Tax returns pour in as deadline passes and other brief reports

* Two men, from Vrede in the Free State and Polokwane in Limpopo, appeared briefly in the Esikhawini Regional Court, near Richards Bay, yesterday in connection with allegations of importing a lion cub and an exotic snake without permits. No charges were put to Trevor Oertel (40) and Vivian Bristow (60) and no evidence was led. – The Mercury * Trade union Solidarity is to announce a plan to improve the position of disabled people in SA’s labour market, it said yesterday. The announcement is set to come at a workshop today with some of SA’s largest employers. – Business Day * A Nigerian man and a SA woman, both from Johannesburg, have appeared in the Grahamstown Magistrates’ Court on charges of selling ecstasy. Police said they had seized about R44 650 worth of drugs during the Grahamstown Festival. – The Herald * A Port Elizabeth man, Andrew Gregoriou (33), is being held in custody after appearing in court on charges of attempted murder, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm and domestic violence. Gregoriou, who allegedly stabbed his ex wife 13 times at a petrol station on Saturday, will appear again on July 18 for a formal bail application. – The Herald * A 54-year-old pastor has been remanded in custody after appearing in court on charges of raping his 17-year-old adoptive daughter, the production and distribution of child porn and dealing in drugs. His bail application will be heard in the Port Elizabeth Regional Court on August 25. – The Herald * The sentencing of Abel Manamela (53), who unleashed venomous snakes at an Absa branch, was adjourned in the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court yesterday. Manamela was convicted of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm. The sentencing was postponed because the court must decide whether to accept a request by Manamela, who has conducted his own defence, to get a lawyer. – SABC News