Springs Monster’s appeal not in the interests of justice and healing

by Refiloe Nt’sekhe – DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Social Development

The appeal by the “Springs Monster” of his 35 year sentence that was handed down at the North Gauteng High Court in Tshwane is not in the interest of justice and healing.

The sentence follows his conviction for the severe abuse of his five children, the rape of his eldest daughter, attempted murder of his son, drug possession and obstruction of justice.

The fact that he wants to appeal his sentence is a clear signal that he does not take responsibility for the abuse he subjected his children to for 10 years.

His name cannot be disclosed to protect the identities of his children.

We welcome the fact that his ex-wife was found guilty of child neglect, drug possession, obstruction of justice and defeating the ends of justice.

The DA hails this sentence as a victory of the criminal justice system, but would like to see this becoming a normal part of any sentencing process of a serious sex offender.

The abuse of women and children is too common a feature in our communities, and we need to ensure that we have a working criminal justice system and social development programmes, which act to keep our women and children safe.

Investigation into irregular expenditure at Emfuleni Municipality long overdue

by Solly Msimanga Cllr – DA Gauteng Premier Candidate

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng notes the long overdue investigation into the Emfuleni Local Municipality which will look into irregular expenditure amounting to R872 million of the people’s money.

This investigation should have been done a long time ago. This cash-strapped municipality has been plagued by numerous types of mismangment by the failing ANC, including failing to pay its electricity and water bills, leaving the residents of Emfuleni in the lurch.

On several occasions, the DA has called for transparency, good governance and accountability by the failing ANC-led municipality.

The failing ANC, which cares little about the welfare of the Emfuleni residents has used money meant for service delivery to enrich themselves.

This money could have been spent on tarring the roads and upgrading the sewage infrastructure that is in dire need of maintenance.

This clearly indicates that the failing ANC cannot be trusted with the people’s money and putting the people first.

It is high time that residents of Emfuleni are given the government they deserve.

I will be visiting Emfuleni Local Municipality in due course as part of my Listening Tour.

The DA will be monitoring this investigation closely and ensure that those who are found guilty of mismanaging public funds are held accountable and they repay the money that was misused.

It is time for change that builds One South Africa for All and fast-tracks the delivery of quality services.

Investigation into irregular expenditure at Emfuleni Municipality long overdue

by Solly Msimanga Cllr – DA Gauteng Premier Candidate

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng notes the long overdue investigation into the Emfuleni Local Municipality which will look into irregular expenditure amounting to R872 million of the people’s money.

This investigation should have been done a long time ago. This cash-strapped municipality has been plagued by numerous types of mismangment by the failing ANC, including failing to pay its electricity and water bills, leaving the residents of Emfuleni in the lurch.

On several occasions, the DA has called for transparency, good governance and accountability by the failing ANC-led municipality.

The failing ANC, which cares little about the welfare of the Emfuleni residents has used money meant for service delivery to enrich themselves.

This money could have been spent on tarring the roads and upgrading the sewage infrastructure that is in dire need of maintenance.

This clearly indicates that the failing ANC cannot be trusted with the people’s money and putting the people first.

It is high time that residents of Emfuleni are given the government they deserve.

I will be visiting Emfuleni Local Municipality in due course as part of my Listening Tour.

The DA will be monitoring this investigation closely and ensure that those who are found guilty of mismanaging public funds are held accountable and they repay the money that was misused.

It is time for change that builds One South Africa for All and fast-tracks the delivery of quality services.

DA requests Human Rights Commission to investigate baby deaths at Rahima Moosa hospital

by Jack Bloom MPL – DA Gauteng Shadow Health MEC

Following the confirmation that 9 babies have died of Necrotising Enterocolitis (NEC) at the Rahima Moosa Hospital, I have requested the SA Human Rights Commission to do an inspection of conditions at this hospital.

It is of great concern that there were 43 NEC cases at this hospital between March and July this year, but this was covered up and only became public after a report by the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD).

NEC is a medical condition where a portion of the bowel dies, and typically occurs in newborns that are either premature or otherwise unwell.

I am aware that the hospital is severely understaffed, and doctors are under great strain, particularly at Obstetrics and Gynaecology. There is often only one Registrar in the evening at certain wards, which increases the risk of deaths from avoidable causes.

The SAHRC was extremely critical of overcrowded conditions at the Thelle Mogoerane Hospital where 6 babies died of antibiotic-resistant Klebsiella, and should speedily investigate conditions at Rahima Moosa Hospital as well.

The Gauteng Health Department has been slow to act on the baby deaths at both hospitals, and needs to address the underlying causes of the deadly infections.

ANC fails to keep Westbury residents safe

by Solly Msimanga Cllr – DA Gauteng Premier Candidate

Today residents of Westbury have once again blockaded roads into the area following the death of a woman in an alleged gang-related shooting. A child was also wounded in the shooting.

Residents of Westbury say they have had enough of the rising levels of crime in the area.

Today’s action by the community shows that they are fed up with the failing ANC government and that they are desperate for change, which restores order and keeps the people safe.

The community has called on provincial government to investigate the alleged complicity of police with those responsible for the ongoing violence in the area.

JPMD has already increased the number of Metro Police Officers in the area to help fight crime, yet SAPS’ visibility has not increased.

It is high time that residents are given an honest, professional and well-resourced police service that is not corrupt, uncaring and colluding with gangsters and drug dealers.

Provincial government has a duty to protect the citizens of Gauteng from crime and criminals. Freedom and security are guaranteed under the Constitution, but the ANC-led government is failing to implement effective measures to ensure this.

It is clear that SAPS is not doing enough to curb crime in the area.

It is clear that the residents of Westbury have lost faith in the police as the ANC is failing in its mandate to keep residents safe.

The DA is calling on the MEC for Community Safety, Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane to liaise with Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General, Deliwe de Lange to send in the tactical response unit to assist with policing in the area, especially to fight crimes related to gangsterism and drugs.

I will be meeting with community leaders of Westbury in due course to engage with them on their concerns around crime in the area.

ANC fails to keep Westbury residents safe

by Solly Msimanga Cllr – DA Gauteng Premier Candidate

Today residents of Westbury have once again blockaded roads into the area following the death of a woman in an alleged gang-related shooting. A child was also wounded in the shooting.

Residents of Westbury say they have had enough of the rising levels of crime in the area.

Today’s action by the community shows that they are fed up with the failing ANC government and that they are desperate for change, which restores order and keeps the people safe.

The community has called on provincial government to investigate the alleged complicity of police with those responsible for the ongoing violence in the area.

JPMD has already increased the number of Metro Police Officers in the area to help fight crime, yet SAPS’ visibility has not increased.

It is high time that residents are given an honest, professional and well-resourced police service that is not corrupt, uncaring and colluding with gangsters and drug dealers.

Provincial government has a duty to protect the citizens of Gauteng from crime and criminals. Freedom and security are guaranteed under the Constitution, but the ANC-led government is failing to implement effective measures to ensure this.

It is clear that SAPS is not doing enough to curb crime in the area.

It is clear that the residents of Westbury have lost faith in the police as the ANC is failing in its mandate to keep residents safe.

The DA is calling on the MEC for Community Safety, Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane to liaise with Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General, Deliwe de Lange to send in the tactical response unit to assist with policing in the area, especially to fight crimes related to gangsterism and drugs.

I will be meeting with community leaders of Westbury in due course to engage with them on their concerns around crime in the area.