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Mpumalanga police have launched a manhunt following the discovery of an 80-year-old woman’s body stashed in a freezer in Pankop, near Mmamethlake.

According to Colonel Donald Mdhluli, the preliminary investigation suggests that the victim was staying with her 10-year-old grandson and a caregiver from Lesotho.

The woman had been hired by the family to look after the elderly woman.

“On Monday, the young boy came back from school, only to find that there was nobody at home.

“He realised that the door to the house was wide open but the burglar door was locked. He then began to ask neighbours of the whereabouts of his granny and the caregiver,” said Mdhluli.

The neighbours tried to assist in the search, while other family members were informed about the matter.

However, the neighbours became suspicious when they noticed a coffee table, gas stove and a TV set placed on top of the freezer during their quest to find the grandmother.

“They then removed the items and discovered the lifeless body of the elderly woman inside the freezer,” said Mdhluli.

The police and medical personnel were called to the scene, where the victim was certified dead. A case of murder has since been opened.

Mdhluli said they are now looking for a woman known as MmaThato, as they believe that she can assist immensely in the investigation.

Members of the public, who know her whereabouts, are also urged to contact Detective Captain Solomon Moshime at 082 065 1355 or call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111. Alternatively, a tip-off can be given on the MySAPSApp.

All information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.

Mdhluli said a similar incident occurred recently, where a caregiver assaulted a 91-year-old woman at Valbank, a few kilometres from Mmamethlake.

“After the incident, the 45-year-old suspect fled the scene and the matter was brought to the attention of the police, who opened a case of assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm.”

The suspect, who is allegedly from Lesotho, was subsequently arrested in Pretoria.

She is expected to appear in the Mbibana Magistrate’s Court on Friday, where she is expected to apply for bail.

“The police have strongly condemned the incident, as well as the vicious attack on senior citizens because these incidents once again depict serious moral decay in the society,” Mdhluli said.

The standard Gautrain train service will resume on Friday after the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) signed a wage proposal with the employer.

Meanwhile, today trains will continue to operate at 15-minute intervals in the peak periods and at 30-minute intervals in the off-peak period.

The Gautrain management said it was pleased that the workers’ strike has ended. The strike commenced on 5 October following wage negotiations that deadlocked between the Bombela Operating Company (BOC) and NUMSA.

“NUMSA and BOC, with the support of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), have found a way in which the company’s offer of 4.1% can be supported, with employees in the lowest salary bands being better protected through this difficult period,” Gautrain said.

According to NUMSA, the signed wage proposal was brought forth by the management of the BOC.

“On Monday, the management of Gautrain made a proposal, which our members have accepted,” said NUMSA General Secretary, Irvin Jim.

According to the union, BOC has agreed that lower-income earners pocketing up to and including R8 500 per month will receive a R900 per month increase.

Meanwhile, those who earn between R8 501 and R20 000 per month will get an increase of R850 per month.

“All employees who earn more than 20 000 will receive a 4.1% increase,” said Jim.

The increase will be backdated to 1 July 2020.

“We welcome the signing of the agreement, particularly as the increase which has been secured benefits the lowest-paid workers.

“If workers had received a 4.1% increase, it would have meant that the lowest-paid worker would only get R348 increase, compared to a R900 per month increase, which we secured, and in reality translates to more than 10% increase.

“Because of their courage and the sacrifices they made by embarking on strike action, all workers at Gautrain have received an increase in their salaries,” said Jim.

Three robbery suspects were fatally wounded in Marlboro on Wednesday in a shootout with members of the Hawks’ Tactical Operational Management Section and Gauteng Traffic Police’s Saturation unit, assisted by security companies.

According to police, the joint team received intelligence about a suspicious vehicle which was going to be used in an armed robbery.

Police members then spotted the vehicle on the M1 highway.

“When the officers tried to stop the suspect vehicle, the suspects opened fire and a shootout ensued wherein three of the suspects were fatally wounded and the fourth was arrested,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the silver sedan had been used in a home invasion in Paulshof, 20 minutes before they were apprehended.

“The vehicle was affixed with false registration plates. Further probing found that the vehicle was sought in a Parkview home invasion.

“Two 9mm firearms were recovered from the scene, one had its serial number filed off. Items including a plasma television from the Paulshof robbery were recovered,” the SAPS said.

The arrested suspect will appear in court on charges of attempted murder, house robbery and possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle.

The Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, has gazetted the extension of the National State of Disaster by another month.

The country has been on a National State of Disaster since March, due to the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The extension follows consultations and approval by Cabinet, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs said in a statement.

“The decision to extend the State of National Disaster was not taken lightly. Consideration of the material conditions within the context of the Risk-Adjusted Strategy motivated the decision to endorse this further extension.

“It is important to note that the current measures contained in the regulations to deal with the disaster, in the context of the Risk-Adjusted Strategy, are needed beyond 15 October 2020,” the department said.

The Minister has expressed gratitude for the public support for measures to mitigate the spread of the pandemic, including maintaining social distancing, regular washing of hands or sanitising, and the wearing of masks in public.

“We must also sustain our commitment to remain responsive, agile and compassionate, as we work to save lives and protect the livelihoods of all South Africans. The National State of Disaster will be in effect for another month until 15 November 2020,” the department said. –

The cumulative number of detected COVID-19 cases now stands at 696 414 after 1 877 infections were identified on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the death toll has jumped to 18 151 after 123 people succumbed to the respiratory disease since the last report.

Of the latest fatalities, 44 are from the Eastern Cape, 35 from Gauteng, 17 from KwaZulu-Natal, 14 from Free State, eight from the North West and five from the Western Cape.

According to Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize, 10 of these new deaths occurred in the past 24 to 48 hours.

“We extend our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the healthcare workers that treated the deceased patients,” said the Minister.

“Our recoveries now stand at 626 898 which translates to a recovery rate of 90%,” Mkhize added.

The information is based on the 4 458 745 tests performed since the outbreak of which 24 793 were conducted in the last 24 hours.

Mkhize announced that to date, 247 frontline workers have lost their lives to COVID-19.

“I wish to convey my sincerest condolences to the families, friends, colleagues and communities who lost these precious members of our society,” Mkhize said during the Rotary Family Health Day webinar.

Globally, there have been 38 002 699 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 1 083 234 deaths reported to the World Health Organisation.

The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies has assured the nation that the appointment of Basil Ford as the executive caretaker at the Universal Service and Access Agency of South Africa (USAASA) followed the appropriate recruitment process.

The Department’s assurance comes after public interest in Ford’s appointment.

“We do however wish to inform the public, categorically, that Ford was appointed by the department to serve as the Executive Caretaker of USAASA following an appropriate recruitment process by the Department, in accordance with all due processes of the Department and with the concurrence of the Cabinet,” the department said on Wednesday.

According to the department, interest in the matter followed the judgement in the High Court on the appointment of administrators to public entities in the case involving the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA).

“We will not comment on this case at this stage as we understand this judgement to be on appeal and that, as a consequence, its legal effect is suspended,” the department said.

The department said Ford’s appointment was due to, amongst other consideration, his lengthy experience and record on the management of funds, having previously served in a senior capacity at the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).

“In the past there has also been speculative reports by some publications seeking to link the Minister’s family members to procurement matters at USAASA.  We repeat that USAASA has categorically confirmed that they are not aware of any such involvement.

“As the Minister has asked the public before, anyone with evidence of such wrongdoing should immediately report this to law enforcement officers,” the department said.

USAASA is an organ of state whose functions include the promotion of universal access to electronic communications network and broadcasting services as provided for in section 82 of the Electronic Communications Act.

This entity reports to the Ministry of Communications and Digital Technologies.

Members of Parliament have heard how R44.4 million was channelled from Eskom’s contractors, through sub-contracted companies, to four Eskom officials in a Special Investigating Unit (SIU) probe, which has led to four arrests.

Briefing the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts on Wednesday, the SIU told MPs that suspicious payments by four contractors were picked up by investigators, and unlawful payments that were traced to four Eskom officials pointed to evidence of fraud, money laundering and corruption.

The suspicious payments, totalling R136 million, were paid by the four contractors to two sub-contractors, who in turn paid R44.4 million to the four Eskom employees.

Said SIU head Advocate Andy Mothibi: “We are really heartened to see these kinds of outcomes. We believe that if all of these are actioned as we intend to, we will send the appropriate message.

“We will send a message that [will deter] those who may still be… planning to do nefarious acts, and we would like to root those out.”

He said while some Eskom officials resigned after they were red-flagged for various corrupt activities, including being found to be doing business with the State, some will be referred to the National Prosecuting Authority in instances where further evidence of crime is found.

About 34 executives red-flagged following Eskom’s lifestyle audits 

Briefing MPs ahead of Mothibi’s remarks, the SIU lead investigator at Eskom, Claudia O’Brien, said after conducting lifestyle audits, Eskom red-flagged and referred 34 officials to the SIU for further investigation.

“So far, we have referred eight of these officials for disciplinary proceedings and seven officials have resigned. In the appropriate instances, we will still proceed with referrals to the NPA [National Prosecuting Authority], while 19 investigations are still ongoing.”

O’Brien said the SIU has identified 324 Eskom officials, who are linked to entities that are Eskom vendors. She said 135 of these were found to have conducted business with Eskom, to the value of at least R6 billion.

“…We have made 5 512 referrals to Eskom to institute disciplinary proceedings.

“Sixty of these referrals are in respect of officials, who are either doing business with Eskom or who failed to declare their interests in outside business entities.”

O’Brien said seven cases have been referred to the NPA for officials found to be doing business with Eskom, while eight are in the process of being prepared for referral.

If you are aware of fraud, especially related to the distribution of monies to help workers through the worst effects of lockdown, now is your chance to blow the whistle and help bring fraudsters to book.

This was an invitation sent by Acting Commissioner of the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), Marsha Bronkhorst, during the launch of fraud hotline platforms for clients and citizens to report all suspicious criminal activity related to the COVID-19 Temporary Employer-Employee Relief Scheme (COVID-19 TERS) and any other UIF fraud related matters.

Launched on Tuesday, the platforms are already up and running, and people can report, even anonymously if they like, in line with the Protected Disclosure Act.

Bronkhorst said that since the inception of COVID-19 TERS, the fund has been beset with a plethora of fraud allegations and complaints from clients and companies.

“I am therefore, urging anyone with information regarding any COVID-19 TERS fraud or any other UIF fraud related matter to report this to us without any delay. Whistle-blowers are encouraged to provide as much details as possible, such as the UIF reference number of the company, address, ID numbers concerned and contact details when reporting,” said Bronkhorst.

She added that each case will be treated on its own merits and the turnaround time to finalise the allegation would vary depending on the complexity of the matter.

The reporting platforms are available 24 hours per day, 365 days a year and in all 11 official languages.

Clients can use the following platforms to report COVID-19 TERS related fraud: Toll free number 0800 212 799 or SMS call-back on 30916 or email address to uif@thehotline.co.za (link sends e-mail), or fax to email to 0867 26 1681.

Clients can also use telephone web app www.thehotlineapp.co.za (link is external) or website www.thehotline.co.za (link is external).

For other UIF enquiries, clients can still contact the call centre on 080 003 0007 or visit their nearest labour centre.

An Amanzimtoti police station officer is today expected to appear in court after he allegedly raped a woman who was being held at the station cells, in September.

In a statement, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) said the suspect was arrested on Tuesday following an investigation.

“The suspect is scheduled to appear at Umbumbulu Magistrates Court [today] on charges of rape in police custody. The State will be opposing his bail on this matter,” IPID said.

The suspect is alleged to have raped a 24-year-old woman while she was in police custody at KwaMkhutha police station on 25 September 2020.

Meanwhile, the IPID will today attend the sentencing of Adam Cummings at the South Gauteng High Court. Cummings, an Ekurhuleni Metro police officer convicted of rape, was investigated by the IPID a few years ago.

Cummings, a former Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department senior member, was previously convicted of three counts of rape, and one of human trafficking.

“His co-accused, Tebogo Maregele, was convicted as an accomplice in the rape of a nine-year-old and on two counts of exploitation of children for financial gain,” the IPID said.

The allegation the IPID investigated was that Cummings paid Maregele to lure young girls around Soweto, who were between the ages of 8 and 15 years.

She would then take them to Cummings, who would drive with them to Avalon Cemetery, where he would show them his service firearm and rape them.

The IPID anticipates that this sentence will send a strong message to those who continue to commit similar crimes.

Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula has once again reiterated government’s commitment to take on new road infrastructure projects, upgrades and maintenance.

The Minister was speaking during the opening of Madidi Bridge in Madibeng, North West, on Tuesday.

This comes after the Department of Transport and its entity, the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL), launched October Transport Month in Hammarsdale, KwaZulu-Natal, at the beginning of the month.

“We made an undertaking that through this October Transport Month, we will travel through the length and breadth of this country to monitor service delivery of road infrastructure, showcasing our achievements and intervening where challenges persist,” Mbalula said.

Transport, as a means of unlocking economic development, features strongly in the National Development Plan (NDP).

“Central to its vision, the NDP emphasises the critical importance of investing in infrastructure in the creation of jobs, particularly for women and young people,” Mbalula said, adding that the NDP further calls on government to invest in rural communities in the building of roads.

He said his department is also determined to push the Presidential Infrastructure Development Projects to create jobs as part of government’s response to boost the economy.

“This could not be more urgent as we respond by to the economic downturn presented to us by the COVID-19 global pandemic.

“Indeed, we are responding to the call by the President. In our plans, we are investing billions through SANRAL commissioning new projects, upgrades and maintenance of our roads network.”

Throughout the country, especially in rural and marginalised communities, transport infrastructure assists in generating economic growth, alleviating poverty, and reducing the scourge of inequality, while increasing international competitiveness.

“It is for these reasons that the Department of Transport, through its Labour Intensive Rural Roads Programme, purposely invests in rural communities,” said Mbalula.

Madidi Bridge

Madidi Bridge connects Phasha and Madidi villages.

The bridge was built over Sand River (also known as Toloane River).

“Madidi Bridge serves as a link between the remote village of Phasha and the rest of the Madibeng Local Municipality, as well as other neighbouring areas of Gauteng.”

The project resulted in the much-needed jobs and training for local workers, including youth and women, while 25 local sub-constructors were also given opportunities.

Mbalula commended SANRAL for empowering young graduates and investing in communities, which are rural and underdeveloped.

National Taxi Lekgotla

Mbalula said his department will host the National Taxi Lekgotla again this month.

“The lekgotla will bring taxi industry stakeholders under one roof to chart a new way forward for this important industry that transports our people.”

He hopes that the public council will conclude the long-standing and ongoing debate on subsidising, professionalising and regulating the industry.

“I invite everyone to participate in all programmes of October Transport Month and join us in conversation as we put together a blueprint for a taxi industry that is an integral part of the formal economy and is truly empowered.”