Mixed reaction to legislation relating to communication interception 2004/09/13 06:18:14 PM
There's been mixed reaction to news that wide-ranging legislation relating to the interception of communication is expected to come into force soon. An Act specifying when authorities can intercept emails, cellphone and fixed line calls through a main centre was gazetted last year. But it's been held off until now while regulations were drafted. Internet service providers and phone operators are preparing to install equipment and software to intercept their networks and send the traffic to one centre. In most cases the courts will have to approve the interception of a suspected criminal. But the Act allows policemen to initially bypass the court when someone can be saved from bodily harm or death. Some callers to Talk Radio 702 are in favour of the legislation - but others say the law runs roughshod over constitutional rights to privacy. Back to headlines

Taxpayers to fork out over R60m for Pan-African parliament 2004/09/13 06:17:37 PM
South African taxpayers will have to fork out over R60-million for the country playing host to the Pan-African parliament in its first year. The new organ of the African Union begins its first sitting in South Africa at Gallagher Estate, north of Johannesburg on Thursday and will spend three weeks establishing rules of procedure. The parliament will not have any legislative powers for at least its first five years. Back to headlines

Education says final exams will go ahead 2004/09/13 05:31:42 PM
The Education Ministry has slammed a call by student organisation COSAS for learners to boycott this year's final exam. Earlier today COSAS warned that millions of schoolchildren will not write year-end exams if the nationwide public servants strike goes ahead on Thursday. Hundreds of thousands of civil servants - including teachers - are expected to down tools on Thursday over a wage dispute. Gauteng Education’s Panyaz Lesufi says he's confident the end of year exams will not be disrupted. Back to headlines

Assault and rape allegations levelled against cops to be investigated 2004/09/13 05:31:07 PM
North Rand police are to investigate assault and rape allegations levelled against two officers. Twenty four-year-old Riana Joubert claims she was severely beaten and then raped by two policemen last week because she is lesbian. Joubert says she and her girlfriend were walking home from a nightclub on Thursday night when they stopped by the officers. But the police's Eugene Opperman says according to the two officers in question, Joubert was resisting arrest. Back to headlines

Equatorial Guinea surprised by Mark Thatcher 2004/09/13 05:30:22 PM
The government of Equatorial Guinea has reacted with surprise at news that Sir Mark Thatcher is refusing to answers questions about a foiled coup plot to overthrow President Teodoro Obiang Nguema. Last week, the South African Justice Department agreed to a request from Equatorial Guinea to allow Thatcher to be questioned in a Cape Town court. A subpoena has been issued for him to appear in court next Wednesday, to answer questions from Equatorial Guinean prosecutors. But this morning, Thatcher launched an urgent High Court application to have the subpoena set aside. Back to headlines

Two Australians and two east Asians reportedly kidnapped in Iraq 2004/09/13 05:30:04 PM
It's reported two Australians and two east Asians have been kidnapped in Iraq. According to a statement issued by a group calling itself the Islamic Secret Army, Australia has 24 hours to withdraw its troops from Iraq or the hostages will be executed. Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs says there's been no confirmation that the ultimatum is authentic and it is investigating. Back to headlines

Three suspected militants killed in Israeli missile strike 2004/09/13 05:29:28 PM
At least three suspected militants have been killed in an Israeli missile strike in the West Bank. Israel fired a missile at a car believed to have been carrying four members of the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade. Witnesses say at least three of the occupants have been killed and there's been no word on the fourth person. Back to headlines

More talks to avert public servants strike 2004/09/13 04:27:52 PM
Public Service and Administration Minister Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi is expected to meet with unions today in another attempt to avert a major public servants strike. Seven hundred thousand civil servants - including teachers - are threatening to down tools on Thursday over a wage dispute. They want a 7% salary increase, while government is offering just 6% with a 1% incentive bonus. Fraser-Moleketi says they're going back to the negotiating table this afternoon, but up until now public service unions have been adamant their action will go ahead. The chairperson of the labour caucus says essential services will also go on strike this week. Fikile Hugo says as far as he knows essential services, including nurses and cops, will also strike. Back to headlines

Govt trying to strike balance between safety and privacy rights 2004/09/13 04:25:49 PM
Government says it's trying to strike the right balance between safety concerns and privacy rights when dealing with the interception of communication. 702 Eyewitness News reported earlier that legislation enabling authorities to intercept emails and phonecalls efficiently is expected to come into force within the next three months. Back to headlines

President Thabo Mbeki has again honoured Dr Beyers Naude 2004/09/13 04:25:20 PM
President Thabo Mbeki has again honoured late anti-apartheid cleric, Dr Beyers Naude. Mbeki signed the condolence book for the former Dutch Reformed Church minister this morning. Naude passed away last Tuesday at the age of 89. Back to headlines

Hurricane Ivan appears to have changed course 2004/09/13 04:24:54 PM
The state of Florida may be saved from Hurricane Ivan, which appears to have changed course. The storm has been forecast to strike Alabama instead. It's already left a trail of devastation in the Caribbean, with Jamaica the worst hit. At least 65 people have died in the Caribbean. Back to headlines

South African man nabbed for alleged heroin smuggling 2004/09/13 03:41:27 PM
A South African man will appear in court tomorrow for alleged heroin smuggling. The 39-year-old man was nabbed at Johannesburg International Airport at the weekend on a flight from Dubai. Detectives seized almost two kilograms of heroin, worth nearly a million rand. He'd apparently swallowed some 700 grams of the drug and the rest was found in his sandals. Back to headlines

Water supply problems blamed on poor management and corruption 2004/09/13 03:40:34 PM
A former Harare city councillor has blamed the Zimbabwean capital's ongoing water supply problems on poor management and corruption. The city council will borrow in excess of 50 billion Zim dollars or R62-million to restore water to parts of Harare. This follows the sacking of all opposition Movement for Democratic Change councillors. The MDC-dominated council had complained government was withholding funds. Many neighbourhoods have only been getting about six hours water supply a day. Former MDC councillor Linus Mushonga says the problem is getting worse by the day. Back to headlines

Road builders from around the globe gather at Sun City 2004/09/13 03:39:50 PM
Road builders from around the globe are gathered at Sun City this week for a conference on constructing and maintaining what they're calling ‘Africa’s arteries’. The continent's roads and highways are regarded as key to its development and more than 400 experts are exchanging information and technology. Back to headlines

Presidency welcomes commitment statement by Anglo American 2004/09/13 02:33:34 PM
The presidency says it welcomes a statement by Anglo American, which insists the mining giant is committed to South Africa. It comes after President Thabo Mbeki launched a fierce attack on Anglo, questioning its loyalty to the country. In his online newsletter, Mbeki criticised Chief Executive, Tony Trahar, for his comments recently published in London’s Financial Times. Trahar had said the South African political risk issue had not completely disappeared. Mbeki questioned exactly what political risk he was referring to. Anglo American has since asked for a reconciliatory meeting with government. Meanwhile, political analyst, Professor Tom Lodge, says he understands Mbeki’s irritation when businessmen imply South Africa is a risky place to invest. Back to headlines

Soweto priest expected to appear again in court in October 2004/09/13 02:32:29 PM
Soweto priest Samuel Kekana, found guilty of murder, is expected to appear again in court in October. The sentencing of the priest, who killed his son 18 years ago, was again postponed. Kekana was found guilty earlier this year of murdering his son Moses during a heated argument in 1986. He buried his son's body in his back garden. The sentencing has been held back - for the third time in just over a month - because Kekana's probation officer’s report on alternative sentencing is still not complete. Back to headlines

Lesbian allegedly assaulted and raped by cops 2004/09/13 01:43:40 PM
A woman has threatened to take legal action against two police officers who allegedly assaulted and raped her because she is lesbian. Twenty four-year-old Riana Joubert alleges she was severely beaten and then raped by the officers last week in Benoni on the East Rand. Back to headlines

New system for emergency runway lighting to be launched 2004/09/13 01:43:02 PM
A new system for emergency runway lighting will be launched at the Africa Aerospace and Defence Exhibition next week. The system will enable aircraft to land on or depart from unlit runways at night. Back to headlines

A million schoolchildren won't write end of year exams 2004/09/13 12:23:57 PM
Student union COSAS has warned approximately one million schoolchildren will not write their end of year exams, if the planned teacher strike goes ahead. About 700 000 civil servants - including teachers - are expected to down tools on Thursday, if their wage demands are not met. They're asking for a 7% increase. Government is however offering a 6% raise with a 1% incentive bonus. COSAS has expressed concern about the strike, saying it'll have a negative impact on exams. It says learners would rather postpone the exams to early next year, to avoid disruptions. Back to headlines

Another delay in Raymond Godfrey trial 2004/09/13 12:23:07 PM
There's been yet another delay in the trial of suspected paedophile Raymond Godfrey. The trial was supposed to resume today, but the magistrate is still recovering from an operation. Last month several little girls testified he fondled them in class, at the Swan Nursery School in Randburg. Back to headlines

Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula could be struck by Hurricane Ivan 2004/09/13 12:21:26 PM
Weather forecasters have warned Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula could be struck by Hurricane Ivan's powerful outer winds. This comes as Ivan sweeps towards Cuba and the Gulf of Mexico, after leaving Jamaica and the Cayman Islands devastated. Officials say it's unclear if the United States will be hit. At least 19 people are feared dead. Back to headlines

Policeman arrested for allegedly kidnapping Nigerian businessman 2004/09/13 11:14:17 AM
A Pretoria policeman has been arrested for allegedly kidnapping a Nigerian businessman. The policeman and seven accomplices allegedly abducted the man on Friday morning and demanded R20 000 in exchange for his freedom. Back to headlines

Sentencing of Soweto priest postponed again 2004/09/13 11:13:14 AM
The sentencing of a Soweto priest, who killed his son 18 years ago, has again been postponed. Samuel Kekana was found guilty earlier this year of murdering his son mosses during a heated argument in 1986. He buried his son's body in his back garden. Back to headlines

Thatcher says Justice Minister unlawfully agreed to issuing subpoena 2004/09/13 11:12:42 AM
Mark Thatcher’s lawyers are fighting an attempt to have him answer questions from prosecutors in Equatorial Guinea. 702 Eyewitness News is in possession of papers filed in the Cape High Court this morning challenging the issuing of a subpoena summoning Thatcher to answer a list of questions. Justice Minister Brigitte Mabandla approved the subpoena following a request by Equatorial Guinean prosecutors. Thatcher says the Justice Minister unlawfully agreed to issue the subpoena, as he has not yet been formally charged under Equatorial Guinean law. Back to headlines

Almost 90% of Gauteng children immunised against polio and measles 2004/09/13 11:10:50 AM
The Gauteng Health Department says almost 90% of children in the province have been immunised against polio. A further 90% of children have also have been vaccinated against measles. This forms part of government's first round of its national immunisation campaign. Gauteng Health says it's confident the province will meet its target of eliminating both diseases by next year. Back to headlines

North Korean authorities deny recent explosion was nuclear related 2004/09/13 11:09:48 AM
North Korean authorities have denied a recent explosion in the country was nuclear related. The government says the massive blast was caused by a controlled explosion at a building project. South Korean media had reported a huge mushroom-like cloud could be seen over the yang-gang province on Thursday. The situation still seems unclear despite government's response. Back to headlines

Fraser Moleketi appeals to civil servants to be reasonable 2004/09/13 10:13:07 AM
Public Service and Administration Minister Geraldine Fraser Moleketi has appealed to civil servants to be reasonable about wage increases, saying government’s hands are tied. Hundreds of thousands of public servants are expected to down tools on Thursday, over a wage impasse. The unions want a 7% increase. Government is however only willing to give a 6% raise, with a 1% incentive bonus. The country's teachers are expected to form part of the strike action, raising concerns that this could hamper the matric exams. Fraser Moleketi has appealed to unions to understand that there's only so much that government can do. Back to headlines

Emergency officials warn that shack fires are an ongoing threat 2004/09/13 10:11:28 AM
Emergency officials have warned shack fires are an ongoing threat in and around Johannesburg. This after two informal settlements were left devastated by raging blazes at the weekend. Several people - including two infants - were killed. Back to headlines

Mark Thatcher launches urgent application in Cape High Court 2004/09/13 09:15:50 AM
702 Eyewitness News has learnt that Mark Thatcher has launched an urgent application in the Cape High Court this morning to set aside a subpoena demanding he answers questions from prosecutors in Equatorial Guinea. South Africa's Justice Minister approved a subpoena for Thatcher summoning him to answer questions related to his alleged role in the coup plot. The action happened at the request of prosecutors in Equatorial Guinea. Back to headlines

Trial of suspected paedophile Raymond Godfrey continues today 2004/09/13 09:14:39 AM
The trial of suspected paedophile Raymond Godfrey resumes after legal wrangling saw it postponed last month. Godfrey faces 24 counts of sexual molestation relating to 8 little girls in the Wynburg Magistrate's Court near Alexandra. Back to headlines

Fraser Moleketi makes urgent appeal to civil servants not to strike 2004/09/13 08:21:26 AM
Public Service and Administration Minister Geraldine Fraser Moleketi has made an urgent appeal to all civil servants not to strike this week. Hundreds of thousands of civil servants, across the country, including teachers are expected to down tools on Thursday. Unions rejected government's revised offer of 6% and are demanding at least 7%. Fraser Moleketi has urged unions to come back to the negotiating table. She says the teachers strike action will have a negative impact on the children. Back to headlines

Cost of Internet services and phone calls could rise 2004/09/13 08:19:43 AM
Telecomm companies have warned the cost of Internet services and phone calls could rise dramatically once legislation dealing with the interception of communications comes into force. An act defining legal interception was gazetted last year, but key portions are only expected to come into force in coming months. They will allow law enforcement agencies to intercept efficiently the communication of suspected criminals through a central centre. Back to headlines

Piet Byleveldt joins team investigating Leigh Matthews’ murder 2004/09/13 08:17:59 AM
Top investigator Piet Byleveldt has officially joined the police team probing the Leigh Matthews’ murder case. Matthews was abducted from Bond University's Sandton campus in July. Her body was found in Walkerville two weeks later. Despite intensive investigations, police have still not made any breakthroughs in the case. The police's Chris Wilken says Byleveld has helped the team in the past, but will now spend more time on the investigation. Back to headlines

Three suspects arrested for allegedly trying to hijack ambulance 2004/09/13 08:16:13 AM
Three suspects are in police custody this morning after they allegedly tried to hijack an ambulance in Limpopo. Police say the ambulance was called to a village yesterday morning to assist a man who'd been injured in a bar fight. It's believed several men approached the driver and demanded the keys to the vehicle - but he managed to convince them to allow him to transport his patient to hospital first. En route the ambulance driver alerted police, who arrived at the hospital to find him struggling with the suspects. They were later arrested. Back to headlines

Legislation enabling authorities to be 'big brother' to come into force 2004/09/13 07:29:02 AM
702 Eyewitness News has learnt that legislation enabling the authorities to intercept e-mails, cellphone and fixed line calls is expected to come into force within the next three months. Experts say it will give law enforcement agencies some 'big brother' powers, but will not unduly infringe on the right to privacy. A law relating to the interception of communications was gazetted last year, but key portions could not come into force - pending the finalisation of regulations. Back to headlines

Public service unions to meet to fine tune details for strike 2004/09/13 07:27:32 AM
Public service unions are expected to meet tomorrow to fine tune details for Thursday's massive nationwide strike. The strike action will see hundreds of thousands of civil servants including teachers, down tools over a wage dispute. It's still unclear what percentage of essential services staff - including police and prison officials - will protest. Last week unions rejected government's revised offer which includes a 6% pay rise. The unions are demanding at least 7%. Labour analyst Jackie Kellys says it's important that a compromise is reached soon. Public Service and Administration Minister Geraldine Fraser Moleketi is currently consulting with government negotiators in an urgent bid to avert the strike. It's understood the minister is confident the issue will be resolved. Back to headlines

Special police unit set up to guard key government buildings 2004/09/13 07:25:13 AM
Government has confirmed a special police unit has been set up to guard key government buildings. But it's denied Sunday newspaper reports alleging the judiciary is under siege. The Sunday Times reported judges, magistrates and prosecutors were being attacked en masse in their homes and at court. Back to headlines

Host of dignitaries describe Beyers Naude as a prophet and hero 2004/09/13 07:24:05 AM
Church leaders and high-profile politicians have described the late Beyers Naude as prophet and a hero. A host of dignitaries including Gauteng Premier Mbhazima Shilowa and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela attended a memorial service at the Regina Mundi Church in Soweto yesterday. Back to headlines

Cayman Islands severely affected by Hurricane Ivan 2004/09/13 04:50:55 AM
The Cayman Islands are being severely affected by Hurricane Ivan this morning, as the death toll from the storm continues to rise. Over 60 people have been confirmed dead so far and there are fears the number could rise significantly as the hurricane heads towards Cuba and the US. Ivan has lost some strength and has been downgraded to a category four storm. But it's lashing Grand Cayman with ferocious winds and driving rain - flooding homes and ripping off roofs. Government Spokesperson Jennifer Dilbert says the hurricane has left a trail of destruction. Cuba is now bracing itself for a direct hit. Back to headlines

Over 100 die in bloody day in Iraq 2004/09/13 04:49:44 AM
A new spasm of violence has swept Iraq in the last day, leaving over 100 people dead. The sharp escalation of clashes saw gun battles, car bombs and bombardments rock the capital Baghdad, where at least 37 people died. The city suffered at least 7 car bombs, and insurgents fired dozens of rockets and mortars into the heavily fortified Green Zone that houses Iraq’s interim government. Meanwhile, near the border with Syria, 51 people lost their lives in clashes in Tal Afar when US troops launched an offensive against suspected foreign fighters. And 10 Iraqis were killed in clashes in Ramadi when coalition tanks opened fire on a residential area. Back to headlines

Experts say nuclear explosion in North Korea unlikely 2004/09/13 04:47:37 AM
Leading experts say it's unlikely a recent explosion in North Korea was nuclear. South Korean media is reporting the blast caused a massive mushroom-like cloud in the Yanggang province on Thursday. But the U.S. says there's no sign of radiation or nuclear-related fallout. North Korea is refusing to comment on the explosion. The blast comes amid heightened concerns Pyongyang may be preparing to test a nuclear weapon for the first time. Back to headlines

Veteran communist Ray Simons dies in Cape Town 2004/09/13 04:46:03 AM
Veteran communist and trade unionist Ray Alexander Simons has died in Cape Town. Simons was an active member of the SA Communist Party from 1929. She also helped found the Federation of South African Women along with Helen Joseph, Lillian Ngoyi and Florence Mkhize. The ANC has hailed Simons as a champion of the working class and an outstanding fighter for the rights of women. And the says she will be remembered for her passionate struggle against exploitation and oppression. Back to headlines