Safa postpones all football fixtures


By Obakeng Maje
Johannesburg-The South African Football Association (SAFA) has postponed all football fixtures at all levels across the country scheduled for 14-15 December 2013 to a later date.

This is because countless venues around the country will be hosting prayer services honouring the late icon Nelson Mandela and therefore will not be accessible on the aforementioned dates.

“The entire world is set to participate in what will mostly be the biggest funeral in history and the South African football family will be a big part of it. Services will be held in stadiums all around the country and the football community are asked to join in these prayers and commemorations.

“Therefore, following consultations with the President of the Association and the Chair of the Competitions Committee, please be informed that all football fixtures scheduled for 14-15 December 2013 at all levels in the country must be postponed to a later date as countless football venues around the country will be hosting prayer services honouring Madiba” said Mumble.

“Most of these venues will be prepared for use on the day before the actual funeral of Madiba and therefore be inaccessible on both days listed above,” said SAFA CEO, Dennis Mumble.

Mumble said he trusted that all SAFA structures will demonstrate their devotion to the ideals that Madiba stood for and be part of the activities scheduled for this coming week.-TDN
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Marikana’s alleged killer arrested

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By Obakeng Maje

Marikana-Police arrested a 33-year-old suspect for Murder on Saturday in Wonderkop.

 

The swift arrest came after a 33 year-old man, Vuyane Mtimba who was allegedly wearing an AMCU t-shirt shot dead another man,30, shortly after he arrived at a tavern in Wonderkop.  

 

“It is suspected that the deceased and the suspect had an altercation previously. The 33 year-old suspect is alleged to be a Lonmin employee and he fled the scene after the incident” captain Pelonomi Makau said. 

 

The suspect allegedly shot and killed the victim after firing two shots at his upper body and died on the scene. 

 

“The suspect who is alleged to be residing in Nkaneng informal settlement was arrested by police after he was found at Wonderkop Hostel where he attempted to kill another man in an armed robbery incident” Makau said. 

 

He is alleged to have shot bullets towards the second suspect, but, missed. 

 

“When police arrived, the suspects allegedly pointed the police with a firearm in an attempt to shoot them.  The police managed to arrest him and consficate his 9mm, Norinco pistol” she said.

 

A suspect’s accomplice, Nkosineza Noko,30, was also arrested. 

 

Vuyane was directly linked to the Wonderkop murder that took place on Friday,  6 December 2013. 

 

The two suspects appeared in Marikana Periodical Court on Thursday face charges of Attempted Murder, Possession of unlicensed firearm as well as Pointing of firearm. 

 

“The case was postponed until Friday, 13 December 2013 for formal bail application. Vuyane Mtimba is expected to appear in Ga-Rankuwa Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday for Murder”.-TDN

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A boy,15, kills his cousin over memory card

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By Obakeng Maje

Lethabong-North West police arrested a 15 year-old boy after he allegedly bludgeoned his cousin,17, to death on Friday.

 

Police said two cousins had an argument over a memory card and that precipitated a physical fight.

 

“Two cousiins aged between 15 and 17 respectively were allegedly involved in a quarrel on Friday at Lethabong village. After the argument, it is alleged that a 15 year-old boy went to the shop around the area and his cousin,17, allegedly followed him” captain Pelonomi Makau said.

 

Makau said a fight ensued between the two and a 15 year-old teenanger allegedly drew a knife and stabbed his elder cousin.

 

“He was rushed to hospital, but was certified dead on arrival. A 15 year-old suspect allegedly fled the scene” Makau said.

 

Police launched a search, but with no avails.

 

He was arrested on Saturday around 16:30 after a help of community members.

 

He was arrested and police investigations continue.-TDN

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Three suspects on the run after killing, kidnapping and assault

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ImageBy Obakeng Maje

Koster-A man died while trying to escape attack from hijackers on Monday near Koster, North West police said.

 

A driver and his friend were allegedly driving along Rustenburg and Koster road when they came across a hitch-hiker. 

 

“The driver and his friend offered a man who was hitch-hiking a lift and only 500m away from the hiking spot, they allegedly came across two men which the hiker said are his friends” colonel Sabata Makgwabone said.

 

Unsuspecting driver allegedly stopped and picked them up as told.

 

Mokgwabone said while the driver. Approched Reagile location, one of the suspects asked him to stop as they’ve reached their destiny.

 

All hell broke loose after the driver stopped.

 

Police said three suspects allegedly attacked the driver and his friend.

 

“The driver was hit by a gun on his head and managed to escape. His friend was tied up and allegedly thrown in the boot” said Mokwabone.

 

Police said the passing by driver allegedly stopped to assess the situation. 

 

He was allegedly shot on his leg by one of the suspects.

 

“The victim allegedly tried to fled the scene when his car overturns. He was rushed to a local hospital and died later” Mokgwabone said.

 

The suspects allegedly drove back to the direction of Koster, but abandoned the car along the road near Reagile location. 

 

The victim who was put inside the boot managed to opened the boot of the car and got out.   

 

“The suspects are still at large and the police would like to urge the community to take precautionary measure and avoid offering lifts to unknown persons” Mokgwabone outlines” Mokgwabone said.  

 

Anyone with information that may lead to arrest of the suspects can contact Captain Pieter Van Der Merwe on 082 373 9679 or alternatively, Crime Stop  number 08600 10111 can be called.-TDN

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Mayor Kaone Lobelo: Mandela represents symbol of hope

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By Boineelo Molebiemang

Taung-The Greater Taung Local Municipality pleaded with the people of Taung and the neighbouring areas to come together and celebrate the passing of the former president Nelson Mandela. 

 

A memorial service was held on Tuesday at Mmabana Taung on Tuesday to pay tribute to the world icon Mandela who passed away last week Thursday.

 

The death of Mandela left the people of Taung and other areas in a sombre mood. People were singing and blowing whistles while re-collecting and thanking Mandela for everything he did for the people of South Africa. 

 

“I lost a teacher, a commander of Umkhondo Wesizwe, a liberator, a peacemaker and a father” said a member of Umkhondo Wesizwe military and veteran association Mr Sipho Dynamite.

 

He said that South Africa will never be the same without Mandela, however, he will always be revered for his brave fight against apartheid. 

 

The Mayor of Greater Taung local municipality, Mr Kaone Lebelo described Mandela as an icon, a hero and a forefather of the liberation. Mr Lebelo said he saw it fit that the people of Taung come together and share what they know about Mandela. 

 

“Mandela means a lot to me and his passing affected me because South Africa is what it is today because of the choices he made. He encountered a number of challenges that surpasses any other leader” Lobelo said. 

 

The Mayor said he will employ himself and his team by making sure that the legacy of Nelson Mandela carries on. 

 

Lobelo said they will take over from where Mandela has left off by providing for the children and elderly people of Taung.

 

Dr Nelson Mandela will be buried at Qunu village in Easten Cape where he was born back then.

 

The funeral will take place on Sunday and almost 70 Head of State ascended in the country to pay their last tribute to the world icon, Nelson Mandela.-TDN

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Jomo Sono: Madiba was like biblical spiritual leader

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South Africa’s arguably greatest soccer player, Jomo Sono has described the late Nelson Mandela as an equal of the great biblical prophets.

 

“I know some will consider this as profane but this is my honest opinion. This man was Africa’s Jesus Christ,” said Sono of the late Tata Mandela.

 

The former Orlando Pirates striker who was popularly known as Trouble Maker during his heydays said Mandela might have been born of an ordinary human being but God sent this man to free our African continent from bondage.

 

“He did what Moses did to the Sons of Israel when he led them from the Egyptian bondage. What Mandela did was a miracle right in front of our eyes. He was like those great biblical prophets.

 

“I feel blessed and a sense of fulfilment for having lived during the times of this extraordinary man. I shared a few breakfasts, lunches and dinners with him. This is a privilege enjoyed by the ‘chosen few’ and I am glad I was one of those few.”

 

Sono said unknown to most South Africans, Madiba and the current SAFA President, Dr Danny Jordaan had appointed him to be the national team coach in 2002 during the World Cup in Korea and Japan.

 

 

All systems go- Mnisi


Johannesburg – All security plans are in place as South Africa gets ready to host a memorial service in honour of global icon Nelson Mandela, the police ministry told ENCA news on Tuesday morning.

“We are talking about Madiba here, so there is no margin for error,” spokesperson Zweli Mnisi told ENCA television news.

“We are quite pleased with the process.”

He said the various heads of state expected at the service – to be held at the FNB stadium in Soweto – were due to arrive an hour before proceedings began at 11:00.

Besides police officers, private security had also been deployed.

“Everything is on track,” Mnisi said.

On a rainy Tuesday morning, the stadium began rapidly filling up as many people sang, blew vuvuzelas, and danced in remembrance of Mandela.

Two stages were set up on the side of the pitch.

Mandela died surrounded by family at his Houghton, Johannesburg, home on Thursday, at the age of 95.

Friends, colleagues, comrades and family of Nelson Mandela are invited to share their memories and tributes, and to light a candle for him, on his profile at Remembered.co.za.
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Mugabe arrives for Mandela memorial


Cape Town – Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe has arrived in South Africa for the memorial service of former president and struggle icon Nelson Mandela.

Mugabe who is accompanied by his wife Grace and two of their children arrived last night and was welcomed at Waterkloof Airbase by Ambassador to South Africa Cde Phelekezela Mphoko, a Herald report said.

Mandela died on Thursday at his home in Houghton, Johannesburg. He was 95.

Mugabe described Mandela as “the greatest icon of African liberation”.

Ties between Zimbabwe and South Africa run “long and deep” and after independence in 1980, Zimbabwe hosted South African liberation fighters and supported its struggle against apartheid.

Friends, colleagues, comrades and family of Nelson Mandela are invited to share their memories and tributes, and to light a candle for him, on his profile at Remembered.co.za.

Obama arrives for Mandela tribute


Centurion – President Barack Obama has arrived in South Africa to pay tribute to Nelson Mandela, the iconic leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner who died Thursday at age 95.

Obama will deliver a 20-minute speech during Tuesday’s service in Johannesburg, where tens of thousands of South Africans and dozens of foreign dignitaries are expected to pack a sports stadium.

Obama is expected to speak of Mandela’s influence on South Africa and on his own life, while also reflecting on the complexity of Mandela’s rise from anti-apartheid fighter and prisoner to president and global icon.

Obama, former President George W Bush and their wives arrived on Tuesday morning at a military base near Johannesburg after a 16-hour trip from Washington.

Friends, colleagues, comrades and family of Nelson Mandela are invited to share their memories and tributes, and to light a candle for him, on his profile at Remembered.co.za.

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Taung joins the world in mourning of Mandela


By Obakeng Maje
Condolence books will be made available at the four public viewing areas for the national memorial service for members of the public to write their messages of sympathy to the Mandela Family, the Office of the Premier for North West Province has confirmed.

Doors will be opened as early as 9:30 am so that attendants are seated by 10:30 to follow pre-event activities that will be broadcast live from the FNB Stadium.

“The public viewing areas have been arranged to afford the public opportunity to converge for a celebration of the life of South Africa’s first democratically elected President while they follow the proceedings at the national memorial service” premier spokesperson Lesiba Kgwele said.

The province is hosting public viewing areas at University of the North West Mahikeng Campus Great Hall in Mahikeng, Matlosana Municipality Auditorium in Klerksdorp, Mmabana Taung and Ben Marais Hall in Rustenburg.-TDN
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