Educators arrested for alleged corporal punishment Educators arrested for alleged corporal punishment 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 8 September 2020 Masizakhe Secondary School students protested against corporal punishment recently, in light of numerous learners that have allegedly received corporal punishment. It is alleged that the students were reprimanded for refusing to attend extra classes spanning over the course of weekends. The educators have been charged with misconduct, and will have to explain their actions before a departmental disciplinary hearing. The Mpumalanga Department of Education has placed the principal and educator of Masizakhe Secondary School in Breyten on precautionary suspension, following allegations that they administered corporal punishment to learners. They are amongst the three who were arrested after the allegations were brought to the attention of the SAPS, and subsequently the department. The third educator is appointed by the School Governing Body (SGB), as such the department will convene a meeting with the to advise them about the course of action to be undertaken. Masizakhe Secondary School students protested against corporal punishment recently, in light of numerous learners that have allegedly received corporal punishment. It is alleged that the students were reprimanded for refusing to attend extra classes spanning over the course of weekends. The educators have been charged with misconduct, and will have to explain their actions before a departmental disciplinary hearing. They have also been placed under arrest on charges of assault with the intention to cause grievous bodily harm, and have appeared before the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court. The department continues to render counseling to the affected learners. < 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 >

ACSU trek roof-sindikaat bende vas ACSU trek roof-sindikaat bende vas 1/3 Share SM HATTINGH 11 May 2021 Na afloop van die skietvoorval, het ACSU lede later agtergekom het dat twee van die insittendes noodlottig gewond was, een ongedeerd was, en die ander persoon beserings opgedoen het. Op Maandag, 3 Mei, ongeveer 18:00, het Oubaas de Jager, eienaar van ACSU in Ermelo, op ‘n WhatsApp groep ‘n boodskap ontvang dat die mense in Ermelo moet op die uitkyk wees vir ‘n wit Volkswagen Jetta, sowel as ‘n Polo. Die voertuie was betrokke by die Markham rooftog in Volksrust, waar hulle met verskeie selfone, asook kontant gevlug het. Die voertuie was op daardie stadium amper in Ermelo. Oubaas het al die nodige mense in kennis gestel om op die uitkyk te wees vir die voertuig. Die voertuie is gewaar ongeveer 10 kilometer buite Ermelo op die Amersfoort pad, waar hul teen ‘n hoë spoed gery het. Die voertuie was ongeveer 5 kilometer voor Ermelo opgemerk en is tot stilstand gebring, waar die insittendes van die Polo uit die voetuig gespring het en op ACSU se reaksie lede begin skiet het. Binne-in die Polo was vier insittendes. Tydens die voorval waar die insittendes begin skiet het, het lede van ACSU ook begin skiet uit selfverdediging. Na afloop van die skietvoorval, het ACSU lede later agtergekom het dat twee van die insittendes noodlottig gewond was, een ongedeerd was, en die ander persoon beserings opgedoen het. Die plaaslike SAPD, asook die SAPD van Voksrust, was blitsvinnig op die toneel. Al die nodige dienste was ontbied na die toneel. < Previous Article Next Article >

Fugitive drug dealer re-arrested at OR Tambo Fugitive drug dealer re-arrested at OR Tambo 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 26 January 2021 His arrest followed information received from INTERPOL about the suspect, who was circulated as wanted in August 2017 for dealing in drugs, said to be arriving at the airport in Johannesburg from Nigeria. Nigerian national, Okonkwo Kingsley Nwabuike (46), a was re-arrested at OR Tambo International Airport by members of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit on Thursday, 21 January 2021. His arrest followed information received from INTERPOL about the suspect, who was circulated as wanted in August 2017 for dealing in drugs, said to be arriving at the airport in Johannesburg from Nigeria. The Hawks pounced on him shortly after his arrival. He was initially arrested along with Cypriah Joshua Emeka (31) on the 31 August 2017, at Blouberg Street in Secunda during a search and seizure operation. They were found in possession of crystal meth, kat and uncut rock drugs valued at R300 000. They were both released on bail. Emeka continued with his court appearances, while Nwabuike failed to appear in court and skipped bail. He fled to his country, and a warrant of arrest was issued against him. Nwabuike appeared before the Secunda Magistrate's Court on Friday, 22 January 2021, and the case was postponed to the 26 January 2021 for a formal bail application. The provincial head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Zodwa Mokoena, applauded the team for the swift response, and a collaborative working relationship between the local police and INTERPOL, which led to this arrest. < Previous Article Next Article >

The noose tightens for Bongo and friends The noose tightens for Bongo and friends 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 31 August 2021 The case will see 12 people charged, collectively with 69 counts of corruption, fraud, theft, money laundering and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act in a charge sheet running to more than 70 pages. Former state security minister, Bongani Bongo, who, along with several co-accused, have been embroiled in a land fraud saga, where millions of Rands were siphoned through front accounts after making various dodgy land deals, including the infamous Rietspruit Farm near Ermelo. Bongo’s corruption case was postponed to January 2022. Bongo’s ex-wife, Sandile Nkosi, is accused of having received R1 million as part of the attempt to recommend the law firm, Singwane & Partners, as dodgy service providers to the department for the sales of the farms in question. Amidst the slew of charges against him, Bongo, who has since been chairperson of the Department of Home Affairs, has shown defiance in the face of the charges, stating that he has no intention of stepping down because he is confident that the Mpumalanga courts will acquit him. His demeanor has now led to his fall, as Bongo has been axed as head of the committee after the ANC caucus made changes in Parliament. ANC chief whip Pemmy Majodina said the changes were necessitated by the Cabinet reshuffle after some of the committee chairpersons were appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa as ministers and deputy ministers. Bongo has been replaced by fellow ANC MP Mosa Chabane. In his upcoming court case, Bongo is accused, amongst others, of having been “gifted” a BMW X5 in order to exert pressure on department officials to effect payments to Singwane & Partners. The case will see 12 people charged, collectively with 69 counts of corruption, fraud, theft, money laundering and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act in a charge sheet running to more than 70 pages. Additionally, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has announced that it would appeal the decision to acquit Bongo on charges of attempting to bribe a former parliamentary official, Ntuthuzelo Vanara. Western Cape Judge President, John Hlophe, granted Bongo his section 174 application and found him not guilty on a charge of corruption on the basis of insufficient evidence. At the time, Vanara was evidence leader in the parliamentary investigation into the capture of SOEs, now known as the Zondo commission. < Previous Article Next Article >

DCSSL lays down the law DCSSL lays down the law 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 23 March 2021 The operation saw SAPS and traffic officers coming together to patrol the area, and visiting 14 liquor outlets and taverns in the area to ensure compliance, while enhancing law enforcement visibility which is also critical to crime prevention. A joint operation, led by Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Vusi Shongwe over the weekend, saw several people being arrested for offences, ranging from driving under the influence, illegal possession of firearms and public drinking. Many clubs, pubs, taverns and shebeens were investigated for disregarding the National Disaster Regulations, wearing of face masks and sanitization. The operation saw SAPS and traffic officers coming together to patrol the area, and visiting 14 liquor outlets and taverns in the area to ensure compliance, while enhancing law enforcement visibility which is also critical to crime prevention. These operations are aimed at promoting law enforcement visibility, and also enhancing working together of various stakeholders within Justice Crime Prevention and Security departments (JCPS) in order to reduce crime and road crashes. During the operation in Ermelo, three suspects were arrested in connection with an incident where six people were shot at a local tavern on Thursday. Two people of the six succumbed to their injuries on scene. Three people sustained serious injuries, while the fourth person was critically wounded and is still in the hospital. The suspects were charged with two counts murder, and four counts of attempted murder. One of the suspects was further charged with unlawful possession of a firearm. Speaking after the operation, MEC Shongwe says the programme will go a long way towards ensuring that law enforcement officers are respected by all communities. He expressed unhappiness about growing disrespect to the police and traffic officers by many people. “Police must not service crime, because our communities deserve to live in peace. The police must be respected by all because they are prime protectors of communities.” Shongwe said. He has also called on law enforcers to do their work without fear or favor, to bring wanted suspects to book. He warned the police not to be friendly with criminals because if they are associated with shady characters, they will not be respected in their communities. According to Shongwe, one of the contributing factors to crime in Ermelo is the existence of gangs that are seemingly fueled by some individuals in the business community with nefarious intentions of destabilizing their competitors. The MEC pledged to fully support efforts by the SAPS and traffic officers to eradicate crime, and make the roads safer. He has called for the return of the Tactical Response Team (TRT), saying that the unit is key towards securing communities and dealing with crime especially in areas identified as hotspots. He also announced that the department's Traffic Intervention Unit (TIU) will be relaunched. He outlined that TIU will work closely with TRT on specific and targeted areas in order to deal with crime and road safety. He mentioned that TIU members will be retrained, so as to strengthen traffic law enforcement and road safety in the province. He further undertook to ensure that there was adequate budget for traffic law enforcement including payments of overtime payments and working tools such as vehicles. On the other hand, the MEC blasted some liquor traders who had no regard for the lockdown regulations. At most of the establishments visited, there was no social distancing among patrons, and many people were also not wearing masks. - Issued by Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison < Previous Article Next Article >

Kingpin slapped with 20-year sentence Kingpin slapped with 20-year sentence 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 2 February 2021 Enzani Wiseman Shongwe (31) sentenced to 20 years direct imprisonment for manufacturing and dealing in drugs. The Secunda Regional Court, on Thursday 28 January 2021, sentenced Enzani Wiseman Shongwe (31) to 20 years direct imprisonment for manufacturing and dealing in drugs. During August 2016, nine drug syndicate members were arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit in Secunda during the termination of a project driven investigation. The “Project 24” Operation was targeting the manufacturing and dealing in drugs around Secunda. The eight other suspects admitted guilt on the open trial and were sentenced in 2018 to a total of 144 years combined imprisonment. However, Shongwe opted to go for trial and appeared several times in the same court whilst he remained in custody since his arrest in 2016. Shongwe was found guilty on all charges and sentenced to 15 years direct imprisonment on each of the three counts of dealing in drugs. The first two of the three sentences are said to run concurrently and the judge ordered that the accused serve an effective minimum of 20 years direct imprisonment. The Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Major General Zodwa Mokoena welcomed the sentence and applauded the team for the great work . “We hope that this will serve as deterrent to those who are still committing such type of crimes” said Major General Mokoena. < Previous Article Next Article >

Ermelo CPF members keep the streets safe Ermelo CPF members keep the streets safe 1/3 Share SM HATTINGH 23 August 2022 A special thank to Jaco Kirk from Spartan Training, and Damian from AfriForum Buurtwag. On Saturday, 20 August 2022, Ermelo CPF members, 303 Security, Kunene Security, ACSU, AfriForum Buurtwag and Sinqobile Equestrian Security Services partook in a community security patrol, following the learner that passed away at Cebisa School. The funeral was held on Saturday, where all the members assisted the family to ensure that the funeral could proceed without incident. After the funeral, all the different security units took part in patrol through town, as well as informal settlements, to make sure that Ermelo is safe. During the night, there was another patrol, where different taverns, shebeens and party places in town where searched for any drugs, underage drinking, and to ensure that all the establishments close at the times that are stipulated on their liqour license. At some establishments, there were weapons found, and suspects were arrested on possession of dangerous weapons charges. Emelo SAPS and CPF members would like to thank all roleplayers that were involved in this patrol, to make sure that Ermelo is clean and safe. A special thank to Jaco Kirk from Spartan Training, and Damian from AfriForum Buurtwag, for a well served lunch and dinner during the patrol. You can view more photos and videos on Ermelo CPF Facebook page. < Previous Article Next Article >

SAPD slaan toe op R135K dagga SAPD slaan toe op R135K dagga 1/1 Share SM HATTINGH 7 September 2021 Die dagga wat gevind is, is 90kg, met ‘n straatwaarde van R135 000.00. Speurders van SAPD Ermelo het op Donderdag, 2 September, twee persone gearresteer vir handel in dagga. Die lede was besig om na 'n verdagte voertuig te soek. 'n Soortgelyke voertuig is by 'n motorwas fasiliteit opgemerk. Die lede het die voertuig deursoek, en dagga binne die voertuig gevind. Die dagga wat gevind is, is 90kg, met ‘n straatwaarde van R135 000.00. < Previous Article Next Article >

Drie lewens kortgeknip tydens botsing Drie lewens kortgeknip tydens botsing 1/5 Share SH HATTINGH 6 Oktober 2020 Op Saterdag, 3 Oktober, het ‘n botsing plaasgevind tussen ‘n Volkswagen en ‘n Ford bakkie. Die oorsaak van die botsing is nog nie bekend nie, en word steed ondersoek. Tydens die botsing is drie mense oorlede op die toneel. Die afgelope week, asook die naweek, was al die nooddienste weer op hulle tone gehou met al die botsings op verskillende paaie. Op Donderdag, 1 Oktober, het ‘n botsing plaasgevind tydens die groot hael storm wat Ermelo getref het. Die botsing het in Brink Straat plaasgevind, en niemand is beseer nie. Op Vrydag, 2 Oktober, het ‘n botsing plaasgevind in Kerk Straat tussen ‘n Toyota en ‘n Isuzu bakkie. Twee beseerdes was hospitaal toe geneem vir mediese ondersoek. Op Saterdag, 3 Oktober, het ‘n botsing plaasgevind tussen ‘n Volkswagen en ‘n Ford bakkie. Die oorsaak van die botsing is nog nie bekend nie, en word steed ondersoek. Tydens die botsing is drie mense oorlede op die toneel. Die nooddienste doen ‘n beroep op elke persoon om die padreëls te gehoorsaam, en by die spoedgrense te hou. < Previous Article Next Article >

SAPS warns trigger-happy funeral attendees SAPS warns trigger-happy funeral attendees Sfiso Mkhabela, Sipho Khoza, Sendra Ngwenya, Sizwe Johannes Mkhabela and Eulanda Mlimi were arrested at scene. Sfiso Mkhabela, Sipho Khoza, Sendra Ngwenya, Sizwe Johannes Mkhabela and Eulanda Mlimi were arrested at scene. 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 23 September 2020 The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Mondli Zuma, is perturbed by incidences where gun taunting individuals often fire shots randomly at funerals. Another incident recently took place over the weekend. The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Mondli Zuma, is perturbed by incidences where gun taunting individuals often fire shots randomly at funerals. Another incident recently took place over the weekend. These individuals become trigger happy and discharge firearms totally disregarding the law and lives of other funeral attendees or children. General Zuma therefore condemns such incidences in the strongest terms and indicated that such dangerous actions must not be supported. “Bereaved families must assist police and not allow criminals to discharge firearms during funerals of their loved ones, irrespective of how the deceased behaved while still alive. The condemnation by General Zuma comes after four men and a woman were arrested on Saturday, 19 September 2020, by the Tactical Response Team members. The suspects are alleged to have attended a funeral at Masoyi Trust. Their arrest came after police received damning reports about certain individuals who were busy firing shots at a funeral claiming they were bidding farewell to their friend. In that regard, police followed this information and cornered the suspects at Hazyview, whereupon searching them, police found two unlicensed firearms loaded with ammunition. Yesterday, 21 September 2020, the villains made their first appearance at the White River Magistrate’s Court, where they were all remanded in custody until Friday, 25 September 2020. Sfiso Mkhabela 31 years old, Sipho Khoza 36, Sendra Ngwenya 33, Sizwe Johannes Mkhabela 26 and Eulanda Mlimi 28, were all not asked to plea hence they were sent packing back to custody. Last month, a similar incident occurred at Marite Trust near Hazyview where a group of lawlessness individuals also fired shots after a funeral in a so called after tears event. In that occasion, the Tactical Response Team members responded but were shot at by the very same suspects who were negligently using firearms. They (police) had to defend themselves at which two suspects were fatally shot, meanwhile a third one was injured. Two firearms with serial numbers filed off were confiscated and 11 suspects arrested, charged with violation of Lockdown Regulations. Six of the 11 were further charged with nine counts of attempted murder, two counts of murder, three of malicious damage to property and two counts of possession of prohibited firearms. These six suspects were all granted bail ranging between R7000 and R3000, however two abandoned their bail. Their case is expected back at the Mkhuhlu Magistrate’s Court on 21 October 2020, whereas they will also appear for the Lockdown Regulations’ case on 19 October 2020, which the other five will join them in the dock. “This is surely enough evidence showing how some individuals can disregard the law to that extent. I urge the community not to celebrate such actions nor tap these unscrupulous individuals on their shoulders and unduly crowning them champions or wise. Report these people to the police because they are a danger to the society,” concluded General Zuma. < Previous Article Next Article >

Ermelo businessman imprisoned for fraud Ermelo businessman imprisoned for fraud 1/2 Share SM HATTINGH 24 August 2021 Mphethi submitted duplicate claims to the DOE, where he changed the invoice numbers and the dates when submitting the claims. The department suffered a loss of R830 000 on the first entity, and R1997 964 on the second one. Senyane Alton Seropane Mphethi (55), a former president of a political party an a prominent and influential businessman in Mpumalanga, allegedly lost his presidency status after he was arrested and sentenced to eight years imprisonment for defeating the course of justice on a murder case where he was sentenced for being an accomplice. The accused had a contract with the Mpumalanga Department of Education (DOE), to transport school children in Gert Sibande District Municipality. Mphethi submitted duplicate claims to the DOE, where he changed the invoice numbers and the dates when submitting the claims. The department suffered a loss of R830 000 on the first entity, and R1997 964 on the second one. The matter was reported to the Hawks, and Mphethi was arrested by the Mpumalanga Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team in 2015. He was convicted on 31 July 2021 on 34 counts of fraud by the Ermelo Regional Court. On 20 August 2021, Mphethi was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years on condition that he repays R3 million, with the first installment of R50 000 on or before 30 August 2021. His two companies, Ngwato and Barudi, were fined R100 000 each. Asset Forfeiture Unit was involved on the sentence proceedings < Previous Article Next Article >