January 27, 2014
From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Motshabi Hoaeane.
Making headlines:


The government defends the police from charges of excess force.

Libya and Egypt enter talks over Tripoli’s diplomat hostages.

And, Johannesburg mayor Parks Tau reiterates his commitment to the development of ‘green’ infrastructure.
 

South Africa's government defended its embattled police service on Friday from rising criticisms that officers used excessive force, saying there was "no carte blanche" to kill innocent protesters. Police minister Nathi Mthethwa denied there was a "prevalent culture of impunity within the police service".

Nearly 18 months after riot police shot dead 34 striking mine-workers, the South African Police Service is under renewed pressure after 14 officers were implicated in the death of four people killed during demonstrations against a water shortage.

The incident has cast an unwelcome spotlight on President Jacob Zuma's African National Congress government as it prepares for elections expected around April amid charges it has largely not delivered on promises to better the lives of millions of poor blacks during 20 years in power.
 

Libya's government was in talks on Sunday with Egypt to resolve a hostage crisis after gunmen kidnapped five Egyptian diplomats in Tripoli in retaliation for Egypt's arrest of a top Libyan militia commander.

Gunmen grabbed five diplomatic staff from their homes in the Libyan capital within 24 hours, including the cultural attache, after the powerful Islamist-leaning militia reported its commander Shaban Hadia was detained in Egypt.

Kidnappers on Saturday later called Dubai-based Arab channel Al Arabiya, demanding Hadia's release in 24 hours and put one of the Egyptian diplomats on the line to plead with their government to meet the demands.

The hostages have since been freed, but no details of their release have been given.

 

Speaking ahead of the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group Mayors Summit, which will be held in Johannesburg from February 4 to 6, executive mayor Parks Tau has reaffirmed the city’s commitment to develop and upgrade its infrastructure in a manner that supports the city’s low-carbon, energy-efficient strategy.

Adding that he was cognisant of Johannesburg’s “ageing infrastructure, capacity constraints and backlogs”, Tau said the city would spend over R110-billion on the provision of infrastructure over the next ten years.

Over the next three years, over R30-billion would be allocated to the replacement and upgrading of ageing infrastructure and new infrastructure, while, in the 2013/14 financial year, R7.3-billion would be spent on infrastructure – almost double that spent in 2012/13.

Also making headlines:

Madagascar's president Hery Rajaonarimampianina’s inauguration was marred by an explosion that killed one person and wounded dozens after the ceremony.

South Sudan’s government and rebels traded accusations of breaking a ceasefire deal supposed to calm violence that has driven half a million people from their homes.

And, Egypt is expected to hold a presidential vote before electing parliament, reneging on a roadmap and increasing the likelihood that army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi will be elected as head of state within months.

That's a roundup of news making headlines today.