South Australia Police have made a record haul of illicit tobacco products in the biggest Operation Eclipse seizure to date.
Operation Eclipse Commander, Detective Chief Inspector Brett Featherby also revealed that organised crime syndicates have been dealt a major blow with police restraining more than $22 million in assets, including more than $9 million in cash from two bank accounts.
About 12pm on Tuesday 6 May, Eyre Western Police stopped a vehicle on the Lincoln Highway at Whyalla and allegedly located a large quantity of illicit tobacco products.
Further investigation led Operation Eclipse detectives to search an industrial premises at Salisbury being used as a statewide distribution warehouse supplying retail outlets with illicit tobacco products.
More than seven million cigarettes and 3.9 tonnes of loose tobacco were seized, valued at over $7 million.
A 24-year-old Prospect man was arrested in Whyalla and charged with possession of tobacco products for sale and possession of e-cigarette products for sale. He was bailed to appear in the Whyalla Magistrates Court on 22 July.
A Para Hills home was also searched as part of the investigation, and a 51-year-old Para Hills man was arrested. He was charged with possession of tobacco products for sale and bailed to appear in the Elizabeth Magistrates Cour ton 17 June.
Investigations into the seizures are continuing.
Detective Chief Inspector Brett Featherby said, “The seizure of products, assets and finances by police will result in significant disruption to the criminal syndicates operating in South Australia.”
“SAPOL will pursue criminal charges when sufficient evidence exists and that includes those who are supporting and enabling that activity and take every opportunity to enforce the full extent of the confiscations legislation to seize assets of those involved.
Anyone with any information on criminal activities surrounding the sale of illicit tobacco is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestopperssa.com.au – you can remain anonymous.
Operation Eclipse has so far resulted in 37 arrests for offences including blackmail, possess tobacco products for sale, arson, money laundering and serious criminal trespass.
Labour’s Peeni Henare will pick up the foreign affairs portfolio, following David Parker’s departure from Parliament.
He retains his other portfolios of defence, economic development, Māori-Crown relations: Te Arawhiti and associate health.
Lawyer and human rights advocate Vanushi Walters returns to Parliament this week and will pick up shadow Attorney-General and associate foreign affairs.
“I am delighted to have Vanushi Walters returning to Parliament,” Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said.
“She, Peeni Henare and Phil Twyford will make a formidable team in the important portfolio of foreign affairs.
“New Zealand has a proud history of independent foreign policy, but Christopher Luxon’s Government is not standing up for New Zealand in a more and more divisive and unstable world.
“My expectations of this team will be to ensure we are ready to step back into Government in 2026. That we have clear, principled positions that make sense to New Zealanders.
“David Parker provided a fantastic platform for Labour to build on in this space. His experience and passion will be missed, and I wish him all the best as he embarks on life after politics,” Chris Hipkins said.
Police have this morning arrested a patched Mongrel Mob member in relation to an arson at a Māngere Bridge funeral home last month.
Investigations had been underway following a fire at a funeral home on Kirkbride Road at about 11.50pm on 27 April.
The building sustained minor damage and there were no injuries reported as a result, however Police have been working hard to identify and located those responsible.
Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Hayward, Counties Manukau CIB, says officers executed four search warrants at addresses connected to the Mongrel Mob across South Auckland.
“As a result of these search warrants we have arrested a patched member who has been charged with arson (endangering life).
“Police also located a pump action shotgun and ammunition at the one of the addresses.”
Detective Senior Sergeant Hayward says two other patched gang members present at the address were also arrested for breaching bail and another in relation to an unrelated serious assault.
“What was of real concern was that there were children present at the address the firearm was located at.
“However, overall this is a pleasing outcome in that we have been able to catch up with the alleged offender and take another firearm out of circulation in the community.”
A 30-year-old man will appear in Manukau District Court tomorrow charged with the arson.
Another man, aged 34, has been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition and will appear in Manukau District Court tomorrow.
Northland Police have launched a homicide enquiry following the death of a man in Parakao on 9 May.
Ambulance staff located the body of the 55-year-old man just before 4pm at a rural property off Mangakahia Road (State Highway 15).
Detective Senior Sergeant Michelle Harris, from Whangārei CIB, says enquiries are underway with a post mortem being completed today.
Police expect to release further information about the victim once these processes are complete.
The Operation Cossar enquiry team is appealing for the public with information to come forward in relation to a vehicle and person seen in the area.
“We are particularly seeking information and sightings in the area between 2pm and 8pm on Friday 9 May,” she says.
Those are:
– Sightings of a 1999 blue and silver Mitsubishi L200 ute – Reports of a man seen walking along SH14 that afternoon and evening
Detective Senior Sergeant Harris says Police are also seeking any CCTV along Mangakahia Road, Otaika Valley Road and State Highway 14 towards Whangārei.
Police would particularly like any dashcam footage on the same route between 2-8pm.
“We understand this is an unsettling time for the community and we are working hard to establish what has happened,” Detective Senior Sergeant Harris says.
Anyone with information is asked to make a report online, or by calling 105.
Please quote the reference number 250509/6749.
Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on May 12, 2025.
Victoria’s planning reforms could help solve the housing crisis. But they are under threat Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brendan Coates, Program Director, Housing and Economic Security, Grattan Institute An aerial drone view of northern Melbourne suburbs. Elias Bitar/Shutterstock The federal election campaign was dominated by the housing crisis. But the real power to solve it rests with the states. In Victoria, reforms are underway that
Footy’s ‘code wars’ are back, but which is actually the No. 1 Australian sport: the NRL or AFL? Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tim Harcourt, Industry Professor and Chief Economist, University of Technology Sydney NRL Photos, Matt Turner/AAP, Wikimedia, The Conversation, CC BY Every now and then, so-called “code wars” erupt between the major Australia winter football codes: the National Rugby League (NRL) and the Australian Football League (AFL). This
A prisoner voting ban shows again how few checks there are on parliamentary power Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephen Winter, Associate Professor in Political Theory, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Getty Images Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith’s recent announcement that the government would reinstate a total ban on prisoners voting was in keeping with the coalition’s overall tough-on-crime approach. The move was called “ridiculous” and
‘We’re just doing our best’ – cultural backlash hits Auckland kava business By Coco Lance, RNZ Pacific digital journalist A new Auckland-based kava business has found itself at the heart of a cultural debate, with critics raising concerns about appropriation, authenticity, and the future of kava as a deeply rooted Pacific tradition. Vibes Kava, co-founded by Charles Byram and Derek Hillen, operates out of New Leaf Kombucha
‘Fighting more frequent now’ – researcher warns of escalating West Papua conflict By Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific journalist The escalation of violence in West Papua is on par with some of the most intense times of conflict over the past six decades, a human rights researcher says. The United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) claims that Indonesia killed at least one civilian and severely injured another
Homer’s Iliad is a rap battle Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joshua Forstenzer, Senior Lecturer in Philosophy and Co-Director of the Centre for Engaged Philosophy, University of Sheffield The Anger of Achilles by Jacques-Louis David (1819). Kimbell Art Museum Homer’s Iliad is one of the foundational stories of European civilisation. The Iliad is a long poem – an
Major brands don’t need to kowtow to Trump: they have the power to bring people together Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Beverland, Professor of Brand Management, University of Sussex Business School, University of Sussex Whatever you think of his personality or politics, it’s impossible to deny the success of Donald Trump as a brand. Supporters and detractors across the world are transfixed by his second term as
Meteorites and marsquakes hint at an underground ocean of liquid water on the Red Planet Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hrvoje Tkalčić, Professor, Head of Geophysics, Director of Warramunga Array, Australian National University UAESA / MBRSC / Hope Mars Mission / EXI / Andrea Luck, CC BY Evidence is mounting that a secret lies beneath the dusty red plains of Mars, one that could redefine our view
Why doesn’t Australia make more medicines? Wouldn’t that fix drug shortages? Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Coomber, PhD Candidate, Pharmaceutical Supply Chains, The University of Queensland IM Imagery/Shutterstock About 400 medicines are in short supply in Australia. Of these, about 30 are categorised as critical. These are ones with a life-threatening or serious impact on patients, and with no readily available substitutes.
Farmers fear dingoes are eating their livestock – but predator poo tells an unexpected story Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rachel Mason, PhD candidate in Conservation Biology, Deakin University Kristian Bell/Shutterstock Killing carnivores to protect livestock, wildlife and people is an emotive and controversial issue that can cause community conflict. Difficult decisions about managing predators must be supported by strong scientific evidence. In Australia, predators such as
‘Cutting off communications’ – did Trump really just turn his back on Israel? ANALYSIS: By Robert Inlakesh Israel is in a weak position and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s extremism knows no bounds. The only other way around an eventual regional war is the ousting of the Israeli prime minister. US President Donald Trump has closed his line of communication with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to various
View from The Hill: if Jacinta Nampijinpa Price became Liberal deputy it would be a wild ride Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Jacinta Nampijinpa Price’s confirmation she will run for Liberal deputy has put the members of an already shell-shocked party into a new spin. Tuesday’s leadership contest, where the numbers are said to be tight, is a battle for the direction
Dumped minister Ed Husic labels Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles ‘factional assassin’ Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Industry Minister Ed Husic, dumped from the frontbench ahead of Anthony Albanese’s announcement of his new ministry, has made an excoriating attack on Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, describing him as a “factional assassin”. Marles, chief of the Victorian right,
Philippine advocacy group condemns NZ military pact with Manila, rejects election violence Asia Pacific Report The Aotearoa Philippines Solidarity national assembly has condemned the National Party-led Coalition government in New Zealand over signing a “deplorable” visiting forces agreement with the Philippine government “Given the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ appalling human rights record and continuing attacks on activists in the Philippines, it is deplorable for the New
Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house
Date: 12 May 2025
DOC Hauraki Biodiversity Ranger Rachel Langman says a farmer at Pipiroa, near Thames, discovered the injured bird on his property on Wednesday 7 May. The farmer contacted DOC and suggested the bird had been shot -which was confirmed by a subsequent veterinary assessment.
The bird was euthanised on Friday, 9 May, based on veterinary advice. X-rays revealed a shattered wing joint where shotgun pellets were found.
“The bird was quite underweight so we believe it may have been injured for several days before it was found,” Rachel says.
“This beautiful and defenceless animal has suffered for some time after it was shot.”
Royal spoonbills are protected under the Wildlife Act, and hunting or killing a protected species can result in a fine of up to $100,000 or two years in prison.
Anyone who knows about the incident is urged to call 0800 DOC HOT, or email wildlifecrime@doc.govt.nz, and quote case number CLE-9126.
Fish & Game Auckland/Waikato Chief Executive David Klee says shooting protected birds – including this incident – is unacceptable.
“Hunters must clearly identify their target and there is no excuse for shooting a royal spoonbill, which bears no resemblance to waterfowl species that can be legally hunted,” he says.
“Our Code of Conduct states licence holders must ensure they can accurately identify and distinguish game birds from protected species. We have detailed guides in our regulation handbook of the species you can and can’t target.”
He echoed the call for people to report any information about this incident – or any others in which hunters shoot protected species.
“All hunters should follow the rules. We have very few incidents like this, but it can bring everyone in the hunting community into disrepute,” David says.
“Law-abiding hunters – it’s in your interest to report these few rule-breakers.”
Fish & Game compliance officers have been working alongside DOC staff since the opening of the duck hunting season to ensure hunters are following widely publicised rules for their sport. A Fish & Game compliance team is on call at weekends and will investigate any incidents.
Warranted Fish & Game officers and Rangers perform thousands of checks across the duck hunting season. Incidents of this nature are very rare, and anyone with information is encouraged to pass it on to Fish & Game or DOC so the agencies can investigate.
Royal spoonbills are a mobile species found in increasing numbers around New Zealand, and are identifiable through their unique bill, long black legs and white plumage. They feed by distinctively swishing their bill from side to side, while wading through shallow water.
Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house
Surprise, surprise, the Great Walks booking opening is the biggest event in our booking calendar, with thousands of people from all around the world logging in on each opening day to nab spaces for Great Walks huts and campsites, high demand lodges, sole occupancy and popular campsites. – How to book and what’s new?
📷: Trampers and Mount Balloon, Mackinnon Pass – Strother, John T
To recap, all DOC facilities for the 2025/26 Great Walk season bookings open between 13 May and 4 June 2025. The booking system opens at 9:30 AM, each opening morning. You need to create an account and have a login ready, if you want to book for this season (make sure you do this ahead of time).
This year, we’ve introduced a new booking system (details below) and since announcing how this new booking system works, we’ve had loads of questions come through to us asking for more clarity and details.
❓Where do I book? ❓What is this booking lobby you mentioned? ❓How does this queueing process work? ❓If I login in early, do I get closer to the front of the queue? ❓Is this system fair? ❓Can the system cope with the demand this year?
👇 All these answers and more below. 👇
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Routeburn Flats seen from Routeburn Track within Mt Aspiring National Park on New Zealand’s South Island.
To read about the great places we have been go to www.panafoot.com
📷; Routeburn Flats seen from Routeburn Track Strother, John T
The booking system has been improved with a new industry-leading lobby system, modelled after the major concert-booking companies. it means that not only will this system and process be somewhat familiar, but it should also be able to handle large increases of traffic on opening days and run smoothly for all users.
What does this mean for me and how does it work?
Users jumping on the booking system on opening morning will be redirected to a waiting lobby (elevator music may or may not be a part of this experience) and when bookings open at 9:30am, users in the lobby will be transferred to a queue and released into the booking system in a controlled manner. At 9:30 all users already in the lobby will be randomly assigned a place in the queue, meaning there’s no advantage to arriving any earlier to the lobby and that the system is fair and randomised.
We highly recommend you log in around 9-9:15, sit back with your morning cuppa and wait until you’re processed through. Anyone logging in after 9:30am will be added to the back of the queue.
Even though this new system should be comfortable handling higher volumes of traffic and process bookings quicker, please be patient and mindful that even though it may feel a little ride or die to get your spot, it isn’t, and that you’re not the only one trying to book at the same time. Try going into this year’s bookings with flexible dates or have multiple date options agreed upon with your group before attempting to book.
📷: Heaphy Hut – Liz Carlson
Also, as reassurance, on booking opening days our team doesn’t pack up and go on vacay -job done, we’ll be keeping an eye on things and adjusting the queue flow as we go, with the aim being to make sure there’s no hiccups in the system and that things run quickly and as smoothly as possible.
Here’s another tip for you – summer holidays are most people’s first pick, so for the best chance of getting a spot at high demand places, consider whether your trip can happen outside those peak weeks – especially for the Milford Track (there’s a good chance of rain regardless of whether you go in January or April!)
Here’s what we recommend people should do to be fully prepared when bookings open for your experience of choice:
Create an account on the DOC booking system well in advance, if you don’t already have one.
Test out your login details before the opening day (one of the main reasons people miss out on opening days is forgetting their password!).
Read up on the DOC website for the place you’re trying to book – some have rules and restrictions that are important to know before you book, and it’s good to double-check the opening dates.
Familiarise yourself with the booking system – search for availability, even test out making a booking (just empty your cart at the end, rather than paying).
Finally – get online on the opening day at around 9:15 a.m., and we’ll see you in the lobby!
Finally – get online on the opening day at around 9:15 a.m., and we’ll see you in the lobby!
📷: Mountain bikers Pike29 Memorial Track – Owen Kilgour
Key Booking Opening Dates
Get ready for Great Walks bookings to open!
The Great Walks bookings opening dates are staggered between 13th – 28th May
for the 2025/2026 season.
Great Walks can book out quick so make sure to mark these key dates and times in your calendar!
Great Walk accommodation bookings
15th May, 9:30am – Heaphy Track
15th May, 9:30am – Kepler Track
15th May, 9:30am – Rakiura Track
15th May, 9:30am – Hump Ridge
22nd May, 9:30am – Whanganui Journey
22nd May, 9:30am – Routeburn Track
22nd May, 9:30am – Tongariro Northern Circuit
27th May, 9:30am – Lake Waikaremoana Track
27th May, 9:30am – Abel Tasman Coast Track
27th May, 9:30am – Paparoa Track
28th May, 9:30am – Milford Track
All other accommodation bookings
13th May, 9:30am – Backcountry huts
13th May, 9:30am – lodges,
13th May, 9:30am – sole occupancy facilities
20th May, 9:30am – Conservation campsites, except Tōtaranui, Momorangi, Anaura Bay campsites
Police Minister Mark Mitchell today announced the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Jevon McSkimming, has resigned.
Mr McSkimming has been on suspension since last December. Deputy Commissioners of Police are appointed by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Prime Minister.
Mr Mitchell said Mr McSkimming resigned today, with immediate effect, before he could be dismissed.
“I can confirm a process had been underway for the Prime Minister to consider recommending the Governor-General immediately remove the Deputy Commissioner of Police from office,” says Mr Mitchell.
“I instructed the Public Service Commission to commence the process to remove Mr McSkimming from office after allegations of a very serious nature recently came to light, separate to the investigation that led to him being suspended.
“The Policing Act is very clear: A Deputy Commissioner of Police must be a ‘fit and proper’ person. They are rightly held to the highest standards of conduct and this new information called into serious question Mr McSkimming’s fitness for office.
“When Mr McSkimming was invited to respond to these allegations he chose to resign. Mr McSkimming’s resignation has confirmed my view that his continuation in the role was untenable.
“Police advise that their investigations into Mr McSkimming will continue, notwithstanding his resignation.
“As the latest information remains subject to ongoing Police investigation, I am unable to provide further comment at this time.”
Tireless work by Invercargill Police has resulted in further arrests for burglaries and robberies early last Monday morning.
The two aggravated robberies, two burglaries and an attempted burglary at commercial premises happened between 1.50am and 4.30am on 5 May.Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported.
A 15-year-old male was arrested last week in relation to a number of the incidents including one of the aggravated robberies. He has appeared in the Invercargill Youth Court and has been remanded in custody.
A 35-year-old woman and a 31-year-old man have been jointly charged with the second aggravated robbery after search warrants were executed in Invercargill city. Both are currently remanded in custody until their next court appearance.
Police are continuing to investigate last Monday morning’s incidents and are still seeking assistance from members of the public in regards to the offending.
Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith’s recent announcement that the government would reinstate a total ban on prisoners voting was in keeping with the coalition’s overall tough-on-crime approach.
The move was called “ridiculous” and “stupid” by opposition spokespeople, largely because it contradicted findings by the Supreme Court and the Waitangi Tribunal.
But behind those concerns about the ban placing an “unreasonable limit on the electoral rights guaranteed under the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act” lies a broader constitutional question to do with parliament’s relationship with the courts.
In short, removing prisoner voting rights will damage a critical but fragile check on government power – what is known as the “judicial declaration of inconsistency”.
An ‘executive paradise’
New Zealand has been described as an “executive paradise” by constitutional lawyer and former prime minister Geoffrey Palmer. There is no upper house, no federal structure, and the courts lack the power to strike down unconstitutional legislation.
The constitution itself is a collection of statutes and conventions that, for the most part, can be changed by a simple parliamentary majority. The 1990 Bill of Rights Act is a cornerstone of that constitution, but is an ineffectual check on government power.
When parliament considers a bill that is potentially inconsistent with “the human rights and fundamental freedoms” set out in the Bill of Rights, the attorney-general delivers a report explaining the inconsistencies.
This is supposed to be a deterrent, and one might think it would be the end of the matter. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Adverse attorney-general reports have appeared regularly (there have been 15 since 2021) without blocking legislation.
Parliament’s habit of passing legislation that does not comply with the Bill of Rights is why the recently developed judicial declaration of inconsistency is constitutionally important.
The declaration is a “soft” legal power. It doesn’t strike down laws or rewrite them. Rather, it is a “weak form” of review that enables affected citizens to petition the court to declare a law inconsistent with the Bill of Rights. This should then spur parliament to fix the problem.
The declaration aims to start a constitutional dialogue between the two branches of government. Enabling citizens to hold parliament accountable, it is a vital instrument in a system otherwise heavily dominated by the executive branch.
Constitutional dialogue in action
The High Court issued the first such declaration in the case of Taylor vs Attorney-General in 2015, declaring a total ban on prisoners voting was inconsistent with the Bill of Rights Act. The government appealed, but the Supreme Court affirmed the declaration in a landmark 2018 decision.
What happened next, however, was just as important. If the declaration was to initiate a constitutional dialogue, it was up to parliament to respond – which it did. In 2020, it rescinded the ban on voting for prisoners incarcerated for less than three years.
Then, in 2022, it amended the Bill of Rights to require the attorney-general to notify parliament when a superior court issues a declaration of inconsistency. And it required a ministerial report to parliament on the government’s response within six months.
Those measures put in place a framework for constitutional dialogues. And this process played out in the next (and to date only) declaration of inconsistency. This was in 2022, when the Supreme Court declared prohibiting 16-year-olds from voting was inconsistent with the Bill of Rights.
In 2023, the government tabled its response and introduced a bill to enable 16-year-olds to vote in local elections. The government initially announced it would do the same for parliamentary elections. But that idea was dropped when it became clear this wouldn’t get the necessary super-majority support of 75% of MPs.
Chief Justice Helen Winkelmann: courts and parliament could work together. Getty Images
An over-powered parliament
Although modest, parliament’s responses were constitutionally important because they modelled a new framework for accountability. Chief Justice Helen Winkelmann suggested the process illustrated how courts and parliament could work together in the “gradual and collaborative elaboration” of New Zealand’s constitution.
An evolving constitutional dialogue would enable the courts to pose a modest check on New Zealand’s over-powered parliament. So, those who hoped they were seeing the dawn of a new constitutional convention will be disheartened by the move to ban all prisoners from voting.
The current government has already terminated the bill enabling 16-year-olds to vote, without mentioning this contradicted the Supreme Court’s declaration of inconsistency.
Should parliament now ban prisoner voting, it will have nullified all substantial responses to declarations of inconsistency. That would be a profound constitutional setback.
Parliament regularly flouts the Bill of Rights. We are now seeing it double down by rolling back its previous responses to judicial declarations.
New Zealanders already have comparatively little constitutional protection from parliament. Reinstating a total ban on prisoner voting will undermine the practice of constitutional dialogue between the two branches of government. And it will weaken a fragile check on government power.
Stephen Winter does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Attribute to Detective Inspector Martin James, District Manager Criminal Investigations:
Police can now release the name of the teenager killed in Napier early on Sunday morning.
He was 15-year-old Kaea Karauria from Napier.
He was found critically injured at an Alexander Avenue address. Despite all efforts by ambulance staff, he died at the scene.
A homicide investigation was launched yesterday, and a team of 20 investigators are continuing to make enquiries.
No one has been arrested at this stage.
A disorder event involving a group of people on Dinwiddie Avenue may be linked to the incident.
We still urgently need to hear from anyone who was in the area, or anyone who took photos or video of the altercation on Dinwiddie Avenue.
We understand the fact someone so young has been killed is very unsettling for the community.
We are providing support to the whanau of the victim and assure the community we are working hard to understand what happened and hold those responsible to account.
We would like to thank local residents for their cooperation and patience.
Anyone with information is asked to make a report online, or by calling 105.
ADVISORY – BERKS COUNTY – Commission on Crime and Delinquency Announces New Crisis Intervention Statewide Technical Assistance Initiative in Berks County
The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) will join local leaders, law enforcement, and behavioral health professionals in Berks County to announce a new statewide Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Technical Assistance Center initiative-the first-of-its-kind in the nation- and highlight Berks County’s work to enhance responses for individuals in crisis and community safety.
WHO: John Adams, Berks County District Attorney Jackie Weaknecht, PCCD Office of Justice Programs Director Pam Seaman, Berks County Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities Program Administrator Kristy Belschwinder, Forensic Diversion Program Manager, Connections Work
WHEN: TOMORROW, Monday, May 12 at 2 PM
WHERE: Berks County Court House Commissioner’s Board Room, 13th floor 633 Court St., Reading, PA 19601
LIVESTREAM: https://x.com/PaCrimeComm
RSVP: Press who are interested in attending must RSVP to algantz@pa.gov.
This National Road Safety Week, Tasmania Police is calling for all motorists to drive so everyone survives. Assistant Commissioner Adrian Bodnar said road safety matters every week, but National Road Safety Week is a chance to highlight the real impact road trauma has on our community. “Police are out and about on our roads every day and every night, working to keep people safe from harm,” he said. “Disappointingly, we continue to catch people speeding, drink driving and making poor decisions on our roads.” “It’s quite simple – these poor decisions are resulting in deaths and serious injuries, and we need the behaviour to change.” “We know most people obey the rules most of the time, but that’s just not enough.” “We need people to consistently make good decisions, no excuses.” “Drive so everyone survives.” “Anyone who witnesses dangerous driving behaviour should report it immediately to police on 131 444.” “If it’s an emergency or life-threatening situation call Triple Zero (000).” “If you can’t report it at the time but have footage, submit it to the police evidence portal online.” The evidence portal can be found at https://www.police.tas.gov.au/report/
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
A 16-year-old male and a 15-year-old female have been arrested in relation to the alleged aggravated robbery and assault of a worker in Nightcliff on Friday morning.
Around 10:40am, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received reports of a disturbance involving multiple people at a service station on Progress Drive.
A number of youths allegedly attempted to steal items from the store with one of the youths throwing cans and bottles at an employee and another youth punching an employee. Both youths ran from the area prior to police arrival.
A short time later, the youths were involved in a violent disturbance at a nearby residence on Progress Drive. Both male youths allegedly unlawfully entered a residence within the area and threatened the occupants before being removed. Later the youths returned and assaulted the same people by punching, kicking and threatening them with a metal bar. Included in the victims of the assault was a government worker.
Territory Safety Division, Darwin general duties and Dog Operations officers responded to the location resulting in the arrest of both youths and a further female who was alleged to be armed with a knife and involved in the incident at the residential premises.
The 16-year-old male has since been charged with:
• Aggravated Robbery
• Assault worker – victim suffers harm
• Armed with an offensive weapon
• Aggravated Assault
• Aggravated Burglary – Dwelling
The 15-year-old female has since been charged with:
• Aggravated Robbery
• Assault worker
• Assault worker – victim suffers harm
• Escape from lawful custody
The 21-year-old female has since been charged with:
• Damage property
• Possess/Carry/Use controlled weapon
The two youths were remanded to appear in court today and the 21-year-old female was bailed to appear in Darwin Local Court on 27 May 2025.
Anyone with information in relation to this incident is urged to contact police on 131 444. Please quote reference NTP2500047909. You can also report anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house
Date: 12 May 2025
Danica Stent, DOC’s International Manager, says New Zealand’s existing UNESCO World Heritage sites are some of the most remarkable places in the world.
“Our natural and cultural heritage is central to who we are as a nation. World Heritage sites are a source of national identity and our share of earth’s most unique, significant places.
“They are also a great source of national pride, containing internationally iconic heritage such as Piopiotahi Milford Sound, world-class hikes including the Routeburn and native species found only in New Zealand like kiwi, takahē and kākāpō.”
Aotearoa currently has three World Heritage sites: Te Wāhipounamu – South-West New Zealand, Tongariro National Park and the New Zealand subantarctic islands.
“We want to hear about the places that might make the cut for a new World Heritage site,” Danica says.
“Pursuing World Heritage status is all about being good tīpuna and protecting our heritage today, for all mokopuna tomorrow.”
Anyone making an application for the Tentative List should be prepared to submit a full nomination for World Heritage status within the next 10 years.
Danica says although New Zealand currently has a Tentative List of potential World Heritage sites, it was developed in 2007 and needs updating.
“Ideas about heritage have evolved over the past few decades. There’s now a greater recognition of the importance of the views and rights of indigenous peoples. For this reason, support from mana whenua will be essential for sites to be considered for the Tentative List.”
Making the Tentative List is the first step in the process towards becoming a World Heritage site.
“Robust examination of current sites and potential new sites for the Tentative List is needed to ensure they have local support and a high chance of making it onto the World Heritage List,” Danica says.
Vicki Soanes, Secretary General, New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO, says the programme seeks to encourage the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity.
“The process of refreshing the Tentative List is an important signal to UNESCO about the value New Zealand places on the World Heritage programme,” Vicki says.
Anyone interested in applying should submit an expression of interest by 31 July 2025, allowing DOC to provide any advice needed to support development of applications. The final closing date for applications is 30 January 2026.
An independent panel of natural and cultural heritage experts will assess the applications and deliver a report to the Conservation Minister on sites for the Tentative List.
Cabinet is expected to decide on the final Tentative List by the end of 2026. The list is submitted to the World Heritage Centre, then nominations can be developed for World Heritage status.
Visit DOC’s website for information on making an application for New Zealand’s World Heritage Tentative List.
Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development
The ACCC has been granted leave by the Federal Court to commence legal proceedings against two companies in liquidation, Beacon Products Pty Ltd (Beacon) and Zandox Group Pty Ltd (Zandox), for alleged unconscionable conduct and misleading or deceptive conduct.
The ACCC is also taking action against the director of Beacon, Mr Warren Skry, alleging he was knowingly concerned in the companies’ alleged unconscionable conduct.
The ACCC alleges the companies engaged in unconscionable conduct, including by deceiving customers and exerting undue influence and pressure to make unsolicited sales of printer cartridges and cleaning products to businesses across Australia, in breach of the Australian Consumer Law.
Beacon and Zandox allegedly misled business customers into ordering printer cartridges or cleaning products by falsely stating during unsolicited phone calls that they were confirming an order that had already been made by the business when, in fact, no order had been made.
The companies also allegedly misled some customers into thinking an initial order was an agreement for an ongoing supply of goods or that the customer did not have the right to terminate an agreement for ongoing supply, when this was not the case. The companies also allegedly falsely represented to some customers that they did not have a right to return or receive refunds for unwanted goods.
The breaches of the Australian Consumer Law alleged in this case relate to systems of conduct or patterns of behaviour that occurred over several years, first commencing in November 2016.
“The alleged conduct by Beacon and Zandox targeted many small and medium businesses, including a retirement village, residential care facility, a childcare centre, and farming businesses, misleading them into accepting orders of products they didn’t want or need, and then making it very difficult to return the unwanted goods,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.
“We took this action because we were concerned that this type of conduct has the potential to cause financial and emotional stress to business owners and staff.”
In one example of the conduct alleged to be in breach of the Australian Consumer Law, a small business in NSW was sent three deliveries of toner cartridges by Beacon, which the business accepted. A representative of Beacon then contacted the business and requested confirmation of a further delivery of toner cartridges. The business requested that this be the final delivery from Beacon. Beacon continued to contact the business to confirm subsequent orders. It is alleged there was no agreement in place for the order and payment of goods after the initial three deliveries.
The business further contacted Beacon requesting that any future orders be cancelled and, on several occasions, sought to return toner cartridges it did not order or want and sought refunds. Beacon allegedly asserted that the orders were confirmed and authorised by staff of the business, and that they would not take all of the unwanted cartridges back. The ACCC alleges that the business had the right to return and receive a refund for the unordered goods.
The ACCC previously took court action against Mr Skry and his previous company Globex Systems Pty Ltd in 2004 for asserting a right to payment for unsolicited goods and making false representations that businesses had agreed to buy products from Globex when that was not the case.
The ACCC is seeking declarations and penalties against Beacon and Zandox, as well as pecuniary penalties, declarations, disqualification orders, costs and an injunction against Mr Skry.
Background
Because Beacon and Zandox are in liquidation, the ACCC was required to obtain leave of the court before commencing proceedings against the companies.
Beacon and Zandox had liquidators appointed on 20 April 2023 following a creditors’ voluntary winding up decision.
Beacon was incorporated in 2016, initially selling cleaning products and from January 2020 also selling printer consumables. It predominantly sold these products to businesses through telemarketing calls.
Mr Skry has been a director of Beacon from 6 January 2020.
Zandox was incorporated in late 2022. It is alleged that Zandox was essentially as a rebranding of Beacon, selling the same products.
As Road Safety Week begins, the Government’s crackdown on drunk drivers is delivering real results with newly released 2024 statistics showing the number of alcohol-related road deaths reducing by nearly 40%, Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Police Minister Mark Mitchell say.
“Our Government is focused on improving road safety through road policing and enforcement, investment in new and safe roading infrastructure, and targeting the leading contributors to fatal crashes such as drugs and alcohol impairment. That plan – the Road Policing Investment Programme (RPIP) – is seeing some strong results, and we need to keep it up,” Mr Bishop says.
“Police have really stepped up their road policing efforts in the past year. In 2024, Police delivered 4,118,159passive breath and breath screening tests, the highest number recorded in a calendar year, and smashing their RPIP target of 3.3 million per year.
“Police have also exceeded their target to focus 65% of their breath testing on the highest risk times. In the first nine months of this financial year (July 2024 to March 2025), Police delivered 2,177,179 passive breath and breath screening tests during high or extreme risk alcohol hours. This is 35% above the year-to-date target of 1,608,750 tests, and a 21% increase compared to the first nine months of the previous financial year.
“The whole point of roadside breath testing is to keep New Zealanders safer on the roads – and it’s working.
“It’s really encouraging to see an almost 40% reduction in the number of road deaths where alcohol was a contributing factor, from 92 alcohol-related road deaths in 2023 down to 57 in 2024.
“In fact, the steep reduction in alcohol-related road deaths led to the 2024 total road toll being the lowest since 2014. Every avoidable road death is a tragedy and there’s always more work to do, but this is a big step in the right direction.”
“The reduced number of road deaths in 2024 is also significant given the presence of factors that can drive up the road toll, such as population increases, continued increases in the size of the vehicle fleet and increases in the total vehicle kilometres travelled (VKT) across the network.
“Roadside testing for drug driving is also coming soon. Anyone who drives while under the influence of drugs should know that they’re putting themselves and other road users at risk – and we’re not going to put up with it.
“In March 2025 the Government passed legislation to enable Police to conduct roadside testing for drug impairment, and we expect these tests to start being rolled out later this year.”
“Alcohol and drugs are leading contributors to death and serious injury on our roads, and both random and selective breath testing is proven to discourage people from drinking and driving. Every breath test delivered has the potential to save a life, and you can continue to expect to Police highly visible on our roads,” Mr Mitchell says.
“I’m proud of the work our Police are doing to reduce deaths on our road, keep our communities safe, and ensure everyone can get to where they need to go safely.”
Notes to editor:
In 2024:
Police conducted 4.1 million roadside breath alcohol tests – the most ever, and about 900,000 more than in 2023.
The number of alcohol-related road fatalities reduced by nearly 40% , from 92 in 2023 to 57 in 2024.
The Road Policing Investment Programme 2024-2027 (RPIP) requires Police to deliver 3.3 million passive breath tests and breath screening tests per year of the programme—an average of 825,000 tests per quarter. This is an increase from the 3 million tests required annually under the previous government’s road policing agreement.
In 2024 Police delivered 4,118,159 passive breath and breath screening tests, the highest number of tests recorded in a calendar year.
In the first nine months of this financial year (July 2024 to March 2025) Police delivered 3,286,094 passive breath and breath screening tests, 33% above the year-to-date target of 2,475,000 tests. It is also a 20% increase in tests compared to the first nine months of the previous financial year.
The RPIP sets a target of 2,145,000 alcohol breath tests to be conducted during high and extreme risk alcohol times—an average of 536,250 tests per quarter. This directs the greatest proportion of testing to the times and days when alcohol related harm has historically been highest, while still allowing a portion of testing across the rest of the week to ensure an ‘anywhere, anytime’ approach.
In 2024, there were 113 deaths (38% of all deaths) where a driver tested above the alcohol limit (or test refused) and/or tested positive for drugs.
87 deaths were where a driver tested positive for drugs,
47 deaths were where a driver tested above the alcohol limit (or test refused),
21 deaths were where a driver tested both positive for drugs and above the alcohol limit (or test refused).
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (9th District of Illinois)
Full Text of Bill (PDF)
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) introduced the Affordable and Safe Prescription Drug Importation Act to help put an end to Big Pharma’s greed and ensure that American patients can access prescription drugs at fair prices.
Right now, some brand-name drug prices are over four times higher in the U.S. than in other countries. As a result, the U.S. makes up for more of Big Pharma’s profits than the rest of the world combined. This legislation will amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to allow American wholesalers, pharmacies, and individuals to import affordable and safe drugs from Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Switzerland.
“Thanks to the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, millions of Medicare beneficiaries are seeing prescription drug costs lowered. While this is a historic achievement, more must be done to ensure that all Americans have access to affordable medications,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “That is why I am proud to introduce the Affordable and Safe Prescription Drug Importation Act, which would allow for the importation of affordable and safe drugs to the U.S. from Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Switzerland, to ensure that every day Americans can get the prescriptions they need at a reasonable cost. There is no reason that Americans should be paying double, sometimes even triple the cost for the same drugs. It is time for Big Pharma’s price gouging to come to an end and for U.S. patients to have access to the same fair drug pricing as the rest of the developed world.”
“The right to buy lower-cost prescription drugs from licensed pharmacies in other countries, in particular from Canada, is critical for millions of Americans on fixed incomes. It’s a proven money-saving pathway that has been used safely for more than 20 years,” said Ken Hunter, Executive Director of the Campaign for Personal Prescription Importation (CPPI). “In fact, CPPI’s most recent national survey shows Americans have an average annual savings of $4,920 per year by importing prescription medications from Canada, compared to U.S. costs, Rep. Schakowsky’s “Affordable and Safe Prescription Drug Importation Act” will preserve these rights. Prescription importation from licensed Canadian pharmacies works, is safe, and is a proven pathway for Americans to obtain their necessary, lower-cost, prescription medicines.”
“Social Security Works thanks Rep. Schakowsky, one of the foremost champions for seniors and people with disabilities in Congress, for introducing this essential legislation. With millions of Americans struggling to fill their prescriptions, we need to make it easier for them to purchase affordable medications from abroad — not harder and more expensive, as President Trump is threatening to do.
Congress should swiftly pass the Affordable and Safe Prescription Drug Importation Act into law so that Americans can get the medications they need.” said Alex Lawson, Executive Director of Social Security Works.
Original cosponsors of the Affordable and Safe Prescription Drug Importation Act include Reps. Steve Cohen (TN-09), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), and Mark Pocan (WI-02).
Endorsing organizations include: Campaign for Personal Prescription Importation, Social Security Works, Alliance for Retired Americans, Economic Policy Institute, Prescription Justice, Consumer Action, Just Care USA, Citizen Action/Illinois, Physicians for a National Health Program, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, Voices of Health Care Action, Beta Cell Action, ACA Consumer Advocacy, Committee to Protect Health Care, Rise Up WV, NY StateWide Senior Action Council.
Pearl River, N.Y. – 5/11/2025… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, reacts to the news of the expected release of Edan Alexander. This comes after leading a bipartisan letter to President Trump on Friday, urging him to do everything within his power to bring all the hostages home.
“On Friday, I led a bipartisan letter to the Trump administration asking President Trump to continue exerting maximum diplomatic pressure in order to return all of the hostages still being held in Gaza,” wrote Chairman Lawler.
“Today, I’m thrilled by the news that we may soon have Edan Alexander return home. I applaud President Trump for his tireless work in securing the release of the hostages. We must not relent until they’re all brought home,” concluded Chairman Lawler.
Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.
Washington, D.C. – 5/10/25… Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17), joined by Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), French Hill (AR-02), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), and Tom Suozzi (NY-03) led 45 of their House colleagues in a bipartisan letter to President Trump urging his administration to continue prioritizing the immediate release of the five American citizens who remain in captivity in Gaza following the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks on Israel.
The coordinated terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas and other Palestinian terrorist groups that killed over 1,200 people, including more than 40 Americans. On that day, they took into Gaza over 250 hostages, twelve of whom were American. Five U.S. citizens Edan Alexander, Omer Neutra, Itay Chen, Gadi Haggai, and Judi Weinstein Haggai remain in captivity, with Edan as the only hostage who is believed to be alive.
“Securing the release of all five American hostages is critical as every additional moment in captivity is a matter of life or death,” wrote the lawmakers. “We urge you to avail yourself of all available options and diplomatic channels to achieve a deal for their release.”
“Our government’s most solemn responsibility is to keep Americans safe. With that responsibility in mind, we urge you to use all diplomatic tools at your disposal, in concert with our regional allies and partners, to ensure Edan’s release and the release of the remains of the deceased American hostages as soon as possible. Every day in captivity adds to the nightmare for the hostages and their families. We must bring them home now,” concluded the lawmakers.
Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.
The Government is turning up the heat on boy racers and fleeing drivers with a suite of stronger measures to deter anti-social and intimidating driving, Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Police Minister Mark Mitchell say.
“At present, the penalties for anti-social or intimidating driving behaviour aren’t strong enough to deter this appalling behaviour. Police reporting shows that some types of anti-social road events are actually increasing in frequency. We’re saying enough is enough,” Mr Bishop says.
“Kiwis are sick of seeing these idiot drivers putting everyone around them at risk, so we’re taking action through a range of much tougher penalties.
The new offences and penalties will include:
Establishing a presumptive sentence of vehicle destruction or forfeiture for those that flee Police, street racers, intimidating convoys and owners who fail to identify offending drivers
Giving Police more powers to manage illegal vehicle gatherings by closing roads or public areas and issuing infringements
Increasing the infringement fee for making excessive noise from or within a vehicle from $50 to $300
“These changes, to be introduced in new legislation in mid-2025, will mean convicted fleeing drivers, boy racers, and people participating in intimidating convoys have their vehicle destroyed or forfeited,” Mr Bishop says.
“The legislation will establish a presumptive court-ordered sentence of vehicle forfeiture or destruction. This means that, if someone is convicted of these offences, courts must order that vehicle be destroyed or forfeited to the Crown to be sold.
“There will be some limited exceptions where the vehicle is owned by someone other than the offender, or if it would be manifestly unjust or cause extreme or undue hardship to do so.”
Minister Mitchell says the bill will give Police new powers to manage intimidating convoys and illegal dirt bike gatherings, through the ability to close roads and compelling people to leave or face fines.
The bill will also introduce stronger fines for intentionally creating excessive noise from within or on a vehicle. This will take the Police-issued fine from $50 to $300, and the court ordered fine from $1000 to $3000.
“People have had enough of boy racers and their dangerous, obnoxious behaviour. These people drive without regard for the danger and disruption it causes to our communities. They have no consideration for anyone other than themselves.” Minister Mitchell says.
“Anti-social road use and illegal street racing have no place in New Zealand. Our message is clear: if you want drive dangerously, face the consequences”.
Notes to editors:
Anti-social road users are those who fail to stop for Police while speeding or driving dangerously, participate in unauthorised street racing, do burnouts, carry out intimidating convoys and unlawful dirt bike gatherings, or cause excessive noise by taking part in siren battles.
The Government will expand the existing offence for a vehicle owner not immediately providing information about a driver who used that vehicle to flee Police to now:
apply to those participating in street racing, loss of traction (burnouts), and intimidating convoys,
ensure courts order the vehicle destroyed or forfeited unless it would be manifestly unjust, or cause extreme hardship to the offender or undue hardship to any other person, and
allow courts to issue a fine not exceeding $10,000
Additional powers for Police to manage illegal vehicle gatherings are to:
expand the existing road closure power to include all public and private areas accessible to the public by vehicle (e.g. parks and car parks),
establish an offence for a person who, without reasonable excuse, fails to comply with a direction to leave or not enter a closed area, and establish an associated penalty of a $1,000 infringement fee and a maximum $3,000 court fine.
On May 10, at approximately 11:12 p.m., RCMP officers, fire services, and EHS responded to a report of a two-vehicle collision on Highway 101 between Hantsport and Falmouth, in the eastbound lanes.
The investigation indicates that a Honda Civic and a Nissan Sentra were travelling in the eastbound lane on Highway 101, when they collided.
The driver and passenger from the Honda Civic, a 43-year-old man and a 45-year-old woman, both from Falmouth, were both pronounced deceased at the scene.
The driver and one passenger from the Nissan Sentra, a 45-year-old woman from Oxford and a 58-year-old man from Nappan, were both pronounced deceased at the scene. A 50-year-old male passenger, from Oxford, was transported to hospital by EHS and was later pronounced deceased. A 29-year-old male passenger, from British Columbia, was transported by LifeFlight and remains in critical condition.
A collision reconstructionist attended the scene; the investigation remains ongoing.
Any witnesses who have not yet spoken to police or anyone who may have dashcam or surveillance footage that shows this incident is asked to contact the RCMP West Hants Detachment at 902-798-2207.
The eastbound lanes on Highway 101 remained closed for several hours but has since reopened.
Our thoughts are with the victims’ loved ones at this difficult time.
Detectives are appealing for witnesses following a fatal collision in Hackney yesterday evening.
Officers were called at 18:16hrs on Saturday, 10 May, to reports of a collision involving a motorcycle on the westbound elevated section of the A12 at the Lea Interchange.
The London Ambulance Service and the London Air Ambulance were also in attendance, and the motorcyclist – a 30-year-old man from Camden – was treated at the scene.
Despite the efforts of the emergency services, he sadly died at the scene. His next of kin have been informed.
Detectives are appealing for anyone who may have been in the area at the time to come forward.
Detective Sergeant Rob Groombridge, who is leading the Met investigation, said:
“Sadly a 30-year-old man died yesterday following a road traffic collision in Hackney. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
“We are working at pace to identify what happened on the A12 yesterday evening, and would encourage anyone who witnesses the incident, or who was in the surrounding area, to please come forward and speak to us. I’m particularly interested in any dashcam footage from drivers who were in the area between 18:00hrs and 18:30hrsyesterday.
“Any piece of information could be vital in helping us understand exactly what happened.”
Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting CAD 5852/10MAY
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has engaged its United States of America (USA) counterparts on the resettlement of South Africans claiming refugee status in that country.
This follows reports that the US is preparing to fly at least 50 Afrikaaner South Africans to the US as early as this coming week.
In a statement, DIRCO revealed that Deputy Minister Alvin Botes on Friday held a cordial discussion and raised concern with US Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau, in this regard.
DIRCO noted the internationally recognised definition of refugees, as set out in the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol.
“The Convention defines a refugee as someone with a ‘well-founded fear of persecution’ based on race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion.
“South Africa acknowledges that the determination of refugee status requires a factual assessment in light of the prevailing circumstances, having due regard for both subjective and objective factors,” the statement read.
The department maintained that “allegations of discrimination are unfounded” in this particular regard.
“The South African Police Service (SAPS) statistics on farm related crimes do not support allegations of violent crime targeted at farmers generally or any particular race.There are sufficient structures available within South Africa to address concerns of discrimination.
“Moreover, even if there are allegations of discrimination, it is our view that these do not meet the threshold of persecution required under domestic and international refugee law,” DIRCO said.
The department said it was “most regrettable” that it appears that the resettlement, under the guise of being “refugees”, is “entirely politically motivated and designed to question South Africa’s constitutional democracy”.
“[South Africa is] a country which has in fact suffered true persecution under apartheid rule and has worked tirelessly to prevent such levels of discrimination from ever occurring again, including through the entrenchment of rights in our Constitution, which is enforced vigorously through our judicial system.
“In addition, it is not clear how the principle of non-refoulement will be applied in relation to these citizens once they are resettled,” DIRCO said.
South Africa’s Constitution strictly prohibits any form of discrimination, directly or indirectly, against anyone on one or more grounds, including race, gender, sex, pregnancy, marital status, ethnic or social origin, colour, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, conscience, belief, culture, language and birth.
“Through progressive judgements from the South African courts, particularly the Constitutional Court, our State has demonstrated a principled commitment to protect minorities and vulnerable groups. This shows the extent to which South Africa is working towards a country in which every citizen is free and protected,” the department said.
Through diplomatic channels, DIRCO has requested the following information:
The status of persons that will be departing, whether as asylum seekers, refugees or ordinary citizens, and
Assurances as to whether the persons have been appropriately vetted by competent South African authorities to ensure that they do not have any outstanding criminal cases pending against them, amongst others.
“Whilst South Africa challenges the United States’ assessments of alleged refugee status, it will not block citizens who seek to depart the country from doing so, as it also observes their right of freedom of movement and freedom of choice, specifically the right to leave the country, as contained in section 21(2) of the Constitution.
“However, it is essential that in doing so, South Africa ensures that it is compliant with other domestic laws and prescripts.
“The Government of South Africa remains dedicated to constructive dialogue with United States of America, anchored in mutual respect for sovereignty, the rule of law, and a shared commitment to deepening mutually beneficial bilateral partnership,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
