Argument lei na moord Argument lei na moord 1/3 Share SM HATTINGH 1 June 2021 Na wat aangemeld is as poging tot moord, het egter in ‘n moordsaak ontaard nadat die man aan sy beserings beswyk het. Op Donderdag, 27 Mei, het ‘n man en vrou ‘n groot argument gehad op die hoek van McDonald en De Jager Straat, wat so erg was dat die argument gelei het na moord. Die man en vrou het baie sterk chemikalieë in die hande gekry, en die chemikalieë bo-op mekaar uitgegooi. Die man en vrou is beide na die Ermelo Provinsiale Hospitaal toe geneem vir mediese behandeling. Na wat aangemeld is as poging tot moord, het egter in ‘n moordsaak ontaard nadat die man aan sy beserings beswyk het. Die chemikalieë was so sterk dat dit die sitplekke van die voertuig ook gebrand het. < 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 >

Thugs having a royal of a time in Ermelo Thugs having a royal of a time in Ermelo 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 20 April 2021 Phoenix Liqour Store was held up by seven men, of which one was armed. The thugs made off with cash and liqour, and fled the scene on the back of a bakkie. During the course of the week, ACSU and the SAPS had their hands full with criminal elements troubling local businesses. Three robbers, of which one was armed, targeted Casual Affair and Tekkie Town. At MFG Undertakers, an unknown male threatened the owner with a knife, and made off with undisclosed goods. Phoenix Liqour Store was held up by seven men, of which one was armed. The thugs made off with cash and liqour, and fled the scene on the back of a bakkie. Anyone with information regarding these cases may contact D/CST Mdlalose on 082 373 8389 or 017 819 2321. < Previous Article Next Article >

SAPS warns against OTP fraud SAPS warns against OTP fraud 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 6 April 2021 Should you be caught in a scam such as this, the bank will not be able to assist you in recovering your lost funds. Fraud cases are a crime of concern, as criminals are using another trend to defraud innocent persons of their hard earned savings. In the cases that have been reported thus far, the caller will identify himself as an individual working in the Banks Fraud Division. He states that a transaction has taken place on the victims account. The suspect has all personal particulars and profile of the victim, including details of bank accounts, linked accounts beneficiaries etc. The suspect then states that a transaction has appeared on an account which appears suspicious, and enquires from the victim if they have approved a transaction for a large amount of cash from their account, furnishing account details and when the victim replies in the negative, the caller informs the victim that he will reverse the charge if the victim can go onto their banking app. Once the victim has logged onto their banking app, the suspect tells the victim to supply One Time Password (OTP) that was sent via SMS to their cell phone, so that the transaction can be reversed. As soon as the OTP is given to the suspect, the suspect starts to transact on the account, increasing limits, adding beneficiaries and making payments and draining the account. Do not respond and do not supply the OTP, as this will grant the suspect full control of your account. Do not respond to these calls. Cut the call immediately, and contact your bank on their toll free numbers if you are uncertain. You can check your account privately. Do not give any OTP (One Time Password) over the phone to any individual. Your bank will not ask you for your passwords or an OTP. Losses amounting to nearly R70 000 have been reported from one victim alone. Should you be caught in a scam such as this, the bank will not be able to assist you in recovering your lost funds, as you have furnished your One Time Password (OTP) to the suspect and allowed permission to the suspect to transact on your account. < Previous Article Next Article >

Late-night horror collision claims two lives Late-night horror collision claims two lives 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 4 May 2021 The road was closed for an extended period as emergency services scrambled to tend to the injured, with a large crowd of onlookers standing in awe of the scene. On Thursday, 27 April 2021, a collision occurred between a two vehicles, after one of the drivers allegedly ignored the traffic light at the N17 intersection near Cassim Park. The road was closed for an extended period as emergency services scrambled to tend to the injured, with a large crowd of onlookers standing in awe of the scene. One vehicle was extensively damaged in the front, whilst the second vehicle was left upturned in a nearby field, approximately 10 meters from the scene. According to the information at hand, two persons succumbed to their injuries suffered during the collision. The SAPS spokesperson was sparse with the details regarding the incident, and an update will be published once more information has been received from the SAPS. You may view more photos and videos on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

Naked woman found murdered in Wesselton Naked woman found murdered in Wesselton 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 3 November 2020 The woman was naked, and she had stab wounds in her neck. She is still not identified. The body of a female was found on 31 October at 01:00 in an open field next to Nelson Mandela avenue in Wesselton. The woman was naked, and she had stab wounds in her neck. She is still not identified. Any person with information regarding this case please phone Sergant S. Ndukwana on 017-819 2321/8 or 082 373 8389. In a second case, the owner of a local business closed shop at 17:00 on Saturday, 31 October, and was on his way to his father's business when he was apprehended by 3 suspects. They fired warning shots, took a bag with money from the complainant and fled. A lookout was given with a description off the vehicle and a registration number. Members from Ermelo SAPS discovered the vehicle at a house in Extention 32. One suspect was arrested, and two are still at large. The bag with cash was recovered. < Previous Article Next Article >

Road spikes a cause for concern in MPU Road spikes a cause for concern in MPU 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 1 June 2021 If you are stopped by a traffic officer, demand to see their appointment certificate to verify if such an officer is employed by the relevant traffic authority. The Democratic Alliance (DA) is concerned that the Mpumalanga provincial government is too silent as an armed gang is causing havoc on the N4 and N12 highways by spiking vehicles where victims are robbed of valuables. More than 24 incidents of spiking were reported in Mpumalanga between 1 April and 18 May 2021. The police have also warned that these incidents happen especially on Friday evenings and throughout the weekend between 18:00 and 04:00 in the morning. Mpumalanga residents are mostly the victims of the vehicle spiking incidents, so the DA calls on the provincial MEC of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Vusi Shongwe, to engage with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to deploy additional officers to help the Highway Patrol Unit on the routes identified as hotspots. Phola/Ogies on the N12 near Arbor off-ramp, Delmas along the N12, Bronkorstspruit towards Witbank along the N4 highway, Belfast on the N4 next to Wonderfontein and Acornhoek in Matsikitsane area, Witbank on Dellville Street, Verena Road and the R555 Old Ogies Road, Calcutta area, the R40 around Marite area and the N4 highway in Middelburg, Bethal and Kendall have been identified as hotspots for the spiking activities. It has been reported that the spiking gang is using two vehicles. One of the vehicles is used to follow around victims who do not stop after hitting the spikes. Of late, residents in the approximate area have also been warned of road spikes, most notably roads leading to Breyten, Piet Retief, Amersfoort and Chrissiesmeer. The N17 towards Bethal has also been identified as concerning. Never stop your vehicle if you had a puncture while spiked, instead drive slowly to the nearest garage while contacting the SAPS. If you are stopped by a traffic officer, demand to see their appointment certificate to verify if such an officer is employed by the relevant traffic authority. In case the officer fails to produce his or her appointment certificate, take down the registration number of the patrol vehicle and report them immediately to the nearest police station. If your vehicle has had a complete break down on the road, remain in the vehicle with your doors locked while seeking assistance. Do not allow any person to tow your vehicle without written permission. Should you realize that another motorist has been spiked in your presence, kindly stop and give the necessary assistance. < Previous Article Next Article >

Reeks-inbreker Thando loop rieme styf Reeks-inbreker Thando loop rieme styf 1/7 Share GK CRONJE 22 March 2022 Sy is ook al by ‘n rehabilitasie sentrum ingeboek, waarna sy egter haar uit die voete gemaak het. Die infame inbreker, Thando, is omstreeks 10:30 op 18 Maart 2022, weerens deur Paul Koen van ACSU vasgetrek. ‘N Pensionaris paartjie in Fourie Straat het alarm gemaak nadat hul honde verdag opgetree het. Die inwoners het ondersoek ingestel, en opgemerk dat Thando in hul motorhuis in ‘n bondeltjie lê in ‘n poging om weg te kruip. Dié was besig om die inwoners helderoordag te beroof. Die inwoners het dadelik die motorhuis se deur toegetrek met Thando vasgevang binne, en ACSU in kennis gestel. Verskeie items was op Thando se persoon gevind, onder andere ‘n elektriese boor. Die inwoners het egter aan die Tribune gesê dat dit die derde keer is wat die einste Thando hul beroof het, selfs nadat hulle haar gehelp het met kos, klere en komberse toe sy kom aanklop het ‘n paar maande gelede. “Dié skurk het al voorheen drie keer by ons ingebreek. Sy het ons al rot en kaal besteel. Sy het ons karavaan se vensters oop forseer en skoonskip gemaak met al die inhoud. Klere, LP gas bottels, eetgerei, noem dit, en sy het dit weg gedra. Sy het ons kampstoele gesteel, wat R1500 elk kos. Mens kan sien dat sy mak is met die gereg, en dat sy niks oorkom as sy gevang word nie. Sy kom keer op keer terug en besteel inwoners, en kom weg daarmee. Genoeg is genoeg, ek gaan ‘n saak maak teen haar. Iewers moet iemand met haar plan maak,” het die inwoners laat hoor. Die SAPD is in kennis gestel, en voor hul aankoms het Thando haar eie ontlasting begin eet in ‘n poging om arrestasie te fnuik. Die inwoners het egter aangedring om ‘n diefstal saak te open, en Thando is gevolglik gearresteer. Dié einste Thando word verbind met dosyne gevalle in Ermelo Oos, waar sy inwoners rot en kaal besteel. Sy is oor die algemeen kenmerkend kaalvoet, en haar onaangename reuk loop haar vooruit. Sy dra alles weg van waarde, vanaf tuingereedskap, gas bottles, tuinslange, tot en met solar liggies. Sy is ook al op heter daad betrap, waar sy ‘n woonhuis se vensters oopforseer het, en besig was om ‘n skootrekener, gepaard met alle toebehore, sorgvuldig op te pak. Flink reaksie van ACSU het gesorg dat sy nie ontsnap nie. Thando se familie woon in Amersfoort, waarheen sy al verskeie kere geneem is, net vir haar om terug te keer Ermelo toe om haar kriminele leefstyl voort te sit. Sy is ook al by ‘n rehabilitasie sentrum ingeboek, waarna sy egter haar uit die voete gemaak het. Tydens die bogenoemde voorval was Thando reeds uit op borg, waar sy aangekla was van ‘n soortgelyke misdaad. Nadat Thando op Vrydag gearresteer was, het die Tribune informasie ontvang dat die SAPS haar na bewering vrygelaat het. Die Tribune het navraag gerig aan die SAPD woordvoerder, en teen perstyd was geen terugvoer ontvang nie. Sien meer foto’s op ons Facebook blad, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

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

Breyten murderer handed life sentence Breyten murderer handed life sentence 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 16 February 2021 Nkabinde's body was discovered in the bush at a farm in the Mahamba area, and the investigation fingered Mhlanga as the main suspect. Lucky Alfred Mhlanga (34), was sentenced in the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court, sitting in Breyten, for the murdering his 28-year-old former girlfriend with whom he fathered four children, Mpumalanga SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Leonard Hlathi said in a statement. Zinhle Happiness Nkabinde’s body was discovered on 15 February 2020, after she was reported missing on 10 February 2020. Nkabinde was physically abused by Mhlanga, so much so that she applied for a protection order against Mhlanga. On 26 December 2019, Mhlanga assaulted Nkabinde at a farm in Piet Retief , whereafter he was arrested for violation of the protection order. Mhlanga was released on bail, and is thought to have sought vengeance. When she was reported as missing at the Piet Retief SAPS, authorities, as well as her family members and some concerned community members, embarked on an unsuccessful search. On 15 February 2020, her body was discovered in the bush at a farm in the Mahamba area, and the investigation fingered Mhlanga as the main suspect. The SAPS in Mpumalanga welcomed the life imprisonment term handed to Mhlanga, as he pleaded guilty on the charges against him. He was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Nkabinde, and five years imprisonment for violating the protection order. The sentences will run concurrently. “The police management in the province has applauded the sterling work done by the investigation team, the prosecution, as well as the judiciary in ensuring that the likes of Mhlanga are meted with well-deserved sentences. Police also believe that this sentence should serve as a deterrent to perpetrators of gender-based violence, who continue to cowardly prey on defenseless women.” Brig. Hlathi said. < Previous Article Next Article >

Five remanded in custody for suspected murder Five remanded in custody for suspected murder 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 2 June 2020 According to the SAPS reports, the rival gang revolted and torched a vehicle, and damaged several residences while on the hunt for the suspects. SAPS investigations led to the arrest of the suspects in Leandra. The suspects remain in custody as the investigation continues. The Kinross SAPS arrested five suspects in connection with the murder of Siyabonga Mathebula (20), who was allegedly stabbed by gang members in Extension 25. Mathebula succumbed to his injuries while being treated at the hospital. The incident occurred shortly after two rival gangs were embroiled in a turf war, with Mathebula encroaching on gang territory, according to reports. According to the SAPS reports, the rival gang revolted and torched a vehicle, and damaged several residences while on the hunt for the suspects. SAPS investigations led to the arrest of the suspects in Leandra. The suspects remain in custody as the investigation continues. < Previous Article Next Article >