Pretoria – ANC president Jacob Zuma urged voters in Atteridgeville, west of Pretoria, on Friday to register and ensure his party wins by a landslide in 2014.

“If you have not registered, no matter how much you love this movement, you will be like those who don’t love it,” Zuma said.

He was addressing residents of Brazzaville in Atteridgeville. He was met by loud cheers as he made his way to the stage.

Zuma told the hundreds waiting for him at a sport field that the party wanted to win the 2014 elections by 75% and show the opposition who they were.

The only way to reach this target was if people were registered.

“We want to win because we want to show them who we are. For us to do that, let us go and register.”

Zuma told the crowd their votes were important to put in charge a government they liked, but they should not be misled by people making empty promises.

“There are a lot of people who make empty promises. You need to know there is an organisation that fought for freedom,” he said.

– SAPA

Cape Town – Justice Minister Jeff Radebe conceded on Saturday that government has no say on whether Public Protector Thuli Madonsela should classify her report into the R206m upgrade to President Jacob Zuma’s Nkandla homestead.

“Government has no role in deciding how the public protector deals with a report, even in this case. It is the public protector who herself gave us the report so we can check up on security concerns,” he told journalists in Pretoria. .

“Whether she [Madonsela] makes the report public or confidential, those are decisions that lie at the discretion of the public protector. We as the executive have no role to play.”

Radebe and his colleague in the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) cluster, State Security Minister Siyabonga Cwele briefed media on the rationale behind the decision to try and interdict Madonsela from releasing her provisional report.

Radebe said the merits of the case, brought in the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on Friday, were not up for discussion.

The urgent application was postponed. It would be heard next Friday.

Government’s only reason for bringing the case was to give the JCPS cluster more time to comment on the report.

Madonsela had submitted her report to ministers in the cluster, asking for comment on whether it would impact on national security and Zuma’s security.

Government’s court action had essentially prevented Madonsela from publicly releasing the report this weekend, telling the court it needed until next Friday to submit comments.

Radebe denied they were trying to supercede the mandate of the Public Protector.

Asked whether ministers would attempt to whitewash the report, Radebe said the executive did not have the power to do this.

“It’s not our duty to sanitise any report. It should be the [decision] of the public protector.”

In court papers, Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa said the release of the report would be a criminal offence.

Radebe said, despite criticism from some quarters, that this was not meant as a threat.

“That impression is misplaced,” he said.

Cwele concurred, adding: “There’s absolutely no intention for us to intimidate”.

The cluster was currently working on its response to the report.

“When we give our comments to the public protector, where there [are] such instances, we will be proposing certain remedial measures,” Radebe said.

He did not elaborate on the measures.

Radebe insisted Madonsela was unreasonable in setting a 6 November deadline for the ministers to comment, as the 357 page report was only submitted to them on 1 November, leaving ministers only four working days to provide input.

He said she also denied requests to extend this deadline.

“In providing us the opportunity to comment on the provisional report before it is released to other affected, implicated and interested parties, the public protector recognises the legal obligation to ensure that the provisional report does not compromise national security and the security of the president…,” Radebe said.

“The public protector has, in our view, unreasonably denied us the opportunity to properly engage the report…,” Radebe said.

– SAPA

By Obakeng Maje

Atamelang-North West police are investigating a case of murder after a 38 year-old man was stabbed to death with a scissor.

“It is alleged that on Friday at about 19:20pm the victim and the suspect,46 where attending a funeral in Kraaipan at Khuting Section. The two had an argument and the suspect allegedly stabbed the deceased on the left collar bone with a scissor and he died at scene” sergeant Kealeboga Molale said.

The suspect fled the scene and was later arrested, North West police said.  

He will appear before Atamelang Magistrates’ Court on Monday. Investigation continues.-TDN

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Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund has welcomed the announcement of the strong Spain squad that will play against Bafana Bafana in a high-profile international match on 19 November 2013 saying his charges don’t need further motivation.

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque named a 22-man squad teeming with a galaxy of stars who ply trade in top European leagues to take on Bafana Bafana at FNB Stadium. The match kicks-off at 21h00.

Dubbed “The Champions are Coming” the match provides South African soccer fans with a rare opportunity to watch top stars in action.

Spain coach Del Bosque named his squad soon after Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund had named his own formidable side. Spain squad include 13 players who were part of the 2010 FIFA World Cup winning team in South Africa.

Crowd favourite Andres Iniesta, the scorer of the winning goal in the World Cup, Cesc Fabregas, David Villa, Pedro and Xabi Alonso will form the nucleus of the team that will touch down in South Africa on 17 November.

Real Madrid and Barcelona have four players each in the squad, with English clubs like Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal all having strong representatives.

“I am quite pleased that Del Bosque is bringing his strongest squad because my players will get enough motivation to play against the best in the world.

“It is going to be great meeting World champions on the field and compete, because I believe I have selected a squad that can do the job,” said coach Gordon Igesund.

“This is really a formidable Spain squad and we could not have asked for more. This is one match where you don’t need to motivate the players because they know what they are coming up against,” added Igesund.

Spain is expected to arrive in South Africa on Sunday morning (17 November).

Here are the full squads:

South Africa

Goalkeepers:        Itumeleng Khune, Senzo MeyiwaDefenders:            Thabo Nthete, Bongani Khumalo, Buhle Mkhwanazi, Siyanda Xulu, Anele Ngcongca, Tsepo Masilela, Thabo MatlabaMidfielders:          Dean Furman, Kagisho Dikgacoi, Andile Jali, Daylon Claasen, Kamohelo Mokotjo, Bongani Zungu, Oupa Manyisa, Ayanda Patosi, Lerato Chabangu, Siphiwe Tshabalala, Sibusiso VilakaziStrikers:                 Bernard Parker, Tokelo Rantie, Kermit Erasmus 

Spain

Goalkeepers:        Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Victor Valdes (Barcelona), Pepe Reina (Napoli)Defenders:            Alvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Raul Albiol (Napoli), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Alberto Moreno (Sevilla), Juanfran (Levante), Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich), Inigo Martinez (Real Sociedad), Nacho Monreal (Arsenal)Midfielders:          Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona), Jesus Navas (Manchester City)Forwards:              Alvaro Negredo (Manchester City), Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid), Pedro (Barcelona), David Villa (Atletico Madrid), Juan Mata (Chelsea) 

BY Obakeng Maje
Galeshewe Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences(FCS) unit are investigating a murder and rape of Agnes Kediemetse Phoku(59) which allegedly took place in Galeshewe on the evening of 30 June 2013.

“It is alleged that the victim was on her way home from work, at approximately 22:00pm. Three men allegedly accosted the victim, brutally assaulted and raped her. The half-naked body of a female was discovered under a tree the following morning by a passer-by, in a veld next to Ramatsela Cemetery in Galeshewe” lieutenant Sergio Kock said.

The Galeshewe FCS unit worked around the clock on gathering of clues with regard to the whereabouts of the suspects. The unit followed up on information received and arrested a male suspect in the early hours of Friday in connection with this heinous deed.

“The suspect known as Patrick Sekgoro (29) appeared in the Kimberley Magistrates’ Court and the case was remanded for 20 November 2013. The suspect will remain in custody” he said.

The police request information with regard to a man known as Ivan (aka Long) who could possibly assist with the investigation.

“The Galeshewe Cluster Commander, Maj Gen Kollie Matthys commended the FCS unit for their commitment which heeded the positive results. The community is applauded and humbly requested to keep on assisting the police with information pertaining to violent crimes committed against women and children, especially as we are approaching the 16 days for no violence against women and children.” Anyone with information regarding the man and the incident can call Det Capt Janet Ngobeza on 083 279 2939. All information will be treated with the strictest of confidence. The investigation continues.-TDN
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By Obakeng maje
Roodepan- Police followed up on information of drug dealing in the Lerato Park area on Friday at approximately 10:30am.

“The police searched the shanty and managed to confiscate 9 bags of dagga on the premises. The estimated street value of the dagga is R1 million” LIEUTENANT Sergio Kock said.

Kock said the suspect was not on the premises at the time of the raid hence no arrest could be affected at that stage.

The investigation continues.-TDN
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By Obakeng Maje
Kimberley-Northern Cape police are investigating a case of dealing in drugs after a male Nigerian National was arrested on Friday at approximately 12:00pm. The SAPS Crime Intelligence unit, the Galeshewe Drug Task team and the Tactical Response Team followed up on information of drug sales in Kimberley North.

“The team allegedly raided the premises and found 200g of cocaine and khat hidden in the cupboard in one of the bedrooms. The police also confiscated approximately R2500, 00 cash stashed inside the bedroom where the 28 year-old suspect reside” lieutenant Sergio Kock said.

The approximate street value for the drugs is R250 000,00. “The Kimberley Cluster Commander, Major General Jean Abrahams lauded the police members for the excellent arrest and thanked the community for the information they relayed to the Police. The success truly portrays partnership policing at its best. The raids and operations will continue in the aim of ensuring that drug dealers are behind bars where they belong, this festive season and beyond” Kock said.

The suspect will appear before the Kimberley Magistrates’ Court soon.
The investigation continues.-TDN
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BY Obakeng Maje
Pabello-The Police are investigating a case of culpable homicide, reckless and negligent driving. This follows an accident that took place in Paballelo, next to Upington on Friday.

“It is alleged that two taxis were travelling toward the same direction in King Street. The two taxis allegedly collided when the one in front turned to the right whilst the rear was busy overtaking” lieutenant Sergio Kock said.

Northern Cape police said during the time of the incident, it is alleged that there were people, including children, standing next to the road. A 9 year-old child died on the scene. Five people, including three children were injured” Kock said.

A 26-year-old man believed to be the driver of one of the taxis, was arrested with the help of the community as he attempted to escape from the accident scene.
Police investigations continue.-TDN
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By Obakeng Maje
Matlosana-The North West Democratic Alliance wishes all South Africans and in particular NW residents the best for this registration weekend.
“After receiving complaints we call on all money lenders, Spaza shop owners and businesses who keep Voters Identity Documents in their possession, due to debt and or any other reason, to release those immediately to enable voters to register” DA North West Chris Hattingh said
The DA is consolidating its 2014 election efforts by focusing all our energy on taking our Know Your DA message of hope, history and success into people’s living rooms, asking them to go out and register to win.
“The North-West is the Province with the fastest and most DA growth in South-Africa. Our focus is on the Born-frees, who is the first generation born after 1994 to vote, where we have launched a series of videos on the importance of Registration and the Feeling of voting for the First Time” Hattingh said.
According to DA, the Youth are mostly affected when it comes to unemployment, poor Education, lack of decent healthcare, skills development and opportunities to succeed in life.
“Today our Provincial Office is inundated with calls from people who want information on the weekend. We encourage all North West Youth to register over this weekend’s (09 and 10 November 2013) IEC registration drive at their nearest voting station” condludes DA.-TDN
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Cape Town – ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe said on Friday he was keen to read the provisional report on President Jacob Zuma’s Nkandla homestead, unaware that government was interdicting its release.

He was asked at an ANC lunch in Cape Town what he thought of the security cluster going to court to interdict Public Protector Thuli Madonsela from releasing her provisional report to certain parties.

Seemingly unaware of the urgent application on Friday afternoon, he said he was waiting as patiently as anyone else for the report.

“That’s why I always come up very strong against casting aspersions before the report is out because when you do that, you are psyching society,” he told reporters.

“That’s my stand. Issue the report. Let’s see it. Let’s read it. Once we have the report, we can talk to issues that come out of the report.”

When reporters informed him of the application that was heard in the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, he said he could not speak for government.

“I’m here now. I don’t know. It may be something different because one of the issues that came out of a court process was the unsustainability of all the time having two state institutions reporting on the same issue because it caused confusion in society.

“I was asking them: ‘There is this report coming. You had your own report, which one should we read?’ I think if they are sorting that themselves. I will wait and see what comes out of it.”

Mantashe said the reality of the matter was that it was not right to have one institution shooting down others, whether that was the Independent Electoral Commission, the presidency, or government.

“It can’t be correct that you have only one institution that is correct. Then it means the crisis is bigger. That would be the issue.”

He was speaking after a two-day visit to the Cape Flats.

Application postponed

On Friday afternoon, Advocate William Mokhari, for the security cluster, argued that an interdict was necessary to allow for comments on security issues arising from the report.

The application was postponed until 15 November to allow Madonsela time to file an answering affidavit and for the parties to file heads of argument.

Madonsela undertook not to release the provisional report pending the outcome of the application.

Madonsela’s office said earlier that she was due to receive comments on the report from organs of state within the security cluster on Friday.

This followed a special request made by the organs of state in question to have access to the report ahead of all other parties, to establish if the contents of the report would compromise Zuma’s security.

“The report was shared with the said parties on 1 November, with a return date of Wednesday. The deadline was subsequently extended to Friday, following a request from the organs of state concerned,” it said.

Nkandla has been at the centre of controversy after it emerged that the public works department had approved upgrades to the KwaZulu-Natal homestead costing R206m.

When questions were raised about these upgrades, a task team of the public works department was set up. It later found irregularities in the procurement process for the upgrade.

– SAPA