Day: August 19, 2024

An alleged kidnapping ringleader and suspect linked to a R300 million drug bust has been intercepted at OR Tambo International Airport.

The 40-year-old Zambian national was intercepted as he arrived in the country on Sunday morning.

‘Police have been keeping a close watch on the suspect’s movement. The suspect is believed to be one of the ringleaders behind a kidnapping for ransom syndicate targeting businessmen in South Africa,’ said the South African Police Service (SAPS) in a statement.

He is specifically linked to the kidnapping of a 63-year-old businessman who was kidnapped in Helderkruin, Roodepoort in July.

He was rescued on the same day that police made the discovery of R300 million worth of crystal meth at two properties in Fourways and a hotel in Bruma.

He is also believed to be a key figure in the R300 million crystal meth drugs that were seized.

Police have been tracking the suspect and upon arrival at the OR Tambo Airport, he was arrested by a multidisciplinary team led by SAPS anti-kidnap
ping task team, counter intelligence, detectives, the Johannesburg Metro Police Department K-9 unit, Flying Squad and private security.

The suspect is expected to be charged with eight other suspects who were arrested for the kidnapping of the businessman and the drug bust.

Source: South African Government News Agency

David Inalegwu of Henry Seriake Dickson Golf and Country Club, Bayelsa on Sunday won the 16th IBB Junior Open Golf Championship in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the three-day championship teed off on Friday at the IBB International Golf and Country Club (IBBIGCC), Abuja.

More than 146 junior players from across the country gathered at IBBIGCC for the tournament organised by the IBB Lady Golf Section led by Dame Julie Donli.

Inalegwu, who played a total of 223 gross, led over three days, shooting 74, 71, and 78, respectively, over 54 holes to clinch the championship title.

It was indeed a case of third time lucky for the 18-year-old who had finished fourth and as a runner-up in the 14th and 15th editions of the championship.

‘It’s quite amazing that I won the tournament after finishing as the runner-up last year. It’s been quite a tough but exciting journey for me as I also finished fourth in 2022.

‘So, it was a learning curve for me as I kept improving with each edition of the ch
ampionship en route to this victory.

‘It was not an easy task leading for three days, but I am happy that I emerged the overall winner,’ Inalegwu said.

Also, David James grossed 231 to win the Boys 15-18 age category at the expense of Nandom Danjuma of Plateau Golf Academy and Robert Festus.

Destiny Oyero of lkeja Golf Club carded 242 to claim the boys 11-14 years age category, beating Unah Ogoh of Otukpo Golf Academy (245) and Matthew Ayi (242).

Deborah Dung of Plateau Golf Academy grossed 277 to win the girls 15-18 years old category, while Blessing Adah and Beatrice Onoja ensured that Otukpo Golf Academy swept the second and third prizes in the category.

In the girls 11 -14 years category, Josephine Benjamin of IBB International Golf and Country Club emerged winner after posting a total gross score of 225.

Omowonuola Olarenwaju (294) and Jennifer Akatu (313) finished as runner-up and second runner-up, respectively, in the category.

Wilson Izang (122), Abraham Dung (129), and Chinkinan Walshak (131)
ensured that Plateau Golf Academy swept the stakes in the Boys 7-10 years category.

Similarly, Damaris Danladi (150), Funmilayo Oyero (160), and Ochanya Omakwu (162) emerged as winners, runners-up, and second runner-up, respectively, in the girl’s category.

The Lady Captain, Donli, said the event, with the theme of consolidating the future of golf in Nigeria, was a huge success in spite of all the challenges.

She also expressed gratitude to the families of the children who participated in the championship and everyone who contributed in one way or the other towards the success of the event.

‘We understand perfectly how harsh the economy has been on us, and so we appreciate all of you and your families who sacrificed to ensure that you participated in the championship.

‘The stress of registering for the tournament, getting you here and taking you back and other considerations that must have gone into the decision to have you play,’ she said.

The Captain of IBBIGCC, Ibrahim Babayo, commended the IBB Ladie
s Golf Section (LGS), adding that it was a very successful championship.

NAN also reports that a minute of silence was observed for the two young golfers from Ekiti who lost their lives and others who sustained injuries on their way to Abuja for the tournament.

The contingent was involved in a ghastly motor accident around Kabba, Kogi on Wednesday.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Active citizenry and the active involvement of communities have an important role to play in fighting the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).

This according to Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Andries Nel, who was speaking during the launch of the Mitchell’s Plain Thuthuzela Care Centre on Monday.

Nel explained that Mitchell’s Plain has South Africa’s highest prevalence of crimes like common assault, drug related crimes, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition attempted murder – breeding a dangerous environment for women.

‘This explains the environment within which GBVF is taking place. It also underscores the point… that our Justice, Crime Prevention and Security cluster, our criminal justice system, has an indispensable role to play.

‘But the reality is, there’s a social and economic foundation to these problems, which we are not going to solve without a broader socio-economic transformation of our country, our communities but also the active involvement
of each and every citizen,’ Nel said.

The Deputy Minister said as communities are being urged to play their role, government is also doing its part in passing new laws and amending legislation that ‘aims to bring about changes, which are practically implementable and offer meaningful protection to those who need it’.

Those three new laws are:

the Criminal Law Sexual Offences and Related Matters Amendment Act;

the Criminal and Related Matters Amendment Act, and

the Domestic Violence Amendment Act.

‘This legislation, amongst others, addressed the need to include the particulars of all sex offenders and not only sex offenders against children and persons who are mentally disabled. It also expanded the list of persons who are to be protected to include other vulnerable persons.

‘It also increases the period for which a sex offender’s particulars must remain on the register before it can be removed. It also creates a reporting duty that any person who has knowledge, reasonable belief or suspects that a sexu
al offence is being committed against a person who’s vulnerable must report…immediately to a police official.

‘The Domestic Violence Amendment Act… has also been amended to address practical challenges, gaps and anomalies which have been in the Act since 1999. The amended legislation has included new definitions [of abuse] such as controlling behaviour and coercive behaviour,’ he said.

Nel said government is also working to ensure that the number of TCCs – which provide crucial medical and psychosocial support to victims – is increased throughout the country.

‘That’s why we must endeavour to increase the number of TCCs as quickly as possible. The new Mitchell’s Plain TCC will increase the national footprint to 65 across the country. This is the tenth TCC in the Western Cape.

‘There are a number of TCCs that are ready to open and start operations but they need input from other departments and we commit ourselves to facilitate that engagement,’ he said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons has partnered with the Cormode Cancer Foundation to address cancer in Nigeria’s IDP camps and host communities.

The partnership is aimed at establishing Cormode Cancer Champions Clubs in secondary schools across the country to educate young people about cancer prevention and early detection.

The Federal Commissioner for the Commission, Mr Tijani Aliyu, in a statement issued by the partners on Sunday in Lagos, said that the initiative also aimed to improve the health and wellbeing of displaced persons.

Aliyu also said that it would help to reduce the stigma associated with cancer and empower young people as advocates for cancer awareness.

‘We are delighted to partner with Cormode Cancer Foundation to address the critical issue of cancer awareness in our IDP camps and host communities.

‘This initiative aligns with our commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of displaced persons.

‘By educating the youth about cancer,
we aim to foster a healthier future and reduce the stigma associated with this disease.

‘We are excited to endorse the launch of the first 150 Cancer Champions in September, a milestone that we believe will attract potential donors to expand this vital programme.’

Also, Dr Denise Ejoh, founder of the Foundation, explained that the project was dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer, particularly in vulnerable communities.

Ejoh emphasised the importance of addressing the emotional and psychological impact of cancer, especially in vulnerable communities.

‘We are honoured to collaborate with the National Commission for Refugees on this vital initiative.

‘We commend the Honourable Commissioner, Hon. Tijani Aliyu, for his passion and dedication to ensuring that the camps are cancer-free and well-educated.

‘Through this partnership, we hope to educate and empower young people, providing them with the tools and knowledge to prevent and detect cancer early,’ he said.

He explai
ned that the programme would address the emotional and psychological aspects of cancer and displacement, offering grief and trauma education to build resilience and hope.

Mrs Ndidi Odia, Club Coordinator and daughter of a cancer survivor, highlighted the need for educating caregivers and providing support to those affected by cancer.

Odia said, ‘As someone who understands the challenges of living with cancer through my mother’s experience, I recognise the importance of educating people, especially caregivers, about this disease.

‘Our efforts will focus on providing accurate information and support to those in the camps and host communities.

‘We aim to ensure that everyone understands the importance of early detection and the resources available to them.’

According to her, the initiative marks a significant step toward improving cancer awareness and education in Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations.

‘The Cormode Cancer Champions Clubs will serve as a platform for disseminating critical information, prov
iding emotional support, and fostering a community of informed and proactive individuals, she added.

She explained that the endorsement of the launch of the first 150 Cancer Champions in September by the Commission was anticipated to draw support from donors, facilitating the expansion of this crucial programme.

Also, Mrs Noni Okocha, of ‘I Am the Future of Nigeria Youth Initiative’, a partnering NGO, said: ‘It is crucial to educate not only the internally displaced persons but also future generations on the importance of cancer awareness.

‘By doing so, we can create a more informed and health-conscious society.

‘We are proud to be a part of this initiative and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on these communities.’

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Tuesday attend a farewell dinner held in tribute to Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, who is retiring at the end of August 2024.

The Chief Justice, who is retiring after a distinguished judicial career spanning 27 years, will be celebrated at the Marriott Hotel in Johannesburg.

The farewell dinner will take place on the eve of a Special Ceremonial Sitting of the Constitutional Court, at which the Judiciary, the Executive, Parliament, and the legal profession will honour Chief Justice Zondo’s contributions to the justice system and the country.

President Ramaphosa appointed Justice Zondo as the Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa in 2022.

‘The position of Chief Justice carries a great responsibility in our democracy. As the head of the Judiciary, the Chief Justice is a guardian of our Constitution and the laws adopted by the freely elected representatives of the people.

‘The Chief Justice stands as the champion of the rights of all South Africans and bears responsib
ility for ensuring equal access to justice,’ President Ramaphosa reflected on the significance of this role.

During his term, Chief Justice Zondo has been pivotal in advancing the transformation of the judiciary, leading the Labour Appeal Court through significant challenges, and presiding over the State Capture Commission.

His leadership ensured that the findings and recommendations of the Commission had a lasting impact on South Africa’s fight against corruption.

Source: South African Government News Agency

President Cyril Ramaphosa has sent his deep condolences to the family, friends and associates, nationally and internationally, of the late Prof Muxe Nkondo, who passed away in the early hours of Sunday.

In a statement, President Ramaphosa said he was deeply saddened by the passing of eminent scholar, academic, social policy and heritage expert Prof Nkondo, who passed away at the age of 83.

Nkondo is survived by his wife, Prof Olga Nkondo; his children, Ntsako, Muxe, Mikateko, Zava, Mbonya and Nkenyezi; grandchildren and a great grandchild.

Nkondo was a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Venda, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of the North and Harvard Andrew Mellon Fellow in English.

As the chair of varied expert panels and reference groups, he made significant contributions to the development of public policy in areas from tourism, human settlements and public administration to science and technology, and arts and culture.

He lectured extensively at universities in the United States of
America and served as a curriculum development and governance advisor to the University of South Africa, the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Tshwane University of Technology, Central University of Technology, and Walter Sisulu University.

Nkondo served on numerous boards and associations on the African continent and elsewhere and led the conceptualisation of the Liberation Heritage Route.

‘Prof Nkondo has left us at the end of a life distinguished by his relentless pursuit – and generation – of knowledge that has made his country, continent and the world a richer, more inclusive place.

‘His ideas and their application have impacted on lives and institutions across the globe. They have also a diaspora of academics, leaders and administrators who have benefited from Prof Nkondo’s inexhaustible intellect and interest in the betterment of humanity.

‘His legacy is monumental and will continue to ripple through our lives. May he rest in peace after his extraordinary, enriched and enriching life,’ President Ramapho
sa said.

Source: South African Government News Agency