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- A Stuijt
- Retired South African medical journalist, ex-Sunday Times of Johannesburg.
Cyclists attacked: midrand AND krugersdorp…
17:40 | 
Posted by
A Stuijt |
Summary: Alec Lambrechts stabbed 9 times cycling in Krugersdorp kloof; Panga-wielding black thugs attack Midrand cycling club; Kempton Park residents warned of spike in armed-robberies after cash-withdrawals at local ATMs; 3 suspects in court April 18 for murdering William Bell in Rosettenville; black man electrocuted stealing cables in President Park
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Alec Lambrechts, 39, stabbed 9 times, cycling, Krugersdorp 
On 30 March, Alec Lambrechts (39), a father of three, was cycling in the kloof when he lost control over his mountain bicycle and fell to the ground. There he was attacked by a black male. with short dreadlocks and stabbed nine times. (source: Sammi-Jo Botha). He’s lucky: he lived to tell of his ordeal a week later.
He said: "I saw the man walking towards me in the distance and when I lost control of the bicycle he attacked me and we struggled. I pulled out my pepper spray and sprayed it in his eyes and mouth. I then threw him to the ground and we struggled. He then came at me with a pocket knife and stabbed me several times. After being stabbed and struggling to get away from this man, I realised that I had lost the battle and I began praying. Eventually he picked up my bicycle and rode off with it. I then walked behind him until I could not see him anymore, only then did I realise I had been stabbed, and then I phoned Victor Kolanes from the Sector 4 Community Policing Forum (CPF) to come and help me. I walked about half a kilometre before I was picked up," explains Lambrechts. Lambrechts was stabbed nine times, seven times on his upper body and twice in his helmet, and sustained a puncture to one of his lungs and the tendons in his finger were cut off. The suspect is a black male with short dreadlocks, about 25 years old, about 1,75 metres tall, wore a light grey jacket and brownish pants. The bicycle that was stolen is a silver metallic dual suspension Trek EX7 mountain bike, with a GPS on the handle bars. Lambrechts says, "I am so angry because this man took my freedom away. I will not stop cycling, but I will be cycling with a group of people in future. I would like to thank all the Sector 4 CPF members for their constant support throughout this ordeal. "It seems that criminals are becoming more aware of the number of cyclist riding in dangerous areas and they are taking advantage of it. Next time you want to go cycling, call a couple of friends to go with you, just to be safe."
http://www.looklocal.co.za/looklocal/content/en/krugersdorp/krugersdorp-news-crime?oid=4339814&sn=Detail&pid=489870&Yet-another-unsuspecting-cyclist-stabbed
Panga-wielding thugs ambush 7 Midrand cyclists
15 April 2011 After a close shave with bike-jackers on Saturday, Midrand Country Cyclists (MCC) urges mountain bikers to beware. Wayne Burnett, ride captain said, “This is a warning to all mountain bikers in the Midrand area; it is not advisable to ride in a group of less than five people.”
On their weekly Saturday ride, the group of seven bikers from MCC were surprised by three black males with pangas, hiding in the long grass. “The three would-be assailants were under the impression there were only two riders but, when the other five guys came around the corner, the cowards ran for the hills,” said Burnett. “We were very fortunate that the group was large enough to scare off the would-be criminals.” Burnett said bike-jacking was now part and parcel of riding in South Africa, and pleaded with riders to be vigilant. He also urged riders to be careful in hotspots like Irene, and to ride with a club that had a safety protocol. “Riding with a club will also ensure safety in numbers,” he said. “The clubs in Gauteng are trying to pull together to ensure safety on the routes, but these bike-jacking ringleaders need to be caught. Hopefully something can be done before there are fatalities.” Burnett added it would be a shame to ruin a fast-developing sport that the entire family could enjoy.
http://www.looklocal.co.za/looklocal/content/en/midrand/midrand-news-crime?oid=4349868&sn=Detail&pid=490215&Panga-wielding-thugs-ambush-Midrand-cyclists
William Bell murdered, Rosettenville
On Tuesday February 1 2011, Mr William Bell was murdered in his home in Rosettenville. A docket of murder was opened and handed to Warrant officer Mdlalose for further investigation. On 25 March 2011 it was reported by journalist Lucky Thusi of the Comaro Chronicle newspaper that three black suspects were arrested by members of the serious and violent crime unit at Booysens SAPS on information collected by W/O Mdlalose. Three of four black man suspected of murdering Mr Bell appeared in court on March 7. The case was remanded to April 18 2011. Very few details about Mr Bell ‘s murder or background have thus far been released by the SAPS.
During the police investigation it was discovered that two of the suspects had stolen a lawnmower that belonged to Mr Bell. These two suspects also have other outstanding cases and they are currently being investigated. SAPS would like to thank the community of Rosettenville for their assistance by supplying information that led to a positive result and arrest of the three suspects. They are still currently looking for a fourth black male suspect: known as Mavimbela or Lefton Mfofu. He also sometimes uses the surname Vilakazi or Khumalo. From information received he used to stay in Orange Farm and in Rifle Range. He was last seen staying in an old house behind Rand Water Board in Towerby. Anyone with any information concerning the above mentioned person, please contact Detective Warrant Officer Mdlalose on 011 433 5301 or 082 469 4316 or 079 512 2700. http://www.looklocal.co.za/looklocal/content/en/joburg-south/joburg-south-news-crime?oid=4318142&sn=Detail&pid=1171167&Murder-suspect-arrested
President Park man electrocuted trying to steal cables 
A young black man was electrocuted after he tried to steal live power cables in President Park. (source: Tammy Sutherns) The unidentifed man was still alive when he was pried apart from the power cable but died in Tembisa Hospital the following day.
Local resident Johan Marias - who lives opposite the Eskom transmitter in Brand Road - said the young man got his right leg hooked in a bracket that supported the transformer “in such a way that he could not free himself. Eskom had to isolate the electricity supply to the whole of Brand Road to make the scene safe for the members of the fire department to lift him down.” Marais added that several private security officers, Midrand police, Eskom, two fire vehicles, and an ambulance were at the scene at 2.30am. Colonel Steven Moodley from Midrand police station said, “This is a dangerous business to be involved in. The person who attempted to steal the cable was electrocuted.” Moodley said they would contact the young man’s family. Eskom has received nine reports of cable theft in the same area that week alone. They have also released a statement warning the public about the dangers of illegal connections, which can often lead to electrocution. Jeffrey Wicks, spokesman for Netcare 911 advised the public, “Do not rush to assist electrocuted victims until you are certain they are no direct contact with the source of the electricity. Otherwise the current will pass through the victim directly into you.” Details: Call Eskom on 0900-11-27-22 to report cable theft and illegal connections.
http://www.looklocal.co.za/looklocal/content/en/midrand/midrand-news-crime?oid=3131227&sn=Detail&pid=490221&Horror-death-for-cable-thief
Danger spots for armed-robberies: Bank ATMS at Woodbridge Square, Central Avenue, Wolff Street in Kempton Park - warn local police
Kempton Park: more people followed, robbed at gunpoint after withdrawing cash from ATM-banks
15 April 2011 Bernice Maune writes from KEMPTON PARK. BANK related crimes are on the increase in the central business district of Kempton Park, warns SAPS Capt Jethro Mtshali. There is a spike in people being robbed after they have left their bank’s ATM machines, he warned. Suspects were hanging around the machines targeting people using banks at Woodbridge Square, Central Avenue and Wolff Street. "The victims withdraw money and then are followed to their destinations where they get robbed at gunpoint. Residents are advised to be aware of their surroundings. "Rather than withdrawing large amounts of cash, transfer it electronically. This will prevent victims from being robbed. If one suspects he is being followed, drive straight to the nearest police station," said Mtshali.”
(People can also sign up for Eblockwatch.co.za so that alerts can be sent out quickly across the entire network via emails and help can be sent very quickly.)
SA local crime - Apr 16 2011
Summary: Three of four black suspects of the murder of William Bell in Rosettenville in court April 18; Kempton Park residents warned of spike in armed-robberies after cash-withdrawals at local ATMs; three panga-wielding black males ambush 7 Midrand cyclists; a young black man electrocuted while stealing cables in Rosettenville.
William Bell murdered, Rosettenville
On Tuesday February 1 2011, Mr William Bell was murdered in his home in Rosettenville. A docket of murder was opened and handed to Warrant officer Mdlalose for further investigation. On 25 March 2011 it was reported by journalist Lucky Thusi of the Comaro Chronicle newspaper that three black suspects were arrested by members of the serious and violent crime unit at Booysens SAPS on information collected by W/O Mdlalose. Three of four black man suspected of murdering Mr Bell appeared in court on March 7. The case was remanded to April 18 2011. Very few details about Mr Bell ‘s murder or background have thus far been released by the SAPS.
During the police investigation it was discovered that two of the suspects had stolen a lawnmower that belonged to Mr Bell. These two suspects also have other outstanding cases and they are currently being investigated. SAPS would like to thank the community of Rosettenville for their assistance by supplying information that led to a positive result and arrest of the three suspects. They are still currently looking for a fourth black male suspect: known as Mavimbela or Lefton Mfofu. He also sometimes uses the surname Vilakazi or Khumalo. From information received he used to stay in Orange Farm and in Rifle Range. He was last seen staying in an old house behind Rand Water Board in Towerby. Anyone with any information concerning the above mentioned person, please contact Detective Warrant Officer Mdlalose on 011 433 5301 or 082 469 4316 or 079 512 2700. http://www.looklocal.co.za/looklocal/content/en/joburg-south/joburg-south-news-crime?oid=4318142&sn=Detail&pid=1171167&Murder-suspect-arrested
Panga-wielding thugs ambush 7 Midrand cyclists
15 April 2011 After a close shave with bike-jackers on Saturday, Midrand Country Cyclists (MCC) urges mountain bikers to beware. Wayne Burnett, ride captain said, “This is a warning to all mountain bikers in the Midrand area; it is not advisable to ride in a group of less than five people.”
On their weekly Saturday ride, the group of seven bikers from MCC were surprised by three black males with pangas, hiding in the long grass. “The three would-be assailants were under the impression there were only two riders but, when the other five guys came around the corner, the cowards ran for the hills,” said Burnett. “We were very fortunate that the group was large enough to scare off the would-be criminals.” Burnett said bike-jacking was now part and parcel of riding in South Africa, and pleaded with riders to be vigilant. He also urged riders to be careful in hotspots like Irene, and to ride with a club that had a safety protocol. “Riding with a club will also ensure safety in numbers,” he said. “The clubs in Gauteng are trying to pull together to ensure safety on the routes, but these bike-jacking ringleaders need to be caught. Hopefully something can be done before there are fatalities.” Burnett added it would be a shame to ruin a fast-developing sport that the entire family could enjoy.
http://www.looklocal.co.za/looklocal/content/en/midrand/midrand-news-crime?oid=4349868&sn=Detail&pid=490215&Panga-wielding-thugs-ambush-Midrand-cyclists
President Park man electrocuted trying to steal cables A young black man was electrocuted after he tried to steal live power cables in President Park. (source: Tammy Sutherns) The unidentifed man was still alive when he was pried apart from the power cable but died in Tembisa Hospital the following day.
Local resident Johan Marias - who lives opposite the Eskom transmitter in Brand Road - said the young man got his right leg hooked in a bracket that supported the transformer “in such a way that he could not free himself. Eskom had to isolate the electricity supply to the whole of Brand Road to make the scene safe for the members of the fire department to lift him down.” Marais added that several private security officers, Midrand police, Eskom, two fire vehicles, and an ambulance were at the scene at 2.30am. Colonel Steven Moodley from Midrand police station said, “This is a dangerous business to be involved in. The person who attempted to steal the cable was electrocuted.” Moodley said they would contact the young man’s family. Eskom has received nine reports of cable theft in the same area that week alone. They have also released a statement warning the public about the dangers of illegal connections, which can often lead to electrocution. Jeffrey Wicks, spokesman for Netcare 911 advised the public, “Do not rush to assist electrocuted victims until you are certain they are no direct contact with the source of the electricity. Otherwise the current will pass through the victim directly into you.” Details: Call Eskom on 0900-11-27-22 to report cable theft and illegal connections.
http://www.looklocal.co.za/looklocal/content/en/midrand/midrand-news-crime?oid=3131227&sn=Detail&pid=490221&Horror-death-for-cable-thief
Danger spots for armed-robberies: Bank ATMS at Woodbridge Square, Central Avenue, Wolff Street in Kempton Park - warn local police
Kempton Park: more people followed, robbed at gunpoint after withdrawing cash from ATM-banks
15 April 2011 Bernice Maune writes from KEMPTON PARK. BANK related crimes are on the increase in the central business district of Kempton Park, warns SAPS Capt Jethro Mtshali. There is a spike in people being robbed after they have left their bank’s ATM machines, he warned. Suspects were hanging around the machines targeting people using banks at Woodbridge Square, Central Avenue and Wolff Street. "The victims withdraw money and then are followed to their destinations where they get robbed at gunpoint. Residents are advised to be aware of their surroundings. "Rather than withdrawing large amounts of cash, transfer it electronically. This will prevent victims from being robbed. If one suspects he is being followed, drive straight to the nearest police station," said Mtshali.”
(People can also sign up for Eblockwatch.co.za so that alerts can be sent out quickly across the entire network via emails and help can be sent very quickly.)
ANC youth leader bodyguard on trial
“What would a witness think when the person they are testifying against carries a machine gun in court?”
As Julius Malema’s hate speech trial continued in the South Gauteng High Court yesterday, it was revealed that his Durban-based chief bodyguard, Adriaan Snyman, is presently standing trial, accused of conspiring to commit a cash-in- transit robbery.
(source: Paul Kirk, the Citizen).
The gun-toting heavies drew attention from the media as they escorted Malema to court when the trial started. Johannesburg lawyer Martin Hood, who specialises in firearms law, told The Super Saturday Citizen that he was “enraged” that people he described as “common thugs” were allowed to invade the courts. Firearms are not allowed in court, the only exception being the police. The law also prohibits firearms from being carried openly by security guards.
Why did Judge Lamont not order the Malema body-guards arrested for their illegal public display of machine-guns inside and outside the courtroom?
(My personal comment: The Equality Court judge Lamont who is residing over the Malema trial, did order the body-guards with their intimidating display of machine-guns out of his court-room - but did not order these private guards arrested for carrying firearms publicly – although this is forbidden by law in South Africa. He personally ‘did not feel intimidated or endangered’ by the presence of the guns, he said, but ‘he wanted his court-room to be a gun-free zone…’ . He said nothing about this obviously very deliberate campaign to intimidate the witnesses inside and outside his court-room by this blatant display of heavy weaponry. He should have shown much more concern for a need to protect the witnesses, not just himself. By comparison: When Judge Richard Goldstone held his six-week-long enquiries into the violence in Vereeniging, he also ordered that no guns be displayed within a 500m radius of the Vereeniging law courts where the enquiries were held. He issued this order well in advance of the start of his hearings, so that no witnesses would feel intimidated by any public display of guns. End of personal comment)
http://www.solidariteit-blog.co.za/afriforum-regter-verbied-vuurwapens-in-hofgebou/
Said Mr Hood, as quoted by Paul Kirk of The Citizen: “These thugs have blatantly broken the law, have blatantly attempted to intimidate people, have blatantly attempted to scare judicial officers. Someone needs to ask whether they were legally in possession of those weapons. We need to know whether the guards carrying the firearms are properly registered bodyguards who are accredited with the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority,” Hood said.
A prosecutor in the Durban Magistrate’s Court said it was “very, very bad news when accused persons are allowed into court carrying assault rifles.”“What would a witness think when they see the person they are testifying against carrying a machine gun in court? What would happen if a cop who had arrested the person sees him running from court with an assault rifle, thinks the worst and starts shooting?” the prosecutor asked.
Captain Shane Smith of the Durban Organised Crime Unit told The Super Saturday Citizen that Snyman’s trial would commence again in June. “I don’t want to convict the man in the media, but he is facing some very serious charges and if he is convicted, faces 15 or more years in jail. Initially, there was talk that he would 
plead guilty, but the trial is continuing. If he is convicted, he would be prevented from working in the security industry and would not be allowed firearm licences,” he said. Smith added that the police alleged that Snyman and his associate, who worked for SBV Services at the time, planned to stage an armed robbery in which R4 million would be stolen. Snyman and his associate allegedly approached two Bluff policemen to assist them in the robbery. However, after getting “cold feet”, one went to SBV and “spilt the beans”. “We made that policeman a Section 204 witness. He might possibly be given indemnity for his part in the plot, providing the magistrate rules that he has testified truthfully...
“This was going to be a simple organised handover, after which a false case of armed robbery would then be opened, in which the guards claim they were robbed at gunpoint. Afterwards the cash was to be divided up,” said Smith.