You have got to love the power of new technologies such as the Internet and e-mail. Most of the time, they are forces for good but occasionally, they are used to sow fear. So, let us set the record straight once and for all: that alarmist key ring e-mail doing the rounds at the moment is a hoax. Poor Caltex has been innocently handing out these key rings, with a little flashing light on them, as part of a brand awareness campaign and someone has got stuck on the notion that they contain tracking devices. We think it smacks of mischief-making and urge you to stop and really interrogate e-mails like these when you get them, before sending them to your entire address book! Otherwise, you will be helping to breed a new urban legend as in this case.

FROM: East Coast Radio

Hello Members,

Please load the emergency number 083 393 5066, many members still do not have it in their phones.

Blue have been having problems downloading the schedule to me of the week's crime so that is the reason for the delay. Hope that it is sorted soon.

The SAPS are looking for a good used GPS system or a company who might like to sponsor one for the SAPS to assist them when responding to Hijacking and Vehicle recovery situations. After having the use of one today, they have found it to be of incredible assistance. Anyone with any leads on this to please contact me at the CCPO office and I shall pass the info on to those concerned.

Richard informs us that:

3 Kids arrested for holding a girl near Kuswag High School at knife point and taking a cell phone, Phone and knife recovered and all three arrested with the help of the public and Blue security. This "gang" has also been busy in the Lords and Legends area.

Dawn writes:

Yesterday I was at Illovo Nursery. On my way back there was a Male Light brown dog (Shr-pei) running on the old main road. I tried to catch him, but he ran into the bushes between the old road & the highway. He had been in the water by the river as he was wet.

I know alot of people are CCPO members in that area Illovo (Shirley RD,etc). Maybe this will help the owners find him.

Paul on investigation:

I have been looking into this product and felt I should make you aware of it as members of the community may be interested.

It is called HOME911 and works as follows:

• You press a programmed speed dial number and it dials the Home 911 control room which then automatically cuts the call so the call is free.
• Within 20 to 30 seconds an sms alert is sent to 10 preselected numbers. These numbers can be armed response, CCPO and neighbours.

There web site is http://www.home911.co.za/.

I still have many clients who have not yet started adding the VAT to their contributions. PLEASE ADD THE VAT. Houses @R114.00 and Flats and Units @R57.00.

Thanks

Tracy Campbell

By Nomfundo Mcetywa

First it was Kingsway, and then a school. Now the ANC Youth League wants to rename the whole of Amanzimtoti after bomber Andrew Zondo.

The call is likely to cause further outrage among residents who already regard the decision by the eThekwini Municipality to rename Kingsway after Zondo as being against the spirit of reconciliation. Further uproar was caused by a decision to rename a primary school in iLovu after Zondo.

Zondo, an ANC activist, was convicted and hanged for a bombing at the Sanlam Centre in December 1985 which killed five people.

The ANC said although it had not received the youth league's proposal, it would welcome it, because it felt Zondo had still not been given the official recognition he deserved.

Opposition parties, however, said they were not surprised by the league's latest move, because it was continuing the provocative trend set by leader Julius Malema.

The word Amanzimtoti is far from being colonial. Legend has it that when Zulu King Shaka tasted the waters of the area during a visit to the town, he remarked "kanti amanz' amtoti", meaning the water is sweet, thus originating the name Amanzimtoti.

ANCYL provincial chairperson Mxolisi Kaunda said they would make their request as part of the third phase of eThekwini's controversial renaming process.

The second phase, which is due to resume in the next three months, will deal with renaming buildings and other streets left out during the first phase.

"Zondo deserves a much bigger honour. We believe that the only way to do this is to name the whole town of Amanzimtoti after him," said Kaunda.

Kaunda said the youth league would push for this decision.

Be wary of objects outside your home, such as cans. Apparently, they are like the intercom crayon markings and are sometimes used as markers at properties, as a signal that for example, there is a maid at home; or it is "all clear to break in", "no dogs" etc. So, if you see any objects outside your house, remove them and put them in the rubbish bin.

FROM: East Coast Radio Crime Watch

If you receive an SMS saying you are the proud winner of a Toyota Landcruiser– do not get too excited! The scam SMS wording goes like this: Japan International Motor Dealers: Announces you the winner of a Toyota Landcruiser VX Model 2008. Call the Africa Head Office on – and then an international number. The scam no doubt comes in the form of a non-refundable deposit you will need to pay to claim your prize. Once again, do not fall for it please.

FROM: East Coast Radio Crime Watch

A number of old scams are doing the rounds again. The first is the Telkom scam – whereby you are contacted or sent a fax, allegedly from Telkom, requesting you to send your banking details as they have over- charged you. Of course, it is a scam, and a clever one aimed at getting you to actually give them money! It pays to be skeptical!

FROM: East Coast Radio Crime Watch

By Siphamamndla Goge

The Zulu Royal House has expressed strong reservations about a proposal from the ANC Youth League to have Amanzimtoti named after its liberation hero, Andrew Zondo.

Zondo was executed for planting a bomb in the town, killing five people, in 1985.

The town's main street has already been named after Zondo, and a proposal to name a school in the area after him is being debated.

League chairperson Mxolisi Kaunda was quoted saying the league intended putting forward a formal proposal to rename Amanzimtoti after Zondo. However, no formal discussion has taken place about the suggestion and no decision has been taken.

On Wednesday, the spokesperson for the Zulu royal house, Prince Mbonisi Zulu, called for caution over the issue.

"While the royal house understands the need for the renaming process... it feels that broader consultation is needed when it comes to names that are historical rather than colonial.

"It is our view that, in some cases, it would be advisable for those proposing changes to consult us," he said.

Zulu history and language experts say that the river after which the town is named received its name after the legendary founder of the Zulu nation, King Shaka, stopped there.

After drinking the water, he decided to name the river "Amanzamtoti", which means "sweet water".

The chairperson of the KwaZulu-Natal geographical names committee, Mpumelelo Mbatha, said Shaka had first tasted water at the Umlaza River (now Umlazi) and found that it was sour, before moving to Amanzimtoti.

The Masakhane committee, tasked with the renaming process said recently that it had no plans to change the names of suburbs in the near future.

Ignore any faxes received from EFFECTIVE ENQUIRIES CC based in Port Elisabeth.

I have confirmed with Telkom Fraud on 086 012 4000 (Elma) that this is infact a scam.

In their fax, they claim to be independent Directory Consultants that provide a servie to members of the public which entails forwarding updated and accurate information for inclusion on the 1023 system. Elma from Telkom said it is a scam and that no money should be paid to this company. She also suggested that it be reported to your nearest police station.

Please ensure that everyone in your company is advised of this scam.

Delano Simpson

An identity document belonging to Bridget Ann Williams was found on Saturday in the Amanzimtoti Hub parking lot. Debbie is on 084 2562464.

FROM: East Coast Radio Crime Watch

Dear Members,

Before I give you the crime report please can I remind all members who pay cash and direct depostis via internet banking to remember to include the VAT as non payment of this now reduces our funds further. R50 payments should now be R57.00 and R100 is now R114.00 per month. Many thanks in advance for your compliance.

By now you should all be aware that Blue Security using the guarding services of Pro –Sec Security and Securi Serve, as well as Security International who supply our armed guards make up the CCPO compliment with Les our Operations Manager and Wayne his Senior Superintendent, ensuring that it all runs according to our requirements.

Thank you to all those who attended the Anti Hijacking course, sponsored by Blue Security, on July 29th, we were pleased with the turn out. I think it was very beneficial. Also note that the special price afforded to CCPO clients from Blue Security of R195.00 per month has been extended for a further period. If interested contact Blue Security on 031 7175000.

This change over took place as of July 1st 2008. To date the team are working well and once the final payment goes through for Secure Logic, we will be in a position to look at increasing the guards again.

Wayne writes:

While my mother was drawing some money from Nedbank on Sunday morning 3rd August, she was constantly interrupted by a well dressed

black man who kept on telling her "The card is in wrong " and "Push The Security Button on your left " ,he followed to snatch the card from the machine , and folded it inside his hand , my mom just reacted and grabbed the card back and asked to be left alone. Luckily our neighbour was 3rd in the queue and placed some presence on the 'helper', we later confirmed that a second gentleman, 4th in queue also attempted to do the same trick!! WATCH OUT GUYS! Please report the slightest over assistance to the CCPO who are just around the next corner.

No security was visible anywhere in the area!

Why don't Nedbank and other banks in the area look after their Atm clients with either security or CCTV? You are paying for each and every withdrawal - Or do they only care about you when you enter the bank!
I would strongly advise you make the CCPO a SPEED DIAL on your phone - I have it as No 9. It is much easier to simply press one button in a stressful help call situation!
Thanks for all the help!

Elbie writes:

I would like to thank you for assisting my daughter on Monday evening when she was harassed by a drunk black man. Your quick response is much appreciated (thank you Wayne). The incident happened at our Kingsway address between 7 and 8 in the evening. We really appreciate what you guys are doing.

"Are you struggling to overcome the effects of trauma due to crime? Have you been a victim of crime?"

SAFECARE Support group meets on Tuesday, 26 August 2008,
18:30 for 19:00
at 615 Kingsway, (Church of the Good Shepherd) Amanzimtoti.

All welcome to attend.

Morne Swanepoel has asked me to mention that he is starting ladies only Personal Protection classes this Tuesday on a regular basis for the ladies of Toti. Please contact him directly.

Tel: 031 903 7616
Cell: 083 226 1576
Website: www.combatcoaching.com

By popular demand and due to the amazing feedback CombatCoaching.com received and are still receiving from the workshop that was conducted at the Virgin Active on the 19th of July, Morné Swanepoel's CombatCoaching.com will be introducing specialized Ladies only Personal Protection classes for the Amanzimtoti ladies!

Even better news is that we have decided to offer the ladies 2 classes a week. So now you can come train twice a week or whichever day suits you best. Remember the more you train the better results you will be getting!

WHEN: Tuesdays and Thursdays
WHERE: NG Church hall, Frost Street, Amanzimtoti (Opposite Toti primary)
TIME: 17h15-18h00

¤¤¤ Starting as from Tue 5th August 2008 ¤¤¤

The Ladies CombatCoaching.com class is a women's only class, providing a safe and comfortable environment where you will receive a healthy cardio workout and coaching in High Performance Street Fighting/Personal Protection. These classes are perfect for women desiring a full body workout and wanting to learn how to defend themselves in everyday life. THIS IS NOT KARATE SELF DEFENSE CLASSES! The ladies will be exposed to but not limited to the following:

• Tactical firearm training + survival
• Surviving a Knife attack + how to use an edged weapon
• Correct use of your Pepper spray + defense against a chemical attack
• Defense against impact weapons and how to use them effectively
• Anti Rape tactics, techniques and training methods
• Close quarter fighting including dealing with grabs, holds, strangles etc.
• Home & public safety/security
• and the list goes on . . .

¤¤¤Costs: SPECIAL OFFER ¤¤¤

Great news is the intro of yet another class for the ladies at the same price. So now you can get double the amount of training and and/or have more options to fit in with your schedule. Just remember that the criminal out there couldn't care about your schedule and therefore you need to discipline yourself and make an special effort to attend as many classes as possible! The ladies who send us their enrollment forms before 1pm on Tuesday the 5th August will only pay R200 per month on a year agreement or R250 for a month to month agreement. This is the same price we were advertising for only 1 class a week which we received many bookings and enquiries for. Now you will be getting 2 for the price of 1!! So please take note that there is limited training space so if the classes fill up as we experienced at the Virgin Active workshop with more than 60 participants then we will be forced to turn people away until such time that there is an opening. So don't delay get your enrollment forms to us today!

Our normal fees after 1pm on Tuesday the 5th August will be:

• R 250p/m on a year agreement
• R 300p/m on a month to month agreement
• R 70 per session

All you need to do to qualify for this special offer is email me directly on aileen@combatcoaching.com or to phone me at (031) 903 7616 to let me know that you're keen on joining and I'll forward you the application form via email/fax to complete. As you saw ladies we had over 60 attendees at the workshop a couple of days ago at the Virgin Active and more ladies have enquired just hearing about this awesome event, so grab hold of this special offer and sign up now! IT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE!!!

For further information, please feel free to visit our website www.combatcoaching.com

PLEASE NOTE: All querries must be directed to Combat Coaching

By Nomfundo Mcetywa

First it was Kingsway, and then a school. Now the ANC Youth League wants to rename the whole of Amanzimtoti after bomber Andrew Zondo.

The call is likely to cause further outrage among residents who already regard the decision by the eThekwini Municipality to rename Kingsway after Zondo as being against the spirit of reconciliation. Further uproar was caused by a decision to rename a primary school in iLovu after Zondo.

Zondo, an ANC activist, was convicted and hanged for a bombing at the Sanlam Centre in December 1985 which killed five people.

The ANC said although it had not received the youth league's proposal, it would welcome it, because it felt Zondo had still not been given the official recognition he deserved.

Opposition parties, however, said they were not surprised by the league's latest move, because it was continuing the provocative trend set by leader Julius Malema.

The word Amanzimtoti is far from being colonial. Legend has it that when Zulu King Shaka tasted the waters of the area during a visit to the town, he remarked "kanti amanz' amtoti", meaning the water is sweet, thus originating the name Amanzimtoti.

ANCYL provincial chairperson Mxolisi Kaunda said they would make their request as part of the third phase of eThekwini's controversial renaming process.

The second phase, which is due to resume in the next three months, will deal with renaming buildings and other streets left out during the first phase.

"Zondo deserves a much bigger honour. We believe that the only way to do this is to name the whole town of Amanzimtoti after him," said Kaunda.

Kaunda said the youth league would push for this decision.

I would like to report a suspicious vehicle parked outside Tecoma Pre-Primary on Wednesday. I picked my little one up early so there was only my car and one other car in the parking area outside the school although the teachers cars were all parked in the bays belonging to the school.

When I came out of the school with my daughter (2?) there was a Dark Green Jetta CLi  (registration ND79248) parked parallel behind my car on the opposite side of the road that had not been there when I went inside. There were three black men in the car and the windows were tinted very dark. I was about to return to the school when a gentleman and a lady also came out of the school. The driver of the Jetta acted like he was making a phone call and the passengers started looking around almost as if they were lost and the driver was phoning for directions.

The Jetta then drove off and turned left into Kingsway and continued towards Amanzimtoti until it joined the freeway near Checkers. I also went onto the freeway and although I turned off towards Adams Mission the Jetta continued along the freeway towards the airport.

Welcome to all new members as well as to our Service provider, Blue Security who have sub contracted Dean Rankin of Pro Sec Security and Shaun Chislett of Securiserve. We look forward to working with you all.

AN Amanzimtoti street that has been the scene of two previous violent house robberies was hit again this week when a gunman held a family hostage and robbed them — before raping one of the victims he had promised not to harm.

Weekend Witness cannot reveal the name of the street as it may identify the victim of the rape. The horror attack began at 6.30 am when a woman and her son were leaving to buy coffee for breakfast.

They were stopped by an armed man who forced them back into their home. Once inside, the robber made the son tie up his mother, his sister, his father and the family's domestic worker. The robber then tied up the son.

The family offered no resistance and the gunman promised he would not harm them.

However, on discovering that the family did not have a safe, the robber dragged the woman to a couch and raped her, while her family were bound and helpless. The robber then fled in the family car. The car was recovered hours later abandoned without petrol.

The provincial house robbery task team was called to the scene — an area they had been to several times before.

In April last year, six KwaMakhuta men were arrested for a violent robbery in a quiet Amanzimtoti cul-de-sac. Police investigations tied the alleged ringleader of the gang to a second armed house robbery committed earlier in the year on exactly the same road.

Detective Inspector Keith Caswell told Weekend Witness that on hearing the street had been the scene of a third robbery, he immediately check -ed court re-cords to establish whe-ther any of the men arrest-ed for the previous robberies had been released. Records showed that a man (27) charged with the two previous armed robberies was freed on the Wednesday before the robbery.

Charges had been provisionally withdrawn after the state was not able to bring fingerprint exhibits to court in time.

Caswell said that statements collected from the domestic worker made him suspect the robber who committed the most recent attack came from the KwaMakhuta area, where the released suspect lives.

"When the robber spoke to the maid, he asked her where she lived. When the maid told him she lived in KwaMakhuta, the robber appeared to panic and exclaimed 'Oh shit'. This made me suspect he was scared the maid might recognise him.

"Members of my unit and I then made extensive inquiries … [and] established that a taxi driver in the area was in possession of an item possibly taken during the robbery and, late on Monday night, members of my unit and I raided the home of this man.

"This man was arrested in the early hours of the morning and found to be in possession of a cellphone taken in the robbery.

"The man claimed that he had been given several items to sell by two men who he does not know. He led us to a home where these men allegedly lived, but on making inquiries there we established we had been lied to."

The suspect was arrested and informed that police had DNA evidence linking him to the crime. The suspect confessed to police, however, on Thursday he recanted his confession and is now awaiting trial. He has not pleaded before a court and cannot be named.

Caswell said that at this stage the police are not looking for other suspects. The man released on Wednesday does not appear to have been involved in the latest robbery.