Day: November 6, 2021

PARIS — The coup in Sudan puts into doubt the process that would have seen France cancel some $5 billion debt it was owed by the African country, France’s foreign ministry said on Friday, the latest power to pressure military leaders who seized power.

France, Sudan’s second-largest creditor, has been a main actor in backing the interim authorities after former President Omar al-Bashir was ousted in 2019, but the civilian transition was derailed in October when the military took control.

Speaking to reporters in a daily briefing on Friday, Foreign ministry spokeswoman Anne-Claire Legendre said Paris had been an “unwavering” partner for Sudan and that the general debt cancellation program as part of the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative was agreed at a conference in Paris in May.

“A Paris Club agreement was reached on July 15, each creditor now having to sign a bilateral agreement with Sudan,” Legendre told reporters, responding to a question on whether Paris was reviewing its debt cancellation promise.

“It is clear that the military coup of October 25 calls into question this process.”

Sudan owes nearly $60 billion, 40% of which — or $23.5 billion — is held by the Paris Club.

Under the July agreement, the Paris Club decided to cancel $14.1 billion of that debt and reschedule the rest.

At that conference President Emmanuel Macron had vowed to cancel about $5 billion France is owed by Khartoum, provided a loan to clear Sudan’s arrears to the International Monetary Fund and organized a side event promoting investment into the country.

In a sign the junta is tightening its control, the military dissolved the boards of all state companies and national agricultural projects, state TV said on Friday.

Source: Voice of America

THOHOYANDOU – The South African Police Service in Thohoyandou have launched a search operation to locate a 32-year-old missing man, Mamali Ndivhudzannyi “Pfarelo” from Tshilungoma (one) Village.

The missing man was last seen on Saturday 30 October 2021 in the afternoon. He left home after he had a quarrel with his girlfriend and has not returned.

He was last seen wearing a blue Relay T-shirt and a white trouser.

He is tall, slender and dark in complexion.

Police have conducted search operations at friends, relatives and nearby villages with no success.

Anyone with information that can help to locate him should contact the investigating officer Constable Shudufhadzo Sivhaga on 072 424 6288 / 015 960 1000, the Crime Stop number 0860010111 or the nearest Police Station or MySAPSApp.

Police search operations and investigations are still continuing.

Source: South African Police Service

PARKTOWN – The SAPS Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela has welcomed the hefty sentence handed down on 46-year-old former police officer, Nomia Rosemary Ndlovu.

On Friday, 5 November 2021, during the Johannesburg High Court, sitting in Palm Ridge Magistrates’ Court – Judge Ramarumo Monama sentenced Ndlovu to life imprisonment for each of the six murders she has been convicted on and an additional 125 years for 16 more charges that included eight counts of conspiracy to commit murder; four counts of fraud, three counts of defeating the ends of Justice and the attempted murder of her mother. The six murders are those of her five relatives and former partner. She has also defrauded insurance companies of approximately R1.4 million.

Sergeant Keshi Benneth Mabunda of SAPS Olifantsfontein was assigned to investigate the matter and immediately commenced in following up on all the available leads. Mabunda meticulously pieced all the evidence together which led him to build a water-tight case against Ndlovu in court.

The Sergeant faced many challenges while investigating the case, from receiving death threats to fighting a terminal illness but nothing deterred him in solving the case.

“I am grateful that this matter has been brought to a close. Investigating a colleague had its own challenges and I am glad that the support received from other colleagues and management got me through, Ndlovu is exactly where she belongs, behind bars,” said Sgt Mabunda.

Lieutenant General Elias Mawela has commended Sergeant Mabunda for his relentless commitment and passion to solve serious and violent cases. “The sentencing of the former police officer, Rosemary Ndlovu is indicative that the SAPS is committed in rooting out officials who break the law. Sergeant Mabunda persevered in finalising the investigation without fear and favour which assisted the State to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. This is commendable and hopefully, will assist to restore the communities’ faith in the South African Police Service”, said Lieutenant General Mawela.

Source: South African Police Service

POTCHEFSTROOM – A 45-year-old mother and her son, aged 18, are expected to appear in the Bafokeng Magistrates’ Court in Tlhabane on Monday, 8 November 2021, for possession of suspected stolen livestock.

The duo were arrested at Lefaragatlhe village near Tlhabane following an incident in which a shepherd was killed and livestock robbed at a cattle post in Serutube village outside Rustenburg on Thursday, 4 November 2021,

According to information available at this stage, reports suggest that three herdsmen were herding cattle at about 17:00 when three unknown males emerged from the bushes. The trio caught one of the herdsmen and tied his hands with a rope, then robbed him of his money and a cellphone. The suspects went to another herdsman (25), tied his hands and also robbed him of his cellphone and cash.

Furthermore, the suspects allegedly demanded the cattle and in the process, shot and killed the 25-year-old herdsman while his colleagues were assaulted with the butt of a firearm. The suspects then drove out a herd of cattle from the cattle post.

A manhunt launched by Phokeng Detectives and Stock Theft Unit immediately after the incident, led to the recovery of 21 cattle in Lefaragatlhe village. Consequently, 11 cattle were positively identified and linked with the incident. Further investigations revealed that two other cows with calves were stolen a week ago at the same place. In addition, police seized other cattle that were found at the place for further investigation.

The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena extolled members for their collaboration and quick response that resulted in the arrest.

Source: South African Police Service

WESTERN CAPE – Last night members of the Western Cape Flying Squad searched a premises in Wallacedene, Kraaifontein after they received information of a firearm at the mentioned address. They discovered a CZ 75 pistol without a serial number inside the house. A 27-year-old suspect was arrested for the possession of a prohibited firearm and detained.

The suspect will appear in the Kuilsrivier Magistrates Court on Monday 8 November 2021 on the mentioned charge.

In an unrelated matter members of Muizenberg SAPS arrested seven suspects aged between 25 and 35 for house robbery, possession of imitation firearms and dangerous weapons. The house robbery was perpetrated near Retreat railway station in the early hours of this morning, Saturday 06 November 2021 where several items were stolen. The members reacted on the complaint and spotted the getaway vehicle and arrested the suspects.

Once charged the suspects will appear in the Muizenberg Magistrate’s court to face the charges against them.

Source: South African Police Service