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 >

Grusame ongeluk eis vier lewens Grusame ongeluk eis vier lewens 1/3 Share SH HATTINGH 30 March 2021 Een van die insittendes, wat ernstige beserings opgedoen het, is later oorlede in die hospitaal as gevolg van ‘n breinbesering. Op Sondag, 28 Maart, ongeveer 02:30, het daar ‘n grusame botsing tussen ‘n Volkswagen Polo en ‘n Volkswagen Amarok plaasgevind. Die Polo het in Voortrekker Straat af gery, en die Amarok van De Emigratie Weg, waar die bestuurder van die werk afgekom het en oppad huis toe was. Die bestuurder van die Polo die rooi verkeerslig verontagsaam, en dit het daartoe gelei dat die bestuurder van die Amarok, vir wie die verkeerslig groen was, met hul gebots het. Die Polo het gerol met die impak van die botsing, en het op sy dak tot stilstand gekom by die verkeerslig voor McDonald’s. Van die ses insittendes in die Polo, waarvan drie op die toneel oorlede is, het twee het ernstige beserings opgedoen, en een ligte besering. Die twee wat ernstige beserings opgedoen het, is deur die Ermelo Provinsiale Ambulansdiens behandel, en die ligte besering pasiënt is deur ER24 na Ermelo Provinsiale Hospitaal geneem vir mediese behandeling. Die bestuurder van die Amarok het geen beserings opgedoen nie. ER24, EMS, Ermelo SAPS, Msukwaliga Fire and Rescue, ETS Insleepdienste, Ermelo Forensies en die verkeer offisiere was op die toneel. Een van die insittendes, wat ernstige beserings opgedoen het, is later ook oorlede in die hospitaal as gevolg van ‘n breinbesering. Daar word ‘n beroep op die gemeenskap gedoen om die verkeersreëls te gehoorsaam, asook om die COVID-19 regulasies en aandklok reëls na te kom. < Previous Article Next Article >

Carolina suspects handed hefty sentences Carolina suspects handed hefty sentences 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 17 November 2020 None of the accused showed remorse for their actions, and prison is the only place where they can be rehabilitated, the Magistrate said. On 6 November 2020, the Carolina Regional Court handed down sentencing to Njabulo Elson Mnisi (28), July John Nyawu (26), Lucas Vusi Hlatshwayo (24) and Muzi Emmanuel Mlotshwa (26). It is alleged that on 1 June 2014, Dlamini Phillimon Okthy (36) was assaulted, stabbed with a knife and robbed of R570 and banking cards by the suspects. On the same night, the suspects met with Nomsa Elizabeth Dlamini (30) and her friend, whereafter they assaulted the women. Dlamini's friend managed to escape, and the suspects threatened the victim with an axe, dragged her to an open field next to Enkanini Section Silobela, and gang raped her for nearly 2 hours. The suspects were arrested after cases of rape, kidnapping and robbery were opened. Mnisi and Nyawo, both received life imprisonment, with an added twelve years each. All sentences are to be served concurrently. Hlatshwayo and Mlotshwa were both sentenced to twelve years imprisonment. When handing down judgment, Magistrate Combrink said it is the duty of the court to protect the society, and that can only be done by imposing a prescribed sentence. The faced offenses of a serious nature, and they traumatized their victims. On the charge of rape, the fact that one of the accused had a condom in his possession shows that their actions were planned. None of the accused showed remorse for their actions, and prison is the only place where they can be rehabilitated. < Previous Article Next Article >

Court halts delay tactics by muti murderer Court halts delay tactics by muti murderer 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 23 March 2021 Msibi mixed brake fluid with beer and forced Gabisile to drink it. She was also forced to smoke dagga with Mkhize. Vosman kidnapping and murder suspects Thulani Thobela (26), Donie Cavin Boshielo (22) and Mthobisi Brilliant Mkhize (26) had their bail application denied by the Witbank Magistrate’s Court. The fourth suspect, Thokozani Msibi (32), a Swazi sangoma, was also denied bail. The trio broke into a house on 2018 January 2018, and gained entry into the dinning/living room. They proceeded to kidnap two children, Gabisile Shabane (13) and 15-month-old cousin, Nkosikhona Ngwenya. Gabisile had been living with albinism. The children were residing with their 50-year-old grandmother. After the kidnaping, a nationwide manhunt ensued, and Msibi was the first one to be arrested. The SAPS discovered the remains of the two children at Cullinan, and along the N4 Highway respectively. Gabisile’s mutilated body was found buried in a shallow grave, and Nkosikhona was found floating in a stream. According to statements, Msibi mixed brake fluid with beer and forced Gabisile to drink it. She was also forced to smoke dagga with Mkhize. After killing her, they severed her arms, and removed her heart, lungs, vagina, uterus, ovaries, all the abdominal organs and the bladder. The head, one arm and a part of the vagina were later found at the home of Msibi. Nkosikhona, who was thought to have been abducted by mistake, was found drowned in a river. Msibi planned use her body parts to create muti for Thubane and Mhlanga to make their business, a private college, thrive. Mkhize wanted Msibi to make him rich through the same muti. On 3 March, Msibi’s new legal representative, Musa Mavasa of Legal Aid, told the court about disagreements during consultation with Msibi in preparation for trial. A week ago, Msibi fired his lawyer, Verner Smit, citing disagreements. Smit was the second lawyer to be fired by Msibi. The Middelburg High Court threatened to continue the trial of Msibi, without legal representation, if he fails to retain his new, and third, lawyer. This follows what the court said was a third delay tactic employed by Msibi in an attempt to evade being prosecuted. “This court has wasted enough time. I cannot allow you to keep changing lawyers more than you have done. This was the last time. You must remember that justice delayed is justice denied,” the judge said. The trial is set to begin from 4 October to 12 November 2021. “If this date comes, and you still have not decided who should represent you, the court will proceed with the trial,” said Brauckmann. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said it would also not allow further delays. “As the NPA, we view this as delaying tactics. We will not allow further delays, because we want to bring this matter into finality,” said NPA spokesperson, Monica Nyuswa. < Previous Article Next Article >

Shock as pedestrian leaps into oncoming traffic Shock as pedestrian leaps into oncoming traffic 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 8 June 2021 According to bystanders, the deceased has been know to repeatedly ignore oncoming traffic, and has had several narrow brushes with motorists who were caught off guard by his strange behavior. On Thursday, 3 June, at approximately 18:30, a pedestrian has lost his life after allegedly jumping in front of oncoming traffic on the Amersfoort road, opposite Winkelhaak. Emergency services rushed to the scene, and the pedestrian was pronounced DOA. According to bystanders, the deceased has been know to repeatedly ignore oncoming traffic, and has had several narrow brushes with motorists who were caught off guard by his strange behavior. An SAPS investigation is underway. Motorists are urged to be vigilant when driving at night, and to try and anticipate any obstacles that may present itself. Traffic flow was disrupted for an extended period of time as the scene was assessed and investigated. < Previous Article Next Article >

Botsing knip voertuig se lewensduur kort Botsing knip voertuig se lewensduur kort 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 18 May 2021 Tydens die botsing was geen ernstige beserings aangemeld nie, en IGAGU se medici het reggestaan om behandeling toe te pas. 'n Agterklap-botsing tussen ‘n Volkswagen en Nissan bakkie het bestuurders met hul hande in die hare gehad op Donderdag aand, 13 Mei 2021. Na aanleiding van ooggetuies, het die bestuurder van die Nissan deurgeloop nadat die bestuurder van die Volkswagen die lengte onderskat het tussen die twee voertuie. Die Volkswagen het met redelike spoen teen die linker-agterkant van die Nissan bakkie gebots terwyl dié gewag het om te draai, en is hewig beskadig. Tydens die botsing was geen ernstige beserings aangemeld nie, en IGAGU se medici het reggestaan om behandeling toe te pas. Van Wettens Insleepdiens was, soos altyd, spoedig op die toneel om hulp te verleen. < Previous Article Next Article >

FF Plus clamps down on sewage pollution The sewage pollution in Standerton. Bethal has seen its fair share of sewage pollution. The highly polluted Blesbokspruit. The sewage pollution in Standerton. 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 26 October 2020 In Bethal, three of its sewage pump stations have not been functioning for an extended period of time. One pump was removed in December 2019, supposedly for repairs, but to this day it has not yet been replaced. And ever since, sewage has been flowing freely into the Blesbokspruit. The pollution is so serious that toilet paper and grey water are visible from a bridge, 12km outside of town, that runs across the tributary. The FF Plus has lodged a complaint with the acting chief director of Environmental Affairs, Land and the Green Scorpions in Mpumalanga, Ms Pamela Ntuli, about the constant and serious sewage dumping in the province. There are quite a number of areas in the province that raise serious concerns about the failure of municipal infrastructure. The municipalities' ineptness has resulted in natural resources being flooded with untreated human waste, which will have a long-term negative impact on the environment as well as the people living there. In Bethal, three of its sewage pump stations have not been functioning for an extended period of time. One pump was removed in December 2019, supposedly for repairs, but to this day it has not yet been replaced. And ever since, sewage has been flowing freely into the Blesbokspruit. The pollution is so serious that toilet paper and grey water are visible from a bridge, 12km outside of town, that runs across the tributary. At Mbombela Local Municipality, Hazyview, slime dams were built, but it does not prevent large amounts of waste from ending up in the world-renowned Sabie River. At Lekwa Local Municipality, Standerton, not even an interdict obtained from the High Court in 2018 against the Lekwa Municipality could put an end to the pollution seeing as the infrastructure is not being properly maintained and repaired. Large volumes of sewage water end up in the Vaal River due to the laxity of these municipal officials. At Emalahleni Local Municipality, Witbank, reports indicate that very few of the sewage plants in Witbank and Kriel are still functional, and that the sewage that ends up in the Olifants River will in the long run have a destructive effect on the environment. It is estimated that at only one of the non-functional sewage plants, at least 26 million litres of sewage water end up in the Olifants River every month and as a result, the Witbank Dam, Loskop Dam as well as other dams in the catchment area are polluted. “This problem must be addressed at once. The FF Plus is of the opinion that that the Green Scorpions must implement the necessary intervention strategies to combat the pollution and must also determine how much damage has already been done to the natural resources. The FF Plus will put pressure on the provincial ANC government to immediately take action against the individuals who are failing to do their duty to maintain infrastructure and whose responsibility it is to ensure that sewage water is treated and does not pollute natural resources.” < Previous Article Next Article >

Alleged killer referred for psych evaluation Alleged killer referred for psych evaluation Double murder accused, Franscois Pretorius. Double murder accused, Franscois Pretorius. 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 14 July 2020 The court heard that he had a family history of Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy, with Sub-cortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL). This disease is an inherited disease of the blood vessels that occurs when the thickening of blood vessel walls blocks the flow of blood to the brain. Francois Pretorius, a jeweller in Bethal whofaces charges for the double murder of Dr. Hannes and Ms Ibel Beukes, will appear in court again on 15 July 2020. The case was postponed after Pretorius appointed a new advocate, was referred for psychiatric evaluation. The court heard that he had a family history of Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy, with Sub-cortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL). This disease is an inherited disease of the blood vessels that occurs when the thickening of blood vessel walls blocks the flow of blood to the brain. The disease primarily affects the small blood vessels in the white matter of the brain, and is characterized by migraines and multiple strokes which can progress to dementia. The disease can also cause severe depression and changes in behavior and personality. Pretorius will be evaluated by three different medical professionals to determine the validity of the claims. As Pretorius has been classified as a flight risk, he has been, and will remain in custody. < Previous Article Next Article >

Camden saboteur in cuffs after confession Camden saboteur in cuffs after confession 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 17 November 2022 Camden supplies 1 561MW of electricity, equivalent to 3.4% of the national grid. A contractor that had been employed at Camden power plant, Ermelo, was arrested for sabotage of generating Unit 4 at the plant. Investigation conducted by Eskom teams discovered that the perpetrator, employed by a maintenance contractor at the plant, intentionally removed the bearing oil drain plug from the bearing, causing the oil burners to trip repeatedly. In addition, this act of sabotage damaged the bearing, which prevented the mills from operating at nominal capacity. Unit 4 was subsequently out of commission after all mills tripped. Eskom stated that the incident occurred on Thursday afternoon, 10 November 2022. After being questioned by Eskom, the perpetrator confessed that the act of sabotage was willful, thus ensuring that his employer would be awarded additional maintenance and repair work from the power plant. A case had been opened with the SAPS, and according to information received, has subsequently been handed over to the Hawks for investigation. The suspect is expected to appear before the Ermelo Magistrates Court today, 17 November 2022. Camden power plant was also in the news last month, after the entire plant was forced to shut down after a senior technician "opened the wrong valve", contaminating the plant’s demineralised water supply. Eksom also launched a investigation into suspected sabotage. Camden supplies 1 561MW of electricity, equivalent to 3.4% of the national grid. < Previous Article Next Article >

Murder on the streets of Ermelo Murder on the streets of Ermelo 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 20 October 2020 The body of Muzi Eric Ntchangase (51) was discovered in Alwyn van Zijl Street in Ermelo. He was stabbed once in the chest. Murder On Friday, 16 October, at 21:20, the body of Muzi Eric Ntchangase (51) was discovered in Alwyn van Zijl Street in Ermelo. He was stabbed once in the chest. Any person who has information which might assist Ermelo SAPS with the investigation, is requested to contact Constable ML Mkwanazi at 017-819 2321 or 082 373 8389. In the second case, a man (25) was stabbed outside a Tavern in Babanani Villige (Skaaprus) on Sunday, 18 October in the early hours of the morning. He was taken to hospital, but succumbed his injuries. Rape: On Saturday, 16 October, a 16-year-old girl and two siblings were on their way to a shop in Wesselton. They were confronted by three men who demanded money. The victim gave them money. The suspects forced the victim to the Ermelo sewerage facility, where she was raped and left to fend for herself. < Previous Article Next Article >