Two Zimbabwean men burnt to death in a shack fire at the Llwandle informal settlement in Strand, the City of Cape Town said.

Strand - Two Zimbabwean men burnt to death in a shack fire at the Llwandle informal settlement in Strand, the City of Cape Town said on Monday.

“The local authorities have notified their families in Cape Town and in Zimbabwe regarding their tragic death. The circumstances surrounding the occurrence are unclear,” said spokesman Wilfred Solomons-Johannes.

He identified the men as Elliot Zuzu, 28, and David Chinyanga, 35.

Solomons-Johannes said the 33 people were left homeless after a fire ripped through the settlement on Saturday.

There had been fires also at Bishop Lavis and Parkwood. No injuries were reported.

He said the disaster response teams assisted 60 people displaced by the fire with food parcels, blankets, baby packs, clothing and building material. - Sapa

Cyclists who ride on Table Mountain say they are relieved at the removal of bush in an area used as a hiding place by robbers.

Cape Town - Cyclists who ride on Table Mountain say they are relieved at the removal of bush in an area used as a hiding place by robbers for attacking cyclists.

Robert Vogel, founder of Table Mountain Bikers and an executive member of the Pedal Power Association, said that following an attack on a cyclist there this month, he had had a meeting with Table Mountain National Park officials who agreed to have the bush cleared.

The Cape Argus reported last week that since the beginning of the year, three cyclists had been attacked at the spot near the King’s Blockhouse.

The first two cyclists were attacked in January. One had his bicycle stolen and the other was robbed of money.

In the third incident two weeks ago, lone cyclist Andy Wright, 54, was ambushed by four men.

Wright was knocked off his bike and one of the attackers made off with it, while he was dragged down the mountain by the other three.

Wright said they threatened him before stealing his shoes, helmet, gloves and other belongings.

On Sunday, he said he was still without a mountain bike but as soon as he got one again, he would consider cycling on Table Mountain in a group.

“I won’t cycle alone again,” he said on Sunday.

He said he was relieved that something had been done to try to prevent further attacks on that part of the mountain.

Vogel said the bush was removed on Friday morning and that the national park had agreed to work more closely with cyclists on safety issues.

He had also taken one of the rangers to the site to show him the area that they were complaining about, he said.

“I have also set up an SMS group where cyclists can subscribe and get the latest alerts and information on what to look out for. The head of visitors’ safety at the park is also part of the group, so they also get alerts,” he said.

Vogel said the positive outcome of the response to these latest attacks had been that cyclists and Table Mountain National Park had agreed to work more closely to create a safer environment.

Vogel said although removing the bush might not solve the problem, it meant that there was one less hiding spot for robbers.

Merle Collins, spokeswoman for SANParks, confirmed that the bush had been trimmed on Friday with the hope of discouraging robbers from hiding behind it.

Vogel said that although some cyclists had chosen to stay away, fearing for their safety, cyclists had begun to use the route again on Friday when word of the bush clearing spread.

neo.maditla@inl.co.za

Cape Argus

The Bredasdorp Magistrate's Court was deliberating on whether to allow the media to take photos of Anene Booysen's alleged killer.

Bredasdorp, - The Bredasdorp Magistrate's Court was deliberating on Monday whether to allow the media to take photos of Anene Booysen's alleged killer.

Prosecutor Maria Marshall told the court that she did not want the accused's face to be shown in any television broadcast or newspaper report. She did not mind if his body was shown.

Magistrate Graham Cupido asked if she had a specific reason for this request.

She replied that the case was still in the early stages of investigation and could be jeopardised because they were gathering statements.

Cupido called the relevant media houses to his chambers to present their arguments in favour of taking photos.

Reporters and cameramen jostled for a space and took up half of the small court room

The case was briefly adjourned.

The 17-year-old was found reportedly disembowelled at a construction site last week Saturday and later died from her injuries. She was buried in the rural town, about 180km from Cape Town, at the weekend.

The crimes sparked outrage from all sectors of society, including President Jacob Zuma. - Sapa

Instead of flower petals, President Zuma can expect to see “middle-fingers” when he rolls in for the Sona.

Cape Town - Insead of flower petals, President Jacob Zuma can expect to see “middle-fingers” when he rolls into Parliament for the State of the Nation address on Thursday, which is also Valentine’s Day.

Flower sellers at the Trafalgar Place Flower Market in Adderley Street are fuming because they have been told the busy road will be closed on Valentine’s Day to make way for the president.

“It’s our Christmas Day,” said Dawud Saliem who has been working at the market all his life.

“It helps us get through the difficult winter months.”

From 4pm on Thursday, Adderley Street will be closed to the public, with the road only set to open again at 9pm.

Saliem, who is a third-generation flower seller, said most of his Valentine’s Day business came from people leaving work in the afternoon.

But with the road closed he felt people would turn to ordering flowers from florists.

“It was convenient for them to come here, but now they won’t be able to get across,” he said.

Saliem said most of the sellers had to order their Valentine’s Day stock a month in advance and they would be stuck with expensive bouquets that would have to be thrown away.

“I’m in a situation where I’m making a loss,” he said. “Instead of this being my biggest day, I’m going to lose thousands.”

“We miss out on all that money so he can drive along the road for five seconds,” Saliem added. “Zuma mustn’t be surprised when he sees us showing him the finger.”

Delia Gamieldien, who has also been working at the market her whole life, said the city should have consulted the sellers and made provisions for the financial hit they would take.

“At least let us provide the flowers for Parliament,” she said. “But no, they go to the big florists and ask them to arrange it.

“We wait for this day every year and now it’s ruined,” she added.

Seller Sandra Bosman said she had stocks of Valentine’s Day gifts she wasn’t sure she would be able to sell.

Gareth Bloor, mayoral committee member for economic, environmental and spatial planning, said the responsibility to make any alternative deemed necessary lay with Parliament as the road closures were its decision.

But as a courtesy, because the city sympathised with informal traders, it had let vendors know about the road closures last week.

“We will be following up (Monday and Tuesday) to make sure everyone knows,” he said.

Parliament said the issue of the flower sellers had not been formally raised with it and it was unaware of the issue.

kieran.legg@inl.co.za

Cape Argus

There was a frenzy of activity when one of Anene Booysen's alleged killers, Johannes Kana, appeared in court for the first time.

Bredasdorp, Western Cape - There was a frenzy of activity in the Bredasdorp Magistrate's Court on Monday when one of Anene Booysen's alleged killers appeared for the first time.

Johannes Kana, 22, hid his face with a towel as he was led into the small court room.

News cameramen jostled to get a photo of the thin man with tattoos on both arms.

Members of the public whispered furiously.

Magistrate Graham Cupido told Kana that he faced charges of raping and murdering 17-year-old Booysen in Kleinbegin.

She was found disembowelled at a construction site last week Saturday and later died from her injuries.

She was buried in the rural town, about 180 kilometres from Cape Town, at the weekend.

The magistrate asked if he would like to apply for legal aid or use his own lawyer.

Kana softly replied that he would use the State's lawyer.

His mother jumped up from the court bench and screamed “eie prokureur” (own attorney).

When Kana was asked if he would be applying for bail, his mother again sprung up and shouted “Sê ja man” (Say yes, man).

The court ruled earlier on Monday that the media were allowed access to the case because of public interest.

The media were prohibited, however, from showing Kana's face in the newspaper or on television.

Prosecutor Maria Marshall had told the court that she did not want the accused's face to be shown as the case was still in the early stages of investigation and could be jeopardised because they were gathering statements. - Sapa

Community Safety MEC Dan Plato has noticed an increase in cases where young girls were raped and killed by men they know.

Cape Town - Community Safety MEC Dan Plato says he has noticed an increase in the number of cases where young girls were raped and murdered by men known to them.

In the last few months, he had been to three other funerals where girls and a woman had died in similar circumstances.

Plato was speaking in Bredasdorp at the funeral Anene Booysen, 17, who was raped, mutilated and murdered.

“The nature of all these incidents are worsening. Our society is sick and we need to find a cure as soon as possible. It is impossible for police to safeguard young girls against men they are familiar with. These girls don’t expect that a friend or neighbour would be the one to rape or kill them.”.

He said the only to way stop the rapes and deaths was to educate young men about sex.

He mentioned three recent rape and murder incidents:

- The murder of 16-year-old Charmaine Mare in Kraaifontein, whose burnt body was found last month with her arms and legs hacked off.

- Jennifer Williams, 12, who was abducted on December 20 and her body found a week later.

- In November, the body of a woman, who had been raped and strangled, was discovered in Elsies River.

Plato had attended these funerals or memorial services to try to understand what had happened in each case.

“It is not people coming from outer space, it is people from down the street. The women were okay to be around the men, without fear. She had no idea he would turn against her,” he told the Cape Times on Sunday.

He said the men involved in the Bredasdorp rape and killing had been well known in their communities and even close to Anene’s family.

michelle.jones@inl.co.za and jason.felix@inl.co.za

Cape Times

A man allegedly found in possession of a arms cache belonging to slain underworld boss Cyril Beeka is set to be tried next month.

Cape Town - The Mitchells Plain man allegedly found in possession of a cache of firearms and ammunition belonging to slain underworld boss Cyril Beeka is expected to be tried next month.

Waleed Douman appeared briefly in the Cape Town Regional Court on Friday.

Prosecutor Mbulelo Koti said the matter was ready to proceed to trial and that all documents had been supplied to the defence. Douman’s lawyer, advocate Rueben Liddel, agreed the case could be postponed.

Douman, who is out on R5 000 bail, has been charged with the illegal possession of firearms and more than 200 rounds of ammunition. He faces seven counts including the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition and giving a firearm to a person not allowed to possess it.

The weapons Douman was allegedly found in possession of have been linked to one of the companies Beeka owned.

Beeka, who owned a number of security companies, was gunned down in a drive-by shooting in Bellville South in March 2011.

On February 9 last year, police raided the Prestwich offices of Red Security, a Green Point-based security company run by Beeka’s older brother, Edward.

They found pistols and more than 200 rounds of ammunition registered to Confidential Deterrent Systems, another Beeka company.

Koti told the court on Friday that a date had been arranged for the trial and the matter could be postponed by agreement.

Douman was warned to return to court on March 27 when he is expected to plead to the charges.

A second trial date of April 26 had also been arranged.

jade.otto@inl.co.za

Cape Argus

They were forcibly removed and their homes demolished in a process, but today 80 former District Six residents will return home.

Cape Town - They were forcibly removed and their homes demolished in a process that started 47 years ago today.

On Monday morning, about 80 former District Six residents will return to where their houses once stood to reflect on their difficult journey to restitution.

District Six was declared a White Group Area on February 11, 1966. For many, this date signalled the beginning of the destruction of a close-knit community. Families were forcibly removed by the apartheid government and “dumped” on the Cape Flats, including in Bonteheuwel, Mitchells Plain, Langa and Khayelitsha.

On Monday, former residents will go on a “remembrance walk”, starting at the District Six Museum at 11am and ending at the District Six Homecoming Centre, both on Buitenkant Street. “The 47th anniversary is all about holding on to the legacy of District Six, but letting go of the evils of the Native Land Act,” said Bonita Bennett, the director of the District Six Museum and organiser of the walk.

“It’s been a difficult journey for people. They are still waiting for their houses.

“This event allows for them to reflect, revisit the site, and gives government and the District Six redevelopment task team the opportunity to update ex-residents on the restitution process.”

District Six is being redeveloped, managed by the District Six redevelopment task team, headed by the regional Land Claims Commission and the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform.

Claimants were given a full picture of the redevelopment plan at a public exhibition at Trafalgar High School in December 2011.

The redevelopment was expected to be completed towards the end of next year.

In April 2011, during a visit to the site, President Jacob Zuma announced that 2 670 former inhabitants would be returned to the area by 2014. The restitution has spanned more than a decade as claimants have been listed and their claims verified. Some have died waiting to return to the homes they were forced out of.

It will cost about R7 billion to turn the 42 hectares of District Six into a mix of claimants’ housing, commercial and office space, and extra rental housing.

Michael Worsnip, the chief director of restitution support at the regional Land Claims Commission, said they were on track to deliver the houses by the president’s 2014 deadline. “I’m not saying that every last one of the claimants will move in by 2014, but there is an eye on the ball as far as that goes.”

Worsnip said a special-purpose vehicle would be launched in July to drive the process forward.

About Monday’s walk, Bennett said that, as had become a tradition, ex-residents would bring stones from the areas to which they were displaced and walk with these to Hanover Street, where a cairn had evolved from the annual commemorative act.

clayton.barnes@inl.co.za

Cape Argus

Johannes Kana will appear alongside alleged accomplice Jonathan Davids, 22, on Tuesday after his case was postponed.

Bredasdorp, Western Cape - The case of one of Anene Booysen's alleged killers was postponed in the Bredasdorp Magistrate's Court on Monday.

Magistrate Graham Cupido told Johannes Kana that he would appear alongside alleged accomplice Jonathan Davids, 22, on Tuesday.

Both remained in police custody.

Booysen was found disembowelled at a construction site on Saturday February 2, and later died from her injuries. She was buried in the rural town, about 180 kilometres from Cape Town, at the weekend.

Kana, a thin man with tattoos on both arms, was arrested last week.

A third man was arrested, but was later released after further investigation.

Kana attracted fierce attention at his first appearance on Monday morning and hid his face with a towel.

Members of the media and public squashed tightly into the court benches to listen to the proceedings.

A group of people outside the court room peered in through a dirty window.

The magistrate asked whether he would like to apply for legal aid or use his own lawyer.

Kana softly replied that he would use the State's lawyer.

His mother jumped up from the court bench and screamed “eie prokureur” (own attorney).

When Kana was asked if he would be applying for bail, his mother again sprung up and shouted “Sê ja, man” (Say yes, man).

Booysen's family winced when hearing a sharp knife was used in the crimes.

They left the court swiftly when the case was adjourned, braving the heavy rain outside.

The court ruled earlier on Monday that the media were allowed access to the case because of public interest.

The media were prohibited, however, from showing Kana's face in print or on television.

Prosecutor Maria Marshall told the court she did not want the accused's face to be shown as the case was still in the early stages of investigation and could be jeopardised because they were gathering statements. - Sapa

The poor cannot afford another electricity tariff increase, Tafelsig resident Mastoera Collop told a Nersa public hearing.

Cape Town -

One Weet-Bix, three teabags and half a cup of rice.

On most days, that’s all that Tafelsig resident Mastoera Collop can afford.

Last week, Collop displayed small R1 plastic packets of salt, rice, coffee and half a bar of soap to show a panel from the National Energy Regulating Authority of SA (Nersa) why the poor could not afford another electricity tariff increase.

On average, she can afford to buy only R15 worth of groceries for the day from the “Rand-a-rama” shops run by a number of Tafelsig residents.

Collop, 48, was speaking at the Cape Town public hearings of Eskom’s application for a 16 percent electricity tariff increase each year until 2018.

This would more than double the price of electricity over the five years.

Eskom says the increase is necessary to finance its operations and new capacity.

“I want to show you what people live with each day,” Collop said.

“One Weet-Bix. If people can’t even afford to buy a box of Weet-Bix or food for the week, how can they afford an electricity increase? If petrol and food increases hit us this hard, then what will electricity do?”

Collop buys R5 worth of electricity a day when she can.

“Many nights we go without electricity because you must decide between that and food, and you can’t eat electricity,” she said.

A R5 supply of electricity gives her 3.5 units, which she says is enough to boil one kettle of water and cook a quick pot of food.

“With all the challenges of unemployment and crime, we still have to worry about electricity. When do I have some warmth in my life? It’s like the rich get richer and the poor must die,” Collop said.

She lost her job at a clothing factory five years ago and has been unable to find another job. Her husband, who was retrenched in 2010, does odd jobs and comes home with between R50 and R60 at a time. There are four children.

Nersa panellists were lost for words after the presentations by Collop and others who described the poverty on the Cape Flats and in the townships.

Panellists acknowledged poverty levels were severe but said Collop’s presentation made that reality clearer.

One panellist later told Collop: “I am so, so sorry. I don’t know if we can help you, but we will try.”

On Friday, residents from Manenberg, Gugulethu and other areas made presentations to Nersa about why they could not afford the present tariffs, let alone an increase of 16 percent.

Manenberg resident and Right2Know activist Rugshana Pascoe told the panel: “We live from hand to mouth.

“I started cooking on a fire and it was degrading for my children.

“What are Eskom chief executive officers earning? It’s painful to know that the poor pay for the rich, and is this gap going to grow? Before 1994, when we decided to take a stand, we did not think we would stand here now and beg for mercy for the poor.”

Lerona Carstens, from the Tafelsig Residents’ Association, pleaded with Nersa not to allow the tariff increase, saying most of the poor were unemployed and struggled to live on government grants.

zara.nicholson@inl.co.za

Cape Times

Many rape cases in SA never reach the final stages of a guilty verdict - a situation women and human rights activists attribute to various factors.

Pretoria - Many rape cases in South Africa never reach the final stages of a guilty verdict – a situation women and human rights activists attribute to various factors, including negligent police work that results in a lack of evidence against perpetrators.

This has resulted in many rapists walking free, leaving many women who have fallen victim to the crime feeling helpless and never getting any justice.

But a city NGO has now developed a rape protocol chart which it hopes to get to as many women as possible around the country so they know exactly what to do after they have been raped.

The protocol, developed by Viva Foundation chief executive Meleney Kriel, has detailed information starting from when the rape takes place to when the suspect is finally sentenced.

Kriel said on Sunday she had decided to develop the protocol because many rapists got off the hook as many women were not aware of their role in ensuring that perpetrators are successfully prosecuted.

“The protocol contains a lot of information that women who are raped need to know. For instance, it is known that the best place to store evidence is in a paper bag, not a plastic one, because it attracts heat and gets moist, possibly destroying DNA evidence.

“We have also included the process to follow when reporting the crime,” said Kriel.

“Many rape cases are not reported, so the figures we have of how many women have been raped are probably much higher.”

The protocol also has information about the roles of different role players, including the state prosecutor and the court processes from when the suspect first appear

s in court.

“Most women who are raped are from underprivileged backgrounds and do not have this kind of information. They also blame themselves most of the time.

“For instance, many women blame themselves for being raped if they had been drinking.

“What they need to understand is that drinking is not a crime, being drunk is not a crime but rape is a crime.

“That is why the protocol also includes the definition of rape so that they know exactly what it is.”

Kriel said they were looking to distribute the protocol to schools, clinics and everywhere where women would be able to access it easily.

“It is very expensive to print many copies so we have appealed for help from other organisations or companies that are keen to help.

“Rape is a societal issue and we need everybody involved.

“The protocol is also available in booklet form and we are looking to make more copies of the the booklet and the chart,” said Kriel.

She said she was extremely concerned about the fact that there were still some areas in South Africa where rapists were often lauded by their peers, which could only result in more rapes.

“There are many people who know people who have gotten away with rape, now it is time people also knew people who were locked up for rape,” she said.

For more information visit www.viva-sa.co.za

mogomotsi.magome@inl.co.za

Pretoria News

A 32-year-old man has been arrested in connection with an armed robbery at an auction house on Saturday.

Cape Town - A 32-year-old man has been arrested in connection with an armed robbery at an auction house on Saturday.

He was held after a police chase after the robbery at the Robin Mills auction group in Westlake Drive near Tokai.

Police are still searching for the second suspect’.

Spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Andre Traut said that on Saturday just before lunchtime two armed men entered the auctioneers’ premises in Westlake Kirstenhof.

The suspects fled with an undisclosed amount of money.

“Shortly after the incident, one of the suspects, a 32-year-old-male, was arrested on a charge of armed robbery. He was arrested close to the scene,” Traut added.

He said he could not disclose further details as the matter was now part of an ongoing investigation .

yolisa.tswanya@inl.co.za

Cape Argus

The rift between two unions which shared a platform in De Doorns during the farmworker strike last year is deepening.

Cape Town - The rift between two unions which shared a platform in De Doorns during the farmworkers’ strike last year is deepening.

The Food and Allied Workers Union (Fawu), a Cosatu affiliate, yesterday issued a statement slamming the Bawsi and Allied Workers Union of South Africa (Bawusa) and calling on Cosatu to publicly distance itself from the independent union.

The fallout comes after Bawusa tried to “hijack” a meeting which Fawu had organised in De Doorns yesterday.

“We are now convinced that Bawusa is a reckless union that does not care about workers.

“During the meeting Nosey (Pieterse) was heard claiming that Bawusa had an affiliation with Cosatu and the ANC.

“It is our view that Bawusa has misled the public and community about several things including its role in the strike action,” said Katishi Masemola.

Tony Ehrenreich, Cosatu’s provincial secretary, said that Cosatu’s loyalty always fell with its affiliate, Fawu. However, he did not endorse Masemola’s call for the federation to distance itself from Bawusa.

Cape Argus

Boredom linked to a rampant drug problems has made the rural Western Cape town of Bredasdorp unsafe, some residents said.

Cape Town - Boredom linked to a rampant drug problems has made the rural Western Cape town of Bredasdorp unsafe, some residents said on Monday.

Neville Farao, 25, a part-time DJ in the area, where a teen was recently raped and killed, said most youths visited clubs to keep themselves entertained.

Many used tik (methamphetamine), marijuana and alcohol.

“There's not a lot to do here because there's not a lot of parks. Most kids just sit at home, and there's no nice entertainment there,” he said.

Farao said that when he was a teenager in the town, he had kept out of trouble by joining a dance “crew”. Such dance troupes were rarely seen anymore.

Waiter Dario King, 25, agreed there was a lack of positive activities for young people on weekends.

“There is not a lot of integration between white and coloured kids here.

“With the coloured community, you often find parents don't support their children in doing something good. They just give them money and don't ask where it goes.”

King, who has lived in the area most of his life, said over half of his friends had turned to tik, a drug known to incite violence and aggression.

“That is why I feel unsafe here. Tik made them learn to steal, break into cars, stab each other. When I walk along the road, they often ask me for money. Now I don't carry money with me,” he said.

The town's Recreation Street has little in the way of parks and sports centres, but has several bottle stores and taverns.

Almost two weeks ago, 17-year-old Anene Booysen was gang-raped and disembowelled after visiting a club. She was found, barely alive, at the Asla construction site where she worked, not far from her RDP home, but died later in hospital.

On Monday, a small cross and flowers were the only reminder of the gruesome act in the largely barren landscape of beige and pastel RDP houses scattered along Ou Meule Street.

The houses are largely hidden from the town by huge silos containing grain, one of the commodities on which the town survives.

Three men were arrested in connection with Booysen's rape and murder, but one was later released due to lack of evidence.

Johannes Kana, a thin 21-year-old with tattoos, appeared in the Bredasdorp Magistrate's Court on Monday, with a towel covering his face.

His case was rolled over to Tuesday, when he will appear with his alleged accomplice, 22-year-old Jonathan Davids. Both are being kept in custody.

National Prosecuting Authority Western Cape spokesman Eric Ntabazalila said the case would eventually reach the high court, where stiffer sentences are imposed.

“It's a high court matter, but like we've been done before, I'm sure we'll end up bringing the high court here to Bredasdorp to ensure that victims and their families have equal access to the court.”

He said the State would oppose any bail applications.

“This was a very gruesome murder and as the NPA we prioritise rape cases and all abuse against women and children.”

Ntabazalila said courts in the province dealt with as many as 30 rape cases a week.

According to police statistics, sexual crimes in Bredasdorp have more than doubled in the past three years: from 27 cases in 2009/10; to 60 cases in 2011/12. Drug-related crime is also on a three-year high.

No cases of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition were reported in 2009/10. Between April 2011 and March last year, 16 related cases were opened in the town. - Sapa

At least one local club executive has paid to fix all his team's matches, a referee told a Cape Town court.

 Cape Town - Match-fixing is prevalent in soccer, a referee told the Bellville Specialised Commercial Crime Court on Monday.

For his own safety and to avoid hampering an ongoing Hawks' investigation into alleged corruption in South African soccer, the court ordered that the referee not be named.

Prosecutor Louis van Niekerk told the court the investigation was likely to last another two years.

The referee was testifying in aggravation of sentence in the trial of f Orlando Pirates Soccer Club's former manager Ramakhange Humphrey Setshedi, 54.

Setshedi has been found guilty of corruptly paying R2000 to a police official posing as the chief referee in the Vodacom soccer tournament in June, 2011, to fix a soccer match.

On Monday, the prosecutor told the referee testifying was himself a suspect, and faced prosecution.

At the prosecutor's request, the magistrate told the referee he would be indemnified from prosecution if he answered all questions frankly and to the best of his ability, even if his answers incriminated him.

At the end of the proceedings, if satisfied with his testimony, the magistrate said she would declare him indemnified.

Questioned by the prosecutor, the referee said he had often corruptly received money to ensure the outcomes of matches.

The prosecutor warned the referee to answer only what he was asked, and not to go into detail as this would prejudice the ongoing investigation involving others.

The referee said the amounts paid to fix a match varied between R3000 and R4500 and were shared among corrupt referees.

He told the court: “In a particular season comprising 30 matches, I received payment from the chief executive of a soccer club for each of the 30 matches.

“In the next season, I only refereed six of the 30 games, and received a bribe for each of the six matches.”

He said there were about 18 corrupt referees who received money for fixing matches.

Setshedi was sent to Cape Town in June 2011, to influence a referee to ensure Mpumalanga Sevutsa Stars won a Vodacom national league game against Ga-Rankuwa United and another against Baroka FC. - Sapa

President Jacob Zuma’s horoscope urges him “put on a bold front and pursue your worldly aspiration with full confidence in your ability to attain it”.

fla

OPENING-HOROSCOPE

PARLIAMENT Feb 14 Sapa

SONA: WILL STARS FORETELL?

Whether President Jacob Zuma will consult a horoscope before delivering his state-of-the-nation address on Thursday evening is not known, but both his critics and supporters may well be hoping he does.

According to one Cape Town morning newspaper, those born, like Zuma, under the sign of Aries, are advised to "put on a bold front and pursue your worldly aspiration with full confidence in your ability to attain it".

South Africa's septuagenarian president, who turns 71 this year, was born on April 12, 1942.

Aries is the first astrological sign in the Zodiac.

The morning horoscope urges those born under the symbol of the ram to strive on Thursday to be "fully productive so as to put yourself across impressively".

It also adds: "With strong inner conviction, you cannot fail to succeed."

Sapa

/rod/hdw/jk 02/14/13 15-25

A police sniffer dog was used to check out two cars illegally parked outside Parliament.

Cape Town - A police sniffer dog was used to check out two cars illegally parked outside Parliament on Thursday afternoon.

The dark brown Rottweiler was led by its policeman handler around a blue VW Polo and a red Toyota Corolla, both parked outside the entrance to the Visitors' Centre at Parliament.

Police used a patrol car to block off the scene, and a journalist who approached to see what was happening was motioned away.

The dog showed no signs of having detected anything suspicious, and was later loaded into a Cape Town Dog Unit vehicle by its handler.

The VW was later driven off, apparently by its owner, but the Toyota remained, with a surprise for its driver - a large clamp attached to its front right wheel and a big red notice on the windscreen.

Streets around the parliamentary precinct have been blocked off for Thursday's opening and state-of-the-nation address.

Shortly before 4pm, the area was abuzz with police officials, on foot and whizzing up and down on scrambler motorcycles. - Sapa

Politics clashed with romance with MPs having mixed feelings about spending Valentine's Day at the opening of Parliament.

Parliament, Cape Town - Politics clashed with romance in Parliament on Thursday, with MPs having mixed feelings about having to spend their Valentine's Day at the official opening of Parliament.

Female MPs arrived at the Parliamentary precinct kitted out in brightly coloured dresses, but red was clearly not a favourite.

Some male MPs, on the other hand, observed Valentine's Day by wearing hints of red with their dark suits.

Italian-born Inkatha Freedom Party MP Mario Oriani-Ambrosini wore a black suit with a red tie.

Asked who designed the suit, Oriani-Ambrosini said: “I did, with the help of my tailor. He's Italian.”

He admitted he was a hopeless romantic, and would miss out on spoiling his Valentine.

“I understand the difficulty that the president has. He's got a hard day at work and forces us all not to take anyone else out.”

United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa did not share these sentiments.

“Valentine's Day is for the youth and I'm a madala (old man) now, I don't care,” he said.

Smuts Ngonyama, a Congress of the People MP, said for him the opening would be a formal affair, but that he had brought along a red tie to complement his black suit.

“We are all very romantic, but unfortunately we don't have flowers for everyone,” said Ngonyama.

However, he said he would deliver a single rose to his wife on Friday.

Deputy Human Settlements Minister Zoe Kota-Fredericks giggled when asked if she was a romantic at heart, and said answering the question would be “very embarrassing”.

She arrived with her 21-year-old son Aphiwe Kota-Fredericks, who was attending his first state-of-the-nation address.

He wore a maroon suit to complement his mother's bright pink dress.

Asked who his Valentine was, Aphiwe shyly answered: “It's my mother for today.”

He would accompany his mother to the state-of-the-nation dinner after President Jacob Zuma's speech.

Democratic Alliance MP Sandy Kalyan, who would wear a silk sari from India, said she would be “ditching the state-of-the-nation dinner”.

“My partner and I are going for dinner at the Taj.”

ANC chief whip Mathole Motshekga said he did not think the event would detract from Valentine's Day.

“I think this occasion, which is a very important national occasion, is serving two purposes: that of nation building and family building, so it's a very good coincidence.”

He said he did not have anything special planned.

“I'm an old man and my grandchildren say I'm very boring. What I want to do is tell more stories to my grandchildren, so that they don't run away from me.”

In one of the most romantic gestures of the day, IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi led his MPs to purchase flowers from vendors in nearby Adderly Street.

The vendors made headlines in Cape newspapers this week, complaining the strict security measures accompanying the state-of-the-nation address would cost them dearly.

“For decades, flower sellers have looked forward to Valentine's Day as the most important revenue-generating occasion, said Buthelezi.

“Today, people can only reach them if they are prepared to walk, as the entire area has been cut off from ordinary traffic.” - Sapa

MPs, cabinet ministers, celebrities and other dignitaries poured into the National Assembly building for President Jacob Zuma's state-of-the-nation address.

Cape Town - MPs, cabinet ministers, celebrities and other dignitaries poured into the National Assembly building on Thursday for President Jacob Zuma's state-of-the-nation address.

The uniquely dressed were, however, first stopping to pose for photographs.

MP Chief Mandla Mandela, barefoot and dressed in traditional Xhosa attire, was a favourite as photographers snapped him smiling and doing a slow spin to show off his attire.

Several other MPs and their partners went the traditional route. Their colleagues were clothed in formal suits and Western creations.

Communications Deputy Minister Stella Ndabeni had a big fan base and resembled a model, spending time on the red carpet in her aquamarine raw silk and lace dress and matching ostrich feather purse.

The National Assembly chamber was packed with politicians and guests.

By 6pm, the president and his military and police escort had not yet arrived. However, the police had cleared the red carpet for the procession.

Zuma is expected to start speaking at 7pm. - Sapa

President Jacob Zuma arrived at Parliament in Cape Town to deliver his state-of-the-nation address.

Cape Town - President Jacob Zuma arrived at Parliament in Cape Town on Thursday to deliver his state-of-the-nation address.

The president entered through Parliament's lower gate shortly after 6.45pm, and proceeded up the red carpet to the National Assembly, where he is set to take the national salute.

Earlier, Zuma's motorcade swept up Adderley Street, the president himself travelling in a white, armoured Mercedes-Benz minibus, proceeded by motorcycle outriders.

He was met at the entrance by National Assembly Speaker Max Sisulu and National Council of Provinces chairman Mninwa Mahlangu.

They accompanied Zuma, who was dressed in a dark suit, a white shirt and a steel-grey tie, to the entrance to the National Assembly.

He will deliver his address at 7pm in the House. - Sapa