Mpumalanga premier warns against interruption of government projects
The Mpumalanga premier, Mandla Ndlovu, has warned against the interruption of government projects at the Mthethomusha Nature Reserve near the Mpakeni Settlement.
This as the government is spending R4m on infrastructure upgrades and R10m on drilling and the installation of water ponds there.
The projects are under threat as the Ward 24 councillor, Mandla Siboza, and members of the local Traditional Council were intimidated by suspected syndicates, who demand a share in the projects.
Siboza was attacked at his home in Daantjie (Oggo Section) near the nature reserve on May 31 at around 02:00.
His house and vehicle were fired at with high-calibre firearms and he later told Lowvelder Express that he believed that the attack was a warning against his involvement in the projects at the nature reserve.
ALSO READ: Bail for seven in Lydenburg shoot-out case
Siboza's belief was echoed by the Office of the Premier when calling for the government projects to continue without interference.
'Any interruption of government projects will not be tolerated,' warned Ndlovu.
He said the project was designed to provide water to wild animals and to upgrade infrastructure, to prevent them from crossing into local villages and farms.
'The project is under threat as a local councillor and members of the Traditional Authority are intimidated to accede to the demands of people who want a share,' added Ndlovu.
He has so far met with the security cluster, led by the MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Jackie Macie, and the acting provincial police commissioner, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, in Mbombela on Tuesday, June 3.
The MEC for economic development and tourism, Makhosazana Masilela, and other senior government officials also attended the meeting.
'Perpetrators of these threats must be arrested to face the full might of the law. The victims must lay criminal charges for police investigation,' said Ndlovu.
He added that the Mthethomusha project would benefit communities living on the edges of the reserve, through job creation and contract opportunities.
'The project will provide water for elephants that break out of the nature reserve in search of the natural resources outside,' said Ndlovu.
The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) has confirmed that the projects at Mthethomusha were ongoing.
'R4m is being spent on infrastructure that includes the building's renovation and entrance gate, while R10m is for the bulk water and resuscitation of water ponds for the animals,' said the MTPA's spokesperson, Simphiwe Shungube.
Police investigators have so far met with Siboza on several occasions in order to connect the dots after this publication had reported about his belief that his attack was related to the projects at the nature reserve.
No arrest has been made in connection with the shooting at Siboza's home thus far.
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
TimesLIVE
2 days ago
- TimesLIVE
Congolese man in court regarding R10m drugs bust
A Congolese man charged with possession of more than R10m worth of drugs appeared in the Durban magistrate's court on Friday. Ombeni Mulumesde, 37, is charged with possession of 10kg of cocaine worth more than R4m, heroin to the value of R6.6m and morphine and pethidine. He is also charged with possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition. National Prosecuting Authority senior prosecutor Gayle Greyling opposed bail. 'There are other issues which need to be verified before we can proceed with bail. Other charges are likely to be added,' said Greyling. Though the defence maintains Mulumesde is in South Africa legally with papers dating back to 2023, the state intends to investigate his immigration status. Defence lawyer Sizwe Cele told the court his client alleged he was assaulted while in police custody and he wanted a doctor's report. He also wanted a Swahili interpreter for the next hearing. KwaZulu-Natal SAPS drugs and firearms unit members acted on information about a man who was allegedly selling drugs and found the stash of drugs. Several sources close to the investigation told TimesLIVE the suspect was allegedly distributing large quantities of drugs and using a residential storage facility to conceal them. The suspect has two addresses linked to him. Magistrate Quim De Freitas ordered that Mulumesde be detained at the Durban central police cells. The matter was adjourned to July 4.
TimesLIVE
2 days ago
- TimesLIVE
More than R5m in taxpayers' money spent to fund suspended police salaries — Mchunu
SAPS has spent more than R5m to fund the salaries of 11 suspended police officers over the past three years. This was revealed by police minister Senzo Mchunu in a written reply to a recent parliamentary question by Build One SA (Bosa). By May 16, two lieutenant-generals suspended since 2022 have been paid more than R4m without working. Other officers suspended with full pay include sergeants and constables, with their payments ranging from R35,000 to R56,000 each. Bosa spokesperson Roger Solomons criticised the payments, citing a shortage of police resources to respond to crime. 'This is an affront to every South African living in fear, waiting hours for the police to respond, only to be told there are no vehicles, no officers and no capacity. Meanwhile, senior officers who should be leading the fight against crime are being paid millions to sit at home. 'While communities are under siege, SAPS continues to waste resources on suspended officials instead of bolstering front-line policing.' Mchunu previously said the country has a shortage of detectives, with 2,344 vacant posts. Solomons said this shows SAPS's failure in leadership and accountability. 'A culture that tolerates delayed disciplinary processes, shields incompetence and rewards misconduct cannot deliver safety to the people of South Africa. 'Bosa calls for urgent disciplinary case finalisation for suspended officers and transparency reports every quarter on SAPS suspensions and costs.'
The Citizen
5 days ago
- The Citizen
Taxi association slams police after passengers shot in KZN
Two taxi passengers were shot in Umhlali, KZN, last night after police allegedly mistook their vehicle for one involved in a hijacking. The North Coast Courier reports that, according to initial accounts, members of the Police Emergency Services task team identified a taxi matching the description of a hijacked vehicle and attempted to intercept it. Police spokesperson Captain Ntathu Ndlovu confirmed that Umhlali police are investigating two counts of attempted murder. 'Police received information that a stolen vehicle was spotted on the N2, resulting in a high-speed chase. After various unsuccessful attempts to stop the vehicle and observing its blatant disregard for road safety, officers opened fire to bring it to a halt,' said Ndlovu. No arrests have been made, and no fatalities were reported. Among the injured were a 39-year-old man, critically wounded after being shot in the chest, and a 26-year-old woman who was shot in the leg. The owner of the taxi, who asked to be identified only as Mr Ndlovu, said the driver noticed a vehicle following him after dropping off a passenger in Shaka's Head. As he approached the Umhlali traffic lights, shots were fired. 'That's when he stopped. But I'm told the police continued firing even after the taxi had halted. The vehicle had number plates, passengers and association stickers. They could have just pulled it over,' said Mr Ndlovu. Richard David, the spokesperson for the Dolphin Coast Taxi Association, condemned the shooting. 'There was no need to open fire. Taxi drivers are stopped regularly. This was reckless and now innocent people are injured. It could have been avoided,' he said. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
