Shooting at St chad's

Rubber bullets echoed as police had to disperse a mob of angry St Chad's community members, who had become violent and abusive to police and motorists, that had been traveling along the Helpmekaar Road on Friday morning.

The group of people, who had consisted of approximately 200 people, had packed rocks, burned tires and threatened police officers and motorists. "The groups were very violent and abusive. They blocked off the road with rocks. The police had to use force to quell the situation. The police had to use rubber bullets to disburse the crowd, "said Inspector Nirvan Sibran.

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Poachers target livestock for food

Farmers in the Elandslaagte area in Ladysmith are worried. According to farmers, poachers are brustally attacking their cattle for meat.

"I can't describe the feeling - when you discover a herd that had escaped these men - their flesh had been ripped opened by the pangs and axes that were used to bring the animals to the ground," said Riaan Pieters, one of the farmers. Previously, six cows of Pieter's herd of cattle were being treated for their severe wounds, caused by the brutal attack. "These animals don't have a voice; I can't even imagine the trauma these animals have to go thriough, as they are being slaughtered alive." Pieters said the stock theft unit are investigating the incidents that have seen pigs, chickens and sheep massacred.

According to Riaan, the Elandslaate police and members of the stock theft unit have been in the area, not only are cattle being slaughtered, but chickens, pigs and sheep.

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Doctor attacks nurse - claim

A doctor who allegedly assaulted a nurse at the Ladysmith Provincial Hospital has been arrested. The nurse was allegedly attacked by the doctor and says she is now living in fear following the incident which occurred on 24 March.

The nurse says she was unable to get any recourse from hospital management and decided to go the legal route by reporting the incident to the police.

She reported her case recently and the report is now in the possession of the Ladysmith Herald.

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Angry mob storms Station

About 200 community members surrounded the Ezakheni Section C police station, demanding that two brutally beaten suspects be detained.

The Police Station gates had to be closed for a while as the community members all wanted to gain entry to the police charge office. "We are not going home, today," said one of the police officers, who shut the main gate to keep the mob at bay. The community members shouted at the police that the two men were linked to the brutal killings that had been occurring in Ezakheni Section C area. People have been living in fear for the last two weeks, as murders took place on a daily basis. "The police must lock them away, free them and we will come after the police," said another member of the mob.

The foul smell of blood lingered in the charge office, as police called for medical assistance for the two men.

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In The Line Of Duty

Public Safety officer almost lost his life while doing his job in Ladysmith last week.

Officer Halgreen puts the community of Ladysmith first in his risky job. Last Friday afternoon, Halgreen considered himself lucky to be alive after experiencing a close encounter with a law-breaking taxi driver.

According to Mr Breedt, Chief of Public Safety, his colleague Officer Halgreen had attempted to stop a minibus taxi driver who had violated a traffic law in Alexandra Street.

"The driver of the taxi failed to cooperate and continued driving down Alexandra Street," said Breedt. The traffic offender then continued on his law breaking spree, failing to stop at traffic signals displaying a red light. Halgreen gave chase and stopped the taxi at a railway station.

"The taxi driver drove off forcing Officer Halgreen to take evasive action by jumping out of the way. The officer then fired shots and one hit the rear wheel of the taxi," said Breedt.

The taxi drove away from the railway station where the officer tried desperately to corner the offender who was forced by a flat tyre to stop at the intersection. The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot.

Public Safety confirmed that a half-empty beer bottle was found inside the taxi and the driver may have been under the influence of alcohol. "A case of attempted murder and reckless and negligent driving has been opened against the driver," said Breedt.

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Ambulance Outfit Want To Help Police For 2010

Ahead of 2010, local ambulance training firm wants to give police a helping hand, but certain protocols have to be agreed upon before law enforcement and law safety agencies accept private-sector support.

With the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup almost 24 months away from sports reality in South Africa, the SAPS and other law enforcements, including RTI and Public Safety have the daunting task of not only policing locals, but to keep a watchful eye over millions of overseas soccer die-hard fans that will be flocking to Africa to enjoy the football festival.

The Ladysmith Herald has become aware of a move by the Sharaj Service Training and Ambulance Service to offer their services not only to SAPS, but as well as to Public Safety and RTI, a free month's course in BLS. According to the training centre, both SAPS and Public Safety were reluctant to take up the offer. "This is our way making sure that everybody is equipped and trained, because the more lives are saved the better," added Sharaj. According to Director Phindile Radebe, from the office of the Provincial Commissioner, they were not aware of any such offer to members of the SAPS in KwaZuluNatal .

"We are of the opinion that any additional training for members of the SAPS in this province will be beneficial even though it is not our primary function," said Radebe.

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