Latest news with #SouthernCourier
The Citizen
5 days ago
- The Citizen
Grade 2 learner assaulted, allegedly by staff member at Joburg school
As the country marks Child Protection Week, disturbing reports of sexual abuse involving young learners continue to surface, raising serious questions about safety in schools. Southern Courier reports that one such case has emerged at Laerskool Dalmondeor in Johannesburg South, where a Grade 2 learner was assaulted, allegedly by a staff member. Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has expressed deep concern following the incident. The incident reportedly took place last Wednesday in one of the school's cloakrooms. According to the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE), the learner's mother alleged that her child was assaulted by a general assistant and opened a case at Mondeor Police Station that same day. It is understood that the school only became aware of the allegation on Tuesday when police visited the premises and arrested the implicated staff member. Police investigations into the matter are ongoing. The accused remains in custody and will be precautionarily removed from his position at the school, pending further developments. 'The GDE takes allegations of this nature extremely seriously,' said the department in a statement. 'The safety, protection, and psychological well-being of all learners remain our foremost priority.' Chiloane condemned the incident in the strongest terms and emphasised the importance of tightening safety measures at all educational institutions. 'It is heartbreaking that a child could be subjected to such trauma in a place meant to nurture and protect them,' said Chiloane. 'This incident is a painful reminder of the urgent need to strengthen protective measures in all learning environments and ensure that no child is ever subjected to harm while under our care.' The GDE has committed to offering psycho-social support to the learner and their family. Southern Courier has contacted Mondeor SAPS for further comment. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
14-05-2025
- The Citizen
Rape, murder of 4-year-old: Accused claims child's death was a ‘tragic accident'
The rape and murder trial of Amber Lee Hughes, accused of killing four-year-old Nada-Jane Challita from Mulbarton, continued in the Johannesburg High Court today. Southern Courier reports that, according to NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane, the accused took the stand to provide her plea explanation in terms of Section 115 of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, where she laid out her version of events that led to the toddler's death on January 23, 2023. Poor audio quality warning: @ According to National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane, the accused took the stand to provide her plea explanation in terms of Section 115 of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, where she laid out her version of events that led to the toddler's death on January 23, 2023. Read full story on ♬ original sound – Southern Courier In her testimony, Hughes denied the charges of murder and rape. She described the child's death as an accidental tragedy, claiming that she had momentarily left Nada-Jane alone in the bath while she argued with her partner (the child's father), Elie, over WhatsApp. Hughes stated that she was living with Elie and his daughter at the time and had developed a close bond with the child. She alleged that on the day of the incident, Chalita was away in Limpopo and that the child had been playing in the bath, a routine activity, when the tragedy occurred. 'I tripped over the dog and cut my hand on a glass jar,' Hughes said. 'I ran around trying to stop the bleeding and didn't check on her immediately because I didn't want to scare her.' She claimed that when she finally returned to the bathroom, she found the toddler face down and unresponsive in the water. Emergency services were called, and friends of Elie, who had access to the home, attempted CPR before rushing the child to Mulbarton Hospital, where she was later declared dead. Hughes said she went into psychiatric care after the incident and was arrested later that night. She denied harming the child, stating there was no forensic evidence linking her to any sexual abuse. She also questioned the quality of the police investigation, alleging that key evidence, like her phone, a knife, and the jar, was never properly analysed. 'There was no effort to hear my side of the story,' Hughes told the court. Poor audio quality warning: @ The rape and murder trial of Amber Lee Hughes, accused of killing four-year-old Nada-Jane Challita from Mulbarton, continued in the Johannesburg High Court on May 14. The case has now been postponed to May 22 and 23 for cross-examination. According to National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane, the accused took the stand to provide her plea explanation in terms of Section 115 of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, where she laid out her version of events that led to the toddler's death on January 23, 2023. Read full story on ♬ original sound – Southern Courier Outside the courtroom, Elie, expressed frustration and anger. 'Everyone saw the lies. She keeps changing her story. First, she said she made Lloyd a coffee, but Lloyd wasn't even there that day. How can Lloyd have access to my house if she doesn't have a key herself?' he said. The trial is expected to continue next Thursday and Friday, with cross-examination of the accused. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
03-05-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Shot JMPD officer allegedly denied care over city's R35m debt, now fighting for life
A JMPD officer is fighting for his life at a government hospital after he was shot on duty on May 1, the Southern Courier reports. The officer, who is part of the Tactical Response Unit, was investigating a case of extortion when he was shot. He was allegedly denied urgent, life-saving treatment at Netcare Millpark Hospital because the city owes the hospital. Sarah Wissler, chairperson of the Section 79 Public Safety Committee at the City of Johannesburg, said he had to sit for six hours waiting to be treated. 'The City of Johannesburg owes the facility more than R35m. Because of this unresolved debt, the officer was refused emergency medical attention and transferred to Charlotte Maxeke Hospital, where he waited for hours before being stabilised. He is now in ICU, fighting for his life. This is an unforgivable betrayal of those who risk their lives to keep our city safe,' explained Wissler. The City of Johannesburg responds In a statement issued by the City of Johannesburg, it stated that the city is disappointed and investigating the matter. 'The City of Johannesburg is deeply saddened and distressed by the incident involving our JMPD officer who was injured while on duty. We wish to clarify that there have been inaccuracies reported, and we are actively engaging with Netcare Milpark Hospital to resolve the outstanding medical bills,' said Nthatisi Modingoane from the City. 'Furthermore, we are extremely disappointed to learn that a distressed officer was reportedly turned away from Netcare Milpark Hospital. The health and well-being of our officers who risk their lives daily to serve our residents are of utmost importance.' Modingoane said it is unacceptable that an officer in urgent need of medical attention would be prevented from receiving prompt care. According to him, the city has had several meetings with Netcare Milpark Hospital management to discuss engagement processes in line with the relevant legislation. 'It is also important to highlight the fact that there are other role players such as the department of labour who need to process the injury on duty claims. 'The city has taken this matter seriously and has launched an internal investigation to understand the circumstances surrounding this incident. We are reviewing our processes and interactions with Netcare to prevent such occurrences in the future. A detailed report outlining our findings and any necessary corrective measures will be shared once the investigation is complete. 'Although the City of Johannesburg has a certificate of exemption in terms of section 84 of COID Act, we do not have a delegation in terms of section 62 of COID Act. This compels CoJ to report all the alleged COID claims to the Department of Labour Compensation Commissioner for adjudication. 'Thereafter, if liability is accepted, the office of compensation commissioner informs CoJ and the medical expenses related to a particular claim are processed in line with gazetted tariffs by CoJ. Modingoane said their thoughts are with the injured officer and his family during this challenging time. 'We are committed to ensuring he receives the best possible care and support. The CoJ remains dedicated to supporting our JMPD officers and ensuring they have access to the services they need.' Wissler said she has written to the city manager and MMC for Group Corporate and Shared Services about this matter. 'I have been to the hospital. I went to see the family and spoke to the officer's wife. She is holding up. The officer is in surgery again. He has lost part of his intestines and putting the colostomy back so that he doesn't get any worse. He is still on machines; one of them being a ventilator,' Wissler said. She also mentioned that the city must prioritise supply chain issues. The Southern Courier has reached out to Netcare for comment. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
