ANOTHER SENIOR TRAFFIC OFFICER IN COURT FOR CORRUPTION
MPUMALANGA – Thembisile Octavia Yende (44), a Senior Traffic Officer from Msukalikwa Local Municipality appeared in the Ermelo Magistrate Court on Wednesday 30 March 2021 facing a charge of corruption
Yende was arrested yesterday by the Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation team as a second traffic officer in the area to be charged with corruption. Their arrest followed several complaints received about the law enforcement officers who were allegedly soliciting bribes from the public who committed traffic violations.
Subsequent to the outcry, a waylay investigation was put in place on 22 February 2021 and the officers allegedly demanded gratification from a police agent.
This was followed by a joint operation led by the Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation team in Mpumalanga together with members of the Road Traffic Management Cooperation (RTMC) Head Office on Wednesday 03 March 2021. Leading to the arrest of Mfanafuthi Gift Hleza aged (32) on similar charges.
Yende was released on R1000 bail and is expected to be back in the same court on 22 April 2021.
MEC Shongwe applauds all security agencies involved in busting corruption suspects
“Corruption, like crime sets the country back and diminishes the resources that are meant for development to the pockets of those involved.”
“It further tarnishes the image of government in general and law enforcement in particular. That is why we must all fight corruption and help bring to book those who are corrupt so that they answer for their misdemeanours.”
This is according to Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Vusi Shongwe who was responding to the arrest of suspects who include senior members of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Head for Human Settlements in Mpumalanga.
MEC Shongwe
Three suspects are appearing today, 31 March 2021, in the Pretoria Magistrates Court following their arrest on corruption to withdraw a case of fraud and contravention of the Immigration Act.
The allegations are that the Lieutenant Colonel was paid a gratification of R28 000 of R100 000 to assist in getting the case withdrawn against the accused person. The matter was then reported to Serious Corruption Investigation at Head Office and an operation was conducted.
In the process, a senior member of NPA in Mpumalanga also approached the complainant with a similar request of having the case withdrawn against the accused person. The NPA official offered and handed a gratification of R5 000 and an 18 years old bottle of Glenfiddich Scotch whiskey.
MEC Shongwe has applauded the arrest of the trio and was today singing praises for the security agencies involved in securing these arrests.
He states that with increased cooperation among all the stakeholders particularly in the criminal justice system, the war against crime and corruption will be won.
He also encouraged other law enforcement officers to take a leaf out of the efforts by the HAWKS.
He adds that he continues to advocate for lengthy sentences for those who are guilty of corruption as this will also serve as a deterrent.
He further calls on all public servants to serve with utmost dedication and report any corruption in public institutions.
He adds that security agencies are custodians of government’s efforts to fighting corruption and it was therefore disturbing when some become implicated in such activities.
“Without casting aspersions on the case at hand, we expect the police to remain faithful to the badge or else leave the service. Police management must ensure the few corrupt ones are flushed out of the system,” says the MEC.
He is also calling on communities to play their part by reporting corruption whenever they see or suspect any wrongdoing.
The ANC majority in council today voted to appeal the High Court ruling interdicting any proceedings against the Municipal Manager
The past week was buzzing with the news that The Govan Mbeki Municipal Manager, Mr Felani Mndebele won his case against GMM. It is not exactly true.
Mr Felani Mndebele was able to obtain a court interdict against the municipality effectively halting the continuation of disciplinary actions against him. If GMM complies with certain laws and regulations they can continue with the proceedings.
Govan Mbeki Municipal Manager, Mr Felani Mndebele
The saga can only be described as a ping pong game where the ball is tossed from one to the other.
The judgement of the High Court is not painting a rosy picture of the municipality. It would appear as if the ANC in their majority in council will not hesitate to use any means possible to get rid of the MM.
“The DA is of the opinion that the incurrence of exorbitant legal fees on the part of the municipality to fight battles in the high court intended to protect ANC cadres, and the double payment of acting officials and suspended officials is further wastage of public funds that the bankrupt Govan Mbeki Municipality simply cannot afford – and could have been put to better use if it was allocated towards delivering much needed services that residents and businesses have been stepping up to the task for at their cost,“ said Councillor Jordaan before the council meeting.
“This ruling further affirms that the attempts of individuals within the ANC to avoid accountability from serious allegations that have come to light by throwing others under the bus – and wasting away whatever pennies the municipality has left in the process – is a poor and obvious strategy that is continuously emphasizing the incapability of the ruling party to govern.” She concluded.
Councill considered the judgement and way forward in a closed session (for this item) today during a scheduled council meeting.
The ruling majority party continued to push through the appeal process against the High Court ruling, even in the face of stiff opposition calling for the adherence to the court ruling.
All opposition parties present in the meeting asked to have their discomfort and disapproval noted against the ANC vote. The ANC councillors were all in favour to appeal the ruling despite the exorbitant costs involved with High Court litigation.
Sources within the municipality speculates that these costs are already close to a million Rand but this could not be confirmed.
It is also clear that any method necessary would be used to rid the municipality of the MM.
The disciplinary procedures call for certain steps to be taken that was not done.
Judge Brauckmann said in his judgement Govan Mbeki’s failure to follow the procedures is not only a breach of the agreement, but also unlawful as it violates the regulations.
Brauckmann also said that the court is of the view that Govan Mbeki Municipality and Mphoke Magane (as the second respondent) disregarded Felani’s right to a fair hearing before the disciplinary committee, and even before the hearing.
The forced participation by Felani in proceedings without his council was also criticized by Brauckmann
That the disciplinary procedures instituted against the Govan Mbeki Municipal Manager, Mr Felani Mndebele, is declared unlawful, null and void
No further disciplinary action can continue until GMM complies with Local Government: Municipal Regulations on Financial Misconduct, Procedures and Criminal Proceedings dated 30 May 2014.
That the appointment of the presiding officer of the disciplinary hearing, Mphoke Magane, is declared unlawful, null and void.
GMM is in breach of the contract entered into between GMM and the MM on 5 October 2015
Costs are awarded in favour of the applicant, Felani Mndebele
Against all this the ANC majority chose to appeal the judgement.
The municipality have had several doubtful appointments in the past. One such appointment would be the past CFO. Opposition parties refused to approve the appointment of the CFO but was overruled by the ANC majority. This is even despite the fact that that his psychometric tests returned with only a basic competency. The appointment was approved with an ANC majority despite the applicable laws prohibiting such an appointment.
Disciplinary procedure were instituted against the CFO. This was also not handled correctly and the CFO was reinstated, only to have new procedures instituted against him. This also came with a huge price tag to GMM.
Ciska said that “the residents of Govan Mbeki deserve a capable and accountable municipality that is run by a party that is characterized by good service. The chance to elect such a party is presenting itself in the upcoming Local Government Elections. We implore voters in Govan Mbeki to give the DA a chance to govern with capability and accountability, as we are in the Western Cape where innovation and service takes precedence to petty politics.”
Sasol donates thousands of fuel litres to support Govan Mbeki Municipality community service delivery during the pandemic
Sasol donated fuel to the cash strapped Govan Mbeki Municipality today
In a small ceremony at the Secunda Fire Station, Sasol Head of Community Affairs Mashudu Ndou, said that the Sasol and Secunda relationship is like marriage partners. “There are good times and bad, ups and downs,” said Ndou.
“We are here to strengthen the partnership that we have with Govan Mbeki Municipality” said Mashudu.
“The donation could not come at a better time,” said Cllr Nhlakanipho Zuma, Executive Mayor of Govan Mbeki Municipality, “everyone knows that the municipality is not in good financial standing and therefore we really appreciate the donation.”
“Today, Sasol is officially handing over the donated fuel to Govan Mbeki Municipality. The fuel amounts to 18 500 litres of ULP93,” said Mashudu Ndou, Head Community Affairs at Sasol Energy Operations in Secunda. “The donated fuel is aimed at assisting the municipality to optimise its services to the communities as the pandemic is continuing. These services include water provision, waste management, emergency services, and the transportation of essential needs to communities,”
“Today, Sasol is officially handing over the donated fuel to Govan Mbeki Municipality. The fuel amounts to 18 500 litres of ULP93,” said Mashudu Ndou, Head Community Affairs at Sasol Energy Operations in Secunda.
“The donated fuel is aimed at assisting the municipality to optimise its services to the communities as the pandemic is continuing. These services include water provision, waste management, emergency services, and the transportation of essential needs to communities,”
“We must also appreciate the work that Sasol is doing for the community,” said Zuma, “as it is the people that will benefit from this donation when services are rendered.”
2 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
Engagement Rings set with Lab Grown diamonds worn by famous celebs.
The latest trend is Moissanite and Lab-grown diamonds. Not only are the prices for cultivated jewels lower than a diamond mined from the earth, a lab-created diamond can be grown much faster than it takes to mine one. As the trend becomes mainstream, it’s becoming more popular among celebrities, influencers and consumers as well. Keep reading to find out which three celebrities are lovers of conflict-free, lab-grown diamonds.
1. Camila Mendes
www.theknot.com
In November 2018, Riverdale actress Camila Mendes attended the People’s Choice Awards with a stunning piece of jewellery: a 5-carat lab-gown pink diamond set on a 14-carat gold band.
2. Bindi Irwin
www.usmagazine.com
Bindi Irwin, daughter of the late Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, received this shining stunner from longtime boyfriend Chandler Powell when they got engaged in July 2019. She shared the news of the proposal on Instagram, along with the details of her lab-created diamond ring. “My ring features a lab-grown diamond and is made with rose gold recycled metal.”
Actors Nikki Reed and Ian Somerhalder confirmed their engagement in February 2015. Reed explained how her first engagement ring didn’t feature a lab-grown diamond, she plans to redesign her jewel with a synthetic stone. “When we were getting engaged, cultivated diamonds hadn’t really hit the market in the way that we are now,” she said. Her engagement ring now does include lab-grown diamonds.
This Post was first published on https://ralphjacobs.co.za/3-celebrities-who-has-lab-grown-engagement-rings/
Geniet nog ‘n aflewering van “So is die Lewe” uit die pen van Marius Britz.
Daar is ‘n anekdote oor Leonardo da Vinci en sy skildery Die laaste avondmaal. Dit lui dat, toe hy sy beroemde skildery van Jesus en Sy dissipels rondom die pasgatafel bykans voltooi het, hy twee kolle oopgelaat het, met detail nog uitstaande: die gesigte van Jesus en Judas Iskariot. Hy het blykbaar sterk gedagtes gehad oor hoe die twee gesigte sou lyk. Jesus s’n moes liefdevol, vreedsaam, gedetermineerd, kalm en rustig wees. ‘n Gesig wat uitstaan, wat treffend alle sintuie vasvang. Judas Iskariot s’n die teenstelling: Da Vinci het ‘n gesig van weemoed, bittere berou, skaamte, emosies soos woede, selfs haat, in gedagte gehad vir hom.
Die skilder het lank gesoek totdat hy op ‘n dag, eensklaps, die gesig gesien het wat voldoen het aan sy persepsies oor hoe Jesus sou lyk. Presies net soos wat hy gehoop het, vreedsaam, liefdevol, selfversekerd, gefokus, suksesvol. Die man het ingestem om geskilder te word, en het poseer as beeld van Jesus se gesig. Dit het net die leë kol van Judas se gesig gelaat.
Drie jaar daarna het Da Vinci hom gekry: verflenterd, bitterheid diep gekeep oor sy gesig, wange hol, gegroef deur namelose pyn, oë verwilderd, kwaad en ontnugter. Da Vinci het hom gevra om te poseer vir Judas. Die man het bitterlik begin huil. Sy woorde was: “Drie jaar terug het jy my geskilder as Jesus. Die lewe het teen my gedraai.”
So is die lewe. Die Duitse filosoof Karl Jaspers het gesê dat mens sorgvuldig jou lewe kan karteer, maar dat die kans altyd daar is dat jou lewensskip op die rotse kan loop, ten spyte van daardie deeglike plan wat jy opgetrek het vir die roete voor jou. Dan kan jy slegs een van drie dinge doen: óf lag, óf huil, óf van vooraf begin beplan. Pink Floyd eggo hierdie gedagte. “Then one day you find, ten years have got behind you. No one told you when to run, you missed the starting gun.” So vinnig, te gou gaan die lewe verby. Voordat jy nog kon keer of koes.
Soveel mense beland uiteindelik op ‘n ander plek in ruimte en tyd as wat hulle beplan het. Jy beplan jou aftrede op ‘n sekere tydstip van jou lewe, maar vind jou eensklaps in die situasie dat jy jou werk of jou gesondheid verloor, en ingelanseer word in ‘n onbeplande vakuum van niksheid, van opstaan elke dag en wonder wat nou, waarheen. Al die gewaande gemaklikheid waarmee jy sou leef op jou oudag, is weg.
Soos ‘n skip in die nag verdwyn. Of, jy beplan hoe jy en jou lewensmaat eendag julle drome gaan waar maak. Reis deur die land, deur Afrika, deur die wêreld. Maar eensklaps bevind jy alles het verwronge uitgedraai, met spanning, slapelose nagte, en ‘n gevoel van ontsaglike verlies. Jy kom agter dat jy stadiger beweeg, dat jy swak word, dat jou asem jaag as jy ‘n entjie geloop het.
Jy kom agter dat jy kleiner word, meer broos, meer kwesbaar. Jou gedagtes begin al hoe meer dwaal na die verlede. Die pad agter jou voel baie langer as die pad voor jou. Jy kom agter die grootmenslewe tussen die afsetterskoot en die eindpaal is toe veel korter as wat jy verwag het. Coenie de Villiers sing in sy lied “Die laaste maal: Voor jou is die deur gesluit, agter jou is dit nag.”
Hoe moet ons daaroor dink? Die lewe is ‘n reis, en jy het net een beurt. Daar is nie proeflopies, of “replays” moontlik nie. Eers as jy doodgaan, is jou beurt verby. Hoe daardie reis verloop, is jou keuse. Die Griekse digter Konstatyn Kavafis beskryf so reis in sy gedig “Ithaka”, die plek waarheen Odusseus, ‘n legendariese held in die Griekse mitologie, ‘n goeie spreker, briljante denker en ook uiterste platjie, koning is. Uys Krige het dit in Afrikaans vertaal.
Party mense storm beste deur die lewe om seëvierend prestasie op prestasie te bereik. Kavafis wys dit van die hand: “Wanneer jy op reis gaan na Ithaka / vra dan dat jou pad lank mag wees / vol avontuur / en dat jy veel mag leer.” Daar sal wel vyande wees, maar “solank jou gees en jou liggaam geraak word deur seldsame ontroering”, sal jy hulle nie teëkom nie, tensy jy dit vreesbevange afwag.
Op die reis is daar baie hawens waar jy binnegaan – waar jy eksotiese korale, perlemoen, amber en ivoor kan koop, ook sensuele geurige parfuums van enige soort.
Geniet sulke sintuiglike ervaringe, sê die digter, besoek ook die talle stede om by hulle geleerdes “veel, oneindig veel, te leer.” So word genieting, belewenis, kennis en wysheid deel van jou mensheid. Vra juis daarom dat jou reis lank mag wees.
Dan is daar die bestemming, Ithaka, waar jou reis begin het en waarheen jy terugkeer. Onthou altyd, skryf Kavafis, hoe jou reis begin het, hoe jy daardeur gevorm is en voorberei is: “Hou Ithaka altyd in jou gees / Jou aankoms daar is waarvoor jy bestem is / Maar wat die reis betref, moet jou nie in die minste haas nie. / Dis beter dat dit jare sal duur.”
Dit is jou Ithaka wat vir jou die “pragtige reis” gegee het: “Ja, sonder Ithaka sou jy nooit uitgevaar het nie / Sy het niks anders om aan jou te gee nie…” Om daarmee te sê: Belangriker as die begin en die bestemming is die reis self, dat jy “ryk is aan alles wat jy langs die pad verwerf het”.
Uiteindelik bly die sin van lewensvreugde daarin om te weet waarheen jy op pad is, en om alles wat jou reis deur die lewe vir jou opgelewer het, te gebruik om jou te verwonder aan die lewe self, al was dit soms deur die donker dieptes van draai, teleurstellings, swak gesondheid en mislukkings. Jóu Betlehem en Golgota is nie die belangrikste gebeure in jou lewe nie, maar wel jou reis tussen die twee plekke. Dit is wat agterbly, ná alles.
The bones are subject to a police investigation in a murder case in which a 62-year-old former police officer was murdered.
According to reports, the victim was reported missing by his family in October 2020. Police launched a search for him then, without any success until Friday, 12 March 2021, when 26-year-old Mr Sanele Msimang handed himself over to the Harrismith Police Station in the Free State Province.
Msimang informed police there, that he had killed his employer at Standerton somewhere last year and buried his remains in a shallow grave. He was then detained at Harrismith Police Station and arrangements were made that he be brought to Standerton to face charges for this act.
On Monday, 15 March 2021, Msimang arrived at Standerton Police Station and cooperated positively in all aspects of the investigation including pointing out where he buried the remains of his employer which were exhumed and taken for forensic tests.
A murder case was opened and Msimang charged, he appeared at the Standerton Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 18 March 2021, where he was remanded in custody until Tuesday, 23 March 2021.
Whilst busy investigating the murder case, police received disturbing news that the seized human bones were now reportedly missing. A case of theft was then opened accordingly with an additional charge of defeating the ends of justice.
Now for the new twist.
The human bones reported having gone missing at a government mortuary on Friday, 19 March 2021 in Standerton have been found.
Police were informed by their counterparts from the Department of Health, that the bones were mistakenly collected together with two corpses that were scheduled to be taken to Newcastle. The officials then alerted their colleagues in Standerton as soon as they realised that an error had occurred. As a result, it has now been established that the bones were never stolen. However, the investigation into the murder of Mr Jochim Johannes Engelbrecht continues.
Msimang will appear in court today for a formal bail hearing. Meanwhile Msimang remains in custody.
