Day: March 5, 2024

The South African Police Service’s Operation Shanela has nabbed 1 154 suspects for numerous crimes between Monday, 26 February and Sunday, 3 March 2024 in the North West province.

Of the total arrests made, 58 were drug related offences, 31 were for illegal dealing in liquor, 17 for driving under the influence of liquor, eight for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, 37 for burglaries, 53 for malicious damage to property, while 67 suspected undocumented persons were handed over to the Department of Home Affairs for further processing.

On Tuesday, 26 February, the Vryburg K9 and Mahikeng Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit (VCIU) stopped the driver of a Toyota Etios Sedan in Moffat Street.

The vehicle was inspected and it was found to have been stolen in April 2023 in Silverton. The driver, Makatise Joseph Khuabo (42), was immediately arrested and appeared before the Vryburg Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 29 February for being in possession of a presumed stolen vehicle.

He was remanded in custody u
ntil his next court appearance, which is today, for a formal bail application.

In another incident reported last Thursday, information received by Taung police was operationalised, leading them to a premises where a 32-year-old suspect was found in possession of an illegal firearm.

Lesedi Nthutang was arrested and appeared before the Taung Magistrates’ Court on Friday. He was granted R500 bail and his next court appearance before the same court will be on Friday.

Arrests were also made for serious and violent crimes including 10 for murder, 193 for assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH), 111 for assault common and nine for rape.

During the operation, 293 suspects were arrested, who were wanted for various charges. All suspects will make their respective court appearances in various courts this week.

Provincial Commissioner of North West, Lt Gen Sello Kwena, commended the police and all other role players for their continued collaborative efforts, saying it will send a clear message that
crime will not be tolerated in the province.

Source: South African Government News Agency

The police in the Omusati Region have apprehended the 34-year-old pastor and church owner who allegedly raped two young women and a minor at Okandi village in the Etayi Constituency last month.

The Namibian Police Force’s Regional Commander for Omusati, Commissioner Ismael Basson, told Nampa the suspect was arrested at the church on Tuesday and is expected to appear in the Outapi Magistrate’s Court Thursday.

He allegedly raped two young women aged 19 and 24 and a girl aged 17.

Basson said the incidents allegedly occurred between 09 and 24 February 2024.

Police investigations continue.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, will on Wednesday unveil the University of Limpopo Digital Innovation Lab (LDIL).

The LDIL is a strategic initiative designed to improve the development of information and communication technologies (ICT) skills in Limpopo and address unemployment.

LDIL is a Software Development Programme aimed at combating the high unemployment rate in Limpopo, with a curriculum that covers coding, programming fundamentals and digital social innovation.

Through a 10-month Software Development (SWD) initiative that introduces coding fundamentals and digital social innovation, the LDIL programme also seeks to empower 25 unemployed youth each year.

The programme also places a strong emphasis on providing unemployed youth with practical, real-world experience.

Dlamini Zuma, who is the University of Limpopo Chancellor, will deliver the keynote address at the official launch of the lab, which is in collaboration w
ith Samsung Electronics South Africa and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic).

‘This historic event marks a significant step towards empowering women, youth and persons with disabilities and encouraging innovation in Limpopo to showcase and inspire similar innovative measures for other young people across the country,’ the department said in a statement.

The event, which will see the official plaque unveiling and ribbon cutting, will take place at the university’s R-40 Conference Hall.

Source: South African Government News Agency

WINDHOEK: A 36-year-old man was robbed and killed in his home in Windhoek’s Dorado Park residential area over the weekend.

The Namibian Police Force in a crime report on Monday said the deceased has been identified as Stanley Cloete.

According to the report, he was dropped off at home by his niece and a friend around 04h00 on Saturday after a night out.

‘Before they left the deceased’s house, he called another friend who came whilst they were still at his place and they left. On Saturday the niece tried to get hold of the deceased on his phone but his phone was off and they visited his house, but could not enter because the gate was locked,’ it said.

On Sunday around 12h00 the niece and her friend decided to visit him again and they found the door closed, but not locked.

‘Upon entering, they found the deceased lying naked, with his arms and legs tied and a cloth in his mouth,’ the report said.

Cloete’s vehicle, TV and laptop were stolen.

Charges of murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances have
been registered at the Windhoek Police Station.

Cloete’s next of kin have been informed and police investigations continue.

No arrests have been made in connection with the matter yet.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

The Airports Company of South Africa Limited (ACSA) has earmarked R21.7 billion for the development of airport infrastructure.

This investment primarily targets refurbishments, efficiency improvements, and statutory compliance measures, with the aim of enhancing asset availability, airport safety and passenger experiences across airports.

Addressing a media briefing on the state of the aviation sector, Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga said this was the largest capital investment programme by ACSA since preparing for the 2010 World Cup.

‘This will see our already world class airports increasing the airport facilities to continue leading as Africa’s best airports and increasing our position globally. Over the next two years, ACSA plans to embark on crucial capacity expansion projects at Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (Gqeberha) and George Airport, focusing on expansion of their terminal facilities.

‘The terminal expansion project at George Airport is set to commence at the earliest oppor
tunity due to the airport passenger throughput having passed its design capacity pre-COVID-19. This will be followed by Chief Dawid Stuurman Airport within the next year or two.

‘Furthermore, ACSA is set to embark on the development of a new cargo terminal, known as Mid-field Cargo, at O.R Tambo International Airport on a prioritised basis given the demand and later the development of a Mid-field Passenger Terminal.

‘Other significant projects at O.R Tambo International Airport will include extension of the bussing gates, which will entail adding six new bussing gates to the existing Terminal A bussing terminal, along with augmenting retail, seating, and holding lounge areas,’ the Minister said.

Additionally, as part of phase 2 of this project, a new mezzanine level will be constructed to enhance circulation and optimise seating and holding space.

‘At Cape Town International Airport, priority will be the domestic arrivals terminal reconfiguration to meet growing capacity needs. This encompasses enlarging
the meet and greet area, expansion of the baggage claim area, an additional baggage carousel, expansion of the domestic departures lounge, retail spaces, and ablution facilities, as well as the addition of three new contact gates and fixed boarding bridges.

‘Secondly, the initiation and development of the realigned runway development project is anticipated within permission period,’ Chikunga said.

King Shaka International Airport will see the development of a hotel, given that it is a relatively new airport, with terminal expansion during the final year of the permission period.

At King Phalo airport, the focus during the permission period will be on expansion of the departure lounge, relocation of the security check point, upgrading of ablution facilities, improving retail options in the departure lounge, and adding offices and lounge space on the first floor.

‘ACSA continues to diligently review the master plans of its airports, driven by twofold objectives: to meet the current infrastructure needs whil
e also ensuring preparedness to fulfil future demands.

‘This ongoing process is crucial in strengthening the foundation for a resilient air transport system for South Africa, a cornerstone for advancing our country’s economic development and growth,’ the Minister said.

In the year 2022/23, the Air Traffic and Navigation Services SOC Limited (ATNS) invested R128 million in support of its goal of having reliable and stable air traffic management infrastructure, which ultimately boosts the country’s aviation economy and contributes up to 3% to the national gross domestic product (GDP).

‘In ATNS’ pursuit of more essential infrastructure upgrades to ensure that the entity is future-fit to continue delivering on its national mandate, up to R155 million is required in the next financial year for investment into its Aeronautical Fixed Telecommunication Network (AFTN),’ the Minister said.

Air Cargo innovations

As part of innovations within the sector to enhance efficiency and competitiveness, eAirwaybill have bee
n introduced in air cargo industry.

Innovations such as real-time tracking systems, data analytics, automation, and artificial intelligence can streamline operations, improve visibility, and optimise resource allocation.

‘Embracing this digitalisation can only lead to greater transparency, cost savings and a better customer experience within this space.

‘While we also embrace innovation, we are equally mindful of cyber threats. Cybersecurity is essential for maintaining the integrity, safety, and resilience of the aviation system. We are collaborating more to effectively mitigate risks and enhance cybersecurity across the sector.

‘The truth of the matter is that the future of freight is digital; and that is our reality. Therefore, a robust air cargo system is essential for global trade, speed, efficiency, connectivity, supply chain resilience, economic growth, and the timely delivery of essential goods and services,’ the Minister said.

Source: South African Government News Agency