Archives

National Police Commissioner, General Khehla Sitole, has called on the public, families and communities to report suspected cases of domestic violence.

Sitole made the call amid a deluge of media reports of fatal gender-based violence cases across South Africa last week.

“We are urging people to alert the police of such cases before it’s too late to help a victim of such cases,” he said, adding that friends, families and neighbours are often aware of cases or potential cases of domestic violence.

However, Sitole applauded what he described as sterling detective work that led to suspects traced and arrested in most of the cases.

“In the case of the killing of 45-year-old Nompumelelo Tshaka, her alleged murderer, Ayanda Zenani was arrested. Tshaka’s body was found dumped in an open field in Mthatha by a passer-by on 5 June 2020. Zenani has since appeared in the Mthatha Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 11 June. He will be appearing in the same court again on 18 June 2020 for a formal bail application,” read the statement.

In KwaZulu-Natal, Msunduze Reserve, a 52-year-old Bhekukwanda Cele has appeared in the Ndwedwe Magistrates Court, charged with the alleged murder of his estranged wife, 31-year-old Nwabisa Mgwandela. It is alleged that three men assaulted and tied her up with a rope, leaving her hanging in the house on 7 June 2020.

Recently in Gauteng, 28-year-old Tshegofatso Pule was killed. Her body was found in the bushes on 5 June 2020. Her family reported her missing on 7 June 2020, and it was identified the following day. The police are following leads to apprehend and bring her killer to book. Pule was eight months pregnant at the time of her death.

In the Western Cape, the 34-year-old ex-boyfriend of slain 25-year-old Naledi Phangindawo has appeared in court in Mossel Bay for her murder. She was killed in KwaNonqaba a week ago and the suspect fled to Lwandle in Strand but later handed himself over to the police. The suspect remains in custody until his next court appearance.

In another incident in the Western Cape, last month a suspect was arrested for the alleged murder of his girlfriend, 34-year-old Nomfazi Gabada. The suspect, Sithembele Klaas, was initially arrested earlier this month but the case was withdrawn. The investigating officer persevered in this matter and obtained a warrant for the arrest of Klaas. He was then traced and rearrested on Saturday. Klaas will be brought before a Magistrate at the Khayelitsha Magistrates Court today.

Police in the statement said in all the cases where suspects have been arrested, the victim was in a relationship with the suspect.

“It is these circumstances that makes the prevention of crimes against women and children that much more complex,” read the statement.

Sitole in the statement reassured the public that crimes against vulnerable people will not go unpunished.

“The Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit is extremely obstinate in its cause to bringing perpetrators of crimes against women, children and people of vulnerable groups to book.

“Crimes against women, children and all other vulnerable groups continue to remain a priority of the South African Police Service.”

SAPS is making a clarion call to family, friends and neighbours, who often are aware of cases or potential cases of domestic violence.

“We are urging people to alert the police of such cases before it’s too late to help a victim of such cases.”

People with information can call the SAPS Emergency Number, 10111, before a crime is committed or when a crime is in progress.

Callers that want to remain anonymous may contact SAPS Crime Stop Number ‪08600 10111 or send a tip-off via MySAPSApp, which can be downloaded on any android or iPhone. All information received will be treated with confidentiality.

Other contact details:

GBV Command Centre -‪ 0800 428 428

Childline Toll Free – ‪0800 055 555

Human Trafficking Hotline – ‪0800 222 777.

While police officers have gone out of their way to enforce COVID-19 lockdown regulations for the past 80 days, 14 of them have succumbed to illness related to the virus, Police Minister Bheki Cele has confirmed.

The deceased were part of 1 685 confirmed cases in the South African Police Services (SAPS).

Cele confirmed the figures during a multidisciplinary operation to assess adherence to COVID-19 regulations during Level 3 in Soweto on Saturday.

“The Western Cape has 1 134 positive cases, followed by the Eastern Cape and Kwa-Zulu Natal. Over 600 of the officers have recovered from this virus and are back to serving our communities.”

The operation was one of seven activities carried out across the Gauteng province on Saturday, 13 June, consisting of members of the South African Police Service, supported by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) and South African National Defence Force (SANDF).

Cele praised compliance in some areas in the township. However, he warned that some residents are still not taking social distancing seriously.

“There is also still an issue of non-compliance when it comes to the movement of alcohol. The law says you must drink alcohol at home and not in groups. The non-gathering regulation still exists.”

The operations saw police seize alcohol that was consumed in public spaces, as well as illegally sold cigarettes. Scores are of people were arrested for contravening Regulations of the Disaster Management Act.

During the operation, Cele also took the opportunity to condemn the heinous killing of women and children in the country.

“Gender-based violence is a societal issue that needs law enforcement and arms of justice to work hand in hand with civic organisations and formations to confront this monster head-on.

“I’m pleased that police have made arrests in the case where a young women was found murdered and dumped in a veld in Doornkop. That person will appear in court on Monday,” said the Minister.

He said police are tracking down a suspect in connection with the murder of 28-year-old Tshegofatso Pule.

South Africa now has 70 038 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with 1 480 recorded deaths.

The country recorded 4 302 new COVID-19 cases on Sunday — the biggest single jump since the outbreak, bringing the total number of infections to 70 038.

Of the recent deaths, 42 are from the Western Cape, 10 from the Eastern Cape and five from KwaZulu-Natal, bringing the mortality rate to 2.1%.

“We extend our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the healthcare workers who treated the deceased,” Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, said.

The Western Cape has the highest number of infections, with 42 539 cases, followed by Gauteng with 11 1164, Eastern Cape with 10 027 and KwaZulu-Natal 3 874.

Free State has 495 cases, Limpopo 326, Mpumalanga 297, Northern Cape 156 and 63 are still unknown.

Meanwhile, 38 531 people have recovered and over 1 million tests have been conducted since the outbreak.

View full live stats @ Live Stats

Forty water tanks have been distributed to 11 needy schools in the City of Tshwane in a bid to protect learners against the spread of Coronavirus.

Learners in Grade 7 and 12 across the country returned to school on Monday, two months after the country went into lockdown to prevent the transmission of the disease and to flatten the curve.

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) said 36 water tanks have been distributed to nine schools in Hammanskraal, while four tanks were distributed to two schools in Sokhulumi in the City of Tshwane.

“The nine schools are in areas that have been identified as hotspots in Hammanskraal, and therefore are required to increase their safety measures by supplying water tanks. Each school in Hammanskraal benefited from four 2 500-litre water tanks, while in Sokhulumi, the two schools each received two 5 000-litre water tanks,” the department’s Gauteng Provincial Head, Sibusiso Mthembu, said on Friday.

Mthembu said the provision of the water tanks to the 11 schools will go a long way towards ensuring that the schools are better prepared to resume teaching and learning, and that both learners and staff are sufficiently protected in the midst of the spread of COVID-19.

He warned that the lack of adequate access to water at schools would be detrimental.

“Hammanskraal is one of the areas with ongoing water challenges and this necessitated that it receives specific focus, especially as schools have reopened. We are acutely aware of the need to provide adequate water supply to schools, especially in areas that have water challenges.

“One of the ways to prevent the spread of Coronavirus is to make sure the challenge of water shortages at schools is swiftly addressed. Learners have lost so much time and must catch up as fast as possible. There is no need to burden them with issues of water shortages,” Mthembu said.

He called on other stakeholders in the water sector to extend a helping hand so that no school is left without all the necessary requirements to ensure the smooth resumption and continuation of learning and teaching.

“Education is one area of our important enterprises and therefore requires everyone to play a role. The provision of water for learners to wash their hands regularly is but one of the necessities needed for learners to catch up on their studies,” Mthembu said.

Over the past seven days, COVID-19 cases in Gauteng have doubled, with hospital admissions increasing and 20 more people dying as a result of COVID-19.

“Gauteng has entered a new period in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic is gaining momentum. We must face this reality head-on and mobilise all resources and energy to save lives,” Gauteng Premier David Makhura said.

As of Thursday, the province had a total of 7 953 COVID-19 cases, 4 948 active cases, 2 948 recoveries and 57 deaths. The province has screened 7 458 034 people and conducted 338 211 tests.

The Premier on Friday led the Provincial Command Council media briefing as the provincial government provided an update on COVID-19.

“Cumulatively, 1 033 patients were admitted in hospital, 476 of whom were discharged and 57 succumbed to the infection. Currently, 493 patients are admitted in hospital, 22 of whom are ventilated and 124 on oxygen,” he said.

Public servants affected by COVID-19

Since March, 335 public servants in Gauteng have tested positive for the virus. This includes public Health workers and Educators.

“Like all other patients, affected staff and their family members are receiving care and treatment in line with the World Health Organisation protocols. All other staff members, who were in contact with those who tested positive, have been tested and will follow all protocols to prevent the spread of the virus,” Makhura said.

There is ongoing decontamination of all public buildings regularly, as part of the measures to combat the spread of COVID-19.

In addition, public servants undergo daily screening and some are referred for testing, as part of continuous medical surveillance protocol.

In its efforts to save lives, the province is planning to meet with the Minister of Health in the coming week for reinforcement and further support in order to strengthen government’s response.

“We call for significant behavioural change among the residents of our province: wear masks, wash your hands, sanitise and observe physical distance. We are deeply concerned about the surge in the number of trauma cases related to alcohol abuse,” Makhura said.

The Premier said everyone must take the necessary precautionary measures to stop the spread of Coronavirus.

“Based on the current patient load, we have adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) in stock. However, we continue to order more stock for the next phases of the pandemic,” he said.

Makhura emphasised that surgical and N95 masks must be reserved for use only by frontline healthcare workers.

“Priority is on the empowerment of local manufacturing companies; small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and township businesses,” he said.

Schools reopening

Most schools have now reopened, while some remain closed for various reasons, primarily due to issues relating to infrastructure, and specifically the supply of water, as well as the availability of ablution facilities.

“A number of schools have been temporarily closed due to confirmed COVID-19 cases. In some of these instances, we are awaiting the report from the Department of Health to confirm that it is safe to reopen.

“Both learner and teacher attendance has been above the 85%. A detailed assessment will be done at the end of the week. Many teachers, who have not returned, are teachers with comorbidities,” the Premier said.

Most of the learners, who did not return to school, have comorbidities or parents chose not to send them back to school.

“We are consolidating figures for educators and learners with comorbidities, which could influence the attendance rate in our schools,” the Premier said.

The Select Committee on Security and Justice has adopted the Cybercrimes Bill, among several other pieces of legislation.

The Cybercrimes Bill (B 6B-2017) aims to create offences that have a bearing on cybercrime; criminalise the distribution of harmful data messages and to provide for interim protection orders; further regulate jurisdiction in respect of cybercrimes; further regulate the powers to investigate cybercrimes, and also further regulate aspects relating to mutual assistance in respect of the investigation of cybercrime.

The bill provides for the establishment of a designated point of contact; further provides for the proof of certain facts by affidavit; imposes obligations to report cybercrimes; provides for capacity building, and provides that the executive may enter into agreements with foreign states to promote measures aimed at the detection, prevention, mitigation and investigation of cybercrimes, among other matters.

The proposed amendments agreed to by the committee includes altering the tone of the bill to reflect non-binary language, as required by considerations of gender-neutrality, equality, dignity and identity and the restructuring of clause 16 to specifically reflect the impact of the considerations in criminalising the disclosure of data messages of intimate images.

Committee chairperson Shahidabibi Shaikh said all the concerns raised by the committee were addressed by the Department of Justice and Correctional Services, and the Parliamentary legal advisor in the bill.

“Once enacted, the bill will be the first non-binary legislation to be passed in South Africa,” Shaikh said.

Extension for firearm amnesty approved

The committee has also considered and adopted the notice of declaration of amnesty, in terms of the Firearms Control Act.

This follows a request from the South African Police Service (SAPS) for a new six months’ firearms amnesty, commencing from August this year.

Shaikh said the committee resolved to agree to the new amnesty, but categorically stated that the SAPS should provide more communication to the public regarding amnesty.

“The committee heard that granting another amnesty period will afford communities another opportunity to surrender illegal and unwanted firearms and/or ammunition, in an effort to curb the proliferation of illegal firearms in circulation,” Shaikh said.

Civil Union Amendment Bill

The committee further agreed to the Civil Union Amendment Bill.

The bill aims to repeal section 6 of the Civil Union Act, which allows a marriage officer to inform the Minister of Home Affairs that he or she objects on the ground of conscience, religion and belief to solemnising a civil union between persons of the same sex.

“It is important to note that the marriage officers referred to in the bill are public servants employed by the Department of Home Affairs,” Shaik said.

Shaikh said the reports, which were adopted by the majority of members on these matters, will now be sent to the National Council of Provinces, with the recommendation for adoption.

The Department Social Development has appealed to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to report all cases of child abuse, neglect, abandonment and exploitation.

The call comes after an article published by The Citizen newspaper on 10 June 2020, entitled ‘Baby dumping increases under lockdown hardships’.

The article claims that the number of abandoned babies has risen by 80% during lockdown. According to unofficial figures and child welfare experts, the trend is expected to continue as times get tougher.

The article also quoted the National Adoption Coalition of South Africa, which claims that there was a surge in child abandonment during the first week of the national lockdown.

Responding to the article, the department said it has no record of the increase of cases in child abandonment during the lockdown period.

“Contrary to these figures, the department has to date received nine cases of child abandonment that were reported by provinces between March and April this year. No reports of such cases were received from NGOs for the same period,” the department said in a statement.

The department said it recognises that it is particularly important to safeguard children, who may be at an increased risk of abuse, neglect and exploitation, including abandonment, during this time of uncertainty, as some parents/caregivers are struggling to provide the needs of their children.

“The department takes this opportunity to appeal to all NGOs to report all suspected cases of child abuse, neglect, abandonment and exploitation to a designated child protection organisation, the provincial department of social development, local social worker or a police official,” the department said.

Children’s Act

Section 110 of the Children’s Act (Act No. 38 of 2005) states that professionals and organisations that work closely with children, have a duty to report suspected cases of child abuse, neglect or abandonment to a designated child protection organisation, the provincial Department of Social Development, local social worker or a police official.

The purpose of reporting cases of child abandonment is to ensure the safety and protection of the child in question by recording them in Part A of the Child Protection Register and providing therapeutic services.

The Act further stipulates that the Department of Social Development must assess and further manage the situation in the best interests of the child.

In the case of an abandoned child, the Act stipulates that a social worker must gather all necessary information and affidavit/s from person/s who found or reported the child as abandoned and to report the case to police for investigation.

The Act provides for the placement of abandoned children in temporary safe care, pending further investigation and final placement.

“Each one of us has a responsibility to protect children and a duty to report cases of children in need of care, including abandonment. Report cases of child abandonment to your local social worker or your local police.

“COVID-19 is causing great social and economic challenges for many families, as their circumstances are changing. The department remains committed to the delivery of all child care services, whilst ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children is paramount this time,” the department said.

The department said that one of the alternative care options that it renders to children in need of protection and abandoned children, is adoption, which gives them a permanent or stable family life.

Under level 3 of the lockdown regulations, the department said, matters relating to child and spousal maintenance proceedings, child abuse, neglect and exploitation, including child abandonment, foster care applications and hearings; international child abduction cases and adoption and hearings are prioritised.

“If members of the public need advice on the choices available to pregnant mothers, they can contact their area social worker or the nearest Department of Social Development office.

“Adoption services are rendered by qualified social workers who are registered as by the South African Council for Social Service Professionals (SACSSP) to render adoption services as well as organisations that are accredited by the department,” the department said.

Government is working on the modalities of distributing the relief fund for the taxi industry, which has been negatively affected by the Coronavirus pandemic.

When the regulations for the COVID-19 nationwide lockdown were first introduced, they prescribed a maximum loading capacity of 50%. This was later changed to a loading capacity of 70%, as the industry was operating at a loss.

According to Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula, all relevant government departments are in agreement with the provision of relief for the taxi industry.

“These funds are to assist the industry. They cannot place the losses that the operators have incurred as a result of COVID-19,” the Minister said on Thursday.

He made the remarks after his meetings with the leadership of the National Taxi Alliance (NTA) and the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO).

The agenda for both meetings was the lockdown regulations and the mechanisms for State-sponsored financial assistance for the taxi industry.

“The sector and the Department of Transport cleared the air with regards to taxi fares. Both the NTA and SANTACO advised that although fares increases are not out of the ordinary, as they occur annually in most industries, increases should not be unreasonable,” the department said.

The Minister noted that many industries, including government, were affected by COVID-19.

“Transport entities such as the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa, the Road Traffic Infringement Agency and the Airports Company South Africa are also struggling to make ends meet. Government resources are limited, the fiscus is already overstretched,” he said.

Mbalula pledged to place the industry’s concerns before National Treasury and the National Coronavirus Command Council.

The Minister will also consult with members of the executive council responsible for transport and revert to the NTA and SANTACO next week.

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition has effected changes to regulations and directions issued during the COVID-19 National State of Disaster.

The department said the changes come after consultations with the Department of Health and other key stakeholders in relevant fields.

“The amendments withdraw and effect changes to some earlier provisions issued since the start of the National State of Disaster to combat the destructive and other effects of the national disaster,” the department said.

The changes include, among others, directions on call centres providing essential services and the sale of cars and emergency automobile repairs.

On 4 June 2020, Employment and Labour Minister, Thulas Nxesi, issued the directions addressing health protocols applicable across sectors, including the need for sector guidelines.

The department said that the representatives of the industry have subsequently agreed to maintain the health and safety measures contained in the respective directions, and these directions have thus been withdrawn.

In addition, the department said, the directions issued relating to the sale of clothing, bedding and footwear, as published on Government Notice No. R. 523 12 May 2020, expired on 31 May 2020 and are therefore no longer applicable.

Categories of medication no longer require export permits

The regulations related to export controls, under section 6 of the International Trade Administration Act, 2002 (Act No. 71 of 2002), have also been amended and simplified.

“This means a number of categories of medication (set out at 8-digit level), will no longer require export permits under the COVID-19 Export Control regime. In addition, these medicines deemed critical in the fight against COVID-19, will no longer require export permits when exporting to Southern African Customs Union (SACU) or for clinical trials,” the department said.

Block exemption for retail property

Following consultations with the Competition Commission, the department said, the regulations pertaining to the COVID-19 Block Exemption for the Retail Property Sector have been amended to include the cinema exhibition industry.

“The regulations are aimed at exempting certain conduct between designated retail tenants and the retail property sector to promote concerted conduct to prevent an escalation of the national disaster,” the department explained.

The gazette on new amendments can be accessed on http://www.thedtic.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/43432_11-6_TradeIndustCompetition.pdf.

There are over 58 000 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country, with more than 1 million tests having been conducted as of Thursday.

Meanwhile, the death toll from the outbreak rose to 1 284, as the country recorded 74 new fatalities over the last 24 hours.

Out of the recent deaths reported, 39 are from the Western Cape, 31 from the Eastern Cape and four from the North West.

“As of today, the cumulative number of confirmed COVID-19 cases is 58 568,” Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, said on Thursday.

This is an increase of 3 157 cases from those reported on Wednesday.

The Health Department also announced its breakthrough in reaching the 1 million mark for testing, with 29 999 tests done since the last report.

“We have reached a milestone in testing: 1 028 399 tests have been conducted cumulatively,” Mkhize said.

The Western Cape remains the epicentre with the highest number of cases reported at 37 422, followed by Gauteng with 7 953 cases, the Eastern Cape with 7 868 and KwaZulu-Natal with 3 472.

Meanwhile, the North West has 757 cases, Free State 406, Limpopo 267, Mpumalanga 228, Northern Cape 132 and 63 are still unallocated.