The Witness

The Witness: "‘Blue light’ bodyguard in court for shooting
14 Jan 2009"

Blue Light Probe - Opinion published by the Editor of The Witness

The Witness: "Blue-light probe"
12 Jan 2009
The Editor
With another report of shots being fired at a motorist by a blue-light VIP protection squad, news that the Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD) is to investigate the conduct of these units is welcome. In the many months since the intimidation of ordinary motorists by these flying convoys was first reported on the roads around Pietermaritzburg, this bullying behaviour seems to have spread across the country and has become increasingly outrageous. Up until now, instead of addressing the problem, the authorities have either dismissed the complaints or tried to browbeat the public and the press into submission. This too seems to have come to a head with reports that after the latest incident, apparently involving President Kgalema Motlanthe’s convoy, equipment belonging to SABC journalists on the scene was confiscated. If the officers were performing their legitimate duty correctly, this crude attempt to censor news coverage of the incident could have no justification. The ICD probe vindicates the concern expressed by the public through the media. Things should never have come to this point. Certainly VIPs need protection, but a properly skilled police force can surely provide this without the flagrant disregard for the safety and the rights of the ordinary public that is exhibited here. The fact that this bullying has gone unchecked for so long, and has actually worsened, is an indictment of the senior leadership in this task force. It is an indictment, too, of the political leadership that travels in these convoys. It can be granted that in an emergency situation, the person being protected must leave matters wholly in the hands of the professional officers, but this does not prevent public representatives from exercising their authority responsibly and setting in advance the para-meters for escorting official vehicles. It is not necessary for routine journeys to be conducted as if they are dire, life-threatening emergencies. In the final analysis, in fact, this is a test of the political leadership’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law. When no real crisis threatens, these speeding convoys are nothing less than an arrogant and lawless abuse of power.

Blue-light victim to hit back - MSN - News

Blue-light victim to hit back - MSN - News:
Lawyers for the teenager who has been shot when he allegedly 'disturbed' President Kgalema Motlanthe’s blue-light motorcade will sue the state.
SASHNI PATHER
LAWYERS for the teenager who was shot in the arm when he allegedly “disturbed” President Kgalema Motlanthe’s blue-light motorcade on Saturday say he will sue the state.
Chase van der Walt’s lawyer, Hugo van der Westhuizen, told The Times yesterday that his client was shot at by Motlanthe’s VIP protection unit guards.
“The person who fired a shot at my client should face criminal charges. Civil suits will follow from that action,” Van der Westhuizen said.
Van der Walt, 19, was arrested and charged with reckless and negligent driving after allegedly driving too close to the president’s car.
It is alleged that, when Van der Walt’s car neared the president’s vehicle, the lead police car intercepted and collided with his VW Golf.
“When my client returns to court next week, we are hoping to get the matter struck off the roll,” Van der Westhuizen said.
Van der Walt appeared in the Benoni Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday and was released on R500 bail.
A police spokeswoman, Director Sally de Beer, said a member of the VIP protection unit fired a warning shot.
“We will pursue criminal charges against the shooter,” said Van der Westhuizen. “In the civil case, we will serve our notice of intention to the relevant minister, but right now our main concern is getting the criminal charges against my client dropped.”
The controversial VIP protection unit’s image has been tarnished by a litany of complaints against its members - who face criminal charges that include murder, rape, assault and robbery.The head of protection unit, divisional commander Mzondeki "Sean" Tshabalala, recently crashed his car into a police van while drunk, it has been alleged.
The Van der Walt incident is being investigated by the Independent Complaints Directorate.
The DA’s Dianne Kohler Barnard said her party would ask Safety and Security Minister Nathi Mthethwa to explain why Tshabalala had not been prosecuted or subjected to an internal disciplinary hearing.
“If the divisional commander does face charges, why has he not been suspended from active duty while the charges are pending?
“Why has no further information on a potentially serious case involving a divisional commander in the police service been released?” she asked.
It is believed that allegations will be investigated that the VIP unit tampered with videotape confiscated from the SABC that was filmed at the scene of Saturday’s shooting.

Decapitated body found in Pietermaritzburg - Mail & Guardian Online: The smart news source

Decapitated body found in Pietermaritzburg - Mail & Guardian Online: The smart news source: DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA Dec 31 2008 13:57"
The decapitated and mutilated body of a 19-year-old woman was found in the Kwanoshezi area of Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal police said on Wednesday. Inspector Joey Jeevan said the naked and decomposing body of Sindiswa Ngidi was discovered in the bush on Tuesday night. Her right arm and head were found nearby.She had sustained multiple stab wounds and suspected dog bites to her body."Police do not rule out the possibility of rape, however a post-mortem will be held to determine the exact cause of death," said Jeevan.Ngidi was reported missing on December 29. She was last seen on December 21.Anyone with information that could assist police are urged to contact the police on 033 398 9774. -- Sapa

Appaling record of the Blue Light Thugs

Mercury: "VIP unit's shocking record
2009-01-08 06:00:01 Edition 1
During the past four years, 111 members of the police's elite VIP protection unit - responsible for protecting the president, among others - have been charged with crimes ranging from murder, attempted murder, rape, armed robbery and the abuse of power."

The safety and Security Ministry however stated today they don't think their is a problem. Are these people brain dead?

Proportional rates

The Witness: Proportional rates
07 Jan 2009

I WOULD like to suggest that the Msunduzi Municipality allow residents to pay rates in proportion to services received.If municipal manager Rob Haswell took a stroll around Scottsville he would see that the weeds in the gutters are over a metre high and flowering, ready to throw more seeds and increase the danger of flooding. The drains cannot even be seen in some places.The team that was timed in Chasedene (The Witness, January 2) should be dismissed, plus their supervisor and the manager responsible for that department. A few women were noticed in Ridge Road scraping weeds out of the gutter, but unless a weedkiller is poured into the holes, the same problem will arise again in a few days’ time. In Christie Road, there is weed growth in the middle of the road as well as in the gutters and Lindup Road is a total disgrace.What are we paying rates for?
K. KNOTT
Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg


Posted by Ant on 07 Jan 2009
Proportional ratesExcellent idea, then none of us will pay rates. Then the municipality will dissappear, no money, they are gone, then we could get a non political party to run the town efficiently.
Posted by Splugton Hogg on 07 Jan 2009
Proportional ratesUnfortunately this suggestion would never work. If rates income was decreased, how do you think Comrade Rob and his Radical Robbers would be able to afford their lavish lifestyles?

Mayors Bodyguard in Shooting incident

This is the calibre of persons appointed by the Pietermaritzburg Council and according to acting municipal manager Phil Mashoko the employment of bodyguards is in accordance with employment policies and procedures.“The job requires certain skills, attributes and qualifications, which are all considered during the employment process" Not so long ago another bodyguard or driver of the Mayor was involved in an accident and it was discovered afterwards that he never posessed a licence. Looks like the policies and procedures need to be overhauled by a competent litterate person.

The Witness: "Shooting: Mayor's bodyguard at large"
05 Jan 2009
Thando Mgaga

The bodyguard of Msunduzi Mayor Zanele Hlatshwayo, who is a suspect in the murder of a man in Dambuza on Sunday, is still at large. The bodyguard, Nkosi Ngubane, who was off duty at the time of the incident, is one of three suspects in the alleged shooting of Sibusiso Mahlaba (26). Mahlaba, who was shot in the chest, died at Edendale Hospital. The deceased’s brother, Botsotso Mahlaba, who is a well- known praise singer, said that Ngubane and his brother were friends. Botsotso said his brother was driving on the main road in Dambuza when he met Ngubane, who was travelling with two other people. He said his brother stopped to chat with the bodyguard and his friends, and alleges that his brother was shot after he asked about the other men’s sexual escapades. “He [the bodyguard] fled the scene, but returned a few minutes later. He took my brother to Edendale [Hospital], where he was declared dead after an operation on his chest,” said Botsotso.Police spokesman Superintendent Henry Budhram said that after being shot, the deceased lost control of his vehicle, which veered into a fence. Budhram said further investigations have established that the shooter “playfully” produced a firearm and while pointing it in the direction of Mahlaba, a shot went off, hitting Mahlaba. “At this stage, police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the two remaining occupants [of the car] are still at large, one of which is believed to be a bodyguard attached to the mayor. “Attempts to arrest the remaining occupants are underway and their arrests are imminent. “Their vehicle has since been impounded,” said Budhram.Sources, who did not want to be named for fear of being victimised, allege that Ngubane is known for his quick temper and for discharging his firearm when involved in arguments and in fights. The sources said they were stunned to discover that the bodyguard is working for the municipality and that ratepayers are enabling him to carry and use a firearm. The sources allege that the bodyguard has “terrorised” kwaPata residents; firing shots at “friends” who disagree with him in discussions. Hlatshwayo said she was not aware of the shooting and will comment once she has obtained all the details of the incident.Asked about screening processes for those hired as bodyguards at the municipality, acting municipal manager Phil Mashoko said the employment of bodyguards is in accordance with employment policies and procedures.“The job requires certain skills, attributes and qualifications, which are all considered during the employment process. Reference checks are done as per the council policy.”thandom@witness.co.za
Comments:

Posted by Sabelo Dube on 06 Jan 2009
Well..Well...WellMaybe the officials needs to describe a word "PROTECTION" before employing the so-called bodyguard although they are useless because instead of protecting they are shooting people. In few months back we had same issue of Minister BM Hadebe's bodyguard shooting innocent people on the High way. My question is for how long are we going to tolerate the abuse of power in this country? To me this is "POWER HARRASSMENT" Again the officials will protect them, and they will be employed again!!!so a word 'POLICY' to the officials does not exist..trust me!!!
Posted by nonhle on 06 Jan 2009
nkosi wont be arrestedi remain convinced that Nkosi wont be arrested! the guys has killed lot of people in KwaPata, Dambuza and KwaMachibisa area during the 1999's. those who are closed to him believe that he is using muti. i was very shocked to learn that he is the bodyguard of the Major.
Posted by Dennis Bailey on 06 Jan 2009
Quick-draw NgubaneDear Mayor: If there was ever a better justification for a GUN FREE South Africa required, your administration has just provided it. That the so called `terrorised' rate payers have sat back and not only allowed this but also allowed you to pay for such anarchy with their rates is indicative of the general maliase into which South African political dialogue has slumped. I entirely agree with you Mayor, we rate payers deserve what we vote for and armed thugs go with the territory of our present political dispensation. And we don't have to look to far north to see where that's headed. It is the very apathy of your rate payers that keeps terrorists in power, the militant armed and Mayors employing bully-boy thugs to bully rate payers into submission. Congratulations for seeing this reality, and seizing the opportunity with such enthusiam. By the way, Merry Christmas, PEACE ON EARTH. Hope you can find some in 2009, between dodging the bullets .... Dennis Bailey PS: I'm writing from Gulu, Uganda where the terrorist Kony is being chased about sweaty bush by the military; he deserves to be caught, fattened chicken that he is, but he won't. There's much more profit in arming peace than there is in disarming war; just as there is much more political mileage in terrorising the poor (rate payer or not)than there is in dialogue. PPS: Get someone to check out your gun wielders street-cred once in a while. It might save a life or two but more importantly will stop embarrasing letters to the press at a time when the electorate might be stirred into reading them. PPPS: I hope you will read this ironically diatribe as a voice of genuine concern too.
Posted by A NON E MOUSE on 06 Jan 2009
BODY GUARDThe meaning of skills attributes and qualifications to the municipality mean DIK,DOM AND DIFFICULT. I hope this fool ends up behind bars for murder and that the Municipality do not pay for his legal fees out of our hard earned taxes. A cigar to you Hlatshwayo for having such an educated stand up pillar of society as your body guard, it is because of foolish bullies like this that you think you are safe.