It was noticed in Friday that individuals helped themselves at a fire hydrant in Church Street, and several large containers were repeatedly filled with water from the hydrant. The culprit had a makeshift tool handy to open the fire hydrant. According to the available by-laws, it is illegal to use a fire hydrant to obtain water for purposes other than fire fighting, unless authorised by the water authority or person to whom the hydrant belongs. A person who uses a fire hydrant without the appropriate authorization is liable to prosecution. A fine of R2 500 awaits individuals who illegally tamper with municipal fire hydrants. The community is urged to refrain from tampering with fire hydrants, as those in question often waste precious water, and also repeatedly leave fire hydrants partially open, aggravating the wasteful behavior. Hefty fine for tampering with fire hydrants Hefty fine for tampering with fire hydrants 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 3 November 2020 A person who uses a fire hydrant without the appropriate authorization is liable to prosecution. A fine of R2 500 awaits individuals who illegally tamper with municipal fire hydrants. It was noticed in Friday that individuals helped themselves at a fire hydrant in Church Street, and several large containers were repeatedly filled with water from the hydrant. The culprit had a makeshift tool handy to open the fire hydrant. According to the available by-laws, it is illegal to use a fire hydrant to obtain water for purposes other than fire fighting, unless authorised by the water authority or person to whom the hydrant belongs. A person who uses a fire hydrant without the appropriate authorization is liable to prosecution. A fine of R2 500 awaits individuals who illegally tamper with municipal fire hydrants. The community is urged to refrain from tampering with fire hydrants, as those in question often waste precious water, and also repeatedly leave fire hydrants partially open, aggravating the wasteful behavior. < Previous Article Next Article >

ACSU control room received a call for assistance at a business at the bottom end of Naudé Street. Both reaction vehicles were notified to respond with Alpha 1, Oubaas De Jager, after we established that a robbery was in progress. ACSU gave chase to three suspects that were fleeing on foot in the direction of Wesselton. Despite firing warning shots, the suspects continued to flee, and managed to escape across marshlands at the Eskom substation into the nearby informal settlement. According to information received, the suspects canvassed the shop for quite some time, whereafter one of the suspects managed to take down the store manager with non-lethal force, and cleared the cash register. The second suspect pinned the manager to the floor in the bathroom, wielding a panga. The third suspect forced employees to the floor, assaulting one employee. Any individuals with information that can assist Ermelo SAPS with the investigation, are requested to contact Constable BP Masina at either of the following numbers: 082 373 8389 or 017-819 2321/8. ALZU robbed during late afternoon ALZU robbed during late afternoon 1/3 Share SH HATTINGH 6 October 2020 ACSU gave chase to three suspects who were fleeing on foot in the direction of Wesselton. Despite firing warning shots, the suspects continued to flee, and managed to escape across marshlands at the Eskom substation into the nearby informal settlement. ACSU control room received a call for assistance at a business at the bottom end of Naudé Street. Both reaction vehicles were notified to respond with Alpha 1, Oubaas De Jager, after we established that a robbery was in progress. ACSU gave chase to three suspects that were fleeing on foot in the direction of Wesselton. Despite firing warning shots, the suspects continued to flee, and managed to escape across marshlands at the Eskom substation into the nearby informal settlement. According to information received, the suspects canvassed the shop for quite some time, whereafter one of the suspects managed to take down the store manager with non-lethal force, and cleared the cash register. The second suspect pinned the manager to the floor in the bathroom, wielding a panga. The third suspect forced employees to the floor, assaulting one employee. Any individuals with information that can assist Ermelo SAPS with the investigation, are requested to contact Constable BP Masina at either of the following numbers: 082 373 8389 or 017-819 2321/8. < Previous Article Next Article >

Tensions run high in Mkhondo 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 20 April 2021 Several political leaders and officials have come under fire for racist remarks and inciting violence regarding the case. A strong SAPS presence kept a large crowd in check yesterday (Monday, 19 April) as the alleged Pampoenkraal Farm murder suspects appeared before the court in Mkhondo (Piet Retief). The Pampoenkraal Farm case has received widespread criticism, and has the country divided as political parties jump on the bandwagon in an electioneering effort. Several political leaders and officials have come under fire for racist remarks and inciting violence regarding the case. Various allegations have also surfaced regarding the integrity of the SAPS report, and the varying statements issued. At this time, several versions of events are purported. The case will resume today (Tuesday), and updates will be provided as the Tribune ePaper garners information. < Previous Article Next Article >

Optimum Colliery tanks due to mismanagement 1/1 Share Supplied - DA Media Office 7 September 2022 Currently the mine is under business rescue and its issues are in courts Media Statement - The DA in Mpumalanga is concerned about the devastating economic effects in Hendrina left by the ANC government and the infamous Gupta brothers through the mismanagement and closure of Optimum Coal Mine. Optimum was leveraged out of Glencore’s hands by failing ANC officials straight into the hands of the Guptas’ Tegeta. Because of poor management, the mine which has been operating since 2002, was forced to shut down in 2018 and over 1000 employees and 500 contractors lost their jobs. On an oversight visit to the mine this week, the DA experienced first-hand, the devastating effect left by the closure of the mine on the communities of KwaZamokuhle Township and Pullens Hope. Majority of the people who live in Hendrina and surrounding areas depended one way or the other on a functional Optimum Mine, that is until Jacob Zuma’s ANC and the Guptas took over and brought the mine to its knees. Driving or walking around KwaZamokuhle Township, you meet young people who have lost hope and their livelihood. Many where employed by the mine – or had small businesses that supplied different resources to employees of the mine. There’s also a mushrooming new informal settlement of people who lost their houses when the mine closed down. As for Pullens Hope where the mine is located, it has become a Ghost Town and buildings or flats that accommodated mine employees – have been abandoned and left to ruins. There are also disturbing allegations that “ANC Forums” go around Hendrina, especially in KwaZamokuhle Township, charging desperate job seekers R1000 or R1500 to arrange employment for them on the nearby mines and the Hendrina Power Station. The ANC have failed the communities of Hendrina and surrounding areas. Their mismanagement of Optimum Coal Mine had crippling effects on our economy, our electricity supply and affecting ordinary coal workers who cannot afford to put food on their tables or books in their children’s school bags. Currently the mine is under business rescue and its issues are in courts. Through our counterparts in the National Assembly, the DA will approach the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) to intervene and come up with urgent solutions so that mine can reopen and restore hope to the people of Hendrina. < Previous Article Next Article >

“Mamma, jy los ‘n groot leemte” 1/1 Share SM HATTINGH 29 June 2021 Graag wil ons dankie sê vir Dr. van der Poel, Dr. Olivier, Life Care Response en Avbob vir hul hulp en bystand. Anna-Marie du Plessis, (63) gebore op 14 Mei 1958, is Donderdag, 24 Junie 2021, skielik oorlede as gevolg van komplikasies met COVID-19. Anna-Marie het saam met haar man, Sakkie du Plessis, na Ermelo verhuis in 1987, waar sy werksaam was by Louis Botha Makelaars. Daarna het sy begin as administrasie klerk by Gert Sibande Kollege, en was tot 2017 daar werksaam. Sy het ‘n baie groot vriende kring gehad in Ermelo, wat mekaar altyd bygestaan het deur dik en dun. Haar gesin gee graag die volgende hulde blyk: “Liewe Mamma, daar is nie woorde om ‘n ma te beskryf soos jy. Mamma was altyd daar vir ons deur dik en dun. Mamma het ons bygestaan, en was altyd bereid om te help. Mamma het altyd oorvloei met liefde. Rus nou sag by Jesus se voete, mamma. Gee vir Pa en sus ‘n drukkie van ons af. Ons sê nie totsiens nie, maar tot ons mekaar weer sien. Lief vir Mamma.” Graag wil ons dankie sê vir Dr. van der Poel, Dr. Olivier, Life Care Response en Avbob vir hul hulp en bystand. Anna-Marie word oorleef deur haar twee seuns, Frikkie en Hendrik, skoondogter, Corné, kleindogter Zanlie, en haar skoonseun Corrie, en kleinseun Corrie Jnr. < Previous Article Next Article >

Since easing if the lockdown came into effect, many parts of the country has seen a sharp incline in crime rate. According to the SAPS, the increase in Mpumalanga is negligible, and under control. “At Levels 5 and 4, the regulations were very strict. Now that we’ve entered Level 3, the regulations have been relaxed a bit and there’s more movement of people from June 1, that doesn’t call for the SAPS to relax their viciousness of repelling all kinds of crime, including gender-based violence. We will leave no stone unturned in unraveling all types of crime in our communities at all costs. Our forces are ready to fight it, head-on.” This was the statement from Lt. General Mondli the cluster police in Pixley ka Isaka Seme conducted a roadblock in Volksrust. During this joint operation with the SAPS, traffic officers, and the MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Gabisile Shabalala. Some confusion was noticed with the COVID-19 regulations. “There are a lot of transgressions on travel permits, especially from province to province. We had to turn back seven vehicles at the time we spent there. One had a bottle of liquor on his person, and another was in possession of a firearm, which was licensed. “The permit issue needs to be drummed into travelers from province to province, that each time you travel, it must be for a valid reason like for work purposes or funerals, and these permits must be applied for at your local municipality or police station. You can’t just drive into another province to collect friends and family without a permit. Worse still, the passengers who include children, all don’t have permits,” he concluded. Mpumalanga crime rate under control Mpumalanga crime rate under control 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 9 June 2020 This was the statement from Lt. General Mondli the cluster police in Pixley ka Isaka Seme conducted a roadblock in Volksrust. During this joint operation with the SAPS, traffic officers, and the MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Gabisile Shabalala. Some confusion was noticed with the COVID-19 regulations. Since easing if the lockdown came into effect, many parts of the country has seen a sharp incline in crime rate. According to the SAPS, the increase in Mpumalanga is negligible, and under control. “At Levels 5 and 4, the regulations were very strict. Now that we’ve entered Level 3, the regulations have been relaxed a bit and there’s more movement of people from June 1, that doesn’t call for the SAPS to relax their viciousness of repelling all kinds of crime, including gender-based violence. We will leave no stone unturned in unraveling all types of crime in our communities at all costs. Our forces are ready to fight it, head-on.” This was the statement from Lt. General Mondli the cluster police in Pixley ka Isaka Seme conducted a roadblock in Volksrust. During this joint operation with the SAPS, traffic officers, and the MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Gabisile Shabalala. Some confusion was noticed with the COVID-19 regulations. “There are a lot of transgressions on travel permits, especially from province to province. We had to turn back seven vehicles at the time we spent there. One had a bottle of liquor on his person, and another was in possession of a firearm, which was licensed. “The permit issue needs to be drummed into travelers from province to province, that each time you travel, it must be for a valid reason like for work purposes or funerals, and these permits must be applied for at your local municipality or police station. You can’t just drive into another province to collect friends and family without a permit. Worse still, the passengers who include children, all don’t have permits,” he concluded. < Previous Article Next Article >

Mrs. Geoghegan, welcomed every scholar back, and wished them luck for the year. NPSS announces prefects 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 16 February 2021 Mrs. Geoghegan, welcomed every scholar back, and wished them luck for the year. On Monday, 15 February 2021, the Headgirl and the Headboy were announced, as well as the other prefects. The principal. Mrs. Geoghegan, welcomed every scholar back, and wished them luck for the year. The prefects are (f.l.t.r) Nongcebo Mashinini - Deputy Culture, Unathi Nkosi - Deputy Sport, Nompumelelo Mkhize - Headgirl, Zimele Vilakazi - Headboy, Linda Sibiya - Deputy Culture and Siyabonga Nyithela - Deputy Sport. < Previous Article Next Article >

Mfanafuthi Gift Hleza (32), a senior traffic officer from Msukalikwa Local Municipality, was arrested on charges of alleged corruption during a multi-disciplinary intelligence driven operation. The operation was undertaken by members of the Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation team in Mpumalanga, together with members of Road Traffic Management Cooperation (RTMC) Head Office on Wednesday, 3 March 2021. The arrest followed after several complaints were received about the law enforcement officers who were allegedly soliciting bribes from the public who commit traffic violations. The operation was conducted on 22 February 2021, where the said officer allegedly demanded bribery from the officials (undercover agent) . Further investigation also established that members of the public who committed serious traffic violations were not prosecuted, but gratifications were allegedly paid to corrupt officials. The suspect appeared before the Ermelo Magistrate Court on the same day and he was released on R1500 bail. The case has been postponed to 26 March 2021 for further investigation. Corrupt traffic officer caught red-handed Corrupt traffic officer caught red-handed 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 9 March 2021 Hleza was arrested whilst allegedly attempting to bribe an undercover Hawks agent. Mfanafuthi Gift Hleza (32), a senior traffic officer from Msukalikwa Local Municipality, was arrested on charges of alleged corruption during a multi-disciplinary intelligence driven operation. The operation was undertaken by members of the Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation team in Mpumalanga, together with members of Road Traffic Management Cooperation (RTMC) Head Office on Wednesday, 3 March 2021. The arrest followed after several complaints were received about the law enforcement officers who were allegedly soliciting bribes from the public who commit traffic violations. The operation was conducted on 22 February 2021, where the said officer allegedly demanded bribery from the officials (undercover agent) . Further investigation also established that members of the public who committed serious traffic violations were not prosecuted, but gratifications were allegedly paid to corrupt officials. The suspect appeared before the Ermelo Magistrate Court on the same day and he was released on R1500 bail. The case has been postponed to 26 March 2021 for further investigation. < Previous Article Next Article >

The Bed Shop kondig wenner aan 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 31 August 2021 Shantelle Meyer stap weg as die wenner van ‘n Dynamic Orthopaedic Premium Queen bed stel. Tydens ‘n opwindende kompetisie geloods deur The Bed Shop Ermelo en Hoërskool Ermelo, het Shantelle Meyer weg gestap as die wenner van ‘n Dynamic Orthopaedic Premium Queen bed stel. Die Errie raad het lootjies verkoop, waardeur mens kans gestaan het om die prys te wen. “Ons het die fondse ingesamel en aan EHS besorg om terug te ploeg in die gemeenskap. Dit is ‘n klein druppel wat ons vir die gemeenskap kon doen,” het Annatjie Burger, bestuurder, gesê. < Previous Article Next Article >

Wat ‘n gewone Vrydag sou wees, met die naweek wat voor die deur lê, het geëindig in ‘n botsing tussen vyf voertuie. Ongeveer 13:20 het daar ‘n skokkende botsing op die Breyten pad plaasgevind, waar daar vyf voertuie betrokke was. Een van die betrokke voertuie was ‘n ambulans wat ‘n pasiënt vervoer het. Die oorsaak van die botsing was digte rook van ‘n nabye veldbrand, wat die sig baie vermoeilik het vir motoriste. Die bestuurder van die Life Care ambulans het spoed verminder soos wat hy die rook gesien het, en nie voor hom kon sien nie. ‘n Toyota Quantum het agter in die ambulans vasgery. Agter die Quantum was ‘n Volkswagen Caddy, wat toe ook binne in die Quantum vasgery het en dadelik aan die brand geslaan het. Agter die Caddy was ‘n Nissan NP200 en agter dié ‘n Volkswagen Golf 1. Die pad was vir ‘n geruime tyd gesluit, waar die brandweer blitsvinnig op die toneel was om die brandende voertuig te kom blus. Die bestuurder van die Life Care ambulans het dadelik hulp ontbied, en het begin om die mense wat in die ander voertuie mediese behandeling te gee. Al die mediese personeel en nooddienste was spoedig op die toneel. Vier persone is hospitaal toe geneem vir mediese behandeling, asook die pasient wat reeds in die ambulans was. Vyf voertuie in botsing as gevolg van digte rook Vyf voertuie in botsing as gevolg van digte rook 1/16 Share SM HATTINGH 15 June 2021 Die oorsaak van die botsing was digte rook van ‘n nabye veldbrand, wat die sig baie vermoeilik het vir motoriste. Wat ‘n gewone Vrydag sou wees, met die naweek wat voor die deur lê, het geëindig in ‘n botsing tussen vyf voertuie. Ongeveer 13:20 het daar ‘n skokkende botsing op die Breyten pad plaasgevind, waar daar vyf voertuie betrokke was. Een van die betrokke voertuie was ‘n ambulans wat ‘n pasiënt vervoer het. Die oorsaak van die botsing was digte rook van ‘n nabye veldbrand, wat die sig baie vermoeilik het vir motoriste. Die bestuurder van die Life Care ambulans het spoed verminder soos wat hy die rook gesien het, en nie voor hom kon sien nie. ‘n Toyota Quantum het agter in die ambulans vasgery. Agter die Quantum was ‘n Volkswagen Caddy, wat toe ook binne in die Quantum vasgery het en dadelik aan die brand geslaan het. Agter die Caddy was ‘n Nissan NP200 en agter dié ‘n Volkswagen Golf 1. Die pad was vir ‘n geruime tyd gesluit, waar die brandweer blitsvinnig op die toneel was om die brandende voertuig te kom blus. Die bestuurder van die Life Care ambulans het dadelik hulp ontbied, en het begin om die mense wat in die ander voertuie mediese behandeling te gee. Al die mediese personeel en nooddienste was spoedig op die toneel. Vier persone is hospitaal toe geneem vir mediese behandeling, asook die pasient wat reeds in die ambulans was. < Previous Article Next Article >

Ermelo Phoenix Rotary golf day brings stellar play 1/8 Share GK CRONJE 19 October 2021 Should anyone wish to become involved with Ermelo Phoenix Rotary Club, or would like more information, please contact the president, Lawrence Wood, on 072 125 9761. Ermelo Phoenix Rotary Club hosted their annual golf day at Ermelo Country Club on Thursday, 14t October. A total of 15 teams braved the blazing sun during a Four Ball Alliance, with a Scramble Drive competition. Sweat, fun, camaraderie and a few cold beverages to cool off saw an alliance score of 123, giving Brakecore 2 the win for the day. Prince of Tides placed second on the day, with a score of 117, with the Moth Club narrowly missing the second podium, placing third with a total score of 116. The Ermelo Phoenix Rotary Club President, Lawrence Wood, would like to thank all the players who partook in the event, as well as all of the sponsors that made the day possible, and a grand success at that. “We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without the ongoing support and trust in us as a club.” The funds raised on the day will be utilized towards the club’s ongoing support of Damesfontien Child & Youth Centre. The club will also put the funds to work in hosting a Christmas bash for those less privileged during this festive season. Should anyone wish to become involved with Ermelo Phoenix Rotary Club, or would like more information, please contact the president, Lawrence Wood, on 072 125 9761. < Previous Article Next Article >

The crime of arson is committed in a number of different ways in the South African context. However, what is common to all incidences of the crime is that it causes danger to property, wildlife and persons. Although the act of arson is classified as a crime against property, the crime also endangers the community. 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. It does not require targeted property to be damaged by the fire, and liability can attach even though the “wrong” property caught 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. The crime is typically classified as a felony, with instances involving a greater degree of risk to human life or property carrying a stricter penalty. 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, the SAPS or your neighborhood watch, such as SACCW, immediately. Where possible, obtain photographs or video footage of the suspect in the act, as this will make conviction of the felon easier. Arson is a crime, and may land you in prison Arson is a crime, and may land you in prison 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 4 May 2021 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. The crime of arson is committed in a number of different ways in the South African context. However, what is common to all incidences of the crime is that it causes danger to property, wildlife and persons. Although the act of arson is classified as a crime against property, the crime also endangers the community. 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. It does not require targeted property to be damaged by the fire, and liability can attach even though the “wrong” property caught 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. The crime is typically classified as a felony, with instances involving a greater degree of risk to human life or property carrying a stricter penalty. 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, the SAPS or your neighborhood watch, such as SACCW, immediately. Where possible, obtain photographs or video footage of the suspect in the act, as this will make conviction of the felon easier. < Previous Article Next Article >