Category: General

Public Service and Administration Minister Senzo Mchunu has appealed to labour unions that have left the public sector wage negotiations at the Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council to return to the table.

Government, he said, respects all the unions represented at the chamber.

Addressing the media virtually on Monday, Mchunu said government is doing everything in its power to have the matter resolved amicable.

“We want to appeal to them to reconsider their decisions. We have a country to run, at any given time we have to find a way to find one another,” he said.

Mchunu assured public servants that their jobs are secured and that there will be no salary cuts.

Government is offering 1.5 percent increase and the unions are demanding a consumer price index (CPI) increase, which is projected at 3.1%, plus 4% across the board on the cost-of-living adjustment.

“Government is trying its best in these difficult financial conditions. We would like to urge all the unions to consider what we are offering now, this is a reasonable offer,” Mchunu said, adding that there are no conditions attached to the offer.

Government and Organised Labour in Council are trying to resolve the impasse through the constitutionally recognised process of collective bargaining.

In April this year, talks between the government and the unions resumed at the Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council for the State’s negotiators to respond to workers’ demands.

There are eight unions representing 1.2 million State employees in national and provincial government departments. These are Nehawu, Denosa, Hospersa, Naptosa, Popcru, PSA, Sadtu and Sapu.

The Public Servant Association has opted not to participate in the ongoing facilitation process and has resorted to making public statements which are neither responsible nor constructive and not in the interests of the public servants in the public service.

In April, Mchunu announced that government had appointed an independent facilitator to ensure that negotiations succeed.

At the time, Mchunu urged both government and the unions involved in the negotiations to go beyond “demands” and arrive at solutions.

Source: South African Government News Agency

GQEBERHA – SAPS Algoa Park detectives are on the hunt for suspects allegedly involved in a murder and attempted murder which took place on Sunday afternoon, 04 July 2021 in Missionvale.

It is alleged that at about 16:30, a 22-year-old male was shot (in his thigh) in Phoenix Street in Missionvale while his friend, Lee- Roy Erasmus (30) ran to his house in Record Street to escape the two suspects. The suspects chased after him and followed him into his house. Erasmus jumped through the window and fell through the roof of a shack at the back of the house. The suspects shot him multiple times in the shack. He died at the scene.

The suspects are unknown at this stage and police are investigating a case of murder and attempted murder.

Police are appealing to anyone who can provide any information relating to the motive or the whereabouts of the suspects to contact D/W/O Errol Kleinhans on 082 302 6419 or SAPS Algoa Park on 041 4011061 or Crime Stop 08600 10111 or their nearest police station. All information is confidential and callers may remain anonymous.

Source: South African Police Service

EASTERN CAPE – Operation Vhuthu Hawe conducted at Chris Hani policing precinct under the command of Ngcobo Station Commander Lt Colonel Xolani Sali over the weekend yielded positive results.

Operation was conducted focusing in Covind 19 Regulations, drug trafficking and in enhancing high visibility around Dalasile and Engcobo

Total of 16 suspects were arrested for various charges:

03 were arrested in possession of firearm and ammunition

02 were arrested in possession of drugs while 11 suspects were arrested under Disaster Management Act

Livestock and dangerous weapons were also confiscated

Acting District Commissioner Brigadier Pumla Mavuka thanked all the foot soldiers that were involved during the operations.

Source: South African Police Service

GQEBERHA – In order for the SAPS to maintain professionalism, ensure the proper support and protection of victims by members, victim friendly facilities are set up at police stations so that victims are treated in privacy and confidentiality. Gender based violence is a huge concern and in certain instances, victims of crime often suffer secondary victimisation at the hands of the people who are supposed to give support and protection.

The SAPS have a responsibility to ensure that all complainants are treated with dignity and respect hence the establishment of victim friendly facilities.

On Friday, 02 July 2021, the Round Table PE West 142 charity organisation partnered with SAPS Kabega Park and refurbished their victim friendly room. The room was painted and included a bed as well as numerous variety of toys. The room most certainly creates a warm and homely environment for any victim who should want to use this facility. SAPS Kabega Park members painted the room on their rest days with the generous sponsorship of a local business.

The Station Commander, Colonel Tony Nomdoe expressed his gratitude to the community in ensuring that police members provide a service that is effective, efficient and non- judgemental to victims of crime including the vulnerable groups.

Source: South African Police Service

RITAVI – The South African Police Service in Ritavi outside Tzaneen have launched search operation for a missing mentally disturbed man, Woosman Baloyi aged 19 from Nkomanini village.

The missing person was allegedly last seen on 18 June 2021 at about 12:00 in Nkowankowa Section D. He has since disappeared.

He was wearing a light grey trouser and dark grey tracksuit top.

The police conducted search operations at relatives and surrounding areas without success.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts should contact investigating officer Warrant Officer Jonas Shikwambana at 0823199699 or Ritavi Police Station at 015 303 8001. Alternatively, Crime Stop number 0860010111 or the nearest Police Station or MySAPSApp.

The search operations and investigations are still continuing.

Source: South African Police Service

Makhanda: The multi-dimensional intervention operation has pounced on two motorists for transporting liquor and were charged in terms of the DMA regulations in Makhanda last night.

On Friday evening, 2 July 2021, members were conducting a vehicle check point at Queens Street, Makhanda, when two vehicles were stopped during a routine check. A 21-year-old driver (woman) of a white Opel Corsa was arrested for transporting over 13 litres of liquor.

A second vehicle, white VW Polo was found with over 20 litres of liquor, and a 30-year-old driver was arrested for contravening the Disaster Management Act regulations.

Source: South African Police Service