Rape group takes hospital to court 2006/05/04 06:33:13 PM
The Ithemba Rape and Trauma Crisis Centre has confirmed it is going ahead with criminal charges against the Far East Rand Hospital.

The hospital allegedly neglected a rape victim, who was reportedly left for over 24 hours without treatment. It is understood the child was raped on Tuesday in Daveyton on the East Rand.

She was taken to hospital at midday, but several sources have told 702 Eyewitness News she was only treated yesterday afternoon.

The Health Department yesterday denied the youngster waited for over a day, but today the department says an investigation into the incident is underway.

The child is currently in a stable condition. A man arrested for the rape appeared in the Benoni Magistrates Court today.

The case has been postponed until next week. The suspect will remain in custody until his next court appearance. Back to headlines

Cosatu announces series of events 2006/05/04 06:29:28 PM
Trade union federation Cosatu has announced a series of events in support of the ongoing controversial security guard strike.

Satawu's industrial action has now lasted for over a month. They are demanding an 11% wage hike, but employers are standing firm on 8%, a deal accepted by 14 other unions last month. Back to headlines

Increased crime on trains 2006/05/04 06:28:44 PM
Metrorail says the absence of security guards at train stations in the last few weeks has led to an increase on cable theft and crime.

The guards have downed tools because they are demanding a salary hike. At least 10 people across Gauteng have died after being pushed off moving trains.

Trains were delayed in Germiston and Grasmere this morning following cable theft. Metrorail's Thokozani Zitha has appealed to the public to help in solving the situation. Back to headlines

Confessed killer in court 2006/05/04 06:26:48 PM
A 28-year-old butcher, who admitted to killing a Pretoria woman and stuffing her body in the boot of a car, has appeared briefly in the Pretoria Magistrates court.

The case against Danie van der Walt was postponed to next month. Back to headlines

Africans should rebuild economies 2006/05/04 06:26:10 PM
Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Aziz Pahad says African countries should start leading the way in the rehabilitating the continent.

Pahad briefed members of the diplomatic corps in Pretoria today. He says many African countries have the means to rebuild their respective economies. Back to headlines

Veteran runner laid to rest tomorrow 2006/05/04 06:25:25 PM
Veteran runner Wally Hayward will be laid to rest tomorrow. The 97-year-old long distance legend passed away last week at his Joburg home after a brief illness.

Hayward was the first runner to break the 6-hour barrier in the gruelling Comrades Marathon.

The funeral is being held at the St Theresa's Catholic Church in Edenvale on the East Rand. Back to headlines

Joburg Hospital ‘turns patients away’ 2006/05/04 06:24:38 PM
Johannesburg Hospital says it has launched an investigation following complaints that dozens of patients were turned away.

It is understood the people were told to leave the hospital this morning because the staff could only deal with a limited number.

A heart-disease patient says he had to leave without receiving any medication. Joburg Hospital's Lungiswa Mvuvu has urged unhappy patients to lodge formal complaints with the management. Back to headlines

9/11 accused gets life sentence 2006/05/04 06:23:37 PM
In the United States the man accused of the being the 20th hijacker in the attacks on the World Trade Centre and the pentagon in 2001, Zacarias Moussaoui, has been sentenced to life in prison, a day after a jury rejected prosecutor's requests for him to be executed.

A US district judge sentenced him to life behind bars with no possibility of release. The self-confessed al-Qaeda member was in jail at the time of the 9/11 attacks, but has been convicted for his role in planning them. Back to headlines

Rescuers intensify search for sailors 2006/05/04 05:38:22 PM
Rescue officials are increasing their efforts to find 26 sailors missing off the Cape East Coast.

The men were onboard a Greek registered cargo ship when it sank off Port Alfred last night. Seven sailors have so far been rescued.

Head of Maritime Search and Rescue Andre Bothas says five life rafts were spotted this morning near the wreck. Back to headlines

Zuma Coalition awaiting trial outcome 2006/05/04 05:37:18 PM
The Friends of Jacob Zuma Coalition says it's not prepared to say whether it will accept the outcome of his rape trial.

Judge Willem van der Merwe will hand down his verdict on Monday. The former deputy president has pleaded not guilty to one charge of rape.

The newly-formed coalition is made up of the ANC Youth League, the Young Communist League and the Friends of Jacob Zuma Trust.

The YCL's Buti Manamela says the coalition is also not in a position now to pronounce whether it thinks Zuma's trial has been free and fair.

The coalition has also announced its plans for a night vigil on Sunday night ahead of the judgment. It says it is confident control will be maintained outside the Joburg High Court. Back to headlines

Court victory for security employers 2006/05/04 05:35:00 PM
Security employers have won an application in the Johannesburg Labour Court for leave to appeal against a judgment that declared the security guards strike legal and protected.

The members of union Satawu have been on strike for over a month. They want an 11% increase, employers are offering just over 8%, 14 other unions have accepted that deal. The guards strike has been marred by violence. Back to headlines

Child groups welcome paedophile register 2006/05/04 05:33:10 PM
Child rights groups have welcomed the establishment of a national paedophile register. It will contain details of persons convicted of sexual offences against children in or outside of South Africa.

The aim of the register is to have a record of known paedophiles and to prevent them from coming into contact with children.

The register will be maintained by the Justice Department, but will not be open to the public.

Instead, children's rights groups, educators and other interest groups can apply for a certificate to see the register.

Child Welfare SA’s Lynnette Schreuder says this is a good move.

The bill still has to be tabled in Parliament and approved by the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces before signed into law by the president. Back to headlines

Israeli expected to approve new government 2006/05/04 04:56:59 PM
The Israeli Parliament is expected to approve the new government of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who has vowed to set the country's permanent borders with or without Palestinian involvement.

Olmert will lead a coalition with the centre left Labour Party. However, he will face challenges from the nationalist and rightist parties, who oppose his plan to withdraw some West Bank settlers.

Olmert took over after former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon suffered a massive stroke. Back to headlines

Balfour happy with C-Max security 2006/05/04 04:56:08 PM
Correctional Services Minister Ngconde Balfour says security around the 12 boeremag awaiting trial prisoners kept at the high security C-Max Prison will not be increased.

This follows the escape of two accused from the Pretoria High Court yesterday. Balfour says Rudi Gouws and Herman van Rooyen were not in his officials’ care at the time of the break out.

The trial of the remaining 20 boeremag accused has been postponed until later this month to give investigators time to find the two men who escaped yesterday. Back to headlines

Fire hazard sparked Joburg blaze 2006/05/04 04:54:59 PM
Johannesburg Emergency Services officials say the building in the CBD that caught fire yesterday was a fire hazard.

The blaze at Lorna Court was allegedly started by quarrelling lovers. One person burnt to death in the incident.

A baby was rescued after his mother threw him from the 5th floor to the crowd waiting below.

Emergency Services' Malcolm Midgely says the residents, who lost their homes, are being helped by local groups. Back to headlines

SA wants to improve service delivery 2006/05/04 04:54:04 PM
Government wants to ensure South Africans have access to basic services by 2012.

The African Peer Review Mechanism met in Kliptown today to discuss the country's self-assessment report.

Chairman and Public Services Minister Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi says a programme of action containing suggestions made by the public will be released tomorrow. Back to headlines

Miners remain trapped in Australia 2006/05/04 04:53:18 PM
It appears life is not that bad down under for two miners trapped in a mineshaft in Australia.

They have been underground for nine days, but are being kept busy after rescuers sent them an ipod, food, water, clothes, a digital camera and magazines. Rescuers are trying to dig through solid rock to get them out. Back to headlines

Officials probe child neglect claims 2006/05/04 04:24:51 PM
The Gauteng Health Department has launched an investigation into claims that a four-year-old girl, who had been raped, had to wait for 24 hours before being treated, that is after the department originally denied she had been neglected.

It is understood the child was raped on Tuesday in Daveyton on the East Rand before being taken to the Far East Rand Hospital.

The youngster arrived at the hospital at midday, but several sources have told 702 Eyewitness News, she was only treated yesterday afternoon.

The hospital has confirmed the youngster was only taken into theatre yesterday afternoon, but insists she was treated prior to this.

A man arrested for the rape was due to appear in the Benoni Magistrates Court today. Back to headlines

Zuma's supporters form coalition 2006/05/04 02:36:54 PM
Jacob Zuma's supporters have now formed a coalition ahead of judgment in his rape trial on Monday. They are now planning a night vigil by supporters.

The former deputy president denies raping the 31-year-old HIV-positive woman in his Forest Town home in November last year. Back to headlines

Warning about costly purchases 2006/05/04 02:36:17 PM
Economists are warning consumers to be cautious about making any costly purchases soon.

This comes amid speculation that the South African Reserve Bank is likely to push up interest rates in the near future.

In its annual financial stability review, the Central Bank warned borrowers and lenders that the friendly environment for high levels of household debt may not last.

South African lending rates have fallen to their lowest levels in 25 years, sparking a consumer-spending spree which boosted household debt. Back to headlines

Rescuers hope to find more survivors 2006/05/04 02:25:12 PM
Rescuers say there is a chance more survivors will be found off the East Cape Coast. That is after a cargo ship sank nearly 600km miles off Port Alfred last night.

All 33 crew abandoned ship, but only six have been found alive. Authorities have now found five more life rafts and are checking to see if anyone's on board.

Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre spokesman Jinx Botes says they are hoping for some good news. Back to headlines

Boeremag trial postponed 2006/05/04 02:21:50 PM
The trial of the remaining 20 Boeremag accused has been postponed until later this month to give investigators time to find the two men who escaped yesterday.

Rudi Gouws and Herman van Rooyen made a break for it from the Pretoria High Court at lunchtime yesterday. Back to headlines

Cosatu members protest outside consulate 2006/05/04 12:09:32 PM
Cosatu are staging a picket outside the US consulate in Killarney, Johannesburg today.

The trade union federation says it is protesting against a world trade organisation agreement on fair-trading practices between the developed and developing worlds.

Cosatu's Patrick Craven says this agreement is potentially damaging to the third world. Back to headlines

Nine dead in Iraqi bombing 2006/05/04 12:08:40 PM
Nine people have died after a bomb exploded in Baghdad today. The incident took place near a courthouse.

Forty-six others have been wounded. It is understood a suicide bomber may be responsible for the attack.

Insurgents are waging a campaign of bombings and shootings in a bid to topple the Iraqi government and drive out US troops. Back to headlines

Washington sniper in the dock 2006/05/04 12:08:06 PM
The second murder trial of Washington sniper suspect John Allen Muhammad is due to begin today.

He is accused of gunning down six people during a killing spree in Maryland in 2002. He is also conducting his own defence.

His alleged accomplice, Lee Malvo, is expected to plead guilty and give evidence against Muhammad. Back to headlines

Minister blames cops for boeremag escape 2006/05/04 11:17:35 AM
Correctional Services is blaming police for the escape of two Boeremag accused. Minister Ngcondo Balfour says his officials are not responsible for transporting men to court.

Herman van Rooyen and Rudi Gouws made their getaway during lunch hour yesterday. They are on trial with twenty others over an alleged plot to overthrow the government. Back to headlines

Mist causes N3 pile-up 2006/05/04 08:49:12 AM
The fog that has descended on Gauteng today has caused another accident, this time in Germiston on the East Rand.

The 11 car pile-up occurred on the N3 North at the Elands Interchange. Metro Police's Jimmy Maboko says no one has been injured.

Another four accidents have already been reported in Johannesburg. Back to headlines

Search intensifies for missing sailors 2006/05/04 08:43:22 AM
Twenty-seven people are still missing after their ship sunk off the coast of Port Alfred last night. The National Sea Rescue Institute says a major search and rescue operation is currently underway.

All 33 crew on board the Alexandros T abandoned ship last night after the vessel started breaking up. Six have already been found after making it to life rafts.

NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon says the search for the other 27 is intensifying. The 300metre cargo ship was en route from Brazil to China. Back to headlines

Sexual Offences Amendement Bill to Parliament 2006/05/04 08:20:15 AM
Child rights groups and gender activists have welcome Cabinets announcement that the Sexual Offences Amendment Bill has been approved for submission to Parliament.

Over the years, many non-governmental organisations have been calling for the draft bill to be made a priority. Back to headlines

Water summit underway in Midrand 2006/05/04 08:19:13 AM
Water Affairs and Forestry Minister Buyelwa Sonjica says the lack of access to clean water remains a huge problem for many South Africans.

The Ministry will host a two-day national water summit at Gallagher Estate in Midrand starting today.

Officials say the gathering will bring together the findings from several provincial water summits held across the country since last year.

Sonjica's Spokesperson Sputnik Ratau says it is vital representatives from all sectors of society get involved in the summit. Back to headlines

Commuters call for train safety overhaul 2006/05/04 07:46:37 AM
Metrorail commuters have called for a drastic overhaul of safety measures on Gauteng's trains. Earlier this week, three men were killed after being thrown off a moving train in Pretoria.

The latest incident comes just days after six men, thought to be non-striking security guards, were hurled off a moving train on the East Rand.

Train-users say such accidents could be avoided if coach doors are locked while the train is moving.

702 Eyewitness News’ Regan Thaw rode on a train. He reported that the train starting moving without the doors closing, and the doors are vandalised so as to prevent them from functioning properly. Back to headlines

Fog limiting driver visibility 2006/05/04 06:55:47 AM
Motorists have been advised to drive cautiously today, as heavy fog is hanging over most parts of the province.

Visibility is extremely poor in Pretoria, the East Rand, West Rand, Midrand and Sandton.

In many areas, visibility is less than one kilometer. The Metro Police's Wayne Minnar says there has already been a four-car pile up. Back to headlines

Minister confident Mamelodi killers will face justice 2006/05/04 06:53:04 AM
Gauteng Safety and Security MEC Firoz Cachalia says he is optimistic that the killers of three teenagers in Mamelodi will be brought to book.

Cachalia visited the families of Lerato Dinisa, Tsholofelo Aphane and Lindiwe Mbonani yesterday. The girls’ bodies were found dumped behind a shopping complex not far from the street they all lived in on Monday.

They were half-naked and bound. It is also suspected they may have been poisoned and raped. Cachalia says the community’s fury over the murders will lead to arrests. The three young women will be buried in Mamelodi on Saturday. Back to headlines

Cops hunt hospital escapee 2006/05/04 06:52:06 AM
Soweto police say they are still searching for a prisoner who escaped while receiving treatment at a Soweto hospital.

Convicted criminal Thabang Aubrey Madiba escaped from the Chris Hani Baragwanath hospital two weeks ago. Back to headlines

Iran set for sanctions 2006/05/04 06:51:20 AM
Britain and France have introduced a UN Security Council resolution, demanding Iran abandon its uranium enrichment programme.

The two countries have also set the stage for sanctions if Tehran does not comply. Back to headlines

Escaped boeremag extremely dangerous 2006/05/04 06:39:25 AM
Police have warned the public not to approach the two boeremag accused, who escaped from the Pretoria High Court yesterday.

Rudi Gouws and Herman van Rooyen were on trial for allegedly conspiring to overthrow the government. They are also accused of murder after a woman died in a bomb explosion in Soweto.

The police’s Sally de Beer says they are considered dangerous. Gouws, van Rooyen and their 20 co-accused are facing 42 charges, including treason and terrorism.

During the trial it also emerged that the boeremag allegedly planned to kill former president Nelson Mandela. Back to headlines

Lovers' tiff blamed for Joburg fire 2006/05/04 06:36:57 AM
Emergency Services is investigating the exact cause of a fire which gutted a building in Johannesburg city centre.

The blaze broke out in a block of flats on the corner of Wolmarans and Twist streets yesterday.

One person died, while five others, including a firefighter were injured. One resident says the fire was started during a lovers quarrel. Back to headlines

More negotiations for striking guards 2006/05/04 06:36:01 AM
Striking security guards and employers are going back to the negotiating table. Satawu members have been on strike for over a month now over a wage dispute with security employers.

The union is demanding an 11% pay hike, while the companies are offering 8%, the percentage accepted by 14 other labour organisations last month. Satawu says it was purposefully sidelined in that deal.

The union says it received a letter from the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration late yesterday.

Employers and other unions have resisted reinstating negotiations, saying it would undermine their credibility. Back to headlines

Ship sinks on Cape coast 2006/05/04 06:34:52 AM
Twenty-seven crewmembers are missing after a cargo ship broke up and sank off the Eastern Cape coast last night.

NSRU spokesperson Craig Lambinon says the boat was sailing from Brazil to China when it started taking in water.

Lambinon says the crew abandoned ship. Six sailors have been rescued so far. Back to headlines

9/11 conspirator gets life imprisonment 2006/05/04 06:33:41 AM
A jury in a Virginia courtroom has finally reached a verdict on Zacarias Moussaiou. They choose life-in-prison over the death penalty.

Moussaoui is the only person convicted in a US court for the 9/11 attacks. Prosecutors argued that his failure to warn officials about the upcoming attacks made him as guilty as if he had carried them out himself.

Leaving the courtroom Moussaoui shouted 'I've won'. In the White House President George W Bush greeted the verdict coolly. Back to headlines