Johannesburg – A surge in child-on-child sexual assault cases has been noted by both NGOs and government’s social development department, it was reported on Monday.
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NPA losing the war on drugs – experts
Durban – The National Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit has been paralysed by the vicious leadership battle in its uppermost ranks, and losing the fight against well-heeled drug barons is collateral damage.
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Pistorius tweets not in contempt of court – lawyer
Johannesburg – Murder-accused paralympian Oscar Pistorius’s latest tweets were not in contempt of court, a media lawyer said on Monday.
“There is no prohibition on Oscar making public statements, whether via Twitter or otherwise,” Dario Milo said.
“He is perfectly entitled to do so and there can be no suggestion that he is in contempt of court. In any event, his comments on Twitter have nothing at all to do with the case.”
Pistorius, who is on trial for the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, on Sunday tweeted a Bible verse, a collage of pictures of his humanitarian work, and an extract from Viktor Frankl’s book Man’s Search for Meaning.
Frankl, who died in 1997, was an Austrian neurologist and psychiatrist, and a Holocaust survivor.
Brokenhearted
The text reads in part: “…The salvation of man is through love and in love. I understood how a man who has nothing left in this world still may know bliss, be it only for a brief moment, in the contemplation of his beloved.
“In a position of utter desolation, when man cannot express himself in positive action, when his only achievement may consist in enduring his sufferings in the right way – an honourable way – in such a position man can, through loving contemplation of the image he carries of his beloved, achieve fulfilment.”
The verse from the Bible, Psalm 34:18 reads: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted”.
Last week, the defence closed its case in Pistorius’s murder trial in the North Gauteng High Court. Final arguments are expected to be heard on 7 August.
The paralympian claims he shot Steenkamp by accident through the locked door of his toilet in his Pretoria home on 14 February last year. He believed she was an intruder about to emerge and attack him.
The State alleges he killed her during an argument.
Pistorius underwent a month-long psychiatric evaluation at Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital, after which the court heard he did not suffer from general anxiety disorder, as testified by a psychiatrist in his defence.
– SAPA
Mthethwa starts testifying at Marikana inquiry
Pretoria – Former police minister Nathi Mthethwa has started testifying on the role of the SA Police Service during the Marikana strike, at the Farlam Commission of Inquiry on Monday.
Mthethwa’s evidence pertains to his role in police interventions during the strike by Lonmin miners in the North West in August 2012.
In his sworn statement to the inquiry, Mthethwa, who is now arts and culture minister, expressed sadness to families who lost members at Marikana, and South Africa in general.
“My conduct throughout the Marikana incident was underpinned by the principles of constitutional segregation of the role of the minister of police from that of the national commissioner of police,” he said.
“I took steps to ensure that I was kept informed about the political developments as they unfolded at Marikana and the concerns raised with me relating thereto.”
‘Mthethwa gave political support’
In March last year, Mthethwa’s leadership role before and after the 16 August shootings were questioned at the inquiry when national police commissioner Riah Phiyega was cross-examined by then evidence leader Mbuyiseli Madlanga SC.
Madlanga asked what specific support Mthethwa gave Phiyega at Marikana on 16 August, when police shot dead 34 striking miners, apparently while trying to disperse and disarm them.
Phiyega said: “He gave us political support.”
Madlanga responded: “Am I right to say you cannot be specific on the political direction, nor can you be specific on the political support you received from the police minister?”
Madlanga said Phiyega’s evidence did not suggest any initiative by the minister.
“What, if anything, did the minister of police do about the killings at Marikana?” Madlanga asked.
Phiyega responded: “My minister was personally here. The minister was part of the inter-ministerial committee that did a lot of work in the commission… In his political role he gave us political support.”
However, Madlanga said he wanted to know what the minister did prior to the 16 August killings.
Once again, Phiyega referred him to her statement, adding that Mthethwa gave her and her operational team support, though he was not involved in operations.
Mthethwa informed through normal reporting
The commission heard it was necessary for Phiyega to inform Mthethwa about the “killing of human beings that are of an unusually high scale”.
Phiyega said she kept Mthethwa informed in her “normal reporting” to him about what was happening at Marikana through phone calls and internal notices and statements.
Madlanga tried to establish whether Phiyega had called Mthethwa by midnight on 13 August about the five people killed at Lonmin’s platinum mine in Marikana. She kept referring him to her statement.
Phiyega said: “In my statements I mentioned dates and I have said that I continuously gave updates to the minister.”
Madlanga responded: “General, this is a simple question… Did you inform the minister by midnight on 13 August of the five killings?”
Speaking softly, Phiyega said: “I informed the minister on what happened at Marikana since the ninth. I can’t remember if I called him at 12 midnight on 13 August.”
Mthethwa was police minister when 34 people, mostly striking Lonmin mineworkers, were shot dead in a clash with police on 16 August 2012.
More than 70 were wounded, and another 250 arrested at the company’s platinum mining operations in Marikana, near Rustenburg.
In the preceding week, 10 people, including two policemen and the two security guards, were killed.
The commission is investigating the 44 deaths during the strike-related violence.
Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to testify at the inquiry later this month.
– SAPA
National Anti-Crime Forum launched in Pampierstad
By Obakeng Maje
Pampierstad- The community of Pampierstad gathered together to experience the birth of a newly-formed National Anti-Crime and Community Development Forum near Mountainview, Pampierstad.
A newly formed community forum was formed in response to community outcry where crime, poverty, unemployment, bad condition of roads and abandoned houses issues were under discussion.
According to the founder Tlhopego Sele, a small technical team representing the community was formed before to deal with crime prevention in promoting safety and precautionary measures among citizens.
“We had a team that was operating as volunteers, but we had conflicts with police and we could not agree on other matters. Crime is so rife in the area and we managed to identify what might lead to that. We have high rate of unemployment,rape, murder and high rate of alcohol consumption ” Sele said.
Sele said they launched Anti-crime and Community Development Forum so that they can deal with burning issues like unemployment.
“We believe that unemployment creates poverty and that lead to committing crime. If more people are working, they will diverge from crime. So we will try to bring more projects and ascertain that the majority of beneficiaries really do come from local community” he said.
Many stakeholders graced the event like Sanco, Saps and they were given more information about Community Policing Forum(CPF). Sele said there are more abandoned houses that attract vagrants and are used as crime nests.
He also said bad condition their roads are in, also does not augur well because when is rainy, roads are slippery and become no-go area. Police could not respond swiftly because of bad roads.
He said developing the economy, Pampierstad will be a better place and eventually a crime free area.-TDN
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Salga embark on name changing process
By Obakeng Maje
Vryburg- The Department of Arts, Culture and Traditional Affairs through its Provincial Geographic Names Council embarked on an awareness campaign starting at the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati on Friday at Coleridge hall at 09h00.
The awareness took a form of a conference/seminar and has invited key stakeholders such as Dikgosi, Historians and Community Leaders amongst others, addressed by the member of the Executive Council Ms. Tebogo Modise.
Amongst of the key issues discussed was on;
Engagement process of changing names,
The main strategy of the council,
As well as the launch of the campaign by the MEC.
“There is more to learn about the PGNC and its purpose, existence and key responsibilities, we therefore urge all role players to know how to apply for name change process” MEC Tebogo Modise said.
Lungile Dantjie also applauded people who came out in numbers at Dr. Ruth Segomotsi District so that they make their contribution,” said Dantjie.
Most people who raised their concerns, said they will appreciate that process as some of the names are degrading them and does not show humanity.
-TDN
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Modise denies ignoring warnings
Cape Town-Former North West Premier Thandi Modise has denied media report by City Press and its sister paper Rapport that alleges that she was warned about potential crisis on her Modderfontein farm outside Potchefstroom.
Thandi Modise had as a new entrant to farming requested for contacts from whom she could source feed and appreciates greatly the expertise advice and valued support that Agri-North West Management gave her after she had shared with them her frustration in sourcing feed and selling her livestock.
“The allegation that Modise was warned of a potential crisis on her farm by the organisation is farfetched and a misrepresentation of facts as its involvement was limited to getting her in touch with contacts from whom she could source feed and sell her meat” NCOP chair spokesperson Neo Moepi said.
Moepi said it is unfortunate that an impression is being created that Modise ignored warning from the organisation, animal feeding specialists and individual farmers some of whom had not even spoken to her.
“It is common knowledge and a standard business practise that an indication by a first time supplier that feed supplied would last for two weeks is not necessarily a warning, but a tacit attempt by the seller to secure the next order” Moepi said.
Modise and her farm manager were not captive clients and cannot be blamed by a supplier for their loss of business and for exercising their discretion of sourcing feed from another supplier at a reasonable price.
The former Premier was upfront in confiding to the Agri-North West Management that as an emerging farmer, she could not rely on support from the Provincial Department of Agriculture as any assistance she received would have been misconstrued and interpreted by her detractors to be preferential treatment given the position she held in the provincial administration.-TDN
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SA U17 registers fourth victory on the road
Johannesburg- One goal midway through the first half was enough to see the South African Men’s Under-17 National Team (Amajimbos) end their tour of Lesotho and Botswana with four victories in four games.
Amajimbos saw off a spirited Lesotho at Setsoto Stadium in Maseru, Lesotho on Sunday, 13 July – their second victory against the host nation. South Africa beat Lesotho 2-0 on Thursday at Mafeteng Stadium.
This was the last match before Amajimbos head off to Tanzania on Tuesday (15 July) for a 2015 African Youth Championship qualifier that will take place on Friday, 18 July.
Lesotho started the better of the two sides but it was the visitors who took the lead in the 23rd minute through Vuyo Mkatshana.
Amajimbos could have increased their lead in the 41st minute but the upright denied Mkatshana with the Lesotho goalkeeper, Ramalefane Monaheng well beaten.
South Africa looked the better of the two sides in the second stanza, enjoying a lot of ball possession but they missed some chances to add on to their odd goal.
Later on Sunday (13 July) coach Molefi Ntseki was going to announce the 18 players that will be travelling to Tanzania.
This is how they lined up:
Lesotho U17: Ramalefane Monaheng (GK), Matlopong Seana, Moalosi Mosoeu, Katlego Tatai, Mokokoane Rethabile (c), Thulo Kamohelo, Boseka Motlatsi, Toloane Tsepo, Makhomo Napo, Mohapi Bonang, Thetsane Lesia
Subs: Phatela Khaya (GK), Nkune Tom, Mphosi Thabo, Moebo Moloantoa, Mokhachane Neo, Mokoena Thaane, Ramanki Hlompho, Tsakoa Liteboho
South Africa U17: 16-Mondli Mpoto (GK) (c), 2-Simon Nqoi, 10-Notha Ngcobo, 4-Katlego Mohamme, 15-Keanu Cupido, 6-Athenkosi Dlala (Tshepiso Mahlangu), 7-Vuyo Mantjie (Charles Baloyi), 19-Samuel Nkomo (Thendo Mukumela), 17-Khanyisa Mayo (Edwin Sekhwama) 9-Vuyo Mkatshana, 18-Benedict Matlawe (Felix Noge, replaced injured) (Thato Ramogogodi)
Subs: 1-Mxolisi Skei, 11-Felix Noge, 20-Charles Baloyi, 3-Thendo Mukumela, 13-Tshepiso Mahlangu, 14-Thato Ramogogodi, 12-Edwin Sekhwama.
-TDN
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More bones found on Pongola pastor’s property
Durban – More bones have been discovered in the yard of a Pongola pastor who was earlier arrested following the discovery of a dismembered corpse of a four-year-old boy at his church, KwaZulu-Natal police said on Friday.
While the remains of Kiki Ntuli had been found in a plastic bag on Saturday, forensic specialists who probed the pastor’s yard found more bones on Thursday, said Captain Thulani Zwane.
“The bones have been taken for forensic analysis to verify whether they are those of a human being or not,” Zwane said.
The 51-year-old pastor had, however, not been charged.
Zwane said investigations were ongoing.
While searching for the rest of Ntuli’s body parts on Tuesday, police discovered a skull and skeleton at a woman’s house in Ncotshane.
It was unclear whether those bones were linked to the Ntuli case or whether they were that of a human being.
The bones were taken for forensic testing.
Angry Pongola residents went on the rampage on Tuesday and torched the pastor’s church and woman’s house.
Fifteen people were arrested for violence and were scheduled to appear before the Ncotshane Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
The court was, however, petrol bombed on Wednesday night.
The group finally appeared in the Pongola Magistrate’s Court on Friday, where they were released on a warning.
Their case was postponed to 28 July.
SAPA
Court orderly sent for observation
Cape Town – A court orderly, who allegedly accepted a R150 bribe to allow an awaiting trial prisoner to have sex with a prisoner’s girlfriend, was sent for 30 days’ psychiatric observation on Friday.
Warrant Officer Bongani Ndikho, 42, who is out on warning, was in charge of prisoners appearing in court, when the alleged incident happened in the holding cells at the Wynberg Regional Court in Cape Town in March last year.
He appeared before magistrate W Rixana, who at the request of prosecutor Simone Liedeman, ordered him to report at the Valkenberg psychiatric hospital for an assessment as an outpatient, and to be admitted as an in-patient as soon as a bed became available.
The prosecutor said she had a medical certificate as well as a psychiatric letter stating that Ndikho had severe depression, and was unable to focus on the proceedings.
He also had difficulty in interacting with people, poor memory, and concentration, she said.
Media presence
As Ndikho stepped out of the dock, he complained to the court that he had been chased through the streets in Bellville after his previous appearance, by a media cameraman.
He lamented that he was unhappy about the media presence in court, and did not want his photograph in the newspapers.
Ndikho added: “This is a corruption case, and the media presence affects me and my ailing mother.”
He said the photographer had chased him for about 500m, and “they abuse their right”.
Ndikho asked the court for help, and said he did not want to be chased through the streets.
The magistrate said the media had to bring a formal application if they wished to take photographs, or TV footage, in the courtroom.
However, the court had no control over what happened outside, the magistrate explained.
He said the court could not make an order that it could not enforce.
Right to privacy
He said Ndikho had the right to privacy, and he needed to discuss the problem with his lawyer, Chantelle Morgan, who could launch a civil suit on his behalf, for damages against the newspaper that published his photograph without his permission.
With Ndikho in the dock was prisoner John Maggot, who allegedly gave Ndikho the R150 bribe.
Ndikho faces two counts of corruption. One relates to the alleged R150 bribe for sex, and the other alleges that he received additional bribes totalling R12 000 to smuggle dagga parcels to Maggot.
Maggot similarly faces two counts of corruption.
Both also face one charge each of dealing in drugs.
The charge sheet tells of a number of cellphone sms messages, allegedly arranging for dagga in parcels to be given to Ndikho, to smuggle to Maggot in the court holding cells, and for the alleged payment of bribes.
In one sms, Ndikho is alleged to have said if the bribe was “not a block (R1000), don’t bother coming”.
The prosecutor alleges that Ndikho deposited R12 000 into his bank account on March 27 last year.
The case was postponed to 18 August, for the psychiatric assessment.
SAPA
The Guardian 