Inner City Gazette

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Issue 36 - 2018

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13 - 20 September 2018

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#JoburgFire: Victims honoured

...as City holds memorial service /P3

Officials, residents and firefighters who fought the blaze with those who died, gathered at Bank of Lisbon building for a wreath laying ceremony for the three fallen firefighters. Picture: MOSES MOYO

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Inner-city Gazette

13 - 20 September 2018

13 - 20 September 2018

Inner-city Gazette

Wreath-laying ceremony held for #JoburgFire victims

By Staff Reporter news@inner-city-gazette.co.za

I

t was a sorrowful occasion outside the Bank of Lisbon building as mourners gathered to remember fallen firefighters who died in last week’s fire at the Lisbon Building in the Joburg CBD. Simphiwe Moropane, 28, Mduduzi Ndlovu, 40, and Khathutshelo Muedi, 37 were all killed while battling a blaze at the building - which houses the departments of Health, Human Settlements as well as Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.

Eight others were hospitalised with various degrees of injuries and burns while at least 13 officials from the provincial department of health were hospitalised and were treated for smoke inhalation A total of 1115 employees were safely evacuated from the building.

A group of mourners gathered outside the building to lay wreaths and flowers for the slain firefighters.

They were led in prayer and song before being addressed by the Gauteng Health Department HOD Mkhululi Lukhele, who said the ceremony was a way to “cleanse themselves”.

The ceremony was followed by a memorial service at the Ellis Park stadium.

City of johannesburg Mayor Cllr Herman Mashaba, in his speech said, “ firefighters are a special brotherhood, the bonds of which are formed by the

Family members honour their loved ones during the wreath-laying ceremony at the Lisbon Building. Picture Moses Moyo

omnipresence of danger - and Simphiwe, Khathutsheli and Mduduzi were beloved members of that brotherhood.

“But nothing exemplifies their greatness as citizens more than their ultimate sacrifice. The tragic events of last week should remind us of the incredible bravery of firefighters everywhere.

When there’s a fire anywhere in this City, our firefighters reply: “Send me.”

“When the call came that the Bank

of Lisbon building had caught fire and that the innocent lives of employees of various provincial government departments were at risk, the men and women of the EMS did not hesitate.

“And on September 5, when the call came again, Firefighters Moropane, Muedi and Ndlovu did not waver.

“They answered the call of duty, no doubt with the lives of others top of mind.

“Perhaps they were concerned for their own too.

“As they sped from their station to the Johannesburg CBD, they followed the same treacherous trail that countless others had followed in the years before.

“As they finally arrived on the scene of the fire and caught a glimpse of the deadly blaze, they must have realised that there was no turning back.

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“They jumped in, as they had rehearsed many times, and began the task of engaging with the worst horror any fire fighter could imagine.

“Tragically, circumstances, some of which they simply should not have had to deal with, conspired to make their rescue efforts hell.

“They lost their lives unnecessarily,” he said.

Ellis Park was filled to capacity as firefighters joined the emergency medical services band in song to pay tribute to their fallen comrades. Some of the firefighters wore T-shirts with the words “RIP to our heroes” printed on them.

Member of the mayoral committee for public safety Michael Sun who remained at the scene of the fire last week until every firefighter was rescued from the building, was among some of the dignitaries who addressed mourners during the course of the service.

“A Joburg firefighter who was one the first people at the scene of last week’s deadly fire in the city centre described how he tried in vain to save three of his colleagues.

Mduduzi Ndlovu and Khathutshelo Muedi died on the 23rd floor of the Bank of Lisbon building when were got trapped by the raging flames.

“I’m hurting... my heart is broken but I have to continue with life.”

Unions have said they had raised concerns about safety issues at the building, prior to Wednesday’s fire.

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Inner-city Gazette

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13 - 20 September 2018

Inner-city Gazette

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Property hijackers nabbed in Malvern

City of Johannesburg Executive Mayor Cllr Herman Mashaba

By Staff Reporter news@inner-city-gazette.co.za

S

uspected property hijackers were arrested last night at two hijacked properties in Malvern, East of Johannes-

burg.

Four suspects were arrested at No 14, 3rd Street while 17 suspects were arrested at No 12 -12A, 22nd Street in Malvern.

The arrest follows a sting operation led by the City’s Group Forensic and Investigation Service (GFIS) Department working together with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD).

The suspects were expected to appear in the Jeppestown Magistrate’s Court where they will be charged for contempt of court, trespassing and malicious damage to property. It is alleged that the suspects hijacked the properties which belong to one owner in 2013 and 2014 respectively. The suspected hijackers have denied the owner access to his properties alleging that he was a hijacker and was

intimidated in the process.

The owner then obtained an eviction order last year which was executed but the suspected hijackers forcefully moved back into the property the same day. The owner then approached the GFIS which worked together with Saps Johannesburg East Cluster in investigating the matters.

“I am delighted that another property owner has finally gained control of his properties which were in the hands of the hijackers.

This bring the total number of properties handed back to rightful owners to 31.

“Criminals must know that they might run but there is no place for them to hide in Johannesburg. Operation Buya Mthetho remains determined to ensuring that the rule of law returns to our communities.

“The City will not leave any stone unturned when dealing with criminals and we will continue to intensify the raids at these bad and hijacked properties with the assistance of SAPS and other law enforcement agencies,” Mashaba said.

Motorcyclist foils ‘O Kae Molao’ campaign kicks in smash-and-grab

By Staff Reporter news@inner-city-gazette.co.za

By Staff Reporter news@inner-city-gazette.co.za

A

nton Damhuis doesn’t consider himself a hero even though he put his own life in danger to foil a smash and grab attempt.

“I would do it again if I was put in the situation,” he revealed.

The 48-year-old was making his way home from work, when his usual commute through Alexandra, north of Johannesburg, was interrupted.

From the corner of his eye he saw a man in a reflective vest on foot weaving through the traffic.

“At first I thought the man [in the reflective vest] was trying to get a lift with a car in front of me.”

But when a tug-of-war ensued between the man in the reflective vest and the driver of the vehicle in front

of him, Damhuis realised something was amiss.

The man was trying to steal a laptop that was on the passenger seat.

“I decided to intervene by pinning the man [in the reflective vest] down with my motorbike.”

“Just think it’s wrong that people get away with this type of stuff.”

When the assailant tried to escape, Damhuis chased him down.

The pursuit continued until the would-be thief dropped the laptop and ran away. Just think it’s wrong that people get away with this type of stuff.”

Damhuis didn’t sustain any injuries, however, the stop light and indicator of his motorbike were damaged.

Gazette nner City

Our Community, our newspaper

Est 2009

T

o combat the selling of illegal and fake goods, the Gauteng Provincial Government will from 18 September 2018 embark on unannounced visits to a number of spaza shops across the province.

“We will be kick-starting our ‘O Kae Molao’ [where is the law] campaign to wipe out the selling of illegal and fake goods or products in all spaza shops across the province.

We will be embarking on unannounced visits to a number of spaza across the length and breadth of the province,” said the spokesperson for the MEC of Economic Development, Castro Ngobese.

The spot checks follow a spate of attacks and looting of businesses owned by foreign nationals in Soweto and elsewhere in the province in August.

“A number of shops owned by foreign nationals were targeted and looted by some unruly elements in some parts of Soweto and in other areas. This saw a number of our people taking the law into their own hands.

“These goods and products will no longer have space or market in our townships. We are putting a stop from now onwards, working closely with all relevant enforcement agencies and entities tasked with the responsibility to vet or monitor such goods,” said Ngobese.

A team from the provincial government has already been dispatched to monitor and intervene where necessary.

MEANWHILE; The City of Joburg’s Environmental CONTACT US:

All rights and reproduction of articles, images and other items published in this publication are reserved in terms of Section 12(7) of the Copyright Act 96 (1978) and its amendments thereof.

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Inner-City Gazette subscribes to the Code of Ethics and Conduct for South African Print and Online Media that prescribes news that is truthful, accurate, fair and balanced.

If we don’t live up to the Code, within 20 days of the date of publication of the material, please contact the Press Ombud at 011 484 3612/8, fax: 011 4843619, or website: www.presscouncil.org.za

Health Practitioners are working around the clock to raid formal and informal food outlets following complaints from the public about the sale of expired food items.

Through operation BuyaMthetho - a team comprising of JMPD, Environmental Health Practitioners and officials from other departments dealing with bylaw enforcement, the City has been conducting raids in food outlets as part of its mandate to safeguard the health of residents.

MMC Phalatse said it was important to allow law enforcement agencies to conduct the raids so as to not compromise the rights of lawful traders. However, the City does recognize the role of civil society in blowing the whistle on those traders who are selling expired goods.

She said she understood the frustration from communities, who bear the brunt of unscrupulous traders, but calls for calm, following an outbreak of violence in some parts of the City related to trading in expired food items.

“We will be embarking on a City-wide awareness campaign to sensitize residents on what steps to take when confronted with stale food in grocery outlets.

“The fatalities in Soweto are evidence of what can happen when communities take the law into their own hands. I would like to urge residents to please work through official channels to expose these offenders,” said Phalatse.

Phalatse called on all stakeholders including Customs, Revenue Services and the Consumer Council to assist in clamping down these illegal operations.

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Inner-city Gazette

13 - 20 September 2018

13 - 20 September 2018

Inner-city Gazette

‘Comply with building bylaws’ - Masango

By Staff Reporter news@inner-city-gazette.co.za

of a second storey building, built on top of an RDP house in Cosmo City, last week, injuring he Department of Development Plan- three people and damaging two adjacent ning is deeply saddened by the un- homes. timely death of three brave fire fighters Development Planning in August initiated and rescue workers, who lost their lives in the the enforcement of outstanding court orders line of duty on Wednesday, 5 September 2018. and conducted the demolitions of illegals Our thoughts and prayers are with their structures plaguing our City. loved ones who are left behind. We further Two business structures in Northcliff and wish those who are hospiCyrildene, respectively, have talised, a speedy recovery. already been demolished since Member of the Mayoral the start of the demolition camCommittee for Developpaign. ment Planning, Cllr ReuThe next demolitions are ben Masango, said that the scheduled to take place at two burning of the Gauteng households in Cosmo City and Department of Health Rabie Ridge next week.

Building in the CBD Members of the Johannes“brings about a tragic revburg Metro Police Department elation on the importance (JMPD) will today accompany of compliance to building the law enforcement team to regulations and other Byvisit the two households to preCllr Reuben Masango laws in the City of Johan- Member of the Mayoral Committee pare them to relocate their perfor Development Planning nesburg”. sonal belongings from the illeLaw enforcement offigal structures, ahead of the cials from the Department yesterday visited demolitions. the site and will compile a report that will Details of the scheduled demolitions will be guide Development Planning, and the City, at communicated in due course. large, on how we can work together with all We once again appeal to all residents, develstakeholders to ensure the safety of buildings opers and other stakeholders of the City to in Johannesburg. comply with all building regulations and other “The need for compliance is high up on the safety Bylaws.

Department’s list of priorities, as it not only Those who fail to comply will face the full ensures the safety of the people who immedi- might of the law through the law enforcement ately occupy these buildings, but also those process, which includes a rates and taxes penwho will occupy them in decades to come,” alty tariff increase, and possible prosecution at MMC Masango added. the City’s Municipal Courts.

This comes on the backdrop of the collapse To report any illegal buildings and illegal

T

WHY SUFFER WHEN YOU HAVE A MAN OF GOD IN TOWN

land uses, contact your local regional officer is all seven regions (A-G), or the Building Development Directorate office on the 6th floor of the Metro Centre on 158 Loveday Street.

Alternatively, Building Law Enforcement Administrator, Mrendeni Lieba, can be contacted on 0114076932 or liebam@joburg.org. za.

Illegal land uses can be reported to Roweena Chetty at the Planning Law Enforcement Unit of the Land Use Development Management Directorate on: RoweenaC@joburg.org.za.

“We all have a role to play in turning Johannesburg around and making it work; because, like the Executive Mayor, Cllr Herman Mash-

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aba always says, a Johannesburg that works, is a South Africa that works.

‘Those who fail to comply will face the full might of the law through the law enforcement process’ “Illegal building and land uses not only affect property owners around your area; they have a significant effect on the City’s infrastructure.

“We appeal to all residents, developers and stakeholders to refrain from illegal activities, and play their part in bringing Johannesburg back to its former glory,” said MMC Masango.

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Gazette nner City

License Hall

Est 2009

Xaba set to defend title

80 Helen Joseph and Polly Johannesburg 011 333 1107 084 220 6622 / 078 277 5215

...since then she has been in dangerous form, never finishing below second in any of the eight 10km races she has run this year.

Glenrose Xaba claims gold at the 2017 FNB Joburg 10K CITYRUN. Picture: Tobias Ginsberg

By Staff Reporter news@inner-city-gazette.co.za

Neat and clean rooms from

A

R100 singles, Two people

n in form Glenrose Xaba is looking to keep her winning streak of 2018 going as she prepares to defend her FNB Joburg 10K CITYRUN title on National Heritage Day (Monday, 24 September).

Xaba started the season with an emphatic statement, clocking a massive personal best over the 10 000m at the Gauteng North Provincial Championships on 24 February this year, covering the 25 laps in 32:59.05. Only three South Africans have ever gone faster on the track, Elana van Zyl Meyer (30:52.51), Colleen de Reuck (31:56.00) and

R200. We have twin, double, luxury and 3 or 4 sleepers.

We are very close to the Carlton Centre and major shops and factories.

Food outlets are also nearby.

FLATS TO LET

Dominique Scott (31:51.47). To prove that her sub 33 min clocking was no fluke, Xaba ran a personal best in a 10km in Port Elizabeth on 07 April, breaking the tape in 33:21. Since then she has been in dangerous form, never finishing below second in any of the eight 10km races she has run this year.

“My sub 33 on the track was a bit of a surprise. I knew I was in good shape, but I had no idea how good. The time showed me that I could run really well over the 10km this year which is my focus.” At the age of 24, Glenrose has no ambition to race anything beyond 10km. “I will look at the half marathon maybe in three years, but for now I want to focus on the 10km.”

“I know that course is fast and flat and there will

Contact Peter or Frans Tel : (011) 404 - 1353/4 Fax: (086) 699 - 4371 Email: admin@vukajozi.co.za

be good competition, so I want to run my best there.

It will also be the last race of the season for me. But I do want to defend my title in Joburg. It was that race that started my solid running streak, so defending the title is important to me.”

Glenrose will be defending another title this weekend, the SA 10km Cross Country Championship title in PE on Saturday, 08 September. “Cross Country is tough. It makes you tough, so it will be perfect preparation for the 24th. Also if I win again (Cross Country), I am virtually guaranteed a place on the SA Team to the World Championships in March next year.” After PE, Glenrose will have two weeks to recover before defending her FNB Joburg 10K CITYRUN title.

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