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Newsfeed from: Port Elizabeth: MyPE
Ward 3 News June 2010 www.MyPE.co.za: To see how hard working Ward Councillors go about their jobs, see Ward 3's councillor, Andre Goosen's report below, and don't forget to see what Jeremy Davis has been up to in Ward 5, Heinrich Muller in Ward 9, Retief Odendaal in Ward 6, Stanford Slabbert in Ward 1, Gustav Rautenbach in Ward 8 and Dean Biddulph in Ward 2. To subscribe to the MyPE email updates, click here. From Councillor Andre Goosen ... WARD 3 REPORT - June 2010 In this Report:
Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:58:06 +0000 The Zosa Street 'ISSUE' www.MyPE.co.za: With reference to the editorial in The Herald of July 30 (Housing still hot issue in Bay) suggests that the ANC and the DA were "feuding over who should shoulder the blame for the delay in providing housing for the people". Surely the answer is obvious? If the DA had the power to upgrade the slums of Zosa Street, it would have done so when it won the ward a decade ago. The bottom line is that, for 10 years, the ruling party consistently ignored the ward councillor's repeated appeals for the Zosa Street community to be decently housed. That those appeals have finally been noted is welcome, if overdue. One needs to ask, though, whether this sudden spurt of enthusiasm by the divided ANC for the well-being of the people of Zosa Street has anything to do with next year's municipal elections. For the record, the Zosa Street Action Committee phoned me the day Mayor Wylie and his team - many of whom had crept out of the woodwork after being silent for so long on the Zosa Street issue - and asked me to attend the Mayor's recent vote-catching brick-laying ceremony. I declined, as I did not want to be accused of gate-crashing the event to score political points. The people of Zosa Street well know the background leading to the current upgrading. To coin a phrase: "You can fool some of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time." I look forward to seeing this long-suffering, dignified community settling into the new homes the ruling party could have given them years ago. DA councillor Terry Herbst Port Elizabeth Related: Petrol bombing mires Zosa Street progress event. Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:58:06 +0000 Suspects Come Back for Round 2 and Lose, Again www.MyPE.co.za: From the Atlas Security Crime Newsletter we have picked out a couple of interesting crime incidents: At 13h19 on Tuesday afternoon last week, a group of burglars tried to break into a Victoria Park Drive, Walmer residence for the second time, but were stopped in their tracks by the homeowner's father. The owner's father, who lives next door, heard the gates rattling outside and went to investigate. When he got outside, he noticed that the knife-wielding suspects were trying to break down his son's gate. The elderly man shouted at them in the hope that they would run away. The thugs left what they were busy doing, approached the resident and tried to stab him. Luckily he was armed with pepper spray and managed to spray the criminals. The suspects fled in the direction of the cemetery. The homeowner's father gave the police a description of the suspects and a case of attempted burglary was opened. Mark, the homeowner, shares his experience; "The same culprits returned on Tuesday of this week (20 July 2010) and attempted to get into our house again - they were confronted and hauled out 50cm daggers threatening to kill my father-in-law who had apprehended them. They ran off pursued by SAPS and Security Company, but got away. One of the perps was positively identified as one "Scarface" (delightful)... who is wanted on housebreaking and also attempted murder investigations. Many thanks." Citizens arrest in Linkside A Bibury Avenue, Linkside homeowner caught a suspect in his yard on Wednesday afternoon last week, shortly after at 14h00. The owner was at home at the time when he heard scuffling in his yard and went to find the reason for the noise. When he got outside, he saw an unknown man running in his back yard, carrying two bags. The owner knew that it was a burglar and immediately phoned ATLAS to send a Response Vehicle to his house and also contacted his neighbours to inform them of the incident. The Response Officers arrived and found that the man had broken into the neighbour's back room and had stolen two bags filled with alcohol and power tools. The thief thought he could flee the scene undetected by jumping over the walls, but was stopped in his tracks by the homeowner. The victim of the crime has opened a case with the police, who will investigate. Armed men in white Polo seen in Newton Park A security guard at a Willet Street, Newton Park business requested ATLAS and the police to be despatched when he noticed a suspicious white Polo stop at the premises at 20h16 on Wednesday last week. The guard was on patrol at the back of the premises when he saw the car stop outside the front of the building. Four occupants climbed out of the vehicle. The driver remained in the car and drove off after a while. The guard noticed that two of the men were armed with firearms and immediately called ATLAS and the police. On arrival, the security teams split up and thoroughly searched the area. They could not find any trace of the men and no entry was gained into the premises. The alert guard remembered the vehicle's registration number and the police confirmed that the number provided does not exist. ATLAS and the police patrolled the area for the remainder of the evening but did not spot the car. Afternoon house robbery in Newton Park ATLAS Armed Response Officers were despatched to a residence in Cecil Street, Newton Park after an armed robbery unfolded at 14h07 on Thursday afternoon. Two young suspects allegedly entered the property and went straight to the back yard. They were at the back for a long while and were later joined by a third robber. The three suspects came out of the yard and speedily made their getaway in the direction of Walmer. After the robbery had taken place, the victim called her neighbours and informed them of the incident. The neighbours immediately called ATLAS and the police for backup and to respond to the crime scene. The woman reported that three young intruders entered her house and proceeded to terrorise and assault her. They tried to tie her up before making off with her jewellery, cell phone and money. The victim and the eyewitnesses gave a description of the trio to ATLAS and the police dog unit, who together initiated a search party with the assistance of a police chopper. They combed the Walmer area and focused on Dodds Farm. The police apprehended two suspects but they did not fit the description. However the arrested suspects were found to be involved in a differed burglary that took place in the Linkside area the same day. Police are investigating a case of house robbery. Male flasher arrested in Glendinningvale A member of the public alerted ATLAS to a man who was flashing to the public in Conyngham Road, Glendinningvale just before 18h00 on Thursday evening last week. An ATLAS Response Officer found the foolish man on the corner of Kestell Street and Conyngham Road where he continued to streak. The Officer apprehended the man and the police took him away for questioning. Unlatched window gives criminals free access An unlatched window at a business in Lennox Street, Glendinningvale provided burglars with easy access to the property at around 23h35 on Thursday evening. ATLAS Armed Response Officers were despatched after alarm signals were received from the business. A few response vehicles arrived and surrounded the large building. The police dog unit was also called to the scene and together they combed the area searching for the suspects. After inspecting the property, they found that the suspects had already managed to escape with their loot. The criminals had popped open a window that was not latched properly and had gained access. They made off with a 42" plasma screen TV, an empty cash box and an LCD screen. They tried to take another TV, but struggled to dismount it from the wall. A case of burglary was opened and the police are investigating. Armed Robbery in Korsten A Highfield Road, Korsten business owner was robbed by two armed men at 20h28 on Friday evening. According to an eyewitness, the gunmen, driving a white Toyota Corolla, cruised around the vicinity of the business and eventually parked their car around the corner from the shop and got out. They forced open the security lock on the door, barged into the shop and proceeded to threaten the owner with their firearms. They went behind the counter and demanded the owner to hand over the money in the shop, R2500 airtime and his cell phone. After they gathered their loot, they hit the owner over the head, leaving him with a laceration above his ear. The partners in crime ran back to their car and fled. The owner pressed his panic button after the armed robbery, alerting ATLAS and the police. An ambulance arrived to treat the man's wounds and injuries. An eyewitness issued the police with the vehicle's registration number and the police fingerprint forensic team also arrived on the scene. A case of armed robbery was opened and the police are investigating. Homeowner sleeps while burglars ransack home On Sunday just before 03h30, a Woodhead Drive, Humewood resident summonsed ATLAS Armed Response to a burglary in their complex. It was found that the suspects had cut the fence at the back of the complex to gain access and then targeted a unit to break into. The suspects carefully removed a window in the TV room area to gain access, so as not to alert the sleeping. Unfortunately the unit was not protected by an alarm and the suspects had free reign inside until, it seems, they were disturbed and fled with the TV and other undisclosed items. It is not yet clear how the complex management were alerted of the break-in, but they pressed the remote panic button that is used by the receptionist at the premises to alert ATLAS. A case of housebreaking is being investigated. Security guard dies of smoke inhalation after making a fire in the guardhouse During the early hours of Sunday morning, a security guard died in his guardhouse at an Old Grahamstown Road, Deal Party business. The guard decided to make a fire in a bucket and brought the bucket into the guardhouse to keep him warm for the remainder of his shift. He closed the door and all the windows, allowing no ventilation. At 04h00 the patrolling guard had made his last entry into his report book and between then and 06h00 he succumbed to the fumes. At 06h00 another security guard came on duty and found his colleague passed out in the guardhouse. He pressed his panic button alerting ATLAS to be despatched to the emergency. An ambulance and the police were also sent to the scene. The Response Officers arrived within minutes and immediately tried to resuscitate the man but he had already died on the scene. Be Warned!! Computer/Laptop theft on the rise in the Metro Over the last few weeks the ATLAS Crime Newsletter has contained a few stories about computer/laptop theft, but this last week alone has seen 11 reported incidences where computers and/or laptops have been stolen. Even though computer theft has been a problem that has also affected industrialised countries around the world, it is now beginning to reach epidemic proportions in South Africa, with the majority of criminal syndicates linked to these crimes. The reason for this is that computers and laptops are easily accessible and easy to dispose of on the illegal market, especially across the borders in developing Third World countries. Laptops are small, valuable, can be removed quickly and can be easily hidden. Along with laptop and computer theft, comes the threat of violence, as seen in one incident this week where a woman was followed into her business and held at knifepoint until she handed over her laptop. So it is no longer only about taking precautions to safeguard your equipment, but also to protect human life. Unfortunately, businesses are seen as "soft targets" for these syndicates, as computers are replaced within days of the theft to ensure the ongoing operation of the business. The cost of a stolen laptop or computer is greater than the initial replacement cost; it is also the cost of peripherals such as modems and network cards, installed software, the cost of configuring and loading replacement software and the cost of lost time for the business/laptop owner while the computer is being replaced. An even greater cost is the potential exposure and liability that results from lost confidential corporate and client information. ATLAS supports the PE Radio Controlled Model Air Show The annual PE Radio Controlled Model Air Show is set to take place on Saturday 31 July and Sunday 01 August 2010 at the PERF club. This fun-filled family event will start at 09h00 each day. There will be an admission fee of R20.00 for adults and R10.00 for children or R50.00 per vehicle. Food and refreshments will be on sale, so bring along the whole family for a great day out. Neighbourhood Watch Contacts:
This is the list of incidents reported to Atlas Security over the past week. Bearing in mind that a portion of these incidents are not related to Atlas Security: TUESDAY 20 JULY 2010:
Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:58:06 +0000 Paranoiac Cat www.MyPE.co.za: For some time I suspected Kenneth of wrong doings ......... Now I believe my own life to be in danger. Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:58:06 +0000 2010 Host City Thanksgiving Celebration at Gelvandale Stadium www.MyPE.co.za: National gospel artist Patrick Duncan, Nelson Mandela Bay's Patrick Lindoor and several other local acts will take part in the 2010 Host City Thanksgiving Celebration at the Gelvandale Stadium on Sunday (1 August) from 13:00. Pastor Jerome Liberty and several other clergy will take part in the activity to give thanks for a 2010 FIFA World Cup that received an almost perfect score from FIFA. Details are as follows: Date: Sunday, 1 August Venue: Gelvandale Stadium, Liebenberg Road, Gelvandale Time: 13:00 Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Contacts. Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:58:06 +0000 Celeste Ntuli and Teargas Team Up www.MyPE.co.za: Port Elizabeth's Boardwalk Casino kicks off woman's month with a feast of comedic entertainment on Friday, 06 August. The DVD recording of one of South Africa's leading comedienne, Celeste Ntuli in "Seriously Celeste", a first one-woman stand-up comedy show nationwide. The only female comic star of the widely popular 99% Xhosa Comedy and 99% Zulu Comedy, Celeste was nationally voted top three on the previous run of the SABC 1's So You Think You're Funny talent scout competition. She is one of the busiest stand-up comediennes' in the country, and performs at major comedy festivals and clubs countrywide. Teargas hails from Gauteng, and is made up of three young, but extremely talented hip-hop artists. "Our name was inspired by the country's political past where police used teargas to disperse protesting crowds," says band member, Ntokozo "K.O" Mdluli. "We want to use music as a tool to disperse socio-economic ills such as crime, HIV/Aids and poverty." The band first released their debut album, K'shubile K'bovu in July 2006. It was hailed at the Metro FM Awards as the Best Album, Best Group, Best Hip Hop, and Best Song for "Chance". The band's third and latest album was released in September, 2009 and is titled "Dark or Blue". It is the first hip hop album to be nominated for the South African Music Awards (SAMA) Album of the Year. To cap the woman's month celebrations PE's top female Hip Hop DJ, Su-Li will be on the decks, with a rare appearance by another leading female poet and SABC 2's Lentswe Poetry Project Lelethu PoeticSoul Mahambehlala. Don't miss out on this comedy and hip hop explosion live at The Boardwalk Vodacom Amphitheatre on August 06, 2010. The show starts at 20h00 and tickets are available from Computicket and if still available at the door for R100. The show is presented by Wow Entertainment in partnership with Umhlobo Wenene FM, and is hosted by the Boardwalk Casino. Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:58:06 +0000 Move Over James Bond Here Come the Traditional Leaders www.MyPE.co.za: Yesterday, 29 July 2010, the Portfolio Committee on Local Government and Traditional Affairs overruled a decision by the ANC-led provincial executive to stop a payment of more than R880 000 to members of the House of Traditional Leaders. The committee was informed yesterday that a resolution was passed by the executive on 21 April 2010 that an ex-gratia payment totalling R881 440.63 would be made to members of the House of traditional Leaders whose term had expired but whom had been re-elected back to the House. This was done despite there being no such provision in the Public Service Bearers Act and the Commission of Public Office Bearers. This incident is not much different from the recent purchasing of luxury cars for the Traditional Leaders in the province by the same department. Ex gratia payments and smart cars have nothing to do with the government's mandate of service delivery. The money, which ranges in amount from between R15 000 to a whopping R148 000 for a total of 19 members was expected to be paid into their bank accounts today - Friday 30 July 2010. However, the committee instructed the Department of Local Government to stop the payment immediately. DA spokesperson on Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Veliswa Mvenya MPL said; ""This incident is again proof of the co-operation between the different parties within the Legislature to do ensure effective oversight to prevent the misappropriation of public funds." Editors Note: In a 'move' reminiscent of a James Bond movie the 6 May 2010 notification to the MEC of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, the Premier and all MEC's of the EX GRATIA PAYMENT FOR MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF TRADITIONAL LEADERS was marked as TOP SECRET. The document is signed by Dr S. Muthwa, the Director General and Cabinet Secretary and cc'ed to the Head of Department Local Government and Traditional Affairs, the Provincial Treasury, all other Heads of Department and the Chief State Law Adviser. Holy Cow, talk about an Open Secret, guys! Where you all so puffed up with your own invincibility and sense of grandeur that you actually thought that people would not read a document marked TOP SECRET? CLICK HERE to read the TOP SECRET document. Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:58:06 +0000 Geelhoutboom Bed and Breakfast www.MyPE.co.za: This is a PPSA (Personal Public Service Announcement): A close family member has an interest in the Geelhoutboom Bed and Breakfast. Despite the fact that the Longhair and I have never had the benefit of experiencing a bit of relaxation in Geelhoutboom I still feel that compulsion to get the message out for the Geelhoutboom Bed and Breakfast, hence my maudlin ramblings. MAYBE, I will be able to speak with authority about the welcome and accommodation at Geelhoutboom after next years Kirkwood Wildsfees? Situated in the town of Kirkwood, the Geelhoutboom B&B offers you an ideal getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. Located a mere 82 km from Port Elizabeth, it is easy for you to slip away to the beauty of the Sundays River Valley for a night or two. Spend your time leisurely in the comforts of the 3 star establishment or go site seeing in the surrounding nature and game reserves. The Addo Elephant Park which is a mere 40 minutes away offers you various options for game viewing. From guided game drives, to self-drive game viewing, to horse trails, to walking trails and even a 4x4 trail, there is bound to be an activity that you will enjoy. Explore the Citrus Route between Kirkwood, Addo and Sunlands. You can visit the Addo Croc & Lion Ranch, Lenmore Raptor and Reptile Center, The Daniell Cheetah Breeding Farm, Schotia Safaris and Shamwari Game Reserve amongst others. When you want to take a break, simply enjoy the beauty of the Sundays River Valley and the myriad of bird species found in the area, while enjoying the fine food at any one of the top class restaurants found in the area. Retire to your comfortable room in the evening for a good night's rest. In the morning, enjoy a scrumptious Full English breakfast served by our friendly staff, before heading on your way. The rooms are fully furnished with en-suites, air-conditioning, television and tea / coffee tray provided. For your safety, each room has a panic button and safe, while secure off-street parking is provided. Further information can be found here: Geelhoutboom Bed and Breakfast. Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:58:06 +0000 Newton Park Gran Attacked in her Home by School Children www.MyPE.co.za: From the ADT Security Crime Newsletter we have picked out a couple of interesting crime incidents: Two youths, wearing their school uniform attacked and severely beat an 85-year-old grandmother who had been in her back yard taking down the washing on day, July 26th. Police spokesman, Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg said the two youths had apparently come up behind Elizabeth Oelofse while she was removing the washing from the line, grabbed her and dragged her into the house, where one of the youths grabbed a knife. Janse van Rensburg said they then proceeded to beat Oelofse, who sustained multiple facial injuries including a broken nose, before binding her with towels and locking her in a cupboard. The youths then ransacked the house, taking jewellery and cash before fleeing. Janse van Rensburg said Oelofse was able to free herself around 20 minutes later, when she was convinced that her attackers had fled, and called her neighbours and the flying squad. She said a search was conducted of the area but no arrests had been made. Police are investigating a case of house robbery. Business owner pistol whipped in Bridgemead Four armed men forced their way into a shop in Bridgemead early on Thursday, July 5th. The men demanded that the owner hand over the money before one of the men hit the man over the head with his firearm, while the others grabbed R1 500 in cash as well as cigarettes and other items before fleeing. The man was treated on scene by Netcare paramedics and Kabega Park police have opened a case of armed robbery. Gang violence flares up in Gelvandale POLICE in Gelvandale are on high alert after a suspected gang-related shooting on Saturday, July 24th. Police spokesman Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg said three men were in a Martin Street home were confronted by two other men shortly before 11pm. "When one of the men opened the door he was confronted by two men, one of whom was armed," she said. Janse van Rensburg said a struggle ensued and the armed man opened fire, but the three men managed to escape. Five bullets struck a car parked in the driveway, but no one was injured in the shooting. She said police were investigating a case of attempted murder, but said police believed the incident was linked to opposition gangs operating in the area. Armed robbers flee with nothing but cellphone A quick thinking shop owner in Kwazakhele dissuaded a group of men from robbing his store on Friday, July 16th. The shop owner was approached by a group of men outside his shop and one of the men drew a firearm and demanded that he hand over his money to them. The shop owner told them he did not have any money in the shop as he had just returned from doing his banking, and handed his cellphone over to the men. The Kwazakhele police have opened a case of armed robbery and are investigating. Man arrested for stealing automotive parts in Markman Township A man who had stolen automotive poarts from a business premises in Markman Township was caught red handed and arrested during the evening of Friday, July 16th. The man broke through a perimeter wall and forced the lock of a storage container at the back of the premises. As he was leaving the premises however, he was spotted by a security guard and detained. He was then handed over to the Swartkops police station, who arrested him on charges of breaking and entering and theft. Man arrested for burglary of primary school in New Brighton A primary school in New Brighton was burgled during the early hours of Monday, July 26th. When armed response officers arrived at the premises they found that the burglar bars of one of the school's front windows had been kicked in and a light was on inside. On their arrival the light was switched off and the burglar tried to flee the scene. Police members from New Brighton, who had also heard the alarm and arrived at the scene apprehended the suspect and arrested him for breaking and entering. New Brighton pupil rushed to hospital A thirteen-year-old Grade four pupil who was struggling to breathe was rushed to Livingstone Hospital on Monday, July 19th. The school contacted ADT, who immediately dispatched Netcare to assist. The boy was treated and has recovered. Panic button frightens off criminals in Summerstrand The quick thinking of a couple living in Summerstrand led to a group of criminals fleeing empty handed on Monday, July 19th. The couple were at home at around 11.30am when they heard someone in the garage. When they went to look they found that the burglars had forced the garage door open and were busy removing the window putty of the garage window, in an attempt to gain access to the house. They immediately pressed their alarm panic button and the would-be criminals fled. Summerstrand hit by burglaries on Friday, July 16th An unknown number of burglars broke into a granny flat in Summerstrand during the afternoon of Friday, July 16th. The burglars opened a window on the side of the flat and kicked in the burglar bars to gain access. It was not clear whether anything had been stolen. Thieves also forced open a sliding door of another premises in Summerstrand ransacking the flat and targeting electronic equipment, including a digital camera, a flat screen tv, two laptops and a cellphone. In a separate incident, burglars had to flee empty handed after triggering the alarm of a third Summerstrand home. The curtains, cutlery and hi-fi they had hoped to steal were recovered at the back of the premises, where they had been abandoned. Three separate cases of burglary have been opened at Humewood police station. It is not clear whether the incidents are related. Burglars steal R160 from home in Summerstrand Burglars forced their way into a house in Summerstrand on Thursday, July 15th. They gained access by breaking the main bedroom window and stole R160 which had been left in the room before fleeing. Humewood police have opened a case of burglary. Armed robbery in Veeplaas Five armed men robbed a shop in Veeplaas on Sunday, July 18th. The men, one of whom was armed with a gun and another with a knife threatened the shop owner before taking R3 000 in cash and a Samsung cellphone before fleeing. No shots were fired and no-one was hurt or injured during the robbery. The police have opened a case of armed robbery. Contact ADT Security. Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:58:06 +0000 Is There a Sinister Reason for Holding Public Hearings 300 km's Away? www.MyPE.co.za: Tomorrow morning (30 July) at 9:00 am, I am attending the public hearing for the approval of a gambling licence in Parliament Street in Port Elizabeth. Although the venue and business in question is to be in Port Elizabeth, the Eastern Cape Gambling and Betting Board has seen it fit to have the public hearing in Beacon Bay, East London, more than 300km away. This makes one wonder whether the board is too lazy to do their jobs properly and hear the concerns of residents and stakeholder that will be affected, or whether there is another, more sinister reason as to why they are making it as difficult as possible for taxpayers to be heard? Councillor Jeremy Davis, the ward councillor that covers Central in PE, has brought this injustice to my attention. I have subsequently decided to represent the voices of the more than 57 objectors that have not been able to get time off work and make the more than 600km return trip, all at their own expense, to be able to stand up and say their piece. It is imperative that the various boards and departments participate with the community when making decisions as to where various licenses such as liquor and/or gambling licenses are to be granted, it is after all what taxpayers pay tax for. To make it as inaccessible as this screams of either incompetence or corruption. I will be asking a question in the Legislature for the MEC to explain the reasoning for not taking public hearings to the people concerned. John Cupido, MPL Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:58:06 +0000
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