BY NOMALUNGELO BOOI

Copper and electricity cable thieves have become so emboldened they no longer bother to carry out their nefarious deeds under the cover of darkness. They don’t fear the law, or the consequences should they be caught.

However, their criminal actions have far-reaching effects on residents and businesses in Nelson Mandela Bay already struggling to work around crippling bouts of load-shedding.

This weekend, a large part of the metro was left without power after thieves dug up electricity cables, a power station exploded and an insulator burned out.The harbour was one of the areas affected.

Bay electricity and energy political boss Luxolo Namette said a task team had been formed to deal with the rampant theft

.“We meet every week to see what we can do,” he told the Weekend Post, adding that the cable theft and vandalism was hitting the metro hard financially.

It is all good and well to form a task team and to meet once a week to discuss what needs to be done to combat these criminal activities.But what is actually being done? Please tell us.

South Africans are more than weary of the same tired responses being trotted out each time a problem is raised.

The “we’ve formed a special task team” or a commission of inquiry, or whatever, no longer holds water. People are gatvol.

This is a question we’ve asked before and we’ll ask it again. Where are the metro police? Where is the intelligence-gathering by the SAPS on the criminal networks believed to be largely behind the cable thefts?

This country is being openly stripped bare by criminals who, clearly, have no fear of its severely under-resourced and poorly trained law enforcement agents.

The syndicates are suspected in some cases of working in cahoots with corrupt municipal officials and police officers.

Tackling these cable thefts needs to be addressed urgently, and properly, not with words but with actions.

It needs a joint effort between police and intelligence officials to identify the people behind these networks, and those collaborating with them, and to bring the full force of the law down on them.

If we don’t act now, there’ll be nothing left to protect soon and the investments we so desperately need to create jobs will blow right past us.

BY NOMALUNGELO BOOI

Two women have been arrested after allegedly snatching a toddler from a trolley at a cash and carry store in Cleary Park on Monday afternoon.

Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu said that at about 2pm, the girl and her parents, aged 23 and 28, were shopping in the store when the women allegedly tried to kidnap the one-year-old from the trolley after the parents turned their backs for a few seconds to peruse the fridges.

The child was seated in the trolley,” Naidu said.“While they [parents] were busy at the fridges and with their backs to the trolley, it is alleged that a female walked up to the child, touched her and walked away.

“Within seconds, another female snatched the child and also walked away.

“When the father turned around and noticed the child was gone, he ran to the security at the door.“As the security guard was about to close the doors, the first woman pointed out to the father that the child was with the second suspect.

“The women indicated that they were just joking with the parents.”

Naidu said the two women and the parents did not know each other.

Security at the store notified police on Tuesday that the suspects and the parents were at their offices.

“Both suspects and complainants were brought to the police station and a case of kidnapping was opened.

“The women, aged 51 and 56, are detained. The investigation continues,” Naidu said.Police are warning parents that within the blink of an eye, a child can be snatched and kidnapped and it is of utmost importance that children are always kept in sight.”

BY PHUMLANI SAUL

The inaugural “All White Heritage Day Picnic” will be an intimate all white with a touch of heritage/cultural themed outdoor picnic with live music performances to be held in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.

Heritage Day on 24 September recognises and celebrates the cultural wealth and cultural diversity of our nation. South Africans celebrate the day by remembering the cultural heritage of the many cultures that make up the population of South Africa. Various events are staged throughout the country to commemorate this day, this is a great addition to Nelson Mandela Bay and Eastern Cape’s events calendar.

Attendees and the artists will be encouraged to dress in All-White but add a touch of heritage/cultural attire. There will also be traditional foods on sale at the event and an Arts and Craft Exhibition Market which will have exhibitions by crafters, beadworks, jewellery, local traditional designers’ wares, and visual artists which will all be in line with Heritage Day.

This concert will form part of the annual Ebubeleni Festival’s Concert Series as a build up to the main festival in December. The event’s main focus is music but includes a number of other elements which make it unique against other offerings.

The line-up boasts Gqeberha born multi award-winning singer Zonke Dikana, the new songstress on the block – Nomfundo Moh, Afro-pop singer – Ntsika, popular Neo-soul singer – Bongeziwe Mabandla, Gqeberha born Putuma Tiso will bring a touch of gospel. Sharing the stage with the national artists will be Gqeberha’s very popular DJ’s and musicians – Hermanos, Lorna Targaryen, Joliza and Siya Koyo. Mafa Bavuma and Mmeli Notsh will be Programme Directors of this very hot line up.

The “All White Heritage Day Picnic” is funded by the National Lotteries Commission and supported by Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency, Nkqubela FM, Ebubeleni Festival Projects NPC, Event Hire Network and Mahambehlala Communications.

Tickets to the event are open already at Webtickets, Pick n Pay and Boxer Stores nation-wide, tickets start from R295 and cooler box is R95. Dress Code: All White with a touch of Heritage/Cultural | Gates open at 09:00 | Event starts at 11:00 and ends at 18:00. No under 18years of age will be allowed (this because there will be alcohol).

BY PHUMLANI SAUL

The police are trying to track down the killer of Nompumelelo Madlokasi, who was shot dead on Tuesday morning

Police are on the hunt for the man behind the murder of a 56-year-old woman in New Brighton on Tuesday morning.

The killer knocked on the door of the woman’s house in Mini Street at about 8.30am.

According to police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg, he then entered the house and coOne shot was fired at her, hitting her in the head.

The man then walked out of the house.

Madlokasi died at the scene.

“Police are investigating a case of murder,,” Janse van Rensburg said, adding that the motive for the shooting was unknown at this stage.

Anyone who can assist with any information relating to the murder is asked to contact Captain Monde Sitole of the provincial organised crime Investigation unit on 082-457-2812, Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or the nearest police station.nfronted Nompumelelo Madlokasi as she was leaving a room.Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via the MySAPS App.

All information is confidential.

BY LAWRENCE ARMOED

Police have arrested three suspects after a string of mugging and hijacking incidents in Gqeberha on Saturday, including one where a motorist was shot dead.

Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu said the drama started on Saturday at about 7.40am in Malinga Street in Wells Estate where officers were at a murder scene.

“The two officers were approached by three armed men. They were robbed of their firearms, cellphones and wallets. The members were then placed in the back of the police van and the suspects drove off with the police vehicle.”

She said when the suspects got to Gijana Street still in Wells Estate they stopped and allegedly hijacked another vehicle.

“The driver of the Renault was forced out of his vehicle and the suspects got into his vehicle and drove off leaving the police vehicle behind with the members still in the back.

“The Renault was found abandoned further down the street.

“Two cases of armed robbery and two cases of vehicle hijacking and kidnapping were opened.”

Naidu said that at about 10.30am still on Saturday a couple were driving in 8th Avenue in Walmer when three armed men tried to stop their vehicle, a VW Polo.

“The driver, aged 36, on realising what was happening, sped off to Walmer Police Station.”

She said officers from the station immediately responded to the alleged attempted hijacking with the complainant following behind.

“When the suspects, who were on foot, noticed the police vehicle, they boarded a taxi.

“The taxi was stopped and the suspects identified. The suspects were taken back to 8th Avenue where they had been walking earlier. Three 9mm pistols were found lying along the pavement in different spots.

“The suspects aged between 30-35 years old are in custody.

“Two of the firearms belong to the police members that were robbed in Wells Estate.

“Police have opened cases of attempted hijacking as well as three cases of illegal possession of firearms.”

Naidu said while police were still at the scene of the incident in Walmer, information was received of a murder in GJ Langenhoven Drive in the Mount Road area.It is alleged that three suspects approached the vehicle of the victim on foot as he was driving his red Nissan Corsa bakkie up GJ Langenhoven Drive.

“Several shots were fired at the driver, who died at the scene.

“A female passenger in the vehicle sustained a gunshot wound to her right leg.

“An infant in the vehicle did not sustain any injuries.”

She said it was further alleged that the suspects got into a silver Toyota Yaris and sped off.

“The Yaris was found abandoned on the corner of 6th Avenue and Lloyd streets in Walmer.

“Cases of murder and attempted murder were opened.

“The suspects have been detained [regardin] all of the above cases.

“A special task team has been established to follow up on information and confirm the linkages to all of the above cases.”

BY Yolanda Palezweni

The popular Emalaydini Tavern in Gqeberha scrapped its plans to host socialite Zodwa Wabantu on Saturday just as the Eastern Cape Liquor Board visited it for another surprise inspection.

The board is ramping up tavern blitzes after the Enyobeni Tavern tragedy in East London on June 26 in which 21 young people, most of them children aged 13-17, died.

The board, along with the Metro Police, visited several taverns on Saturday.On Friday last week, the board visited the Emalaydini Tavern in Ezinyoka, near Missionvale, after a poster advertising that Wabantu would make an appearance trended on social media.

The tavern was forced to close its doors after a 17-year-old was found selling alcohol on the premises and tables were placed outside demarcated areas.

On Saturday, the board was back at the tavern, with co-owner Masinga Ndungane cancelling Wabantu’s visit to avoid any more commotion.He was served with another notice of non-compliance as patrons had been seen drinking outside the demarcated area while a DJ played music for them.

Ndungane agreed to remove the speakers, but said he had little control over people drinking on the streets.

But he also agreed to comply with the regulations from the board.

“We are a business and a family trying to make a living,” he said.

We feel we are being targeted as there are many other businesses that are not inspected but are also breaking the laws,” he said.

He said the business was his only source of income and he feared losing his liquor licence.

“Some of the issues we face are beyond our control, but as law-abiding citizens we will do whatever it takes to make sure we do things by the book,” he said.

He said operating in the township was difficult.

“As much as the officials are doing their job, we feel we are being targeted.

“We may not be completely innocent, but we are trying and we would appreciate that the same treatment is given to every tavern,” he said.

“Some taverns here don’t even have licences, but they are not being inspected.

“We don’t have any backup or sponsors and we are just trying to make a living with the little that we have,” he said.Inspectors also visited three taverns in Westering and Kragga Kamma after receiving complaints.

Space Unlimited, Hotspot Bar and Halfway Pub & Grub were served with notices of non-compliance for noise and patrons drinking outside the premises.

Board spokesperson Mgwebi Msiya said the inspections were being done to avoid another Enyobeni tragedy.

Inspections would be done weekly.

“We have launched this initiative to intensify compliance,” he said.

“We are not targeting anyone, but trying to monitor and make sure all businesses are obeying the regulations.”

He said the unannounced visits would be rolled out across the province.

“We are receiving complaints about these outlets and we are following up.

“We are not only targeting Emalaydini, but all they need to do is comply.

“They can even inform us of any other outlets and we will follow up,” he said.

BY LAWRENCE ARMOED

All trauma cases at the Uitenhage Provincial Hospital, in Kariega, have been diverted to Laetitia Bam in KwaNobuhle after an attack on a nurse and death threats levelled against staff.

On Sunday morning, a nurse was assaulted when three men brought a man with multiple gunshot wounds to the hospital shortly after 6am.

In a statement, Eastern Cape health MEC Nomakhosazana Meth said the men had arrived in a black Ford Fiesta and demanded that the nurses on duty take the wounded man from their car for treatment.When the nurses told them there were only women on duty and asked them to help carry the wounded man into the trauma unit, the assault took place.

One of the men refused to assist and allegedly punched a nurse in the face, before kicking her.

Security guards on duty at the trauma unit called security staff at the main gate for assistance.Before speeding off, the men allegedly threatened the lives of the hospital staff should the wounded man die from his injuries.

He was, however, declared dead on arrival.

This has traumatised the staff, with the team that was meant to report for nightshift duty refusing to work, fearing their safety.

Workers were worried as there was still shooting in the community.The provincial health department arranged for armed response to be at the facility as an interim measure.

“However, the night staff are too scared to report for duty,” the department said in a statement on Sunday night.

“This has necessitated that patients, doctors as well as one of the armed guards will be diverted to Laetitia Bam to ensure service continuity.

This is in relation to new trauma cases.”

Meth said the department was shocked by the blatant attack and incidents like these could negatively affect services at public healthcare facilities.

“Communities need to treat healthcare workers with respect instead of assaulting and threatening them because this might lead to compromised service delivery as people fear for their lives.

“It cannot be that hardworking and dedicated healthcare workers continue being targeted by thugs in Nelson Mandela Bay.

“We condemn this thuggery with the contempt it deserves,” she said.

“When our staff, who continue going above and beyond the call of duty, are too traumatised to go to work, it will be communities that suffer at the end of the day.”

She said the staff on duty would receive counselling and additional staff had been called in to assist where needed.

Meth also called on the police to leave no stone unturned in their investigation of the matter, and urged the community to help them.

BY Phumlani Saul

Fired Umhlobo Wenene FM presenter Reverend Mzukisi Faleni has taken legal steps in a bid to compel the SABC to reinstate him as the host of popular faith programmes Ukholo Nengqiqo and Imvuselelo, which aired on Sundays.

The public broadcaster announced last month that it had parted ways with the renowned man of the cloth after internal processes found him guilty of a conflict of interest due to his role as a contributor at Western Cape-based local radio station Zibonele FM.

However, Faleni stated in his court papers, which were filed at the Johannesburg High Court on August 10, that singer and business manager Loyiso Bala erred in terminating his contract, as Zibonele FM is not in direct competition with the SABC.It is evident that the respondents [the SABC and Bala] believed that even if I had breached my contract, it was a breach that could be remedied. However, I was not afforded the opportunity to remedy any breach. It is worth noting that the respondents had ample opportunity before I appeared as a contributor at Zibonele FM to alert me to any potential breach and afford me the chance to remedy it,” the papers read.

He added that programme manager Masixole Mdingane could also have alerted him to the breach when he told him about his role at the community station.According to social media posts, Faleni was scheduled to appear as a co-host on a programme titled Yiza Siqiqe on Zibonele FM in June.

“The agreement was not breached by me in any way. On the contrary, it is the first respondent [SABC] which has breached the agreement and I have elected to enforce it,” read Faleni’s court papers.

He added that he had been a host at Umhlobo Wenene for 21 years and the termination of his services had harmed his reputation within the religious society.My work as a preacher, teacher and religious leader is greatly built on my reputation and personal brand equity.

“Due to the mere fact that I have been summarily pulled off the air, without as much as a notice, the 2 million listeners of my show are suspicious that I have committed some wrongdoing.

He stated: He added that the “unlawful” termination of his position had also harmed his alternative streams of income, since event organisers no longer found him credible enough to speak at their shows and in organisations.

The opportunities he had lost because of being pulled off the airwaves, he stated, could not be quantified, even if the court found in his favour.

He asked the court to interdict the SABC from finding a replacement for him while the legal processes were still pending.Last month, the EFF in the Eastern Cape embarked on a march to the public broadcaster’s offices in Gqeberha to demand Faleni’s reinstatement.

EFF provincial leader Mkhululi Bosman said the party would do everything in its power to ensure that Faleni was reinstated.

“I don’t know how the SABC has the guts to say it’s fired him. How can you fire someone with whom you have a one-year contract every year? This guy isn’t permanently employed, hence he’s also employed somewhere else.

“I don’t know what they’re talking about in terms of a breach of contract, when they have so many breaches of labour practices in whatever they do,” he said.

SABC group executive of corporate affairs and marketing Gugu Ntuli said the public broadcaster could not comment on pending court matters:

By Yolanda Palezweni

A popular Gqeberha tavern was forced to close its doors on Friday after a poster showing socialite Zodwa Wabantu would make an appearance next weekend trended on social media, sparking a surprise inspection by the Eastern Cape Liquor Board.

The board was notified about the event at Emalaydini’s Tavern by ANC MPL Tony Duba, who feared a similar incident such as the Enyobeni tavern tragedy in East London.

The metro police also took part in the inspection and it was discovered the tavern did not comply with several regulations.

Board spokesperson Mgwebi Msiya told DK news the tavern’s liquor licence had been suspended after a 17-year-old was found selling alcohol.

A 17-year-old selling is in contravention of our legislation and empowers us to immediately suspend the licence,” Msiya said.Other issues ranged from tables being placed outside demarcated areas, to no visible liquor licence on the premises.

The tavern has been in trouble before after photographs of underage children carrying alcohol and in compromising positions were published on their Facebook page earlier this year.

The Eastern Cape Liquor Board lodged an investigation after the pictures of the New Year’s Eve party went viral on social media.While some social media users circulated the images and poked fun at the children, many lambasted Emalaydini’s tavern for failing to exercise its responsibility to restrict underage children from buying liquor.

At the time, co-owner Masinga Ndungane said the youngsters seen in the pictures had been outside the establishment.On Friday, Ndungane said the inspection and closure of the business had nothing to do with Weekend Post.

“We have never asked for any assistance from the newspaper when planning events and we have nothing to say now.”

Msiya said the outlet had been problematic for several months, with numerous complaints received.

He said there had been other notices of non-compliance issues.Duba, who is also the Eastern Cape SA National Civic Organisation secretary, said he had received several calls from resident asking that he act quickly.

“We felt that we should respond to the call from the public and come and look at the situation ourselves. This place has been notorious for breaking the law,” he said.

Duba said he had also been tagged on several posts on social media about the appearance of Wabantu next weekend.

“This is where the problem starts. We can’t be a society that is feeding young children liquor. We need young people to invest their time in education and not alcohol,” Duba said.

“Pro-activeness is what needed to happen to avoid another Enyobeni.

“We are always questioned after a tragic incident about where officials or parents were. So today we are making sure we do something about it.”

The infamous tavern in Scenery Park in East London made international news when 21 children dropped dead in June.

The liquor board opened a case against the owner, Siyakhangela Ndevu, after the tragic death of the children, some as young as 13, for selling alcohol to underage children.