Eskom board orders investigation into COO
The Eskom board has ordered an independent investigation into allegations of corruption against its chief operating officer (COO) Jan Oberholzer.
“In the best interest of Eskom and both the complainant and the COO, the board has engaged the services of an independent senior counsel to investigate the allegations against the COO, and upon conclusion of such an investigation, to provide recommendations to the board,” said the board in a statement on Thursday.
This as the board acknowledged the receipt of correspondences from civil society orgnaisation Corruption Watch, dated 11 March 2020. The board also revived correspondence from South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU), dated 12 and 18 March 2020.
In the letters both organisations articulate allegations of corruption and victimization against Oberholzer.
“Both organisations cite the same source, an Eskom employee who has since deposed to an affidavit to the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture, as having raised the allegations. In the correspondence, the organisations implore the Eskom board to intervene and act to protect the whistle-blower.”
The board added that many of the allegations raised in the letters have not previously been made available to the executive management and the board of Eskom.
The letters also follow the publication of recent media articles that continue to refer to some of the allegations.
“From the onset, it must be stated categorically that Eskom’s executive management and the board stand firmly against corruption, victimization and abuse of power,” said the board, adding that whistle-blowers are a key instrument in the fight against corruption.
Eskom has previously dealt with matters concerning the COO, and after an investigation led by an outside senior counsel, the investigation was closed following a thorough examination of the allegations, to which no substance was found.
“In light of the new allegations as articulated in the Corruption Watch and SAFTU letters, including the alleged abuse of power, the board of Eskom has taken urgent steps to address these allegations in a transparent process following Eskom’s governance principles and disciplinary code,” it said.
Treasury warns of scams amid COVID-19
National Treasury has warned suppliers not to fall victim to opportunistic scams exploiting the COVID-19 outbreak.
“The current environment of the COVID-19 virus has given rise to opportunistic scammers hoping to make a quick buck from companies who supply goods and services to government. National Treasury wishes to bring these to the attention of suppliers,” said the National Treasury in a statement.
The department has, on behalf of government, awarded the following transversal contracts that provide items required to limit or prevent the transmission of COVID-19:
· Face masks and disposable aprons are available on RT32-2019
· Safety goggles and PVC boots are on RT64-2019
· Gloves are available on RT76-2020
· Sanitisers available on RT296 and are only for surfaces and not for application on hands.
The department said it is important for suppliers doing business with government to be aware and careful in responding to fake Requests For Quotations (RFQs) requesting the provision of the items or similar items.
“For items that are not on transversal contracts, National Treasury has already made alternative arrangements to augment the possible shortages in the system,” said Treasury.
The department said the onus remains with suppliers to ensure that the RFQs they respond to during this heightened period and beyond are in line with the commodities and services they registered for on the Central Supplier Database (CSD).
It is also their responsibility to contact the institutions directly to verify the validity of the RFQ.
Contracts are facilitated through the National Treasury for organs of state to procure common goods and services, said the department.
Nine suspects arrested in Eastern Cape police blitz
Hard work paid off for Eastern Cape police who recovered four illegal firearms and 35 rounds of ammunition, while also arresting nine suspects.
In the first incident, two men aged 34 and 69, as well as a 43-year-old woman were nabbed by a task team assisted by the K9 unit.
“The task team was specially assembled to fight faction fights at Khanyayo locality, Lusikisiki. The suspects were arrested today at about 03h00 after they were found in possession of a 9mm Norinco pistol with 8 rounds,” said Eastern Cape police on Wednesday.
Another 69-year-old man was arrested for possession of a Shotgun with 09 shells.
The woman was arrested for possession of a homemade shotgun, a shotgun shell, five R5 rifle rounds, two 9mm parabellum with 10 rounds, a R1 rifle with one round and LMG round.
In another unrelated incident, three men all aged 21 years were arrested by a Vispol and Detective team during an operation that was conducted at Xhongora and Mqhekezweni localities in Bityi.
“The suspects were wanted for the shooting and murder of two foreign nationals in two different incidents earlier this month. The suspects were found in possession of a 9mm pistol with four rounds.”
All suspects are expected to appear before Mthatha and Lusikisiki Magistrate Courts soon facing charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and unlawful possession of ammunition.
Public urged to refrain from illegal gambling establishments
Following the declaration of a national state of disaster, the National Gambling Board (NGB) has cautioned the public to avoid the temptation to access unlicensed gambling operators.
Among the interventions announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in his address to the nation as part of government’s effort to contain the spread of the Coronavirus, was the prohibition of gatherings of more than 100 people.
In a statement on Wednesday, the NGB said it is confident that licensed gambling establishments will take the necessary precautionary steps to implement the proactive measures called for by the President, particularly in instances where there will be gatherings of up to 100 persons or more on their premises.
“However, in the event that licensed gambling establishments are temporarily closed for business owing to an escalation of the pandemic, the NGB cautions the public to avoid the temptation to access unlicensed gambling operators, which may still be operational despite the preventive measures in place, whether physically or on online platforms,” said the board.
The board said unlicensed gambling operators have been, and continue to be unlawful.
“Consequently, members of the public accessing their services will have no certainty of protection in terms of hygiene / health, and no legal recourse in terms of ‘punter protection’ as provincial licensing authorities and the NGB will not be able to intervene in solving winnings-related disputes.”
The NGB, which is an agency of the Department of Trade and Industry (dti) urged the public to abide by the President’s announcement, as these measures have been put in place for their benefit.
It encouraged the public to refrain from gambling where the usual gambling destinations are unavailable.
“The NGB encourages the public to instead exercise patience and wait until the situation improves. The NGB encourages the public to be vigilant against unlawful gambling activities, and to contact the NGB for any further information.”
New regulations prohibit cruise liners at SA’s sea ports
Thursday, March 19, 2020
Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula says new regulations that came into effect on Wednesday, will see all cruise and passenger ships entering South Africa through its sea ports being prohibited from disembarkation.
Briefing the media at the Port of Cape Town on Wednesday, Mbalula said the regulations, which were gazetted on the same day, will assist in strengthening government’s efforts to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This follows President Cyril Ramaphosa’s declaration of the disease constituting a state of national disaster on Sunday.
He said this as government announced that the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases rose by 31 to 116.
“The regulations give effect to the prohibition of embarkation and disembarkation of passengers at all the eight sea ports. In terms of these regulations, no passenger vessels will be allowed in our ports,” he said.
The Minister said this after Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) confirmed on Tuesday that two vessels at the Port of Cape Town were held off port.
This as a crew member on board one of the vessels began to exhibit COVID-19 symptoms.
“In essence, there is a total ban on cruise ships. This affects all leisure travellers. With effect from today, no cruise ships will be permitted to call into South African ports or will any be allowed to leave our shores,” he said.
Cargo vessels not affected by regulations
Earlier in the day, when President Cyril Ramaphosa convened a meeting of all political parties in Parliament to discuss the country’s response to the pandemic, he along with several opposition leaders, raised their collective concern over the potential effects of the virus on the economy.
Briefing journalists, Mbalula said to minimize the adverse effects of the virus on the economy, cargo vessels docking on the country’s sea ports would not be affected.
“All of our eight sea port operations and cargo handling work will continue.”
“The current regulations and measures do not prohibit trade. Cargo ships will still be allowed to call into our ports to off-load and to on-load cargo. This is to minimize the adverse effects of the virus on our economy and our global trade position,” he said.
Mbalula said the new regulations would prohibit crew changes for all types of vessels, including merchant ships.
“We are aware that in the normal course of ship operations the local ship workers [stevedores and other dock workers] do come into contact with ship crews and this is one point of possible contamination that we have requested port authorities to manage. Personal protective equipment and wear has to also be provided to these workers,” he said.
Temperature screening, improved hygiene
In an earlier media briefing with other political leaders, the President said the regulations would provide for the operating authority to improve hygiene by regular sanitization as a preventative measure to mitigate the spread of the virus.
Mbalula said key staff and those in the front line have to be provided with protective personal equipment and wear.
Temperature screening at sea ports would be heightened.
“The Port Health section of the national Department of Health, has heightened its screening of personnel and individuals with our ports of entry and also at six of the eight sea ports. The screening is important and will be continuous to identify possible cases. Two sea ports that don’t have port health capability are Mossel Bay and Saldahna Bay in the Western Cape,” he said.
Mbalula also said that the regulations would also prohibit the gathering of more than 100 people at a sea port.
“Movement of workers and people also has to managed to limit human interaction and promote social distance,” he said.
Cruise liner passengers suspected of having COVID-19 test negative
Meanwhile, the SA Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) has announced that the six passengers who were under quarantine on the German cruise ship, AidAmira, which docked at the passenger port on Friday, have been cleared of the virus after testing negative.
This comes after TNPA confirmed on Tuesday that two vessels at the Port of Cape Town were being held off port limits after a crew member on board one of the vessels began to exhibit symptoms of COVID-19.
The two vessels in question were AidAmira and a cargo vessel, MV Corona.
It was established that the six AidAmira passengers had been on the same flight from Instanbul, Turkey on 9 March 2020 with two cabin crew members on board MV Corona.
The MV AidAmira ship has been operating between Port of Cape Town and Walvis Bay, in Namibia, this cruise season.
The vessel sailed on Friday, 13 March 2020, from the Port of Walvis Bay with 1240 passengers and a total crew of 486 on board.
As a result, the 1240 passengers were quarantined on board the ship while the six were isolated while ports officials awaited their test results.
SAMSA Acting CEO Sobantu Tilayi said tests results have been received.
“We have received the results for those tests and they all have tested negative. The next step is for us to sit and see how do we handle the balance of the people that are on this ship, bearing in mind that this is the last call the ship is making in light of the barring of all cruise operations”.
As Tlilayi made this announcement to the media, loud cheers could be heard a few meters away from passengers on board AidAmira, who caught wind of the news through an announcement by the cruise ship’s crew members.
Man wanted for killing warrant officer
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation has launched an extensive manhunt for a suspect, following the brutal killing of 52-year-old Warrant Officer Thinandavha Stanley Mudau, on Sunday.
A 17-year-old female rape victim had presented to the Thohoyandou Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offenses (FCS) unit where Mudau was working.
The victim, who is a foreign national, reportedly told Mudau that she had been raped by her relative, Simon Matakura, who is also a foreign national.
It is reported that Mudau decided to take the victim to the police station, so that she can open a case. However, Mudau decided to go to the suspect’s place of residence first.
On arrival at the suspect’s place, it is reported that Mudau was abruptly attacked by the suspect with a machete, killing him instantly. The rape victim was also attacked and she is currently being treated in hospital.
The Hawks in Limpopo are appealing to anyone who may know the whereabouts of Matakura to come forward.
Janusz Waluz denied parole
Justice Minister Ronald Lamola has denied Janusz Walus parole over the assassination of former South African Communist Party (SACP) leader Chris Hani.
Walus is in prison for the planned assassination of former Secretary General of the South African Communist Party (SACP), Martin Thembisile Chris Hani, in 1993.
Walus was sentenced to death but with the death sentence declared unconstitutional, he was sentenced to life imprisonment.
In December 2019, the High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division, ordered Lamola to reconsider within 60 days the decision taken in January 2019 by former Minister, Advocate Michael Masutha, to refuse granting of parole to offender Janusz Walus.
Lamola’s decision backed that taken by his predecessor former Minister, Advocate Michael Masutha.
The Minister said it is clear that the political assassination of the late Hani was executed with the intention to create chaos and mayhem in the country.
“The crime was intended and had the potential to bring about a civil war within the Republic at the time. It must also be noted that Walus was convicted of murder with no extenuating circumstances having been found to be present.
“Considering this fact, placing offender Walus on parole would negate the severity that the court sought when sentencing him. With this premise, and balancing both negative and positive factors, the placement on parole for offender Walus is not approved at this stage,” said the Minister.
Factors taken into consideration
When taking this decision, Minister Lamola said he took both positive and negative factors into consideration.
Of the positive factors, the Minister said he noted Walus’ behaviour and adjustment during his incarceration, multidisciplinary programmes attended by the offender within the correctional centre among others.
The negative factors considered include the nature and seriousness of the crime of the cold-blooded political assassination committed by the offender and the fact that the court sought to impose the severest punishment that the law permits.
Walus has spent 27-years in prison and has made several applications to be considered for parole which were denied.
SARB not withdrawing banknotes, coins
The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has warned the public that it is not withdrawing banknotes and coins due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
This came amid fake news circulating on social media involving a scam claiming that it is “recalling” money from the public.
“It is believed that criminal elements are visiting the homes of members of the public telling them to hand over banknotes in their possession because the banknotes have been contaminated with the Coronavirus,” said the SARB.
The central bank said the criminal elements carry fake SARB identification and provide false receipts in lieu of the banknotes “collected” which they purport can be collected from any of the banks.
“The SARB has neither withdrawn any banknotes or coins, nor [has it] issued any instruction to hand in banknotes or coins that may be contaminated with the COVID-19 virus,” the SARB said in a statement.
The SARB said it will not, under any circumstances, send employees or representatives to collect cash from the public.
“If members of the public are approached by individuals purporting to be SARB employees or representatives, to hand in their cash, they should refuse and contact local police. There currently is no evidence that the COVID-19 virus is transmitted through the use of banknotes and coins. The SARB continues to encourage members of the public to follow basic hygiene practice and clean their hands often,” said the SARB.
Teens to appear in court for armed robbery
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
By:Onalenna Mhlongo
Three teenagers are to appear in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court after they were found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and two cellphones, said Gauteng police.
The three who are aged 16, were apprehended on Monday at a shop at the corner of Servaas and Shutte streets shortly after robbing two women.
“Police approached the suspects and searched them, an unlicensed firearm and two cellphones of the victims were recovered,” said police.
The three also face charges of armed robbery.