Search this site

R50 miljoen onwettige alkohol bedryf ontbloot R50 miljoen onwettige alkohol bedryf ontbloot 1/7 Share SM HATTINGH 7 September 2021 Gao besit verskeie besighede is die dorp, waar sy plaaslike drankwinkels ook deursoek is. Van die aanklagtes teen Gao is dat hy onder andere doelbewus en onregmatig wanvoorgestel het aan SARS, Doeane- en handelsmerkbeskermers, opsetlik en onregmatig onwettige goedere in sy beheer gehad het, en dat hy valse verklarings afgelê het ten opsigte van die invoere van al die alkohol. Die afgelope twee weke was nie ‘n maklike tyd vir SAPD lede van Amersfoort en Ermelo, asook ander lede met hoë rangposte soos SARS, asook personeel van Misdaad en Intellegensie wat informasie ontvang het van twee verskillende onwettige alkohol pakhuise in Ermelo en Amersfoort nie. Die eerste pakhuis wat in Amersfoort geleë is, is op Donderdag, 26 Augustus vasgetrap, waar daar onwettige alkohol bedryf plaasgevind het. Informasie is gelui vanuit Volksrust dat daar ‘n groot pakhuis in Amersfoort verlate staan. Die leidrade en alle informasie is gelui, en die verlate pakhuis is gevind. Tydens die ondersoek by die pakhuis is daar verskeie handelsmerke en tipes drank gevind, ter waarde van ongeveer R40 miljoen. Die drank is ondersoek, waar daar ook gesien is dat van die etikette op die verskeie alkohol bottels vervang is, en dat dit nie die oorspronklike etikette is nie. Die etikette word self gedruk, waar die oorspronklike etikette verwyder word met spesiale toerusting, en dan weer op die bottels geplak word. Die bokse waarin die drank verpak is, is gemerk “Export” waarby dit verander word na “Import”. Die grootste handelsmerk wat gevind is by die pakhuis, is “Original Best Classic Whiskey”, wat 664 kaste was. Ander handelsmerke is ook gevind, onder andere Bells Whiskey (389 kaste), Smirnoff 1818 Vodka (452 kaste) en Johnny Walker Red Label (156 kaste) met 11 los bottels. Tydens die ondersoek is daar niemand gearresteer nie, want volgens inligting wat ontvang is, woon die eienaar van die pakhuis in China. Die ondersoek duur steeds voort, al die alkohol wat gevind is in die pakhuis is verwyder na die staats pakhuis in Johannesburg. Op Woensdag, 1 September, het die ondersoek verder gegaan, waar daar ‘n pakhuis in Ermelo in Sluiter Straat gevind is. Navorsing is gedoen, en die eienaar van die pakhuis is gevind en dadelik gearresteer. Mingmin Gao (31) het op Vrydag, 3 September, sy eerste verskyning in die Ermelo Hof gemaak, waar hy borgtog geweier is en 4 aanklagtes in die oë staar. Sy saak is uitgestel tot 10 September 2021. Gao het op 1 September ‘n SAPD lid probeer omkoop met ‘n bedrag van R 6800.00, sodat die SAPD hom nie moet arresteer of enige verdere stappe teen hom neem nie. Sersant Nkosi het Gao egter steeds gerresteer, en ‘n saak teen hom geopen vir korrupsie. Dieselfde prosedures is gedoen met die alkohol wat in Amersfoort gevind is, waar daar ook valse etikette gemaak is en op die bottels geplak is. Tydens ondersoek is die alkohol wat in die Ermelo pakhuis gevind is, ongeveer R10 miljoen werd. Die Ermelo pakhuis, en dié van Amersfoort word verbind met mekaar, die ondersoeke duur steeds voort. In die Ermelo pakhuis is daar verskeie tipes alkohol gevind, waar die grootste handelsmerke 150 kaste Belgravia Gin, 65 kaste Wellington Whiskey en nog vele meer is. Gao besit verskeie besighede is die dorp, waar sy plaaslike drankwinkels ook deursoek is. Van die aanklagtes teen Gao is dat hy onder andere doelbewus en onregmatig wanvoorgestel het aan SARS, Doeane- en handelsmerkbeskermers, opsetlik en onregmatig onwettige goedere in sy beheer gehad het, en dat hy valse verklarings afgelê het ten opsigte van die invoere van al die alkohol. Al die alkohol wat by die Ermelo Pakhuis gevind is, is na die plaaslike SAPD geneem, waar dit ook later na die Staatspakhuis in Johannesburg geneem sal word, gepaard met al die vervalste etikette wat self gemaak is en al die toerusting wat gebruik is. < Previous Article Next Article >

ANC councillors warned against food parcel fraud ANC councillors warned against food parcel fraud Cllr. Muzi Chirwa, GSDM executive mayor. Cllr. Muzi Chirwa, GSDM executive mayor. 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 2 June 2020 This comes after ANC councilors throughout the province have been warned to stay away from the distribution of food parcels, to no avail, with councilors still choosing to stick their fingers in the pie. A slew of complaints and allegations have surfaced, which involves ANC councilors looting food parcels, handing food parcels to their friends and families, and even charging residents an alleged “small fee” for the parcels to be delivered. Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM) executive mayor, Muzi Chirwa, in his capacity the Chairperson of the District Command Council warned councillors to reject involvement in the distribution of food parcels. This comes after ANC councilors throughout the province have been warned to stay away from the distribution of food parcels, to no avail, with councillors still choosing to stick their fingers in the pie. A slew of complaints and allegations have surfaced, which involves ANC councillors looting food parcels, handing food parcels to their friends and families, and even charging residents an alleged “small fee” for the parcels to be delivered. “No councillor in the District must be found to be in violation of the instruction that Councillors should not be involved in the distribution of food parcels. Our role as councillors should be to ensure that the needy people in the communities and the wards we are responsible for, are on the list managed by the Department of Social Department (DSD) and that we monitor that food is received by all. Stakeholders who wish to partner with us in providing food parcels, must all do so through DSD. No one must come with different lists which deviate from the DSD list. There must be coherence and integration of this significant activity,” Chirwa sternly stated. This meeting took place ahead of the lowering of the National Alert Level to Level 3. All government stakeholders presented their progress reports to the DCC during the meeting, according to the different clusters. The next virtual meeting took place on 1 June, details to the meeting was unavailable at the time of publication. < Previous Article Next Article >

Botsing eis lewe Botsing eis lewe 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 9 Junie 2020 Tydens die botsing is een persoon oorlede, en ses ander passasiers wat in bedie voertuie was, geneem vir mediese behandeling. Op Saterdag, 6 Junie, het ‘n botsing in Wesselton plaasgevind, waar twee voertuie betrokke was. Die bakkie het in die rigting van Wesselton gereis, en die Volkswagen vanaf Wesselton, op pad Ermelo toe. Die bestuurder van die Volkswagen het beheer verloor oor sy voertuig, en die bakkie getref. Tydens die botsing is een persoon oorlede, en ses ander passasiers wat in bedie voertuie was, geneem vir mediese behandeling. < Previous Article Next Article >

Corrupt Home Affairs trio nabbed Corrupt Home Affairs trio nabbed 1/1 Share SM HATTINGH 17 November 2021 The trio allegedly demanded money from foreign national shop owners in Ermelo, as from January 2021, claiming that they are illegally in the country. Two immigration officers and an assistant director from Department of Home Affairs in Ermelo were arrested on Tuesday, 9 November. The trio allegedly demanded money from foreign national shop owners in Ermelo, as from January 2021, claiming that they are illegally in the country. The complainant reported the matter to the SAPS, and an investigation was launched by the Anti Corruption Unit. An operation was conducted, where the three suspects were arrested after receiving trap money, and it was found in possession of the suspects. The three suspects made their first appearance before the Magistrate's Court in Ermelo on Wednesday, 11 November on the charge of corruption. The Provincial Commissioner of Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, has been adamant that the SAPS will do everything in their power to root out corruption in the province. “No one is above the law. Anyone found to be in breach of the law will be arrested irrespective of the position he or she holds. Mpumalanga must be a crime free province;” she said, while applauded the sterling work by the SAPS. The three suspects, Khulekani Innocent Zulu (27), Yolande Pretty Ngomane (39) and Mavis Minah Mthetwa (48) appeared before the court, and the case had been postponed to 10 December 2021. The suspects were granted bail of R2500 each. < Previous Article Next Article >

Two severely burnt during pipeline fuel theft Two severely burnt during pipeline fuel theft 1/3 Share SH HATTINGH 26 January 2021 A second suspect who was also badly burnt, was apprehended after he was found hiding under a bridge. Two suspects, aged 28 and 39, were arrested by members of Fidelity Security during the night of Thursday, 21 January 2021, at Kendal near Phola. The pair were arrested after Transnet control room detected a fuel pressure drop on the pipeline. Authorities responded to the identified spot and apprehended one suspect, who attempted to run away. He had fresh burn marks all over his body. A big fire was raging in the maize field nearby, and upon inspection they realised that the flames came from the burning Transnet pipeline. The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team and local police were summoned to the scene for further investigation. Following an intensive search, a second suspect who was also badly burnt, was apprehended after he was found hiding under a bridge. Emergency services were summoned, and the two suspects were transported to the hospital under police guard. All the exhibits, which included a white Mazda bakkie, generator and pieces of charred clothes were confiscated for further investigation. The suspects are expected to appear before the Phola Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 25 January 2021, to face charges of malicious damage to property, tampering with essential infrastructure and theft of fuel. < Previous Article Next Article >

Hawks issue stern warning to scrap metal recyclers Hawks issue stern warning to scrap metal recyclers 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 7 September 2021 While the prospect of a quick profit may be alluring, the risk is not worth the reward, as you will be investigated, arrested and charged accordingly. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation(Hawks) in Mpumalanga have arrested 16 people for damaging and stealing Transnet infrastructure, including railway tracks and transformers. “Suspects aged between 35 and 45 were arrested by members of the Hawks' serious organized crime investigation in Middelburg, together with Transnet investigators during an intelligence-driven operation,” said Hawks spokesperson in Mpumalanga, Captain Dineo Lucy Sekgotodi. “The team followed up the information and found four trucks inside Mashcor Scrap metal dealer, still loaded with railway tracks,” said Sekgotodi. “During further investigation, the fifth truck loaded with transformers and palisade fencing, which was positively identified by Transnet officials, arrived. The railway tracks were stolen from the decommissioned line, while the transformers and palisade were stolen from the working substation. Sekgotodi stated that of the 16 people arrested, 14 of them are foreign nationals. They were duly charged for possession of suspected stolen property, theft and damaging of essential infrastructure. The owner of the scrap metal institution was traced, and also arrested. The Hawks have issued a stern warning to scrap metal recyclers in Mpumalanga, especially the Middelburg, Witbank, Secunda, Ermelo and Standerton areas, to be vigilant when accepting scrap metal, and not to become involved in dodgy dealings and illicit operations. There is a high rate of theft and vandalism of Transnet, Eskom and mining operation infrastructure, and recyclable metals are often the target of these criminals. While the prospect of a quick profit may be alluring, the risk is not worth the reward, as you will be investigated, arrested and charged accordingly. < Previous Article Next Article >

Crime wave hits Ermelo as December arrives Crime wave hits Ermelo as December arrives 1/5 Share GK CRONJE 7 December 2021 Furthermore, double check that your windows are properly latched, and ensure that all small- and side windows are closed and on latch, as larger windows can easily be opened with creative use of metal wire. As December arrives with apathetic festivity, so has a surge in crime. Several reports have been noted of burglaries and attempted burglaries in Ermelo, with the main focus of wily criminals being Ermelo East, Cassim Park and De Bruin Park. Several reports have been lodged regarding a white single cab Toyota Hilux bakkie that trawls the streets of Ermelo East, most notably Cloete and Pet Streets. The passengers of the bakkie, reportedly between two and four at a time, allegedly pose as contractors, and by this means gain unauthorized access to properties, where they help themselves to any items that are not bolted down. It is also alleged that the same group lifts motorized gates from the track, and also herewith gain access to properties without permission. The same bakkie has also been reported to have been spotted in Oosthuise Street, and reports of sightings in De Bruin Park have recently been noted. However, the issue regarding the suspects in the Hilux is finicky at best. According to the SAPS spokesperson, Captain Prinsloo, the act of removing a motorized gate from its track is not viewed as a misdemeanor in the eyes of the court. “In order to successfully arrest and convict any trespassing suspect on your property, the said suspect needs to be caught red-handed, and the fact that the suspect has stolen property needs to be proven beyond reasonable doubt in a court of law. The fact that the bakkie and its passengers are trawling the streets and properties is, in itself, not basis of an arrest by the SAPS, lest an act of crime can be proven.” This is of little comfort to residents who have suffered damages by the hands of the group, and by other criminal elements. Due to the fact of increased criminal activity, the cases reported to the SAPS is handled on basis of severity, and this subsequently impacts the response time by officers on duty. A higher priority crime will enjoy a swifter response time than a menial crime, according to Captain Prinsloo. Another issue that security groups and the SAPS face is that of a female suspect that is notorious for scaling walls and electric fences, gaining access illegally, and making off with all manner of items, most notably hose pipes, garden equipment and meat grills. This suspect is well known, and has been apprehended on numerous occasions with stolen items. Residents in Jorrison Street have also faced a slew of burglaries and attempted burglaries. Over the last week, wily criminals have attempted to gain access to properties in this street, luckily mostly without success. An attempted burglary also left a window to a property smashed. Fortunately, no items of value were able to be pilfered through the window. Residents are urged to ensure that their properties are secure this December. Ensure that all items of value that can easily be carried, concealed or stolen are locked indoors or in your garage. Furthermore, double check that your windows are properly latched, and ensure that all small- and side windows are closed and on latch, as larger windows can easily be opened with creative use of metal wire. The SAPS has provided the contact numbers of the officers in each area affected by the activities of these criminal elements, and the SAPS requests any resident that notices suspicious behavior, to report it to the numbers provided. Ermelo East - W/O Pillay, 082 448 2653. De Bruin Park - Sgt. Ngcobo, 082 304 0138, and in Cassim Park - Sgt Lubambo, 082 419 6371 / 082 591 7353. Should you notice any suspicious regarding the Hilux, you may contact the above numbers corresponding to your area. Residents are urged to be vigilant, and report any suspicious behavior, criminal acts and burglaries to the following numbers for swift response and awareness: ACSU on 017 811 1274, Spartan Team on 081 325 7259, or the SAPS on 017 819 7803 / 017 819 7279 / 017 819 7329. Residents may also report emergencies and incidents of suspicious behavior to the SACCW: Theo Craven, SACCW Gert Sibande District Director, 081 733 0032, Chantal Boonstra, SACCW Gert Sibande District Director of Administration & Social Development, 072 460 1654, or Paul Koen, 078 670 1730. The SACCW members are also available on WhatsApp. The safest approach is to look out for one another as residents of Ermelo. If you are away for the weekend or going on vacation, please ask your neighbor to periodically check on your property and alert authorities of any suspicious activity, Likewise, do the same for your neighbors if they are not present at their residence. < Previous Article Next Article >

Armed robbers meet their match with ACSU Armed robbers meet their match with ACSU 1/5 Share GK CRONJE 26 July 2022 “Well done, ACSU. You are always there when we need assistance." While the majority of focus was fixated on the ongoing court case at the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court, wily criminals took the opportunity to stage an armed robbery at Ackermans at the Wesselton Boxer Complex. While they thought it might be a clean getaway with valuable loot, the blistering fast armed reaction from ACSU utterly foiled their plans. According to available information, four armed suspects entered the establishment with the intent of an armed robbery. One of the suspects feigned interest in the displayed cellular phones, whereafter he drew a firearm and pointed it at the employee. He further demanded cash from the registers, and that all cellular phones be put in bag. The suspects ordered the store manager to the back of the store. After the store manager activated the panic button, ACSU arrived within a matter of minutes, at approximately 13:00. According to reaction officers, all seemed normal upon arrival, but when officers approached the store, one of the employees stated that armed suspects were present inside the store. Reaction carefully entered the store, whereafter the suspects panicked and opened fire on ACSU, who returned fire. According to Mr. De Jager from ACSU, an approximate 40 rounds were fired. ACSU reaction officers suffered no injuries, but two of the four suspects were severely injured. One suspect was brought down inside the store, while a second attempted to flee via the back of the shopping complex, but was also taken down by ACSU reaction. The suspects were transported to medical facilities by Provincial EMS, whereafter one of the wounded suspects succumbed to his injuries. SAPS investigators recovered two firearms used by the suspects on scene, as well as the loot they intended to make off with. Bystanders at the shopping complex jeered at the wounded suspects as thy were tended to by EMS, and lauded the swift and stern reaction by ACSU. “Well done, ACSU. You are always there when we need assistance. Your quick reaction and non-nonsense approach has saved the community and businesses thousands of Rands in damages. We feel safer knowing that you are always alert and willing to help. You truly are the best in the business,” one resident stated. < Previous Article Next Article >

Report arsonists to the authorities Report arsonists to the authorities 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 18 May 2021 If you see a suspected arsonist in your ward or area, please contact ACSU on 017 811 1274, the SAPS on 10111, or your neighborhood watch, such as SACCW’s Theo Craven on 081 733 0032 immediately. The dry winter season is all but upon us, and this poses the opportune setting for idle hands to cause extensive damage, as well as putting countless lives in danger, both human and animal. Arson is the act whereby a person sets the fire, or intends to start a fire, knowing that the fire will destroy something. The majority of arson crimes are classified as intentional, wilfully and maliciously. This means that the arsonist has the intent to cause damage upon starting the fire. Though the act typically involves buildings, the term arson can also refer to the intentional burning of fields, dry grass and leaves, which is a common sight in Ermelo. During the course of last week, motorists traveling in the area in and around President Fouché Avenue had to pay extra attention, as thick smoke bellows from the adjacent field made visibility extremely poor. Further aggravating the situation is the fact that the road was obscured by smoke in the timeframe where traffic flow was ramping up as residents returned from work. Allegations have surfaced that a gardening service set a pile of dry leaves on fire, subsequently causing the fire to spread to the nearby field. The imprisonment term for a convicted crime relating to arson could be set up to seven years or more, and a fine of up to R250 000, and four years of probation. If you see a suspected arsonist in your ward or area, please contact ACSU on 017 811 1274, the SAPS on 10111, or your neighborhood watch, such as SACCW’s Theo Craven on 081 733 0032, immediately. The SACCW can be contacted via WhatsApp messaging, should you so desire. Where possible, obtain photographs or video footage of the suspect in the act, as this will make identification and possible conviction or fining of the felon easier. < Previous Article Next Article >

Next of kin sought Next of kin sought 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 14 July 2020 The body of an unidentified male, estimated between 30 and 35 years of age, clad in a white T-shirt and blue tracksuit pants was found in a field next to the R546, between Kinross and Evander. The second unidentified body is African male, who was run over and killed by a bus, also on the R546. The man was wearing a lime green T-shirt and denim, and estimated to be between 35 and 40 years old. The SAPS requests assistance from the public in identifying 2 bodies, which were found on 2 March 2020 and 2 August 2019, respectively. The body of an unidentified male, estimated between 30 and 35 years of age, clad in a white T-shirt and blue tracksuit pants was found in a field next to the R546, between Kinross and Evander. The second unidentified body is African male, who was run over and killed by a bus, also on the R546. The man was wearing a lime green T-shirt and denim, and estimated to be between 35 and 40 years old. Individuals with information regarding the identity, or his next of kin, are requested to contact Sgt Ngubeni at 060 815 4630 or 017 632 2322. < Previous Article Next Article >

Rapists pounce on unsuspecting individuals Rapists pounce on unsuspecting individuals 1/1 Share SM HATTINGH 13 July 2021 The complainant (16), was asleep at home. She woke up and went outside to use the bathroom. While walking down the path, she was grabbed from behind by a suspect. He covered her mouth, so that she could not call for help, and threatened her with a knife. The SAPS has stated that three incidents of rape have been registered the past week. The first incident happened on 2021-07-04 at 00:30 in Nyibe. The complainant (16), was asleep at home. She woke up and went outside to use the bathroom. While walking down the path, she was grabbed from behind by a suspect. He covered her mouth, so that she could not call for help, and threatened her with a knife. He forced her to an open veld where he raped her. After the rape, the suspect told the complainant to keep quiet about the incident and left. She reported the rape three days later to the Ermelo Police. The second incident happened on 2021-07-08 at 16:25, in the vicinity of Kwamabuza next to the N11. The complainant (48) was on her way home, when confronted by the suspect, armed with a knife. He threatened her with the knife and then raped her. After the incident he fled the scene. The third incident happened on 2021-07-09 at 11:00. The complainant (18) was walking from Kwamabuza. Next to Ermelo Airfield, a suspect came from the bushes, holding a knife. He grabbed the complainant and said that if she screamed he will stab her. He raped her and fled from the scene. The South African Police Service request any person who might have information or help the SAPS with the investigation in any of the mentioned incidents to contact the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) on any of the following numbers: 017-801 0517 or 072 638 1652. < Previous Article Next Article >

Toddler sought Toddler sought 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 23 June 2020 Thulani was last seen on the morning of the day of disappearance, when he was playing in the street. On 19 June 2020, Thulani Ndhlovu (2) was reported missing in Extension 5, eMzinoni, Bethal. According to the mother, Thulani was last seen on the morning of the day of disappearance, when he was playing in the street. A missing child case was opened, and is under investigation. If anyone has seen Thulani, please contact the SAPS on 017 647 9665. < Previous Article Next Article >