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Assets linked to Lotteries scandal preserved

Location: News

Assets linked to Lotteries scandal preserved

The Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), together with the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), have secured a preservation order for some R6.5 million in four high-value properties, financial transfers, and a vehicle linked to the looting of funds at the National Lotteries Commission.

In a joint statement on Wednesday, the two law enforcement agencies said the order ensures that the assets are preserved until a forfeiture order is granted.

“This decisive action is part of an ongoing investigation into the unlawful use of NLC [National Lotteries Commission] grant allocations meant to support community development projects.

“This preservation is part of implementing the Anti-Corruption Strategy, which sees law enforcement agencies coming together to eradicate corruption in South Africa,” the statement read.

The preserved assets include:

   • Property in Ekurhuleni 
   • Property at Waterfront Estate in Tshwane 
   • An agricultural holding
   • Property at Makhado in Limpopo
   • 2016 Toyota Hilux

“The preservation order ensures that the identified assets remain secured and cannot be sold or otherwise disposed of while investigations continue. The SIU and AFU are working closely to expedite the legal process to recover the misappropriated funds and bring those involved in these fraudulent activities to justice.

“The AFU and SIU remain committed to protecting public funds and ensuring that those responsible for the misuse of grant allocations are held accountable. All the properties mentioned above represent the proceeds of unlawful activity as provided for in the Prevention of Organised Crime Act. 

"Once forfeited, the property will be sold at a public auction, and the NLC will be compensated for its losses,” the statement said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 08/28/2024 - 10:42

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RTMC investigates cause of Limpopo bus crash

Location: News

RTMC investigates cause of Limpopo bus crash

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) is investigating the cause of a bus crash that claimed the lives of 10 people and left three others seriously injured in Limpopo.

The crash took place along the N1 in Makhado on Tuesday night at around 11:50 pm.

The bus driver, who was allegedly speeding, failed to safely navigate a traffic circle resulting in the bus overturning while traveling south bound from Zimbabwe to Johannesburg. 

The deceased passengers are reportedly all foreign nationals.

“The RTMC expresses deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who tragically lost their lives in this incident and wishes a speedy recovery to those who are currently hospitalised with injuries,” the Road Traffic Management Corporation said in a statement.

The RTMC crash investigation team is on the scene gathering information to understand the circumstances leading to the crash. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 08/28/2024 - 11:43

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Boreholes to help secure water in rural areas of Makhado

Location: News

Boreholes to help secure water in rural areas of Makhado

The installation of water boreholes will offer relief for rural communities in the Makhado Municipality in Limpopo who have been struggling with water issues for many years.

This comes after Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo, working together with the Topisa Trust under its Chairperson and Finance Deputy Minister David Masondo, handed over community water boreholes in the villages of Chavani, Bokisi, Mbhokota, Shirley and Bungeni at the weekend.

Topisa Trust, a public benefit organisation, has successfully drilled and installed eight boreholes, including four boreholes at Mbhokota, two at Bokisi, one at Shirley and one at Bungeni. 

The water challenges have negatively affected the livelihoods of the economically distressed households.

Speaking at the official handover of the boreholes, Mahlobo said a total of nine tanks have been installed providing a combined 90 000 litres of potable ground water, which will also ensure that there is water provision in schools and hospitals. 

“The operation and maintenance of the infrastructure is exclusively left in the hands of the communities with various committees taking the lead in ensuring seamless operational efficiency of the borehole system. This is done to foster greater autonomous organisational capacities from below and promote community ownership of the infrastructures,” Mahlobo said.
 
He commended the Topisa Trust for the initiative to ensure consistent water supply in the rural areas, however, he emphasised that this is just a temporary measure. 

The Deputy Minister urged communities to refrain from vandalising water infrastructure.

“In Makhado, Collins Chavani, Greater Tzaneen, Thulamela, and other areas, we are faced with the challenge of people vandalising water infrastructure, stealing equipment and illegal connections.

“Let us refrain from such activities as this leads to more water shortages. We have a responsibility to take care of our infrastructure,” the Deputy Minister said. 

Masondo said plans were underway to drill and install more community boreholes in neighbouring villages to ensure that those people also have access to safe drinking water. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Tue, 05/21/2024 - 11:46

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Boreholes to help secure water in rural areas of Makhado

Location: News

Boreholes to help secure water in rural areas of Makhado

The installation of water boreholes will offer relief for rural communities in the Makhado Municipality in Limpopo who have been struggling with water issues for many years.

This comes after Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo, working together with the Topisa Trust under its Chairperson and Finance Deputy Minister David Masondo, handed over community water boreholes in the villages of Chavani, Bokisi, Mbhokota, Shirley and Bungeni at the weekend.

Topisa Trust, a public benefit organisation, has successfully drilled and installed eight boreholes, including four boreholes at Mbhokota, two at Bokisi, one at Shirley and one at Bungeni. 

The water challenges have negatively affected the livelihoods of the economically distressed households.

Speaking at the official handover of the boreholes, Mahlobo said a total of nine tanks have been installed providing a combined 90 000 litres of potable ground water, which will also ensure that there is water provision in schools and hospitals. 

“The operation and maintenance of the infrastructure is exclusively left in the hands of the communities with various committees taking the lead in ensuring seamless operational efficiency of the borehole system. This is done to foster greater autonomous organisational capacities from below and promote community ownership of the infrastructures,” Mahlobo said.
 
He commended the Topisa Trust for the initiative to ensure consistent water supply in the rural areas, however, he emphasised that this is just a temporary measure. 

The Deputy Minister urged communities to refrain from vandalising water infrastructure.

“In Makhado, Collins Chavani, Greater Tzaneen, Thulamela, and other areas, we are faced with the challenge of people vandalising water infrastructure, stealing equipment and illegal connections.

“Let us refrain from such activities as this leads to more water shortages. We have a responsibility to take care of our infrastructure,” the Deputy Minister said. 

Masondo said plans were underway to drill and install more community boreholes in neighbouring villages to ensure that those people also have access to safe drinking water. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Tue, 05/21/2024 - 11:46

304 views
Read moreBoreholes to help secure water in rural areas of Makhado

Boreholes to help secure water in rural areas of Makhado

Location: News

Boreholes to help secure water in rural areas of Makhado

The installation of water boreholes will offer relief for rural communities in the Makhado Municipality in Limpopo who have been struggling with water issues for many years.

This comes after Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo, working together with the Topisa Trust under its Chairperson and Finance Deputy Minister David Masondo, handed over community water boreholes in the villages of Chavani, Bokisi, Mbhokota, Shirley and Bungeni at the weekend.

Topisa Trust, a public benefit organisation, has successfully drilled and installed eight boreholes, including four boreholes at Mbhokota, two at Bokisi, one at Shirley and one at Bungeni. 

The water challenges have negatively affected the livelihoods of the economically distressed households.

Speaking at the official handover of the boreholes, Mahlobo said a total of nine tanks have been installed providing a combined 90 000 litres of potable ground water, which will also ensure that there is water provision in schools and hospitals. 

“The operation and maintenance of the infrastructure is exclusively left in the hands of the communities with various committees taking the lead in ensuring seamless operational efficiency of the borehole system. This is done to foster greater autonomous organisational capacities from below and promote community ownership of the infrastructures,” Mahlobo said.
 
He commended the Topisa Trust for the initiative to ensure consistent water supply in the rural areas, however, he emphasised that this is just a temporary measure. 

The Deputy Minister urged communities to refrain from vandalising water infrastructure.

“In Makhado, Collins Chavani, Greater Tzaneen, Thulamela, and other areas, we are faced with the challenge of people vandalising water infrastructure, stealing equipment and illegal connections.

“Let us refrain from such activities as this leads to more water shortages. We have a responsibility to take care of our infrastructure,” the Deputy Minister said. 

Masondo said plans were underway to drill and install more community boreholes in neighbouring villages to ensure that those people also have access to safe drinking water. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Tue, 05/21/2024 - 11:46

304 views
Read moreBoreholes to help secure water in rural areas of Makhado

Operation Shanela nets over 500 000 suspects

Location: News

Operation Shanela nets over 500 000 suspects

Police Minister Bheki Cele says 551 506 suspects have been arrested for various crimes across the country since May 2023 when Operation Shanela was introduced.

“Over 500 000 suspected criminals have been removed from society  and brought before the courts to answer for their alleged crimes,” Cele said.

Addressing media in Pretoria on Sunday on the Police Take Down Successes of Police Counter Operations , Cele said police on the ground are each week pushing back on crime through high density operations in identified high crime areas across the country through Operation Shanela.

“Officers in all nine provinces, led by the respective Provincial Commissioners, have conducted almost 70 000 (69 468) high density crime prevention and combating operations in the last 11 months,” Cele said.

The countrywide high-density operations have resulted in the arrest of 8 563 suspected rapists and 6 045 murder suspects.

“[A total of] 4 410 suspects have been arrested for attempted murder. Police officers have arrested 63 573 assault GBH [grievous bodily harm] suspects and 37 333 suspects accused of common assault.

“[A total of] 41 191 suspects have been arrested for the Contravention of the Immigration Act and were found to be in the country illegally, [while] 16 073 drunk drivers were taken off our roads and arrested through various roadblocks and stop-and-searches during simultaneous countrywide operations.

 “[A total of] 2 819 illegal miners involved in illicit mining were also caught and taken through the court processes,” Cele said.

Under operation ‘Vala umgodi’, a multidisciplinary operation involving various government departments such as the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, 3 298 illegal miners were arrested.

Cele said 1 028 hijacking suspects have been arrested over the past 11 months and 3 670 suspects were nabbed and face business burglary charges, while a further 10 743 suspects were arrested for breaking and entering into houses.  

“Working jointly with local, provincial and national traffic police and other sister departments, the focus of Operation Shanela remains the prevention of crime,” the Minister said.

Over 150 suspects shot and killed by police

Cele said over 150 suspects were shot and killed from April 2023 to date.

This figure, according to Cele, includes the September 2023 fatal shooting of 19 cash-in-transit (CIT) suspects in Makhado, Limpopo, who engaged in a gun battle with police instead of surrendering.

Cele said while it is the aim of the police to arrest suspects, some heavily armed suspected criminals choose to engage the police in a gun battle and police respond accordingly.

“Police have and will come out on top during these takedowns. In April 2023, 10 heavily armed CIT-related robbers were shot and killed during a confrontation with police in Sebokeng in Gauteng province,” Cele said.

He noted that the kidnapping of members of the public and influential individuals, as well as businesspersons, remains a concern.

“The responses by the police to this crime is, however, encouraging and sizable inroads are being made,” he said.

The Minister said the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) has arrested 62 suspects involved in kidnappings for ransom from April to date.

“Police operations have also led to the arrest of 55 suspects for the kidnapping of Chinese nationals in the country. Five suspects have been arrested for their role in the kidnapping of Mozambican nationals.

“The DPCI has also undertaken significant takedown operations targeting various criminal syndicates in the past 11 months.

“These operations have resulted in the interception of 14 identified targets across a range of illicit activities including theft, fraud, drug trafficking, money laundering and contraventions of financial regulations.”

Assets, with an estimated value of R6.2 million, were seized from April 2023 to date. Sixteen drug labs, with drugs valued over R161 million, were also shut down during this time.

Additionally, 20 suspects were apprehended in connection with drug-related offences.

Cele said in separate operations targeting narcotics, led by the DPCI, drugs valued at over R506 million were taken out of circulation and 148 suspects were apprehended through policing operations.

“Added to the work of the DPCI, the Organised Crime Unit -- within the Detectives of the SAPS -- conducted numerous multi-disciplinary takedown operations focusing on drugs. Illicit substances such as mandrax, cocaine, heroin and magic mushrooms, with an estimated street value of R121 700 000, were seized,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Sun, 04/07/2024 - 12:16

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Limpopo eight in court for fraud

Location: News

Limpopo eight in court for fraud

Eight alleged fraudsters appeared in the Makhado Magistrate Court on Monday.

Between June and September 2019, the accused allegedly used fraudulent bank statements and Government Employee Pension Fund (GEPF) letters to apply for personal loans at a cash loans business in Makhado.

“After the applications were processed and approved, the applicants were paid over R250 000. The management of the cash loan business discovered the shenanigans and reported the matter to the Makhado police,” said the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks).

The case of fraud was subsequently opened and transferred to the Polokwane based Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation for further probing.

The Hawks’ investigations established that the accused were recruited by an outstanding suspect believed to be the mastermind. 

After the case was thoroughly investigated in consultation with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) - warrants to arrest the suspects were applied for and authorised.

The accused are: Loba Mathonsi (52), Shogole Ramaisile (48), Johanna Ramodike (40), Winnie Molala (39), Raesibe Masopogo (38), Merriam Kekana (54), Oniky Morema (39) and Refiloe Ramokolo (28) 

Between 28 and 29 January 2024, the accused were successfully traced and arrested in different areas around Lebowakgomo. 

The accused were brought before the court and remanded in custody until Monday, 05 February 2024 for bail application.

The Hawks are still searching for the outstanding suspects, including the suspected mastermind. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Tue, 01/30/2024 - 09:42

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The ‘Southern Africa Europe CEO Dialogue’ to celebrate 10 years of success and commitment to African partnerships

Location: News
The European House - Ambrosetti

The ‘Southern Africa Europe CEO Dialogue' is a powerful forum that has stimulated billons of rands in business and investment and as it marks its 10th anniversary it has attracted over 200 CEO's and influential public and private sector leaders this year.

The summit, taking place in Johannesburg's Melrose Arch on November 9 and 10, has become the key annual event for European and African political and business leaders to strengthen their strategic relationships.

The Southern Africa Europe CEO Dialogue was founded and organised by leading global think tank, The European House – Ambrosetti (TEHA), in collaboration with the Gauteng Province, the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA), and a selection of international public and private stakeholders, including CLN-MA, Danieli, DHL, Aspen, Musina-Makhado SEZ, Italian Trade Agency, Brand SA and Italtile.

Confirmed speakers for this year's invitation only event includes Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, former Prime Minister of Italy Enrico Letta, Thebe Chairman Nhlanhla Nene, Angola's Secretary of State for Finance, Ottoniel dos Santos, the CEO of South African Breweries, Richard Rivett-Carnac, as well as the Director of Women in Capital Growth, Nomatemba Tambo among others.

Not to be missed this year is a special high-level political discussion on the state of South Africa, featuring President of the Economic Freedom Fighters Julius Malema, Action SA President Herman Mashaba, Democratic Alliance Leader John Steenhuisen, Inkatha Freedom Party President Velenkosini Hlabisa, and senior leadership of the ruling African National Congress.

“We are looking forward to an extraordinary 10th Anniversary, in times of unprecedented socio-economic changes and unexpected challenges such as the ongoing energy crisis, rising inflation, and geopolitical crises. In the last decade, our CEO Dialogue has demonstrated capacity to build an exclusive and influential community of leaders from SADC and Europe, able to partner together and foster the regional economic development. The aim is also to draw positive attention on strategic areas of economic cooperation and develop international partnerships,” said Pietro Mininni, CEO, TEHA Africa, ahead of the summit.

Some of the topics to be covered in the 2023 agenda are:

- The African geopolitical, business and investment outlook
- CEO's views on African business
- Perspectives and development of the agroindustry in SADC - Energy transition and critical raw materials
- The future of South Africa.

This edition of the Southern Africa Europe CEO Dialogue will be enhanced with side events on these themes:

- Doing business in Gauteng
- Young business leaders today
- High-level bilateral business meetings

The summit's primary goal is to foster in-depth interaction among peers and government officials and promote growth with a multi-stakeholder approach.

For further information about the summit go to: www.Ambrosetti.EU

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The European House - Ambrosetti.

Contact:
Johannesburg
The European House – Ambrosetti
Filippo.malinverno@ambrosetti.eu

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SA celebrates women in science, technology, innovation

Location: News

SA celebrates women in science, technology, innovation

Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, says the South African Women in Science (SAWISA) Awards 2023 are premium awards to celebrate women who are contributing immensely to the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) sector.

“The industrial revolutions are epochs in our social and economic history that are based on disruptions in innovations and technological developments, leading to advanced forms of production and service delivery,” Nzimande said.

Speaking at the SAWISA Awards 2023 event held in Durban on Friday, Nzimande said patriarchal attitudes, systematic barriers and certain practices and norms have defined women out of the research, scientific and technological developments that are engines of the industrial revolutions.

“We therefore have seen successive industrial revolutions having effects of disrupting or changing the lives of societies and economies,” Nzimande said.

Nzimande said with each industrial revolution, whole industries were adjusted or disrupted, new ones were created, and existing occupations and job families went through fundamental changes, with far reaching consequences for societies.

“Our (2019) White Paper on STI engages with the pivotal changes brought by the modern technology in promoting inclusivity, transformation, the development of human capabilities, knowledge expansion and innovation in ensuring that the benefits of the digital economy are enjoyed by all South Africans.

“The measures aimed at greater gender inclusion in our recently approved STI Decadal Plan (2022-2032), our ten-year plan, include the STI Transformation Framework, and the STI Gender Strategy that is aligned to the government-wide gender responsive planning and budgeting framework,” the Minister said.

This year’s glittering awards were attended by among others, members of Parliament, students and international guests.

SAWISA is an annual countrywide event profiling distinguished women researchers and scientists, as well as younger women who are emerging as excellent researchers. 

The awards also provide registered Masters and PhD students with fellowships to support their studies, in areas ranging from indigenous knowledge systems to astronomy. 

Harnessing technological change and innovation

University of Witwatersrand Chancellor, Dr Judy Dlamini, congratulated the Department of Higher Education, Science and Innovation for introducing the awards 20 years ago.

“Harnessing technological change and innovation, starts with ensuring access in the remote areas of our country, it’s about ensuring affordability by the most vulnerable, providing quality education with digital access in all our schools especially the township and rural schools, addressing inherent biases and social-cultural norms that are a hindrances to women and girls’ access,” Dlamini said.

Dlamini said the gender digital divide that still exists, especially for black rural women, has to be addressed.

“Women are under-represented in the ICT jobs, men are four times more likely than women to be ICT specialists,” she said.

Running since 2003, SAWISA also awards registered Masters and PhD students.

The theme for this year’s awards was, “Harnessing technological change and innovation to achieve gender equality and empower women and girls”.

Award categories

In honour of the late climate-change activist and science champion, the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) called the fellowships the DSI-Ndoni Mcunu Fellowships.

Mcunu was the founder of Black Women in Science (BWIS).

The late Mcunu facilitated developmental training for more than 400 postgraduate students in business and entrepreneurship skills, research skills, scientific writing, project leadership, science communication and research career preparation.

During her life-time, Mcunu achieved numerous accolades, including being named a 2017 Mandela Washington Fellow, receiving an honorary awards at the KZN Young Achievers Awards in the Science Research and Entrepreneurship catergory and winning the Gagasi FM Shero Award in the Science and Technology catergory.

In the catergory of DSI-Ndoni Mcunu Fellowships: Masters’ Awards, the finalists were Nyleti Precious Mabaso from Stellenbosch University, Modjadi Rebecca Letsoalo from the University of Venda and Gizelle Roque van Niekerk from the University of Pretoria.

In the catergory of DSI-Ndoni Mcunu Fellowships: Doctoral Awards, the finalists were Munira Hoosain, University of Cape Town, Alletta Nortjie, Stellenbosch University, Boitumelo Makgabutlane, University of the Witwatersrand, Thendo Gertie Makhado, University of Venda, Bambesiwe Mbesi May, University of South Africa, Carlo Dodd, Nelson Mandela University, Lusani Mamushiane, University of Cape Town, Bettie Sebati, University of Johannesburg and Nicole Richardson from the University of Cape Town.

Other categories include awards for Distinguished Young Women Researchers and Distinguished Woman Researchers. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Sat, 09/09/2023 - 10:36

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