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 >

Cable theft is crippling the country Cable theft is crippling the country 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 10 August 2022 The 51 000 job losses in the first quarter of 2022 is testament to how local business and the economy has been crippled. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has voiced their concern that officials are increasingly being implicated in cable theft. More than ever, Eskom employees and SAPS officers, as well as owners of scrapyards, are being investigated as part of an organizec cable theft syndicate in Mpumalanga. During the course of last week, a detective from eMalahleni, and a former Eskom employee were among four people arrested for the possession of chrome worth R60 000, which was presumably stolen. Allegedly, a SAPS vehicle was used to transport the chrome. In July 2022, four scrapyard owners from Middelburg and eMalahleni were arrested when R200 000 worth of Eskom stolen property, which includes cables, pylons and copper, were found in their respective scrapyards. In March 2022, Eskom security officers and a police officer were among 14 arrested by the Hawks in eMalahleni when a large amount of cables were confiscated. Cable theft sets back the South African taxpayer R7 billion a year. Not only does it disrupt the supply of electricity, but it also has a significant effect on the economy, resulting in loss of income and job losses. At this stage, Mpumalanga cannot afford to lose any more jobs. The 51 000 job losses in the first quarter of 2022 is testament to how local business and the economy has been crippled. The DA has called on law enforcement to thoroughly investigate the syndicate and, in accordance with the Second Hand Goods Act, ensure a maximum sentence to those who are found guilty of cable theft. < Previous Article Next Article >

HMV ploughs through SAVF palisade fencing HMV ploughs through SAVF palisade fencing 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 30 March 2021 EMS confirmed that no life threatening injuries were reported. Residents of the SAVF old age home were in a for one hell of a shock on Friday evening, 26 March 2021. What was supposed to be a peaceful Friday night, turned into a hubbub of confusion, shock and awe, as a heavy motor vehicle lumbered through the establishment’s fencing, and came to a stop against a tree, which prevented the HMV from smashing into the building. According to eye witnesses on scene, the HMV attempted the turn at Fourie Street at too high a speed, and started to topple. The HMV attempted to correct course, and collided with a bakkie. Following the collision, the HMV lost control and flattened the fencing. Emergency personnel and medical services, Van Wettens Towing Services, ETS Towing Services, SAPS, traffic department and fire brigade were on scene in a matter of minutes, and traffic officials had their hands full directing the constant flow of traffic, and passing motorists slowing traffic with the rubbernecking. Many motorists were scolded as they attempted to make u-turns, or pass by the obstructions by driving in the lane of oncoming traffic. EMS confirmed that no life threatening injuries were reported. Motorists are urged to adhere to the directions given by traffic officials when encountering an accident scene, and no obey the traffic rules. Motorists are requested to keep moving as instructed by officials, as disregarding the instructions causes disruption in the flow of traffic directed from the scene. < Previous Article Next Article >

Needless violence from protestors plague N2 Needless violence from protestors plague N2 1/7 Share GK CRONJE 10 August 2021 Five people were arrested in connection with the violence and arson of the vehicles. The probe continues, and residents with information pertaining to the incident are urged to come forward. As the Merino Mall’s construction is progressing swiftly, senseless acts of violence and intimidation seem to be the order of the day from residents in Ermelo and the surrounding informal settlements. Several serious allegations have surfaced, ranging from incitement of violence from prominent business men in the area, to death threats, and threats of a complete shutdown of Ermelo if inane demands aren’t adhered to. On Wednesday, 4 August 2021, various reports were received from residents marching through Ermelo, armed with knives, pangas, sticks and pipes. Authorities responded swiftly, and dispersed the crowds. According to available information, infighting between residents residing in opposing informal settlements over employment opportunities at the Merino Mall construction site was the cause of the ruckus. Although the crowds dispersed, later the same evening all hell broke loose on the N2 Acacia crossing, which is notorious for the senseless acts of violence from the residents in the area. Three trucks and a light vehicle were set alight in an apparent act of protest, while two other trucks were damaged by suspects. In an act of mindlessness, one of the drivers of the heavy vehicles was also severely beaten by protestors. The sudden surge of violence prompted police and the SANDF to maintain heightened visibility for several days after the fact. The police in Ermelo called, and still calls, on members of the public with information on the whereabouts of the suspects who set the vehicles alight. The probe continues, and residents with information pertaining to the incident are urged to come forward. Five people were arrested in connection with the violence and arson of the vehicles. The five suspects that were arrested are aged between 30 to 58-years old. The suspects are expected to appear in the Ermelo Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, 10 August 2021. < Previous Article Next Article >

Minister Didiza claims to be in the dark amidst scandal Minister Didiza claims to be in the dark amidst scandal 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 13 April 2021 "And in this incident, those letters were not even given out with authorization of the Minister. So we agreed that there is not going to be any eviction of the farmers we are created in two weeks time the team from the property unit in the Department of Agriculture will come down and all those farmers who have got issues around their leases we’ll meet at the department so that those issues are resolved.” The Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Department minister, Thoko Didiza, on Sarturday held a meeting to appease farmers in the area amidst a massive scandal which involves eviction letters, threats of eviction from department officials via WhatsApp messages, bribery from department officials and various other issues. The meeting addressed issues related to state-owned land leased to farmers, which are now being cut short and unlawfully terminated by department officials. Several farmers in Mpumalanga received letters informing them that they would be evicted from state farms, and some have been lured into paying bribes to officials of up to R25 000 to have paperwork processed and the lease renewed. John Mabasa of Goedehoop farm said that his family had been farming on their family land for over two centuries. When he submitted a land claim in 1998 to formalize his family’s land holdings, the Department claimed that they had no records of the claim. In 2013, after a Public Protector finding instructed the Department to allocate him a farm, he was given caretakership on a portion of land. The award came with the condition that he should farm as part of a co-op. When he refused to pay R25 000 to ensure that a proposed business plan was approved by the Department, his land was advertised for occupation for interested new leases. Swazi Motha of Rietspruit farm is part of a group of three farmers who, in 2013, were granted a lease to a farm. In 2019, when asked to apply for financial assistance, they were told to “pay something” to facilitate the signing of the contract. They refused to pay the bribe, and received a letter of termination in 2019. To date, the department had been keeping mum on the issue. Although the enquiries from the Tribune ePaper have been acknowledged, no response had been received from the department despite several enquiries. However, in a turn of events that is laughable, to say the least, Didiza has assured the farmers that they will not be evicted from the farms, and claimed to have been in the dark amidst this saga, and did not authorize the eviction letters to be sent out. “There is not going to be any eviction and in any way of actions process in terms of state land, you’ll have to involve the Minister. And in this incident, those letters were not even given out with authorization of the Minister. So we agreed that there is not going to be any eviction of the farmers we are created in two weeks time the team from the property unit in the Department of Agriculture will come down and all those farmers who have got issues around their leases we’ll meet at the department so that those issues are resolved.” Didiza stated. This is of very little comfort to the affected farmers, as it is clear that there is a high level of confusion and collusion within the department. This is a developing story. < Previous Article Next Article >

Carolina SAPS warns of drowning dangers Carolina SAPS warns of drowning dangers 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 29 September 2020 His friends alerted the police when he failed to resurface. His body was removed from the dam by SAPS divers, where he was certified as deceased. Carolina SAPS is investigating an inquest case after a 20-year-old male from Mzamo Section lost his life at Silobela Dam. It is alleged that on Saturday, 26 September 2020, a group of Silobela youngsters were having a picnic next to the dam, when some of them decided to go and take pictures at the dam. The deceased jumped in to the dam with the intent of going for a swim. However, his friends alerted the police when he failed to resurface. His body was removed from the dam by SAPS divers, where he was certified as deceased. The Silobela community, especially the youth, is hereby advised to stay away from the Silobela Dam, especially if you are unable to swim with proficiency. < Previous Article Next Article >

Thousands of Rands damage as arsonists strike Thousands of Rands damage as arsonists strike 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 24 August 2021 The kiosk was melted beyond repair, snapping and cracking as the insulation on the high voltage cables melted. On Thursday, 19 August 2021, Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) suffered major damages as arsonists struck in Horster Road. It had been alleged that nearby residents set the field on fire, which rapidly spread and caused extensive damage to an electrical kiosk supplying electricity to the area. The kiosk was melted beyond repair, snapping and cracking as the insulation on the high voltage cables melted. Although the fire department was notified, the service did not arrive in time to save the innards of the kiosk. This means that the kiosk has been completely destroyed, and will cost MLM a large amount to repair to working condition. You may view more photos and videos on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

Sharp rise in gate motor theft Sharp rise in gate motor theft 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 24 November 2020 If you notice any suspicious behavior in your ward, or have information on individuals who are involved in gate motor theft, please contact the SAPS on 017 819 7803, or ACSU on 017 811 1274. With the festive season approaching, criminals are capitalizing on the more relaxed demeanor of residents, and may cause thousands of Rands of damage to your property. A thriving black market encourages enterprising criminals to partake in an ongoing gate motor theft issue, and Ermelo has seen its fair share of theft. Recently, gate motor theft has been an ongoing problem in various areas of Ermelo, with criminals striking mainly between 01:00 and 04:00. A seasoned criminal can steal a gate motor without a safety bracket within 25 seconds. It is important for residents to keep records of the serial number, which makes it easier for the SAPS to track down the owner of a stolen gate motor, should it be recovered. Stolen or damaged gate motor theft also has other implications, leaving residents vulnerable, having to get out of their vehicles to open the gates, or leave their homes at night to inspect disturbances. Stolen gate motors are either stripped down and its various components, such as copper innards, batteries and gearboxes sold individually, or they are sold as complete units to unsuspecting homeowners. There is also a worrying trend of suspects deactivating the gate motor, and accessing the property while on a manual override. Residents are urged to ensure that the gate motor is secured in a steel casing or bracket, which is to remain locked at all times. Suspects often just place their hands through the gate if your gate motor is unsecured and installed right next to a palisade-type gate. They are then able to switch the gate to manual, and access your property. Use a good quality lock to secure the motor’s theft-resistant cage, preferably opt for an insurance-rated padlock. Installing adequate anti-lift brackets, and welding a piece of flat bar onto the gate rack to prevent thieves from bending the rack upwards will also hinder the theft of your gate motor. If you notice any suspicious behavior in your ward, or have information on individuals who are involved in gate motor theft, please contact the SAPS on 017 819 7803, or ACSU on 017 811 1274. < Previous Article Next Article >

SAPS warns against social media scams SAPS warns against social media scams 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 23 February 2021 The public is therefore again urged to approach reputable businesses, shops or car dealerships that are operating within the ambit of the law whenever they want to make purchases. Residents are again warned to take extra precautions and be careful with their money, as many fall into traps which scammers set for their unsuspecting victims, defrauding them of their hard earned cash. Since the festive season begun last year up to this far, the police in Mpumalanga received more than 15 cases where members of the public were lured via Internet and social media platforms to deposit sum of money into deals, which were later found to be unscrupulous and never materialized, resulting in them losing a considerable amount of money. Perpetrators often post appealing advertisements regarding sale of cars, household appliances, cell phones, pets, generators, containers for sanitizers and other valuable items on social media platforms. These suspects would then convince their targets who are in a dire need of the mentioned items that they can be obtained at an unbelievable price. Vulnerable victims would then engage in some form of communication with these faceless sellers, who would then insist on urgently receiving a cash deposit either via EFT or deposit at the bank before the needed items are delivered. After such a fraudulent transaction is made, the suspect would confirm having received the money, and at times even demand more cash, and then vanish into thin air without fulfilling the promise. In a recent incident in Bethal, a complainant was defrauded a total amount of R150 000, after being made to believe that a white Toyota bakkie posted and advertised on social media was authentic. The victim got hooked, and was told by the fraudster to make an urgent deposit of the cash in order to secure the said vehicle urgently. He was further convinced that the vehicle documents will be prepared for him immediately after the payment. He then excitedly made the deposit and unfortunately, that was the last time he had his hands on his money. The police were notified about the incident, and a case of fraud was opened. The SAPS had since learned with great concern that others across the province were scammed of thousands of Rands in the same fraudulent process. The public is therefore again urged to approach reputable businesses, shops or car dealerships that are operating within the ambit of the law whenever they want to make purchases. The community members are further advised to conduct a proper research, rather than naively relying on advertisements displayed on social media, as most of the information tends to be misleading. The public should also guard against the idea of quickly depositing or transferring cash to unknown people without proper verification. Anyone with information that can assist the SAPS in apprehending these perpetrators, should call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111. Alternatively, they can send information via MySAPS application, which can be downloaded on any smartphone. All information will be treated with strictest confidentiality, and callers may opt to remain anonymous. < Previous Article Next Article >

Moord en geweerskote skok inwoners Moord en geweerskote skok inwoners 1/2 Share SM HATTINGH 7 September 2021 Verdere ondersoek het die SAPS gelei na Ermelo Provinsiale Hospitaal, waar een verdagte met 'n skietwond in die buik, en nog 'n verdagte met 'n skietwond in die regter bobeen aangetref is. Ermelo SAPD ondersoek 1 klag van moord, 2 klagte van poging tot moord, en 1 klag van poging tot gewapende roof na aanleiding van 'n skietvoorval wat ongeveer 19:30 op Vrydag, 3 September, te Oosthuise Straat plaasgevind het. Na bewering het 'n groep verdagtes gepoog om twee vriende, wat oppad was na Wesselton, te beroof. Die groep het die twee mans omsingel, en een verdagte van die groep was gewapen met 'n mes. Een van die vriende het vier skote op die groep verdagtes, wat hul omsingel het, afgevuur. Een van die verdagtes is dood aan getref by naby geleë woonstelle, met ‘n noodlottige skietwond in die buik. Verdere ondersoek het die SAPS gelei na Ermelo Provinsiale Hospitaal, waar een verdagte met 'n skietwond in die buik, en nog 'n verdagte met 'n skietwond in die regter bobeen aangetref is. Die verdagte met die buikwond is ernstig beseer, en die persoon met die wond in die been is behandel en ontslaan. Die man wie die skote afgevuur het, het die voorval by Ermelo SAPD gaan aanmeld. Tydens latere navrae by die SAPD, het die verdagte wat in die hospitaal behandel was vir sy buikwond, ook beswyk. < Previous Article Next Article >

Ermelo gemeenskap staan saam en beveilig Ermelo Ermelo gemeenskap staan saam en beveilig Ermelo 1/5 Share SM HATTINGH 20 July 2021 “Ons wil seker maak die gemeenskap voel veilig. Die sigbaarheid van alle gemeenskapslede, asook al die instansies wat saam staan om te help om die res van Ermelo veilig te laat voel, word waardeer. Graag wil ons ook van die geleentheid gebruik maak om almal te bedank wat in die koue saam staan om Ermelo, asook die gemeenskap, te beveilig.” Op Woensdag, 14 Julie 2021, was daar ‘n groot vergadering gehou by die Ermelo Inn, wat die gemeenskap kon bywoon om te beplan hoe om Ermelo te beskerm teen geweldadigers wat ons dorp wil kom vernietig. Ongeveer 100 inwoners van Ermelo het die vergadering bygewoon en saam gestaan. Op dié aand het die lede van die gemeenskap omstreeks 20:00 by die Ermelo SAPD stasie bymekaar gekom, en daar was die reëlings aan almal deur gegee, en ook die missie van die projek. Die lede was in gedeel in verskeie groepe, waar elke ingang van die dorp gemoniteer was deur lede. Elke voertuig wat die dorp wou in- of uitgaan was deursoek, asook aangevra waarheen hul oppad was. Natuurlik, na die inperkingstyd van 21:00 wat niemand meer buite hul wonings mag wees nie, moes daar ‘n permit wees wat bewys dat die persoon essentiële dienste lewer. Ermelo Buurtwag, Spartan Team, ACSU, SAPD, Afriforum asook die Ermelo Taxi Association het almal saam hande gevat. Daar was ook patrollie deur die dorp, asook deur die woonburte gery om te verseker dat almal veilig by hulle huise is. Seattle Coffee het ook hande gevat, en het vir die lede wat patrollie ry en buite in die koue was, ‘n koffie asook ‘n verversing gegee om hul dank te wys. Kol. Ngcobo, Stasie Bevelvoerder, het Woensdag aand aan die Tribune gesê die missie is dat Ermelo veilig bly, en dat hul verseker dat daar geen verdraagsaamheid van enige aard teenoor wetsoordtreders is nie. “Ons wil seker maak die gemeenskap voel veilig. Die sigbaarheid van alle gemeenskapslede, asook al die instansies wat saam staan om te help om die res van Ermelo veilig te laat voel, word waardeer. Graag wil ons ook van die geleentheid gebruik maak om almal te bedank wat in die koue saam staan om Ermelo, asook die gemeenskap, te beveilig.” Kyk gerus op die Tribune Ermelo se Facebook blad vir meer foto’s, asook video’s. < Previous Article Next Article >

Botsings neem drasties toe Botsings neem drasties toe 1/0 Share SH HATTINGH 25 August 2020 Die nooddienste doen ‘n beroep op die gemeenskap om alle verkeersreëls te gehoorsaam, en nie te bestuur onder die invloed van alkohol nie. Die afgelope naweek was ‘n vreeslike besige naweek vir al die nooddienste, waar verskeie bostings op verskillende paaie plaasgevind het. Nadat die verbod op drank laat vaar is, het die ongeluk syfer skielik verhoog. Al die nooddienste, Van Wettens, ETS, All City, ER24, Provinsiale Ambulans Dienste, asook die Brandweer en SAPD was vinnig op die tonele. Die nooddienste doen ‘n beroep op die gemeenskap om alle verkeersreëls te gehoorsaam, en nie te bestuur onder die invloed van alkohol nie. < Previous Article Next Article >