THE department of agriculture, forestry and fisheries urged pig owners to be vigilant following a suspected African Swine Fever disease outbreak.

Department spokesperson, Makenosi Maroo said the Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute (OVI) confirmed two separate cases of African Swine Fever (ASF) which was communal set up in Ipelegeng Township near Schweizer Reneke and on a farm near Koffiefontein in the Free State last week Friday.

“In both cases a large number of pigs started showing signs suspicious of the disease. The vets were called out to investigate and samples were collected and submitted to the ARC OVI. African swine fever is always on the top of the suspect list and two cases seem likely not to be related.

“The department urge pig owners to be very vigilant, particularly in areas surrounding the affected areas. Contact between wild pigs and domestic pigs should be avoided as the disease readily transmits between infected pigs. Feeding of swill is prohibited by the Animal Diseases Act unless it is cooked to kill all bacteria and viruses that may be transmitted to pigs,” Maroo said.

She further highlighted that domestic pigs were highly susceptible.

Maroo said that most of the infected pigs will show severe haemorrhagic symptoms and will die soon after contracting ASF.

“A small proportion of animals may survive. They will carry the ASF virus for a few months without any signs of disease but with the ability to infect in-contact pigs.

“Control measures in the ASF control zone aim to prevent contact between warthog and domestic pigs to prevent the disease from circulating in the domestic pig population,” she added.”

Maroo added: “If the disease gets into the wild pig population, we may end up with an endemic situation being created. This will result in outbreaks being reported periodically and affecting trade of pigs and pig products from the country.”

More than 100 pigs were reported dead at Schweizer Reneke in Mamusa local municipality after being affected by African swine fever.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

Northern Cape Hawks made a recovery of an assortment of drugs ranging from CAT, TIK, Cocaine and dagga. The Hawks spokesperson, Capt Philani Nkwalase said the total value was over R540 000.

Nkwalase said the recovery was made during the Hawks intelligence driven operation carried out on Friday.

“Three suspects were arrested and have appeared in Kimberley Magistrate’s Court on Monday. They were all charged for allegedly dealing in drugs. Two of the three, are Nigerian nationals, Augustine Bizimane (30) and Ikechukwu Alex Nwabynwane (32). Both were dealing in drugs within Kimberley CBD area, while Lesley Stoffel Baartman (49), was dealing in drugs in Galeshewe,” Nkwalase said.

He said the case against Nigerian duo was postponed until June 30 for bail application. Nkwalase said Lesley Stoffel Baartman is expected to appear in Kimberley Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday for legal representation.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

TOURISM department in North West together with Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati district municipality, Naledi local municipality and the Taung Hotel School and Convention Centre will host a tournament on Wednesday at Huhudi Sports Ground.

Tourism department spokesperson, Dineo Lolokwane said the tournament will be in commemoration of 40^th anniversary of the June 16, 1976 carnage.

“Our employees will also be doing their bit and showing gestures of selflessness in memory of the fallen 1976 heroes and heroines by donating toys and spending some time with the kids from Mmabana Dikole Early Learning Centre.

“This tournament will also present an opportunity for the four institutions to get acquainted and forge new strategic relations for future collaboration and partnership,” Lolokwane said.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

A 43-YEAR-OLD man from Pampierstad was arrested for drug peddling on Friday. Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Dimakatso Mooi said Crime Prevention Unit police received information about the drugs at a certain house in Dimamarela Street in Pampierstad.

“The police stormed the house and found the man in the house. Ninety seven mandrax tablets, nine small plastics containing powder and 20 small plastics containing tik were found and seized by the police. The drugs are estimated to the street value of R125 000,” she said.

The suspect was arrested and is expected to appear in court soon.

-TDN

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Pretoria – Illegal medication was found during a search of convicted murderer Oscar Pistorius’s prison cell, the High Court in Pretoria heard on Monday.

Several tablets of antidepressant medication Cipralax and Molipaxin were found during a search at Kgosi Mampuru prison on July 19, prosecutor Gerrie Nel told psychologist Prof Jonathan Scholtz.

He was cross-examining Scholtz after he testified for the defence that more time in prison would not serve Pistorius socially or psychologically, and that he could better use his skills to make a contribution to society.

Nel then asked for an adjournment to 14:30, when he intended to question a witness until court adjourned at 15:00. Judge Thokozile Masipa agreed to his request.

Nel earlier tried to get Scholtz to say if Pistorius had admitted to intending to kill Reeva Steenkamp. He referred to the Supreme Court of Appeal’s judgment that Pistorius was a bad witness and never explained his reason for firing the four shots that killed her.

“Did Mr Pistorius indicate to you that he intentionally shot at the door, intending to kill?” Nel asked.

After much arguing and some objections from Barry Roux, for Pistorius, Scholtz said yes.

“That’s the first version of an intentional shooting that we’ve had in this court. I would like to test it, not through you. I think that perhaps he intended more,” Nel replied. He did not elaborate what he meant by “more”.

Pistorius is being sentenced for the murder of Steenkamp on February 14, 2013. In December last year, the Supreme Court of Appeal overturned his conviction of culpable homicide and referred the matter back to Masipa to determine an appropriate sentence.

Source: http://www.news24.com

BY REGINALD KANYANE

A 22-YEAR-OLD woman was found hanged at Buxton village, near Taung on Sunday. North West police spokesperson, Sgt Kelebogile Moleko said the body of Tsholofelo Goiwakae was found by community member at around 6pm.

“A case of inquest was opened at Taung Police Station after a 22 year-old woman allegedly hanged herself. Police investigation is underway,” Moleko said.

Goiwakae allegedly committed suicide and was found hanged with a rope. The cause her death is unknown so far.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

FUNERAL tribute messages continue to pour in for former SABC TV and radio personality, Hope Zinde. North West premier, Supra Mahumapelo also expressed sadness over the reported murder of Zinde.

“We are really saddened by Zinde’s death and on behalf of the people of Bokone Bophirima Province; I would like to urge the police to do whatever they can to bring the culprit to book.

“We send our heartfelt condolences to the family and want them to know that our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time,” he said.

North West police spokesperson, Col Sabata Mokgwabone said Hope Zinde’ son, Mark Zinde was remanded in custody on Monday.

“The case was postponed and transferred to regional court by Brits Magistrate’s Court until Friday.

“Zinde’s body was allegedly found in the boot of her car at her house in Pecanwood Estate in Hartbespoort. The police also found drugs worth R350 in possession of the suspect.

-TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo has urged community members to be extra-careful with fire during this winter season to help prevent winter-related home fires.

Mahumapelo reacted to the reports that fire gutted a house causing substantial damage in Riviera Park Mahikeng on Monday. He says people are at greater risk of fire during the winter season.

“We urge our people to invest in fire extinguishers. They can quickly put out fire before it causes more damage. Children must not be left unattended around fires. People must also be extra-careful when using candles and paraffin,” warned Mahumapelo.

According to Mahumapelo, number of fire-related accidents is usually significantly high in the province during winter. He further added that people must make sure that they switch off electrical appliances when they leave their homes.

TDN

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BY REGINALD KANYANE

A murder case against a 28 year-old man who is accused of killing former SABC TV and radio personality, Hope Zinde was postponed until Friday. North West police spokesperson, Col Sabata Mokgwabone said the case was postponed until Friday.

“The suspect was remanded in custody and the postponement allows for a formal bail application from him. Mark Zinde appeared in the Brits Magistrate’s Court on allegations of murder of his mother.

“The body of the suspect’s mother, 50, Hope Zinde was found in the boot of her car at her house in Pecanwood Estate near Hartbeespoort on Saturday. The police went to the scene after receiving a report that the victim was not seen for days,” he said.

Mokgwabone said upon arrival at the victim’s place, they found her son. He said the police discovered the victim’s body inside the boot of her vehicle.

“The victim’ son who was initially taken in for questioning, has been charged with murder. He was also charged for being in possession of drugs (crystal meth) with estimated street value of R350,” he added.

-TDN

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FOUR men were injured after their bakkie veered and rolled multiple times off the R104 in Rustenburg on Saturday morning. ER24 spokesperson, Russel Meiring said the paramedics arrived on the scene and found the wrecked bakkie lying upright on the side of the road.

“On assessment, paramedics found four men seated next to their bakkie. Two men had been on the back of the vehicle and were ejected when the bakkie rolled.

“Paramedics found that all four men had sustained injuries ranging from minor to moderate. Patients were treated on the scene and ferried to provincial hospital for further treatment,” Meiring said.

He said the driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle and caused it to roll.

Meiring said local authorities were on scene for further investigations.

-TDN

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