Johannesburg – Government and the police minister have to pay for the damages caused by a run-away veld fire which started at a police training facility at Verdrag in Limpopo, the Saturday Citizen reported.

The North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on Thursday ruled that the government and police had negligently failed to do everything in their power to stop the spread of the fire, which started at the Thabazimbi training Institute on the Verdrag farm.

The newspaper reported that the fire had spread to 14 neighbouring farms.

Judge Johan Louw declared that they were liable for the damage sustained by the 14 farm owners and Mr A A Rontgen, who suffered serious burns.

According to evidence a small fire started while trainees of the national intervention unit were busy with a shooting exercise on the skirmish range.

They tried to stop the fire with six small indoor fire extinguishers, but it started spreading rapidly.

The fire raged out of control for several days before it was finally extinguished.

SAPA

Johannesburg – A seven-year-old boy was shot dead when he and his mother were caught in crossfire in Atlantis, Cape Town, Western Cape police said on Saturday.

Spokesperson André Traut said: “The young victim was accompanied by his mother when criminals opened fire, supposedly at another group of criminals, and [they] were both caught in the crossfire.”

The boy’s mother was wounded in the neck and two men were also wounded in the shooting.

“Many people have been questioned and we will continue to question criminals until we find those responsible for the attack,” Traut said.

SAPA

Berlin – South Africa’s Olympic and world champion Chad le Clos claimed his second World Cup win of the week on Saturday with victory in the men’s 200m butterfly final in Berlin.

The 21-year-old, who shot to fame by beating Michael Phelps in the 200m fly final at last year’s London Olympics, set the event’s short-course world record in Eindhoven (1:49.04) on Wednesday.

Le Clos won both the 100 and 200m butterfly golds at Barcelona’s world championships, which finished last Sunday before the World Cup series kicked off in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, on Wednesday then continuing in the German capital this weekend.

Le Clos had to dig deep in Berlin as he clocked 1min 49.90secs in the 200m final with Poland’s Pawel Korzeniowski second at 0.53sec back and Japan’s Daiya Seto adrift at 1.06 in third.

Over the shorter sprint distance, Le Clos, who added the world title to his Olympic crown in the 200m fly at the world championships last week, then finished third in the 50m final behind compatriot Roland Schoeman.

With Le Clos also swimming the 100m fly and 200m individual medley on Sunday, he admitted racing two World Cup meets in a week, straight after the world championships, was taking its toll.

“I’m happy with the time and nice to get another win under the belt,” Le Clos told AFP.

“It’s been a great couple of days, I’ve got a couple of events to come and then I get about 10 days off.

“Everyone is in the same boat, it’s been a pretty tiring week.

“I was up at 5am on Friday to get the train from Eindhoven to Berlin, so it’s been a really busy few days after the worlds.”

Australia’s world champion James Magnussen had to settle for second in the men’s 100m freestyle final as he finished 0.3secs behind winner Vladimir Morozov of Russia, the 50m freestyle world silver medallist in Barcelona.

The 21-year-old Magnussen, who defended his 100m title in Barcelona, will race again on Sunday in the 50m freestyle.

Spain’s Mireia Belmonte, who won world silvers over 200m fly and 400m IM in Barcelona, broke the world short-course record in the women’s 800m freestyle final.

Belmonte clocked 7mins 59.34secs, with New Zealand’s Lauren Boyle came second and Denmark’s Lotte Friis finished third.

AFP

Johannesburg – About 35 000 jobs have been created in rural areas in the past four years, says the department of rural development and land reform.

“The introduction of rural development as an extra mandate of the department of rural development and land reform created 35 000 jobs and provided 17 279 individuals with various skills so they can help themselves,” spokesperson Mtobeli Mxotwa said in a statement.

Mxotwa said the department’s enterprise development arm generated 16 044 of these jobs, while infrastructure development created 5 838 jobs. 

This was reinforced with the enrolment of 12 881 rural youths into the skills training programme called the national rural youth service corps (Narysec)

“Narysec youths are recruited from the 3 000 rural wards between the ages of 18 and 35, irrespective of gender and any disability.

“They are trained in various skills like waste water management, water purification, construction, electricity and agriculture so they can be marketable and also so that they can open their own businesses,” said Mxotwa.

The rural development jobs were created through various initiatives such as building of bridges, schools, health facilities and the construction of roads.

SAPA

Johannesburg – A car accident in Kempton Park, Johannesburg, caused a fire to break out at a factory on Saturday evening, paramedics said.

Netcare911 spokesperson Chris Botha said a car had veered off the road at the intersection of Griffiths and Jet Park Roads and crashed into the factory’s flammable liquid store.

“… [The] factory [was] engulfed in flames with balls of fire shooting a 100m into the night sky,” he said.

Paramedics had to wait while firefighters worked to control the blaze.

It was not immediately known whether the occupants of the car managed to escape the fire.

SAPA

Kaizer Chiefs (1) 3 (Mashamaite 5, Mathoho 64, Tshabalala 70)

University of Pretoria 0 

Kaizer Chiefs got their revenge over the University of Pretoria thanks to a 3-0 win in a MTN8 quarterfinal clash played at the FNB Stadium on Saturday evening. 

Centre back pairing Tefu Mashamaite and Eric Mathoho grabbed a goal apiece before Siphiwe Tshabalala wrapped things up 20 minutes before the final whistle. 

The University of Pretoria were fast out of the blocks, with only a superb block from Tefu Mashamaite in the second minute denying Obadiah Tarumbwa a certain goal.

Charly Moussono-Moussono broke down the left before playing the ball into the area, Tarumbwa looked destined to meet the cross and find the back of the net, but the Glamour Boys centre-back denied the Zimbabwean. 

Mashamaite then got on the score sheet three minutes later. Siphiwe Tshabalalas corner-kick was flicked on by Bernard Parker and brilliantly cleared off the line from Moussono, but Mashamaite was well positioned and thundered the ball into the back of the net from the rebound. 

The Glamour Boys controlled the ball well, camping at times inside the University sides half. The Soweto giants, though, failed to convert possession into goals and nearly paid the price in the 29th minute when Mpho Marupings header went just wide of Itumeleng Khunes left hand upright following good work from Thabo Mosadi. 

Knowledge Musona went close just before the break, but his powerful effort only managed to rattle the side-netting. 

Chiefs went into the break a goal to the good, thanks to some killer instinct from centre back Tefu Mashamaite. 

Ayanda Lubelo had an opportunity to square things up on the hour mark. Lubelo flung himself at a Mosadi cross, but failed to make contact at point blank range, to the relief of Mzansis No 1 Itumeleng Khune. 

Eric Mathoho doubled the Glamour Boys lead in the 64th minute of the encounter. The centre back rose highest before nodding in Tshabalalas corner-kick. 

Tshbalala then grabbed one himself six minutes later. The Bafana Bafana midfielder played a neat one-two with Bernard Parker before slotting the ball past a helpless Washington Arubi to seal matters on the night. 

The Amakhosi join Bidvest Wits and Platinum Stars in the semifinals. The Clever Boys and Dikwena also put three past Bloemfontein Celtic and Free State Stars respectably. 

Chiefs: Khune, Gaxa, Mathoho, Mashamaite, Masilela, Lebese (Gould 78), Letsholonyane, Katsande, Tshabalala, Parker (Masango 88), Musona (Majoro 83) 

Tuks: Arubi, Kekana, Mkhwanazi, Shoyisa, Moussono-Moussono, Maruping, Selolwane (Sibande 75), Matsi, Lubelo (Mathosi 60), Tarumbwa (Fikru 75), Mosadi-TDN

For more http://www.kaizerchiefs.com

Rustenburg – Last season’s Premier League runners-up Platinum Stars continued to shine while gaining a clear-cut 3-0 win over Free State Stars in their opening round MTN8 competition match at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace on Saturday afternoon.

It was doubly satisfying for Platinum Stars as they qualified for the semi-finals of the competition which boasts a winner-takes-all R8m prize for the first time.

And although they lost their articulate coach, Cavin Johnson, to SuperSport United in somewhat controversial circumstances during the off-season, the burgeoning Platinum Stars continued where they left off under replacement Allan Freeze, who had been Johnson’s assistant.

On a balmy, sunny afternoon, which replaced the recent cold snap, Platinum Stars put the heat on their opponents in the 26th minute when inspirational midfielder Benson Mhlongo rose majestically to head Lindokuhle Mbatha’s corner into the roof of the net for the opening goal.

Platinum Stars’ two other goals only emerged in the last 17 minutes of the game and, like the initial scoring effort, emerged from set pieces.

And like Mhlongo’s opening goal, the second goal in the 73rd minute was again the product of a scintillating header, with Mthembu guiding Mogakolodi Ngele’s 25m free-kick past bemused Free State Stars goalkeeper Tshepo Motsoeneng.

Ngele, who starred for Platinum Stars last season with 10 goals, demonstrated he was still in scoring mode when he succeeded from a second acute angled free-kick which knocked the final nail into Free State Stars’ coffin in referee’s optional time.

Mbatha almost produced a fourth goal for Platinum Stars in the closing seconds when a snap shot was first saved by Motsoeneng and then a second attempt screamed centimetres over the crossbar.

Although Free State Stars had more possession than the final score suggested, they played without Platinum’s fluidity and defensive stability while making a grim start to the new season by losing both their opening matches and conceding seven goals.

Clearly, they were missing influential Zambian goalkeeper, Kennedy Mweene, who had moved the Mamelodi Sundowns.

As for Platinum Stars, all they missed were more supporters, in what was the sparsely-filled home stadium.

Scorers:

Platinum Stars (1) 3 (Mhlongo 26’, Mthembu S 74’, Ngele 80’)

Free State Stars 0 

Teams:

Platinum Stars: Mpontshane, Mere, Gumede, Mhlongo, Mbatha, Tshabalala (Nyanda 56’), Ng’ambi, Mthembu S (Botes 77’), Ngele (Msomi 84’), Mathe, Ngwepe

Free State Stars: Motsoeneng, Masehe, Ouro-Akoriko, Shabalala (Wiltwer 77’), Thebakang, Thlone, Mashego, Mthethwa, Mokoena, Venter (Nomandela 67’), Bobe (Sekola 56’)

SAPA

By TDN

Mahikeng-The Black Management Forum (BMF) recognition award bestowed on Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati was deserved and not misplaced because despite being one of the leaders of the historic August 9 1956 women’s march to the union building, she had mothered many Umkhonto We Sizwe (MK) boys and girls in exile and taught women to be women, North West Premier Thandi Modise said in Mahikeng on Friday evening.

In her keynote address delivered at the gala dinner hosted in honour of Mama Ruta as the ANC Stalwart and struggle icon is affectionately known, Premier Modise described Dr Mompati as a gallant fighter, a pathfinder who had groomed her and taught her and many others that everything they know about honouring principle even at the pain of death and to always speak truth.

“Mama Ruta showed courage, character and visionary leadership in the struggle against apartheid and taught me to take punches with dignity and a smile. Though she has served people who have given her nothing back but ingratitude, she has nonetheless  taught us to love our people and to always remember that it is better to give than to receive,” said Premier Modise is a passionate tribute.

Modise recounted the invaluable contribution that Mompati made in the talks about talks that led to the historic CODESA negotiation process, her role as a diplomat in Switzerland and Mayor of Naledi Local Municipality.

Modise called on women to take cue from Mompati’s selfless contribution, to be more assertive and to stop being complacent in order to build a country in which politics have no colour. She appealed to women in the province to build on the foundation laid by Mama Ruta to be exporters of reconciliation, peace and development

In her acceptance speech Dr Mompati thanked the Premier for correctly speaking about the history of South Africa and underscoring the essence of the struggle.

“It was a pleasure listening to the premier speaking, not because she spoke about me, but because she spoke on the history of this country. The continuation of what you have been doing since you became premier or since you became Umkhonto We Sizwe. In the struggle we realised that there were no black or white but people of South Africa. It was not important that you were black or white. What was important was your contribution,” said the elated Dr Mompati who appreciated that the awards evening was not a black affair but brought together people of all races.

Nela Mojanaga Provincial Chairperson of BMF said that her organization’s decision to confer the award on Dr Mompati was inspired by her visionary and principled leadership and the role she had played in the liberation struggle and her contribution towards establishing democratic governance and municipalities in the North West establishing democratic governance and municipalities in the North West. Mama Mompati was involved in the Defiance Campaign in 1952, was a founder member of the Federation of South African Women (FEDSAW) in 1954 and member of Umkhonto We Sizwe Luthuli Detachment.

She received also the Platinum Class III medal for leadership from President Jacob Zuma at the South African Military Veterans Medals Parade held on 2 August 2012.-TDN

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By Obakeng maje

Johannesburg-Police arrested two suspects in connections of Lerato “Lira” Molapo’s house break-in.

According to police, a 24 year-old man was allegedly arrested at a stone-throw away house in Randburg, near Johannesburg.

He was found in possession of stolen items at the muso’s house last night.

“A 24 year-old man was arrested after found in possession of stolen items from Lira’s house. A 26 year-old man handed himself over at police station and allege he is the owner of the house were stolen items found” Lieutenant Colonel Katlego Mogale told SAPA.

Lira’s house was broken in later last night in Randburg.

She and her husband Robin Kohl allegedly caught suspects red-handed and they fled the scene with a muso’s SAMA awards including undisclosed amount of cash.

“The suspects stole furniture, music equipments and other items. Lira was performing at Thaba Ya Batswana Hotel in Women’s Day and later visited friends” Lira spokesperson Magome told City Press.

Mogale said they recovered laptops, phones and other items from the suspects and will appear at Randburg Magistrate Court on Monday.-TDN

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Pic:(By Moeletsi Mabe)

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) had to abandon its motorcade in Johannesburg on Saturday after it was told it did not have permission to gather.

“We have been told that we don’t have permission to gather here and to leave the place,” EFF Gauteng spokesman Patrick Sindane said.

“This is a public place and we need no permission.”  About 50 red beret-clad EFF members had gathered at the Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown.

The motorcade, which would have driven from the Johannesburg CBD to Soweto, was part of a drive to take the EFF to the people.

Sindane accused the Johannesburg metro police department of being government agents who were used to intimidate members of the EFF.

Johannesburg Metro Police Department’s spokesman Wayne Minaar said he could not confirm or deny the EFF’s claim.

For more http://www.timelive.co.za