GRANDSON behind bars for raping his granny

GRANDSON behind bars for raping his granny
Bvunzamutupo Reporter
A 34-year-old man who would have saved his granny from all evil things appeared before the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court Friday 27 December 2013, for allegedly raping his 83-year-old grandmother.
It’s alleged that the 34 year old grandson Tuesday 24^th of December 2013he went into his granny’s room as if he had brought present for Christmas. Granny tried her tricks to avoid him, she asked him to reserve the meat for her so that she could eat the following day.
However after the suspect saw that his granny doesn’t want to open for him, he force the door and raped his aunt. This incident happened near Ermelo in Mpumalanga.
Aunt broke the silent and opened a case against her own grandson. The suspect nabbed on the Christmas day at 10:30 am
The villain remanded in custody and the case postponed to 7 January 2014, at Morgenzon Periodical Court for a formal bail application.

NOTORIOUS SUSPECTS TO SPEND YEAR EVE BEHIND BARS

 NOTORIOUS SUSPECTS TO SPEND YEAR EVE BEHIND BARS
BRIAN KAJENGO
Three suspects facing charges of unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition.
Three suspects, Mzwakhe Nunu Matsane (20), Thembelani Mawala Shaba (23) and Sifiso Gege Mgiba (31), appeared at the Kabokweni Magistrate’s Court facing charges of unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition, as well as possession of dangerous weapons on Friday 27 December 2013.
Police worked on tip off after tipped that there was a white Toyota Tazz suspected of carrying weapons.
Police spotted the suspected vehicle at Sandriver Trust near Hazyview, police searched the vehicle together with the occupants.
During a intensive search police recovered a 303 rifle stashed in the engine compartment, ammunition, axe, hack-saw, two butcher knives and a pair of binoculars in the boot.
The villains nabbed on the spot and the vehicle was impounded. The rifle sent for ballistic testing to find out whether was it not involved in the commission of other crimes.
The suspects remanded in custody until 30 December 2013, pending a formal bail application.

COPE Mpumalanga is copying

Caption: Cop leaders from lefdt Willie Madisha, Sizile Ndlovu, and Mosia Lekota

COPE Mpumalanga is copying

By NRIAN KAJENGO

Few years COPE promised to be a threat to the ruling part in South Africa, but due to conflicts within the part which led to the division gave ANC momentum.

The Congress of the people (COPE) in Mpumalanga held successful, free and fair elections of both the provincial leadership and Ehlanzeni regional leadership during its two conferences that took place at the Mbombela municipality on Sunday.

Former provincial secretary, Sizile Ndlovu was chosen as the Provincial Chairperson of the part.  

In the provincial congress leadership is as follows:

Chairman – Sizile Ndlovu, the former provincial secretary and he was elected unanimously, while Nomsa Kubayi was elected as the deputy chairperson.

She is also the current national deputy president of COPE women’s movement. Michael Mokoena was elected as a secretary while his deputy is Luckson Mathebula.

Mathews Masilela was voted as a provincial Treasurer while 20 others were elected as additional members,

In the Ehlanzeni regional conference the following candidates elected. Albert Khoza as a chairman and deputized by Lodrick Nxumalo. Motsamai Nonyane was elected as secretary while Abigail Mapaile is the deputy secretary.

The Treasurer is Ouma Mathebula while 15 others were voted as additional members.

COPE in Mpumalanga takes congratulate the elected comrades and wish them a great success during their leadership.

 “The democratization of COPE’s structures is galloping in an unprecedented speed. This is paving a way forward and we are believe that the voters out there now know which political party is reliable, accountable and incorruptible,” said the new provincial chairman, Sizile Ndlovu.

COPE also wishes all the people of Mpumalanga a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

MEC Shongwe blames road crashes on motorist’s intolerance

MEC Shongwe blames road crashes on motorist’s intolerance

BY MUSHAKABVU

Whilst human error contributes to most road crashes, intolerance on the part of motorists is also to blame; this is according to Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Vusi Shongwe.

Shongwe has calls on road users to be more tolerant with another saying roads are shared spaces and the only way to reduce crashes is for motorists to consider other road users.

“We need increased tolerance and vigilance on the part of all road users so that we can save more lives this Festive Season. We will all arrive safely at our destinations if we abide by traffic regulations and are driving with great caution.” Shongwe said.

Meanwhile preliminary reports indicate that Mpumalanga roads have claimed 74 people lives out 334 accidents since the beginning of December. 235 people survived these accidents with serious injuries while 364 were slightly injured.

Nkangala Region is leading with 34 fatalities, followed by Ehlanzeni and Gert Sibande Regions with 23 and 17 respectively.

MEC Shongwe says most accidents are caused by overloading, drunk driving, excessive speeding, tiredness, failure to obey road signs and un-roadworthy vehicles.

“Traffic officers must not show any mercy to motorists who are not obeying traffic rules because we preach the same gospel throughout the year that traffic rules must be obeyed by all and these messages continue to be ignored endangering other people’s lives.” Shongwe shongwe said.

He added that law enforcement operations in all corners of the province will be staged on most roads to ensure that holiday makers reach their destinations safely.

Shongwe applauded traffic officers for arresting 22 drivers between 16 and 22 December in the province during normal day to day operations.

Ten drivers were arrested for drunk driving and five more motorists were nabbed for excessive speeding while seven people were also arrested for outstanding traffic fines.

The highest speed recorded was 200km/h where Mr. RJ Moyo was arrested on the N3 Road between Heidelburg and Villiers on 17 December 2013. He appeared in Grootvlei Court and was granted a R2500 bail.

During the operations, 53431 vehicles were stopped and checked and 8312 fines were issued to motorists for various traffic violations. 692 vehicles were also impounded while 342 were discontinued for not being road worthy.

The department continues with activities planned for the festive season holidays including rest stops, speed checks, awareness campaigns and road blocks.

TRAFFIC OFFICERS AND TWO OTHERS UP FOR THEFT AND CORRUPTION

TRAFFIC OFFICERS AND TWO OTHERS UP FOR THEFT AND CORRUPTION
By MUSHAKABVU
The law abiding officials found on the wrong side of the law on Wednesday 23 December 2013, at approximately 20:00.
Two provincial traffic officials together with two men driving a delivery truck belonging to Cold Chain arrested on charges of theft and corruption.
The incident unfolded when police in Machadodorp executing operational duties on the N4 national road between Machadodorp and  Belfast, noticed a  Cold Chain refrigerated truck alongside the road with the two traffic officials who on duty.
They noticed a transaction between the traffic officials and the truck drivers in which an unknown box handed to the traffic officials.
It’s alleged that the cops punctually probe the transaction and found a box containing refrigerated chicken meat.
“When questioned by the police, the officials failed to give a satisfactory reason as to how did they get the loot and were arrested.” Brigadier Selby Mohlala said.
The driver and his crew were also arrested, all the suspects aged between 27 and 39 were warned to appear before the Machadodorp Periodical Court on 08 January 2014.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Meshack Nogwanya, said “It is very sad that people who are tasked to uphold the law are the ones found to be labelled with such allegations.”

TAKE CARE OVER FESTIVE SEASON

FESTIVE MESSAGE BY MAJ GEN NOGWANYA, ACTING PROVINCIAL COMMISSIONER.
By BBRIAN KAJENGO
As the Acting Provincial Commissioner of Mpumalanga, I would like to wish the Provincial leadership; the Cluster and Station Commanders; all commanders; all members of the South African Police Service (SAPS); all members of the Community Policing Forum (CPF) and all other stakeholders a merry Christmas and a prosperous new year ahead. 
“It has not been easy dealing with hard core criminals who would not hesitate to take off your life.
 “It has not easy for our members to loose their colleagues in line of duty. It has not been easy to loose our members through sickness. It has not been easy to all of us, however we stood firm continue to work harder and harder.” Maj. Gen. Nogwanya said.
Nogwanya went on to say both the management and the community we serve have noticed the sterling work and professionalism displayed by most of our members.
“We managed to arrest the suspects that were terrorising our communities every day.  You will recall the arrest(s) of Douglas Mogakane and Spykos to mention a few. Our success is devoted to our members, working side by side with our CPFs and communities.” Major General Nogwanya said.
Nogwanya extended his best wishes to the media houses in the province for the sterling job they have done throughout the year.
He recommends the hard work and dedication towards conveying messages to beautiful province noticed.
“You covered both good and bad news to all of us without fear or favour. You ensured that you bring our province to everybody’s attention and thus made it known. You need not get tired but continue to feed our nation with knowledge.” He said.
Major General Nogwanya urgued the motorists to drive safe and take serious precautions.
“As an advice for this festive season, I urge you to always be alert and take note of the following: have your nearest SAPS station telephone number at hand; hever trust strangers; do not take gifts / food / drinks from them as they might  poisoned or spiked;
·        Do not hitch-hike as it might also be dangerous;
·        Do not purchase second hand goods from an unregistered retailer;
·        Avoid walking alone in the evening or on secluded areas;
·        Do not drink and drive;
·        Avoid physical confrontations / fights;
·        Be aware of scams / fraudulent activities;
·        Do not leave your valuables unattended;
·        Report any strange behaviour to the police.
We also wish that our liquor outlets and taverns in our province comply with the Liquor Act. This will assist us with the challenge of drinking in public and driving under the influence of alcohol.
“You should assist us in the fight against the abuse of liquor more especially to women, which often leads to rapes and sexual assaults, burglaries and robberies. Ordinary people are also being attack and robbed on the streets when walking from taverns and shabeens.
“As we celebrate this festive season, let us be patriotic and responsible citizens. I wish you a merry Christmas and a prosperous 2014 ahead.” He said.

DEPUTY Minister Thabethe to seal the deal with USA

DEPUTY Minister Thabethe to seal the deal with USA

 by Mushakabvu

DEPUTY MINISTER THABETHE TO LAUNCH A PERMANENT SHOWROOM FOR SOUTH AFRICAN CRAFTS AND LIFESTYLE PRODUCTS IN AMERICA

The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Ms Elizabeth Thabethe will launch a permanent South African showroom in Atlanta, in the United States of America on 7 January 2014.

The showroom will provide small and medium enterprises with an export platform by addressing the significant market entry costs faced by the Small Medium, Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa.

The showroom is a joint initiative of   the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) and its agency, the Small Enterprise Development Agency (seda).

Thabethe says the main objectives of the showroom are to promote trade between the two countries, promote business cooperation between South African and Atlanta industries, and to make the Atlanta business community aware of business opportunities that exist in the USA.

“South Africa and Atlanta are two countries racing in the same group to attract foreign capital, even though they are on different continents. We have utmost confidence in the showroom’s capacity to create economic opportunities for South African businesses in the clothing, textile and life-style products and consequently propelling them to trade internationally.” she adds.

Thabethe also states that it is imperative for South Africa to take advantage of these favourable conditions in order to assist the companies to explore the Atlanta trade market and its offerings.

According to Deputy Minister Thabethe, the Atlanta trade market will have positive economic spin-offs for the country and the empowerment of women.

The showcasing of the South African products in Atlanta showroom will further contribute towards the positive growth of the economy by increasing locally manufactured products whilst upgrading the skills, the expertise and the entrepreneurial capacity of women. It will further provide opportunities to fast track women’s economic empowerment, which is critical for achieving the overall economic development strategy of the country,” says Thabethe.

SOUTH AFRICAN ROSES ON WAY TO RUSSIA

SOUTH AFRICAN ROSES ON WAY TO RUSSIA

 By Mushakabvu Kajengo

African Floralush, a Mogale City-based company, which employs 110 permanent staff, is coming home from the Investment and Trade Initiative (ITI) that took place in Vladivostok, Russia with half-a-million rand order of their preserved roses.

Mr Stephanus Viljoen, who represented the company in the ITI, says he managed to secure an order for the 2014 International Women’s Day celebrations in Vladivostok. He adds that the order is going to save jobs.

African Floralush has commercialised a new process for the preservation of roses. The company attended the ITI undertaken by the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) to increase trade and investment between South Africa and Russia.

Viljoen says the company has previously received support and funding from the Industrial Development Corporation, and says this was the fourth ITI that the company is attending and best so far, as they came back with tangible results.

“We are a distributor to the South African and few overseas markets. Large orders shipped to Europe, Japan and Canada. We are excited about this opportunity to penetrate the Russian market too. The company that placed this order wants to be our exclusive distributor for Premosky region in Vladivostok and if we do well we will create five more jobs.” Viljoen said.

According to Viljoen, a big customer dropped them recently, and they were in a process of letting some of the staff go, but with this big order, Viljoen says they will definitely save jobs.

He adds that his company selects and preserves only premium fresh cut flowers to ensure that their products are of the highest quality. The unique, environmentally-friendly, patented treatment process allows cut roses and foliage to look and feel fresh for at least six months and to retain their fragrance for extended periods, with no maintenance and no watering.

The activities for the ITI included a trade and investment seminar which addressed by the Ambassador of South Africa to Russia, Mr Mandisi Mpahlwa, business-to-business meetings, round table discussions and site visits to the Russian companies.

MISSION TO NIGERIA HAILED A SUCCESS

MISSION TO NIGERIA HAILED A SUCCESS

Mushakabvu Kajengo

Deputy Minister of dti has reasons to smiles to her effort because all her work of securing out side opportunities for business bears fruits.  

The Outward Selling and Investment Mission which took place for the first time in Nigerian soil over the past week, was hailed a success by the members of the South African business delegation led by the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Ms Elizabeth Thabethe.

The mission, which ended on Saturday 14 December 2013 resulted in some businesspeople coming home with very good deals.

One such businessperson is Teboho Price Monahadi of Archi M Studio from Gauteng, who was delighted to come home with a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Jacob Esan PLC, a public-listed company in Nigeria.

“We are now in a process of registering a joint venture through our lawyers and we intend to invest in a development of a hotel in Nigeria. We also intend to propose a new airport to the Nigerian government, which will be our next big operation.” Monahadi said.

Monahadi said he was grateful to the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) for the opportunity as it paved a way to such big opportunities.

“The Nigerian market is huge and full of opportunities, and we intend to utilise it to the best of our ability.” he added.

He said his newly found partner, who is a billionaire in Nigeria and has businesses in various industries, also intends extending his operations into South Africa.

The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Ms Elizabeth Thabethe said the mission was a great success, considering that it was the first time that it taken to Nigeria.

“You could see that the country and businesspeople in Nigeria are hungry to do business with South Africans because of the expertise that South Africans possess. We are happy for those businesspeople who came out with something and wish them well,  but also encourage those who did not get tangible results to keep following up on the relationships that were established,” she added. 

 

During the mission, Thabethe also met with South African companies operating in Nigeria and encouraged them to keep up the good work and making South Africa proud.

ENTER YOUR BUSINESS AND BE AWARDED

ENTER YOUR BUSINESS AND BE AWARDED

BY BRIAN KAJENGO

Dti makes a call for entries to the 2^nd annual SA premier Business award.

The second annual “SA Premier Business Awards” – to be held on 19 March 2014 at the Sandton Convention Centre - is open for entries.

The event, which recognises business excellence in South Africa, is organised by the Department of Trade and Industry, Proudly South African and Brand SA.

The Awards aim to honour enterprises that promote innovation and competitiveness – as well as job creation, good business ethics and quality.

The “SA Premier Business Awards” are South Africa’s apex business awards which combine all single sectored awards into one big, national business awards. The Awards represent and acknowledge all South African business sectors.

South African enterprises, international and global companies as well as members of the media who/which adhere to the various criteria per category and achieved success in their various fields, qualify to enter.

Categories for the awards include: Exporter Award, Manufacturer Award, Rural Development Award, Technology Award, Young Entrepreneur Award, Women Owned Enterprise Award, Proudly South African Enterprise Award, Media Award, Quality Award, Green Award, Most Empowered Enterprise Award, SMME Award and Investor Award.

A Lifetime Achievement Award be presented – and will be a discretionary award.

South African entrepreneur and property developer, Dr Richard Maponya, honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the inaugural Awards in March 2013.

Dr Maponya recognised for his significant contribution to the development of South African business and his contribution to the community during his lifetime.

Madiba highly honored in Mpumalanga

Madiba highly honored in Mpumalanga

Bvunzamutupo Reporter

Mpumalanga Premier Mr David Mabuza has conveyed his sincere gratitude to the people of Mpumalanga for the overwhelming support in honouring the late former President Nelson Mandela during the mourning period.

Premier further expressed his appreciation to the planning committee and all stakeholders that delivered the project successfully.

 "Mpumalanga offered  a highly respectable, dignified  and proudly South African send off to Madiba, this will remain a lasting memory in the hearts and minds of all who witnessed and experienced the period of passing of the late former state president Nelson Mandela."  Mabuza said.

Mpumalanga Provincial Government recorded over 80 000 people who attended the memorial services and prayer sessions held at the province to pay tribute to the late Former State President Nelson Mandela.

The province has indeed contributed positively towards the historic episode of humankind ever to stage in South Africa and the world.

All five memorial services and prayer sessions conducted with utmost humility and respect. The political leadership attended the gatherings from national, provincial and local spheres of government, people from all walks of life, all races, all age groups and all religions.

Premier Mabuza wishes the people of Mpumalanga a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

"As the province prepares for the commemoration and celebration 20 years of democracy in 2014, let us all contribute positively towards service delivery in honouring the legacy of Madiba" Mabuza added.

Premier further urged the people of Mpumalanga to obey all the rules of the road during the festive season and arrive alive in their destinations.

PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES ENCOURAGED TO EXERCISE THEIR CONSUMER RIGHTS

PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES ENCOURAGED TO EXERCISE THEIR CONSUMER RIGHTS

By BRIAN KAJENGO

                                                                                    

Wakkerstroom – MEC for Economic Development Environment and Tourism Mrs. “Pinky” Phosa has assured people living with disabilities that government is speeding up the creation of decent work for persons with disabilities and working around the clock to ensure that they also enjoy the fruits of democracy.

MEC Phosa was speaking during the capacity building workshop for people with disabilities, organized by the Department of Economic Development Environment and Tourism in commemoration of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities.

She said, “The purpose of this event is to assess the progress made as a country and province in emancipating people with disabilities.”

Stakeholders such as the National Energy Regulator, Eskom, Standard Bank, the Financial Service Board, Council for Medical Scheme and Mpumalanga Consumer Protection Services made presentation in order to give them an opportunity to engage with their service offerings.

Speaking at the vent MEC Phosa indicated that government is committed to create decent jobs for people with disabilities and also in ensuring that children with disabilities are able to access all of the necessary amenities and the protection of their rights.

‘’Creating decent work for people living with disabilities remains a our priority, and much work has been done by government on finding solutions to ensure that people living with disabilities participate in the economic opportunities that the ANC government is providing.”

“The ANC government will work closely with organizations that are championing the rights of people living with disabilities to ensure that children who are disabled access descent schools, safe environment, excellent health services, adequate houses, protection of their rights and most specifically  their consumer rights through the government consumer services section.‘’ sa MEC Phoisa said.

“We are also concerned as government by the high number of incidents of sexual abuse against boy and girl children, women and also men living with disabilities.  The ANC government will continue to ensure that law enforcement agencies arrest those who have being found abusing people living with disability in the country.” added the MEC.

Mr. Robert Masambo, The National Chairperson for the Disabled Persons of South Africa (DPSA), who said government must ensure that the right of people living with disabilities are protected by the government as it is stipulated in the constitution of the country, and that government and the private sector must employ people living with disabilities as on several occasions they have proven that if given the opportunity, they deliver.

‘’People living with disabilities do not need to rely on government disability grants only.  They have educational qualifications, skills and they need to be considered for employment opportunities that government and private sector provide.” added Mr. Masambo.

Ms Stella Mnisi from the Mpumalanga Consumer Protection Services, urged people living with disabilities to know that they have consumer rights and they must report their consumer issues to the departmental consumer services section.

MEC Phosa has also encouraged people living with disabilities to report unfair business practices against them to the departmental Consumer Services offices.

FOURTH SUSPECT ARRESTED FOR ALLEGEDLY KILLING A POLICE CONSTABLE

FOURTH SUSPECT ARRESTED FOR ALLEGEDLY KILLING A POLICE CONSTABLE

By BRIAN KAJENGO

Cops are manhunting the fifth suspect who believed to link to the murder of Constable Sifiso Michael Mabuza.

A search for the remaining villain with regard to the killing of a police Constable, Sifiso Michael Mabuza 27, who murdered on the morning of 8 November 2013, at about 04:00, at Langeloop in Tonga near Malelane, has paid off hence the suspect has been arrested.

Police acted on information received regarding the whereabouts of a 30-year-old suspect, who was on the run since the cold blooded and gruesome murder had occurred.

The information handed to Mpumalanga Tracking Unit who managed to track down the miscreant in his hideout at Mambrey Compound near Slaaihoek in Waterval Boven.

The suspect will make his first appearance on 18 December 2013 before the Tonga Magistrate’s Court, on allegations of murder.

Mabuza killed in his place after the suspects gain entry through a window and fatally shot him. Police further uncovered that his firearm also went missing.

As a result, two suspects nabbed few hours after the incident in Matsulu driving in silver VW Jetta, which also used as a local taxi. The duo then took police to the house where the premeditated plan to kill the constable was manufactured and polished. In that house, the third thug nabbed.

The suspects, Mpendula Lucky Makamu (25), Soneni Mhlabane (25), Absalom Nkosi (25), has already appeared before the Magistrate’s Court in Tonga and were scheduled to appear on 15 January 2014 while remaining in custody.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Meshack Nogwanya congratulated the sterling job done by the team. His congratulations did not leave out the concerted effort between the SAPS and the citizens of the province.

“It is unequivocally true that if the community and the police work together, we can be able to reduce the evil works of heartless criminals tremendously. Killing of police is high on the agenda of the country and it must be discouraged and stopped at all cost.” General Nogwanya said.

FREE STATE FARMER ON A MISSION TO SEEK EXPORT OPPORTUNITIES NIGERIA

FREE STATE FARMER ON A MISSION TO SEEK EXPORT OPPORTUNITIES NIGERIA

 By Mushakabvu KAJENGO

A meat and apple farmer from Senekal in the Free State has joined a delegation of about 40 South African businesspeople that will be departing to Nigeria on an Outward Selling and Investment Mission organised by the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) from 2-6 December 2013.

Mr Pitso Sekhoto of Makolobane Farmers Enterprises says he is very excited to be going to Nigeria as he is in search of opportunities to expand his business to that market.

Nigeria considered as one of South Africa's most important partners on the African continent and because of its large population and natural resources, the country has become South Africa’s most important trading partner on the continent.

“We have been planning to go to Nigeria for a long time to try and infiltrate this market as we have identified a need to contribute to developing the quality of meat in Nigeria. We already have potential partners lined up whom we will be meeting as part of this mission and we hope that this will open opportunities for us.” Sekhoto said.

Sekhoto adds that his plans are to open a feedlot and an abattoir, and also to establish outlets to distribute the meat in Nigeria.

The Outward Selling and Investment Mission is part of the dti‘s Export and Investment Promotion Strategy that focuses on targeted high growth markets with the objective of creating investment and export opportunities for South African companies and of promoting South Africa as a trade and investment destination. 

The mission led by the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Ms Elizabeth Thabethe and will focus on the sectors of agro-processing, mining and capital equipment, engineering, chemicals, renewable energy and Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

As part of the programme, the South African businesspeople will get an opportunity to participate in trade and investment seminars, business-to-business meetings and visit several business sites to see how Nigerians operate their businesses

Shongwe- Seed up the of Moloto bus crash victims’ claims

Shongwe- Seed up the  of Moloto bus crash victims’ claims

Mushakabvu Kajengo

Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Vusi Shongwe urged the Road Accident Fund (RAF) to speedily process claims of Moloto Road crash victims. Shongwe was speaking yesterday (5 December 2013) during PUTCO Bus Company’s handing over of cheques to the victim’s families in Matshiding near Siyabuswa.

The bus company presented each family with a R17 000.00 cheque. The company has further contributed towards the costs of medical treatment for those who injured during the crash The MEC also presented the families with food parcels and school uniforms.

Shongwe said that swift finalization of the claims by RAF would ensure that families do not become tempted to claim through unscrupulous lawyers who charges exorbitant amounts of money to assist them with claims. He added that some of the victims were bread winners in their households.

Speaking at the same event, PUTCO Marketing Executive, Romeo More has urged community members to assist government to reduce road crashes by not encouraging public transport drivers to drive recklessly.

More explained that in some situations passengers would encourage drivers to speed because they are in a hurry to various destinations. He said that this tendency stopped as it places lives of other road users in danger. He has further called on the public to report any bad driving to authorities and owners of transport companies in order to avoid crashes that claim lives of innocent road users. 

A prayer at the exact spot of the crash preceded the event and it was part of MEC Shongwe’s provincial launch of this year’s Sekwanele Bopha Arrive Alive Campaign for the Festive Season.

MECs Ms. Dikeledi Mahlangu (Public Works, Roads and Transport) and Simon Skhosana (Corporative Governance and Traditional Affairs) as well as Nkangala District Mayor Clr. Speedy Mashilo were also in attendance.

With regards to the Festive Season, Shongwe has called on law enforcement agencies not to show any mercy to reckless or negligent drivers during this period. He has further called for increased vigilance on the part of motorists in order to save lives. He added that road crashes place serious strain on government’s limited resources and therefore bad driving halted.

Shongwe welcomes the establishment of Provincial Efficiency Enhancement Committees

Shongwe welcomes the establishment of Provincial Efficiency Enhancement Committees

By Mushakabvu Kajengo

                                                                                                                    

Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Vusi Shongwe say the establishment of Provincial Efficiency Enhancement Committees (PEECs) by Constitutional Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng would contribute towards reducing crime while addressing case backlogs.

Shongwe’s comments follow the establishment of PEECs by Mogoeng this week in the Western Cape High Court. The committees are among others expected to improve performance in courts, assist with improving the performance of the judicial system and performance of prosecutors.

Shongwe believes that speedy resolving of cases would enhance conviction rates and this would assist in restoring communities’ faith in the criminal justice system. This, the MEC, believes, would also ensure that criminals are put behind bars.

Shongwe explained that the delay in finalizing of cases usually subject victims of crime to secondary victimization and sometimes cases which would have been won are lost due to unnecessary delays.

“Speedy resolving of crime cases would further have a bearing on the public image of SAPS because failure of our courts to swiftly resolve cases creates the impression that the police are not doing their work,” the MEC added.

The committees will be made up of representatives from SAPS, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), departments of Correctional Services and Justice and Constitutional Development.