Johannesburg – The Economic Freedom Fighters have lambasted civil rights group AfriForum for defending “racists”.
The party today argued that their commander-in-chief Julius Malema was in fact protecting workers of a restaurant in Tzaneen, Limpopo, from “racist” attacks by the AfriForum member who was involved in the altercation with Malema.
For more http://www.news24.com
Madibeng- It took just 19 minutes and 13 seconds to defraud Madibeng Local Municipality in North West of R2.2 million.
This was made that much easier by the failure of senior officials to do their jobs.
For more http://www.thetimeslive.co.za
Johannesburg- Regardless of political differences, all South Africans must work together to make the country prosperous, President Jacob Zuma has said.
For more http://www.citypress.co.za
Johannesburg- Bafana Bafana have made huge strides on the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola World Rankings released on Thursday, 23 October jumping 10 places.
South Africa moved from 67 to 57 following impressive performances in the CAF Orange Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2015 qualifiers.
In four matches, Bafana Bafana amassed eight points after wins over Sudan and Congo, as well as draws against Nigeria and Congo to propel them to the 57th spot.
“This is good news. It shows we are doing something right especially in such a short space of time. It is still early days though, there is a lot of work to be done and hopefully we will get even higher on the rankings.
“But I am happy there are some huge improvements. Now the challenge is to maintain the position and even better it,” said Bafana Bafana head coach Ephraim Shakes Mashaba.
World Champions Germany lead the pack in the world, followed by Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup runners up Argentina. Colombia, Belgium and Netherlands make the top five. Completing the top 10 are Brazil, France, Uruguay, Portugal and former 2010 World Champions Spain.
On the continent South Africa has moved two places from 14th to 12th just behind Guinea who are in 11th place. North Africans Algeria occupy the top spot, with Cote d’Ivoire in second place. Making up the top 10 are Tunisia, Cape Verde Islands, Ghana, Egypt, Cameroon, Senegal, Nigeria and Togo.
The next FIFA/Coca-Cola World Rankings will be released on Thursday, 27 November 2014.
(find the list of the top 12 African countries below)
Country World Ranking
1. Algeria 15
2. Cote d’Ivoire 25
3. Tunisia 31
4. Cape Verde Islands 33
5. Ghana 35
6. Egypt 38
7. Cameroon 40
8. Senegal 41
9. Nigeria 42
10. Togo 52
11. Guinea 55
12. South Africa 57
-TDN
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Johannesburg – About 30 explosive devices were discovered near a shallow dam in Bultfontein, north of Pretoria, Gauteng police said on Thursday.
“We are currently investigating the origins of the bombs,” spokesperson Captain Tsekiso Mofokeng said.
The weapons, found on Wednesday after a tip-off from a local resident, included grenades and mortar bombs. Mofokeng asked residents to contact police if they found more.
Mofokeng said the bombs were not linked to those discovered in Pretoria West earlier this week.
“We are still investigating the bombs, but they are not linked to the ones discovered on Monday. We are currently trying to establish who owns the land where the bombs were discovered,” he said.
On Monday, 15 World War II incendiary devices were removed from a scrap yard in Pretoria West after one exploded, killing one man and seriously injuring another. Of the 15 devices found at the site in Rebecca Street, six were found to be live.
Projectiles found near school
More military projectiles and a mortar were found near Pretoria West High School on Tuesday.
Pretoria West station commander Colonel Caroline Naidoo said a security guard working at the school noticed two men carrying something heavy and approached them.
“When they saw him, they dropped the weapons and fled,” she said.
The weapons were a 25-pound canon projectile and a practice mortar. The guard informed the school principal.
The principal alerted police and the school and surrounding areas were evacuated as police disarmed the bombs.
Naidoo appealed to people not to touch such devices if they found them, but to contact police.
– SAPA
Mahikeng- The African National Congress (ANC) in the North West wishes all of the best (26 383) learners who will on Monday, 27 October 2014, commence with their matriculation examination.
“We encourage learners to look at this examination as one of the ways to attain a better life for them and their families. The outcome of this examination will determine the learners` choice of career and their future prospects for self determination” ANC North West Provincial Secretary Dakota Legoete said.
Legoete said the party call upon all parents, relatives, teachers and friends to pray for the learners and emotionally support them throughout this sensitive period in their life time. He said this support should also be extended throughout the examination period also during the release of the results. “This will ensure that there is no learner pressured regardless of the outcome of the examination.
“We hope and trust the current class of 2014 will do far much better than the class of 2013 by ensuring that we maintain the number one position in terms of grade 12 results in country” he laments.-TDN
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By Obakeng Maje
Kimberley- Two men were sentenced in the Kimberley High court on Wednesday for Kidnapping, Robbery under aggravating circumstances and murder, Northern Cape police said.
On 6 March 2009, the victim known as Fekere Aromo an Ethiopian citizen was doing door-to-door sales (selling blankets) in the Gong Gong village near Barkly West.
The three accused got into his vehicle and threatened him and drove off with him to a nearby veld. He was tied up and stabbed several times with a sharp object in his chest and neck. The accused fled with Aromo’s vehicle. The victim’s cellphone, an undisclosed amount of money and his blankets were in the vehicle at the time.
The accused drove to Johannesburg and on their way back to Taung they were involved in an accident.
On the 9th March 2009 while searching for Aromo, police found his body in the veld, still bound. The three accused were arrested between the 12-19th March 2009 in Taung.
“They were charged with kidnapping, robbery under aggravating circumstances and murder. All three remained in custody until the finalisation of the case. In 2012, Victor Lesego (24) pleaded guilty to all charges and was sentenced on the 14 March 2012” lieutenant Sergio Kock said.
His sentencing was as follows: 10 years for kidnapping, 15 years for robbery and life for murder.
On the 22nd October 2014, the remaining two accused appeared in the High court. Ishmeal Boitumelo Keohitletse (24) and Peace Kagisho Asele(24) were found guilty on all three charges and they were sentenced as follows: kidnapping – 5 years; robbery – 12 years and murder – 24years.
Their sentences will run concurrently.
The Cluster Commander for Galeshewe, Maj Gen Kolie Matthys commended the investigating officer D/W/O Marlie Strydom on securing such harsh sentences for the accused. “I want to commend the contribution of the investigating officer through her good investigative work because in most instances police are often blamed by some members of the public when criminals walk free or receive lighter sentences. This sentence augurs very well for the police because it shows that through dedication and relentless pursuit of the case, resulted in these lengthy sentences. We congratulate and urge our members to continue with their good work.”
-TDN
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Johannesburg – Members of a Johannesburg family are suing the police for over R770 000, claiming they did not respond to numerous calls for help during threats of violence by an estranged husband, The Star reported on Thursday.
A bed-ridden woman was doused in petrol and set alight, allegedly by her daughter’s husband, in November last year.
This came after the daughter had filed for a divorce and she and her sister had secured a protection order.
Abusive
The family had reportedly spent years living in fear due to his abusive nature.
The family filed a civil lawsuit against the police after they allegedly ignored the sisters and their lawyer nine times when they reported his threats at the Sophiatown police station, the daily reported.
The damages claim is directed at the Minister of Police Nathi Nhleko, National Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega, and four police officers stationed at Sophiatown.
The woman’s husband allegedly threatened her and her mother with a firearm in September 2013, The Star reported.
He also threatened to burn their house down after they obtained the protection order.
He also allegedly assaulted his sister-in-law.
Lieutenant Colonel Lungelo Dlamini said a civil case was pending, but did not comment on the allegations in the report.
“This office can confirm that a civil claim has been received and the claim is being handled by the state attorneys. Allegations and conduct of the members are being investigated.”
– SAPA
Pretoria – Criminal charges will be laid against EFF leader Julius Malema for allegedly assaulting a Limpopo man, AfriForum deputy chief executive Ernst Roets said on Thursday.
According to a sworn statement and CCtv footage, Cassie Moller became involved in a confrontation with Malema at the counter of a Limpopo fast food outlet around 02:00 on 6 August, Roets told reporters in Pretoria.
For more http://www.news24.com
By Obakeng Maje
Kimberley police have confiscated illicit cigarettes worth over a million rand at vehicles collision scene on N12 near Kimberley. The accident happened Monday on N12 between a cargo one ton truck and silver VW Polo.
The truck was travelling on N12 from Johannesburg to Cape Town via Kimberley.
“The accident happened, just approximately five kilometres outside Kimberley. The truck collided with silver VW Polo and no one was injured in this accident. The one ton truck was wrapped branded and disguise as if is a truck which is transporting high-tech industrial tools” lieutenant Olebogeng Tawana said.
Tawana said however to their dismay during investigation at the accident scene, they discovered that boxes of illicit cigarette worth over a R1m were stashed at the back of the truck in transit to Cape Town.
“The police have registered a case of reckless and negligence. But the driver of the truck and his co-driver have been arrested and charged with possession of illicit cigarettes after we discovered that they were actually transporting illicit cigarettes” he concludes.
The suspects aged 48 and 49 will be appearing before the Kimberley Magistrate soon. No person sustained injuries during the accident and investigation continues.
-TDN
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The Guardian 