Hawks set their sights on municipal corruption Hawks set their sights on municipal corruption 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 16 March 2021 Some tenders were accepted and fully paid before any form of service was rendered, with cost of millions toward the state. Amidst the rising red flags of municipal corruption in Mpumalanga, especially regarding the issues of service deliver failure, the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Mpumalanga have decided to initiate an array of operations. The lack of service delivery and financial woes withing local municipalities are often attributed to corrupt tender processes, where unfathomable amounts are paid to tenderpreneurs, who maostly fail to deliver the service promises, or who are paid in full, en completely fail to render any form of service. Members of the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Mpumalanga, assisted by Volkrust Local Criminal Centre and K9 Unit Secunda, conducted a search and seizure operation at Dr. Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Municipality in Volkrust on Thursday, 11 March 2021. The investigation was carried out by the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Mpumalanga after several complaints were received regarding service delivery failure. Preliminary investigations by the team revealed that tender processes within the municipality was not properly followed, and the team pounced with a search and seizure warrant from the Magistrate. During investigation, suspicious irregularities and discrepancies were identified regarding tender awarding processes, whereby tenders were awarded to companies, which were paid without following proper procedure. Some tenders were accepted and fully paid before any form of service was rendered, with cost of millions toward the state. The team acquired tender documents awarded for certain companies during a particular period, to investigate suspected cases of theft , fraud and corruption. This should be a warning to all municipalities who dabble in corrupt activities and dubious tenderpreneuring, where service delivery is lacking due to said corruption. < Previous Article Next Article >

Sean needs your help in cancer battle 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 7 June 2022 Sean received the biopsy results, and it seems to be clear. However, there are still some tests that needs to be done, including a PET scan. Sean Duranty, a well-known and beloved in Ermelo, has had a long and hard road with his ongoing battle with cancer. Following a previous bout of treatment, Sean received the good news that his cancer was in remission. Sean received the biopsy results, and it seems to be clear. However, there are still some tests that needs to be done, including a PET scan. Although Sean has a medical aid, the unforeseen costs that are not covered is making life a little difficult at this time. Receiving treatment in Trichardt, Sean has to travel extensively to seek medical attention, and most probably has to travel to Pretoria as part of his treatment, depending on the outcome of the biopsy. Sean has told the Tribune that when he had to receive a PET scan during his previous treatment, he had to pay R5000 cash before they could assist him. Factoring in the escalating costs due to inflation, the cost of such a scan could be considerably more this time around. A group of Sean’s friends has since clubbed together and launched a support group to donate funds towards his expenses, but there is still a long road ahead which will require Sean to stretch his wallet even further. Should be biopsy return unfavorably, Sean will be subjected to another round of radiation and an extensive list of oral medication, of which all comes at considerable financial strain. Sean has told the Tribune that he hopes to receive his biopsy results during the course of the week, and will then be able to plan the way forward. During this very stressful time, Sean stated that either way, another PET scan is on the cards, as well as either an operation or another round of radiation. “Any donated amount will be greatly appreciated, and will help tremendously in covering the costs incurred during this battle. As soon as I have clarity on the situation, and what the way forward holds, I will provide an update. I would like to thank all my friends, and those who have already offered financial assistance. I really appreciate it, and appreciate the love, care and support I have received from the Ermelo community up to this point,” Sean said. If you would like to make a contribution towards Sean’s cause, you my do so via Capitec Savings, 1367673869. Sean will be consulting again with medical professionals during the course of next week to discuss the next steps. < Previous Article Next Article >

Choking on sewage fumes since 2014 1/6 Share GK CRONJE 3 August 2022 One resident showed the Tribune a trench that he had to dig by his own means to divert the raw sewage from his residence. Since 2014, residents in Extension 32 and 33 have had their lives changed by the constant overflow of raw sewage that impact their day to day activities. School children as young as 8 years old have to navigate a maze of pooled raw sewage, mixed with blood and animal entrails that plagues the community. The lack of a functioning sewerage network severely endangers the health of these residents, and the few sections of sewerage network are either blocked or overflowing. Some of the houses are ankle-deep in sewage, and are starting to sink away in the mushy mess. Others have had to improvise with makeshift walkways of plywood and heaps of soil to enter their yards. On Wednesday, 27 July 2022, the Tribune followed up on complaints of residents residing in Extension 32, it was noted that a massive sewerage spillage is ongoing in the area. Meeting with one of the affected residents, the Tribune was shown various sites where raw sewerage flows freely into the yards and roadways. Additionally, one of the overflow sites also emanates blood from the blocked manhole, which presumably flows from the abattoir. At another site, entrails and blood can also be noted. The complainant noted that a section of sewerage pipe had been removed by Msukaligwa Local Municipality, and had never been replaced. Hence, a large amount of sewage flows directly from the missing section, and snakes between the houses. The issue of sewage overflows in these extension has been ongoing for years, but have extensibly worsened since 2020. Complaints lodged with Msukaligwa Local Municipality resulted in the relevant municipal department stating that ‘they have no pipes’ to remedy the blockages and improve flow. Blood, entrails and raw sewage flows from at least five blocked sites in a small radius. Homes are swamped with overflow, and one resident showed the Tribune a trench that he had to dig by his own means to divert the raw sewage from his residence. “I am busy expanding my home, and once construction is completed, the groups of children that walk past my house will have to find another way to the school, or they have to jump over the pools of sewage. I have even lodged a complaint with my ward councillor, but to no avail. The councillor doesn’t even answer the phone anymore.” An enquiry has been sent to the municipality, which was simply ignored. < Previous Article Next Article >

ALZU robbed during late afternoon ALZU robbed during late afternoon 1/3 Share SH HATTINGH 6 October 2020 ACSU gave chase to three suspects who were fleeing on foot in the direction of Wesselton. Despite firing warning shots, the suspects continued to flee, and managed to escape across marshlands at the Eskom substation into the nearby informal settlement. ACSU control room received a call for assistance at a business at the bottom end of Naudé Street. Both reaction vehicles were notified to respond with Alpha 1, Oubaas De Jager, after we established that a robbery was in progress. ACSU gave chase to three suspects that were fleeing on foot in the direction of Wesselton. Despite firing warning shots, the suspects continued to flee, and managed to escape across marshlands at the Eskom substation into the nearby informal settlement. According to information received, the suspects canvassed the shop for quite some time, whereafter one of the suspects managed to take down the store manager with non-lethal force, and cleared the cash register. The second suspect pinned the manager to the floor in the bathroom, wielding a panga. The third suspect forced employees to the floor, assaulting one employee. Any individuals with information that can assist Ermelo SAPS with the investigation, are requested to contact Constable BP Masina at either of the following numbers: 082 373 8389 or 017-819 2321/8. < Previous Article Next Article >

Hoërskool Ermelo heet nuwe leerders welkom 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 23 February 2021 EHS is opgewonde om elkeen as deel van die Errie-familie te kan hê! Baie welkom aan elke leerder vanaf graad 9 tot 12 wat Hoërskool Ermelo hul nuwe tuiste gemaak het! May your future at the Erries be exceptional and may each day at EHS contribute to enrich your lives. EHS is opgewonde om elkeen as deel van die Errie-familie te kan hê! < Previous Article Next Article >

ACSU trek roof-sindikaat bende vas ACSU trek roof-sindikaat bende vas 1/3 Share SM HATTINGH 11 May 2021 Na afloop van die skietvoorval, het ACSU lede later agtergekom het dat twee van die insittendes noodlottig gewond was, een ongedeerd was, en die ander persoon beserings opgedoen het. Op Maandag, 3 Mei, ongeveer 18:00, het Oubaas de Jager, eienaar van ACSU in Ermelo, op ‘n WhatsApp groep ‘n boodskap ontvang dat die mense in Ermelo moet op die uitkyk wees vir ‘n wit Volkswagen Jetta, sowel as ‘n Polo. Die voertuie was betrokke by die Markham rooftog in Volksrust, waar hulle met verskeie selfone, asook kontant gevlug het. Die voertuie was op daardie stadium amper in Ermelo. Oubaas het al die nodige mense in kennis gestel om op die uitkyk te wees vir die voertuig. Die voertuie is gewaar ongeveer 10 kilometer buite Ermelo op die Amersfoort pad, waar hul teen ‘n hoë spoed gery het. Die voertuie was ongeveer 5 kilometer voor Ermelo opgemerk en is tot stilstand gebring, waar die insittendes van die Polo uit die voetuig gespring het en op ACSU se reaksie lede begin skiet het. Binne-in die Polo was vier insittendes. Tydens die voorval waar die insittendes begin skiet het, het lede van ACSU ook begin skiet uit selfverdediging. Na afloop van die skietvoorval, het ACSU lede later agtergekom het dat twee van die insittendes noodlottig gewond was, een ongedeerd was, en die ander persoon beserings opgedoen het. Die plaaslike SAPD, asook die SAPD van Voksrust, was blitsvinnig op die toneel. Al die nodige dienste was ontbied na die toneel. < Previous Article Next Article >

Nuus uit die SAPD se kantoor Nuus uit die SAPD se kantoor 1/1 Share SM HATTINGH 1 June 2021 'n Onbekende man het hul gekonfronteer en met 'n wapen gedreig. Hy het kontant geeïs, en die klaagster se handsak gegryp. - Twee mans, onderskeidelik 26 en 45 jaar oud, is op Woensdag, 26 Mei op die hoek van Oosthuise- en Robertson Straat gearresteer op klagte van handel in dwelms. Die SAPD het op inligting gereageer. Die verdagtes is in besit gevind van heroiene en kokaiene, met 'n beraamde waarde van R9 000. - TWK voorval: Die 51-jarige klaagster het saam met 2 ander vrouens van hul geparkeerde voertuig in die parkering na TWK geloop. 'n Onbekende man het hul gekonfronteer en met 'n wapen gedreig. Hy het kontant geeïs, en die klaagster se handsak gegryp. Hy het ook 'n skootrekenaar en selfone van die ander dames gegryp en gevlug. - On Monday, 24 May 2021, Zakhele Mbuyane (44) appeared before the Carolina Magistrate Court on a charge of rape. According to the information recieved on Saturday, 22 May 2021, at about 20:45, the victin, Lungile Mashinini (21) was driving with the accused, who is her ex boyfriend, to Carolina CBD. The accused stopped the vehicle next to Mzamo Section, where he had sex with her without her consent. The victim then opened a case of rape at Carolina police station. On Sunday, 23 May 2021, the accused handed himself to the Carolina SAPS, where he was charged for rape. He appeared before the Carolina Magistrate Court on the 24 May 2021, where he was granted R1 000 bail, he will reappear at the same court on the 24 June 2021. - The SAPS in Carolina is investigating a case of murder of a 28-year-old Sizile Lesson Sibande. On Sunday, 23 May 202,1 the SAPSin Carolina were called to the scene of a shooting incident. Upon arrival, officers were informed that the victim was taken to Carolina Hospital, and thereafter learned the victim was pronounced dead on arrival. They were shown the body of the deceased, who had two gun wounds, one on the head and one in the chest. It is alleged that the deceased was shot during an altercation which took place at a local pub. The SAPS requests those with information on the case to contact the investigation officer, Sergeant Sipho Mlangeni, on 017 843 2108. < Previous Article Next Article >

Rubble left on the roadside 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 27 April 2021 MLM has, however, simply ignored the enquiry that was sent on 8 April 2021. During the course of the last month, road repair vehicles have been spotted in Fourie Street, where sections of the road were cut out and patched up. Initially, SANRAL-branded construction vehicles were spotted initiating the repairs, and various sections that see extensive movement from heavy vehicles were reconstructed. Vehicles and work teams from Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) were also noticed to be working on the roadway, although it is unclear as to the reason for the work done. Although many drivers consider the repairs as a welcome event, the residents and businesses in Fourie Street are not as fond of the idea. The Tribune ePaper has received complaints regarding rubble left on the sidewalks along the length of Fourie Street, where the removed sections of tar were piled up, accompanied by various materials, including tar drums and other construction materials. One resident complained that the roadworks that took place in front of his driveway impeded access to his property, and that the rubble from the maintenance has now been left next to his driveway. According to the complaints, the rubble has been left there for nearly 3 weeks, and is an unsightly addition to his driveway. The Tribune ePaper has sent an enquiry to MLM when the maintenance commenced, enquiring as to who is in charge of the maintenance, and requested more information. MLM has, however, simply ignored the enquiry that was sent on 8 April 2021. To date, no response has been received from the municipality. < Previous Article Next Article >

Sop, sjerrie en heerlike musiek 1/2 Share SM HATTINGH 15 June 2021 Daar was heerlike sop bedien met tuisgebakte brood. Die gemeenskap het die aand terdeë geniet. Op Saterdag, 12 Junie, was daar behoorlik lekker geselligheid gewees by Hein se Plaas, waar ‘n opkomende sanger, Zandré Human, die Ermelo gemeenskap kom vermaak het. Daar was heerlike sop bedien met tuisgebakte brood. Die gemeenskap het die aand terdeë geniet. Die eienaar asook bestuur van Hein se Plaas wil graag die gemeenskap bedank vir hul getroue ondersteuning. Op die foto verskyn Erika en Hein Aucamp, eienaars van Hein se Plaas, saam met Zandré Human. < Previous Article Next Article >

Msukaligwa Local Municipality embroiled in High Court showdown 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 24 May 2022 The court application further seeks that the current troika be interdicted from performing any of their functions within their relevant capacities. On 31 March 2022, the former troika of Msukaligwa Local Municipality, consisting of Cllr Mahlalela (former Executive Mayor), Cllr Madini (former Speaker) and Cllr Buthelezi (former Whip) was ousted from council by means of an alleged unlawful motion of no confidence vote. This vote, which took place without a sufficient number of councillors present to partake, has shaken MLM to the foundation. The Tribune has received documents from an anonymous source detailing the strife at the municipality. The former troika has now taken their removal to the Middelburg High Court, seeking to challenge the legality and legitimacy of the vote of no confidence taken against them. The court application also seeks that the current acting troika, consisting of Cllr Nkosi (current Acting Mayor), Cllr Xaba (acting Speaker), and Cllr Sibeko (acting Whip) should have their appointments declared null and void, and set aside. Cllr Lisa, currently serving as the acting municipal manager, and the Department Of Cooperative Governance (COGTA), is also cited in the application. The court application further seeks that the current troika be interdicted from performing any of their functions within their relevant capacities. The former troika seeks to continue their functions in the interim, and their halted benefits restored. The unfortunate side effect of the ongoing power struggle within the already embattled municipality is the further downward spiral of already stunted service delivery, further lack of upkeep and maintenance of the wards and areas within the municipal bounds, and overall lack of transparency on every front from the municipality. No direct answers relating to service delivery, and more, can be gleaned from the current management structure, and an overall lack of transparency towards the community, as well as serving councillors, has the Msukaligwa region’s community hot under the collar. The court and affidavits includes information that is not limited to the information pertaining to this article. The semi-urgent applicants seek that the court order be handled as soon as possible, as a matter of public interest, as it involves plenary powers. It states that rights such as Section 160 (3), Section 30 (1) of the Municipal Structures Act 117 of 1998, as well as Section 80, have been deprived from the former troika during the vote of no confidence. Section 80 states that committees must process items on an agenda, whereafter these items are processed and approved, and sent to council for deliberation. The Speaker has exclusive rights to convene, postpone or adjourn a council meeting, as stated in the Municipal Structures Act, Section 29. Only matters on the agenda may be deliberated, where the Speaker may rearrange the agenda items. In the event of no quorum (insufficient number of present members), the meeting must be suspended for no more than twenty minutes. Thereafter, if there is still no quorum, the Speaker may reschedule the meeting. Should the majority of council members wish to convene a council meeting, and the Speaker does not accede, the Municipal Manager may be approached. However, he/she must first request permission, in writing, from COGTA’s Executive Council. The above steps have, according to the applicants, not been lawfully taken, hence the application to have their vote and appointment ruled null and void. The applicants also state that the decisions taken by the current, illegitimate troika, can have serious financial implications, such as entering into contractual obligations. The applicants also state that Cllr Nkosi, as acting mayor, had appointed acting mayoral committee members (MMCs) at the Gert Sibande District Municipality offices, instead of the Msukaligwa Local Municipality offices. Furthermore, these appointments took place during a community protest on 28 April, where the Cllr Nkosi failed to address the community members. The applicants also states that the offices of the current troika are closed, prohibiting them from performing their vital appointed functions. Councillors, as well as the community, are unable to engage with the acting troika, as an unauthorized change of locks of the municipal building has been implemented. The applicants further claim that the acting troika is conducting unlawful activities. Actions taken by the acting troika, which are deemed unlawful due their appointment, includes the reinstatement of suspended directors, revoking security detail and petrol cards, as well as grounding the vehicles of the former troika members. These are but a few examples. The fact remains that the required quorum for a council meeting to proceed is twenty councillors. Msukaligwa Local Municipality has a total of thirty eight councillors, of which a mere sixteen were present during the vote of no confidence. This, in itself, is a contravention of the former troika’s rights as presented. Furthermore, the applicants state that the acting municipal manager, Cllr Lisa, engaged telephonically with one Mr. Ngubane, head of department at COGTA. According to Cllr Lisa, Ngubane recognized the meeting. However, the municipal act states that an application must be submitted in writing, which it was not. The court application is viewed by the applicants as a last resort, as they have been stonewalled attempting every other amicable resolution to the matter. COGTA did not respond to the matter at the time of publication. The Tribune has directed an enquiry to Msukaligwa Local Municipality regarding this matter. This enquiry has, however, been ignored. < Previous Article Next Article >

ACSU reageer blitsvinnig ACSU reageer blitsvinnig 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 2 Junie 2020 ACSU se reaksie lede het blitsvinnig by die toneel opgedaag. Die eienaar van die besigheid wat geleë is in die industriële area het kontant, asook hout goedere vervoer in ‘n wit Nissan bakkie. Die eienaar was gestop langs die pad by die treinspoor in die industriële area, waar daar vier mans, waarvan een gewapen was, beveel het dat hy uit die voertuig moet klim. ACSU, die woord wat op almal se lippe hang. ACSU beheerkamer is op Maandag, 1 Junie, ongeveer 09:47 geskakel om te vra vir hulp van ‘n kliënt wat geroof is. ACSU se reaksie lede het blitsvinnig by die toneel opgedaag. Die eienaar van die besigheid wat geleë is in die industriële area het kontant, asook hout goedere vervoer in ‘n wit Nissan bakkie. Die eienaar was gestop langs die pad by die treinspoor in die industriële area, waar daar vier mans, waarvan een gewapen was, beveel het dat hy uit die voertuig moet klim. Die vier mans het binne in die bakkie gespring gevlug met die vrag, sowel as ‘n groot bedrag kontant. Niemand is beseer tydens die voorval nie, en geen verdagtes was teen tye van pers vasgtrek nie. < Previous Article Next Article >

Ligbron eSport spanne wys hul digitale staal 1/5 Share SM HATTINGH 27 April 2021 “Groot dank aan ons borge, RE-bytes en RE Accounting, wat hierdie spanne ondersteun. Ons is baie trots op elke speler en die goeie uitslae van al die spanne. Die Liggies sien uit om te sien wat die res van die seisoen inhou!” Die eSport woeker alreeds vroeg in die jaar by Ligbron. Ligbron het vanjaar twee Counterstrike spanne, asook twee Rocket League spanne wat in die HSEL liga deelneem. Daar is hierdie jaar 47 CS:GO, en 103 Rocket League spanne wat ingeskryf het vir die 2021 liga. Die CS:GO A-span wen tot dusver 4 van die 6 wedstryde, en CS:GO B-span wen 2 uit hul 6 wedstryde. Hierdie spanne het onder andere deelgeneem teen skole soos Paul Roos Gimnasium, Grey Hoërskool en Hoërskool Waterkloof. Rocket League A en B vaar baie goed in die liga, en het meeste van hul wedstryde gewen. Rocket League A: verloor 2-3 teen Hoërskool Oos Moot C, wen 3-0 teen Hoërskool Zwartkop, wen 3-0 teen Hoërskool Oos Moot A, wen 3-1 Hoërskool Eldoraigne. Rocket League B: wen 3-1 teen Hoërskool Eldoraigne, wen 3-0 teen Hudson Park School, wen 3-2 teen Hoërskool Eldoraign en wen 3-1 teen Hudson Park. “Groot dank aan ons borge, RE-bytes en RE Accounting, wat hierdie spanne ondersteun. Ons is baie trots op elke speler en die goeie uitslae van al die spanne. Die Liggies sien uit om te sien wat die res van die seisoen inhou!” < Previous Article Next Article >