Felons make off with R6 million worth of cables 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 7 September 2021 According to the spokesman, Vimtsire Protection Services were responsible for patrolling the grounds at the time of the incident. Further updates will be provided as information becomes available from MLM. Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) has suffered and estimated combined loss of R6 million after a burglary at two of their storage rooms. Speaking to the municipal spokesman, Mandla Zwane, the thieves gained access to the storage rooms after damaging the locks. “The cables were stolen from the two storage rooms, which are in close proximity to one another. The locks were damaged, despite rumors indicating otherwise. A case has been opened with the SAPS, and the Secunda Organized Crime Unit also investigated the incident.” At the time of publication, no further information could be gleaned from MLM. The spokesman stated that the incident is still under investigation, and additional information released could hamper the investigation. According to the spokesman, Vimtsire Protection Services were responsible for patrolling the grounds at the time of the incident. Further updates will be provided as information becomes available from MLM. < Previous Article Next Article >

Throw-and-roll raises eyebrows 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 15 June 2021 Loose gravel lining the roadside is a clear indication that the fillings were improperly compacted, and have degraded to a alarming degree, despite being filled less than a month ago. With a big hoopla Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) announced on their Facebook page that teams will be repairing roadways, and proudly posted the surfaces repaired. While all is good and well, and the municipality used the proper material for patching, improper practices are the downfall of the work done. Residents have lodged several complaints with the Tribune ePaper regarding the methods used by MLM, and have collectively categorized the repairs as a waste of product and resources. Upon investigation of the wards in question, the cause of the complaint is clear. While the correct product had been used by the teams, the drop and go method used in some of the patchwork, where a mixture is simply poured into potholes and left to dry, proved to be ineffective and many of the potholes that were repaired, are once again a gaping danger to motorists. In other instances, the throw-and-roll method was partially implemented, but can also be deemed a waste of product and resources. The mixture used was clearly inadequate, and the potholes were not cleared of debris and soil before pouring of the mixture. Loose gravel lining the roadside is a clear indication that the fillings were improperly compacted, and have degraded to a alarming degree, despite being filled less than a month ago. To save resources, manpower and funds, the correct procedure should be implemented, but is not. While institutions and private companies in Ermelo have used the correct method, by cutting out a section of roadway around the pothole, filling and compacting the patch with the correct ration and product, the same cannot be said with MLM’s methods. A semi-permanent procedure for repairing potholes is often considered the best procedure besides full-depth replacement of the affected area. When done according to acceptable standards, the pothole is first cleared of water and debris and the sides of the pothole are squared to a depth where the roadway is sound. The material is placed in the patch area and compacted with equipment smaller than the patch area, is very tightly compacted and provides exceptional longevity. Alas, the majority of the potholes that were repaired by MLM teams are once again eroded to a large degree. According to reports, a joint venture launched by concerned citizens in an attempt to repair roadways to an acceptable level has also fallen through due to disagreements between MLM and the involved parties. Product wastage by municipal teams was cited as one of the main causes of the venture being snuffed. < Previous Article Next Article >

Be wary of faux Eskom phone calls Be wary of faux Eskom phone calls 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 6 April 2021 Customers are warned not to fall victim to criminals who ask for cash, money transferred into a bank account, Money Market, eWallet or any other money transaction outlet. Eskom would like to warn its customers against individuals and groups of people who are posing as Eskom employees in order to steal money from customers. These criminals call unsuspecting customers, and demand cash in order for the customer to avoid their electricity being cut due to non-payment of accounts, or cash in return for supply reconnection and services such as replacement of equipment. Eskom has stated that no individual, Eskom employee or contractor is allowed to receive cash payment from customers, as that is illegal and fraudulent. Customers are warned not to fall victim to criminals who ask for cash, money transferred into a bank account, Money Market, eWallet or any other money transaction outlet. Customers are urged to anonymously report all acts that seek to get cash in exchange for a reconnection or to avoid a disconnection to 0800 11 27 22. This is a toll-free number. < Previous Article Next Article >

Rowers vasgekeer op Amersfoort pad Rowers vasgekeer op Amersfoort pad 1/2 Share SM HATTINGH 31 August 2021 ACSU reaksie lede is in kennis gestel, en het dadelik spoor gesny op die Amersfoort pad. Die voertuig, ‘n Datsun Go wat gebruik is, is deur die reaksie lede opgemerk. Op Maandag, 30 Augustus het ACSU ‘n boodskap ontvang van ‘n besigheid in Amersfoort wat geroof is, en dat die rowers oppad Ermelo toe is. Die reaksie lede is in kennis gestel, en het dadelik spoor gesny op die Amersfoort pad. Die voertuig, ‘n Datsun Go wat gebruik is, is deur die reaksie lede opgemerk, en is dadelik agterna gesit. Binne-in die voertuig was drie verdagtes, en ACSU kon daarin slaag om die voertuig tot stilstand te bring. Die dame wat hul geroof het, saam met die SAPD van Amersfoort, het op die toneel aangekom. Daar is ‘n onbekende bedrag gesteel tydens die roof. Ermelo plaaslike SAPD personeel was ook op die toneel, waar die drie verdagtes gearresteer is en na die SAPD stasie geneem is. “Wel gedaan ACSU, asook die SAPD lede wat spoedig op getree het en die rowers kon vas trek.” < Previous Article Next Article >

Extensions turned dumping site as DPWRT fails to deliver 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 29 September 2020 The fiery enthusiasm shown by the DPWRT in 2019, has fizzled in fantastic fashion, and the construction site now has transformed to a refuse dump. All manner of refuse is strewn on site, illegally so. This is a sight for sore eyes, and the multiplying mound of refuse reflects very poorly on a nearby primary school. The Tribune has received complaints from residents in Ermelo Extension 44 and KwaZanele Extension 6, regarding illegal public dumping near the abattoir bridge. This is a slap in the face of reisdents in this area, who were delighted to learn of a community clinic that was to be erected by the Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport (DPWRT). In mid-2019, sudden preparations and excavations kicked off on site, and the project was touted to be a 24-Hour Community Health Centre, to be constructed by the DPWRT on behalf of Mpumalanga Provincial Department of Health. These two extensions were claimed to be identified to be part of the UISP Programme (Upgrading of Informal Settlements Programme. The fiery enthusiasm shown by the DPWRT in 2019, has fizzled in fantastic fashion, and the construction site now has transformed to a refuse dump. All manner of refuse is strewn on site, illegally so. This is a sight for sore eyes, and the multiplying mound of refuse reflects very poorly on a nearby primary school. Whilst Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) has issued a warning to residents who dump refuse illegally, no heed is paid to the warning. According to information available, no residents who partake in illegal dumping have been reprimanded, nor issued a fine. Enquiries to the DPWRT have yielded no results, and the status of the project is unknown at this time. < Previous Article Next Article >

Disregard of traffic light leads to accident Disregard of traffic light leads to accident 1/6 Share GK CRONJE 27 January 2021 According to eye witnesses, the taxi was launched into the air as it hit the Kia, and came to a halt on its side. On Wednesday, 27 January, a collision occurred at the Church- and Buhrman Street intersections. According to bystanders, the driver of the red Toyota Quantum minibus taxi was traveling in Church Street at high speed, wholly disregarding the traffic light. Another motorist, driving a Kia station wagon, was busy turning at the traffic light, and was hit by the taxi. According to eye witnesses, the taxi was launched into the air as it hit the Kia, and came to a halt on its side. At this time, there are no reports of serious injury, although several individuals were transported to the hospital for treatment. Emergency medical services, the fire department and towing services were on scene in a flash, with ACSU ensuring orderly conduct from onlookers. Emergency personnel appeals to motorists to obey the traffic laws, and to keep to the speed limit. < Previous Article Next Article >

Planned Water Shutdown on 17 November 2020 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 10 November 2020 The municipality appeal to all affected people to bear with us during period. The municipality also urge the community of Msukaligwa to report any water leaks to the municipal call centre for instantaneous response and to use water sparingly. As supplied by Msukaligwa Local Municipality - Notice is hereby given of the Usuthu River Government Scheme (Department of Water & Sanitation) has planned water shutdown due to an urgent work needed to be done in order to avert catastrophic failure at Jericho Pump Station. The specific scope of work during the shutdown include inter alia the following: isolate valves from the dam wall, then scour the pipeline; divers seal off leaking isolating valves and inspect the grids / screens; inspect manifold and the process will then will be reserved in order go back to normality. The water supply will be interrupted as indicated below: Date : 17th November 2020 (Tuesday) Starting time : 07h00 AM Finishing date : 20th November 2020 (Friday) FinishingTime : 23h59 PM Affected areas will be: • Ermelo South (John Vorster Park and De Bruin Park) • Portion of Cassim Park • Portion of Nederland Park • Extension 32, 33, 34 and New Ermelo The following restrictions are to be complied with during this period: • No use of irrigation system for gardens and lawns • Washing of paved areas with a hosepipe is prohibited • Washing of vehicles is only allowed from a bucket • And any other water wastage activities. During this period the affected areas / high lying area will be supplied with water through water tankers. Communities are urged not to pay water from water tanks as this water is for free. If they are made to pay for the water they must report this to their councillors. The municipality appeal to all affected people to bear with us during period. The municipality also urge the community of Msukaligwa to report any water leaks to the municipal call centre for instantaneous response and to use water sparingly. For more information contact Municipal Call Centre Toll Free 0800 00419 03 < Previous Article Next Article >

4-Year long raw sewage overflow 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 28 July 2020 Aside from the immense health risks this sewage overflow poses, the issue is further aggravated by the fact that the surrounding businesses suffer loss in clientele due to the constant, unbearable stench that lingers in the air, as one of the overflows is but mere meters from their shopfronts. At the time of going to print, both GSDM and MLM once again ignored the enquiry submitted In May 2018, the Tribune reported on a persistent sewerage network issue in a field adjacent to Oosthuizen Street, where raw sewage flows freely. At the time of reporting, the issue had already been ongoing for nearly a year. It is evident that this sewerage line is subject to a major unresolved blockage. In the elapsed timeline, surrounding businesses stated that Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) had reportedly unblocked the line thrice, unfortunately haphazardly so, with continued spilling experienced within mere days after apparent unblocking. At the time, the issue was reported to MLM, Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM) and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), which yielded no results. Fast forward to July 2020, and the overflow is still ongoing. Birds, other wildlife and stray cattle feasts on the daily smorgasbord of excrement gushing from the sewerage lines, and residents who takes shortcuts to their homes across this field has to trudge through the soggy soil. To be frank, this ongoing overflow holds immense health risks to animals, and especially residents, facing the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic. While authorities preach about hygiene, cleanliness and sanitizing, this overflow is a slap in the face of the community. Sewage contains a wide variety of dissolved and suspended impurities, and domestic sewage is also very likely to contain disease-causing microbes. The surrounding water sources that this massive pool and overflow of sewage in turn pollutes has a far-reaching impact. Sewage-contaminated water causes eutrophication, which is the increase in concentration of chemical elements required for life. The nitrates, phosphates, and organic matter found in human waste serves as a food for algae and bacteria. This causes these organisms to overpopulate to the point where they use up most of the dissolved oxygen that is naturally found in water, making it difficult for other organisms in this aquatic environment to live. Phosphates are also found in soaps and detergents, but there are other household products that we use everyday that can be toxic to many animals and humans if they are dumped directly into a water body. Residents who have to traverse this much, and stray cattle who return home to their owners, contaminated, poses a major risk of causing illness such as e-coli, diarrhea and hepatitis A, due to bacteria and viruses present in sewage effluent. Gastrointestinal disorders have been linked to sewage pollution, with viruses implicated as the cause. When toxic substances enter a body of water, they will be dissolved, become suspended in water or get deposited on the bed of the water body. The resulting water pollution causes the quality of the water to deteriorate, and affects aquatic ecosystems. Pollutants can also seep down and affect groundwater deposits, potentially ending up in the taps of residents. Aside from the immense health risks this sewage overflow poses, the issue is further aggravated by the fact that the surrounding businesses suffer loss in clientele due to the constant, unbearable stench that lingers in the air, as one of the overflows is but mere meters from their shopfronts. At the time of going to print, both GSDM and MLM once again ignored the enquiry submitted by the Tribune. Attempts to contact the Department of Environmental Affairs has proved fruitless, and the spokesman for the Mpumalanga division ignored submitted enquiries. To see a video footage of the overflow and the devastating effect it has had on the environment, a video is available on our Facebook page. You may also view more photos of the overflow on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

Service delivery complaints flooding in 1/17 Share GK CRONJE 9 March 2021 Financial constraints, coupled with the constant vandalism of equipment and infrastructure, makes it virtually impossible to cover all aspects of service delivery. The Tribune ePaper has received various complaints from residents in Breyten and Chrissiesmeer, regarding the alleged complete lack of service delivery from Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM). Complaints include, amongst others, the haggard state of the roads, where residents have no choice but to fill the massive potholes in front of their residences at their own time and expense. Potholes and sinkholes which are filled with bricks, debris and gravel often result in tyres being damaged by sharp edges protruding from the rubble. Rainy weather disguise potholes of up to 20cm deep, and many motorists have suffered immense damage to the vehicles as these potholes are unexpectedly hit. Erratic electricity supply is also a great cause of grief for the residents in these areas, where the connection and supply is unreliable and volatile, at best. Residents are often left without electricity for days on end, as thin-spread MLM technicians struggle to tend to all complaints. Alleged lack of equipment and spare parts due to financial constraints is also a major cause for concern. Allegations have also surfaced regarding the absolute nonchalance of ward councillors, who simply do not play their part in servicing the residents. As of late, the water supply in these areas is also a cause of great concern, as vandalism and sabotage takes its toll in the infrastructure. The water supply to both Chrissiesmeer and Breyten is erratic at best, and residents often complain about the water that is not in a potable state. Unverified claims of political interference in this area have also surfaced. The majority of wards in both Chrissiesmeer and Breyten are devoid of working street lights, with fallen lamp posts either left to rust in unkempt fields, or are liberated by vandals and sold for scrap. Wards and council properties are left unkept, with grass of up to a meter tall. This, in turn, poses a great fire hazard as winter approaches, and arsonists set their sights on the dry grass and shrubbery. Refuse removal is also an issue, as refuse are left to line the streets, further exacerbated by illegal dumping of all manner of refuse and rubble by residents of the area. MLM spokesman, Mr. Zwane, has categorically stated that the municipality is doing its utmost best to cover all service delivery angles, but financial constraints, coupled with the constant vandalism of equipment and infrastructure, makes it virtually impossible to cover all aspects of service delivery. Breyten is especially notorious when it comes to vandalism and sabotage, as the recent vandalism of the reservoir pump proved. These acts cost the municipality large amounts in terms of repairs and supply, which in turn sinks the allocated budget for service delivery. < Previous Article Next Article >

Botsing nadat taxi bestuurder stopteken verontagsaam Botsing nadat taxi bestuurder stopteken verontagsaam 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 20 April 2021 Die botsing het weereens die wettelose gedrag van taxi bestuurders in Ermelo in die kollig gestel, waar daar op ‘n daaglikse basis geen ag getoon word aan verkeersreëls nie. Op 16 April, laatmiddag, het ‘n botsing plaasgevind tussen drie voertuie by die Border- en Smuts Straat kruising. Dié wat betrokke was by die botsing het genadiglik ernstige beserings vrygespring. Volgens ooggetuies het die bestuurder van ‘n taxi die stopteken by die kruising verontagsaam, waarna ‘n vragmotor in die sy van die taxi ingeploeg het. Die derde voertuig is ook beskadig tydens die botsing, toe leë houtpalette van die vragmotor af getuimel het en op die neus van die voertuig beland het. Die botsing het weereens die wettelose gedrag van taxi bestuurders in Ermelo in die kollig gestel, waar daar op ‘n daaglikse basis geen ag getoon word aan verkeersreëls nie. Ermelo verkeersdepartement, ACSU, SAPS, Igagu Ambulansdiens, Van Wettens Insleepdiens en All-Star Insleepdiens was spoedig op die toneel, sowel as ‘n groot skare wat die spektakel aanskou het. < Previous Article Next Article >

Oosthuizen Street nears completion 1/6 Share GK CRONJE 1 September 2020 The work is at 90%, the municipality has upgraded the sewer line in the area by installing two new manhole, three length pipe and team needs to jet spray the line.” MLM stated. The raw sewage overflow in the adjacent field is still present, and will be resolved as work is completed, according to MLM. Work had recently commenced on the sewerage network in Oosthuizen Street, which, according to Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM), is the cause of the four year long sewage overflow in an adjacent field. The overflow has negatively impacted businesses in this area, and has caused irreparable damage to the ecosystem and nearby water sources. The work commenced, hindered by soggy soil caused by the ongoing overflow of sewage. “The work is at 90%, the municipality has upgraded the sewer line in the area by installing two new manhole, three length pipe and team needs to jet spray the line.” MLM stated. The raw sewage overflow in the adjacent field is still present, and will be resolved as work is completed, according to MLM. During excavation, the MLM team caused the perimeter wall of a local business to collapse, further hindering progress. MLM stated that the preliminary investigation indicates that the wall was constructed on top of the sewer line, which is illegal or against the municipal by-law. < Previous Article Next Article >

Drug syndicate busted by Hawks Drug syndicate busted by Hawks Noluvoyo Sali. Henry Nwagu. Noluvoyo Sali. 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 10 February 2021 The total value of the equipment and chemicals was estimated at R1.5 million. The Balfour Regional Court, on 5 February 2021, sentenced Henry Nwagu (38), a Nigerian national, and Noluvoyo Sali (32), after they were arrested by members of the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation Secunda, assisted by members of Secunda Crime Intelligence, Secunda SAPS and Secunda bike squad. The arrests took place on 9 February 2015 during a search and seizure operation at Toon Van Der Heever Street in Secunda. Upon the arrival at the house, the team found a fully equipped and operational drug lab. There were chemicals, ephedrine, weighing scales, fans, big fridges, cash and drugs valued at an estimated R380 000. The total value of the equipment and chemicals was estimated at R1.5 million. In 2019, Sali was released on bail pending sentencing, while Nwagu remained in custody. Nwagu was sentenced to 27 years direct imprisonment on charges of manufacturing of drugs, dealing and possession of drugs, being an illegal immigrant. Nwagu was found to be having four passports, two Lesotho passports and two Nigerian passports. Sali was also sentenced to 27 years direct imprisonment on charges of manufacturing of drugs and dealing and possession of drugs. Both accused were declared unfit to possess firearms, and the court forfeited the cash and the equipment to the state. The Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Zodwa Mokoena, applauded the team and judiciary for the successful conviction, and hopes it will serve as warning to those who are still involved in these type of crimes. < Previous Article Next Article >