Latest news with #R600
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Locals invited to rev their engines for Dundee Adult Centre 4x4 fund-raiser
Residents are invited to gear up for a muddy adventure in support of a worthy cause at the Dundee Adult Centre 4×4 Family Day, set to take place on Saturday, July 26, at Corby Rock Farm, just 7km outside Dundee on the Nquthu road. The community-driven event serves as a fund-raiser to support the ongoing work of the centre, which provides care for adults who are mentally challenged and/or disabled. Drivers can put their off-road skills to the test on a specially prepared course, with an entry fee of R600 per vehicle. Local businesses are encouraged to sponsor an obstacle for R1000, offering a unique opportunity to promote their brand while contributing to community upliftment. 'This is more than just a 4×4 challenge,' said organiser Willie Steenberg. 'It's about bringing people together, raising funds for a good cause, and having loads of fun while we're at it.' Camping facilities are available for Friday and Saturday night at no cost, with hot water and ablution blocks ensuring a comfortable stay for families. Spectators are welcome, and organisers are calling on the public to come out, cheer on participants, and enjoy a fun-filled family day outdoors. Vehicle entries are limited, and early booking is essential via 073 847 4898. HAVE YOUR SAY: Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram or email us at [email protected]. Add us on WhatsApp 071 277 1394. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
4 days ago
- IOL News
NPA seizes R600,000 Fortuner used in blue-light crime near Vryburg
The Asset Forfeiture Unit of the National Prosecuting Authority in the North West Division has obtained a preservation order from the North West High Court Image: Pexels The Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the North West Division has secured a preservation order from the North West High Court regarding a silver Toyota Fortuner valued at approximately R600,000. This order pertains to the vehicle, which was deemed an instrumentality in the commission of an offence as outlined in Schedule 1 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA), 121 of 1998. The case stems from an incident on April 27, 2025, when law enforcement officials apprehended a suspect along the N18 near Vryburg for unlawfully employing blue identification lights on the vehicle. These lights are reserved exclusively for authorised emergency and law enforcement personnel, and their improper use is strictly prohibited under Regulations 176 and 185 of the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2000. According to South African law, the use of blue lights is limited to specific individuals, including members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), municipal police officers, provincial and municipal traffic officers, and the Military Police of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). The apprehended suspect was not only charged with road traffic violations but also found to be in contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002. He was subsequently convicted for being in South Africa without valid documentation and has been deported as part of immigration enforcement measures. The NPA has hailed the court's decision as a resounding endorsement of legal principles and a decisive move to combat the misuse of state-like authority by individuals impersonating law enforcement personnel. In their view, this ruling is a clarion reminder that actions which jeopardise public safety and erode trust in legitimate law enforcement will be met with serious repercussions. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Dr Rachel Makhari, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, expressed commendation for the AFU, recognising their swift action in securing this preservation order. 'This outcome reaffirms our commitment to tackling the growing issue of so-called 'blue light bullies' who intimidate innocent road users and undermine public safety," she stated. "These individuals often act with impunity, posing a serious threat not only to the physical safety of citizens but also to the credibility of law enforcement agencies.' Dr Makhari further emphasised that the NPA, through its Asset Forfeiture Unit, will relentlessly pursue decisive actions against this form of organised criminality. This includes seizing vehicles unlawfully utilised in criminal activities and seeking suitable legal remedies. 'We remain steadfast in our duty to uphold the law and protect our communities from those who seek to exploit authority for criminal gain,' she added. IOL
![#MandelaDay: [Video] This is how Boksburg jumped in on Mandela Day!](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.citizen.co.za%2Fboksburg-advertiser%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F25%2F2025%2F07%2FIMG_9629_42182.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
The Citizen
5 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
#MandelaDay: [Video] This is how Boksburg jumped in on Mandela Day!
#MandelaDay: [Video] This is how Boksburg jumped in on Mandela Day! Boksburg residents and local organisations embraced the spirit of ubuntu on Mandela Day (July 18), dedicating their 67 Minutes to acts of kindness, restoration, and community upliftment. From clean-ups to donations and animal welfare, here's how they made a difference. Boksburg Community Project The Boksburg Community Project spent their 67 Minutes for Mandela Day cleaning up and restoring the Atlas Vlei, in Atlasville. With the help of volunteers and representatives from local businesses, the team cleaned the area around the vlei, repaired railings, and painted benches and the play area. 'Thank you to the community that joined us today. It's been a fantastic outcome. We chose this park specifically for children; they need green spaces to play in and we don't want them in an environment that has been neglected. That's why we're sprucing it up and making sure it's safe for them,' said Helen Kruger, of the BCP. She extended thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of the clean up. East Rand Mall Over 60 East Rand Mall tenants took part in a trolley dash at Checkers, where each tenant had R600 to spend on essential items, such as toothpaste, rice, sugar, and cooking oil. Marketing Manager Tshepiso Kgowana explained that everything collected would be donated to the Tshisusu Foundation. 'This Mandela Day initiative is our way of giving back to the community, and also to celebrate the recent opening of Checkers. We've never done something like this before and it's been a meaningful first for us.' Arveen Singh from the Tshisusu Foundation expressed gratitude for the support received. 'Everything here will go to our soup kitchens and other initiatives so that everyone benefits from what's been donated,' Singh said. St Francis Care Centre Daisy Business Solutions treated the residents and centre with a petting zoo. Residents delighted in interacting with animals, such as bunnies and sheep, while children enjoyed pony rides. In addition to the entertainment, the company donated blankets collected during a recent blanket drive. Children also had the opportunity to paint their hands and add their prints to a commemorative canvas. 'It's a privilege to do this in honour of Mandela. If everyone paid it forward the way he taught us, South Africa would be a better place,' said Daisy Business Solutions managing director Justin Winderly. Jessie Almond, St Francis Care Centre fundraiser, thanked the company for their contribution. Also Read: Mandela Day donations a godsend for St Francis Care Centre Boksburg SPCA In partnership with the National Lotteries Commission, the Boksburg SPCA held a special 'spay day', during which 40 animals were sterilised free of charge for pensioners and unemployed individuals. This initiative offered pet owners, who might otherwise not afford the procedure, the chance to have their animals sterilised. According to the SPCA, sterilisation is vital as it saves lives and prevents unwanted breeding. Also Read: Mandela Day donations a godsend for St Francis Care Centre At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
5 days ago
- The Citizen
NPA secures preservation order in unlawful blue lights case
The suspect who was driving the car that was illegally fitted with blue lights was an illegal immigrant and has been deported. The North West High Court has granted the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) a preservation order which relates to an SUV unlawfully fitted with blue lights. The order was granted to the NPA's Asset Forfeiture Unit on Wednesday, allowing it to seize the silver Toyota Fortuner valued at about R600 000. Driver arrested in Vryburg This comes after a suspect was arrested for unlawfully using blue identification lights along the N18 near Vryburg on 27 April. According to NPA communications officer Sivenathi Gunya, the arrest was made in terms of regulations 176 and 185 of the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2000. '[The regulations] prohibit the unauthorised fitting or display of blue lights reserved exclusively for emergency and law enforcement vehicles,' Gunya said in a statement. 'According to the law, only specific personnel are permitted to use such lights when performing official duties.' These include members of the South African Police Service, municipal police, provincial and municipal traffic officers, and the military police of the South African National Defence Force. More woes for the suspect To make matters worse, the suspect was in the country illegally. ALSO READ: Thrrr…Phaaa: Musician Selaelo Selota's Mercedes frozen as SIU probes misuse of lottery funds In addition to the blue light offence, he was also charged and convicted under section 49 of the Immigration Act, 2002 for being in South Africa without valid documentation. He was subsequently deported by immigration enforcement procedures. 'Ruling sends a strong message' Gunya said the NPA welcomes the court's decision as a firm affirmation of the rule of law and a critical step in combating the abuse of state-like authority. 'The ruling sends a strong message that the justice system will not tolerate actions that endanger public safety, erode trust in legitimate law enforcement, or create fear and confusion on our roads.' 'A serious threat' Dr Rachel Makhari, North West director of Public Prosecutions, said the outcome reaffirms the NPA's commitment to tackling so-called blue-lights bullies who intimidate road users and undermine public safety. 'These individuals often act with impunity, posing a serious threat to both the physical safety of citizens and the credibility of law enforcement agencies,' Makhari said. 'The NPA, through its Asset Forfeiture Unit, will continue to take decisive action to dismantle this form of organised criminality by seizing their tools of trade, particularly unlawfully used vehicles, and pursuing the appropriate legal remedies. She said the state prosecuting agency remains steadfast in its duty to uphold the law and protect communities from people who seek to exploit systems of authority for criminal gain. NOW READ: Fake commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazis pop up online
The Citizen
16-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Did the Viljoens leave Tammy Taylor Nails franchisees in the lurch?
While the Viljoens are living it up in Miami, Tammy Taylor franchisees in South Africa are wondering what will happen to them. Now that Peet and Melany Viljoen left the country, their Tammy Taylor franchisees have been left in the lurch. The principal franchisor, the Viljoens' Tammy Taylor Global Franchising, has left the country, but the salons still carry the Tammy Taylor brand name and logo despite South African and US courts forbidding the Viljoens from continuing to use it. Where does that leave the franchisees? Trudie Broekmann, a consumer lawyer from Cape Town and expert on the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), says a franchise operation can generally not operate without an engaged national franchisor which properly holds the legal rights to act as franchisor. ALSO READ: Did the Viljoens of Tammy Taylor-fame skip the country? The CPA's provisions regarding franchises were used in the application for an order against the Viljoens and Tammy Taylor Global Franchising recently, when Lebohang Hlathuka asked to be refunded the R600 000 she paid for a franchise. The court also ruled that the Viljoens be barred from using the Tammy Taylor brand name any longer. Tammy Taylor franchisees left to fend for themselves Broekmann says, from Hlathuka's recent judgment against the Viljoens, it is clear that at least those 'franchisees' who recently acquired their franchises from the Viljoens' entities do not have a valid franchise. 'These franchises would have to be reacquired or otherwise regularised by either a South African franchisor with a valid right for the relevant territory or with Tammy Taylor in the US. ALSO READ: US court rules Viljoens must pay real Tammy Taylor R71 million 'If earlier franchisees acquired their franchises validly from the Viljoens while they were authorised by Tammy Taylor to sell franchises, those franchisees have also been left in the lurch by the Viljoens' sudden departure. 'The older franchisees will have to negotiate new channels for their supplies and support. Even successful legal prosecution generally cannot rectify the devastation left behind by fraudsters. I can only commiserate with the non-complicit staff, franchisees and even customers of the franchisees who have been left to fend for themselves.' Judgment in US court against Viljoens A US court also issued an order at the end of June after the real Tammy Taylor sued the Viljoens for trademark infringement and breach of contract. The US judge ordered that the Viljoens' US Trademark Registration be cancelled and that Taylor's request for the maximum in statutory damages of $4 million against the Viljoens for counterfeiting the US-registered trademarks and breach of contract is granted. In addition, the judge ordered the Viljoens to scrub all references between them and the Tammy Taylor brand, including their website, from the internet. ALSO READ: Viljoens say Tammy Taylor will not get her R71 million [VIDEO] How do these judgments affect the Tammy Taylor franchisees in South Africa? Broekmann says the truth is that the franchisees are in a bind and there is probably not much they can do. 'Considering the rulings by the South Gauteng High Court and the California District Court in the US, it is clear that the Viljoens and their entities did not have the right to sell Tammy Taylor franchises since April 2022. 'Therefore, any 'franchisee' or potential 'franchisee' who contracted with them is entitled to claim their money back, along with damages. If these 'franchisees' attempt to conduct business as a Tammy Taylor salon they will be legally unauthorised and open themselves to being sued by Tammy Taylor Nails Inc in the US for breach of its intellectual property rights. 'I would suggest they instruct legal representatives to act very quickly to ensure that the Viljoens' assets are not dissipated or removed from the country to evade payment.' What can the Tammy Taylor franchisees do now? Broekmann says even the legitimate franchisees, who transacted with the Viljoens between April 2017 and April 2022 while they were authorised to sell franchisees, were left in the lurch by the Viljoens' hurried departure from South Africa. 'I assume their companies will not operate for much longer. I suggest the franchisees contact Tammy Taylor Nails Inc in the US to negotiate arrangements for support and supply of the correct Tammy Taylor products. Of course, there is no guarantee that the US company will be willing to support the South African franchisees and if so, at what cost.' ALSO READ: Judge orders Viljoens to immediately stop using Tammy Taylor trademark She says she has been inundated with requests for help from South African consumers who are victims of con artists and fraudsters. 'This judgment is a move in the right direction and demonstrates that our courts will come to the assistance of those who fall victim to business people who behave in contravention of the law, in particular the CPA, which regulates franchising.' Be careful if you want a franchise, lawyer warns Broekmann recommends that consumers who want to invest in a franchise involve an attorney to assist them throughout the process, as there are many potential pitfalls. 'The CPA requires a franchise agreement to be in writing and signed by the franchisor as well as the franchisee, but Hlathuka was forced to pay R600 000 before the contract was in place for a 'franchise opportunity that never existed'.' NOW READ: Hawks investigating Peet and Melany Viljoen for fraud with Tammy Taylor franchises
