Category: News

KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has urged local government office bearers to be responsive to the needs of communities or face the consequences from the electorate.

Speaking at the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) KZN Sustainable Governance and Accountability Symposium in Durban last week, Buthelezi underscored the importance of sustainable governance and innovative solutions to meet the challenges facing municipalities throughout the province.

Buthelezi pointed out the complexities confronting municipalities, including climate change, financial limitations, and the imperative for enhanced service delivery.

He advocated for a unified approach to governance that is rooted in sustainability and accountability, which he believes is essential for long-term development and resilience.

“Our municipalities are the cornerstone of our communities, and their effectiveness in service delivery is vital for the welfare of our citizens. The current challenges necessitate a re-evaluation of our governance methods and the adoption of new strategies,” Buthelezi stated.

The MEC said the financial model for municipal funding ought to be reassessed, especially considering the recent veld fires that resulted in 15 fatalities last month. This, he said, demonstrates the urgent need for municipalities to be better equipped for such disasters.

He emphasised the importance of revising the financial support structures for local governments to ensure their preparedness for future challenges.

Buthelezi further praised the joint efforts of all parties involved in promoting accountability and transparency in municipal governance.

He encouraged mayors and senior officials to persist in these endeavours, reminding them that sustainable governance is an ongoing process that demands consistent commitment.

“The prosperity of our municipalities relies on our collective capacity to collaborate, innovate and maintain accountability. Our primary objective is to forge a brighter future for the people of KwaZulu-Natal,” Buthelezi said.

The SALGA KZN Sustainable Governance and Accountability Symposium brought together key local government stakeholders to deliberate on ways to improve governance practices, focusing on sustainability and accountability.

Police in Gauteng have arrested over 900 suspects in the high-density Operation Shanela carried out under the leadership of the Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni.

The arrested suspects were involved in a wide range of serious crimes, including murder, attempted murder, rape, business robbery, drug dealing, possession of drugs, assault, hijacking, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

The collaborative effort involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Home Affairs, Department of Correctional Services, Gauteng Traffic Police, Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department (TMPD), Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens, Community Policing Forum and private securities.

Commencing on Saturday, the weekend operation included strategic roadblocks and targeted raids focused on capturing wanted suspects.

During the operation, over 600 suspects wanted for various crimes were apprehended by detectives across the province, with 117 arrests related to gender-based violence.

The Provincial Commissioner took charge of the roadblock in Mamelodi East and West in the Tshwane District, where violent crimes such as murder, assault, hijacking and robbery are prevalent.

Parallel high-density operations were conducted across all districts, resulting in the apprehension of multiple suspects engaged in criminal activities.

In the Tshwane district, 43 suspects were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, 79 were illegal immigrants, two were involved in drug dealing, one was nabbed for employing illegal immigrants, one for dealing in illicit cigarettes and 10 unlicensed liquor outlets were closed for non-compliance with regulations.

The high-density operation will persist until a significant crime reduction is achieved in Gauteng.

The apprehended suspects will appear before various provincial Magistrates’ Courts.

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has given the City of Cape Town permission to construct an emergency spillway on the fourth and remaining farm dam reported to be on the verge of collapse to lower the risk of its collapse.

This follows the failure of three farm dams, located in Riverlands, that breached, resulting in flooding that caused severe property and infrastructure damage to the affected area, leading to hundreds of people being provided with humanitarian assistance.

The department’s Head of Communication, Dr Mandla Mathebula, said the three failed dams did not have sufficient spillways and had filled beyond the safe level, resulting in overtopping due to high rainfall and associated run off, causing them to fail in series.

“The fourth dam, which is the highest dam in the valley, also has no spillway and it has been discovered that it has some structural damage. The dams are owned by the Western Cape Provincial Government and serve local farmers.

“To reduce the risk of potential failure, the DWS Dam Safey Office has granted permission for the construction of an emergency spillway on the fourth dam,” Mathebula said.

Mathebula said construction has started under the supervision of an approved professional person and will ensure that the dam is able to manage the anticipated floods due to the predicted rainfall, which will last until Tuesday.

“The existing outlet pipe of the dam will also be kept fully open to allow the dam levels to drop to safe capacity or even empty if required,” Mathebula said.

According to the preliminary report by the department’s engineers who are on site, the dams failed last week Wednesday at approximately 3am. The town of Riverlands, approximately two kilometres downstream, was partially flooded.

Due to the dams storing the bulk of the catchment runoff and not having any spillways to discharge any water in rainy seasons, the river dried up downstream.

Mathebula noted that most of the affected houses, including the railway line, subsistence farming smallholdings, schools, roads, and other structures, were constructed in the original river flood zones.

He said the department will conduct an investigation into the causes of the dam failures and depending on the results of the investigation, DWS may implement regulatory actions to ensure accountability.

“DWS is doing its best to assist the City of Cape Town during this difficult period to ensure that the situation is normalised. The DWS has dispatched its engineers from the Western Cape Regional Office to provide expert advice to stabilise and rehabilitate the situation.

“A local Joint Operations Committee has been established, represented by a variety of municipalities, disaster management teams, DWS, Gift for Givers, SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), social and humanitarian organisations, amongst others,’” Mathebula said.

The department has assured the communities around the affected area that all hands are on deck to resolve the problem. It encouraged community members to cooperate during this period to ensure speedy work on site.

Police have arrested four people following acts of intimidation and violence at a primary school in Katlehong.

In a video that has gone viral on social media, men with replica firearms and a panga are seen intimidating and harassing learners and teachers.

The police said in a statement on Tuesday that the local pastor, his security personnel and others stormed Matshidiso Primary School on Monday and forcefully took two minor children.

“The four were arrested last night and will appear in the Palm Ridge court in due course. They are facing a variety of charges including assault, handling a firearm recklessly that could endanger lives and property, rendering security services while not registered, malicious damage to property and intimidation,” said the police.

The replica firearm and the pangas have been confiscated.

Police said one of the suspects was arrested for assaulting the Station Commander at Katlehong North police station when a group of people was demanding to see the pastor outside the police station.

The Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni says the possibility of police effecting more arrests cannot be ruled out as investigations into the matter continue.

An Mpumalanga man allegedly shot and killed his wife before turning the gun on himself, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said on Tuesday.

“We are deeply saddened by the report of this tragic incident,” the acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi said.

The gender-based violence (GBV) incident took place on Tuesday morning in Kabokweni, just outside White River.

Police and Emergency Services Personnel were dispatched to the scene, however, both individuals died as a result of the incident.

While investigators continue to probe the matter, General Mkhwanazi has emphasised that today’s tragedy is a stark reminder of the urgent need for awareness, prevention and support for those impacted by GBV.

As part of efforts to address the challenges of gender-based violence and femicide, the SAPS in Mpumalanga has organised a prayer day on Wednesday in Ermelo where members, together with faith-based-organisations.

“Domestic violence is an issue that affects individuals and communities globally, and we urge anyone who may be experiencing or aware of domestic violence to seek help.

“There are numerous resources and support systems available, including our Crime Stop number 08600 10111 and Victim Friendly Facilities in our Police Stations across the province, that can provide assistance and guidance,” said Mkhwanazi.

The Special Tribunal has dismissed, with costs, an exception application raised by Pro Secure (Pty) Ltd in a matter related to the procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE) by the Limpopo Department of Health in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This follows an investigation by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) into PPE procurement contracts – worth up to some R182 million – by the department in which Pro Secure was a service provider.

“This ruling supports the SIU’s stance on the irregular procurement of PPE by the Limpopo Department of Health during the pandemic.

“The SIU’s investigation uncovered irregularities in the appointment of service providers such as Pro Secure (Pty) Ltd, Clinipro (Pty) Ltd, and Ndia Business Trading (Pty) Ltd for the supply and delivery of PPE, resulting in approximately R182 million in irregular and/or fruitless and wasteful expenditure by the department,” the SIU said in a statement.

The investigation occurred following a proclamation by President Cyril Ramaphosa, which gave way for the corruption busting unit to investigate allegations of corruption, maladministration, malpractice, and payments by state institutions related to PPE procurement during the pandemic.

“The SIU is also empowered to institute civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to address any wrongdoing uncovered during investigations related to acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration. In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU refers any evidence of criminal conduct it uncovers to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action,” the SIU statement said.

The Road Accident Fund (RAF) has welcomed a Limpopo High Court judgement in which an over-exaggerated claim was reduced by over 90% after some of the documentary evidence submitted was found to be inaccurate and contradictory.

The original claim, which came to R11 million, was submitted by a mother on behalf of her daughter who was hit by a car while walking to a shop in 2015.

The RAF said based on the judgement it is clear that lawyers who represented the claimant recommended and guided the mother for the child to be sent to many specialists, despite the injuries being minor.

“This is a common problem for the RAF. Most legal practitioners attempt to extract as much cash as possible from the State entity, an unethical and sometimes criminal practice that affects the RAF and is grossly unfair to other claimants,” RAF Chief Executive Officer Collins Letsoalo said on Monday.

The child was four years old when the accident occurred. She was apparently rushed to a clinic by the driver of the car involved, treated and discharged the same day.

In their submission, the mother’s legal representative argued that various specialists had suggested various ways in which the accident had affected the child, compiling reports that the mother used to claim R11 million for her child’s loss of earnings.

Documentary evidence from psychologists, surgeons, and a therapist were used by lawyers to support the claim.

However, the judge disagreed. Handing down his judgement, Judge E Mashamba decreased the amount to R800 000 after the court found disparities in the medical specialists’ reports.

“The court decided that the child’s injuries were unlikely to adversely impact her school performance, or future loss of earnings. The only information the court found credible was that of the clinical psychologist, who stated the child has post traumatic disorder and psychosocial problems.

“The court found these problems probably only have a slight effect on the child’s future income.

“While the Fund is not apportioning criminal blame to the law firm that represented the woman, they should nevertheless be ashamed of themselves for creating expectations to the mother that she was in for a huge cash windfall. The disparity between the R11 million and R800 000 is proof enough that there was probably unethical conduct involved,” the RAF said.

The Fund said the court’s decision is a vindication of its position that claimants, primarily guided by lawyers, are involved in the grand scale looting of the public entity.

“From 2021 to 2023, the Fund stopped R2.6 billion’s worth of claims from being paid. This is a result of the commendable work done by the organisation’s forensic investigation department, in partnership with various law enforcement agencies,” the RAF said.

The RAF is an entity of the Department of Transport.

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Thembi Simelane, has condemned the rape of a 101-year-old woman in the Zaaiplaas area of Sekhukhune, Limpopo.

A 27-year-old man has been arrested on charges of rape and housebreaking, and is expected to appear in the Zaaiplaas Periodical Court on Thursday for a possible bail hearing.

The suspect – who lives in the same area as the grandmother – made his first appearance in court on Monday and remains in custody until his hearing on Thursday.

“This horrific crime is a stark indictment of our society, particularly during Women’s Month – a time dedicated to honouring and celebrating the women of our nation. The suffering inflicted upon this respected member of our community is both reprehensible and heartbreaking.

“Older persons possess valuable knowledge and wisdom that can greatly enhance our efforts to build a better life for all. They are entitled to all the rights enshrined in our Constitution, especially the right to have their dignity respected. The protection and dignity of the elderly and vulnerable reflect the core values of our society, grounded in ubuntu. It is therefore deeply disturbing when such heinous acts occur in our country,” Simelane said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Correctional Services said an internal investigation has been launched after an official of the department was seen on video using inappropriate and vulgar language while in full uniform.

National Commissioner of Correctional Services Makgothi Thobakgale said: “We would like to assure the public that this type of behaviour is not reflective of the values and standards upheld by the Department of Correctional Services. Our goal is to foster a respectful and professional environment among our officials and the general public.”

Telecommunications giant MTN has lost a Special Tribunal exception application in connection with the alleged irregular supply of mobile devices for COVID-19 screening to the Limpopo Department of Health.

This after the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) launched an investigation into the affairs of that department which – the unit insists – “revealed that MTN made an unsolicited proposal to supply the department with 10 000 cell phone devices intended for COVID-19 mass screenings” in that province.

“This proposal cost the department R10 million. This falls outside the prescripts of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). The Department of Health accepted the proposal and subsequent delivery of the devices.

“The SIU’s investigation also found that the former Head of the Department, Dr Thokozani Florence Mhlongo, as the accounting officer, allegedly exposed the department to a wasteful expenditure when she authorised the procurement and payment of 10 000 cell phones to the value of R10 million for Covid-19 household screening.

“The department could only manage to distribute 388 of the 10 000 cell phones between September 2020 and March 2021 and the cell phones were distributed without the required screening application,” the SIU said.

The corruption busting unit added that it has instituted civil action in the Special Tribunal “to review and set aside the contract and recover financial losses suffered by the Limpopo Department of Health”.

“So far, the SIU has successfully interdicted the pension payout of Dr Mhlongo after she resigned from her position as head of the department in the face of disciplinary action.

“The SIU is also empowered to institute civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to address any wrongdoing uncovered during investigations related to acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration. In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU refers any evidence of criminal conduct it uncovers to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action,” the unit said.

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Thembi Simelane, has strongly condemned an attack on a prosecutor and a stenographer at the Mamelodi Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

According to the department, a suspect convicted of common robbery and damage to property allegedly attacked the two with a broken bottle immediately after their verdict was handed down.

“We will not tolerate such acts of violence in our courts. The suspect will be prosecuted for committing this crime. It is essential that our courts remain free to fulfil their constitutionally mandated role in administering justice without fear of harm. Any assault on court officials undermines the authority of the state and will not be tolerated,” Simelane said of Thursday’s incident.

The Mamelodi Magistrates’ Court is in Pretoria, Gauteng.

The department added that an investigation into the incident is being conducted.

“As the police are currently investigating the matter, the department is unable to disclose further details at this time. However, senior management from the department has visited the Mamelodi Court and all staff affected by the incident will receive trauma counselling support.

“In response to this incident, the Minister has directed the department to urgently conduct a comprehensive security and risk assessment, identify any potential lapses and implement immediate measures to address any gaps,” the department concluded.