3 January 201419 December 2022 4WardEverUK

Cover-up claim over police chief Ian Learmonth’s role in lorry ‘killing’ probe

Lee Balkwell originally by: Daily Mail
published: 21 December 2013

Police chiefs have been accused of a cover-up as one of Britain’s most senior officers prepares to retire while secretly being investigated over an alleged conflict of interest.

Ian Learmonth, chief constable of Kent, was reported to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) in July over a review of the police inquiry into the death of Lee Balkwell, who was found dead in a cement mixer lorry in 2002.

Mr Learmonth faces criticism for letting his officers in Kent investigate how Essex Police handled the case because he himself was working for the Essex force at the time of the original inquiry.

16 December 201317 December 2022 4WardEverUK

Final goodbye: Mandela’s farewell in ancestral home

by: The Voice Online
published: 15 December 2013

Nelson Mandela’s state funeral is under way at his ancestral home in Qunu, ending a week of commemorations for the anti-apartheid hero. Thousands of people – including foreign dignitaries – are attending the service, which blends state ceremonial with traditional rituals.

Members of his family attended an overnight vigil, with a traditional praise singer believed to be chanting details of his long journey and life.

Continue reading

10 December 201317 December 2022 4WardEverUK

Mandela memorial: Obama praises ‘giant of history’

originally by: BBC News
published: 9 December 2013

Tens of thousands of South Africans have joined dozens of world leaders for the national memorial service for former President Nelson Mandela.

The service is being held in front of a vociferous crowd in the FNB stadium in Johannesburg. US President Barack Obama said Mr Mandela was a “giant of history”, adding: “The world thanks you for sharing Nelson Mandela with us”.

The former South African president died last Thursday, aged 95.