The Premier of Mpumalanga had many South Africans hot on the collar for violating lockdown level 3 regulations.
She was seen not wearing a mask at the funeral service of Minister in the Presidency, Jackson Mthembu.
Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane has, nonetheless, apologised for the blunder.
She says her mask was damaged upon arriving at the cemetery and when she got off her car she was not aware that it had fallen off.
“The Premier was of the opinion that the mask was intact as had been the case throughout the proceedings,” a statement from her office says.
She has urged Mpumalanga residents to constantly wear masks, practice social distancing and sanitise or wash hands frequently.
Cope wants her fired and while her political home, the ANC, has welcomed her apology – the Police Minister isn’t having it.
Minister Bheki Cele says wearing of a mask under the COVID-19 level 3 lockdown in South Africa is non-negotiable.
“If South Africa wants to beat this invisible enemy which is COVID-19, we simply can’t let down our guard. This is why I have spoken to the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service General Khehla Sitole to look into the matter of the Premier and an investigation must be conducted and necessary action must be taken,” he says.
Still on MP Premier #wearamask saga, Cele says @SAPoliceService must find out if police at the funeral verbally warned the Premier as per regulations. He says the action taken against the Premier should be based on the outcome of probe & must show that no one is above the law.
The king (also affectionately referred to as the beast) says the government should respect voters and the officials should stop being so clumsy. He says if not dealt with properly, graft could destabilise the county and collapse the economy.
“We could end up like other African countries. A nation that does not learn from the mistakes of others, especially with regards to proximity between its leaders and people. It is bound to fall into the same pit,” he says.
King Zwelithini also blasted South Africans who torch and destroy property during protests, urging them to respect the country’s leaders.
On the issue of gender-based violence – he called on the Zulu nation to introspect as it is often regarded as a violent community. He called on men to change their ways. “Being a man comes with responsibilities. Abusing women and children disqualifies one from being called a man,” he warned.
Police Minister Bheki Cele led the police’s delegation to the Royal Palace.
The deployment is part of the government’s bid to strengthen capacity to address criminality in rural areas.
#RoyalReservePolice service is the first of its kind to be implemented in SA and piloted in KZN. The service will later be rolled out in other communities led by Traditional Leaders across the country. https://t.co/Ag7SOrmi5Q
Cele has emphasised the need to keep all South Africans safe. – Report by the Maputaland FM news team
In a bid to strengthen capacity to address crime in rural and traditionally-led communities, Police Minister, General Bheki Cele together with His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini launch the Royal Reserve Police @SAPoliceService [WATCH HERE] 👉🏿https://t.co/rhXsdlq9Dy
Deputy President, David Mabuza, wants South Africans to join hands in the fight against gender-based violence and femicide.
Mabuza officially launched the five days of mourning for femicide victims and the remembrance of South Africans who have lost their lives due to COVID-19 at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, Gauteng, today.
“The whole nation must rise, and mobilise every street, every community, every church, and every family to join the fight against the murder, and violation of women and children by men. Many lives of women and children have been lost as a result of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide in our own communities,” he says.
As the country continues to grapple with the scourge – the Deputy President says COVID-19 has also caused unprecedented disruptions and anxieties that are significantly impacting the lives and livehoods of all South Africans.
“While we have made significant strides in containing the COVID-19 pandemic, we are saddened that, as a nation, we have lost many lives as a result of COVID-19. Many families have lost their relatives who have succumbed to COVID-19. We have lost frontline workers who died in the line duty, paying the ultimate sacrifice, while trying to save the lives of others from COVID-19,” he says.
More than 21 000 South Africans have succumbed to the illness, while 772 252 others are infected.
“COVID-19 continues to be part of our lives. We should continue to be vigilant, and ensure that we continue adhere to COVID-19 protocols. The reported rising number of infections remains a major cause for concern for all of us. We should continue to behave responsibly to save lives, and avoid any possible resurgence of COVID-19 infections that may result in further loss of lives.”
Mabuza has called on all South Africans to wear a black armband or any other sign that signifies mourning during the five days.
“During this period, the National Flag will be flown at half-mast throughout the country from 6am to 6pm,” he says.
Yesterday, Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, launched the Inter-Ministerial Committee on gender-based violence campaign in Pretoria.
Nkoana-Mashabane called on South Africans not to turn a blind eye when it comes to gender-based violence.
Also yesterday, Minister of Police Bheki Cele revealed that 8 000 rape cases were reported to the police in the second quarter of 2020.
Cele said the majority of women were raped in their homes or at the homes of perpetrators.
Wits University student, Wendy Manjeya, has called on the Police Minister to dig deeper in solving the crisis.
VOW FM listener, Palesa Mohlamme, says 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children hasn’t solved the gender issues that are crippling the country.
Women’s financial dependence on men is one of the factors cited as reasons for them to sometimes stay in abusive relationships. In a bid to solve this, government has reiterated its commitment to setting aside 40% of public procurement for women-owned businesses, under the theme women’s economic justice for a nonviolent and nonsexist South Africa.
However, gender activist Lebo Ramafoko doubts this will reach the women who need empowerment. Speaking on VOW FM’s Area Code, Ramafoko said it would be best if the government could also give details on who the benefactors of such deals would be. She’s concerned that the deals could be directed to women who are already empowered – further marginalising the poor.
Gang violence has reared its ugly head in Osizweni, in KwaZulu-Natal.
The crime led to the deaths of six young people in the area recently.
Residents took to the streets last month, demanding an end to the trend.
They are concerned that more and more children could end up being part of gangs.
Police Minister Bheki Cele led a ministerial imbizo in the area on Tuesday.
National Police Commissioner General Kehla Sitole was also there.
He raised concerns that gangsterism in Osizweni is also affecting schools and about criminal activities in the local police station.
He says the imbizo was aimed at ensuring the protection of young people and the entire community.
Sitole says the SAPS national office is committed to working with the community to eradicate crime in the area.
He says they suspect the gangsterism that has plagued the area is part of organised crime that includes drug trade and human trafficking.
“SAPS wants to work with all departments, other organisations and the entire community.”
He encouraged the community to work with police, the community-policing forum and the youth to join programmes geared at empowering them.
Residents are worried that if left unattended, the gangsterism could lead to more bloodshed.
They accused the police of working with gangsters. They called for action on the matter instead of talk shops. They also want to be allowed to discipline some of the youngsters who are terrorising the community – a request, which is against South African laws. Taking the law into one’s hands is illegal in the country.
Some of the residents have suggested that the department of social development steps in and investigate why children are joining gangs and determine the kind of help they need.
They complained about having one police station, the lack of trust in the police, a slow response to criminal reports as well as shortage of police officials and vehicles.
Cele suggested that councillors hold meetings with the community monthly to discuss issues affecting their respective wards and update residents on programmes of the local municipality.
He urged parents to take responsibility of their children and train them well so that they become responsible community members.
Cele says school safety also needs to be prioritised.
“Children also must be safe from teachers. Teachers must stop impregnating young girls.”
The Minister says an inspectorate and the secretariat from his office need to probe the allegations levelled against Osizweni Police Station so that they can chart a way forward.
He says while there are rotten apples within the police service, some police officers are doing excellent work – urging the community to not only be hard on police officials but also deal with the corrupt elements within the society.
Western Cape Community Safety MEC Albert Fritz has reiterated his call for an urgent meeting of the transversal steering committee on organised crime and extortion.
The MEC has sent his request to the Police Minister, Bheki Cele.
Seven of the victims died on the scene of the tragedy, while another succumbed to injuries in hospital. One of the victims is recuperating.
The murder shocked the nation with some residents of Gugulethu and other gang-riddled townships of the Western Cape taking to social media, venting their frustrations.
Seven killed, two injured in shooting in Gugulethu @AldrinSampear the reason for my call this massacre everyday between 3 to 7 are dying in Republic of Cape Town Gugulethu is a dangerous township Ndozi must step in as matter of urgency . https://t.co/EQFLpWHZKq
#PoliceMinistry WATCH – Police Minister engages the community of Langa on policing matters under the theme ‘Enhancing partnerships with citizens for safer communities’ NP https://t.co/FoCMq8G0fi
MEC Albert Fritz has said he suspects the Gugulethu shooting to be extortion-related.
He says: “Reports have shown that the Guptas and the Boko Haram gangs in townships such as Gugulethu, Nyanga, Khayelitsha, Mfuleni, Philippi East, and formerly ‘coloured’ townships are targeting our community members, local businesses, ECDs, and even government officials. It is for this reason that I am calling on Minister Cele to urgently convene this steercom and ensure it meets.”
Fritz says the setting up of the transversal steering committee on organised crime and extortion was agreed upon during a meeting with the Minister in September.
“It would draw in the province, City, SAPS, NPA, SARS and other relevant stakeholders to specifically address the issue of extortion in the province. At the end of the meeting, names were provided by the City of Cape Town and Provincial Government of officials who would attend the first meeting of this committee. This steering committee to address the issue of extortion has never met and has not been convened.”
Minister Cele is yet to respond to the request.
He engaged with the community of Langa on policing matter over the weekend.
Residents complained about the Langa Police Station’s alleged ineffectiveness in dealing with gender-based violence and the harassment of citizens by gangs who demand protection money, among other issues.
Cele appealed to community members to report corrupt and complacent police officers.
He said while there are still no arrests on the Gugulethu shooting, a plan to deal with extortions in the province has been drafted and the government will be funding it.
