we are privileged at Sasol to be involved in this spectrum with the South African Women’s National team,” said Henk Human, CSI and Sponsorship Specialist at Sasol.

The Senior Women’s National team is holding their camp in the Vaal, preparing for their international friendly match against neighbours Botswana this Saturday 07 June at the Vaal University of Technology. Kick-off for the match is at 15h00.-TDN
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Mmabatho Nursing College students on the rampage


Mahikeng- The Mmabatho Nursing College has been closed indefinitely. The closure follows a month long boycott of clinical practicals and learning activities.

Nursing students at the college are demanding that the Department of Health cease to transport them to clinical facilities and to also stop accommodating them. As result, they want to be given transport and accommodation allowance.

“The boycott started on Friday, 08 May 2014, when students refused to be transported to their clinical facilities citing late arrival to clinical facilities due to transport constraints and congestion of learners at clinical facilities” departmental spokesperson Tebogo Lekgethwane said.

They requested to be provided with transport and accommodation allowance in addressing the above challenges. 

The Department is providing transport to clinical facilities and when there is a need transport is outsourced to alleviate shortage.

“Students are however expected to adhere to stipulated departure time which is a challenge to drivers as students do not adhere” Lekgethwane said.

He said on alleged congestion at facilities, students are placed on both night and day duty and this arrangement was not honoured by some students.

“Most of them only choose to be placed during the day hence the congestion. The Department is of the view that they should also rotate on night placement because even when they graduate to be nurses, they will be expected to work at night” he said.

The students refused management interventions and demanded accommodation and transport allowance instead, with the view that they can transport themselves to various clinical facilities. With the accommodation allowance, students want to rent own accommodation. Despite all efforts to intervene by management the students continued with their clinical boycott to date.

“The Department accepts that the infrastructure needs a facelift. To this effect, the National Department of Health is currently in the process of revitalizing the college infrastructure. The maintenance plan has been submitted. Students had started vandalizing college property, intimidating admin staff, and closing employees inside the college.”

Yesterday, college staff had to leave under police guard as students had become violent.

The Department is committed to resolve any legitimate grievance the students have.-TDN
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MEC GAOLAOLWE RIDS CHILDREN OFF THE STREETS


Mahikeng- The newly appointed MEC for Department of Social Development, Galaletsang Fenny Gaolaolwe will on Friday undertake a day long campaign in Tlokwe to raise awareness on the plight of children living and working on the streets.

Gaolaolwe’s campaign is part of the observance of the annual child protection week themed, “Working together to protect the rights of children.”

Gaolaolwe said the campaign is geared towards assessing children living and working on the street, identifying push factors that led to the children choosing the streets and retail shops as their homes.

“The issue of children living and working on the streets is a serious challenge facing all of us. This year we are targeting hotspots such as road intersections, built-up areas and the hotels. These are some of the areas which these children often beg for money. We also intend to visit their families, assess their capacity to care and protect their children,” Gaolaolwe said, adding that Child and Youth Care Centres funded by her department will also be assessed to monitor compliance to the provisions of the Children’s Act.

MEC Gaolaolwe said she deployed a team of social workers and coordinators to profile the children living and working on the streets in Mahikeng town the targeted hotspots in the intersections and retail shops.

Gaolaolwe said her team will further develop action plans for each child and their families to provide the relevant interventions at the end of the campaign which ends on Sunday 15 June 2014.-TDN
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