Proteas Women Squad Ready To TakeOn Bangladesh In Crucial Odi Series
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has today announced the 15-player squad that will face Bangladesh in the three-match One-Day International (ODI)...
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One child dead and several people injured in Bloemfontein storm
Hundreds of people in Phase 6 location lost most of their belongings and now have to rebuild their homes
Conference To Tackle Challenges Facing Corporate Governance
Insufficient corporate governance lies at the core of several societal welfare and democratic challenges, spanning from dysfunctional municipalities struggling to meet service delivery needs due to corruption and inefficiency, to disparities in the private sector such as wage gaps and collusive practices that do not serve the public interest. Addressing the critical issues surrounding ethical …
SA U19S Squad Named For ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has today named the 15-player squad that will represent South Africa at the ICC U19...
Police manufacture R150 million cocaine bust at Durban Harbour
Police make R150 million cocaine bust at Durban Harbour
KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, has commended the successful operation by a multi-disciplinary team of police intelligence and border agents at the Port of Durban which has taken millions of rand worth of drugs off the street.
Police seized drugs valued at R150 million packed in meat boxes at the Durban Harbour on Monday night.
According to the national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, a multi-disciplinary team intercepted and inspected a container at a cold storage facility and found 433 blocks of cocaine disguised in meat boxes. The container was en route from Brazil.
The Premier has commended the dedicated law enforcement officials for their outstanding efforts.
“This operation again emphasises the value of collaboration with our international counterparts on intelligence across our borders and oceans. Just this one operation has removed from our streets illicit drugs valued at an estimated R150 million.
“It comes just two months after another intelligence driven operation resulted in the discovery of 200 blocks of cocaine with an estimated value of R70 million hidden in 20 litre paint containers at the Durban Harbour,” the Premier said.
The Premier commended the cooperation of law enforcement agencies for their dedication to public safety and justice and their ceaseless efforts at making our province and country safe.
She said the success of this operation serves as a powerful message against those who seek to exploit communities through illicit activities.
“The removal of such a substantial quantity of drugs from circulation is a significant step in safeguarding the well-being of our citizens, particularly our youth and women.
“As we head into the holiday period this means our streets will be safer as the joint operation by our officers has removed these killer drugs from circulation and from being sold to our young people,” Dube-Ncube said.
The Premier noted that the country is observing the 16 Days of Activism for no Violence Against Women and Child, and “drugs are known to play a significant role in fueling the epidemic of abuse”.
“We want to send a message to criminals, especially drug dealers that we will not allow our cities to be overtaken by drugs. We call on all members of our community to work together with law enforcement agencies to identify those who are involved in crime in our communities so that they can be apprehended and kept behind bars.
“Our message to all drug lords is that KwaZulu-Natal is not a place for drugs, or any other criminal activities and we will leave no stone unturned to find the criminals wherever they are,” the Premier warned. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 12/07/2023 - 13:42
294 views
Township boxing gym punches far above its weight
Mzi Damesi started the Overstrand Whale Boxing Club nearly 20 years ago in Hermanus
List of Upcoming Nationwide Protest Actions Against Oil and Gas Drilling Off South African Coastline
South Africa: On Saturday, 9 December, people across the country will unite in local actions against oil and gas drilling off the South African coastlines. Multinational corporations, including Shell, Qatar, Total Energies and contractors such as CGG and Searcher, are amongst the focal points of the latest round of public outrage. Recent authorisations which have …
Fusion Centre’s efforts pay off
Fusion Centre's efforts pay off
National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya, has outlined the progress and successes achieved by the Fusion Centre in its bid to prevent and combat corruption.
“Since May 2020 to date, the Fusion Centre has achieved a significant number of successes in arrests, prosecution, freezing orders and recoveries. These significant achievements serve to amplify that government’s sharp focus on capacitating the agencies focused on fighting crime and corruption is yielding results,” Lebeya said, while addressing a media briefing in Pretoria, on Wednesday.
The centre was established in May 2020 by the Anti-Corruption Task Team (ACTT) and the National Priority Committee on Organised Crime (NPCOC) as a multi-disciplinary and collaborative effort by all corruption-fighting agencies that are actively involved in the prevention and combating of corruption.
It follows an intelligence-driven approach in investigating corruption and uses comprehensive data and information analysis. It also fast tracks and expedites the processing of cases, thus reducing delays in the pursuit of justice.
"The Fusion Centre broadens the scope of investigations by combining the expertise of multiple agencies, working within their legislative mandates and enhancing the quality and depth of each inquiry. This results in improving the quality of investigations, and increasing prosecution successes," he said.
Progress made
The Fusion Centre has achieved successes relating to the following cases:
- 556 cases and incidents of fraud, maladministration, tax evasion and corruption involving 168 accused persons were investigated;
- 51 natural persons and 43 entities were convicted for various crimes, including corruption, fraud, tax evasion, money laundering and others; and
- 48 cases are still in court.
Lebeya explained that some of the cases handled by the Fusion Centre are complex commercial crimes, involving networks of organised criminal syndicates.
“The investigators from the Fusion Centre had to trace the networks and the syndicates in order to arrive at conclusive evidence of wrongdoing. The first case involved an accountant who defrauded the COVID-19 Temporary Employer-Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) [of] over R11 million by claiming relief funds on behalf of a number of companies without their knowledge.
“The investigators uncovered a network of 17 persons, 26 entities, 53 banking accounts and 983 transactions involved in the flow of the financial proceeds from the accountant. The funds were used to purchase immoveable and moveable assets such as houses and a car,” he said.
Preservation orders against two accountants to the value of R3 065 114.08 were obtained as well as four immoveable properties valued at R2 662 986.60. One vehicle was bought with an amount of R665 000.
The accused accountant, Lindelani Bert Gumede, was arrested and convicted for fraud, theft, and money laundering. He was sentenced in 2022 to 135 years imprisonment.
“The second case also involved an accountant who, using the names of six companies, defrauded the TERS scheme to the amount of R884 308.06. Crime analysis revealed that the accountant was behind the companies that claimed the funds.
“This accountant was charged and an amount of R482 258.71 was recovered in an FNB account registered under the name of the accountant. Through the recovery process by the Fusion Centre, he agreed to refund the funds derived from defrauding the scheme. The accountant, Mark Voster, was sentenced to six years imprisonment,” Lt-Gen Lebeya said.
The third case involved an Eastern Cape Taxi Association, which fraudulently claimed R220 million from the TERS scheme using 66 accounts.
The Fusion Centre issued Section 34 directives on the 26 bank accounts securing a preservation order of R26.9 million against the taxi association.
The personal protective equipment (PPE) contract of the taxi association was declared irregular and unlawful. The criminal trial is still proceeding.
In terms of the freezing orders and recoveries, the following successes were achieved:
- The Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) obtained 25 orders worth R274 million;
- The Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) obtained 42 orders worth over R331 million;
- The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) obtained 29 orders amounting to R465 million and
- South African Revenue Service (SARS) obtained 22 freezing orders worth over R740 million.
Lt-Gen Lebeya said public officials were involved in some of the cases of maladministration or did not follow the legislative frameworks in the appointment of service providers, and payments made to service providers and third parties.
“There were 97 referrals for disciplinary and executive actions against officials in government departments and state-owned entities. So far, 11 public officials have been dismissed for various cases of maladministration, fraud and corruption. Three have resigned, eight were suspended, 71 pending and one has received a written warning,” he said.
Other referrals include 58 cases to the Competition Commission, 57 to the South African Health Product Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) and 29 companies referred to National Treasury to blacklist them on the Central Supplier Database (CSD).
In addition, 47 referrals from the SIU to the National Prosecuting Authority and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) were made.
Fusion Centre's Mandate
The operationalisation of the Fusion Centre coincided with the need to identify and stem misappropriation of funds set aside by government for social and economic relief during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Initially it focused on money laundering, corruption and other financial crimes related to procurement of personal protective equipment and other COVID19 related procurement.
However, since the success of the collaborative approach, the mandate of the Fusion Centre has been expanded to include organised crime, money laundering, fraud, maladministration, terrorist financing and other serious financial crimes both in public and private institutions
“We are calling upon the business sector, specifically, to partner and collaborate with the Fusion Centre and support the enhancement of forensic investigation skills and other critical skills which will lead to a higher rate of prosecution for commercial corruption crimes.
“The Fusion Centre contributes towards the implementation of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) action plan in respect of South Africa in addressing deficiencies in the anti-money laundering system,” he said. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 12/06/2023 - 11:59
211 views
Afroteq Advisory Promotes Pieter Vlok To Acting Division Head Of Strategic Facilities Projects (SFP)
Pieter Vlok has been promoted to Acting Division Head of Strategic Facilities Projects (SFP) at Afroteq Advisory. Before this, he was the Senior Project Manager – a position he has filled since 2017. Pieter is currently pursuing his MBA degree through the University of Stellenbosch Business School. He earned a B.Sc in Construction Management and …
Stage set for Durban Open Streets Family Fun
Stage set for Durban Open Streets Family Fun
Fashion, food, music, cycling, and a fun walk or run will be the order of the day at the upcoming Open Streets Family Fun to be held in Walnut Road, Durban, on Sunday.
The Open Streets concept encourages the free and safe movement of people, enabling them to experience their space in new and exciting ways – car free.
In a statement, the eThekwini Municipality said following the resounding success of the pilot Open Streets: Florida Road in March, the City is taking further steps to encourage active mobility by hosting a bigger, better and more exciting Open Streets in Walnut Road.
The one-day programme will see a portion of Walnut Road closed off to vehicles converting the street into a walkable space for families to enjoy.
eThekwini Transport Authority Acting Head, Bethuel Manthoadi said Open Streets: Walnut Road will be transformed into a family-oriented precinct displaying an array of cultures co-existing along the stretch.
“By closing the street to cars, opening them to people, and coordinating an engaging programme, Open Streets: Walnut Road facilitates the re-imagination of streets as places that are safe, healthy and fun,” Manthoadi said.
The public is encouraged to support the free event by attending in large numbers.
“We have considered the positive feedback received about the pilot Open Streets in Florida Road, and we are working with various stakeholders to ensure that the event is another fun and memorable experience.
“Durbanites and visitors can look forward to a City cycle ride and walk/run, bike-share programme, local market, fashion, cultural and heritage tours, playground-style games, live music, food offerings, public art and much more.”
To enter the cycle and fun run/walk go to: https://racepass.com/za/races/durban-openstreet.
“Entries are limited to 500 cyclists and 500 participants in the fun run/walk. The first 200 entrants will receive a free t-shirt,” Manthoadi said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 12/06/2023 - 14:20
204 views
The Absa RUSH YOUR CITY campaign wins the Active and Wellness Award at the 2023 Sports Industry Awards
Johannesburg, 6 December 2023 – Proudly African bank, Absa, is pleased to announce that the 2023 Absa RUN YOUR CITY campaign, titled Together, we can do more, Siyabangena has won the Active and Wellness Award at the recent 2023 Sports Industry Awards. The campaign encouraged Absa colleagues, customers and community members to be an active …
Criminals terrorise aged gold mining area
Four years after notorious gang leader was shot by police, Roodepoort families still live in fear
‘Tis the sea-sun for outdoor adventures on the KZN South Coast
The holiday season is around the corner, and with the warmer weather enticing everyone outdoors, the KZN South Coast is: Destination…summer! There are endless outdoor adventures for the whole family to enjoy from the sea to the sky! “Adventure tourism and nature-based experiences are top of the list for many visitors, and we’re so fortunate …
Thousands rally in support of Palestine at Zoo Lake
Health and humanitarian aid organisation workers voice outrage over bombing of Gaza
MAHLE sets the global standard for wireless charging
• SAE International chooses the MAHLE positioning system as the global standard solution for the wireless charging of electric vehicles • Key technology closes the crucial gap in standardization • Cross-manufacturer solution enables a comprehensive and rapid market launch • MAHLE CEO Arnd Franz: “A strong impetus for e-mobility.” Inductive – i.e. wireless – charging …
South Africa men and Australia women claimed the first titles of HSBC SVNS 2024 with victory in Dubai
South Africa's Blitzboks overcame a spirited Argentina 12-7 to lift their fifth straight Emirates Dubai 7s trophy – equaling the record for successive titles at a single location. Although Argentina had to settle for silver it represented their best ever result in Dubai.
Interview of the Captain of South Africa is available for media to download and use for free, without authorization: https://apo-opa.co/49YdpRv
Watch the video B-roll: https://apo-opa.co/3GsZtBp
The women's final was another epic encounter between the top two teams in the world. In a replay of last years final, Australia overcame their arch rivals 26-19 to end New Zealand's winning run on 41 matches, which spanned since their loss in the Dubai final last year.
Teagan Levi touched down either side of halftime as Australia ended New Zealand's 41-match winning streak to claim their fourth consecutive title in Dubai, as the HSBC SVNS 2024 got off to an electric start.
Not to be overshadowed by her younger sister, Maddison Levi broke her own tournament try record, her 12th try of the weekend in the 13th minute was the decisive one.
The match kicked off at an astonishing speed – and did not let up. Bienne Tarita scored the opening try with just 23 seconds on the clock to set Australia on the road to the title in the 23rd final meeting between the two sides.
But the Black Ferns Sevens made it difficult for the champions. Jorja Miller touched down twice in the first five minutes en route to a hat-trick in a losing cause, before Maddison Levi settled the tournament in the closing minutes.
Australia's captain Charlotte Caslick had only praise for the younger Levi. “She's unbelievable. She's had an amazing pre-season so we're all just getting to see the hard work that she's done this year.”
And she explained the game plan for becoming the first team to beat New Zealand since last year's final in Dubai: “We wanted to hold the ball as much as possible because we know when they touch it they're dangerous. That was key for us – restarts and holding on to the ball.
“We love coming to Dubai, we love the fans here, playing in front of you guys. It's a great team and we're so proud of them. We worked really hard for this, so it's really special for us.”
New Zealand's passage to the final saw them beat Brazil 26-14 in the quarter-final before overcoming Canada 21-19 in a nail-biting finish the an exhilarating match.
Australia began the day with a convincing 32-5 quarter-final win over USA before running out 21-14 winners over France in a high quality semi-final.
Canada missed out on their first medal since winning silver in Sydney in 2020 as they were well beaten 26-5 by France who claimed the bronze medal and put in a strong performance throughout the weekend with the returning Anne-Cécile Ciofani contributing to building excitement ahead of the Olympic Games in Paris next July.
The men's final was a tense affair as South Africa narrowly overcame Argentina 12-7. Impi Visser had already crossed for the Blitzboks when Shilton van Wyk, player of the final in 2022, went over in the fifth minute to take the score to 12-0.
Argentina's Matias Osadczuk cut the deficit to five points early in the second half, after Ryan Oosthuizen was yellow carded for a dangerous tackle.
Rosko Specman came within inches of a spectacular score, but lost the ball – and ploughed into a steward – in the corner, as South Africa held off the Argentinian fightback.
With the series heading to South Africa next week, their run to the title in Dubai could not have come at a better time. Fans will be hoping they can go back to back in Cape Town next weekend.
South Africa's acting head coach Philip Snyman hailed his squad's, "amazing performances throughout the weekend".
“We said we wanted to leave everything on the field,” he said. “It doesn't matter what happens with the result – we want to look each other in the eye and have smiles on our faces. Even with the yellow card tonight, they really played each other, they played for their jersey and they restored the pride in the Springbok Sevens jersey.”
South Africa started the day strongly with a 24-7 quarter-final defeat of Australia, before overcoming Fiji 14-7 in an intense semi-final.
Argentina overcame Samoa 21-14 in the quarter-final before narrowly beating New Zealand's All Blacks Sevens 21-19 in a pulsating semi-final.
New Zealand recovered from the disappointment of their semi-final defeat to take home the bronze medals with a 17-12 victory over Fiji.
The pool draw for the next round of HSBC SVNS in Cape Town on 9-10 December took place on the pitch in Dubai following the end of play and produced some exciting match-ups as fans can now look ahead and get excited to welcoming world class rugby sevens back to the Mother City.
Women's Pool A: Australia, Fiji, Japan, Spain. Pool B: New Zealand, Ireland, Brazil, Great Britain. Pool C: France, Canada, USA, South Africa.
Men's Pool A: South Africa, Ireland, USA, Great Britain. Pool B: Argentina, Fiji, France, Spain. Pool C: New Zealand, Samoa, Australia, Canada.
Fans are encouraged not to miss the two-day extravaganza with incredible food, fitness, non-stop music including live music acts from DJ Zinhle, Jack Parow, Sun El-Musician and more, alongside the world class rugby sevens action. Tickets are available from only R150 at Ticketmaster.co.za.
The HSBC SVNS 2024 is set to supercharge the sport's global appeal and is taking place across eight iconic destinations. The new look HSBC SVNS 2024 features seven regular season events – in Dubai, Cape Town, Perth, Vancouver, Los Angeles, Hong Kong and Singapore - before the Grand Final in Madrid.
The top eight placed teams based on cumulative series points after seven events will compete in the new ‘winner takes all' Grand Final, where the women's and men's champions will be crowned.
Madrid will also play host to the high stakes relegation play-off competition where teams ranked ninth to 12th will join the top four teams from the World Rugby Sevens Challenger, with the top four placed teams securing their place on HSBC SVNS 2025.
The reimagined competition model means fans can expect even more excitement, entertainment and nail-biting jeopardy. And with the clock counting down until rugby sevens kicks off the Olympic Games in Paris on 24 July 2024, the action will be hotter than ever on and off the pitch.
In line with World Rugby's commitment to grow the women's game, all HSBC SVNS events will see men's and women's teams sharing the platform equally to showcase their incredible strength, speed and skill on the biggest stages around the world.
HSBC SVNS events deliver the ultimate in immersive experiences, a unique festival of sport, entertainment, music, culture and cuisine alongside the world's best men's and women's athletes set against the spectacular backdrops of some of the most stunning locations around the globe.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Rugby.
CSA Announces Squads For Multi-Format India Tour
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has today named the Proteas squads for the all-format inbound tour against India from 10 December...
Medical experts to assess health of judge facing tribunal
Judge Nomonde Mngqibisa-Thusi is facing possible impeachment for failing to hand down judgments timeously
Business for Change: A Comprehensive Roadmap to Sustainable HIV/AIDS Awareness and Prevention in South Africa
By Rowen Govender – Academic Head School of Healthcare Management at Regent Business School Amidst the intricate tapestry of South Africa, where the pervasive spectre of the HIV/AIDS crisis casts a formidable shadow over countless lives, businesses find themselves standing at a pivotal crossroads — a unique juncture to emerge as catalysts of profound societal …
Introducing sustainable fashion’s finest – the winners of the 5th annual Twyg Sustainable Fashion Awards are out!
On Thursday 23 November 2023, South Africa’s increasingly global fashion industry turned out in well-heeled force at a dazzling gala event that succeeded in being even more glamorous thanks to its mindful host, Twyg, an independent media non-profit organisation working at the intersection of fashion and sustainability. Celebrating designers who use sustainable practices, this was …
For Complete Peace Of Mind: Paysho Enables Safe Commerce, Protects Buyers and Sellers Against Scams Associated With Transacting On Classifieds Platforms
Paysho, the groundbreaking online escrow service, is transforming the landscape of online transactions by providing a secure platform for both buyers and sellers. In an era where online fraud and scams are rampant, Paysho emerges as much-needed protection for buyers and sellers, safeguarding all funds until all parties involved in a transaction are completely satisfied …
R317-million in duplicate payments to lawyers recovered from Road Accident Fund
SIU investigating millions more lost to corruption, maladministration
How SA’s delivery drivers handled Black Friday
As South Africa’s e-commerce sector continues its robust growth, the post-Black Friday period offered a critical litmus test for logistics companies. DPD, a leader in the express courier industry, faced this challenge head-on, navigating a 22% increase in parcel volumes compared to the previous year. This surge in demand, a direct result of the consumer …
FNB should fix The Big Issue fraud
If FICA cannot prevent this kind of fraud then its use is questionable