Over 200 suspects have been arrested in the Northern Cape for murder, rape, assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm, illegal possession of firearms and for dealing in drugs. The suspects were apprehended during week-long Operation Shanela across all five districts in the province.
Provincial Police Spokesperson, Cherelle Ehlers, says the police conducted tracing operations in search of wanted suspects who failed to make court appearances.
A reaffirmed effort to combat prevalent crimes in the Northern Cape led to the arrest of 206 perpetrators during the execution of Operation Shanela.
Adopting a multi-disciplinary approach led by district commissioners – which entailed high visibility patrols, stop-and-search actions, roadblocks and vehicle check points – led to the arrests between Monday, July 14 until Sunday, July 20.
The teams inspected numerous liquor outlets for non-compliance to ensure perpetrators face the full might of the law.
*This article was first published by SABC News
Eleven candidates, including the current chair of the IEC, Mosotho Moepya, Judge Diya Pillay and Judge Mjabuliseni Madondo, have been shortlisted.
A panel chaired by Chief Justice Mandisa Maya and comprising the Public Protector and Chairpersons for the Commissions for Gender Equality and Human Rights will conduct the interviews.
The President appoints members of the Commission for a term of seven years, with one of the vacant positions having to be filled by a Judge of the High Court.
Parliamentary Engagement and Research Manager for Undoing Tax Abuse, Rachel Fischer, says the role of an IEC Commissioner is crucial to running democratic elections.
“The focus really gets turned onto the IEC commissioners once the elections occur. Whether these are the national and provincial elections or the local government elections that are taking place next year. They need to manage the national, provincial and municipal elections and to make sure that elections are free and fair.”
“They must declare the results, they must look into the education and awareness activities to inform the public before such elections. They even need to manage political party funding, the register, the declarations, etc. So overall it’s to oversee and direct electoral operations,” she says.
*This article was first published by SABC News
Despite efforts to find the families alternative housing, the department says the mushrooming of shacks at the Kennville informal settlement at the cemetery remains a grave concern.
The Department of Human Settlements said work is being done to relocate at least 400 people who have built their homes on gravesites at the Sea View Cemetery in Durban.
Despite efforts to find the families alternative housing, the department says the mushrooming of shacks at the Kennville informal settlement at the cemetery remains a grave concern.
Local government admits there is a shortage of land for housing, but said it can’t come at the cost of cemeteries.
Scores of families are living in squalor at the dilapidated Sea View Cemetery, with shacks built beside or on top of the worn-out cement stones.
On an ordinary day, fires are being lit between graves and clothes are hung on a washing line above the head of the tombstones by the residents.
One of the epitaphs reads: “In loving memory of our beloved brother, died 8 February 1941. Rest in peace.”
Department spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya said the profiling of people at the informal settlement is currently underway, with the department yet to determine where they should be permanently relocated to.
“The MEC, Siboniso Duma, has said it’s very incorrect for people to live on top of graves - we need to bring back the spirit of ubuntu, we need to respect the dead because cemeteries are regarded as sacred places, so building on top of graves is something that is being discouraged.”
But he admits budget constraints are delaying the process.
*This article was first published by Eye Witness News
Residents took to the streets on Monday morning, protesting over the high cost of electricity.
Two police vehicles have been damaged during running battles between police and angry Tembisa residents.
The residents took to the streets on Monday morning, protesting over the high cost of electricity.
The community said the new electricity charges, introduced on 1 July, make it hard to keep the lights on.
The charges include fixed monthly fees of under R109 for single-phase connections and over R200 for three-phase connections.
Police are continuing to fire rubber bullets periodically to disperse crowds, that have gathered to block roads.
The streets are littered with rocks, broken glass, and rubble, while plumes of smoke rise from tyres that residents continue to set ablaze.
Elderly residents sit on the pavements, clapping and singing struggle songs as younger men and women add more debris to the barricades.
Residents tell EWN their frustration stems from what they call unaffordable electricity, describing the fixed monthly fees and double-digit tariff increases as an insult to an already struggling community.
For now, officers remain at a distance, but residents show no sign of backing down.
*This article was first published by Eye Witness News
EFF leader Julius Malema returns to the East London Magistrate's Court this Monday.
He and his former bodyguard, Adriaan Snyman, are accused of discharging a firearm in public during the EFF’s fifth birthday celebrations in July 2018.
Closing arguments from both the state and the defence are expected.
Malema and Snyman have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
*This article was first published by eNCA News
The gospel fraternity has over the past week been in mourning for a spiritual giant that has fallen.
He was a mentor, a father, a leader, and a healer whose impact on the South African Christian faith community will be felt for years to come.
Dr Simon Gumbi (66) left a gap in the lives of many people who were touched by his ministry through his powerful sermons.
He passed away on 15 July after a long illness and will be laid to rest on Tuesday 22 July in Standerton, Mpumalanga.
His iconic phrase, "U-Amen Usekhona?“ resonated with millions, and his Sunday night show, "Unkulunkulu Nomuntu Omusha," on Ukhozi FM, was a beacon of hope and comfort to many.
Tributes from the Gospel fraternity have been pouring in and gospel superstar Pastor Benjamin Dube described Gumbi as a Kingdom Giant.
Pastor Wandile Ntombela said Gumbi was more than a spiritual leader.
“He has been a true champion of faith, whose influence extended beyond the borders of South Africa to touch lives across the world. His teachings, leadership, and service have inspired countless individuals and have contributed meaningfully to building a morally conscious and spiritually grounded society.
Gospel singer and pastor Jabu Hlongwane said Gumbi fulfilled his purpose on earth which was to spread the gospel.
“When I heard of his passing, I thought, who is going to be the father in our space now?” he said Hlongwane.
Sipho Makhabane described Gumbi as a pivotal figure in his personal and spiritual life stating that he has lost a father, a brother, and a mentor.
