Category Archives: NEWS

One nabbed for rape and robbery in Mmabatho


By Obakeng Maje
Mmabatho-North West police arrested a 30 year-old suspect for rape,possession of unlicence firearm, theft of a motor vehicle, reckless and negligence driving.

Colonel Emelda Setlhako said two suspects allegedly entered a couple’s matrimonial house and ransacked their house.

“Two suspects allegedly entered a house at Unit 15 and ransacked the house, raped the wife and fled the scene” Setlhako said.

The police said the suspects found the man in the house, overpowered him and went to the couple’s bedroom where they found the victim’s wife and raped her.

“The suspect later took their cell phones, laptop, plasma TV and undisclosed amount of cash. They put them inside the couple’s car and drove-off. The neighbours informed the police and the car was traced by  a tracking device” she said.

The police waited for the suspected car at the corner of James Moroka and DP Kgotleng streets and alleged that the suspects panicked when they saw police cars. They allegedly faced oncoming traffic and that led to a collision with an oncoming car.

The suspects allegedly opened fire at the police and one of the suspects was shot in the leg after police returned fire.

One suspects fled the scene on foot and is still at large.

“One suspect was arrested and under heavy police guard in hospital. He will appear before court soon” she said. 
Police investigation continues.-TDN
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Abahlali Basemjondolo publicly endorse the DA for the elections


By Obakeng Maje
The Democratic Alliance is pleased to announce that we have accepted a public endorsement from Abahlali Basemjondolo for the upcoming elections. 

Abahlali is the biggest and most influential shack dwellers’ movement in the country whose campaigns are largely geared towards improving the living conditions of the poor. 

“The DA has travelled a long road with Abahlali; particularly under the stewardship of eThekwini housing spokesperson Hlanganani Gumbi who first made contact with them two years ago as chairperson of the DA eThekwini Housing Task Team” DA Sizwe Mchunu said. 

Gumbi took the initiative to engage with Abahlali as a key stakeholder in housing developments within informal settlements across Durban so that they could become an integral component of the party’s source of reference and network in these areas. 

At the time, Abahlali noted that the DA was the only political party to engage them in such a manner. 

“Over the past two years, Gumbi has configured many bilateral meetings between the DA and Abahlali; particularly when it came to housing corruption in eThekwini, the lack of transparent housing allocations in the city as well as Abahlali’s “No land, no house, no vote” campaign”. 

Throughout many of these discussions, we have both come to the common conclusion that we need to strengthen our resolve to:  

·Fight housing tender corruption

·Fight housing allocations corruption

·Speed up housing delivery

·Increase community participation and communication within projects 

·Ensure all land evictions are done within the confines of the law

·Treat informal settlement residents with the dignity they are entitled to 
Abahlali boast a national membership of over 27 000 people and are going to add considerable weight to final leg of the DA’s election campaign. 

The DA said they continues to show growth amongst traditional ANC supporters who have been let down by Jacob Zuma’s corrupt ANC.

“Voters are coming to the DA because we have a plan to stop corruption, create jobs and improve service delivery” Mchunu said. 

“We are deeply humbled and ecstatic over this public endorsement and will work tirelessly with Abahlali’s president S’bu Zikode to fight corruption so that there can be delivery for all” he said. 

Abahlali have taken a brave step in this realignment of South African politics and DA said that with no doubt that their opponents will respond both harshly and critically to this move. 

“Nevertheless, Abahlali must remain strong and committed to the realization of the better life we have all dreamed of since 1994. Together we will move forward with Abahlali on this new journey for change” he concludes. -TDN
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Zuma wants new propaganda machine – report


Pretoria – President Jacob Zuma will set up a new information ministry modelled on Zimbabwean, Chinese and Russian government departments should he get a second term as president, the Mail & Guardian reported on Friday.
For more http://www.news24.com

Man arrested after stabbing cop with spear


Rustenburg – A man has been arrested for stabbing a policeman with a spear at Freedom Park near Rustenburg, North West police said on Thursday.

Brigadier Thulani Ngubane said police where conducting a cordon and search operation on Wednesday night aimed at stabilising the area prior to the elections.

“During the operation, one suspect was arrested after he stabbed a police official with a spear in the chest,” said Ngubane.

He said the police was saved by his bullet proof vest.

The arrested man was found in possession of a knife and dagga.

“He was arrested and charged with attempted murder, possession of dangerous weapon and dagga. He is expected to appear in court soon.”

During the arrest, the man fought with police and injured himself.

He was now in hospital under police guard.

During the police operation, sticks, iron rods and self-made sharp weapons were seized. The police also recovered counterfeit DVDs.

Provincial Commissioner Lt-Gen Zukiswa Mbombo said criminal behaviour and unruliness would not be tolerated.

“Intimidation and lawlessness will be rooted out especially to ensure safe, free and secured elections,” she said in a statement.

Mbombo said police were still looking for people behind the torching of a municipal building and two houses in Freedom Park last Sunday.

The house of ward councillor Tiego Makopo and the speaker of Rustenburg municipality, Boipelo Marekoa-Kodongo, were torched. Shops and an ATM were also looted at the time.

SAPA

Teach DA a lesson: Nzimande


Polokwane – SACP general secretary Blade Nzimande on Thursday lambasted opposition parties during his speech at Cosatu’s May Day rally in Polokwane.

“In the DA black people are only good enough to go march on the street but not good enough to go to Parliament,” he told thousands of people at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

“On the 7 May [elections] let us teach the opposition a lesson.”

Referring to Julius Malema’s Economic Freedom Fighters, he called on people to vote for the African National Congress and teach a lesson to the “tenderpreneurs who have stolen our colours”.

A tenderpreneur is a politician who seeks self-enrichment by trying to get government contracts.

“Let our youth not be fooled… Only the ANC will empower our youth.”

Nzimande called on the working class to close ranks around the ANC.

“The working class must be present.”

Earlier, Nzimande arrived at the stadium with President Jacob Zuma and Congress of SA Trade Unions’ president Sidumo Dlamini.

The crowd cheered for the leaders and chanted Zuma’s name.-Sapa

Endless strikes don’t help: Zuma


Polokwane – Endless strikes are not in the country’s interest, President Jacob Zuma said in Polokwane on Thursday.

“Unions must be alive to the realities that endless strikes are not in the interest of the workers and not in the interest of the economy,” he told thousands of people at Cosatu’s May Day rally at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

“Constructive engagement means listening to each other, appreciating what is possible and what is not, and acting in good faith and never resorting to blackmail as a negotiating tool.”

He said everyone had a responsible to continue educating society that with rights came responsibilities.

“In exercising our hard-earned rights, we must put the interest of the country first.”

Earlier, the crowd cheered and chanted Zuma’s name as he walked a lap around the pitch when he arrived. He was flanked by Congress of SA Trade Unions’ president Sidumo Dlamini and SA Communist Party general secretary Blade Nzimande.

The 40 000 seat stadium was half-filled with members of the African National Congress in yellow party T-shirts and alliance partner members in red shirts.

The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union has been on strike at the country’s major platinum mines for almost three months.

Zuma warned workers that exercising their right to strike should never degenerate into anarchy.

“The methods of engagement employed by trade unions must always appreciate that we now have a democratic government, put in place by an overwhelming majority of our people, most of whom are workers.

“On the same measure we call on the business sector to respect the rights of workers and pay them decent wages in line with the relevant legislative framework.”

Zuma said this was particularly relevant in the mining sector.

“I think we should all agree that the time has come for the situation on the mines to change.”

– SAPA

A ‘naked’ man died while praying at Taung Dam


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By Obakeng Maje
Taung- A man allegedly died after he slipped through the stairs at Taung Dam in Taung.

According to our eyewitness, the atrocity took place on Wednesday at around 12:00 pm where a man wearing ZCC uniform came to the shores of the dam and climbed on top of a rock.

“We went fishing on Wednesday with friends and after sometime, a man between 40-45 years came across and greeted us. He went straight to the dam and stand on a rock” said our mole.

It is alleged that a man stripped naked and was screaming in prayers. He allegedly begged for forgiveness from God. The other couple who also visited the Dam came to him and advised him to dress and told him God has indeed heard his prayers.

“The man walked down the steps and he slipped. He got off the ground again and tied himself with white ropes. He walked down the stairs and slipped again” she said.

Our crew called police to confirm the incident, but colonel Emelda Setlhako said the Communication Officer in Taung cluster is not working as is a holiday.

“We have not received any news regarding that matter as we have not received crime report from other clusters, but I will make sure I give you full details tomorrow morning” Setlhako said.

The man allegedly rolled onto the rocks and died. He succumbed to injuries. Police and Emergency Service were called.

Even though the information surrounding the man’s dead is sketchy, more information will follow after our investigation.-TDN
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Modise urges businesses to let workers vote


Rustenburg – Farm workers will be able to vote in the national election, North West premier Thandi Modise said in Rustenburg on Thursday.

“We have engaged farmers to allow farm workers and dwellers to vote. If they do not we told them we will act,” she said a Congress of SA Trade Unions’ May Day rally.

“We want to appeal to big business to allow the workers to exercise their hard-fought right to vote.”

She said workers’ rights in the Rustenburg area were being violated.

“We have observed that hard-won rights are violated day in and day out in this region.”

No organisation or political party should stop workers from going to work or vote. – Sapa

SANDF soldiers wounded in DRC attack


Johannesburg – Three SANDF soldiers were wounded, one seriously, during an attack in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the defence force said on Thursday.

“One of the armed groups in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo launched an attack on one of the South African company operating bases on Wednesday… during the early hours of the morning,” spokespersonCaptain (SA Navy) Jaco Theunissen said in a statement.

The seriously wounded soldier was taken to a hospital in Goma. The other two sustained minor injuries and were being treated at the same hospital.

The SANDF soldiers stood their ground and defended their position “with great courage and determination”.

The United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the DRC launched a counter attack with a reaction force supported by attack helicopters. Its outcome was not yet known.

SAPA

Baxter throws in the towel


By Obakeng Maje
Johannesburg-Kaizer Chiefs coach Stuart Baxter could not help but show a disappoint face after his team was derailed in their attempt to narrow the gap between them and log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.

Chiefs played to a draw in their a ‘must win’ game against relegation-bound Free State Stars. All look well after former Mamelodi Sundowns striker Katlego Mphela headed home a rebound and put Chiefs in a pole position.

Stars Thabo Moloi’ s goal came in handy only seven minutes remaining. Chiefs is now sitting on 57 points while log leaders Sundowns have 61 points and have their one hand on the trophy.

Sundowns need to win their game against Supersport on Tuesday to put the tittle beyond defending Champions reach.

“If Mamelodi Sundowns will not win the trophy that will be disaster. We lost the game that we were suppose to win at all cost” Baxter said.

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane said last week that he would like to wait and see how things sum up. He said someone will cry at the end of the season and evidently it seems surely is not the one to shed tears.-TDN
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