Senzo Meyiwa murder accused "Mbatha" identified in ID parade: cops said

Mbatha identified in ID parade: cops

A man who appeared in court on Friday in connection with Senzo Meyiwa's murder has been positively identified in an identity parade, Gauteng police said.

"Since the beginning of the week, we have questioned a number of people in connection with the killing of Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates keeper, Senzo Meyiwa," Brigadier Neville Malila said.

"Yesterday, after receiving very positive information about a number of suspects, we conducted an identity parade during which some of the witnesses positively identified one person."

The 25-year-old Vosloorus resident, Zenokuhle Mbatha, was arrested and charged on the basis of the positive identification, he said.

Mbatha appeared in the Boksburg Magistrate's Court on Friday in connection with Meyiwa's murder.The National Prosecuting Authority said Mbatha would appear in court again on November 11when he was expected to apply for legal aid.

Meyiwa was killed when two attackers entered his girlfriend Kelly Khumalo's house around 8pm last Sunday.They apparently demanded cellphones and money. One cellphone was stolen. The men then fled the scene on foot.

Malila said police were continuing their investigation."Given the fact that our investigations are at a very sensitive stage, we will be in a position to update the nation during a media briefing next week," he said.

Earlier on Friday, there were reports that two people believed to be linked to Meyiwa's killing were arrested at Beit Bridge on the border with Zimbabwe.

While media speculation was focused on the arrest at Beit Bridge, which was denied by both national and provincial police, not a word was said about Mbatha's arrest.

"I still maintain that no arrests have been made. We don't have [anybody]," Malila said at the time.   

BREAKING NEWS: Man appeared in court for Meyiwa murder

Man in court for Meyiwa murder

The NPA has confirmed that a man appeared in the Boksburg Magistrate's Court on Friday in connection with the murder of Bafana Bafana captain Senzo Meyiwa.

"The man, Zanokuhle Mbatha... is facing a charge of murder and robbery of Mr Senzo Meyiwa," National Prosecuting Authority spokesman Nathi Mncube said.

"He will appear in court again on November 11 for a formal application for legal aid."

Mncube said he did not know when the man was arrested.

Meyiwa, who was also the Orlando Pirates captain, was killed when two attackers entered his girlfriend Kelly Khumalo's house around 8pm on Sunday.

They apparently demanded cellphones and money. One cellphone was stolen. The men then fled the scene on foot.

------------------------

According to Sapa senior prosecutor Henk Strydom confirmed the arrest and court appearance to TimesLive.com, while eNCA identified him as Zanokuhle Mbatha.

"I can confirm that a suspect has appeared this afternoon [at the Boksburg Magistrate's Court]," Strydom was quoted as saying.

"That's all I can say at the moment, other than to add that the suspect in question has applied for legal assistance and the matter has been postponed to 11 November."

Earlier police denied reports that a man was arrested at Beit Bridge on the border with Zimbabwe.

At the time police spokesperson Neville Malila said:"I still maintain that no arrests have been made. We don't have [anybody]."

He said investigations were continuing.

The Star reported that police had arrested two suspects believed to be linked to Meyiwa's killing around 06:00 at the border as they were trying to skip the country into Zimbabwe.

According to a local South African Revenue Service (Sars) official, the pair had passed the main gate and the Sars office and were at the last gate before Zimbabwe when they were arrested.

The men reportedly resembled the two men in the identikits released by the police earlier this week, The Star reported.

A second source reportedly told the newspaper that the two would be transferred to Johannesburg.

 

Itu: I would've given armband to Senzo - Itumeleng Khune says he would have given the Bafana Bafana armband to Senzo Meyiwa if he were still alive to receive it.

"I've thought about my return to Bafana. I was preparing to tell coach Shakes Mashaba to keep Senzo as captain and number one."

Khune was speaking at the fallen goalkeeper's memorial service in Johannesburg today and shared the story of his rivalry with Meyiwa throughout the development ranks.

"Senzo and I share the same story of fighting for the number one jersey, coming from rural areas as young boys to being where we are today because we dreamt of taking over from the great legends such as Brian Baloyi and Williams Okpara back in the days – they used to make the Derby something all South Africans should be proud of," Khune said. 

"The first time I met Senzo was in 2002 when we were both selected to the Gauteng team for an inter-provincial tournament. That's when our battle for number one started. At the age of 15 me and Senzo were already competing for the number one jersey.

"The coaches didn't know who to play first and who to bench and that battle went all the way through to Bafana Bafana. We gave all the coaches a headache.

"I remember the technical team needing to pick a keeper at Under-23 and they suggested cutting us in half so we both could play.

"But Senzo didn't give up even when I was number one for Bafana, he kept fighting, and it was his hard work that earned him that jersey when I got injured...

"As youngsters we both dreamt of being number one for the country. It is sad to see Senzo taken too soon..."

“Nothing’s wrong, I’m fine” - The One "Lie" Women Must Stop Telling

One of the major issues couples typically complain about is communication. Everyone knows men and women have very different communication styles. It’s still obvious that women are from Venus and men are from Mars and that we all speak different love languages. Quite naturally this causes confusion.

While women are sometimes the initiators and are naturally more prone to communicate with their partner, there still appears to be a disconnect in what we sometimes communicate about. Men, although they may be open to listening, aren’t usually eager to ask more clarifying questions to ensure they have the best understanding or interpretation of our words.

Some women are quick to share the wordy details of the workday and what the bestie did to hurt their feelings. However, some occasionally seem to still struggle in this one area. The one area, that one lie some women are still telling is…

“Nothing’s wrong, I’m fine”

When clearly, the majority of times we are asked what’s wrong, we are either frustrated, offended or disappointed by something our spouse said, did or didn’t do.

Our mouth is telling one story, while our silence, eye rolling, folded arms and pursed lips are telling a completely different one. Believe it or not, the men in our lives know better. They know us and can easily tell when a mood has changed. We strip them of their protective, problem-solving powers when we keep our true concerns hidden. It also makes it very difficult to have an honest conversation and obtain the results we’re seeking.

Most women tell this particular lie because we feel as though our partner should automatically know what’s bothering us. Some of us think the connection should be that strong, that without us ever saying a word, our mate should not only know the issue, but promptly apologize for it too.

The truth is, men need clarity. As obvious as it may seem, they need to hear the specifics of what’s really upsetting us. They also need to understand why, whatever it was, bothered us the way it did. The last piece is critical, as it may not seem like a big deal to them. If it is to you, you must share. People, in general, can receive information easier when the “why” is explained thoroughly.

Ladies, we have to be willing to discuss our needs and not leave our partner guessing. Effective communication means just that, it’s effective. It generates positive results and allows both partners the opportunity to be on the same page.

With all of that being said, I do, however, recommend that you pick your battles selectively. It’s important to perform self-assessments to determine whether what’s bothering us at the moment, is actually that big of a deal. If it is and we need a release,  then it has to be discussed, for the overall health of the relationship.

Whether our partners have a clear understanding of what’s bothering us or not, what is so wrong with actually expressing it? It will immediately clear up any confusion or doubt and get us a lot closer to resolving the situation. In the end, isn’t that what we really want anyway?

Is this a lie you’ve been telling? If so, what have been your results?

Tiya Cunningham-Sumter 

Police arrest Meyiwa another two suspects - report

Police have arrested two people in connection with the murder of Bafana Bafana captain Senzo Meyiwa at his pop-star girlfriend's home, the SABC reported on Wednesday.

The 27-year-old goalkeeper was shot dead late on Sunday at Kelly Khumalo's house in Vosloorus. 

The SABC said the two men were being held for questioning after they were arrested in Nongoma, in KwaZulu-Natal. 

Police in Johannesburg could not immediately confirm the arrest.

The SABC said the suspects were nabbed following a tip-off by members of the public.

Police have offered a reward of R250 000 for any information leading to the killer's arrest.

Meyiwa will be buried in Umlazi, his home town, on Saturday.

Senzo Meyiwa’s father Samuel is in Joburg to claim his son’s belongings – but Kelly Khumalo is nowhere to be found, City Press reports.

According to police sources, the Johannesburg Metro Police and members of the task team investigating Meyiwa’s murder on Sunday night have been looking for her, too.
Khumalo was last heard from earlier today when she released a short statement sending her condolences to the Meyiwa family. City Press understands that the family is locked in a meeting discussing how to retrieve Meyiwa’s BMW X6 and identity document.
Meyiwa Snr has already arrived in Joburg from Umlazi, Durban.

According to Drum Magazine Meyiwa Snr is fuming because Khumalo refuses to hand over the belongings. Drum reported that Meyiwa told them he and other relatives are in Joburg “to try and reclaim all Senzo’s assets including his two cars”. Meyiwa Snr told Drum they will be joining Senzo’s younger brother, Sifiso and Senzo’s wife, Mandisa Mkhize, when collecting his son’s assets at Khumalo’s house in Spruitview, Ekurhuleni where the Bafana Bafana captain was killed.

Some of Khumalo’s friends, who didn’t want to be named, told City Press that they could not reach her. “We want to go and give her support as friends but she’s not picking up our calls. So we’ll leave her for now to give her space,” said a close friend.

PSL fixture decision upsets former teammates of Senzo - why didn't they postpone all games? Saddened Cheese Boy and Mhlongo

Senzo Meyiwa (Supplied)

Former Orlando Pirates duo Benson Mhlongo and Lebohang Mokoena have expressed their disappointment that they will miss Senzo Meyiwa's funeral this weekend.

Mhlongo, who is currently on the books of Polokwane City, was Meyiwa's captain during his time with the Buccaneers before joining Platinum Stars.

The 13-year veteran midfielder was not satisfied that the PSL only called off this weekend's Soweto derby as he too wanted to attend the ex-Bafana Bafana captain's funeral, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday.

"They (PSL) have the power to make the right decisions," Mhlongo is quoted as saying on SowetanLive's website.

"I really thought that they would postpone the games to allow us time to mourn and give those who want to go to the funeral a chance to pay their respects.

"Some of us are far and you need a day or two to get to Durban.

"How do we teach each other to be united?

"It's about mindset. If we lose someone, we should support each other in football.

"This is our leader we are talking about. He was the Bafana captain. This is very sad."

Mokoena, who is now at Mamelodi Sundowns, was equally disappointed that he would miss the funeral of the player he came through the Pirates youth ranks with.

"He was more than a team-mate to me. He was my friend," Mokoena said.

"We were very close and we stayed together in Mayfair years ago.

"They (PSL) are not even giving us a chance to mourn. 

It does not make sense because I feel the games should be stopped.

The whole PSL is affected by this because he was loved by everybody."

Mhlongo will be in action at the Peter Mokaba Stadium against Chippa United on the day of the funeral, while Mokoena will be playing against Free State Stars at Lucas Moripe Stadium.

Criminals cash in on Senzo’s death

While Senzo Meyiwa’s friends and family are still trying to come to terms with his untimely death, criminals have found a way to cash in on the tragedy.

DRUM has learnt that few of Kelly Khumalo’s friends have received “strange” messages allegedly from the singer, requesting R3100 bribe money to pay the police.

The hoax messages were sent from Kelly’s phone, which was apparently confiscated by the police along with others who were present at the crime scene.

Her close friends, Melinda Ferguson, Arthur Mafokate and singer Wanda Baloyi were among those targeted.

“Pay Police plz,” read the message. “Plz call Detective Sello on 076 494 3030 bribe him please.”

Kelly’s close friend, Thami Kotlolo says he also received inquiries from concerned friends who received the hoax messages.

“I was with her earlier, so I knew for a fact she didn’t have a phone – it couldn’t have been her.”

Unfortunately Wanda Baloyi found out about the scam too late. “I kept getting messages asking that I help,” says Wanda who eventually depositing the money. “She is already going through a lot, I was only trying to help a friend,” says the singer.

 

DRUM phoned this Detective Sello Mahlangu, who stated that Kelly was arrested for reckless driving. “She was arrested around 15:30 for speeding and jumping a traffic light near the airport in her silver Hummer. She was brought to the Kempton Park Police Station by the JMPD,” said the conman.

However, when DRUM phoned the Kempton Park police station, no one knew of a Detective Sello Mahlangu.

“We do not have a Detective Mahlangu or a docket with his name or Kelly’s,” said an officer who didn’t want to be named.

Kelly’s boyfriend, Senzo Meyiwa was shot at her mother’s house in Vosloorus on Sunday. He will be laid to rest on Saturday, 1 November 2014 at his hometown in Mlazi.

SizweNtsalubaGobodo founder leaves

Nonkululeko Gobodo. Picture: FINANCIAL MAIL 

SA’s largest black-owned accounting firm will keep its name and continue to be led by CEO Victor Sekese

NONKULULEKO Gobodo, the last founding member of SA’s largest black-owned accounting firm, has stepped down to pursue other business interests.

This marks the end of an era at SizweNtsalubaGobodo (SNG) as Ms Gobodo’s tenure as executive chairwoman ended earlier this month. She is selling her stake in the business.

The firm will keep its name and will continue to be led by CEO Victor Sekese.

"Nonku volunteered to relinquish the chairmanship, allowing a new nonexecutive chair to proceed. She is happy with what she has achieved. She is still available to assist us," Mr Sekese said.

Ms Gobodo said she would be replaced by an independent nonexecutive chairman and that her departure was part of a transition from the merger.

In 2011 SizweNtsaluba VSP, founded by FirstRand CEO Sizwe Nxasana and entrepreneur and Amabubesi director Sango Ntsaluba, merged with Gobodo Incorporated. Ms Gobodo, SA’s first black female chartered accountant, was the last co-founder to remain in the business after Mr Nxasana and Mr Ntsaluba sold out.

"We have reached that stage where we have to have one leader. In our governance structures we said we wanted a nonexecutive chair," she said. She will stay on for the next 12 months to ensure a smooth transition.

During her tenure SNG was awarded a five-year multimillion-rand audit contract by Transnet and announced plans to expand into the rest of the continent.

Although SNG recruited top talent, it came under fire for employing then firing former national director of public prosecutions Vusi Pikoli. Ms Gobodo has denied bowing to pressure from the government and has said SNG took a business decision as Mr Pikoli’s battles were not those of the firm. He had been removed from office by former president Thabo Mbeki.

Asked what she would do with her shareholding at SNG, Ms Gobodo said: "In terms of our structure you are a shareholder and a director. When you leave the firm you sell your shares. It’s a professional requirement."

She said she was happy with the legacy she was leaving. "For me it’s a sense of fulfilment in achieving my dream of a big black accounting firm. It represents authentic black success. I’m leaving this merger a success."

Senzo Meyiwa case - first suspect (Photo B) detained and questioned - interrogation continues

FIRST SUSPECT DETAINED (Photo B) 

Good news is that community identified one suspect (suspect B) , he'll be detained and questioned. 

He believed to be one of the people who entered the yard before the incident; and he agrees that he entered the gateless home of Kelly. 

He's a bit intoxicated now and that'll make on incapacitated to be held accountable for anything he may say now. 

Police will be doing all possible questioning and taking fingerprints and interrogating where's possible to get to the bottom of this. He will be detained for further investigation. 

Question is what was he doing at Kelly's home hours before robbery and murder? 

MEYIWA FAMILY

Senzo's hired a private investigator company to add to the existing SAPS investigator ex to get to the bottom of this murder case. 

The family spokesperson who's said to be Senzo's cousin said he still have hopes that the suspects will be brought to book because SAPS has dealt with similar cases before and they were successful even investigation worst cases than this one. 

ntlele.com

Identi-Kit of Senzo’s killers released - The South African Police Service has revealed identity kits of two of the suspects believed to be involved in the killing of Bafana Bafana captain Senzo Meyiwa.

The Orlando Pirates captain was gunned down in Vosloorus on Sunday evening, and the police have put up a R250 000 reward for any information leading to an arrest.

The SAPS tweeted: “Suspect A in #SenzoMeyiwa murder case facial composition, he entered the house 1st.

“Suspect B in #SenzoMeyiwa murder case, he was standing outside gate” 

National Police Commissioner Riah Phiyega says a special task force has been set up to catch the killers.

BMW M GmbH launches the BMW M4 DTM Champion Edition to celebrate Marco Wittmann’s title win. Share Tweet Wednesday 22 October 2014 back

Munich. The BMW M4 has wasted no time in claiming its first DTM title – in its debut season in the touring car race series. BMW Team RMG’s Marco Wittmann wrapped up the drivers’ title at the Lausitzring in his native Germany with two rounds of the ten-race series still to go.

Keen to celebrate this success in fitting style, BMW M GmbH is unveiling the BMW M4 DTM Champion Edition (0 – 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds, fuel consumption combined: 8.8 L/100 km; CO2  emissions combined: 204 g/km)*. The Champion Edition will be built in a limited run of 23 units, reflecting Wittmann’s car number. And – in a further tribute to the DTM winner – it will be offered exclusively in Alpine White. The other signature features of the special-edition model, which will be refined exclusively at the BMW Individual Manufactory in Garching (near Munich), will likewise display close links with the victorious BMW M4 DTM. The matt-black bonnet and boot lid with eye-catching stripe design make an excellent visual complement to the standard CFRP roof, as does the black character line along the car’s flanks. Added to the mix are an M kidney grille with orange surround, an M logo rearwards of the front wheel arches, the number 23 on the doors and the flag along with “WIT” and “DTM Champion 2014” lettering on the rear side windows.

The BMW M4 DTM Champion Edition is also fitted with 19-inch light-alloy wheels, a black front splitter, a black side skirt blade, carbon front flaps, carbon mirror caps, a rear spoiler and a carbon diffuser insert from the M Performance Parts range.

The Champion Edition underlines its exclusivity once again when you step inside. The door sill plates bear Marco Wittmann’s autograph, while carbon interior trim strips – likewise signed by the 24-year-old from Fürth, Germany – feature “DTM Champion 2014” lettering and the car’s serial number. Further exclusive interior highlights from the M Performance Parts range include the Alcantara steering wheel with racing car-style “12 o’clock” marker, Alcantara handbrake lever gaiter, carbon handbrake lever grip and carbon M DCT insert.

Turbo technology and developing 317 kW – is further enhanced by the M DCT transmission with Drivelogic, M Carbon ceramic brakes and the M Driver’s Package.

In order to experience the stand-out performance of their BMW M4 DTM Champion Edition at its most potent, the 23 future owners of this exclusive model are in for a very special treat. They will be invited to take part in a track training course under the watchful eye of the new DTM champion. This will take place on the Nürburgring’s legendary Nordschleife circuit, where BMW M cars are brought during their development to prove they can handle themselves on the race track.

Nurse slams Ebola quarantine, raising concern

An Ebola virus. (CDC, AP)

New York - The nurse who was quarantined at a New Jersey hospital because she had contact with Ebola patients in West Africa is criticising the way she's been treated.

Kaci Hickox, the first traveller quarantined under Ebola watches in New Jersey and New York, wrote a first-person account about her experience for the Dallas Morning News. It was posted on the paper's website on Saturday.

Her preliminary tests for Ebola were negative.

The hazy details of how such quarantines will be handled are drawing sharp criticism as infectious disease experts say the logistics about enforcement are up in the air.

Health officials in quarantine states didn't return messages from The Associated Press seeking details about enforcement.

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie says he sympathizes for Hickox but must ensure public health safety.

SA Olympic athlete killed in car crash

JOHANNESBURG – Minister of Sports and Recreation Fikile Mbalula has confirmed that Olympic athlete Mbulaeni Mulaudzi has been killed in a car crash.

This has also been confirmed by his agent Peet van Zyl. 

Mulaudzi was a South African middle distance runner and the 2009 world champion in the men's 800 metres. 

He carried the South African flag at the opening ceremony of the 2004 summer Olympics in Athens, Greece. 

Mulaudzi became South Africa’s first black athlete to be ranked number one in the world.

His first international medal was a silver at the 2000 African Championships in Athletics.

Van Zyl says thisis one of the saddest days for South African sport and South African athletics.

“Mr Mulaudzi was surely one of the most decorated track athletes that South Africa has ever seen and unfortunately never had the recognition from the federation for all his achievements, so it’s indeed a sad day.”

WHO: Ebola vaccine trials in West Africa in January

File: AFP

Geneva - Tens of thousands of doses of experimental Ebola vaccines could be available for "real-world" testing in West Africa as soon as January as long as they are deemed safe, a top World Health Organisation official said on Tuesday.

Dr Marie Paule Kieny, an assistant director general for WHO, said clinical trials that are either underway or planned in Europe, Africa and the US are expected to produce preliminary safety data on two vaccines by December.

If the vaccines are declared safe, she said they will be used in trials in West Africa beginning in January to test their effectiveness among tens of thousands — but not millions — of people.

"I'm not suggesting at this moment that there would be mass vaccination campaigns at population levels starting in 2015," she said, adding that none of the volunteers who take part in the trials could accidentally contract Ebola from the testing.

The Ebola outbreak in West Africa has already killed over 4 500 people, mostly in Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone, since it emerged 10 months ago. Experts have said the world could face 10 000 new cases a day in two months if authorities don't take stronger steps to fight the deadly virus.

Second and conclusive test

In Sierra Leone, the government said on Tuesday that the number of infected people in the country's western region is soaring, with more than 20 Ebola deaths a day. That region is on the opposite side of the country from where the first Ebola cases emerged.

And in Spain, doctors said a second and conclusive test showed that a Spanish nursing assistant infected with Ebola in Madrid was completely clear of the virus. Teresa Romero, 44, had battled for her life after she tested positive 6 October.

One of the two vaccines that Kieny mentioned was developed by the US National Institutes of Health and GlaxoSmithKline from a modified chimpanzee cold virus and an Ebola protein. It is in clinical trials now in the UK and in Mali and will be used in trials in Lausanne, Switzerland, by the start of February.

The second front-runner, developed by the Public Health Agency of Canada and known as VSV-EBOV, has been sent to the US Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in Maryland for testing on healthy volunteers, with preliminary results about its safety expected by December. The next stage would be to test it more broadly, including among those directly handling Ebola cases in West Africa.

Canada has donated 800 vials of the experimental vaccine to WHO but the shipment was delayed by a Lufthansa pilots' strike. Those are now expected to arrive in Switzerland on Wednesday for testing coordinated by the UN health agency among volunteers at the University Hospital of Geneva, and volunteers in Hamburg, Germany, and in Gabon and Kenya, Kieny said.

"These data are absolutely crucial to allow decision-making on what dose level should go in the efficacy testing in Africa," Kieny said. "We expect, we hope, to have a go-ahead by the end of the month."

That would allow the vaccine to be shipped for use in Africa immediately afterward.

Special treatment

Kieny said decisions about "which strategy to use and how and where and who" regarding the vaccines will be made in the next few weeks. Then vaccines will be given to health workers and select segments of the general population "early in 2015, in January".

At a separate news conference, WHO spokesperson Fadela Chaib promised a thorough public audit of the agency's early missteps — and those by countries and partner organisations — in responding to the Ebola crisis.

"There is certainly a wish and a will to have this review," she said. "We know many elements need to be explained in the future. ... WHO will do that, but in the future; now our focus is on the response."

The UN's emergency committee on Ebola plans to meet later this week in Geneva to study the outbreak further and decide what more should be done.

The East African nation of Rwanda, meanwhile, was singling out travelers from the three West African nations for special treatment, as well as people from Spain and the US, where a very limited number of Ebola cases have emerged.

The Rwandan Ministry of Health said on Tuesday that all passengers from those five nations will have their temperatures taken upon arrival. If a passenger has a fever, they will be denied entry. If there is no fever, the visitors still must report their health condition daily to authorities.

The US Embassy in Rwanda urged Americans who may have a fever or who have travelled to Ebola countries "to weigh carefully whether travel to Rwanda at this time is prudent."

No Ebola cases have emerged in Rwanda.

Oscar Pistorius sentenced to 5 years in jail - culpable homocide

Oscar Pistorius sits in the dock in the North Gauteng High Court ahead of sentencing. 

Pretoria - Oscar Pistorius has been sentenced to five years behind bars for culpable homicide after a seven-month trial in the North Gauteng High Court for the death of Reeva Steenkamp at his luxury Pretoria home.

Judge Thokozile Masipa handed down her sentence shortly after 10:30 on Tuesday morning.

"Count 1, culpable homicide, sentence imposed is maximum of five years."

"I have taken into account the seriousness of the offence, which led to the death of the deceased, the personal circumstances of the accused, and the interests of society. 

"I am of the view that a non-custodial sentence would send the wrong message. A long sentence would also not be appropriate either as it would lack the element of mercy."

"If sentences are too lenient, the administration of justice will fall into disrepute and people will take law into their own hands," she also said.

"A suspended sentence would not be appropriate in my view," Masipa said.

"The loss of life can't be reversed. Hopefully judgment on sentence will provide some sort of closure for all concerned."

During the trial Steenkamp's parents June and Barry were present on some days, along with family and friends. Barry Steenkamp broke down in court as his niece Kim Martin told the court last week she was Reeva's voice.

Martin was the only Steenkamp family member to take the stand. She said Barry Steenkamp had said he would "lose it" if he had to testify.

Pistorius's sister Aimee and brother Carl gave interviews to television broadcasters CNN and eNCA on Monday, talking about how “very taxing” the last few months have been.

“It’s been a taxing 20 months for us… The landscape of our lives remains forever changed,” Carl said during the interview.

South African stolen electronics heading to Nigeria. Nigeria has emerged as the destination for many of the electronic devices stolen during the recent spat of mall robberies across the country, police said on Saturday.

• 

Apple's iPhone 6 are displayed during a news conference by Customs and Excise Department and the police in Hong Kong.

"The service providers have confirmed that the majority of the items are activated in Nigeria," Lt-Gen Solomon Makgale said.

"The recipients use courier services to send the items to Nigeria."

Gauteng and the Western Cape have been hardest hit by a succession of armed robberies taking place at malls over the last few months.

In almost all the cases, the robbers' loot has consisted of electronic devices, especially cellphones.

On Saturday, Makgale said that an ongoing police investigation had identified that there were several groups involved in the robberies.

"The groups aren't necessarily collaborating, but some of them have common individual members: In other words, you find one person involved with two or three groups."

Makgale said that on Saturday, a man had been arrested in Kwazulu-Natal in connection with the mall robberies.

He said police investigations had already linked four people previously arrested in separate incidents, to eight other cases.

A recently established task team, which included crime intelligence officials as well as representatives from Vodacom, Cell-C, MTN and Telkom, was currently looking at 18 incidents related to mall robberies.

"We very close to affecting more arrests."

He said preventative measures, including police patrols at shopping centres, had also been put into place.

Most recently, on Friday, seven people were arrested in connection with two separate incidents whereby a Telkom store at Irene Mall was held up at gunpoint, and a shoot-out took place between robbers and police at Centurion Mall.

This Man Is The World’s Poorest President, But The Reason Why He’s Poor Will Surprise You.

You might not believe it, but Jose Mujica, president of Uruguay since 2010, is known to be the world’s poorest president.

Jose donates more then of 90% of his $12,000 per month salary to benefit the poor and to help small entrepreneurs.  If we need more of anything in this world, it would be more people like this! This man doesn’t put value on his appearance or clothes.  He is criticized for his posture and clothes, but Jose puts more value on other things in life instead. 

Before his presidency, he was a guerilla fighter for Tupamaros, which acted like “Robin hood.”  They literally robbed evil banks, gun clubs, and other businesses to give to the poor. He truly believed that his value was not in gaining more money, it was in the wellbeing of his country and people.  

He was imprisoned 2 times for a total of 14 years and shot 6 times after an escape attempt, But he still continues to fight for the people even in his high office now as president of Uruguay.  Mujica could live in this beautiful Presidential house, but has chosen a more humble place to live.  

He is a honest example of a president that gives up his own comfort for the wellbeing of others. …And this is where he lives, on a farm with his wife and dog.  He is also working to change the fancy presidential house into a museum that pays honor to past presidents.  There’s no reason for money, fame, and a nice place to sleep when you can be humble and live on a farm.  

This president lives the life! His part time farming job, keeps him aware of the struggles and life that most other people of his country go though.  He also grows and then sells flowers from his farm.  You can see him frequently driving his old 1987 Volkswagon Beetle.  

He doesn’t need a fancy Bentley, because he doesn’t care about having a extravagant appearance.  His people are what matters and what matters are his people. Jose’s protection consists of two guards and his 3 legged dog named Manuela. Even though he is known as the poorest president, he strongly disagrees. 

He says, “I’m not the poorest president. The poorest is the one who needs a lot to live… My lifestyle is a consequence of my wounds. I’m the son of my history. There have been years when I would have been happy just to have a mattress.”   This president’s example is a testament to how we should live our lives.  We don’t need more things to be happy.  In fact, some of the most wealthy people in the world, have their wealth stored in the currency of unselfishness, kindness, and true love.  

Maybe its time for a change? 

The world needs more people like this. 

Do you agree?

--------------------------------------------

Below is Nkandla surrounded by mud houses - compare it to what you've read above and tell if Zuma would survive living in a farm like this man? 

 

Drinking Water On Empty Stomach - water treatment had been found successful by a Japanese medical society as a 100% cure for the following diseases: Headache, body ache, heart system, arthritis, fast heart beat, epilepsy, excess fatness, bronchitis asthma, TB ***(verify from a consultant)***, meningitis, kidney and urine diseases, vomiting, gastritis, diarrhea, piles, diabetes, constipation, all eye diseases, womb, cancer and menstrual disorders, ear nose and throat diseases

It is popular in Japan today to drink water immediately after waking up every morning. Furthermore, scientific tests have proven its value. We publish below a description of use of water for our readers. For old and serious diseases as well as modern illnesses the water treatment had been found successful by a Japanese medical society as a 100% cure for the following diseases:

Headache, body ache, heart system, arthritis, fast heart beat, epilepsy, excess fatness, bronchitis asthma, TB  ***(verify from a consultant)***, meningitis, kidney and urine diseases, vomiting, gastritis, diarrhea, piles, diabetes, constipation, all eye diseases, womb, cancer and menstrual disorders, ear nose and throat diseases

METHOD OF TREATMENT

1. - As you wake up in the morning before brushing teeth, drink 4 x 160ml glasses of water.

2. - Brush and clean the mouth but do not eat or drink anything for 45 minute.

3.- After 45 minutes you may eat and drink as normal.

4. - After 15 minutes of breakfast, lunch and dinner do not eat or drink anything for 2 hours.

5. - Those who are old or sick and are unable to drink 4 glasses of water at the beginning may commence by taking little water and gradually increase it to 4 glasses per day.

6. - The above method of treatment will cure diseases of the sick and others can enjoy a healthy life.

The following list gives the number of days of treatment required to cure/control/reduce main diseases:

1. High Blood Pressure (30 days)

2. Gastric (10 days)

3. Diabetes (30 days)

4. Constipation (10 days)

5. Cancer (180 days)

6. TB (90 days) ***(verify from a consultant)***

7. Arthritis patients should follow the above treatment only for 3 days in the 1st week, and from 2nd week onwards – daily.

This treatment method has no side effects, however at the commencement of treatment you may have to urinate a few times. It is better if we continue this and make this procedure as a routine work in our life. Drink Water and Stay healthy and Active.

This makes sense .. The Chinese and Japanese drink hot tea with their meals not cold water. Maybe it is time we adopt their drinking habit while eating!!! Nothing to lose, everything to gain…

For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you. It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion.

Once this ‘sludge’ reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.

A serious note about heart attacks:

· Women should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting,

· Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line.

· You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack.

· Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms.

· 60% of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep do not wake up.

· Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let’s be careful and be aware. The more we know, the better chance we could survive. A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this mail sends it to everyone they know, you can be sure that we’ll save at least one life.