119 Cops Fired For Fraud, Corruption

Again, like me, don't believe that South Africa is that bad and that this sort of stuff happens in South Africa alone...

Johannesburg - A total of 119 police officers and administrative staff were fired for fraud and corruption in the 2009/2010 financial year, the police ministry said in a reply to be presented to Parliament on Tuesday.

"The clean-up operation of corrupt police officers and staff who are not deserving to be in the South African Police Service (SAPS), resulted in the dismissal of 119 members in the 2009/2010 financial year," a statement read.

Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa was providing information on 362 investigations regarding disciplinary steps for fraud and corruption against employees in the 2009/2010 fiscal year.

In Gauteng 72 were dismissed, followed by Western Cape at 15 and Mpumalanga at 14. Of the total cases investigated, 29 received suspended dismissals, 26 were suspended dismissals with fines, 53 were found not guilty and 99 cases were withdrawn.

Rotten apples

The dismissals include administrative staff at provincial and head office.

Cases investigated ranged from financial mismanagement, bribery, missing dockets as well as some police officers collaborating with criminals in offences such as robberies and vehicle hijackings.

"We shall never get tired of ridding the SAPS of rotten apples who may be within the force; in fact we shall become more determined to ensure that only law-abiding police and staff members remain in the force," Mthethwa said.

"We would rather lose a hundred corrupt cops and be left with ten morally-upright, committed and disciplined police officers."

The ministry's recruitment process would in future put emphasis on "quality rather than quantity", because they could not fight crime if staffers were themselves involved.

The "clean up" campaign would be ongoing.

'Corrupt' Cop, Prison Official Held

Ulundi - A policeman and a correctional services official have been arrested for corruption, KwaZulu-Natal police said on Wednesday.

On 2 December the pair, a lieutenant colonel from the Vryheid police, and a correctional services employee in the same town, approached a member of the police's recruitment section in Ulundi, Brigadier Phindile Radebe said.

"They requested him to assist them with 'speeding up' applications for recruitment and promised to pay him in return."

The man who was offered the bribe informed his commander and the Hawks in Pietermaritzburg conducted an investigation. The two were arrested on Tuesday and expected to appear in the Ulundi Magistrate's Court soon.

'Drunk' Cop Smashes Into Cars

Pietermaritzburg - A senior policeman is under investigation for allegedly going on a wild car-smashing spree while driving a state vehicle, possibly under the influence of alcohol, on Monday evening.

The police officer, whose name has not been released, is attached to the public order policing unit in Oribi, Pietermaritzburg.

He was allegedly driving the wrong way along Coronation Road, a one-way street near the Scottsville shopping centre, at about 20:00.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Vincent Mdunge said the officer, a captain, had been authorised to use the vehicle before the accident.

Investigation

“He smashed [several] vehicles before he fled from the scene. We have opened a criminal investigation against the officer and are also conducting an internal inquiry to establish who was driving the car,” said Mdunge.

Lethiwe Goge, 26, she said she was driving away from the shopping centre when a police double cab bakkie drove towards her and struck her vehicle, damaging it badly. She said she saw the police bakkie hitting two other vehicles before it sped away.

“I did not see how many people were in the police van because everything happened too fast,” said Goge.

The University of KwaZulu-Natal finance student said her 1992 VW Jetta 2, which was later taken to a scrapyard, was her only means of travel between her Sweetwaters home and the university.

“Since I’m the student I could not afford insurance for the car, and now I don’t know who is going to repair it,” said Goge.

Drove off

Johannesburg resident Belinda Smith, who was in the city for Christmas, was driving along King Edward Avenue when the police bakkie struck her VW Jetta 5 at the intersection of Coronation Road and King Edward Avenue.

“I first thought, ‘Oh please Lord, tell me that’s not me,’ and then I looked in the rear-view mirror and saw a police vehicle reversing and driving off at a speed.”

Smith said she was astonished to see the police Nissan Hardbody drive the wrong way down Coronation Road, colliding with another vehicle and knocking it off the road before it sped away.

She took down the registration number, BRW 617 B, and noticed the driver was wearing police uniform.

“One witness said it seemed that the driver was drunk, but we couldn’t prove it.”

She said her car’s bumper was damaged. Her children were in the car.

Line-up

She said she was initially asked to identify the driver in a line-up, but the police changed their minds and said the procedure would have to wait until the appropriate time.

“At first I thought maybe he [the police officer] was rushing to the scene of an accident or a crime, but when he banged into the second car, I realised something was wrong.”

Mdunge said the police are not aware that the officer was drunk. He said the owners of the damaged vehicles will have to claim from their own insurance, which in turn will claim from the state’s insurers

Audi's All-New A6

Amid the flurry of spy shots that have been doing the internet rounds of late, Audi has released details and a smattering of images of its all-new A6 executive sedan.

The all-new model sports a lightweight body, athletic chassis and a range of new driver aids and multimedia systems.

The range of engines and drivetrains is noteworthy too, since this will be the first A6 to sport a V6 hybrid model.

The new A6’s body is constructed using a combination of aluminium and state-of-the-art steels, resulting in a structure that is light, yet rigid, despite the sedan being bigger than before.

The new A6’s length edges close to five metres, while its generous 1.87 metres width should necessitate careful parking. However, the car’s swooping bonnet low roofline and pronounced lines apparently create the impression of the car appearing somewhat smaller than it is.

MIXING MODERN AND CLASSIC

The exterior may appear sleek and modern, but the cabin (with wrap-around elements for the front occupants) is awash with classic wood veneers.

The cabin also sets the scene for the latest generation MMI interface using touch technology, a new air conditioning system and optional head-up display. The MMI navigation system connects to the internet via Bluetooth to pull images and information from Google Earth and integrating this with the navigation route.

However, the navigation system ups the cool factor in that it is able to forward route data to the control units for the headlights, the automatic transmission and adaptive cruise control and allows the systems to assist the driver.

Five engines – two petrol and three TDI turbodiesel units – will comprise the engine line-up, developing between 130 and 220kW. According to Audi, the fuel consumption across the range has decreased by up to 19 percent when compared to the previous model.

The A6 hybrid will be available from Audi at a later date, fitted with a 2.0 TFSI and an electric motor capable of producing 180kW while returning an average fuel consumption of 6.2 litres per 100 km.

Based on the engine chosen, transmission options are a manual six-speed transmission, a continuously variable multitronic, and the new S tronic dual-clutch system. Quattro, which should reassure drivers with its added traction and stability, is also offered for certain models. An optional sport differential will be available for the top-of-the-line engines.

The new A6 will cruise into South Africa from the middle of 2011, Audi SA confirmed to Wheels24 on Wednesday.

The Audi Cross Coupé Quattro Concept

German automaker Audi has revealed it is to embark on the biggest investment progamme in the company’s history and create 1200 jobs.

In announcing its plans for 2011, Audi said it would be investing heavily in its future and hiring about 1200 skilled employees in the year.

“Innovation requires people,” said Thomas Sigi, member of the Audi AG board of management responsible for personnel.

“For this reason, we want to hire about 1200 experts in 2011 to bolster our electromobility and lightweight construction competence."

NEW PRODUCTS

Furthermore, the company will invest around €11.6-billion between 2011 and 2015, focusing on new products and technologies and upgrading some of its sites.

Axel Strotbek, Audi AG board member for finance and organisation, said: “With this investment we will lay a foundation for sustained, profitable growth and support our claim to leadership in the premium car segment."

More than €9.5-billion will go to developing products and technologies such as electric and hybrid drive systems. Audi wants to begin selling its R8 e-tron, the brand’s first electric sports car, in 2012.

In making the announcement, Audi also provided some detail about its products for 2011. The brand will see the addition of the latest A6, the Q5 Hybrid (the company’s first full hybrid vehicle) and the new Q3.

Finally Moving

I am finally moving to Cape Town! I always knew that I am moving, but it still wasn't real enough. Now it's as real as it can get. I have a day left in which I should finnish wrapping and packing all my stuff for shipping tomorrow. I have so far only done very little packing, but I believe that I have done the tiresome stuff that require a lot of attention and care - I separated my clothes between what I am keeping and what I am giving away, I also separated the papers and books that I'm keeping from the ones I am getting rid of.

In short, all seems to be going according to plan right now and I love it!!!

Police find 1 500m of copper

More theft...

Bloemfontein - Northern Cape police said on Thursday that they had seized stolen copper cable, worth R130 000, hidden in an orchard in Hartswater.

Spokesperson Mashay Gamieldien said police on patrol received information from a local farmer and they searched a plot in the area.

"They found the copper cable hidden in an orchard, a lucerne field and along a road."

Gamieldien said it was clear that the cable was ready to be collected by someone.

The cable was gathered and handed in at the Hartswater police station.

Theft shuts clinic

I still love South Africa though...

Port Elizabeth - A Port Elizabeth clinic has been forced to shut its doors after being targeted by copper thieves at the weekend, the Eastern Cape health department said on Tuesday.

Spokesperson Sizwe Kupelo said the thieves ripped out electrical cabling and water pipes after gaining access through the roof of the Walmer 14 clinic.

Patients were being referred to another clinic in the area until the damage could be repaired.

"We condemn the act and appeal to members of the community to safeguard their facilities," he said.

'Christians have to be better'

Cape Town - Christians have more of an obligation to be law abiding than other people in South Africa, according to the president of the Apostolic Faith Mission, Isak Burger.

He made the comment in a Christmas message released on Tuesday, in which he urged law-abiding citizens to "stay alert" in the face of ongoing crime.

"It is also important that civilised people in our country - more so if they profess to be Christians - should refrain from lawless activities," he said.

"During this time of peace and goodwill it is doubtful whether hardened criminals will respond positively to any request to cease their criminal activities."

48 caught driving on wrong side of road

This is crazy::

Johannesburg - Forty-eight motorists were arrested after they were caught driving on the wrong side of the road in Dunkeld on Wednesday morning, Johannesburg metro police said.

Spokesperson Wayne Minnaar said the operation followed the JMPD's getting a complaint about taxis driving on the wrong side of the road at the intersection of Jan Smuts Avenue and Bompas Road.

"Of these arrests only five were (drivers of) taxis," said Minnaar.

Another 19 were women drivers, including the daughter of the complainant.

The arrests were made between 06:00 and 09:00. The motorists were released on free bail and would appear in the Hillbrow Magistrate's Court on Thursday.

"All motorists are expected to obey the rules of the road as JMPD is going to intensify law enforcement in an effort to reduce accidents."

121 held for drunken driving

Lol!!!

Johannesburg - A hundred and twenty one people were arrested on Saturday night for drunken driving in Johannesburg, metro police said on Sunday.

"The metro police held road blocks on main roads in Randburg, Soweto and Johannesburg CBD," said Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar.

"Those who were arrested were taken to alcohol evidence centres where they were breathalysed and individual printouts of their alcohol breath limits were attached to a docket."

They were then taken to police stations and placed in police cells, he said. After about three hours they were released on bail which ranged from R800 to R1 500.

Minnaar said all 121 were expected to appear in court on Monday.

The road blocks were part of the national rolling enforcement plan to stop one million cars a month, he said.

40 drunk drivers caught in Mpumalanga

ImagineK:

Johannesburg - Forty drunk drivers were arrested in Mpumalanga over the weekend, the province's transport department said on Monday.

The arrests occurred on the R573 (Moloto Road), between Kwaggafontein and Tweefontein in the KwaMhlanga area, spokesperson David Nkambule said in a statement.

Of the drivers tested with a breathalyser, 40 were found to have exceeded the legal alcohol limit of 0.24mg of alcohol per 1 000 millilitres of breath.

"The drivers were then taken to the Alcohol Evidence Centre where they were tested again," he said.

The new centre, in KwaMhlanga, with state-of-the-art equipment worth R1m, was unveiled by the province's Transport MEC Clifford Mkasi earlier this month.

"The equipment is able to detect and confirm that the 40 drivers were indeed drunk. A print out confirmed the test was issued as evidence against the drivers."

The motorists were taken to the KwaMhlanga police station and expected to appear in the local magistrate's court soon.

The centre was the first in the province. Nine were opened in various provinces as a result of a partnership with SA Breweries.

The department was planning to establish two more such centres in Mpumalanga's Ehlanzeni and Gert Sibande regions.

7 drunks a day on Eastern Cape roads

This is crazy:

Port Elizabeth - Eastern Cape traffic officials have arrested an average of seven drunk drivers a day on the province's roads this month, the provincial transport department said on Tuesday.

It said officials had stopped and screened 61,136 vehicles since the December 1 start of the Festive Season Arrive Alive Campaign.

A total of 18 109 fines had been issued, 589 vehicles impounded (including 36 buses and 219 minibuses) and 740 people arrested.

The arrests included 140 for drunken driving, 44 for overloading and 29 for speeding.

Moving

Moving is no joke. I have bought supplies and stuff to help me move. I now have bubble wrap, boxes, sellotape and stuff. I'm going to get to work as from today!!!

Johannesburg Park Station

The first time I came to Joburg Park Station, where you get all sorts of public transport in and out of Johannesburg, it was too overwhelming! The ceiling was too high and the interior was just too big!

I'm very glad that 12yrs later it looks veeeery normal! Hehehehe! Hello Joburg...

Regards,

Tshepo Mathiba
072 260 2743
Sent via my BlackBerry from Vodacom

Gehazi: Missing the Mark

Read for This Week's Study:

Gen. 39:4–6; 2 Kings 4; 5; 8:1–6; Jer. 9:23, 24; John 13:1–17; 1 Tim. 6:10.

Memory Text:

“It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him”(Deuteronomy 13:4, NIV).

Gehazi was a servant. Not just any servant, but the servant of one of the greatest prophets in Israel’s history: Elisha. Elisha had been called by the Lord to minister to the prophet Elijah, in preparation for Elisha’s own prophetic ministry (1 Kings 19:16). For many years Elisha served Elijah and listened, observed, and thus understood what it meant to be a prophet. When Elijah was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind of fire (2 Kings 2:11), Elisha’s time had come. His ministry was not as fiery and glamorous as Elijah’s, but he exerted a far-reaching influence. Thus, Gehazi had a wonderful opportunity to be closely associated with someone as blessed of God as Elisha. It’s hard to imagine all that he could have learned and seen in the years that he worked with the prophet. Yet, as we will see this week, despite so much potential and many great opportunities, Gehazi became a miserable failure. His story serves as an example of someone who gets sidetracked and becomes unable to distinguish the important from the peripheral. How crucial it is for us to learn from his mistakes!

Timing is Everything

I guess it is! I have the right the right intentions but the timing is wrong and it has left me feeling crappy to say the least!

When I'm at my worst and I get complaints I acknowledge it and fix myself. After fixing myself and get on my way to do my best and be the best I can be, nobody sees it and nobody cares! Mcm! I'm really discouraged! If I must do my best then we must all do our best, even at just receiving!

Aero Curtain tech for 1 Series

BMW will use the Detroit auto show in January to launch its revised coupe and convertible 1 Series models.

Although marginal cars calculated as part of the baby Beemer range's total sales volume, the soft-top and coupe 1 Series models are important style symbols for BMW's entry-level offering.

The new 1 Series styling tweaks are minamal though and will only be notable to serious BMW brand anoraks.

First off, redesigned head- and taillights enhance the coupe and convertible's illumination signature with finessed LED integration.

Then there is a new aerodynamically refined front bumper (called the 'Aero Curtain') and splitter combination that harmonise to reroute airflow around the front of the car via two ducts, reducing drag and thereby lowering fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

The level of efficiency gained is so negligible though, that on certain new 1 Series coupe and convertible models (the 125- and 135is) there is no reduction in CO2 emissions.

Beyond the LED embedded lights and 'Aero Curtain' bumper two new colours - Vermillon Red and Marrakesh Brown – are to be introduced as part of the 1 Series coupe and convertible facelift.

Buyers who fret obsessively about customizing their BMWs with individual wheel options will be heartened to note the availability of three new alloy wheel designs; two 17-inchers (in five- and multi-spoke configuration) and a V-spoked '18.
Regards,

Tshepo Mathiba
072 260 2743
Sent via my BlackBerry from Vodacom

HSV updates its E63 AMG killer

The world’s greatest bargain among performance cars just got a little better.

GM’s VXR8 (known locally as the Lumina) has gained a raft of refinements to improve its dynamic fluidity.

Built in Australia by Holden’s special vehicles (HSV) division, the next-generation VXR8 is now based on the Holden GTS instead of the Club Sport version – as was always the case previously.

Styling remains rather ornate, with a new-look grille (known as the ‘Shockwave’ design by Holden insiders) and LED embedded head and tail lights the notable upgrades.

NEW INSTRUMENTS

The VXR8's new alloy wheel design, which has an inverse hexagon shape of sorts, is quite "out there" - even for something conceived by Australians.

Inside, a new instrument cluster with grey/white contrast illumination instead of the series Lumina’s red-hued instrumentation, is augmented by a 13cm driver touchscreen interface. It enables VXR8 owners to access boy-racer data sets such as g-force, power/torque graphs and lap times from the car's computer.

HSV’s eight-way adjustable bucket seats replace the standard Lumina items (comfortable for larger drivers, but hardly moulded to keep one securely in place at speed during cornering), which is just as well considering the new VXR8’S mechanical upgrades - all made to make the VXR8 pull a lot more cornering g-force.

MAGNETIC SHOCKS - WHAT A DIFFERENCE

Although the all-wheel independent suspension is retained, it is buoyed by the presence of a magnetic ride control system borrowed from the Corvette ZR1.

Working on a principle similar to that of Audi’s R8 magnetic ride system, the VXR8’s shocks either harden or soften the fluid response courtesy of an electric current impulse that affects magnetic particles residing inside the damper tubing.

Able to adjust the bound and rebound 1000 times a second, the system should enable it to thread the golden mean between providing plush ride quality on badly roads while still being able to enact millimetre-perfect adjustment on a smooth race track.

Under severe braking, the magnetic ride system is particularly useful at preventing nose-heavy understeer, especially useful in a vehicle as large and with such a heavy V8 engine residing above its front wheels as the VXR8.

Beyond the improved ride quality and handling finesse the new VXR8 also sports launch control, enabled when the ‘competition’ electronic stability system setting is selected. The HSV calibrated launch control ensures the correct level of torque is transferred to the rear wheels for perfect traction during (very) brisk acceleration runs.

SIX-SPEED - MANUAL OR AUTO

Powering the new VXR8 is GM’s Corvette-derived LS3 6.2-litre V8, producing 317kW and 550Nm.

Rear-wheel drive in configuration, the VXR8’s traction is managed by a proper mechanical limited-slip differential with the option of either a manual or autoc six-speed transmission. HSV reckon if you find a high-friction surface the VXR8 should be good for a benchmark 0-100km/h sprint time of 4.9 seconds.

Set to retail at the equivalent of R532 000 when it goes on sale in the UK in March 2011, the VXR8 is undoubtedly the best value rapid transport solution available for average family of four.

Despite GMSA having brought a few units of HSV’s Club Sport for evaluation early in 2010 it would appear very unlikely that the VXR8 could find its way on to the South African market.

Conflict Management With Your Loved One...

Conventional wisdom (and research) says that good communication can improve relationships, increasing intimacy, trust and support. The converse is also true: poor communication can weaken bonds, creating mistrust and even contempt! Here are some examples of negative and even destructive attitudes and communication patterns that can exacerbate conflict in a relationship. How many of these sound like something you'd do?

1. Avoiding Conflict Altogether:

Rather than discussing building frustrations in a calm, respectful manner, some people just don't say anything to their partner until they're ready to explode, and then blurt it out in an angry, hurtful way. This seems to be the less stressful route—avoiding an argument altogether—but usually causes more stress to both parties, as tensions rise, resentments fester, and a much bigger argument eventually results. It's much healthier to address and resolve conflict.

2. Being Defensive:

Rather than addressing a partner's complaints with an objective eye and willingness to understand the other person's point of view, defensive people steadfastly deny any wrongdoing and work hard to avoid looking at the possibility that they could be contributing to a problem. Denying responsibility may seem to alleviate stress in the short run, but creates long-term problems when partners don't feel listened to and unresolved conflicts and continue to grow.

3. Overgeneralizing:

When something happens that they don't like, some blow it out of proportion by making sweeping generalizations. Avoid starting sentences with, "You always…" and "You never…", as in, "You always come home late!" or "You never do what I want to do!" Stop and think about whether or not this is really true. Also, don't bring up past conflicts to throw the discussion off-topic and stir up more negativity. This stands in the way of true conflict resolution, and increases the level of conflict.

4. Being Right:

It's damaging to decide that there's a 'right' way to look at things and a 'wrong' way to look at things, and that your way of seeing things is right. Don't demand that your partner see things the same way, and don't take it as a personal attack if they have a different opinion. Look for a compromise or agreeing to disagree, and remember that there's not always a 'right' or a 'wrong', and that two points of view can both be valid.

5. "Psychoanalyzing" / Mind-Reading:

Instead of asking about their partner's thoughts and feelings, people sometimes decide that they 'know' what their partners are thinking and feeling based only on faulty interpretations of their actions—and always assume it's negative! (For example, deciding a late mate doesn't care enough to be on time, or that a tired partner is denying sex out of passive-aggressiveness.) This creates hostility and misunderstandings.

6. Forgetting to Listen:

Some people interrupt, roll their eyes, and rehearse what they're going to say next instead of truly listening and attempting to understand their partner. This keeps you from seeing their point of view, and keeps your partner from wanting to see yours! Don't underestimate the importance of really listening and empathizing with the other person!

7. Playing the Blame Game:

Some people handle conflict by criticizing and blaming the other person for the situation. They see admitting any weakness on their own part as a weakening of their credibility, and avoid it at all costs, and even try to shame them for being 'at fault'. Instead, try to view conflict as an opportunity to analyze the situation objectively, assess the needs of both parties and come up with a solution that helps you both.

8. Trying to 'Win' The Argument:

I love it when Dr. Phil says that if people are focused on 'winning' the argument, "the relationship loses"! The point of a relationship discussion should be mutual understanding and coming to an agreement or resolution that respects everyone's needs. If you're making a case for how wrong the other person is, discounting their feelings, and staying stuck in your point of view, your focused in the wrong direction!

9. Making Character Attacks:

Sometimes people take any negative action from a partner and blow it up into a personality flaw. (For example, if a husband leaves his socks lying around, looking it as a character flaw and label him 'inconsiderate and lazy', or, if a woman wants to discuss a problem with the relationship, labeling her 'needy', 'controlling' or 'too demanding'.) This creates negative perceptions on both sides. Remember to respect the person, even if you don't like the behavior.

10. Stonewalling:

When one partner wants to discuss troubling issues in the relationship, sometimes people defensively stonewall, or refuse to talk or listen to their partner. This shows disrespect and, in certain situations, even contempt, while at the same time letting the underlying conflict grow. Stonewalling solves nothing, but creates hard feelings and damages relationships. It's much better to listen and discuss things in a respectful manner.

Adoption Miracles

Tell me which is more of a miracle:

1. A child is born and abandoned. He goes to an orphanage and remains there waiting for a potential new parent. After a few years, now at a mature age, he is adopted and made part of a new family. He rejects instruction and lacks the required manners and respect; or
2. A child is born and abandoned. He goes to an orphanage and remains there waiting for a potential new parent. After a few years, now at a mature age, he is adopted and made part of a new family. He lives happily with the family, honoring his parents and making them feel that they are his parents; or
3. A child is born into a family that soon divorces and then stays with the mother. After a few years, at a mature age, his mother meets someone else and remarries. He accepts his new father and lives peacefully and happily with him.

I would say the second and third situations are miracles. It is the same with the way God adopted us. Even after adoption as His sons and daughters, we rebel and do what He has told us will hurt him. It is a miracle beyond our understanding when a sinner repents!