Taxi driver up for murder

Article on News24 frontpage

Pretoria - Pretoria minibus taxi driver, Percyval Matji, who allegedly drove over and killed a schoolgirl, will face a murder charge.

A charge of culpable homicide against him was changed to murder on Wednesday during his brief appearance in the Pretoria District Court.

The state prosecutor told the court that forensic investigations into the accident had been completed and this had led to the charge being changed to murder.

His case was postponed to April 28, and transferred to the Pretoria Regional Court.

Matji allegedly killed Bernadine Kruger, 16, in February while she was riding her scooter to school in Garsfontein.

He allegedly hooted at her before he ran over her, killing her instantly.

Matji's bail of R1 000 was extended until his next appearance in court.

Charge changed to murder

Dressed in a brown jacket and a pair of black trousers, Matji stood quietly as the charges against him were read.

He nodded his head when the proceedings were interpreted to him in Xhosa.

After he was excused from the court, Matji put on a white hat and had a lengthy meeting with his lawyer and family members in the court foyer.

The Freedom Front Plus, which had officially requested the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to change the charge of culpable homicide against Matji to murder, said it welcomed the decision.

Conrad Beyers, FF+ councillor in the Tshwane metro council, said this was a victory for Bernadine's family, and for all law-abiding road users as well as the FF+.

"Bernadine's family will now also feel that justice is served. On the one hand, taxi drivers must take note that they too, like all other road users, are subject to the law and that their unacceptable behaviour will be punished," he told reporters outside the court.

He explained that Bernadine's family had not been pleased that Matji was charged with culpable homicide.

"The FF+ constantly maintained that all indications are that the taxi driver could envisage that he would hit Bernadine's scooter, but still continued with his conduct.

Strong message to taxi drivers

"There were no brake marks on the scene confirming the suspicion that there was intent to hit her," said Beyers.

Civil society group AfriForum also welcomed the decision to change the charges against Matji.

"This is a strong message to taxi drivers and other reckless drivers," said AfriForum's head of community safety, Nantes Kelder.

He said AfriForum had gathered over 1 000 pictures of reckless driving by taxi drivers and other motorists, and compiled a list of 11 hotspots in Pretoria.

The list was handed over to the Tshwane metro police to enable them to enforce law in such hotspots, he said.

Sterk VF+ is nie bedreiging vir DA

Brief in Beeld

Conrad Beyers, VF+-raadslid, Tshwane-metroraad, skryf:

Ek het pas weer ’n SMS ontvang waarin die DA-leier, Helen Zille, teen die VF+ spesifiek uitvaar. Voel die DA nou bedreig deur VF+?

Zille sê hulle het nie geld vir die hofsaak teen Zuma nie, maar lyk my daar is oorgenoeg geld vir aanvalle op mede-opposisiepartye.

’n Sterk VF+ is nie ’n bedreiging vir die DA nie – dit sal eerder help om die opposisie te versterk en om aan Afrikaners ’n sterk stem in die parlement te gee. Waarom dít beveg?

FF Plus joins call for action against mayor's bodyguards

Article in Mail&Guardian

The Freedom Front Plus joined Wednesday's call for action against Tshwane mayor Gwen Ramokgopa's bodyguards who have been accused of blocking access to her daughter's court appearance.

"It was the journalists' constitutional right to attend the proceedings. The mayor's blue light brigade clearly regard themselves as above the law, including the Constitution. Their actions were completely out of line and there should be a disciplinary investigation", the party's councillor Conrad Beyers said in a statement.

They believed it was outrageous that "about 18 personal bodyguards are reserved for the mayor while the residents of the city live in fear of crime".

"The powers of these bodyguards should be reconsidered. Their only task is to ensure the safety of the mayor -- the journalists posed no threat to her safety. They were only armed with pens, not swords."

Pretoria police said they are investigating a charge against a man who allegedly assaulted a photographer during scuffles at the Hatfield Community Court.

Captain Jan Legoade said the police investigation would include considering whether other people were also involved.

This came after the Times photographer Daniel Born laid a charge of assault during the incident, which the South African National Editors' Forum (Sanef) also called outrageous.

Ramokgopa's 18-year-old daughter Lerato Lephoko was among six people arrested at school on Friday after police said they found dagga during searches. The five other pupils are minors and may not be identified.

Ramokgopa, formerly a health minister in Gauteng, had been open about her daughter's arrest, saying the police's approach helped identify children who may be vulnerable to drugs.

Journalists said her bodyguards prevented them from entering the Hatfield Community Court room, where the pupil was ordered to go on a drug counselling and anger management course.

She also allegedly bit a police officer during her arrest when she wasn't allowed to use her phone.

Sanef said the guards' behaviour was unacceptable, unlawful and unconstitutional and called on the mayor to act against the guards.

"Their conduct undermines the right to free press. We call on the mayor to act against those guards who acted in her name."

Sanef urged the Justice Department to make sure such incidents didn't happen in courts.

The Times reported on Wednesday that a man tried to wrench Born's camera from him and punched him, while another kicked him. Reports said journalists from the SABC and Beeld were insulted.

A Tshwane metro spokesperson said he would comment after studying the Sanef statement. -- Sapa

Lyfwagte 'tree onwettig op'

Cobus Claassen in Beeld

“Onwettig” en “skokkend” is hoe die drama rondom die hofverskyning van dr. Gwen Ramokgopa, uitvoerende burgemeester van Tshwane, se dogter gister beskryf is.

Lerato Lephoko (18) is eergister in haar ma se ampsmotor van die Hatfield-gemeenskapshof weggeneem nadat sy op aanklagte van dwelmbesit en verset teen arrestasie verskyn het.

Ramokgopa se lyfwagte het joernaliste verhinder om by die hofsaal in te gaan en fotograwe buite die hof geïntimideer.

’n Fotograaf van die dagblad The Times het boonop ’n klag van aanranding teen mnr. Allen Lephoko, Ramokgopa se man, ingedien nadat dié hom aan die hemp gegryp en sy kamera probeer afneem het.

Die Suid-Afrikaanse Redakteursforum (Sanef) sê die lyfwagte se gedrag is skokkend.

“Hulle het geen reg gehad om die joernaliste toegang tot die hof te weier nie. Dit is onwettig. Howe is openbare plekke en geen individu, ongeag sy of haar posisie, moet toegelaat word om dit in hulle persoonlike domein te verander nie,” sê Jovial Ran-tao, Sanef-voorsitter.

“Die gedrag ondermyn persvryheid. Die vrylike vloei van inligting is nodig om ons demokrasie te handhaaf en behoort nie bedreig te word deur sommige wat dink hulle is verhewe bo die wet nie.”

Ramokgopa moet sê hoekom die lyfwagte by die hof was, sê die DA.

Van die lyfwagte het toegesien dat Lerato deur die selle in en uit die hof gesmokkel word en nie deur die ingang wat alle ander beskuldiges gebruik nie.

Mnr. Fred Nel, DA-leier in die metroraad, sê Ramokgopa het duidelik raadshulpbronne vir ’n private aangeleentheid misbruik.

“Dit is skokkend en kan kragtens die Wet op Munisipale Finansiële Bestuur (MFMA) as ’n nuttelose uitgawe beskou word.”

Die DA sê hy gaan versoek dat die raad dit ondersoek.

Volgens Nel kwalifiseer die burgemeester se dogter nie vir voorkeurbehandeling nie.

“Die burgemeester moes hul eie vervoer gebruik het – nié die raad se ampsmotor nie.

“Sy was by die hof om haar dogter te ondersteun, wat beslis nie deel is van haar amptelike pligte nie.”

Dr. Conrad Beyers, VF+-raadslid, sê die lyfwagte “was totaal buite orde en ’n tugverhoor behoort plaas te vind”.

Me. Tiny Mokwena, Ramokgopa se woordvoerder, ontken die lyfwagte het joernaliste doelbewus uit die hof probeer hou.

Dít ondanks foto’s wat duidelik wys hoe ’n lyfwag joernaliste verhinder om in te gaan.

“Ons is nie in ’n posisie om oor toegang by die hof kommentaar te lewer nie, omdat dit buite ons jurisdiksie val,” sê sy.

Mokwena het bevestig drie BBP-lyfwagte was by die hof. Beeld wou by Mokwena weet of dit die raadsbeleid is dat lyfwagte en Ramokgopa se ampsmotor vir private aangeleenthede gebruik mag word. Sy het nie geantwoord nie.

Sanef hits out at mayor's 'bully-guards'

By Mogomotsi Magome in Pretoria News (also the Star and IOL)

The South African National Editors' Forum (Sanef) and opposition parties on Wednesday condemned the harassment of reporters by the bodyguards of Tshwane Mayor Gwen Ramokgopa at the Hatfield Community Court on Tuesday.

Reporters were unlawfully denied access to the courtroom where Ramokgopa's daughter, Lerato Lephoko, 18, was appearing on drugs charges. An assault charge was laid against her father, Alan Lephoko, after he allegedly assaulted a photographer.

Police spokesperson Captain Jan Legoabe confirmed a case had been opened, but some administrative aspects had yet to be completed.

"Once those are done, the accused will be arrested," he said.

Sanef said the bodyguards' actions were not only reprehensible, but unlawful and unconstitutional.

"Our courts are public places and no individual, irrespective of the position they hold, should be allowed to turn them into their personal fiefdom. The behaviour of the guards was unacceptable and their conduct undermined the right to a free Press," Sanef said.

It called on the mayor to act against the guards who had acted in her name, and for the Department of Justice to ensure that such incidents do not occur at the courts. "Free flow of information is essential for sustaining democracy and this right should not be taken away by those who think some citizens are more equal than others," said Sanef.

Opposition parties were also outraged at reports that the media was harassed and prevented from entering the court. The FF+ said it would request the city manager, Kiba Kekana, to take disciplinary action against the mayor's bodyguards.

FF+ councillor Conrad Beyers said: "It was the journalists' constitutional right to attend the proceedings. The mayor's blue light brigade clearly regard themselves as being above the law and the constitution. Their actions were completely out of line and there should be a disciplinary investigation. They do not have jurisdiction over the courts."

The DA reiterated its accusation that the mayor had abused her powers by using the services of her bodyguards when she was not performing official duties.

"The mayor's misuse of council resources for a private matter is shocking and can be viewed as a wasteful expenditure under the Municipal Finance Management Act,"the party said.

"Consequently, we will request the council to investigate the misuse of council resources, which are VIP vehicles and bodyguards, by the mayor and her family," said DA councillor Fred Nel.

He said although the mayor attended to support her daughter, it was a private matter, and not part of her official duties.

She therefore did not qualify for the use of official council resources.

Attempts to get a reaction from the mayor's office on Wednesday were fruitless.

Assault charge laid after courthouse scuffle

Article in IOL

The Freedom Front Plus joined Wednesday's call for action against Tshwane mayor Gwen Ramokgopa's bodyguards who have been accused of blocking access to her daughter's court appearance.

"It was the journalists' constitutional right to attend the proceedings. The mayor's blue light brigade clearly regard themselves as above the law, including the Constitution. Their actions were completely out of line and there should be a disciplinary investigation", councillor Conrad Beyers said.

The party believed it was outrageous that "about 18 personal bodyguards are reserved for the mayor while the residents of the city live in fear of crime".

"The powers of these bodyguards should be reconsidered. Their only task is to ensure the safety of the mayor - the journalists posed no threat to her safety. They were only armed with pens, not swords."

Pretoria police said they were investigating a charge against a man who allegedly assaulted a photographer during scuffles at the Hatfield Community Court.

Captain Jan Legoade said the police investigation would include considering whether other people were also involved.

This came after The Times photographer Daniel Born laid a charge of assault during the incident, which the SA National Editors' Forum (Sanef) also called outrageous.

Ramokgopa's 18-year-old daughter Lerato Lephoko was among six people arrested at school on Friday after police said they found dagga during searches. The five other pupils are minors and may not be identified.

Ramokgopa, formerly a health MEC in Gauteng, had been open about her daughter's arrest, saying the police's approach helped identify children who may be vulnerable to drugs.

Journalists said her bodyguards prevented them from entering the Hatfield Community Court room, where the pupil was ordered to go on a drug counselling and anger management course.

She also allegedly bit a police officer during her arrest when she wasn't allowed to use her phone.

Sanef said the guards' behaviour was unacceptable, unlawful and unconstitutional and called on the mayor to act against the guards.

"Their conduct undermines the right to free press. We call on the mayor to act against those guards who acted in her name."

Sanef urged the justice department to make sure such incidents didn't happen in courts.

The Times reported on Wednesday that a man tried to wrench Born's camera from him and punched him, while another kicked him. Reports said journalists from the SABC and Beeld were insulted.

A Tshwane metro spokesman said he would comment after studying the Sanef statement. - Sapa

Dr Gwen se kind byt polisielid

Virginia Keppler en Cobus Claassen in Beeld

Die 18-jarige dogter van dr. Gwen Ramokgopa, uitvoerende burgemeester van die Tshwane-metroraad, is gister in ’n dwelmklopjag by die Pro Arte Alphen Park-skool in Pretoria weens die besit van dagga gearresteer.

Lerato Ramokgopa (18) word ook aangekla van aanranding nadat sy glo ’n polisieman tydens die klopjag by die skool aan die hand gebyt het.

Kapt. Colette Weilbach, polisiewoordvoerder, het gesê twee meisies en vier seuns tussen 14 en 19 jaar is aangekeer.

“Die polisie het op ’n totaal van 10 g dagga beslag gelê.”

Een leerling het onthul daar is nog dagga by sy ouerhuis in Lynnwood Glen en het die metropolisie daarheen vergesel.

Die polisie het bevestig Ramokgopa se dogter het ’n inspekteur se hand gebyt toe hy haar beveel het om nie haar selfoon gedurende die klopjag te gebruik nie.

’n Duidelik teleurgestelde Ramokgopa het gistermiddag by die Brooklyn-polisiekantoor gesê dit was ’n reuse-skok toe sy in kennis gestel is.

Sy het die skool en polisie bedank vir die inisiatief wat geneem is om die klopjag uit te voer.

“Dit wys dat niemand se kinders veilig is teen die aanslag van dwelmbase nie.”

Ramokgopa het gesê sy vermoed haar dogter was oorweldig toe sy gearresteer is en dat dit die rede kan wees waarom sy die polisieman gebyt het.

“Ek dink die feit dat sy besef het ek is ’n openbare figuur het waarskynlik ook ’n rol gespeel.”

Die burgemeester het aangedui sy gaan nie haar dogter straf nie, maar eerder “raad gee en rehabiliteer”.

Die leerlinge het by dié polisiekantoor waarskuwingsverklarings onderteken om oormôre in die Hatfield-hof te verskyn.

Ramokgopa jr. is by die polisiekantoor uitgesmokkel sonder dat fotograwe haar kon afneem.

Mnr. Bruce Davenport, voorsitter van die skool se beheerliggaam, het gesê dit het onder hul aandag gekom dat dwelms na die skool toe gebring word.

“Sekere leerlinge het ons daarvan in kennis gestel en die skool het ondersoek ingestel waarna besluit is om die polisie te nader,” het Davenport gesê.

Die klopjag is in samewerking met die Tshwane-metropolisie uitgevoer.

’n Woordvoerder van die onderwysdepartement, wat anoniem wil bly, het gister by die skool aan Beeld gesê die leerlinge sal nie geskors word nie.

“Die doel is nie om hulle te skors en hul lewens te ontwrig nie.

“Ons wil eerder kyk hoe ons hulle kan help.”

Me. Natasha Michael, DA-hoofsweep in die Tshwane-metroraad, het gesê: “Dit kan nie maklik wees vir die burgemeester nie. Behalwe dat sy worstel met diensleweringsprobleme in die stad en in die middel van ’n verkiesingsveldtog is, is dit iets wat ’n mens geen ouer toewens nie.

“Die hartseer ironie is dat dit juis Ramokgopa se burgemeesterskomitee is wat einde verlede jaar die Tshwane-metropolisie se dwelmbestrydingseenheid gesluit het.

“Die DA se ernstige beswaar teen die sluiting van die eenheid is natuurlik geïgnoreer.”

Dr. Conrad Beyers, VF+-raadslid, het gesê die “stryd teen dwelms, veral in ons skole, is die een saak waaroor alle politieke partye en ander belangegroepe kan verenig”.

Mayor's daughter nabbed in dagga bust

By Barry Bateman in Pretoria News and The Star

Tshwane executive mayor Dr Gwen Ramokgopa's 18-year-old daughter has been charged with possession of dagga and assault after she allegedly bit an arresting police officer's hand.

The Pro Arte pupil was among six aged between 14 and 19 years old arrested by SAPS and Tshwane metro police during a random search of the upmarket creative arts school in Alphen Park.

A "shocked" Ramokgopa addressed the media at the Brooklyn police station, where she expressed her disappointment, but commended the police for their efforts in eradicating drugs from schools. "This incident has strengthened my resolve as a leader and as a parent to continue to work hard with parents and society to protect children."

Ramokgopa added that she did not suspect anything untoward in her home.

Metro police commissioner Mpho Mmutle was also at the police station but did not comment on the incident, but was there to support Ramokgopa.

While Ramokgopa was inside speaking to the SAPS and parents of the other children arrested, unbeknown to the media camped at one entrance, her daughter was escorted out of the police station at another entrance to a waiting car and whisked away.

Brooklyn police spokesperson Captain Collette Weilbach said about 10g of dagga was confiscated at the school. "A 17-year-old male pupil confessed that there was more dagga at his home in Alcade Road, Lynnwood Glen.

"The Tshwane metro police took him to the address and found another bag containing 14 grams of dagga," she said.

Weilbach said that during the raid, one of the pupils, now identified as Ramokgopa's daughter, allegedly bit a police officer when she could not use her cellphone.

According to a police source, the police officer grabbed the phone from the girl when she tried to use it. Ramokgopa's daughter allegedly bit the man's finger so hard it drew blood.

Responding to those allegations, the mayor said: "I think she was overwhelmed because she knows her mom is a public figure. Maybe she thought she could run away but she couldn't."

Ramokgopa said that when she saw her daughter for the first time at the police station, the girl whispered to her "I'm sorry".

"I will counsel my daughter," said Ramokgopa when questioned on how she will punish her. "It is not about punishing but about rehabilitation.

"If she was not targeted, she would not have fallen for it (drugs)."

The DA chief whip in the Tshwane Metro Council, Natasha Michael, said the incident confirmed the fact that no family is immune to the drug problems in Pretoria's communities and schools. "It again highlights the fact that not enough is being done to combat drugs.

"The sad irony is that it was the mayor's council who closed the metro police's drug unit a few months ago," she said.

Michaels appealed to Ramokgopa to put a viable plan in place to address the drug problems in the community.

Freedom Front Plus councillor Conrad Beyers wished Ramokgopa's family well in this difficult time, but put the blame on the ANC-controlled municipality for its inability to control the drug problem in the Tshwane metro area.

"The drug problem in Pretoria is now having an effect on councillors' own children.

"The fight against illegal drugs is the one issue around which all political parties and other interest groups should unite. We must not allow our children and families to be destroyed by this," Beyers said.

Pro Arte was pressed for comment but refused to speak to the Saturday Star.

Weilbach said the six pupils would appear in the Hatfield Community Court on Monday.

Mayor's daughter arrested

Article in iafrica.com

Tshwane mayor Gwen Ramokgopa is "shocked" and "disappointed" with her daughter after she was arrested during a drug raid at school on Friday, her spokesperson Tiny Mokoena said.

"The executive mayor's daughter, together with another five learners, was arrested for dagga possession during a random search at (her) school," said Mokoena.

"The mayor is shocked and disappointed but at the same time she is happy that [drug] searching is effective."

Her 18-year-old daughter was arrested at the Pro Arte school in Alphen Park.

She faced another charge of biting a police officer.

Captain Colette Weilbach said police, metro officers and local security raided the school around 9am.

Mokoena said there would be a programme to ensure that the children at the school, who were arrested, underwent counselling.

"They have been released into the care of their parents."

She went on to say that residents should be "grateful" that Ramokgopa was one of the first leaders to advocate random drug searches in schools.

She thanked parents for their support in this regard, said Mokoena.

During the raid, four male pupils and two female pupils between the ages of 14 and 19 were arrested for possession of dagga.

A total of 10g of the drug was confiscated.

Weilbach said a 17-year-old youth confessed there was more dagga at his home. Metro officers accompanied him to his house and found another 14g of dagga.

She said the school had approached police and requested a routine drug raid.

"The school governing body gave their consent for this operation," she said.

The school had also requested additional anti-drug operations.

"Children have the right to be protected against criminal elements, which includes drugs at their school."

Weilbach said drug search and seizure operations could also be regarded as awareness programmes. Young people learned that drugs were against the law and if they did not obey the law, there would be consequences.

The six pupils would appear in a community court on Monday on charges of possession of dagga.

Meanwhile the Freedom Front Plus said the arrest of Ramokgopa's daughter was a clear sign of the dire drug problem in the country.

"It is no secret that all forms of dangerous drugs are freely available to pupils of South African schools," said FF Plus councillor Conrad Beyers.

Beyers said his party wished the Ramokgopa family well in the difficult time they were most likely experiencing as a result of the arrest.

"The fight against illegal drugs is the one issue around which all political parties and other interest groups should unite. We must not allow our children and families to be destroyed by this," he said.

Sapa

Bernadine se dood nie moord nie, sê NVG

Fanie van Rooyen in Beeld

Die taxibestuurder wat Bernadine Kruger (16) na bewering doodgery het, kan nie van moord aangekla word nie, want dit was ’n ongeluk, het die nasionale vervolgingsgesag (NVG) gister gesê.

“Dit is ’n saak van strafbare manslag en kan nie moord wees nie omdat daar geen bedoeling was om te moor nie. Dit was ’n ongeluk,” het me. Yvonne Phoshoko, NVG-woordvoerder, gister in ’n verklaring gesê.

Mnr. Conrad Beyers, VF+-raadslid in die Tshwane-metroraad, het gister in ’n verklaring beweer die NVG het die VF+ in kennis gestel daar word “tans oorweging geskenk aan die VF+ se versoek dat die aanklag van strafbare manslag in ’n aanklag van moord moet verander”.

“Ná die VF+ se versoek het ’n hoofaanklaer van die NVG in Pretoria die VF+ ingelig dat hy in die proses is om die bestaande saak teen die taxibestuurder onder oënskou te neem,” het Beyers gesê.

“Die VF+ het regsadvies gekry dat ’n moordklag van toepassing is ingevolge die regsbeginsel van dolus eventualis.”

Daarvolgens kan ’n oortreder wat kon voorsien en hom/haar daarmee versoen dat sy/haar aksies tot iemand se dood (direk of indirek) sou lei en steeds met daardie aksies voortgaan, volgens Beyers aan moord skuldig wees.

Beyers het gesê dit is “uiters belangrik” dat die howe die saak korrek moet hanteer en dat die sterks moontlike aanklag teen hierdie taxibestuurder ingedien moet word.

“Buiten die feit dat ’n moordklag korrek sou wees, sal dit ook ’n sterk boodskap aan wettelose taxibestuurders stuur,” het hy gesê.

“As die verkeerde boodskap uitgaan, gaan ons net meer roekelose en uitdagende gedrag deur taxibestuurders ervaar.”

Phoshoko het gesê sy weet nie wie in die NVG sal so ’n versoek soos die VF+ s’n oorweeg nie.

Mnr. Percyval Matji is eergister in die Pretoriase landdroshof op borgtog van R1 000 vrygelaat.

Hy het na bewering verlede Maandag eers teen Bernadine se bromponie vasgery en toe bo-oor haar gery.

Hy moet weer op 6 April op aanklag van strafbare manslag in die hof verskyn.

Taxi’s: VF+ dreig met regsaksie oor metro ‘wet swak toepas’

Mia Willemse in Beeld

Die Tshwane-metroraad se swak geskiedenis wat betref toepassing van verkeersreëls op roekelose taxibestuurders, kan lei tot ’n groot groepsgeding teen die metro.

So het die VF+ gister in ’n verklaring gesê.

Inwoners sal skadevergoeding van die stadsraad kan eis vir verliese gely (insluitend dié van familielede wat dood is) in taxi-verwante voorvalle.

Dit kom nadat twee kinders, Bernadine Kruger en Gabriel Masipha, die afgelope week in Pretoria dood is in afsonderlike taxi-ongelukke.

Die VF+ het op berigte gereageer waarin die Automobiel-Assosiasie (AA) aanvoer die rede vir taxibestuurders se swak gedrag is mislukte wetstoepassing.

“As dit die geval is, is die owerhede aanspreeklik vir verliese gely weens roekelose taxi’s op ons paaie. Inwoners kan gesamentlik hof toe gaan en deur ’n groepsgeding skadevergoeding vir sulke verliese eis,” het dr. Conrad Beyers, VF+-raadslid in die Tshwane-metroraad, gesê.

Volgens ’n AA-studie vind ongeveer 70 000 minibus-ongelukke jaarliks in Suid-Afrika plaas. Uit die altesame 36 mense wat daagliks op Suid-Afrika se paaie sterf, is drie in taxi-verwante voorvalle. Dit beteken dat 1 095 jaarliks in sulke voorvalle sterf.

Nog aksieplanne teen onverskillige taxibestuurders is gister aangekondig.

) Kallie Kriel, uitvoerende hoof van AfriForum, die burgerregte inisiatief-aksieforum, het gister gesê AfriForum gaan nou ’n omvattende “Vat die taxi’s vas”-veldtog voer om toe te sien dat die regering wetteloosheid en roekelose bestuur onder taxibestuurders vasvat.

’n Navorsingspan sal kyk na die leemtes in wetstoepassing teen roekelose taxibestuurders. Voorstelle sal gemaak word oor hoe roekelose bestuurders vasgevat kan word.

Die publiek word gevra om inligting oor hul ervarings met taxi’s aan AfriForum te stuur en ’n petisie teen roekelose taxibestuurders te onderteken, het Kriel gesê.

AfriForum wil dié navorsingsverslag aan die minister van vervoer oorhandig.

Die petisielyste sal ook oorhandig word sodat die minister kan sien die publiek is keelvol vir roekelose taxibestuurders.

Me. Karen Meyer, DA-woordvoerder, het gesê die Tshwane-metropolisie moet dringend die gedrag van taxibestuurders op Pretoria se paaie pak.

Hierdie mosie is by die laaste DA-vergadering ingedien en sal by die volgende raadsvergadering bespreek word. Daar is ook ’n petisie ingedien waarin die publiek “dringende aksie teen wettelose taxibestuurders” kan vra.

Kranse by hof vir Bernadine

Virginia Keppler in Die Burger

Kranse om hulde te bring aan Bernadine Kruger (16), wat Maandag deur ’n taxi doodgery is, asook aan ander slagoffers van roekelose taxibestuurders, word vandag by die Pretoriase landdroshof gelê.

Die kranslegging om 09:30 word deur die burgerregte-inisiatief AfriForum gereël met die steun van Bernadine se ouers, mnr. Koos Kruger en mev. Elsabé Homan.

Die taxibestuurder wat in hegtenis geneem is oor die ongeluk waarin daar bo-oor Bernadine gery is, verskyn vandag in dié hof op aanklagte van strafbare manslag.

AfriForum het ook bekend gemaak hy gaan versoeke aan mnr. Jeff Radebe, minister van vervoer, rig dat die minimum straf vir roekelose bestuur verhoog word.

AfriForum het gesê hy gaan Radebe vra dat roekelose bestuurders van minibustaxi’s deur verskerpte wetstoepassing vasgevat moet word.

Die Vryheidsfront Plus (VF+) het ook gister die kantoor van die nasionale vervolgingsgesag (NVG) gevra dat die taxibestuurder van moord aangekla moet word.

Volgens dr. Conrad Beyers, VF+- raadslid in die Tshwane-metroraad, kan die taxibestuurder op grond van die regsbeginsel van dolus eventualis van moord aangekla word. Die party het regsadvies daaroor ingewin. Daarvolgens kan ’n oortreder wat kon voorsien en hom daarmee versoen het dat sy aksies tot iemand se dood (regstreeks of onregstreeks) sou lei, en steeds met daardie aksies voortgaan, aan moord skuldig wees.

Bernadine, ’n gr. 11-leerling aan die Hoërskool Garsfontein, was Maandagoggend met haar bromponie op pad skool toe toe ’n taxi haar doodgery het.

“Alle inligting van ooggetuies dui daarop dat Bernadine se dood nie bloot die resultaat van roekelose bestuur is nie, maar dat daar ’n element van opset was om haar raak te ry om haar uit die taxi se pad te dwing,” het Beyers gesê. Die VF+ het ook gesê dat ondersoek ingestel moet word hoekom die taxibestuurder nie op die toneel in hegtenis geneem is nie.

) ’n Eerstejaarstudent aan die Nelson Mandela Metropolitaanse Universiteit in Port Elizabeth is intussen in die hoësorgeenheid van ’n hospitaal opgeneem nadat hy eergister op sy fiets deur ’n taxi raakgery is.

Mnr. Jason Kruger (19) is sowat 30 meter ver agter die taxi aangesleep en is ernstig beseer.

Sers. Tembi Gwe, ’n polisiewoordvoerder, het gesê die bestuurder is in aanhouding en verskyn vandag in die hof. Hy word aangekla van roekelose en nalatige bestuur en bestuur onder die invloed van alkohol.

Volgens Jason se pa, mnr. Zwaai Kruger, het sy seun skedelbreuke opgedoen en is daar bloeding op sy brein. Hy het ook ’n arm en ’n sleutelbeen gebreek, van sy tande verloor en al die ligamente in sy hande geskeur. Verder het hy verskeie skraapmerke oor sy hele liggaam.

Kla taxibestuurder van moord aan, vra VF+

Daar was 'n element van opset - raadslid.

Virginia Keppler in Beeld

Kranse om hulde te bring aan Bernadine Kruger (16), wat Maandag deur ’n taxi doodgery is, asook aan ander slagoffers van roekelose taxibestuurders, word vandag by die Pretoriase landdroshof gelê.

Die kranslegging om 09:30 word deur die burgerregte-inisiatief AfriForum gereël met die steun van Bernadine se ouers, mnr. Koos Kruger en mev. Elsabé Homan.

Die taxibestuurder wat in hegtenis geneem is oor die ongeluk waarin daar bo-oor Bernadine gery is, verskyn vandag in dié hof op aanklagte van strafbare manslag.

AfriForum het ook bekend gemaak hy gaan versoeke aan mnr. Jeff Radebe, minister van vervoer, rig dat die minimum straf vir roekelose bestuur verhoog word.

AfriForum het gesê hy gaan Radebe vra dat roekelose bestuurders van minibustaxi’s deur verskerpte wetstoepassing vasgevat moet word.

Die Vryheidsfront Plus (VF+) het ook gister die kantoor van die nasionale vervolgingsgesag (NVG) gevra dat die taxibestuurder van moord aangekla moet word.

Volgens dr. Conrad Beyers, VF+- raadslid in die Tshwane-metroraad, kan die taxibestuurder op grond van die regsbeginsel van dolus eventualis van moord aangekla word. Die party het regsadvies daaroor ingewin. Daarvolgens kan ’n oortreder wat kon voorsien en hom daarmee versoen het dat sy aksies tot iemand se dood (regstreeks of onregstreeks) sou lei, en steeds met daardie aksies voortgaan, aan moord skuldig wees.

Bernadine, ’n gr. 11-leerling aan die Hoërskool Garsfontein, was Maandagoggend met haar bromponie op pad skool toe toe ’n taxi haar doodgery het.

“Alle inligting van ooggetuies dui daarop dat Bernadine se dood nie bloot die resultaat van roekelose bestuur is nie, maar dat daar ’n element van opset was om haar raak te ry om haar uit die taxi se pad te dwing,” het Beyers gesê. Die VF+ het ook gesê dat ondersoek ingestel moet word hoekom die taxibestuurder nie op die toneel in hegtenis geneem is nie.

’n Eerstejaarstudent aan die Nelson Mandela Metropolitaanse Universiteit in Port Elizabeth is intussen in die hoësorgeenheid van ’n hospitaal opgeneem nadat hy eergister op sy fiets deur ’n taxi raakgery is.

Mnr. Jason Kruger (19) is sowat 30 meter ver agter die taxi aangesleep en is ernstig beseer.

Sers. Tembi Gwe, ’n polisiewoordvoerder, het gesê die bestuurder is in aanhouding en verskyn vandag in die hof. Hy word aangekla van roekelose en nalatige bestuur en bestuur onder die invloed van alkohol.

Volgens Jason se pa, mnr. Zwaai Kruger, het sy seun skedelbreuke opgedoen en is daar bloeding op sy brein. Hy het ook ’n arm en ’n sleutelbeen gebreek, van sy tande verloor en al die ligamente in sy hande geskeur. Verder het hy verskeie skraapmerke oor sy hele liggaam.

'Charge driver with murder'

Berig in News24

Johannesburg - A minibus taxi driver who allegedly ran down a 16-year-old girl on a scooter in Pretoria should be charged with murder, the Freedom Front Plus said on Wednesday.

Bernadine Kruger was killed when a taxi hit her scooter and then ran over her while she was driving to school in Garsfontein, around 07:00 on Monday.

Conrad Beyers, FF Plus councillor in the Tshwane metro, said his party obtained legal advice that the taxi driver may be guilty of murder.

"According to the legal principle of dolus eventualis, a transgressor who could envisage and reconcile himself with the fact that his actions may lead to someone's death, but continues with those actions, may be guilty of murder," he said in a statement.

Intended to hit her

"All information points to the fact that Bernadine's death was not simply due to reckless driving, but that there was an element of intent to hit her motorcycle in order to force her out of the way of the taxi. Therefore this is murder and not culpable homicide," Beyers said.

The FF Plus also said an investigation should be launched into why the taxi driver was not arrested at the scene of the accident.

"It is unacceptable that taxi drivers always get the benefit of the doubt when they transgress the law. That is one of the reasons for taxi drivers' reckless and callous attitude towards the law and their fellow road users.

"They simply act as if the law is not applicable to them."

Wreath-laying ceremony

Meanwhile AfriForum said a wreath-laying ceremony for Kruger would be held on Thursday, outside the Pretoria Magistrate's Court.

It would coincide with the taxi driver's court appearance. He was arrested on Tuesday.

The ceremony was intended to pay homage to Kruger and other victims of reckless minibus taxi drivers in South Africa.

AfriForum's chief executive officer Kallie Kriel said the gathering would also be used to demand that authorities eradicate lawlessness and reckless driving amongst taxi drivers.

Police spokesperson Inspector Job Mashiane said the taxi driver had been charged with culpable homicide.

- SAPA

Oom Paul draai in sy graf om oor dié skade

Alet Rademeyer in Beeld

Wyle pres. Paul Kruger het verlede week seker in sy graf omgedraai toe kontrakwerkers ’n redelike gemors van herstelwerk in sy kantoor in die ou Raadsaal op Kerkplein gemaak het.

’n Lid van die publiek wat die ou Raadsaal besoek het, was so ontsteld oor wat sy daar gesien het dat sy ’n klag by die Erfenisstigting by die Voortrekkermonument ingedien het.

Me. Etta Judson van die stigting het gesê die besoeker aan die museum was omgekrap oor sement op die lessenaars, inkpotjies wat sommer in die vensterbanke ingedruk is en die algehele gebrek aan respek vir unieke oudhede in die vertrekke.

Die vertrekke sluit Kruger en sy destydse sekretaris, mnr. W.J. Luyt, se kantore in. In die kantore is skilderye, sketse, boeke en ander items wat van onskatbare kultuurhistoriese waarde is.

Beeld het verneem die Tshwane-metroraad het die kontrakteurs beveel om die herstelwerk te doen nadat die dakke begin lek het.

Sover vasgestel kon word, is die raad se eiendomsbestuur-afdeling vir die instandhouding verantwoordelik.

Volgens Beeld se inligting is ’n konserveringskontrakteur wat spesiaal in die restourasie van kultuurhistoriese goedere opgelei is, glad nie gebruik nie.

Mnr. Anton Jansen, uitvoerende hoof van die Tshwane-geboue-en-erfenisvereniging, het gesê: “Dit was absoluut onnodig om ’n kontrakteur aan te stel met geen kennis van restourasie nie.”

Hy het gesê in die kantore is daar geskiedkundige boeke wat ouer as 150 jaar is en dit sal groot moeite verg om sement daarvan te verwyder.

“Die stadsraad het die drie kantore ’n paar jaar gelede pragtig gerestoureer. Dis geld wat nou in die water is omdat verkeerde besluite geneem is.”

Jansen het gesê hy het dit onder die provinsiale erfenisagentskap, wat onder die Suid-Afrikaanse Erfenishulpbronagentskap (Sahra) val, se aandag gebring wat onmiddellik ingegryp het.

Me. Antoinette Mostert, woord- voerder van die metroraad, het by navraag gesê algemene opknappingswerk is by die ou raadsaal gedoen.

In die proses het van die pleister aan die dak losgekom en die lig in Kruger se kantoor het op die lessenaar geval.

Die werk is intussen gestaak nadat ’n vergadering met museumdienste en die provinsiale erfenisagentskap gehou is. Kwotasies word nou vir verdere herstelwerk, asook restourasiewerk aan beskadigde items, ingewag.

Dr. Conrad Beyers, VF+-raadslid, het gesê dié voorval is tekenend van die totale gebrek aan respek wat die ANC vir ’n deel van die munisipale bevolking het.

“Die gebou moet so gou moontlik uit die raad se hande geneem word en ’n bekwame span moet red wat te redde is.”

Hy meen dit is totaal onaanvaarbaar dat ’n historiese gebou soos die ou Raadsaal in elk geval as kantoorruimte aangewend word, terwyl dit ’n nasionale monument behoort te wees.

Opposisie verwelkom uitlating oor Pta

Cobus Claassen in Beeld

Die uitspraak van mnr. Gwede Mantashe, ANC-sekretaris-generaal, dat Pretoria se naam nié verander het nie, is gister wyd verwelkom.

Die ANC-swaargewig het vandeesweek die wenkbroue op ’n vergadering in Centurion laat lig toe hy dié opmerking oor die omstrede naamsveranderingkwessie gemaak het.

“Dit is die munisipaliteit se naam wat verander het na die Tshwane-metroraad,” het hy gesê. Mantashe se siening is in skrille kontras met dié van die metroraad wat voet by stuk hou dat Pretoria sedert 2000 net ’n “woonbuurt” in die middestad is.

Volgens die metroraad het die LUR vir plaaslike regering die hoofstad in 2000 “behoorlik” na Tshwane herdoop toe dit as munisipaliteit geproklameer is.

Dr. Gwen Ramokgopa, Tshwane se uitvoerende burgemeester, het in Mei 2007 op ’n mediakonferensie ’n herrie veroorsaak toe sy gesê het die Uniegebou is nié in Pretoria nie, want dié naam verwys net na ’n deel van die middestad.

Die naamkwessie tussen die metroraad en opposisiepartye het sedertdien in ’n uitgerekte stryd ontaard en groot verwarring veroorsaak.

Adv. Kate Prinsloo, DA-leier in die raad, sê dié party is aangenaam verras met die “uitsluitsel” wat Mantashe oor die stad se naam gegee het.

“Dit is uiters bemoedigend en die logiese volgende stap sou wees dat die plaaslike ANC-leiers dit ook sal erken.”

Die VF+ sê hoewel hy die uitspraak verwelkom, is die ANC “ook daarvoor bekend dat hy impulsiewe beloftes maak sonder om uitvoering daaraan te gee”.

Dr. Conrad Beyers, VF+-raadslid, meen dit wat Mantashe gesê het, het “geen substansie sonder dat dit beslag vind in amptelike regeringsbesluite nie”.

Hy sê die VF+ sal slegs van sy hofaansoek oor die behoud van Pretoria se naam afsien as die ANC die naamsverandering amptelik op alle vlakke laat vaar.

FF+ doubts name claim

Article in Pretoria News and IOL

The Freedom Front Plus has dismissed as "election talk" ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe's pronouncement on the name of the City of Pretoria.

"We will only believe his words after the Minister of Arts and Culture Dr Pallo Jordan officially rejects the Tshwane metro's request that the name Pretoria should change to Tshwane or when the metro council retracts is request," FF-Plus Tshwane councillor Conrad Beyers said yesterday.

"The rest is empty elections talk," he said.

Reporting on a meeting in Centurion on Thursday, the ANC said Mantashe had told Afrikaners that Pretoria and Tshwane could coexist as the names of South Africa's capital city and its metro.

The FF-Plus welcomed the comments, but cautioned that "the ANC is known for making impulsive promises without executing it in practice".

More than one court application has been brought by Afrikaner interest groups to retain the name Pretoria.

The FF-Plus said that court action would continue until the ANC withdrew the proposed name change "at all official levels".

Civic organisation, AfriForm, which has also been vocal in its opposition to the name change, has also welcomed Mantashe's comments and hoped the council would take heed and abandon the move. - Sapa