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The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has advised members of the public who need to access health care services at Tembisa Hospital today, to visit other health facilities, as the hospital remains inaccessible following a fatal shooting incident.

The incident has left both patients and staff members in shock.

According to the department, patients currently admitted at the facility continue to receive care.

Members of the public will be notified when the facility reopens later today.

Just after 08:00 this morning, a 30-year-old police officer entered the hospital driving a State vehicle with blue lights on and parked at the Accident and Emergency Department’s parking lot.

The man then called his 30-year-old partner, who was on duty at the time, to come to the parking lot. Upon arrival, the police officer opened fire on the Enrolled Nursing Assistant and then turned the gun on himself.

Unfortunately, the nurse died on the scene while the police officer is currently in a critical condition.

Given the tragic incident, Tembisa Hospital is currently not in a position to receive the public into the facility and is diverting calls to nearby facilities.

This will allow the police to work on the scene of the incident and for the debriefing and counselling of both staff and patients.

Justice and Constitutional Development Deputy Minister John Jeffery says the possible decriminalisation of sex work may be disputed, but it must be fully debated before a decision is taken.

This as the Deputy Minister is expected to start a series of consultations with interested parties and stakeholders on the decriminalisation of sex work.

“The issue of decriminalisation may be a contested one, but is also one that needs to be debated and a decision taken, as the issue has been one which has been delayed for far too long.

“It is important that we fully engage with stakeholders regarding the proposed policy options, as there are many divergent views. We need to further engage with relevant government departments to ascertain the implications of changing the legislative framework and we also engage the public on their views,” Jeffery said.

Consultations begin on Wednesday, 9 February.

Department spokesperson Chrispin Phiri explained that the consultations will begin today (Wednesday).

“The Deputy Minister will be meeting with representatives of the pro-decriminalization sex work sector tomorrow in a closed meeting. Thereafter the [he] will have a series of similar meetings with other stakeholders who are in favour of the so-called Nordic Model.

“The Deputy Minister will also meet with religious organisations and Traditional Leaders. The dates of these meetings have not yet been confirmed,” department spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said.

In South Africa, prostitution and keeping a brothel are illegal as set out by the Sexual Offences Act of 1957 and the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act of 2007.

Several municipalities also have by-laws, which are aimed at removing or arresting sex workers.

South Africa’s COVID-19 caseload has risen by 2 824 in the past 24 hours, with a positivity rate of 8.2%, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) said on Tuesday.

This means the country now has a total number of 3 628 014 laboratory-confirmed cases since the outbreak.

Gauteng continues to account for the highest number of daily infections after 997 people have been confirmed to have contracted the virus.

The province is followed by 462 cases in KwaZulu-Natal, 425 in the Western Cape and 216 in Limpopo, while the rest of the provinces reported less than 100 cases.

In addition, there are 268 latest fatalities due to COVID-19, of which 20 were logged in the past 24 to 48 hours, pushing the official death toll to 96 289.

Meanwhile, data shows that the hospital admissions have increased by 101 to 4 502 since the last reporting cycle.

The Department of Health administered 65 499 COVID-19 vaccine doses, bringing the total to 30 325 638 to date.

According to the department, the country now has 16 637 053 fully jabbed adults, while 1 322 615 doses have been given to children from 12 to 17 years old.

The statistics also show that the country has now distributed 704 148 booster shots.

Globally, as of 8 February 2022, there have been 396 558 014 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 5 745 032 deaths, reported to the World Health Organisation (WHO)

Global view

According to the WHO, during the week of 31 January to 6 February 2022, the number of new COVID-19 cases decreased by 17% compared to the previous week.

On the other hand, deaths increased by 7%.

“Across the six WHO regions, over 19 million new cases and just under 68 000 new deaths were reported,” the agency’s weekly epidemiological update stated.

At the regional level, the WHO said the Eastern Mediterranean region reported a peak of 36% in the number of new weekly cases while all other regions reported decreases.

In addition, the number of new weekly deaths continued to increase in the South-East Asia (67%) and Eastern Mediterranean (45%), while the number remained similar to that of the previous week in the region of the Americas and Europe and decreased in the African (14%) and Western Pacific regions (5%).

The highest number of new cases were reported from the United States (1 874 006 new cases, 50% decrease), France (1 738 189 new cases, 26% decrease), Germany (1 285 375 new cases, 22% increase), Brazil (1 241 025 new cases, similar to the previous week’s figures) and India (1 095 616 new cases, a 41% decrease).

The highest number of new deaths were reported from the United States (14 090 new deaths, 15% decrease), India (7 888 new deaths, 69% increase), Russia (4 686 new deaths, similar to the previous week’s figures), Brazil (4 610 new deaths, 39% increase) and Mexico (2 910 new deaths, 48% increase).

“The current global epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 is characterised by the continued rapid global spread of the Omicron variant,” the WHO said.

In addition, all other variants, including variants of concern t including Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta and variants of interest, Lambda and Mu continue to decline in all six WHO regions.

The National Prosecuting Authority Investigating Directorate (NPA ID) says more arrests related to police corruption can be expected.

This, as fifteen people were arrested and appeared in the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in connection with alleged corruption in the awarding of R1.9 million in SA Police Service Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) contracts.

The bail applications of at least 12 of the suspects is expected to be heard in the court on Wednesday with three others already out on bail of R5000 each.

“The arrests follow an investigation into the capture of the SAPS procurement and supply chain to aid front companies to score lucrative contracts and facilitate kickbacks to SAPS senior officials. This is the sixth case by the ID tackling the scourge of corruption within the police service,” NPA ID spokesperson, Sindiswa Seboka, said.

She said the group faces several charges relating to the undue benefit of suppliers in the procurement of latex gloves for SAPS.

“The group face charges of corruption, theft, fraud and forgery. The gang was arrested by the task team of the National Police Commissioner and the (ID), for the acquisition of PPE valued at R1.9 million.

“The accused were arrested for allegations of having caused a supplier to unduly benefit from the procurement of latex gloves in April 2020 for the SAPS nationally,” Seboka said.

Meanwhile, the fraud and corruption case against former mayor and municipal manager of the Thulamela Local Municipal has been postponed in the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court.

NPA spokesperson in Limpopo, Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, said the two were arrested in connection with “the looting” of the Venda Building Society (VBS) Mutual Bank.

“The former mayor [Avhashoni Tshifhango] allegedly received a Jeep Cherokee…valued at R638 400 from the director of VBS as gratification for the…investment made by the Thulamela Municipality and the municipal manager [Hlengani Maluleke] invested R30 million of municipal money into VBS, in contravention of the Municipal Finances Management Act,” she said.

The two have been granted R30 000 bail and the matter has been transferred to the Polokwane Specialised Commercial Crimes Court.

The two are expected back in the court on May 24.

Malabi-Dzhangi added that at least R1.6 billion has been lost by municipalities in Limpopo, Gauteng and the North West after “illegally investing in the bank”.

Police in the Eden Cluster in the Garden Route District at the weekend arrested 323 suspects in various operations.

These, said Captain Malcolm Pojie in a statement, were through the strategic deployment of integrated forces.

He said the suspects were arrested between Friday and Sunday morning.

“Of these 267 were for reported crime committed during the mentioned period of three days, 18 suspects represents wanted suspects for serious crime and 19 for whom warrants of arrests were issued and executed. The total arrests represent various criminal offences, ranging from petty to more serious offences,” he said.

Pojie said the weekend’s operations included high visibility blue light patrols in crime stricken areas, roadblocks, stop and search operations with a special focus on drug and liquor outlets, illegal firearms, the tracing of wanted suspects and the confiscation of dangerous weapons.

Most of the arrested suspects were set to make their court appearances in the local magistrates’ court today once charged.

During these integrated operations at a roadblock on the N-2 near the Tsitsikamma Tollgates, members attached to the Eden Cluster Flying Squad pulled over a taxi en-route to Kwanokuthula from the Eastern Cape.

He said members conducted a routine search when they detect a strong cannabis odour inside the cabin.  Members ensued with a thorough search, resulting in the find of more than 8.5kg of Dagga worth approximately R25 000.00 that was concealed in 19 plastic shopping bags hidden in a huge yellow plastic bag.

“Subsequent to the find, members arrested the driver and his operator for Dealing and alternatively Possession of Illegal Drugs. The pair, 42-and-56 years old from Kwanokuthula, are scheduled to appear in the Plettenberg Bay Magistrates’ court tomorrow, Monday, 7 February 2022 on mentioned charges,” he said.

Meanwhile in Pacaltsdorp, members attached to the Crime Prevention Unit took to the streets and arrested six suspects for the possession of Mandrax and small quantities of Tik as well as two more suspects for the Possession of Dangerous weapons which included an okapi flick knife similar to the one that claimed the life of a young man about a week ago in New Dawn Park Pacaltsdorp. These suspects between the ages 19 and 54 is scheduled to appear in the George Magistrates’ court on Monday.

Eden Acting Cluster Commander, Brigadier Belinda Pather praised the members for their dedication to safeguard communities within their area.

He said the confiscation of illicit Drugs during the weekend contributed to the prevention of serious crime such as murder and assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Western Cape Provincial Management commended the members for their vigilance in bringing these perpetrators to book. Combined and integrated operations will continue throughout and beyond the festive season with the focus to safeguard Western Cape against the scourge of Drug addiction and serious and violent crimes, including GBV-offences.

The South Africa National Defence Force (SANDF) has refuted claims that it recruits child soldiers after a social media post that made rounds recently.

South African Army Chief, Lieutenant General Lawrence Khulekani Mbatha, said he was outraged by the “repeated efforts by faceless criminals to bring the South African Army (SA Army) into disrepute”.

“The recent use of the various social media platforms targeting youths as young as 15 years is absolutely unethical, incorrect and should be condemned by all law-abiding citizens of our country.”

According to a statement released on Monday, neither the SA Army nor the SANDF engages in the employment of child soldiers.

“The Constitution of the country and the relevant legal prescripts of government employment do not allow for the recruitment of minors. It is therefore illegal and unethical to suggest that the SA Army is calling for minors to apply for employment.”

The SANDF said scammers have resorted to luring desperate youths and their unsuspecting parents by offering stipends, free accommodation and free applications, a deviation from the crooks’ well-known modus operandi of asking for an application fee to make their advertisements enticing.

“The South African Army and the SANDF wishes to reiterate categorically that there is currently no official marketing and recruitment drives being conducted.”

The SA Army has since vowed to cooperate with the relevant law enforcement agencies to track, trace and bring to book the perpetrators of these “atrocious” criminal acts.

South Africa recorded 1 752 new COVID-19 cases and a further 18 deaths, of which eight occurred in the past 24 to 48 hours.

In total, 3 623 962 people in South Africa have contracted the virus and 95 835 patients lost their lives after testing positive.

According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), Gauteng continues to record the highest number of new infections after 604 residents tested positive on Sunday.

The province is followed by 291 cases in KwaZulu-Natal, 263 in the Western Cape, while the rest of the provinces registered less than 100 infections each.

In addition, the hospital admission went up by 20 to 4 696 in the past 24 hours out of the 47 878 active cases.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health said of the 4 286 patients over 12 who are currently in hospital, 3 086 are unvaccinated, 1 025 are fully jabbed and 175 are partially vaxxed.

The department’s latest figures show that government has administered 3 831 COVID-19 vaccine doses, bringing the total to 30 189 745 since the start of the rollout programme.

The country is now home to 16 589 304 or 41.64% fully jabbed adults, while 1 296 719 doses have been given to adolescents aged between 12 and 17.

Globally, as of 4 February 2022, there have been 386 548 962 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 5 705 754 deaths, reported to the World Health Organisation.

State power utility Eskom says it expects the return of more generating units to service this week, which will further ease constraints on the national power grid.

This after the power utility stopped load shedding on Sunday evening following at least five days of rolling power cuts.

“The period of load shedding assisted us in replenishing the emergency generation reserves in anticipation of the week ahead. Since Saturday morning, Eskom teams have returned nine generating units to service, helping to ease the capacity constraints,” Eskom said.

The energy giant said although it had returned some units to service, at least five other generating units are out following failures over the weekend.

“A generating unit each at Hendrina, Majuba and two units each at Kriel and Matumba power stations, as well as three Kusile units returned to service.

“Five other units have not yet returned to service from failures over the weekend. Eskom expects to return some of these and more generating units during the week,” the power utility said.

Eskom implored South Africans to continue to use electricity wisely.

“Eskom would like to thank all South Africans for their tolerance and understanding during the load shedding. We further appeal to the public to continue using electricity sparingly and to switch off non-essential items,” the power utility said.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has met with the leadership structures representing all spheres of government to deliberate on government’s priorities for the year ahead, which the President will set out during the State of the Nation Address next month.

A two-day virtual Cabinet Lekgotla and Special Cabinet meeting was held on Thursday and Friday.

President Ramaphosa is due to deliver the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday, 10 February 2022.

President Ramaphosa invited government leaders, including Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Premiers, Directors-General and leadership of the South African Local Government Association, as part of integrating and aligning government’s responses to challenges facing the country, particularly to urgently focus on addressing the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality.

In a statement issued following the conclusion of Cabinet Lekgotla, Cabinet spokesperson Phumla Williams said the President called on leaders to effect fundamental reforms to revive economic growth and create much-needed employment at a far higher rate.

She said the President underscored the centrality of Vision 2030 of the National Development Plan and the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan to accelerate efforts to improve the conditions of South Africans.

“In addition to the state of the economy and structural reforms, the Cabinet Lekgotla also discussed infrastructure development, energy security, localisation and industrialisation, land reforms and agriculture, and reform of state-owned enterprises.

“Efforts to reduce unemployment and poverty will include a blend of increased private sector employment, publicly funded employment and expanded social protection for unemployed people,” Williams said.

The meeting also deliberated on challenges and progress in the fight against crime and corruption, and efforts to enhance public safety and security.

It also discussed local government service delivery – including the provision of electricity, water and sanitation – as an important part of building the capacity of the State.

Rollout of SA Connect Phase 2 approved

Meanwhile, Cabinet has approved the rollout of the second phase of the SA Connect project.

The plan gives effect to the country’s Broadband Policy which was adopted by Cabinet in 2013.

Phase 1 served as a pilot phase to provide 10 Megabits (Mbps) broadband services to about 970 critical government facilities.

Williams said the approved second phase will be rolled out using state-owned entities, including the State Information Technology Agency (SITA); Broadband Infraco, Sentech and the industry.

“Over the next 36 months, the project will connect the remaining government facilities, communities and households,” Williams said.

The project forms part of government’s commitment to bridge the digital divide, especially in rural communities, and advance the digital economy.

Williams said the participation of the private sector will also address the transformation of the sector, by involving all relevant role players in the electronic network sector.

“The SA Connect project targets to achieve 80% broadband access in communities and government facilities over the next three years with a minimum speed capacity of 10Mbps per second and 100 Mbps for the high-demand facilities.”

President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law, legislation aimed at strengthening efforts to end gender-based violence, with a victim-centred focus on combating such criminal acts, and to make it more difficult for perpetrators to escape justice.

The President has approved the amendment of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act Amendment Bill; the Criminal and Related Matters Amendment Bill, and the Domestic Violence Amendment Bill.

In a statement on Friday, the Presidency said the enacted legislation is a deliverable from the National Strategic Plan on Gender-based Violence and Femicide, which was called for at the November 2018 Presidential Summit against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).

The Presidency said the National Assembly considered together the three Bills as part of legislative measures to strengthen South Africa’s response to GBV.

The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act Amendment Bill expands the scope of the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO) to include the particulars of all sex offenders and not only sex offenders against children and persons who are mentally disabled.

“It will also expand the list of persons who are to be protected to include other vulnerable persons, namely, certain young women, persons with physical, mental or intellectual disabilities and persons over 60 years of age who, for example, receive community-based care and support services,” the Presidency said.

The amendment will also increase the periods for which a sex offender’s particulars must remain on the NRSO before they can be removed from the Register.

“The Bill’s prime goal is to improve the country’s prevention of sex crimes, particularly of paedophilia. It also proposes to expand the ambit of the crime of incest and introduces a new offence of sexual intimidation,” the Presidency said.

The Criminal and Related Matters Amendment Bill aims to address GBV and offences committed against vulnerable persons, and provides for additional procedures to reduce secondary victimisation of vulnerable persons in court proceedings.

The new law expands the circumstances in which a complainant can give evidence through an intermediary and provides for evidence to be given through audio-visual links in proceedings other than criminal proceedings.

This legislation also tightens bail and minimum sentencing provisions in the context of Gender-Based Violence.

“The Criminal Procedure Act, 1977, to further regulate the granting and cancellation of bail; the giving of evidence by means of closed-circuit television or similar electronic media; the giving of evidence by a witness with physical, psychological or mental disability; the appointment, oath and competency of intermediaries; and the right of a complainant in a domestic-related offence to participate in parole proceedings.”

The Domestic Violence Amendment Bill amends the Domestic Violence Act to address “practical challenges, gaps and anomalies which have manifested since the Act came into operation in December 1999”.

“In particular, the amended legislation includes new definitions, such as “controlling behaviour” and “coercive behaviour”, and expands existing definitions, such as “domestic violence”, to include spiritual abuse, elder abuse, coercive behaviour, controlling behaviour, and/or exposing/subjecting children to certain of listed behaviours,” the Presidency said.

The Domestic Violence Amendment Bill also introduces online applications for protection order against acts of domestic violence and imposes obligations on functionaries in the Departments of Health and Social Development to provide certain services to victims of domestic violence.

The Amendment Bill also aligns the Domestic Violence Act with the provisions of the Protection from Harassment Act 17 of 2011.

President Ramaphosa said the legislation protects victims of abuse and makes it more difficult for perpetrators to escape justice.

He said this is a major step forward in government’s efforts against this epidemic and in placing the rights and needs of victims at the centre of its interventions.

“This legislation demonstrates democracy at work. Civil society’s demands from the gates of Parliament were heard and listened to, and gave rise to our nation reaching a point where the demands of citizens are now cast in our law.

“We must now continue the task of preventing abuse from occurring in the first place. This task entails men and boys checking their own values and behaviours that cause them to regard women and girls as targets of control and abuse. It also entails building a society based on advancing fundamental human rights and dealing severely with people who violate others,” the President said.