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Gqeberha, 20 August 2024: Meet Lorna Makhumalo Mgoqi, a vibrant and dynamic Facebook influencer born on 13 December 1992, in the drab village of Tsomo, Mthatha. With a warm smile and infectious enthusiasm, Lorna has captured the hearts of thousands online, sharing her passion for beauty, fashion, and entrepreneurship. But, behind the glamour and success, …
Despite DNA tests, Home Affairs refused to issue birth certificate to single dad’s son
Once again South Africans honoured the legacy of Nelson Mandela on Thursday, 18 July. Hundreds of Southern Sun employees went out into their local communities to volunteer at the many projects that are regularly supported by the group’s hotels and resorts in South Africa. Heeding the call to collectively address social and economic security of …
Suspect accused of tampering with Eskom infrastructure gets five-year sentence
The Mthatha Specialised Commercial Crime Court has sentenced John Tazvivinga to five years for tampering with Eskom infrastructure.
According to Eskom, the conviction stems from an incident, which occurred between 2015 and 2016, where Tazvivinga falsely represented himself as an Eskom contractor to Marhambeni residents in Mthatha, Eastern Cape.
“Under this pretence, he was hired by residents to connect electricity, for which he received R120 000.
“Tazvivinga unlawfully and intentionally tampered with essential infrastructure by illegally connecting electricity without authorisation from Eskom between 20 January 2016 and 15 April 2016,” an Eskom statement read.
The power utility said it suffered financial prejudice amounting to R231 000 as a result.
On Wednesday, the court found Tazvivinga guilty of contravening Section 3(1) of the Criminal Matters Amendment Act 18 of 2015.
Tazvivinga, who is a former consultant at Inkitha Royal Empire Construction, was sentenced to five years in prison, with the sentence wholly suspended for five years, provided he did not commit a similar offence during the suspension.
The company was ordered to pay a R10 000 fine.
Eskom’s Acting General Manager for Security, Botse Sikhwitshi, said the organisation strongly condemns and will not tolerate any impersonation of its business and staff by anyone.
“We are thankful to the internal security investigations and the Specialised Commercial Crime Investigation teams for their collaborative efforts over the years.
“While the sentence may not be as severe as Eskom had hoped, it serves as a reminder to potential criminals contemplating tampering with critical infrastructure and stealing electricity, contravening Section 3(1) of the Criminal Matters Amendment Act 18 of 2015, which could lead to a maximum prison term of 30 years,” said Sikhwitshi.
Sikhwitshi said the conviction contributes to the gradual improvement of convictions, which have doubled in the financial year 2023/24 compared to the financial year 2022/23, increasing from 11 to 22 recorded convictions.
Eskom encourages members of the public to report unlawful activities, including illegal electricity sales and connections, fraud, and theft of coal, fuel oil, diesel, and copper cables.
Reports can be made anonymously through the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 11 27 22 or via WhatsApp at 081 333 3323. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 06/27/2024 - 15:22
NATJOINTS welcomes arrest of Mthatha strike instigators
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has welcomed the arrest of two men who are believed to be behind the taxi-related strike which led to all major routes into Mthatha being blocked on Monday.
While police moved in swiftly to restore law and order on the day, they have also been working around the clock to trace those behind the incitement of violence.
On Thursday, the alleged instigators were traced to Mthatha in the Eastern Cape.
A member of a taxi association in the OR Tambo District, 52-year-old Mthuthuzeli Sogoni was wanted in relation to a voice note he allegedly circulated inciting violence and mobilising people not to vote.
This as South Africans went to the polls in the country’s seventh National and Provincial Elections on Wednesday.
The second accused is 47-year-old Ncebo Nkosi, who was arrested after he recorded a video of himself allegedly calling for taxi operators and owners to disrupt the elections and embark on violent protests.
The two men appeared in the Mthatha Magistrate’s Court this morning on charges of inciting public violence, contravention of the Cybercrimes Act and contravention of the Electoral Act.
They are out on R3 000 bail each. Their case has been remanded to 22 July 2024.
The inflammatory messages shared by the pair were spread widely on various social media platforms.
“The NATJOINTS has repeatedly warned social media users to refrain from posting and sharing inflammatory messages that could cause harm, mobilise communities to incite violence and engage in criminal acts,” it said.
The NATJOINTS has also been consistent in assuring communities that law enforcement agencies would act decisively against those found to be on the wrong side of the law.
“It is against this background that the NATJOINTS welcomes the decisive action taken against those who contravene the rule of law.
“Members of the public are once again discouraged from sharing inflammatory messages that quite often redirect and divert police resources and personnel from attending to serious and violent related crimes,” NATJOINTS said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 05/31/2024 - 16:25
Eastern Cape voting stations operational for special votes
Eastern Cape Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Zolile Williams, has confirmed that special votes are proceeding as planned in the province, including in Mthatha, Port St Johns, Nyandeni and other areas that were impacted by the taxi strike.
Major entry and exit points into Mthatha were blocked on Monday. According to reports, taxi drivers allegedly hijacked trucks and used them to block both sides of the N2 and R61 roads.
Reports suggest that the taxi operators’ actions were because of a crackdown by authorities following an outbreak of violence last week.
“There are no reports of major challenges that can negatively impact the voting process. The potential hotspots are closely monitored to be promptly dealt with by our stakeholders in the Provincial Election Task Team (PETT). We expect that tomorrow will be plain sailing throughout our province,” said Williams.
Today was the second day of special votes ahead of Wednesday’s Election Day.
Williams appealed to protesting communities to stop preventing other people from exercising their right to vote.
“The intimidation of IEC [Electoral Commission of South Africa] staff is not allowed and must stop. No one must be prevented from voting through the closure of voting stations, digging of trenches on the roads, burning of yres and so on. We call on law enforcement agencies to arrest anyone who breaks the law,” he said.
Meanwhile, the IEC said those people who were unable to be visited on Monday for their special vote due to the taxi protest are being serviced today.
According to Williams, those not found at home can still go to cast their votes on 29 May 2029.
He also encouraged people to report any threats to the voting process to the South African Police Service (SAPS) on 08600 10111. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 05/28/2024 - 15:44
Security intensified in KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape
Additional Public Order Policing (POP) members will be deployed to different parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Mthatha in the Eastern Cape to beef up the current law enforcement agencies’ deployments and intensify crime combatting efforts.
This was announced during a send-off parade for more than 700 POP members in Harrismith on Monday.
National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, addressed the parade and said the officers will add to the existing capacity of members currently deployed in these provinces to ensure that voting takes place in a safe and secure environment.
Masemola, in his address, gave the men and women in blue marching orders to ensure they prevent and combat any acts of criminality and protect the rights of South Africans to vote in a peaceful environment.
He said police have mobilised their maximum resources to combat the lawlessness in Mthatha, which includes the blocking of roads.
Police have meanwhile arrested five people who had attempted to block roads leading to the Mthatha Airport.
“We are sending you off to maintain law and order. No disruptions and acts of criminality should take place under your watch. We are sending you out there to protect the constitutional right of South Africans and the integrity of the election process,” said Masemola
The co-chair of the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS), Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, also formed part of the parade.
She urged members to execute their duties within the ambit of the law. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Mon, 05/27/2024 - 18:15
Main entry points in Mthatha blocked, affecting essential services
The Eastern Cape Department of Health has confirmed that services have been affected in hospitals in and around Mthatha by the blocking of the N2 and R61 roads.
“Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital, Mthatha Regional and St Barnabas Hospital staff, who worked the night shift, could not go home, while those who were supposed to report for duty could not get to work because of the blocked roads,” a statement from the department read.
This is after all the major entry and exit points into Mthatha were blocked, as taxi violence erupted.
According to reports, the taxi drivers allegedly hijacked trucks and used them to block both sides of the N2 and R61 roads.
Reports suggest that the taxi operators’ actions were because of a crackdown by authorities following an outbreak of violence last week.
The actions have since forced hospitals to operate with a skeleton staff.
“As soon as roads reopen, those who are supposed to be on duty will go to work to relieve those who worked the night shift.
“The blocked roads mean patients in desperate need of higher level of care cannot get it as ambulances cannot get to Mthatha.”
In emergency cases, the department said it will use aeromedical services to transfer patients.
Eastern Cape Transport Department spokesperson, Unathi Binqose, told reporters that law enforcement is on the ground and that they are getting reinforcement from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to try to bring the situation back to normality.
“Unfortunately, it has affected a lot of things, including schools and airports — just about everything,” he said.
Those travelling to, from and through the Mthatha area are urged to either delay their travel time or avoid the town, as law enforcement is busy trying to control the situation.
Meanwhile, according to the South African Police Service (SAPS), five suspects were arrested at about 9am on Monday after shots were fired at Public Order Policing and Mthatha Vispol members.
“Two suspects sustained injuries while the other three were arrested. Two firearms were also confiscated. A case of attempted murder and possession of firearms is opened for further investigation,” the SAPS statement read.
SAPS said Public Order Policing, the National Intervention Unit and Tactical Response Teams are in Mthatha policing the situation.
Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene, has since issued a stern warning against those circulating videos and messages that appear to incite unrest.
“Such actions are not only irresponsible but also illegal. We will take strict action against anyone found to be engaging in activities that threaten the safety and security of the public and the integrity of the election process,” warned Mene. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 05/27/2024 - 14:19
Public warned against sharing videos inciting violence
Eastern Cape Transport and Community Safety MEC Xolile Nqatha has warned the public that the State will deal decisively with any fear mongers responsible for voice notes and videos calling for a shutdown on social media.
This comes as voice notes and videos were shared on social media seeking to intimidate, incite violence and threaten people’s democratic right to participate in the upcoming elections.
The MEC has assured that public that there will be no shutdown of Mthatha, and has directed the police to track down and bring to justice the man responsible for the video and any other person or persons responsible for similar social media posts.
“The most recent of these social media posts is a brazen video recording by a man, allegedly who calls for a complete shutdown of Mthatha; a stop of elections campaigns in and around Mthatha, less than 48 hours before the elections. The call comes after the police confiscated pistols and assault rifles following the resurgence of taxi violence in the Mthatha, Tsolo and Maclear areas,” the department said on Monday.
Nqatha has termed these acts as selfish, immature and irresponsible actions that seek to undermine the rule of law in this province, and in Mthatha in particular.
“The utterances of the man who recorded the video in particular are an insult to the sacrifices of many of our liberation struggle heroes and heroines. He is virtually spitting in the faces of all our anti-apartheid heroes and heroines, many of whom have sacrificed with their lives for this right to vote and the right for freedom of movement that we now want to take away from our people.
"We can never allow any person to do that on our watch, for that will be a betrayal of this freedom that we now enjoy, and the sacrifices of those who fought so hard for it,” the MEC said.
He said his department is working closely with the police to end the taxi violence in the province. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 05/27/2024 - 13:14
A blockade of the N2 and R61 roads entering Mthatha in the Eastern Cape – allegedly by taxi operators – has disrupted morning rush-hour traffic. Trucks and minibus taxis have been used to block all entrances to the city since the early hours of today near Fortgale, Payne village, Ngolo village and Corhana village. It …
R1.5 million irrigation system to boost vegetable farmers
Vegetable farmers in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, are set to increase their agricultural productivity and income, thanks to a brand-new irrigation system received from the Provincial Rural Development and Agrarian Reform Department.
Eastern Cape Rural Development and Agrarian Reform MEC, Nonkqubela Pieters handed over an irrigation system worth R1. 5 million to vegetable farmers at Nonkobe in Orange Grove village, Mthatha, in a bid to support the enterprise to access formal markets.
The enterprise has 24 members, including 18 females and six young people producing a variety of vegetables.
Pieters said the department has invested a total of R2,7 million to ensure the enterprise has good agricultural activities (GAP) certification that will allow them to sell their products to supermarkets and other places.
The enterprise was originally assisted by the Department of Social Development in 2006 and was converted from a farrow irrigation system to a sprinkler irrigation system.
Pieters said the department’s investment will ensure that all 17 hectares used by the enterprise will be irrigated and fenced, while storage facilities will be constructed.
The department will also assist the farmers with water rights application.
Pieters commended the active involvement of young people in the enterprise, noting it will ensure the continuity of the enterprise.
“We urge young people to understand that farming is a credible source of income. We want to motivate you so that this enterprise can reach commercial stages,” Pieters said.
To show their commitment, the members bought two diesel engines that amounted to R500 000 from their produce.
Enterprise Chairperson, Walter Mnqwazi described the department’s investment as a game changer for their enterprise, noting that the youth is now showing interest in joining the enterprise.
“Since the installation of the irrigation system, we have seen a huge difference. We have increased our production, and our income has also increased,” Mnqwazi said.
While serving both the formal and informal market, Mnqwazi said the enterprise has well established ties with Kei Fresh Produce Market.
Local headman, Msindise Mdemka commended the government for the assistance, saying the tools of trade will make an enormous impact in the development of the area.
The MEC also handed over vegetable seedling, fertilisers, and knapsack to assist the enterprise to spread pesticides in their field. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 05/17/2024 - 11:23
Just R2,500 a month has made all the difference to this Mthatha crèche
The latest report does not include any judgments reserved in the last six months
Zwelinzima Primary has 200 learners and 13 staff but no toilets
Renovations at Mthatha school, closed last year after parents complained of poor conditions, have still not been completed
“I don’t have much but I’m happy for a decent house,” says Ndenzeni Njwenene
Tyhalarha village residents say a previous peaceful protest brought no results
Transport Minister leads traffic law enforcement operations in Mthatha
Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, together with Eastern Cape Transport MEC, Xolile Nqatha, will today lead traffic law enforcement activations in Mthatha.
The aim of the operations is to check the fitness of drivers and roadworthiness of vehicles on the N2 in Mthatha, Eastern Cape.
The operations, which are coordinated by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), are intended to improve safety and ensure compliance with the law by road users.
Already, more than 4160 motorists have been arrested for drunken driving, while others have been detained for producing false documents and driving public transport without valid documents.
Provincial, metro and municipal traffic authorities have been given instructions to be strict with law enforcement.
Last year’s statistics showed that road traffic crashes decreased during the six weeks of the festive season, from the previous year, dropping by 7% from 1395 crashes to 1299. On the other hand, fatalities decreased from 1808 to 1560.
“Everyone is called upon to put shoulders to the wheel to ensure a better outcome this season and throughout our 365 Day Road Safety Campaign. It is against this backdrop that we will be intensifying our efforts and interventions in the five provinces that contribute more than 80% of road crashes and fatalities,” the Minister said last week.
Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Limpopo and Mpumalanga will receive focused attention this year with nighttime deployment of traffic officers and road safety activations that are intended to improve pedestrian safety. – SAnews.gov.za
Matona
Fri, 12/29/2023 - 08:55
Ndenzeni Njwenene first applied in 1999
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