Indholdsfortegnelse for 2024-05-07 i Cape Argus

THE Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg, handed down an unfathomable sentence of a cumulative 205 years behind bars to a “VAT fraud syndicate” last month. Broken down, individual sentences ranged from five to 65 years for fraudulent VAT claims, estimated at more than R200 million. As mind-boggling as the number and sentence are, criminal convictions from Sars have been plentiful over the past few years, stemming from lifestyle audits, fraudulent return submissions, and anything else deemed a “serious tax offence”. As the average South African, you may ask yourself what qualifies as “serious” and what other sanctions could such a conviction entail. In short, the Tax Administration Act (TAA) 28 of 2011 defines a “serious tax offence” as: “A tax offence for which a person may be liable on conviction…

In the world of jazz, where every note tells a story and every chord resonates with emotion, South African musician Melorie Jane, who won the Best of South African Jazz Album of the Year 2022, stands as a luminary, crafting melodies that transcend boundaries and touch the soul. Her latest album, Hold the Stars, which dropped on Friday, is a testament to her journey of personal growth and her commitment to authenticity. In a recent interview, Jane reflected on her musical evolution, acknowledging the challenges she faced in finding her voice. “In my previous album, I was finding my feet,” she said. “I felt like it had to be ‘jazz enough’.” However, a profound spiritual awakening shifted her perspective and embracing her Christian faith brought a newfound sense of freedom.…

Daniel Bedingfield is finally set to release his long-lost duet with Mariah Carey. The Gotta Get Thru This hitmaker is launching a tech company to help artists release discarded recordings from the past. He is hoping to unveil his ballad with the music icon titled Thousand Life Times, which they worked on two decades ago. He told the Daily Star news- paper: “It really burns a hole in my heart, just sitting there unreleased. “The fans would love it.” The 44-year-old singer has been inspired to start his company, H00ks, knowing how many unheard songs are “sitting on hard drives” because the record labels didn’t release them. He said: “There are hundreds and thousands of songs that are recorded and left on hard drives, hundreds of the best albums I…

Johannesburg businessman Vimpie Phineas Tlafelang Manthata has lost his application to bar the media from reporting on his fraud case going forward, citing reputational damage as the reason. During proceedings in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court yesterday, Manthata’s attorney applied to the court for an order to bar the media from reporting on the case. According to Investigative Directorate spokesperson Henry Mamothame, the reason provided by the attorney was that it caused significant damage to his reputation as a businessman who operates internationally. His co-accused, Daniel Rothman, made a similar application through his attorney, arguing that he is a well-known professional bookkeeper who runs an accounting practice. However, the Investigating Directorate’s senior State advocate Tilas Chabalala, argued strongly against these applications. “Chabalala highlighted that the media has a right to…

Tensions are expected to run high as disgruntled uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) members plan to stage a protest outside former president Jacob Zuma’s Nkandla home tomorrow. None of the expelled or demoted leaders wanted to confirm the protest, but the party’s national leadership confirmed it. MKP’s national spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said the party was aware of the action but downplayed the security concern for the former president. MKP’s head of programmes in KwaZulu-Natal, Musa Mkhize, said he was aware of the march. Those planning a march in Nkandla would be vindicating the party that it was correct to remove them, he said. Mkhize said it was not true that those expelled from the party were not given reasons for heir expulsion. However, he refused to share the expulsion reasons, saying…

All good things must come to an end. That’s how Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker is viewing his team’s 2-1 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns in their thrilling Nedbank Cup semi-final. The loss saw Stellies’ 25-match unbeaten run in all competitions draw to a close. Coincidentally, the last time Barker’s team tasted defeat was also against Sundowns back in September. Sundowns clinched their seventh successive league title last week after trouncing fallen Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs 5-1. They also reached the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League. Barker, therefore, believes that his young team is making significant progress despite the loss. “When you play a team that’s playing continental football you learn certain lessons,” Barker said. “We were stuck between how much to press them and how to take control away…

Erling Haaland ran riot as Manchester City kept the destiny of the Premier League title in their hands. Arsenal remain in first place for now after another influential display from Kai Havertz, while Tottenham’s top-four hopes are in tatters. Here, we look at three talking points from the Premier League this weekend. Haaland’s title mission Haaland claimed Manchester City are “on a mission” after the Norway striker’s goal blitz moved them to within three wins of the title. Haaland scored four times as the reigning champions cruised to a 5-1 victory against Wolves at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, leaving them one point behind Arsenal with a game in hand. Pep Guardiola’s side, who face Fulham, Tottenham and West Ham in their last three matches, remain on course for an…

THE stage is set, the lights are dimmed and the cameras are rolling. Welcome to the watch party of a lifetime with The Dan Corder Show on eNCA. Known for his three-year stint on 5FM’s breakfast slot, Corder recently bid farewell to radio to embark on his foray into television. With roots tracing back to his days at UCT Radio, Corder’s journey through commercial radio has been nothing short of remarkable. His charm and charisma have made him a household name, both on the radio waves and across social media platforms. As South Africa navigates through what Corder describes as “the wildest year in its modern era”, he offers his blend of quick wit, compelling storytelling and incisive analysis. The Dan Corder Show promises to be a refreshing mix of…

A FORMER client of top criminal lawyer, William Booth, has lifted the lid on extortion tactics allegedly used by the henchman of alleged underworld kingpin, Nafiz Modack. The fearful witness, who fled to Dubai amid a string of incidents dating back to 2020, says he called Booth for help after Modack’s co-accused, Jacques Cronje, showed up at his home to demand payments allegedly owed to an affiliate of Modack. Addressing the court as his testimony was live-streamed to the courtroom, the man, seen wearing a white salaah top and red turban, said he is an asset manager and came under attack from Cronje amid an investment dispute. He says in 2018, he met with an investor known as “Shanil Maharaj”, who invested R545 000 in what was deemed a…

TWELVE people have been shot in the latest spate of mass shootings. There have been seven shootings, each wounding three or more people in less than three weeks. On Sunday in Browns Farm, Philippi, eight were struck by unknown gunmen. Four of them died while the others were wounded. The named of the dead have not been released. According to a leaked police report, the incident happened in Mcabalaleni Street. “Police were informed about a murder scene. Upon arrival two bodies were found inside the house. They were shot inside the toilet. On the outside another deceased was found in a shack behind the main house. The deceased were shot in the face with a shotgun. Five more victims were shot and rushed to Lentegeur Hospital before police arrived on…

METRO police officers in Wynberg arrested a suspect in possession of laptops, cellphones and watches. The suspect was detained at Wynberg police station for further investigation yesterday. Safety and security mayco member JP Smith commended the arrest. “This successful apprehension highlights the diligence and quick-thinking of the metro police in addressing criminal activity within the community,” he said. A resident, Hussain Morta, hopes that crime will remain contained in Wynberg. “Let’s keep the Wynberg area clean and get rid of drugs, gangsters and human traffickers and illegal drivers in Cape Town,” said Morta. Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis highlighted the importance of fighting crime on all grounds. Meanwhile, a 34-year-old man was arrested for possession of home-made firearm and ammunition in Tafelsig. Police spokesperson, Malcolm Pojie, said: “The members were busy with…

Minister of Electricity Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has shot down claims that “40 days without load shedding” is an electioneering strategy. His denial follows widespread speculation among citizens that the sudden cessation of power cuts was a result of political pressure and possibly part of an ANC campaign to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply. “We are in the silly season and there are going to be several interpretations,” said Ramokgopa, who is an ANC member. He insisted there was no correlation between Eskom’s performance and election day, May 29. “When we ramped up planned maintenance in December and January, little did we know there would be a big date with ballots,” he said. Ramokgopa updated the media yesterday on the progress of the Energy Action Plan. South Africa has now had 40…

It wasn’t that long ago that Stormers coach John Dobson thought the rugby gods were winding him up by injuring nearly all of the props in his greater squad but as the United Rugby Championship (URC) hits the business end, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Sti Sithole has been passed fit for selection and a timely boost it is as the Capetonians hit the road for two vital matches overseas. The Stormers left this morning for a Friday night match against the Dragons at Rodney Parade in Newport, Wales and next week they have a tricky game against Connacht in Galway, Ireland. During a pre-tour media conference yesterday, forwards coach Rito Hlungwani said that loosehead prop Sithole is good to go after injuring himself against the…

Little did businessman Patrice Motsepe know that he had kick-started Mamelodi Sundowns’ historic trophy-laden dynasty when he purchased the franchise outright from the Tsichlas family 20 years ago. The multimillionaire mining magnate could not have foreseen the club’s era of dominance in the Premier Soccer League (PSL), but at the time he said: “I am putting my money where my mouth is. Since May 2004, the Motsepe era has had a terrific yield of 11 Premiership titles in 20 seasons. In addition, the Sundowns trophy cabinet holds a slew of knockout cup titles as well, continental silverware from their CAF Champions League, Super Cup and African Football League conquests. The current Sundowns team cannot stay out of the limelight since they break records with regular monotony. Their latest Premiership conquest…

IT WOULD seem that, of late, the first of the month seems to be ushering in a mass ping of SMSes, as thousands of debit orders return on unpaid premiums across the country. According to Ask Afrika’s Target Group Index (TGI) Survey, most long-term financial products – formal and informal, such as funeral cover, stokvels, life insurance (without medical testing), savings and retirement – are lapsing at a terrifying rate, while demand for the products slows. If we saw a decline in only stokvels, for example, we might wager that perhaps the market was evolving and interest in this form of savings was declining, but when there’s a general decline across the board, you can bet your bottom dollar (or last rand) that affordability is the issue. Admittedly, the problem…

The DA has received criticism over its latest election advertisement which depicts the burning of the South African national flag. The party said the election was about survival, and the advert, aired on the local public TV channels, was intended to stop the corruption of the ANC, EFF and the uMkhonto weSizwe Party whose relationship will spell disaster for the rule of law should they join forces after the elections. The advert was launched by DA leader John Steenhuisen on Sunday night, with South Africans slamming the burning of the flag depicted. However, Steenhuisen has remained defiant, saying the burning of the flag is “symbolic” of the Dooms Day coalition of the ANC and the EFF. “What you will see in this advertisement is a symbolic representation of the future…

MEMBERS of the SA Cape Corps Military Veterans staged a peaceful march to Parliament yesterday and handed over a three-page memorandum and petition appealing for full military benefits and pension. According to the veterans, they haven’t received benefits in 30 years, and their appeals to the government, including the Department of Military Veterans (DMV), have been ignored. The march started in Hanover Street, District Six, with 21 veterans from regions including the North West, Pretoria and Cape Town, making their way to Parliament as they were supported by the Western Cape Aboriginal Governance Council. General Aubrey Goliath, 60, from Bonteheuwel, retired in 1989 and said they had been appealing since 1994. “For years we have been promised according to Article 18 of 2011, which makes provision for us as military…

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) says it is finalising preparations for the more than 78 092 South Africans who’ve applied to cast their special vote abroad. The commission said it has been working with the Department of International Relations and Co-operation (Dirco) to ensure South Africans living abroad can cast their votes as well. The commission said it has already started shipping voting materials to various destinations, including voting booths, ballot boxes and papers, stationery packs and all the relevant lists. It has indicated that more than 111 missions will participate in the elections in various foreign missions, with South African nationals in Algiers, Amman, Cairo, Kuwait City, Jeddah, Ramallah, Riyadh and Tehran set to vote on May 17, while the rest of the 102 missions will be…

An eyesore by any standards. In Gauteng, informal settlements are mushrooming at an alarming rate, fuelling more problems than solutions. One of the problems being fire, which often spread to vast areas of human settlements, leaving the homeless with nothing except the clothes on their bodies. Important documents are lost and, sometimes, the victims look to the government to help them start over, as they are left with nothing. The government has been most understanding and sympathetic, but things might change. A few weeks ago, I was surprised when a friend, who has worked and lived in Zimbabwe, told me there were no shacks in Zimbabwe. There are only houses. And yet our country is littered with shacks everywhere, with immigrants coming from all corners of the world, having taken…

Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique sought to take the pressure off his side going into tonight’s Champions League semi-final second leg against Borussia Dortmund, telling them not to worry about having to win by two goals to reach the final. PSG must overturn a 1-0 deficit from last week’s first leg after a Niclas Fuellkrug goal gave Dortmund a narrow victory in Germany. “The objective is not to play to win by two goals, it is just to win. You can’t afford to think about having to win by two goals,” Luis Enrique said yesterday, weighing up the possibility of the tie being decided in extra time and even on penalties. “We need to score one first of all, and win the match.” PSG are looking to repeat their heroics…

OVER the past couple of years, rugby has been a unifying sport for a country that is often divided for a host of different reasons. As a result, when the Springboks and the South African Rugby Union dominated the winners’ list at the South African Sports Awards this past Saturday, there were almost no surprises. After all, this Springbok team won back-to-back World Cup trophies and became the first Springbok team to achieve the feat. Similarly, SA Rugby was able to complete a turnaround of note in-house and helped set up a healthy environment for the national and domestic teams to thrive in. The Springboks won Team of the Year, while SA Rugby walked away with the National Federation of the Year award. Moreover, Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber was honoured…

Cape Town Spurs have a date with fate tonight when they face Royal AM at the Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg. For relegation-doomed Spurs, the clash amounts to a do-or-die scenario. They must win to keep alive their already very slim hopes of avoiding automatic relegation to the National First Division (NFD). Spurs find themselves in dire straits with only four wins after 26 matches this season and are at the bottom of the 16-team log. They are eight points adrift of 15th-placed Richards Bay who play Polokwane City at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium tomorrow. By tomorrow the riddle of automatic relegation may be answered depending on the results of Spurs and Richards Bay. If Spurs lose and Richards Bay win, it will open an 11-point gap between…