Pit Toilets: Eastern Cape Parents Take Matters Into Their Own Hands
Parents at Good Hope Primary in Cofimvaba are building their own toilets
Lusikisiki
Teachers at Eastern Cape School Give up Their Toilet to Grade R Learners
Jongikhaya teachers and learners share broken pit toilets
SCOPA Alarmed Following Oversight Visit to Two Eastern Cape Municipalities
At 8 pm on Friday, 28 March 2025, the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) concluded its week-long oversight visit to the Eastern Cape's OR Tambo District Municipality and Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality where it noted with alarm the state of most of the projects it visited at both municipalities.
The projects were chosen following the reports the committee received from the Auditor-General of South Africa (AG) and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).
Key oversight observations:
- Chronic capital project delays with cost overruns being the norm rather than the exception, to the tune of hundreds of millions.
- Persistence of years-long legacy of supply chain and financial management misdeeds and mismanagement – leading to write-offs or unresolved irregular expenditure.
- Consulting engineers certify invoices for payment when work has not been completed and are never held accountable.
- A culture of no consequences, with executive authorities either quashing reports on malfeasance or defending inexcusable failure to act.
- Infrastructure departments and projects appear to be a cesspool of malfeasance and maladministration.
OR Tambo District Municipality
The committee visited the Lusikisiki Sewerage Project, whose third phase has been plagued by delays, with a service provider abandoning the site after it ran out of funds. The committee found on the site abandoned pipes and materials that, according to the municipality officials, are still usable. But the committee could not ascertain whether any had been stolen.
The visit was followed by a visit to Ntsonyini Dam in Port St. John's, which has also been delayed for years, notwithstanding a lot of money spent on it. The committee found a lot of unused materials strewn at the site, yet the project is still far from completion and more money is needed to complete it. Other parts of the project, which depend on the dam, have nonetheless progressed but cannot be utilised due to the delayed completion of the dam.
Members of the committee were alarmed to learn that some senior officials who have been arrested on more than one occasion are still on duty, with the Municipal Manager and the Executive Mayor defending their continued presence at work. The committee made its displeasure clear and demanded that immediate action be taken to protect the integrity of the district municipality.
In other cases, the committee found that the director of a company recently awarded a contract of over R105 million has been charged with fraud pertaining to Alfred Nzo District Municipality and officials claimed to be unaware about that.
The Mqanduli Bulk Water Project which was also visited by the committee, is beset with various problems, despite upbeat reporting by officials. The OR Tambo District Municipality is unable to draw water from Mthatha Dam due to a defective pipe owned by the Department of Water and Sanitation and instead draws directly from Mthatha River. The Thornhill Water Treatment Works is, in any event, below the capacity needed to supply the network of reservoirs that are supposed to bring water to urban and rural residents in the district.
The committee heard residents complaining of frequent and drawn-out water shortages and received from officials accounts of old infrastructure that breaks down often, leading to further water cuts. This affects both households and Walter Sisulu University.
Although the committee has noted signs of improvement in audit outcomes at the OR Tambo District Municipality, it remains deeply concerned by project delays, cost overruns, lack of consequences for errant officials and seemingly poor due diligence in the selection of service providers.
Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
The committee visited the Zwelitsha Waste-water Treatment Plant, which has been beset by chronic delays, mainly involving litigation and payment disputes. The plant remains incomplete and is causing delays in housing developments in the region. The site is poorly maintained, frequently vandalised and is vulnerable to organised crime.
However, it was at the Mdantsane NU2 Swimming Pool and Water World projects where the committee experienced first-hand the most egregious examples of years of mismanagement, malfeasance and possible fraud and corruption. While R57 million and R121 million have been spent at Mdantsane and Waterworld respectively, both projects are effectively unusable due to neglect, vandalism and non-existent maintenance.
The committee was further alarmed to learn that the Speaker of Council, the Chief Whip and the Executive Mayor have on more than one occasion quashed damning reports pertaining to the projects. They were unable to provide convincing reasons why this was the case, leading to what appears to be a culture of impunity and procurement malfeasance.
Conclusion
The committee will carefully consider its observations and table a comprehensive report before the National Assembly. Some matters will be referred to the AG for special audits and the SIU to pursue civil recoveries against service providers and staff.
It also became clear to the committee that urgent action must be taken in respect of supply chain, infrastructure and project management units where most of the malfeasance appears to be rooted, with some officials reportedly owning assets well beyond the salaries they earn.
While the committee noted that OR Tambo District Municipality and Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality had recovery programs in place, it is nonetheless clear that both are far from recovery.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
SIU to probe National Skills Fund, DPWI, among others
SIU to probe National Skills Fund, DPWI, among others
President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed five proclamations - two new and three amendments - authorising the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate allegations of corruption and maladministration in the affairs of the National Skills Fund and the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.
In addition, the President has amended existing proclamations to expand the scope of investigations into the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), Eskom, PetroSA, Transnet, South African Airways (SAA), the Department of Human Settlements, Alexkor, and the South African Council for Educators (SACE).
In a statement on Friday, the SIU said these investigations aim to recover financial losses suffered by the State.
National Skills Fund
“Proclamation 253 of 2025 authorises the SIU to investigate allegations of serious maladministration, improper or unlawful conduct by officials or employees of the Department of Higher Education and Training, and the possible mismanagement of funds allocated to the National Skills Fund (NSF),” the SIU said.
The investigation will focus on procurement and contracting for the implementation of skills development programmes, training projects, and the appointment of implementing agents for the following projects:
- Yikhonolakho Woman and Youth Primary Co-operative Limited (NSF 16/1/3/21)
- Dithipe Development Institute (Pty) Limited
- Dzunde Farming Co-operative Limited – Rural Development
- Dual System Apprenticeship Pilot Project – Port Elizabeth TVET College (NSF10/3/8/2/9)
- Rubicon Communication CC
- Centre for Education Policy Development (Fruitless & Wasteful Expenditure) — NSF 16/2/1/2 & NSF 10/4/4/3
- Emanzini Staffing Solutions (Pty) Limited (NSF16/1/4/55 and/or 2016-NSFWIL — 0174)
- ADA Holdings (NSF16/1/4/5, Ingewe TVET College — NSF/16/3/2/2 & Lusikisiki/ Bizana — NSF/16/1/2/3)
- Ekurhuleni West TVET College (NSF16/1/2/39)
- Passionate about People (Pty) Limited (NSF/16/1/3/12&16).
Additionally, the SIU will investigate any unauthorised, irregular, fruitless, or wasteful expenditure by the NSF or the department.
The scope of the investigation includes any unlawful or improper conduct by suppliers, service providers, and other involved parties, occurring between 1 January 2013 and 28 March 2025, or related matters before or after this period.
National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure
Proclamation 256 of 2025 authorises the SIU to investigate allegations of maladministration in the affairs of the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) relating to the appointment of travel agents in 2017 for the rendering of travel agency services, including flights, accommodation, and vehicle hire.
“The investigation will determine whether these appointments and related payments were conducted in a manner that was not fair, competitive, transparent, equitable, or cost-effective; contrary to applicable legislation; or inconsistent with Treasury instructions, departmental manuals, policies, procedures, or other applicable prescripts.
“The SIU will also investigate any unauthorised, irregular, fruitless, or wasteful expenditure incurred by the Department and any unlawful or improper conduct by officials, employees, service providers, or any other parties involved in the procurement of these services,” the SIU said.
The SIU added that the scope of the investigation includes any unlawful or improper conduct by suppliers, service providers, and other involved parties, occurring between 1 March 2017 and 28 March 2025, or related matters before or after this period.
Amendment of Proclamation No. R.206 of 2024
Proclamation 252 of 2025 amends Proclamation R.206 of 2024 to reflect the full scope of the SIU’s investigation into several state institutions.
The amendment corrects and clarifies the entities under investigation, which include the South African Broadcasting Corporation SOC Limited (SABC), Eskom Holdings SOC Limited, the Petroleum Oil and Gas Corporation of South Africa SOC Limited (PetroSA), Transnet SOC Limited, South African Airways SOC Limited (SAA), and the National Department of Human Settlements (formerly known as the National Department of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation).
The amendment substitutes the heading and paragraph 1 of the original Proclamation to formally add South African Airways as a state institution which will be subjected to an investigation of allegations of serious maladministration, corruption, and unlawful conduct in the affairs of these state institutions.
Amendment of Alexkor investigation to include additional institutions and broader scope
Proclamation 254 of 2025 amends Proclamation R.45 of 2021 to broaden the scope of the Special Investigating Unit’s (SIU) investigation beyond Alexkor SOC Limited.
The amendment now includes the Alexkor Richtersveld Mining Company Pooling and Sharing Joint Venture and the State Diamond Trader—collectively referred to as “the Institutions.” The amendment updates several references throughout the original Proclamation to reflect this expanded scope.
“The amended Proclamation authorises the SIU to investigate the procurement of and contracting for goods or services by or on behalf of the Institutions in relation to the marketing, valuation, sale (including decisions not to buy), and beneficiation of diamonds, and any income generated or lost, or payments made in respect thereof.
“The investigation will consider whether such conduct was contrary to applicable legislation, Treasury instructions, or the Institutions’ own policies and procedures,” the SIU said.
The SIU will also probe serious maladministration in the affairs of Alexkor SOC Limited in respect of contracts concluded with, and fees paid to, Regiments Capital (Pty) Limited.
The SIU will also investigate any related unauthorised, irregular, or fruitless and wasteful expenditure incurred by the Institutions, as well as fraudulent, irregular, improper, or unlawful conduct by Board members, officials, employees, agents, service providers, traders, auctioneers, bidders, or buyers—particularly where such conduct resulted in undue benefit or concealed interests.
In addition, the Proclamation authorises the SIU to probe serious maladministration in the affairs of the institutions in respect of agreements or contracts with service providers and other diamond trade actors and specifically empowers the SIU to investigate contracts concluded with and fees paid to Regiments Capital (Pty) Limited by Alexkor SOC Limited.
The amended scope covers conduct occurring between 1 January 2014 (previously 1 October 2016) and the date of publication of this Proclamation and includes related matters outside this period if they are relevant to the investigation.
“Beyond investigating maladministration, corruption, and fraud, the SIU will identify systemic failures and recommend measures to prevent future losses.”
In accordance with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 (SIU Act), the SIU will refer any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during these investigations to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action.
The SIU is also empowered to institute civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal to recover financial losses to the State resulting from acts of corruption, fraud or maladministration. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Sun, 03/30/2025 - 13:09
166 views
Government puts shoulder to the wheel to build a thriving economy
Government puts shoulder to the wheel to build a thriving economy
Growing the economy and job creation are at the top of the seventh administration’s agenda, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Thursday.
“We want a nation with a thriving economy that benefits all. To create this virtuous cycle of investment, growth and jobs, we must lift economic growth to above three percent,” the President said, as he delivered the State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Cape Town.
In the first SONA of the seventh administration, the President said government has adopted the Medium-Term Development Plan, which sets out a clear and ambitious programme for the next five years.
The actions contained in the plan advance three strategic priorities: driving inclusive growth and job creation; reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living as well as building a capable, ethical and developmental state.
“To achieve higher levels of economic growth, we are undertaking massive investment in new infrastructure while upgrading and maintaining the infrastructure we have.
“We are engaging local and international financial institutions and investors to unlock R 100 billion in infrastructure financing. A project preparation bid window has been launched to fast-track investment readiness.
“This includes revised regulations for public private partnerships, which will unlock private sector expertise and funds,” the President explained.
Focus on infrastructure
Over the next three years, government will spend more than R940 billion on infrastructure. This includes R375 billion in spending by state owned companies.
“This funding will revitalise our roads and bridges, build dams and waterways, modernise our ports and airports and power our economy. Through the Infrastructure Fund, 12 blended finance projects worth nearly R38 billion have been approved in the last year.
The aim of the Infrastructure Fund is to use committed government funding to leverage much higher levels of private sector investment in public infrastructure. Managed by Infrastructure South Africa, the fund is a portfolio of blended finance projects and programmes.
“These are projects in water and sanitation, student accommodation, transport, health and energy. Construction of the Mtentu Bridge continues. This bridge will rise above the river between Port Edward and Lusikisiki, and will become the tallest bridge in Africa,” the President said.
The Polihlali Dam will feed 490 million cubic metres of water a year from the Lesotho Highlands into the Vaal River System, securing water supply to several provinces for years to come.
In addition, government is working with international partners to revitalises small harbours and unlock economic opportunities for coastal communities.
“We are steadily removing the obstacles to meaningful and faster growth,” he said.
Operation Vulindlela
As government continues to implement economic reforms through Operation Vulindlela, the President said a new sense of optimism and confidence in the economy has been created.
“We have made progress in rebuilding and restructuring a number of our network industries. We are seeing positive results in the improvement of the functioning of our network industries as well as the investment opportunities that are opening up and are being taken by investors leading to job creation.
“Working together with business, labour and other social partners we must now finish this work. Over the coming year, we will initiate a second wave of reform to unleash more rapid and inclusive growth,” the President said.
Operation Vulindlela is a joint initiative of the Presidency and National Treasury to accelerate the implementation of structural reforms and support economic recovery.
The initiative aims to modernise and transform network industries, including electricity, water, transport and digital communications.
“Our immediate focus is to enable Eskom, Transnet and other state-owned enterprises that are vital to our economy to function optimally.
“We are repositioning these entities to provide world-class infrastructure while enabling competition in operations, whether in electricity generation, freight rail or port terminals.
“We continue with the fundamental reform of our state-owned enterprises to ensure that they can effectively fulfil their social and economic mandates."
READ | New wave of reforms to propel SA economy
This includes the work underway to put in place a new model to strengthen governance and oversight of public entities.
“We will ensure public ownership of strategic infrastructure for public benefit while finding innovative ways to attract private investment to improve services and ensure public revenue can be focused on the provision of public services,” the President said.
Meanwhile, government is in the process of establishing a dedicated State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) Reform Unit to coordinate this work.
Energy Action Plan
“The measures we have implemented through the Energy Action Plan have reduced the severity and frequency of load shedding, with more than 300 days without load shedding since March 2024.
“While the return of load shedding for two days last week was a reminder that our energy supply is still constrained, we remain on a positive trajectory.
“We now need to put the risk of load shedding behind us once and for all by completing the reform of our energy system to ensure long-term energy security.”
The President said the Electricity Regulation Amendment Act, which came into effect on 1 January, marks the beginning of a new era.
READ | President Ramaphosa signs Electricity Regulation Amendment Act into law
The act sets out far-reaching reforms of the country’s electricity sector, including the establishment of a competitive electricity market.
“This year, we will put in place the building blocks of a competitive electricity market. Over time, this will allow multiple electricity generation entities to emerge and compete.
“We will mobilise private sector investment in our transmission network to connect more renewable energy to the grid,” Ramaphosa said.
Rail network
The President said Transnet’s performance has stabilised and is steadily improving.
“We released a Network Statement in December 2024 which, for the first time, will enable private rail operators to access the freight rail system
“Open access to the rail network will allow train operating companies to increase the volume of goods transported by rail, while our network infrastructure remains state owned,” the President said.
This will ensure that South African minerals, vehicles and agricultural produce reach international markets, securing jobs and earning much needed revenue for the fiscus.
New cranes and other port equipment are being commissioned to speed up the loading and unloading of cargo and reduce waiting times for ships at ports. -SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 02/06/2025 - 21:22
235 views
Government to spend more than R940bn on infrastructure
Government to spend more than R940bn on infrastructure
Government will spend more than R940 billion on infrastructure over the next three years.
“We are engaging local and international financial institutions and investors to unlock R100 billion in infrastructure financing,” President Ramaphosa said on Thursday, while delivering the State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Cape Town.
The President said government is developing innovative ways of funding infrastructure in a bid to achieve higher levels of economic growth.
"We are undertaking massive investment in new infrastructure, while upgrading and maintaining the infrastructure we have."
President Ramaphosa said a project preparation bid window has been launched to fast track investment readiness.
“This includes revised regulations for public-private partnerships, which will unlock private sector expertise and funds. This includes R375 billion in spending by State-owned companies.
“This funding will revitalise our roads and bridges, build dams and waterways, modernise our ports and airports, and power our economy. Through the Infrastructure Fund, 12 blended finance projects - worth nearly R38 billion - have been approved in the last year."
President Ramaphosa said the construction of the Mtentu Bridge continues.
“This bridge will rise above the river between Port Edward and Lusikisiki, and will become the tallest bridge in Africa. Working with international partners, we are revitalising small harbours, unlocking economic opportunities for coastal communities.
“We are steadily removing the obstacles to meaningful and faster growth. The economic reforms that we are implementing through Operation Vulindlela have created a new sense of optimism and confidence in our economy.
“We have made progress in rebuilding and restructuring a number of our network industries. We are seeing positive results in the improvement of the functioning of our network industries, as well as the investment opportunities that are opening up and are being taken by investors, leading to job creation,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa said over the coming year, government will initiate a second wave of reform to unleash more rapid and inclusive growth.
“Our immediate focus is to enable Eskom, Transnet and other State-owned enterprises that are vital to our economy to function optimally.
“We are repositioning these entities to provide world-class infrastructure, while enabling competition in operations, whether in electricity generation, freight rail or port terminals,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa has previously emphasised the seventh administration's commitment to expanding infrastructure investment, as a crucial part of driving economic growth and ensuring efficient service delivery. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 02/06/2025 - 22:14
36 views
125-Year-Old Eastern Cape Hospital in Desperate Need of Renovations
Protesters march to Greenville Hospital near Bizana to complain about conditions
Higher traffic volumes as holidaymakers return home
Higher traffic volumes as holidaymakers return home
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has called for vigilance, patience and respect for the rules of the road as the festive season comes to an end and travellers return home.
Roads leading out of coastal areas and neighbouring States are expected to experience high traffic volumes. Law enforcement officers have been deployed to monitor driver behaviour on the roads and reduce the number of crashes and fatalities.
In a statement, the RTMC said 7 448 people were arrested on South African roads over the festive period for various offences, including drunk driving, speeding, and attempted bribery.
The arrests were made between 1 December 2024 and 1 January 2025.
“The highest breath alcohol level recorded was 2.47mg/1 000ml on the R61 in Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape, on 27 December 2024. Eastern Cape recorded 455 arrests for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol in December.
“The highest speed recorded was in Limpopo on the N1. A motorist was caught driving at 209km/h in 120km/h zone on the 17th of December.
“As of 1 January, a total of 1 157 032 vehicles were stopped and checked by road traffic authorities as part of the festive season enforcement plan aimed at promoting safety on national roads. Officers issued 408 783 written charges for various traffic violations and 6 034 vehicles were discontinued,” said the RTMC.
It urged motorists to be cautious when driving under rainy conditions.
Drivers are reminded to put their lights on, reduce speed, increase following distance and avoid the use of cellphones and other distractions when driving in rainy conditions. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Mon, 01/06/2025 - 09:55
72 views
Police festive season operations in full swing
Police festive season operations in full swing
The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, says the police’s festive season operations are in full swing in all provinces.
“The work of organised crime syndicates is being dealt a blow, and we remain hard at work in increasing the speed with which we proactively deal with criminals,” Masemola said at a briefing in Pretoria on Monday.
His remarks come as the country approaches the holiday season in December.
Masemola said through ongoing crime combatting high-density operations, known as Operation Shanela, police have arrested over 900 000 suspects since its inception in May 2023.
Through Operation Shanela, police have seized and confiscated illegal firearms, which are being used in serious and violent crimes across the country.
“Just this past week, 132 firearms were seized and in the previous week, 138 firearms were seized. From April 2024 to date, police have seized more than 4 400 firearms during operations across the country.
“We continue to stamp the police’s authority through increased police visibility, coordinated bold and decisive law enforcement operations and most importantly, improved community participation in the fight against crime,” he said.
Masemola commended the overwhelming support and improved active citizenry displayed by South Africans from all walks of life in assisting the men and women in blue with information to track down wanted criminals.
“We have witnessed increased cooperation and unity displayed in working closely with communities on various cases, including the recent arrest of six suspects linked to the Lusikisiki mass shooting, and the arrest of Phethe Simiao, a Mozambican national, who has been arrested in connection with the rape and murder of six-year-old Amantle Samane.
“I take this opportunity, on behalf of the men and women in blue, to thank our communities, the social media community and media houses for playing their role in broadcasting and sharing information rapidly with all South Africans. This ultimately led police in the right direction to apprehend these cold-hearted criminals,” Masemola said.
He called on communities to continue to work with the police, saying more criminals, more firearms and more drugs will be seized.
“The ongoing mass shootings in provinces like the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and the Western Cape are a concern, and require us, as the police, to ramp up our efforts to put a stop to these shootings that are often perpetuated with illegal, unlicensed and high caliber firearms.
“These recent incidents have seen us constantly refining our crime combatting strategies. It is encouraging that in most, if not all, mass shootings, arrests have been made,” Masemola said.
He said their operational focus remains on the tracing of known wanted criminals, and the detection and removal of illegal firearms from the streets.
“In all these areas, we have beefed up and reinforced deployments, and also deployed specialised teams, inclusive of intelligence and organised crime detectives.
“It is important to note that these four provinces -- the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and the Eastern Cape -- are always prioritised, and always receive the largest number of newly trained police officers each year to heighten and increase police visibility in a bid to reduce incidents such as these,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 10/28/2024 - 15:23
67 views
Government Losing 1,800 Firearms a Year to Criminals
Firearm-related murders in South Africa have risen to 34 per day
Police recover firearms used in Lusikisiki mass murder
Police recover firearms used in Lusikisiki mass murder
Police have recovered high calibre firearms believed to have been used in the killing of 18 people during a mass shooting at Ngobozana village in Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape.
South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, said through intelligence and meticulous detective work, the high calibre firearms, including three AK47 automatic rifles and a 243 Steyr Mannlicher rifle, were recovered on Thursday evening.
Mathe said the preliminary investigations indicate that the firearms were moved to another location after the mass killing.
“The high calibre firearms have been taken in for ballistics testing to determine and confirm that they were indeed used in the commission of the crime and to also determine which other crime scenes can be linked to them,” Mathe said.
Additionally, two more suspects have been arrested after they were found in possession of the rifles. The pair was arrested in Flagstaff in the Eastern Cape.
Briefing media on Thursday, National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, commended South Africans from all walks of life for the overwhelming support in providing information on the whereabouts of the wanted suspects in the mass murders.
Masemola confirmed that in less than 24 hours from the time the SAPS issued an alert on the wanted suspects, communities rallied together and informed police on their whereabouts, and all four suspects are now in police custody.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy Ministers Polly Boshielo and Cassel Mathale, as well as Commissioner Masemola, have commended the investigating team for the breakthrough.
READ | Lusikisiki mass murder suspect abandons bail
Counterfeit clothing items confiscated in Durban
Meanwhile, police have confiscated counterfeit high-end clothing items, worth over R15 million, during an operation conducted in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
This comes after a team that deals with contraband, counterfeit and illicit goods gathered intelligence that there were shops on Dr Pixley kaSeme Street, located in the Point area of Durban, which were selling counterfeit goods.
SAPS provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, said police obtained search warrants for several shops that were raided on Thursday, leading to the recovery and seizure of the counterfeit clothing items, including watches and other big brand items.
“At least four suspects have already been arrested in the operation, which is still ongoing. All suspects are foreign nationals and their status in the country is yet to be confirmed. Once processed, the suspects will be taken to court,” Netshiunda said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 10/18/2024 - 10:04
119 views
Lusikisiki mass murder suspect abandons bail
Lusikisiki mass murder suspect abandons bail
A 45-year-old man suspected of the murder of 18 people in the Eastern Cape has abandoned his bail application in the Lusikisiki Magistrates’ Court in the Eastern Cape.
Siphosoxolo Myekethe – who was on parole during his arrest – appeared in the court on Tuesday.
“During his brief appearance, he informed the court that he would not be applying for bail, which the prosecution had already indicated it would be opposing.
“Myekethe has two previous convictions for escaping from lawful custody and murder,” National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Luxolo Tyali, said.
Tyali said the case has been postponed to 26 November 2024 for further investigation, as “there are outstanding suspects on the matter”.
“He is facing 18 charges of murder and one count of possession of an unlicensed firearm, an AK47 assault rifle.
“The accused was arrested on 7 October 2024 at his home in Mthide location... in the district of Lusikisiki.
“His arrest comes after the shooting that occurred on 28 September 2024, at two neighbouring homesteads in Ngobozana village near the town of Lusikisiki. Eighteen people were killed, and five others were injured,” Tyali said.
Cabinet has condemned the mass shooting and welcomed the progress made in the case.
“Cabinet has welcomed the swift deployment of a team of specialist law enforcement officers -- whose work is already bearing fruits -- to investigate these shooting incidents, with one suspect, who is directly linked to the murder of 18 people in Lusikisiki, having already appeared in court,” Cabinet said in a statement on Thursday.
READ | Cabinet welcomes crime fighting efforts
Myekethe made a first appearance in the Lusikisiki Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday in connection with the massacre.
President Cyril Ramaphosa had previously also conveyed his condolences to the families of the 18 people killed last month. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 10/16/2024 - 09:11
13 views
President condemns killing of Eastern Cape community patrollers
President condemns killing of Eastern Cape community patrollers
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed deep sorrow following the tragic killing of six community patrollers in Tina Falls/Godini near Qumbu in the Eastern Cape on Sunday night.
The patrollers were reportedly preparing for duty at their base at Lugongozo Senior Secondary School when attackers struck with an assortment of firearms.
In addition to the six fatalities, four other patrollers were injured in the attack.
The President offered his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and extended wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured.
He condemned the violence, describing it as a grave loss to the community and an assault on the efforts of ordinary citizens to maintain safety in their area.
“Our thoughts are with the families of these community members who died in the course of playing their part to keep their area safe. Following so soon after an equally tragic shooting at Lusikisiki, this new incident saddens and outrages us,” President Ramaphosa said on Tuesday.
Last month, in the same province, 18 people lost their lives in a mass shooting in Ngobozana village, in Lusikisiki. In that tragedy, the President assured the grieving families that the South African Police Service (SAPS) had mobilised all available resources to bring the perpetrators to justice.
READ | Condolences for Lusikisiki mass shooting victims’ families
In his statement on Tuesday, the President vowed that justice would be served, warning that criminals, along with anyone who sheltered or protected them, would face the full might of the law.
He reaffirmed government’s commitment to working with communities to ensure safety in homes, neighbourhoods, and public spaces.
“However, it should also add to our resolve to stop criminals from terrorising communities in the mistaken belief that they’re untouchable. They will be brought to justice alongside anyone who harbours such criminals and does not report information to the authorities.
“Government will continue to work with communities to ensure our homes, neighbourhoods and public spaces are safe and that criminals know they will pay for their deeds.”
The President welcomed the progress made in the investigation into the incident by the police, which has reportedly yielded a positive lead in the case.
Police update
This as the National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, said he was confident that police were following a positive lead in apprehending suspects linked to the killing of the six community patrollers.
Masemola visited the crime scene on Monday.
In a statement, the police said a team of specialised detectives from the district office of the SAPS in Mthatha, were hot on the heels of the suspects wanted in connection with the incident.
“The investigation is ongoing, and arrests are imminent in this regard; as the detective leads are pointing at ongoing stock theft related matters between the affected village and other neighbouring villages,” said Masemola.
With regards to last month’s killing of 18 family members, police said investigations “are at an advanced but sensitive stage in relation to the arrest of the suspects linked to the gruesome murder of 18 family members and relatives in Lusikisiki last week”.
A multi-disciplinary team and detectives from specialised operational environments has been on the ground, since last week and significant progress has been made.
“To date, the joint provincial and national teams are working around the clock to apprehend the wanted suspects and to maintain law and order in the affected areas.” -SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 10/08/2024 - 09:47
20 views
Chikunga condemns Lusikisiki mass shooting
Chikunga condemns Lusikisiki mass shooting
Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has condemned the heinous acts of crime that have resulted in the death of 18 family members in Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape.
A total of 18 people were killed in a gruesome mass shooting over the weekend in Ngobozana village.
Reacting to the incident, Chikunga emphasised that every human being has the inherent right to life, as it is enshrined by the constitution of the Republic of South Africa.
“This right shall be protected by law, and no one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his or her life. It is for this reason that we are encouraged by the work of SAPS and other law enforcement agencies that are ensuring the total protection of life.
“The death of the 18 family members must be investigated and those who are responsible should be held accountable, as they have collaborated to suspend the lives of innocent people,” Chikunga said.
The Minister added that families serve as the primary socialisation agents, helping individuals to develop social skills.
She called on the preservation of the family structure, which continues to provide a stable and secure environment.
“The department also welcomes the psycho-social support and the intervention by the traditional leaders and the community members in the search for those responsible for this act of criminality,” Chikunga said.
Meanwhile, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and the National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, are currently visiting the bereaved families and are expected to address the communities in the afternoon.
According to the police, the suspect in connection with the murder is still at large. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 10/01/2024 - 10:11
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Condolences for Lusikisiki mass shooting victims’ families
Condolences for Lusikisiki mass shooting victims’ families
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his condolences to the families of the 18 people tragically killed in a mass shooting over the weekend in Ngobozana village, in Lusikisiki, in the Eastern Cape.
The President has also extended his sympathies to the survivors of the two separate attacks, which took place on the same street and predominantly claimed the lives of women.
President Ramaphosa assured the grieving families that the South African Police Service (SAPS) has mobilised all available resources to bring the perpetrators to justice. A specialised team of detectives and forensic experts has been deployed to the crime scene to expedite the investigation.
In addition, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, along with the national SAPS leadership, will visit the affected families and engage with the community to offer support and address the tragedy.
The President noted that this incident is part of a troubling pattern, with 38 people having been killed in similar attacks over the past two years. To date, 25 suspects remain in custody in connection with these incidents.
“I feel deeply for all the families and members of the broader community affected by this attack and on behalf of all of us as South Africans, I offer you our deepest sympathies.
“While we are united in our grief, we are also united in our outrage and condemnation of this excessive criminal assault which will not go unpunished.
“The South African Police Service has proven its effectiveness in dealing with random and organised crime and I am confident the Lusikisiki case will be added to the successes recorded recently by our police service,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa added that community members should therefore feel free to provide investigators with information that can help police apprehend the attackers and prepare a watertight case for the courts to process.
“We will not allow criminals to prevail,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 09/30/2024 - 12:29
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SANRAL pilots junior chefs training programme under N2 Wild Coast Road project
Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape, 5 August 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) is venturing beyond road construction on the N2 Wild Coast Road Project, including introducing training for junior chefs, among its non-engineering interventions. The N2 Wild Coast Road project, a R20-billion initiative, is more than just a road construction endeavour, …