NEWS IN BRIEF
The most overworked and understaffed jurisdiction in the country, the Transvaal Provincial Division (TPD), looks set for a major shake-up, with the creation of 10 permanent posts on the Bench.
Officials say the new posts will incorporate positions that have been occupied by acting judges. Advocates expect the Judicial Service Commission, the body that advises the president on judicial appointments, will particularly seek black and female candidates for the posts when it interviews nominees in October.
The Judge President of the TPD, Bernard Ngoepe, said judges were being “tied down” by time-consuming cases, necessitating the introduction of more posts. The changes will coincide with the appointment of four new judges to the Supreme Court of Appeal – a move providing the opportunity to dilute the white, male composition of the top court. – Khadija Magardie
Transport war escalates
The 11-week-old stand-off between Cape Town’s local bus service, taxi operators and provincial officials escalated this week after bus drivers blocked main access roads.
Two bus drivers have been killed and at least four injured since taxi operators demanded Golden Arrow withdraw from Khayelitsha at the end of March. A taxi driver has also been shot dead and scores of commuters injured in drive-by attacks. Sources say rivalry over a new public transport contract tender system could be behind the conflict. The violence coincided with the planned introduction of a new contract tendering system – under which taxi operators could apply for transportation contracts and receive subsidies. MEC for Transport Piet Meyer remains reluctant to use his newly acquired powers to close taxi ranks. – Marianne Merten
Royal revenge
Four members of the Zulu royal family have been charged with murder after the death of a teenager, Smiso Mahlami, allegedly killed by four young princes in revenge for the murder of KwaNongoma mayor Joseph Sikhonde.
After accusing the youth of involvement in Sikhonde’s murder, the four young royals are alleged to have led a mob that chased their victim into a river before setting him alight.
While the boy was being killed, police were locking up three real suspects for Sikhonde’s murder. Police gave the names of the suspects as Sibusiso Msimango and Chandanani Zitha. They declined to name a third suspect, who has not yet appeared in court.
Police representative Inspector Sabelo Zwane said that the police had positively linked one of the suspects to serious taxi violence.
Zwane named the royal suspects as Busani Zulu, Senzo Zulu, Sifiso Zulu and a minor who cannot be named. Also charged were Elton Shoyisa and Vuma Buthelezi. – Paul Kirk