National

Beitbridge smuggling: SA military put on the spot

Published

3 years ago

November 17, 2021

PRETORIA – The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) says it has taken note of the Carte Blanche exposé which was broadcast on Sunday, where some soldiers deployed to the South African border with Zimbabwe, were found to have allegedly accepted bribes during their deployment to man the port of entry.

“The SANDF strongly condemns criminal activities and acts of corruption where our military force is executing its constitutionally mandated duties. Members of the SANDF are expected to conduct themselves with the necessary decorum and discipline at all times,” the SANDF said.

“The chief of the SANDF, General Rudzani Maphwanya and members of the Military Command Council reiterate and remind all members of the SANDF that no act of ill-discipline or criminality will be tolerated or go unpunished in the military regardless of rank or position.”

The Carte Blanche show revealed that the controversial R37 million fence erected by the South African government during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, is being stolen in parts.

Thousands of people, called carriers, smuggle anything from clothes, electrical appliances, food to contraband through the wide and growing gaps developing in the vanishing fence.

Smuggling, according to the investigative TV show, is taking place under the nose of SANDF members deployed to the border. Footage showed goods, in boxes, being carried in the presence of uniformed soldiers.

Corruption was fingered in the TV exposé, with uniformed soldiers recorded receiving bribes, and walking away from a crowd of smugglers.

Reacting to the broadcast, the DA said it will write to Defence minister Thandi Modise to request that an independent investigation is launched into allegations of corruption and bribery at the Beitbridge border post involving members of the SANDF.

“This brazen corruption by the very people tasked with maintaining law and order at our borders is indicative of a much larger problem of a lack of executive oversight and the general rot that has seeped into the Department of Defence and the SANDF.

“The situation also further fuels the public’s mistrust in the army and animosity between South Africans and immigrants who enter the country legally,” said DA MP Kobus Marais.

“It is imperative that minister Modise launches an independent investigation that will guarantee that the officers implicated are held accountable for their unlawful behaviour as well as for abandoning and disobeying their constitutional roles, obligations and mandate.

“The investigation should also seek to find solutions that will ensure that this type of illegal activity is not repeated.”

The department was expected to appear before the parliamentary portfolio committee on defence today and the DA said it would use this opportunity to get answers over the alleged rot at Beitbridge.- IOL

National

Cyclone Chido moves away from Zimbabwe

Published

1 month ago

December 16, 2024

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

According to the latest updates from the SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre (SHOC), Tropical Cyclone Chido has made landfall in Mozambique, approximately 35-40km south of Pemba, in Cabo Delgado Province.

The intense tropical cyclone brought heavy rainfall and strong gusty winds of up to 220km/h, causing widespread destruction in Mozambique. The system is expected to continue tracking west-southwest towards Malawi, steadily dissipating.

Zimbabwe, which was initially predicted to be in the cyclone’s path, has been spared the worst of the storm.

However, neighboring countries, including Malawi, are expected to experience heavy rainfall and strong winds over the next 72 hours.

The SHOC has issued a multi-hazard impact-based classification, warning of expected impacts, including strong gusts, heavy rainfall, and rough seas, in Mozambique, Malawi, and other parts of the region.

Member states have been urged to closely monitor official weather updates, intensify public awareness campaigns, and preposition relief supplies to enable a swift response to the cyclone’s impact.

National

Senate passes death penalty abolition bill

Published

1 month ago

December 13, 2024

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

The Zimbabwe Senate has passed the Death Penalty Abolition Bill, paving the way for the country to join the growing list of nations that have abolished capital punishment.

The bill, which has already been approved by the National Assembly, will now be sent to the President for assent and subsequent publication in the Gazette as an Act.

The country has 62 convicted prisoners facing the death penalty.

Veritas has congratulated the Senators, Members of the National Assembly, the President, and the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs for their role in facilitating the bill’s passage through Parliament.

Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, who is also the Leader of Government Business in Parliament, defended the bill in the Senate, citing studies that show the death penalty has failed to deter crime.

He emphasized that the actual number of murders remained the same despite the death penalty’s existence, questioning its effectiveness as a deterrent.

Ziyambi also highlighted the bill’s potential to address the root causes of crime, which he believes the death penalty does not tackle. He pointed out the bias of the death penalty against poverty-stricken people, stating that history shows the majority of those executed are from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Zimbabwe has been on a de facto moratorium on executions for about 17 years, with the last execution conducted in 2005.

National

Cyclone Chido bears down on Zimbabwe, government issues warning

Published

1 month ago

December 13, 2024

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A powerful tropical cyclone named Chido is moving menacingly towards Zimbabwe, prompting the government to issue a warning and advise residents to take necessary precautions.

According to the Meteorological Services Department (MSD), Cyclone Chido has intensified into an intense tropical cyclone and is likely to affect Zimbabwe on December 17.

The storm is expected to bring heavy rains, thunderstorms, and strong winds to several provinces, including Manicaland, Masvingo, Mashonaland East and West, Harare Metropolitan, and parts of Midlands and Mashonaland West.

The MSD has warned of heavy rainfall exceeding 70mm in 24 hours in some areas, which could lead to floods, rockfalls, and mudflows.

Residents have been advised to plan evacuation mechanisms, avoid open spaces, secure their homes from damaging winds, and stay informed through authentic updates from the MSD and the Department of Civil Protection (DCP).

The government has assured citizens that it is taking necessary precautions to mitigate the impact of the cyclone. The DCP is on high alert, and emergency services are ready to respond to any situations that may arise.

As Cyclone Chido bears down on Zimbabwe, residents are advised to remain calm but vigilant. The government’s warning and advisory come as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety and minimize damage.

Stay tuned for further updates on Cyclone Chido and its impact on Zimbabwe.