Six people died after a petrol bomb was thrown at a bus transporting them to work at a mine outside Burgersfort, Limpopo. Photo: Twitter / @SAPoliceService
• Editor's note: This article is updated each time new information becomes available.

JOHANNESBURG The Modikwa platinum mine in South Africa has halted production after six workers en route to the operation were burnt to death in a petrol bomb attack on a bus, a spokeswoman for African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) said on Tuesday.

Six mineworkers were killed after the bus they were travelling in was set alight in Limpopo on Monday evening.

The six, four men and two women, were burnt beyond recognition while 28 others were rushed to hospital for burn wounds.

The South African Police Service said the bus was carrying about fifty mineworkers when it was torched.

Police said the motive for the crime was unknown at this stage.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that the Segweka bus service was busy collecting Modikwa platinum mineworkers going for a night shift, between 20:00 and 21:00 on Monday,” police said in a statement.

“When the bus stopped at Driekop bus stop, two unknown suspects got into the bus and set it alight, using a highly flammable liquid. They then jumped out, leaving behind the bus already engulfed in huge flames.

“Members of the Forensic Fire Unit of the South African Police Service from Pretoria have been summoned to the scene.”

A reward of up to R500, 000 has been offered “for any valuable information that can lead to the arrest and possible conviction of the suspects responsible for this heinous crime.”</s>The Cape winelands stretch from rugged mountains to multi directional slopes of the coastal region. South Africa’s vineyards are mostly situated in the Western Cape near the coast. The rainfall on the coastal side where fynbos and renosterveld vegetation flourish measure up to 1,000 mm per year.

Around 95,000 hectares of vines produce wine grapes which are under cultivation over an area of about 800km in length. Production zones in the Cape winelands are divided into different geographical units of the Western Cape- Breede River Valley, Cape South Coast, Klein Karoo, Olifants River, Boberg and Coastal Region. Other winelands exist in the Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu Natal, Limpopo and Northern Cape. Winelands encompass 27 diverse districts and 77 smaller wards in total. Let’s take a look at some of them:

The Bot River ward is the gateway to Walker Bay and encompasses a valley and village. The area is renowned for its cool climate which is influenced by the lagoon and Walker Bay where cool afternoon winds blow up the valley off the sea. Chenin Blanc, Pinotage, Shiraz and Sauvignon Blanc fare well in these areas. Bot River is also home to a mix of handcrafted wineries.

The vineyards of Durbanville lie very close to Cape Town and border northern suburbs. A number of estates and wineries are situated on the rolling slopes and they continue to make a variety of wine styles. Wines from this ward are Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The deep soils, see breezes and night mists are beneficial factors when it comes to the quality of the grapes.

Cederberg is a standalone ward; the most remote and highest wine yards are found mainly in this area and it borders Olifants River. Emanating wines from this ward are best known for its Chardonnay, Chenin, Cabernet, Shiraz and Sauvignon.

The semi-arid region stretches from Montagu through Barrydale towards Calitzdorp. Muscat varieties flourish here and the area is known best for its sweet wines. Calitzdorp is famous for its port style wines where you will find plantings of Tinta Barocca, Touriga Nacional and Souzao. Red wines made from varieties used to make port, have created a buzz in this area.

The Paarl wine district lies to the north of Stellenbosch and is bordered by the town of Wellington to the north east. The Berg River runs through Paarl and is the live fiving artery of this win producing area. This is the life-giving artery area of this win producing area. The large variety of grapes grown in Paarl of which are Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Shiraz, Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay have the best potential.

Now that you have visited the fine wards of South Africa, you know where most of the exquisite wines are made! Would you like to visit the wilderness of the African sands? Head over to the slots at Moon Bingo and enjoy the thrill and excitement that Cash Stampede slot offers! Lose yourself into the moon-like backdrop of this site at first, and be submerged into the African lands as soon as you access any games themed on African animals.</s>Six people were killed and 28 others were injured when criminals hurled the petrol bomb at the bus on Monday night.

JOHANNESBURG - Limpopo police have arrested five people in connection with this week's deadly petrol bomb attack on a bus carrying mineworkers in Driekop.

Six people were killed and 28 others were injured when criminals hurled the petrol bomb at the bus on Monday night, while the miners were leaving the Modikwa Platinum Mine outside Burgersfort.

Police set up a high-level team of investigators immediately after the attack.

Although the suspects have been arrested, the motive behind the crime is still unknown.

The police's Motlaefela Mojapelo says they are expected to appear in court on Thursday.

“They were nabbed at different locations by the high-level team that was assembled.”</s>JOHANNESBURG April 4 (Reuters) - South African police said on Wednesday five people have been arrested in connection with a petrol bomb attack on a bus that killed six platinum mine workers.

The accused will appear in court on Thursday on charges of attempted murder, murder and malicious damage to property, police said.

Workers were burnt to death on Monday night while being driven to the Modikwa platinum mine, which is operated by African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) and Anglo American Platinum. (Reporting by Tanisha Heiberg Editing by Joe Brock)</s>The six suspects said to have links with Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Dino Melaye, have been re-arrest.

 The suspects were declared wanted after allegedly escaping from police custody in Kogi State on March 28.

 The Kogi police said, Kabiru Seidu (a.k.a Osama), Nuhu Salisu (a.k.a Small), Aliyu Isa, Adams Suleiman, Emmanuel Audu and Musa Mohammed who were under detention at the ‘A’ Division Lokoja allegedly escaped from lawful custody hours before they were due to be arraigned in court in Lokoja, the state capital.

 They were arrested on allegations of working as political thugs and suspected assassins for Melaye.

 The police said last month that two of the six suspects had confessed to being armed and financed by Melaye.

 Melaye denied links to the suspects and threatened to sue the police for defamation.

 The suspects were arrested at different locations last week, and the last, Seidu, was arrested on Sunday night in Bauchi State.

 Their alleged escape resulted in the redeployment of the Police Commissioner in the state, Ali Janga, to Force Headquarters in Abuja. A replacement was immediately announced for him.

 The suspects were due for arraignment on March 28 when they escaped under unclear circumstances.

 Meanwhile, Nigeria Police Force said it would arraign Sen. Melaye and the four suspects re-arrested for alleged conspiracy and unlawful possession of prohibited firearms at the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi on May 10.

 The suspects are: Kabiru Seidu, 31, alias Osama, Nuhu Salisu, 25, alias small, Musa Mohammed, 27, alias Iko and Emmanuel Audu, 26.

 The Force Spokesman, ACP Jimoh Moshood, who made the disclosure while briefing newsmen on the arrest of four of the six suspects on Tuesday in Abuja, said two of the suspects were still at large.

 Moshood said that Seidu and Salisu who were principal suspects were rearrested in Tafa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State and Ganaja Village, Lokoja, Kogi.

 The spokesman said that the six accomplice in the case arrested by the police would be prosecuted with the six re-arrested suspects.

 Moshood warned that the police would not relent in its efforts to check activities of unscrupulous politicians, adding that they must play the game according to the rules.

 He commended members of the public for giving the police timely information that aided the re-arrest of the suspects.

 The spokesman said that the force`s fight against crimes and criminality in the country remained unequivocal and unwavering.

 The prime suspect Seidu had confessed that Melaye handed over to him a bag containing one AK47 rifle, two Pump Action guns and N430,000.00 to share with his boys.</s>The Nigeria Police Force says it will arraign Dino Melaye, senator representing Kogi west, at the federal high court in Lokoja, Kogi state capital, on May 10.

Also to be arraigned alongside the lawmaker are the four suspects rearrested for alleged conspiracy and unlawful possession of prohibited firearms.

Last week, the police announced the escape from lawful custody of six suspects including Seidu and Salisu but on March 30, the police announced the re-arrest of four of the six suspects.

Briefing reporters in Abuja on Tuesday, Jimoh Moshood, force spokesman, said two of the suspects were still at large.

Moshood said Seidu and Salisu who were principal suspects were rearrested in Tafa Balewa local government area of Bauchi state and Ganaja village, Lokoja, Kogi.

The spokesman said the six accomplices in the case arrested by the police would be prosecuted with the six rearrested suspects.

He said that the suspects would be arraigned in court for prosecution on completion of investigation.

Moshood warned that the police would not relent in its efforts to check activities of unscrupulous politicians, adding that they must play the game according to the rules.

He commended members of the public for giving the police timely information that aided the re-arrest of the suspects.

The spokesman said the force’s fight against crimes and criminality in the country remained unequivocal and unwavering.

Seidu had confessed that Melaye handed over to him a bag containing one AK47 rifle, two pump action guns and N430,000.00 to share with his boys.</s>The Nigeria Police Force said it would arraign Sen. Dino Melaye and the four suspects rearrested for alleged conspiracy and unlawful possession of prohibited firearms at the Federal High Court in Lokoja, Kogi on May 10.

The suspects are: Kabiru Seidu, 31, alias Osama, Nuhu Salisu, 25, alias small, Musa Mohammed, 27, alias Iko and Emmanuel Audu, 26.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on March 28, the Police Command in Kogi announced the escape from lawful custody of six suspects including Seidu and Salisu.

NAN also reports that on March 30, the police announced the re-arrest of four of the six suspects.

The Force Spokesman, ACP Jimoh Moshood, who made the disclosure while briefing newsmen on the arrest of four of the six suspects on Tuesday in Abuja, said two of the suspects were still at large.

Moshood said that Seidu and Salisu who were principal suspects were rearrested in Tafa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State and Ganaja Village, Lokoja, Kogi.

The spokesman said that the six accomplice in the case arrested by the police would be prosecuted with the six rearrested suspects.

The suspects are: John Beneche, 22, Seye Atowoju, 27 Danjuma Yunusa, 35 , Egga Ochai,50 Abbas Haruna, 30 and Gloria Audu, 28.

He said that the suspects would be arraigned in court for prosecution on completion of investigation.

Moshood warned that the police would not relent in its efforts to check activities of unscrupulous politicians, adding that they must play the game according to the rules.

He commended members of the public for giving the police timely information that aided the re-arrest of the suspects.

The spokesman said that the force`s fight against crimes and criminality in the country remained unequivocal and unwavering.

NAN reports that Seidu had confessed that Melaye handed over to him a bag containing one AK47 rifle, two Pump Action guns and N430,000.00 to share with his boys.</s>All the six suspects who were declared wanted after allegedly fleeing from police custody in Kogi State on March 28 have been re-arrested, the police have said.

Kabiru Seidu (a.k.a Osama), Nuhu Salisu (a.k.a Small), Aliyu Isa, Adams Suleiman, Emmanuel Audu and Musa Mohammed who were under detention at the ‘A’ Division Lokoja allegedly escaped from lawful custodyhours before they were due to be arraigned in court in Lokoja, the state capital.

They were arrested on allegations of working as political thugs and suspected assassins for Dino Melaye, a serving senator from Kogi West Senatorial District.

The police said last month that two of the six suspects had confessed to being armed and financed by Mr. Melaye.

Mr. Melaye denied links to the suspects and threatened to sue the police for defamation.

The suspects were arrested at different locations last week, and the last, Mr. Seidu, was arrested on Sunday night in Bauchi State, THISDAY reported, citing sources whose accounts were later corroborated by the police spokesperson in the state.

Mr. Seidu is being held at Force Headquarters in Abuja, THISDAY reported.

Their alleged escape resulted in the redeployment of the police commissioner in the state, Ali Janga, to Force Headquarters in Abuja. A replacement was immediately announced for him,

The suspects were due for arraignment on March 28 when they escaped under unclear circumstances. The police spokesperson in Kogi, William Ayah, did not immediately respond to a text message asking to know whether the police have a new date that the suspects would be arraigned in court.</s>The Nigerian Police Force has listed individuals who were of help to the suspects in the case invloving Senator Dino Melaye and Mohammed Audu.

They are being accused of conspiracy and unlawful possession of prohibited firearm. The case has already been filed at the Federal High Court, Lokoja.

The Police also disclosed the roles the individuals played towards supporting the suspects while they were on the run.

DAILY POST reports that the Police had earlier confirmed the re-arrest of Kabiru Saidu popularly.known.as Osama, and Nuhu Salisu also.known.as Small, the two main suspects involved in the arms case against Senator Dino Melaye.

However, in a statement issued to journalists in Abuja by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Jimoh Moshood, the Police said: “the Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim Idris, had ordered the IGP’s Intelligence Response Team and Special Tactical Squad, Personnel of the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department to move to Kogi State and carryout discreet investigation into the escape and re-arrest the escaped suspects and bring all those involved to justice.

“As a result of intense raids, cordon and search operations carried out by the Police Team in some identified criminal hideouts and black spots in some locations in Kogi State and other States of the Country and working on active intelligence gathered on the where about of the fleeing suspects. They were rearrested as follows:

“Kabiru Saidu popularly.known.as Osama “31 yrs” From Dekina LGA but based in Anyagba (Leader of the gang) rearrested in Tafa Balewa Local Government Area in Bauchi State.

“Nuhu Salisu also.known.as Small “25 yrs” (a member of the gang) rearrested in Ganaja Village, Lokoja State.

“The under listed suspects who played various criminal roles in the escape of the six (6) suspects and their suspected criminal accomplices are also arrested and will be prosecuted along with the principal suspects in court.

“Musa Mohammed a.k.a Iko ‘M’ 27Yrs – one of the escapee rearrested who was earlier arrested for criminal conspiracy and armed robbery.

“Emmanuel Audu ‘M’ 26Yrs – one of the escapee also rearrested who was earlier arrested for criminal conspiracy and armed robbery.

“John Beneche ‘M’ 22Yrs – Carried four (4) of the escaped suspects; Kabiru Saidu a.k.a Osama, Nuhu salisu a.k.a Small, Musa Mohammed a.k.a Iko and Emmanuel Audu after their escape to their criminal hideout at Ganaja Village, Lokoja.

“Seye Atowoju ‘M’ 27Yrs – During Police trail on the fleeing suspects, Seye Atowoju was arrested in the process of relocating four (4) of the escaped suspects; Kabiru Saidu a.k.a Osama, Nuhu salisu a.k.a Small, Musa Mohammed a.k.a Iko and Emmanuel Audu from their criminal hideout at Ganaja Village, Lokoja to another location to escape police re-arrest.

“Danjuma Yunusa a.k.a O2 ‘M’ 35Yrs – Accompanied the principal suspect Kabiru Saidu a.k.a Osama to the house of one Egga Ochai by water side, Lokoja.

“Egga Ochai ‘M’ 50Yrs – He harboured the principal suspect Kabiru Saidu a.k.a Osama in his house for two (2) days and thereafter went to the village of the principal suspect in Dekina Local Government and brought one Abbas Haruna (His Mallam) to Lokoja.

“Abbas Haruna ‘M’ 30Yrs – He is the Mallam of the principal suspect Kabiru Saidu a.k.a Osama. He also orchestrated his movement from Lokoja to his home town at Tafa Balewa Local Government Area in Bauchi State where both of them were arrested.

“Gloria Audu ‘F’ 28Yrs – She is the sister to one of the above mentioned suspects, Emmanuel Audu. She harboured him for some days to enable him escape Police arrest.

“All suspects will be arraigned in court for prosecution on completion of investigation.

“The Nigeria Police Force wishes to appreciate the members of the public for cooperating with the Police by giving timely information that has in no doubt aided the re-arrest of the escaped suspects.

“The renewed commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to sustain the tempo of the fight against crimes and criminality in the country and guarantee protection of Lives and Property remains unequivocal and unwavering.”</s>Six miners were killed in South Africa's northern province of Limpopo when a suspected petrol bomb was thrown into their bus, police said Tuesday, adding no motive was known for the attack.

"The bus immediately caught fire, instantly killing six people on board and injuring several others," police said in a statement.

The bus was carrying night-shift workers to a platinum mine on Monday evening when it was attacked outside the town of Burgersfort.

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) called for police to investigate and arrest those responsible, saying there had been a number of recent violent incidents in the area.

"The bus was carrying 39 workers who were going to work at Modikwa Platinum Mine when it was petrol-bombed," NUM official Phillip Mankge said.

"Six workers were burned beyond recognition and the other workers had to escape through windows.

"We also do not know what is the motive of the attack on those innocent workers who were going to work." DM
Police arrest five suspects over a firebombing of a bus in Limpopo, South Africa that killed six people.