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Beitbridge smuggling: SA military put on the spot

Published

2 years ago

November 17, 2021

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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

News

Police Hunt For A Nkayi Murder Fugitive

Published

4 months ago

January 11, 2024

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BY STAFF REPORTER

A Nkayi man is reportedly on the run after allegedly assaulting a fellow villager with an unknown object on the head on New Year’s Day.

Police have identified the fugitive at Joinisa Tshuma from Dabe village who is being sought for a murder charge.

“ZRP is appealing for information which may lead to the arrest of Joinisa Tshuma who is being sought in connection with a case of murder in which Mcebisi Moyo died on 07/01/24,” police appealed.

“The suspect allegedly assaulted the victim on the head with an unknown object near a bush in Dabe Village, Nkayi on 01/01/24 before he fled the scene.”

According to police, the victim sustained some head injuries and he was admitted at Nkayi District Hospital where he succumbed to the injuries.

Meanwhile, Police in Machipisa are also investigating a case of murder which occurred on Wednesday, in which a yet to be identified male adult approximately aged 30 years who was wearing a yellow t-shirt, black trousers, black gum boots and a black cap, was found lying dead with a stab wound on the back near Mapuranga Transport Service Garage in Harare.

Police are also appealing to the public with information surrounding the incident.

“Anyone with information to report at any nearest Police Station.”

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Full ZRP Statement on Armed Robberies Raiding Elite Schools

Published

4 months ago

January 11, 2024

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As the schools open, parents and guardians are in the process of paying school fees, levies and other related school costs, for their children.

School authorities are therefore urged to deposit all monies at financial institutions to curb armed robbery cases.

The issue of collecting cash by school authorities at schools should be reconsidered given the recent armed robbery cases.

The Police has recorded armed robbery cases in Bulawayo and Chinhoyi in which schools are being targeted.

In one of the cases, unknown suspects pounced at George Silundika High School at corner George Silundika Street and Third Avenue, Bulawayo on 06th January 2024, where they stole US$17 280.00 cash which was in a cash box.

In another case which occurred at Lomagundi College, Chinhoyi on 09th January 2024, 12 unknown suspects attacked security guards before stealing an undisclosed amount of cash, a Mazda Tribute motor vehicle, cellphones and laptops, among other valuables.

School authorities are urged to step up security measures at schools and employ guards from reputable security service providers who constantly monitor and review deployments.

Above all, school authorities should install CCTV at points of entry and administration offices.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police is concerned that some of these robbery cases are resulting from leakage of information.

Members of the public are warned that those who provide inside information to robbery syndicates will be arrested.

Police crack teams are firm on the ground and will pounce on armed robbery syndicates for the law to take its course in earnest.

News

ARTUZ condemns government for opening of school amid Cholera outbreak

Published

4 months ago

January 11, 2024

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) has condemned the government’s decision to reopen schools due to the cholera outbreak wreaking havoc in most parts of the country, labeling the move reckless and disregarding the pressing concerns raised by parents and teachers.

Statistics released by the Ministry of Health and Child Care last week showed since the outbreak of cholera, Zimbabwe has recorded 15 137 suspected cholera cases, 1 759 confirmed cases, 14 578 recoveries, 67 confirmed deaths and 266 suspected deaths.

“We vehemently condemn the government’s reckless decision to open schools amidst the widespread cholera outbreak, completely disregarding the pressing concerns raised by parents and teachers,” reads the statement.

“We demand that the government immediately mobilize substantial resources to ensure the safe reopening of schools because our children deserve nothing less than a secure and conducive learning environment.

“It is the duty of the government to provide sanitary solutions and ensure the safety and well-being of our children.

The union also called on the government to consider an upward increment of teachers’ salaries, criticizing the government’s lack of engagement with educators, particularly regarding their ongoing demand for a US$1 260 salary.

“Also, it is utterly disappointing to witness such a hasty move without even bothering to engage with the educators who have been tirelessly advocating for a just salary of US$1260.

“The safety and welfare of our students and teachers should be the utmost priority, but it seems that the government is callously neglecting this responsibility.

“It is high time for the government to prioritize the well-being of our education system and take meaningful action to address the urgent needs of our dedicated teachers. ”