Latest news with #Mulaudzi
The Citizen
3 hours ago
- The Citizen
Man's sister laughs to the bank after suing police minister
The Minister of police sued after a man died before seeing Justice for nearly six months imprisonment on false charges. The Gauteng High Court recently awarded R800,000 in damages to the family of Thomas Mashudu Mulaudzi, who died in 2021 before seeing justice for his unlawful arrest and detention that lasted nearly six months in 2015-2016. Judge Seena Yacoob delivered the judgment on 16 July 2025, ordering the Minister of Police to pay damages with interest dating back to 2016, plus legal costs. The case was brought by Mulaudzi's sister, Patience Lutendo Mulaudzi, who serves as executrix of his deceased estate. Mulaudzi, 44, 'died in 2021, apparently from complications arising from the Covid-19 virus,' according to the judgment. He passed away five years after being found not guilty and discharged from charges related to a truck hijacking he had no involvement in. Background of the case The ordeal began on 21 December 2015 when Mulaudzi was working as a dispatch clerk at Diplomat Warehouse. He was called to his superior's office and arrested without being told what charges he faced. Police handcuffed him and took him to where his employer's hijacked truck was parked. Despite having no connection to the hijacking, Mulaudzi was denied bail because police provided the magistrate with incorrect address information. The judgment revealed that 'bail was denied because the police told the magistrate that Mr Mulaudzi had provided an incorrect address. However, he had not; the police had mixed up his address with that of the driver of the hijacked truck.' This error resulted in his detention at Modderbee Prison for nearly six months. Yacoob noted that 'the conditions in the prison were deplorable' and this was 'common cause' between both parties, supported by reports from the Judicial Inspectorate on Correctional Services. ALSO READ: Germiston woman granted bail after teen's death in hit-and-run Impact on family and life The unlawful detention had devastating consequences for Mulaudzi's family life. As a widower, he was solely responsible for three minor children. The court found that the children 'were left home alone when he was arrested' and 'he was only able to arrange for their care the following day.' The psychological impact was severe. Yacoob recorded that Mulaudzi 'testified that he would have liked to have died in prison because he was being accused of something he did not do.' The judge described how 'the effects of the arrest and detention on Mr Mulaudzi were clearly extremely traumatic and catastrophic.' The arrest damaged Mulaudzi's reputation and dignity, particularly as it occurred at his workplace. When he was eventually released, the judgment noted that 'he did not get his job back because it had already been filled.' At a subsequent CCMA hearing, his employer claimed he was involved in a hijacking. However, there was no evidence of his involvement in the hijacking. ALSO READ: NPA secures preservation order in unlawful blue lights case Previous legal findings In 2018, Judge Twala had already determined that Mulaudzi's arrest and detention were unlawful. Yacoob explained that 'my brother Twala J determined in 2018 that the arrest and detention of Mr Mulaudzi was unlawful, and that the first defendant, the Minister of Police, is 100% liable for Mr Mulaudzi's damages arising therefrom.' However, Twala dismissed claims of malicious prosecution and assault but upheld the unlawfulness of the detention. The recent judgment focused solely on determining the quantum of damages, as liability had already been established. Yacoob noted that 'the matter is now before me to determine the quantum of damages for which the minister is liable' and that ultimately 'Mulaudzi was discharged because there was no evidence against him.' Expert medical evidence Mental health experts retained by both parties agreed that Mulaudzi suffered from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) as a direct result of his arrest and detention. Yacoob described the effects as 'clearly extremely traumatic and catastrophic'. The judge described how Mulaudzi was transformed from being 'a gainfully employed, respectable member of his community and a caring father' into someone denied basic respect and proper legal procedures. The court emphasised the broader trauma of incarceration, noting 'the 'ordinary' consequences of being incarcerated in one of South Africa's overcrowded and under-resourced prisons, with all autonomy removed.' ALSO READ: 'David vs Goliath': Meta agrees to hand over child porn channel creator information Criticism of state conduct The judge strongly criticised the manner in which state officials handled the case, both during the original proceedings and the current damages assessment. 'They were unprepared, produced evidence erratically and called irrelevant witnesses,' the judge wrote, emphasising that this criticism applied more to the minister's officials than to legal counsel. The judge noted that 'unfortunately, the same is still applicable nearly seven years later.' Despite common cause evidence and similar submissions from both sides regarding appropriate damages, settlement proved impossible. The court found that 'the matter could not be settled simply because the Minister (or the Minister's authorised representative) declined to give the appropriate instruction.' This resulted in unnecessary legal costs and the consumption of scarce judicial resources. Yacoob observed that 'court resources, which are notoriously insufficient,' were applied to 'determine a matter that could easily have been settled.' ALSO READ: Gauteng High Court rules National Dialogue should continue Damages assessment Legal representatives for Mulaudzi's family argued for damages between R700,000 and R1 million, while the state submitted that R500,000 to R700,000 would be appropriate. The judge emphasised that quantum determination 'is not a mathematical exercise, and that it is not a simple calculation of a daily, weekly or monthly rate.' She said the assessment must consider the arrest circumstances, detention conditions, duration, and the violation of basic human rights, while balancing this against the fact that damages come from public funds. After considering all factors, Yacoob determined that 'the appropriate amount to be R800 000.' I am satisfied that a slightly higher award is justified,' Yacoob stated. Punitive costs order Beyond the damages award, Judge Yacoob imposed a punitive costs order against the state, requiring payment of the plaintiff's legal costs on an attorney and client scale. The judge acknowledged that he 'would ordinarily be wary of granting a punitive costs order against the State, as it is public funds at issue and the state has many responsibilities.' However, he justified the order by finding that the way the minister's officials behaved was deserving of a punitive costs order. The court ordered the minister of police to pay R800,000 plus interest of 10.5% from 30 August 2016, to be paid within 20 days of service. Additionally, the judge ruled that the state cover all plaintiff's legal costs, including expert witness fees and interpreter fees, with interest from the tax date to the payment date. READ NEXT: George building collapse 'was entirely preventable' – report
TimesLIVE
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
Joburg motorists brace for tougher month as fuel prices rise
Motorists across Johannesburg woke up to steeper fuel prices on Wednesday, with the department of mineral and petroleum resources confirming a sharp increase in petrol and diesel costs driven by international oil prices and tensions in the Middle East. Many petrol stations were quieter than usual on Wednesday morning, with most motorists coming in having no idea of the petrol price hike. Some drivers who had heard about the increase on Tuesday had filled up before the increase, while others were caught off guard, with many expressing frustration and concern about how the price rise will affect their already tight monthly budgets. Phumzile Chambers, one of the motorists caught off guard, did not know about the price hike until Wednesday morning, though she said you 'should expect anything in South Africa'. 'I was supposed to put in a full tank, now I'm only putting R700. That's already R100 more than last month. But I refuse to leave my car at home. I'll put R200 a day if I have to, but tell [President Cyril] Ramaphosa we are striking,' Chambers told TimesLIVE. Enos Maake, filling up his car at an Astron Energy garage in Johannesburg, said the fuel hike reflects bigger issues with government. Maake said things will only worsen as the petrol hike filters into food costs. 'We were told GNU would make things better, but it's the same story. The poor are going to feel it the most,' Maake said. People might have to ditch their cars and take taxis as fuel prices are high, he added. 'I spend a lot on petrol because I drive a lot, so this month will be worse, that's why I might get a bicycle [or motorbike]. I'll be tired when I get home, less traffic anyway.' Inside a taxi, Xoliswa Mabala said she has parked her car at home to save costs. Mabala said the petrol hike will crush South Africans. 'We will have to park our cars and use taxis now. But then taxi prices will also go up. People relying on R350 grants won't cope,' she said. Taxi drivers in Johannesburg, who fill up their tanks daily, have also balked at the hike. 'It will be as if we are working for nothing,' taxi driver Sibonise Sithole said. Sithole also did not know about the hike, adding he puts in R500 worth of fuel every day and usually keeps his tank full. Uber driver Ndivhuwo Mulaudzi has the same concern as minibus taxi drivers and other motorists. Mulaudzi told TimesLIVE that the price increase will make his life even harder as he is not making a profit as it is. 'Petrol is up and Uber prices are down. There's no profit. We can't sit at home doing nothing, so we just keep working,' said Mulaudzi. Taheera Hamit luckily filled up her car earlier this week. 'There is nothing you can do to prepare. One day it's R22, the next it's R23. This will affect my budget massively as a car owner. You just have to squeeze it in. No more nice things, no more chocolates, the luxuries are gone,' Hamit told TimesLIVE during her lunch break. The DMRE announced this week that the fuel price hike was based on global and local market conditions, particularly rising Brent Crude oil prices, which jumped from $63.95 to $69.36 a barrel during the review period. Tensions in the Middle East, especially between Iran and Israel, have increased fears of supply disruptions. The international price of petroleum products followed the same upward trend, pushing the basic price of petrol up by as much as 52c per litre. Though the rand appreciated slightly against the US dollar during the period, this wasn't enough to offset the rise. From Wednesday, the fuel price adjustments are: Petrol 93: up by 55c/ l Petrol 95: up by 52c/ l Diesel 0.05%: up by 82c/ l Diesel 0.005%: up by 84c/ l Illuminating paraffin: up by 67c/ l The maximum retail price of liquefied petroleum gas is down by 57c per kg countrywide, except in the Western Cape, where it increased by R1.90/kg due to import costs through Saldanha Bay. With the cost of living already on the rise, many Joburg residents said they will be forced to make tough decisions this month, whether that means cutting luxuries, changing transport methods, or simply walking to work.
The Citizen
09-06-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Hot tips: How to keep warm safely and avoid fires this winter
Mulaudzi encouraged residents to visit EMS Be Safe Centres for free fire safety training. As temperatures drop this week, emergency medical services (EMS) warns the public to ensure that all heating devices are properly maintained to prevent fire incidents at home. Speaking to The Citizen, EMS spokesperson, Robert Mulaudzi, said they see an increase in fire incidents throughout winter. ' Most of those fire incidents are caused by heating devices, things like brazier or mbaola, heaters, paraffin stove, candles. Most of these heating devices are left unattended while in use, in the process causing devastating fire incidents,' Mulaudzi said. Tips to avoid fires If using a brazier or mbaola, always operate it in a well-ventilated area. Remove the brazier or mbaola from the house before going to bed. When using heaters, ensure they are always monitored while in use. Do not leave heaters unattended around young kids. Use candles in proper safety jars instead of cold drink or beer bottles, as bottles can overheat, tip over, and cause serious fires. ALSO READ: Tips on how to protect your property from burning this winter Safety first when staying warm Furthermore, the City of Tshwane gave the following winter safety guidelines: Keep at least one metre of clear space in front of heaters, and never use them to dry clothes. Never discard lit cigarettes, especially in places that could easily be set alight. Never start a fire or use a heater while under the influence of alcohol, and avoid falling asleep with a lit cigarette in your hand. The city then stated that accidental fires are more common among those who live in informal settlements. ' We are appealing to people to remember to put safety first when trying to stay warm during the winter months.' Mulaudzi urged residents to visit the EMS Be Safe centres across the seven regions in Johannesburg. 'The residents can visit these centres where they will be trained for free on life and fire safety educational programmes so that they will be able to deal with emergencies in their respective communities,' he concluded. NOW READ: Man dies after fire guts shack in Palm Ridge in Ekurhuleni
The Citizen
05-06-2025
- Climate
- The Citizen
Come rain or snow, Joburg Emergency Service on high alert
Gauteng residents have been warned to brace for severe weather With a forecast for snow and a cold front looming, Johannesburg Emergency Services (EMS) said they are prepared for any eventuality that may occur. According to Vox Weather, the mercury is expected to drop below 20°C on Monday, 9 June,` as residents scurry to get their blankets out and keep warm. The first of the winter cold fronts moving over parts of the country is a preview of the rest of the season. Gauteng snow? Regional forecaster Gauteng Weather has also warned residents to brace for freezing weather. 'Early forecast suggests powerful cold snap in Gauteng beginning Monday!!!' it said on X. While Gauteng residents were hoping for a surprise snowfall, Vox Weather said the European model (ECMWF) is no longer showing snow for Gauteng. 'We're not ruling out ice rain or the chance of a few light flurries,' it said. ALSO READ: Winter wonderland: Snow expected in Gauteng next week High alert Johannesburg Emergency Services spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said they are on high alert. 'It's extremely cold in most parts of the city of Johannesburg. Residents are urged to continue to exercise caution when using heating devices —things like heaters, paraffin stoves, braziers or Imbaula.' He said residents should not leave these heating devices unattended while in use to prevent fire incidents. 'From our side as a City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services, we remain on alert monitoring all seven regions of the city, especially our vulnerable communities, our informal settlements throughout the city, to ensure that we can be able to respond to any emergencies which might occur during this extremely cold temperatures,' Mulaudzi said. 'Life-threatening snow' Meanwhile, Vox Weather has warned of 'life-threatening snow possible for parts of the Eastern Cape and Lesotho. The ECMWF model is indicating that heavy snowfall of more than 40cm could accumulate over two days in the Nuweveld Mountains, north of Beaufort West, and near Nieu-Bethesda. 'Both ECMWF and Global Forecasting System (GFS) now suggest life-threatening snowfall over 50cm (half a metre) possible in the Southern Drakensberg near towns like Barkly East, Lady Grey and Khowa. Up to 70cm expected on nearby mountain passes!' 'Less snow is now expected over the Western Cape mountains than previously forecast. Keep in mind, as we've seen many times before, cut-off lows are highly unpredictable, and forecasts can change quickly from day to day,' Vox Weather said. Warning: Do not attempt a snow chase Vox said snow remains possible over the southern Free State, with a light dusting even as far north as Schweizer-Reneke in the North West. Disruptive snowfall likely in Lesotho, Eastern Cape (including the Southern Drakensberg, Barkly East, and surrounding areas) 'This is a very dangerous snow event. Please do not attempt a snow chase in the Eastern Cape. Mountain passes could close, roads may become impassable, and vehicles could easily get stranded in severe conditions,' Vox Weather warned. NOW READ: Eskom winter outlook: Here's how many days of load shedding to expect in SA
eNCA
20-05-2025
- Climate
- eNCA
Beware of shack fires ahead of this cold front and winter
JOHANNESBURG -As South Africans brace themselves for another cold winter, residents will be pulling out their coats, scarves, and heaters. While this may mean cosy nights and warm drinks, the season also brings with it a deadly threat - a rise in shack fires in informal settlements. In April Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane revealed that between September 2024 and February 2025, more than 2,000 informal structures across South Africa burned down. January 2025 saw the highest monthly total with 973 structures destroyed nationwide. She was giving a parliamentary report in response to DA MP Conrad James Poole's question about fire incidents during the festive season. Johannesburg Emergency Medical Services (EMS) spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi says shack fires on the Highveld mostly occur in winter "Due to extremely cold temperatures residents are tempted to dry and warm themselves in the process making themselves vulnerable to fire incidents." To tackle the issue, Mulaudzi said EMS has launched an education unit called PEIR, aimed at raising awareness in communities through fire safety programmes. But he stressed that residents also have a role to play, particularly with the South African Weather Service issuing warnings about severe cold fronts sweeping across the country this week. Two cold fronts are expected to bring extreme weather conditions, including sub-zero temperatures. The weather systems will first hit Gauteng on Wednesday with snowfall expected in some parts of the country. Mulaudzi has given residents guidelines to stay safe:
