Day: August 4, 2022

Government has noted a misleading article published in The Star newspaper, which seeks to create a narrative that President Ramaphosa is silent on pertinent issues. This article is not only misleading, but seeks to sow divisions, create unnecessary tensions and blankly ignores the communication that has occurred from the Presidency and government on challenges that we are working on.

Minister in The Presidency, Mondli Gungubele, said: “We should not entertain content that peddles misinformation and that seeks to undermine the work of government. It must be highlighted that President Ramaphosa has always steered the ship and led the country from the front. For example, South Africa was hailed for the steps it took to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, we have already started to see green shoots and growth in the economy. We have also witnessed a number of successful arrests in the fight against corruption and crime, and we are busy implementing the energy crisis plan. We are fixing large problems, that will take some time, and all these are in motion because of the leadership of our President. He is not the implementer, but the leader. Leaders from every sphere of government, as well society have a role to play to address challenges.”

Government acknowledges that more work needs to be done to address the myriad of challenges we face as a country. However, this can only be achieved through partnership. The recent service delivery protests, in various areas, are concerning and government is working around the clock to address the issues raised by communities. However, this also means that when communities exercise their constitutional right to protest they must do so within the ambit of the law. Vandalism and the destruction of property and infrastructure, the infringement of the rights of others, and making areas ungovernable must not be allowed to take place. As a country, we have always held on to a common belief that we should embrace peaceful protest and dialogue to solve issues.

Minister Gungubele added: “We are working on strengthening the State’s capability to fulfil its mandate of basic service delivery. The fight to make South Africa better is not the sole responsibility of the President, but rather it is the responsibility of each South African and social groups. We must work together to ensure that we create a better South Africa for us and future generations.”

Source: Government of South Africa

Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister, Thoko Didiza, has condemned the murder of Western Cape farmer, Hendrik Pistorius, whose body was found at his farm on Wednesday morning.

It is alleged that the body of Pistorius, aged 53, was found in a bin at his farm in New Caledonia, Piketberg.

Didiza has condemned this “barbaric act” with the strongest contempt it deserves, and called on police to do whatever it takes to apprehend the perpetrators of this gruesome act, as soon as possible.

“The killing of farmers and farm workers has a negative impact on the agricultural sector. I wish to call for the improved relationships between farmers, farm workers, neighbouring communities and the police in order to put a stop to these senseless killings,” Didiza said.

The Minister has also conveyed her sincere and deepest condolences to the Pistorius family, friends and colleagues.

Source: South African Government News Agency

EASTERN CAPE - Two brothers, aged 27 and 29 are to appear in King William’s Town Magistrate’s Court on Thursday 4 August 2022.This is subsequent to the arrest of the duo by the East London based Serious Organised Crime Investigation team of the Hawks in a joint operation with Crime Prevention Unit on 2 August 2022, for allegations of murder.

It is alleged that on 20 July 2022, the two brothers confronted Constable Ayabulela Williams (32), who is attached to Steve Tshwete Community Service Centre, about his alleged abusive relationship with their sister and a fight arose.

Constable Williams is reported to have sustained stab wounds during the fight. He was taken to Hospital in King William’s Town and later transferred to another where he succumbed to the stab wound on 21 July 2022.

On 2 August 2022, the Hawks followed up on information which led to the arrest of the duo. They will be making their first court appearance at King William’s Town Magistrate’s Court on 4 August 2022.

Source: South African Police Service

At least 30 undocumented persons have been arrested in Krugersdorp during an operation led by Gauteng Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela.

According to Gauteng Police spokesperson, Brigadier Brenda Muridili, the arrests brings the number of total suspects nabbed to over 130 since the start of the province’s high level operations last Friday.

“The thirty undocumented persons will be processed by the established West Rand Processing Centre before appearing in the Krugersdorp Magistrates’ Court within 48 hours. They are facing charges related to the contravention of the Immigration Act,” Muridili said.

Operations in the area were increased following the gang rape of eight women near a disused mine near the town.

“The operations will be conducted continuously to ensure that the areas where illegal mining activities are prevalent are stabilised.

“[On Wednesday], the team went back to operate at the mining dump near the R28 road in Krugersdorp. They managed to remove plastic structures used by the illegal miners. Another group of members then followed up on information received from the community members as well as Crime Intelligence and raided houses where alleged illegal miners were hiding,” she said.

Muridili explained that the operation has been executed by a multi-disciplinary team with members emanating from the West Rand Crime Intelligence and Visible Policing, Public Order Police, National Intervention Unit, Tactical Response Team, K9 and Bidvest Protea Coin.

Air support for the ground forces was rendered by the SAPS, Fidelity and Tracker helicopters and drones.

She added that members of the community are encouraged to assist police in the arrests of criminals where they live.

“Members of the public are encouraged to report any knowledge of criminal activities in their communities by calling the SAPS Crime Stop toll free number 08600 10111 or to send tip-offs via MySAPS Application which can be downloaded on any smartphone. Information received will be treated with confidentiality and callers may remain anonymous,” Muridili said. –

Source: South African Government News Agency