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Be part of the change for the Pet Dam 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 23 November 2021 “If we stand together as a community, we can surely restore the Pet Dam to its former glory." If you’ve ever driven past the Pet Dam and thought to yourself how the dam could have regressed to such a sad state, now is your time to shine and actively make a difference. Ford Ermelo, also known as 24 Motors, have taken it upon themselves to launch an initiative to rehabilitate the dam, to get it clean, and to keep it clean. However, the full cooperation of the community and all walks of life is needed to make the rehabilitation project a reality. Speaking to Hein van Niekerk, dealer principal at 24 Motors, the rehabilitation project will be launched as soon as necessary steps have been taken, and all roleplayers are on board, including Msukaligwa Local Municipality. “Working hand in hand with BlueGreen Water Technologies and other key players, our main aim will be to rehabilitate the Pet Dam, ensuring a better future for fauna and flora in and around the dam. Furthermore, the unpleasant smell that constantly lingers in the area of the Pet Dam will also be something of the past, he stated. “If we stand together as a community, we can surely restore the Pet Dam to its former glory. Gone will be the days of pollution and unsightly refuse bobbing in the water. We are in the process of getting all stakeholders involved, and would like to work hand in hand with Msukaligwa Local Municipality. Their input and assistance will be invaluable to the project, as they have the machinery and the means to unblock stoppages from the sewerage network and storm drains. Unblocking the sewerage network is of paramount importance, as regular and efficient flow to waste away from the Pet Dam will be the main variable in keeping the pollution at bay. We humbly invite all stakeholders who would be interested, as well as community members and businesses who wish to make a difference, to get involved in the project. Only by working together in unity will we be able to move forward.” BlueGreen Water Technologies sport groundbreaking, approved algaecides, approved for use in bodies of water without damaging the environment or degrading the water quality. In fact, Jurgens van Loggerenberg, director of the Africa division of the company, has told the Tribune ePaper that all hope is not lost for the Pet Dam. Quite the opposite, as from the commencement of treatment, the Pet Dam will be sparkling and boasting significantly improved water quality in approximately four months. “We can make quick work of the polluted Pet Dam with our cutting-edge technology. However, cooperation and assistance from the community, municipality and all stakeholders will be of utmost importance. Ermelo holds a special place in my heart, and it pains me to see the Pet Dam degraded from a previous state of magnificence. We call on all who wish to get involved in the project to roll up their sleeves and actively take part in the betterment of the Pet Dam. We can easily accomplish the rehabilitation if we work in unison,” he said. BlueGreen has an outstanding track record when it comes to rehabilitation of water bodies. Most recently, BlueGreen’s cutting-edge technology was used to eradicate toxic blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, in water bodies without leaving a trace in the water. In March this year, BlueGreen introduced its innovative Lake Guard solution to Setumo Dam, in collaboration with Sedibeng Water, with breathtaking results. Similar grand success has also been noted at Roodeplaat Dam, which is unrecognizable following the rehabilitation. If that’s not enough, the success at Setumo Dam follows directly on the heels of BlueGreen winning the ‘Breakthrough Technology Company of the Year’ award at the 2021 Global Water Awards. If you would like to know more about the project, and how to get involved in this landmark program, you may contact Janice de Jager on 072 401 1449. < Previous Article Next Article >

The link to the petition can be obtained on by contacting the MBCF. Sign the service delivery petition 1/13 Share GK CRONJE 20 September 2022 The link to the petition can be obtained on by contacting the MBCF. On 10 August 2022, the Msukaligwa Business & Community Forum (MBCF), spearheaded by the chairperson, Janice Conradie, hosted a meeting with the residents and businesses of Ermelo. The aim of the meeting was to discuss and plan a way forward amidst the lack of service delivery provided by Msukaligwa Local Municipality. One of the larger issues that the community and business sector faces is the non-functional billing system of the municipality. This, coupled with the wholly illegal practice of the municipality’s departments billing consumers according to shockingly inaccurate estimations, have put more and more pressure on the community to finally take a stand against Msukaligwa Local Municipality. Despite the MBCF’s roundabout of meetings with various roleplayers and government officials, including Gert Sibande District Municipality, no amicable solution could be found. Conradie has now launched a petition in order to exert pressure on the municipality to provide services to the community. The petition will then be used by the Democratic Alliance Shadow Minister for Small Business Development, Henro Kruger, in his presentation before parliament. The petition closes 24 October 2022, and all community members are urged to sign the petition. The link to the petition can be obtained by clicking here - https://forms.gle/dFn7vSStBTb6K33i8, or by contacting the MBCF on the number below. A public meeting at the Ermelo Inn will be held on 26 September 2022 at 18:00, where additional information will be provided. The MBCF urges all interested parties, irrespective of individual or business, to join the MBCF. This will strengthen the hand in dealing with these service delivery issues, and various other issues. For more information, or for the petition link, contact Janice Conradie on 072 401 1449. < Previous Article Next Article >

Sy het ‘n aansteeklike passie vir die Erries, en haar omgee hart is die groot dryfveer agter alles wat sy aanpak. Hoërskool Ermelo stel nuwe adjunkhoof aan 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 2 March 2021 Sy het ‘n aansteeklike passie vir die Erries, en haar omgee hart is die groot dryfveer agter alles wat sy aanpak. Me Erna Schoeman is al vir langer as 25 jaar deel van Hoërskool Ermelo. Vandat sy in 1994 permanent as onderwyser aangestel is by EHS, het sy saam met die Erries gegroei, en op vele gebiede bygedra tot die vooruitgang van Hoërskool Ermelo. In 2016 word me Schoeman aangestel as departementshoof vir Engels. Haar liefde vir die vak, vir netbal en vir die leerders is duidelik te sien in haar toewyding wat sy ten toon stel. Me Schoeman is vanjaar aangestel as Akademiese-adjunkhoof van Hoërskool Ermelo. Sy het ‘n aansteeklike passie vir die Erries, en haar omgee hart is die groot dryfveer agter alles wat sy aanpak. < Previous Article Next Article >

Leerders van Grade 7 en 12 is met ope arms terug verwelkom. Welkom terug aan die Graad 7's en Graad 12’s Ligbron JJ Learskool Skool Ligbron 1/3 Share SH HATTINGH 9 Junie 2020 Leerders van Grade 7 en 12 is met ope arms terug verwelkom. Al die plaaslike skole het op Maandag, 8 Junie, hul Graad 7 en Graad 12 leerders terug verwelkom. Al die skole het die nodige maatreëls toegepas om te verseker dat die skool, asook die klaskamers, veilig en skoon is vir die leerders. Die Tribune wil graag al die leerders verwelkom, en sterkte toewens met die rowwe tyd wat voorlê. < Previous Article Next Article >

Prism Training Centre - Waar liefde en geduld 'n verskil maak 1/2 Share SM HATTINGH 13 September 2022 Vrugte en groente en ander nie bederfbare kos is ook welkom. Prism Training centre is ‘n nie-winsgewende skool in Ermelo wat kinders met spesiale behoeftes akkomodeer. Die skool beskik oor buitemuurse aktiwiteite soos perdeterapie, swemklasse, musiekterapie en ook rekenaarvaardigheidsklasse. Daar is tans 8 leerders van verskeie ouderdomme in die skool. Van die leerders in die skool verg meer aandag as van die ander leerders en elke een se spesiale behoeftes word in voorsien. Die skool is in 2020 gestig deur Mev. Gerda Smuts, ñ oud-onderwyseres en kunstenaar. Haar liefde vir kinders kan gesien word in haar passie en geduld waarmee sy die kinders by haar sentrum hanteer. Tydens ‘n onderhoud met die Tribune het Mev. Smuts gesê “ Die is my kinders, ek is so lief vir hulle. My eie kinders sê al dat ek liewer is vir my skool se kinders, maar elke liewe kind in die skool het ‘n baie spesiale plekkie in my hart”. Die skool beskik oor ‘n speelgrond vir die kinders met verskeie klimrame, bande en ‘n sandput. In die klas word die leerders volgens hulle spesiale behoeftes gestimuleer op baie kreatiewe maniere. Hulle bou legkaarte, lees, tel en doen ook skoolwerk. Die skool doen graag ‘n beroep op die gemeenskap vir skenkings van boeke, legkaarte, skryfbehoeftes of enige ander donasies. Vrugte en groente en ander nie bederfbare kos is ook welkom. Die skool is geleë by Simon Bekker Straat 6 en Mev. Gerda Smuts kan gekontak word op 084 427 9730. Vir enige kontant donasies kan die volgende bankbesonderhede gebruik word, FNB Bank, Gold Business Account, Rekening Nommer: 63012398061, Takkode: 210835. < Previous Article Next Article >

In 2014, the DA yet again wrote to the MEC, and focused on the Klipbou manhole near Wesselton. To date, the manhole is still overflowing. Looming SAHRC complaint ruffles no feathers 1/5 Share GK CRONJE 26 October 2021 In 2014, the DA yet again wrote to the MEC, and focused on the Klipbou manhole near Wesselton. To date, the manhole is still overflowing. During the course of last week, a local businessman alerted the Tribune ePaper to an extensive sewage overflow that is polluting the Pet Dam. The pollution is to such an extent that the overflow’s stench, which is close to the old Seapike building on the swimming pool’s side, can be smelt on the opposite side of the Pet Dam. This is but one of many instance of raw sewage that flow into the Pet Dam on a daily basis, with no response from Msukaligwa Local Municipality, Gert Sibande District Municipality, or any other role players, both on local and provincial levels. The impact on the wildlife and wetland animals, especially notable the Egrets that grace Ermelo, is a cause of great concern, as the spillage eventually flows down to the Pet Dam, leaving a trail of pollution and wildlife death in its wake. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has alerted the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) MEC on several occasions, and has been shining the spotlight on the issue as far back as 2008. In 2014, the DA yet again wrote to the MEC, and focused on the Klipbou manhole near Wesselton. At the time, the SABC was present and recorded various of the overflow sites. Seven years later, in 2021, the Klipbou manhole, along with a myriad of other sites, still spew a constant flow of raw sewage. The Pet Dam, which is being expensively polluted by mismanagement from MLM, has an overflow which ties in with the Klein Drinkwater stream, ultimately ending up in the Vaal River. Msukaligwa Local Municipality is also subject to a complaint to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) relating to the hundreds of sewage overflow site in Ermelo, Wesselton, Sun City and the surrounding areas. Scope of the complaint includes the fact that MLM and its officials fails to adhere to the constitutional precepts as contained in the bill of rights, which deals with promoting health and safety of both the environment and residents under its governance, the fact that MLM fails to adhere to the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), and also fails to adhere to section 151 (1) (i) of the National Water Act. Lastly, MLM fails to comply with the Municipal Systems Act, which recognizes the role of the municipal council in promoting a safe and healthy environment to the community. An enquiry regarding the overflow into the Pet Dam has been sent to Mandla Zwane, municipal spokesman. At the time of publication, the enquiry was simply ignored, and the overflow into the dam is still ongoing. You may view more photos and videos on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

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. 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 >

Blessing spreads his wings 1/1 Share CONTENT SUPPLIED 11 August 2020 Blessing Bongani Sibande, or better known as Mr. NPSS, who was the first person to meet at the entrance, the promoter and marketer of NPSS on social media, and in some instances also a bodyguard, spread his wings. Blesssing will be missed at NPSS, his smile, friendliness and unfaltering willingness to help. Blessing Bongani Sibande, or better known as Mr. NPSS, who was the first person to meet at the entrance, the promoter and marketer of NPSS on social media, and in some instances also a bodyguard, spread his wings. Blesssing will be missed at NPSS, his smile, friendliness and unfaltering willingness to help. On Friday, 7 August, Blessing greeted the school with this speech: “Good morning ladies and gentlemen. I wish to greet the Principal, Ms. L Geoghegan, of which I speak through her. Special greetings also to the SGB, educators, learners, all NPSS staff, parents and guardians. It is with sadness I have to leave the school, as I am grabbing a life changing opportunity. It has not been an easy decision to make, but through love, support and the best advice, I had to make a decision. Since I started in October 2016, I have had the opportunity to grow professionally, and learnt a lot for personal development. I thank the entire NPSS family for such love and warm hands. I believe we had great encounters with each other, and we have managed to drive the vehicle forward. Thank you to the office of the Principal for such great leadership and endless opportunities. As it is Women's Month, we continue to make a clarion call that we want more women in leadership or top positions. I thank you all, and wish the school the best there is.” The Principal of the school, Ms. L Geoghegan, and the staff of NPSS left the following letter for Blessing: “It is with mixed feelings that I have to inform you of a legend jumping the NPSS ship. Mr. Blessing Sibande is leaving us on Friday, for greener pastures. In so many ways over the past 4 years, Blessing has been the face of our school, the first person to meet at the entrance, the promoter and marketer of NPSS on social media and in some instances also a bodyguard. It has been wonderful working with such an energetic and optimistic “influencer”, and observing how he has grown and developed. Your professionalism and effective work ethnics will be missed, Mr Sibande. But we also know that you are meant for greater and bigger things in life. We wish you only the very best with all your future endeavors, and know that you will excel in your new work environment. Hamba kahle.” Blessing will be moving to Gert Sibande's TVET college in Evander. He will work at the Centre for Entrepreneurship as a rapid incubator. “It has been a great experience working at NPSS, and I am excited to work with the youth, assisting them to make good choices when it comes to the great responsibility of their future,” Blessing concluded. < Previous Article Next Article >

In the Science department, 28 of the 68 learners scored above 70% which include 9 A's. Wiskunde en Wetenskap vang gees 1/3 Share SH HATTINGH 9 March 2021 In the Science department, 28 of the 68 learners scored above 70% which include 9 A's. Die Wiskunde en Wetenskap departemente spog met nuwe hempies en uitstaande uitslae in die Gr 12 2020 eksamen. Wiskunde vier die 17de jaar van 100% slaagsyfer met 21 onderskeidings en 20 B-simbole. Die Top 5 leerders spog boonop almal met n gemiddeld bo 90%. Die Wetenskap uitslae staan ook nie terug nie en 28 van die 68 leerders slaag met n persentasie bo 70% waarvan 9 onderskeidings is. Die top 5 leerders in die vak het ook almal bo 90%! Math and Science - hard work with a smile! The Math and Science departments proudly display their new shirts as well as their excellent results during the 2020 exam. The Math department completed the 17th year with a 100% pass rate, 21 A's and 20 B's in the bag. The top 5 learners in the subject all scored above 90%. In the Science department, 28 of the 68 learners scored above 70% which include 9 A's! The top 5 learners in the subject all scored above 90%! < Previous Article Next Article >

Op Vrydag, 11 Februarie 2022, het die SACCW en buurtwag flink reageer na ‘n roep om hulp, nadat ‘n bejaarde man (76) in Smuts Straat voor ‘n woonkompleks se hek gevind is. Na aanleiding van beskikbare informasie, was die bejaarde in sy huis aangerand en beroof. Volgens die SAPD, het die verdagte gevra vir ys en water, en het die slagoffer aangerand nadat hy toegang tot die huis verkry het. Die verdagte was opsoek na ‘n vuurwapen, maar kon nie daarin slaag om een te kry nie. Na afloop van die aanranding het die verdagte homself uit die voete gemaak. Die slagoffer kon daarin slaag om hulp te soek by die bure. ER 24, buurtwag en die SAPD was spoedig op die toneel, waar SAPD beamptes met die slagoffer gesels het. Tydens dieselfde voorval het buurtwag ook informasie ontvang van nog ‘n roof wat in Smuts Straat plaasgevind het. Ten einde van verdere ondersoek deur die SAPD en buurtwag lede het die informasie uitgedraai as verkeerdelik oorgedra, en geen tweede voorval het plaasgevind nie. Sien meer foto’s, asook ‘n video, op ons Facebook blad, Tribune Ermelo Bejaarde man aangerand in Smuts Straat Bejaarde man aangerand in Smuts Straat 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 15 February 2022 Volgens die SAPD, het die verdagte gevra vir ys en water, en het die slagoffer aangerand nadat hy toegang tot die huis verkry het. Op Vrydag, 11 Februarie 2022, het die SACCW en buurtwag flink reageer na ‘n roep om hulp, nadat ‘n bejaarde man (76) in Smuts Straat voor ‘n woonkompleks se hek gevind is. Na aanleiding van beskikbare informasie, was die bejaarde in sy huis aangerand en beroof. Volgens die SAPD, het die verdagte gevra vir ys en water, en het die slagoffer aangerand nadat hy toegang tot die huis verkry het. Die verdagte was opsoek na ‘n vuurwapen, maar kon nie daarin slaag om een te kry nie. Na afloop van die aanranding het die verdagte homself uit die voete gemaak. Die slagoffer kon daarin slaag om hulp te soek by die bure. ER 24, buurtwag en die SAPD was spoedig op die toneel, waar SAPD beamptes met die slagoffer gesels het. Tydens dieselfde voorval het buurtwag ook informasie ontvang van nog ‘n roof wat in Smuts Straat plaasgevind het. Ten einde van verdere ondersoek deur die SAPD en buurtwag lede het die informasie uitgedraai as verkeerdelik oorgedra, en geen tweede voorval het plaasgevind nie. Sien meer foto’s, asook ‘n video, op ons Facebook blad, Tribune Ermelo < Previous Article Next Article >

Raw sewage flowing into living areas is also a major health hazard, The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) stated. Raw sewage spillage in DBP unresolved since 2016 1/6 Share GK CRONJE 13 September 2022 Raw sewage flowing into living areas is also a major health hazard, The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) stated. What was initially touted to be modern, safe and secure living, has turned to a sewage-soaked headache, with both new home owners, and residents in Autumn Ridge, Camden-and President Fouchè Avenues, Mauritz Read, Harold Edges and Mel Mentz Streets, all being at the end of their patience. The once-flagship security village project, Autumn Ridge, is rife with residents hot under the collar due to the constant stench of raw sewage. “They just keep building and building, but they don’t finish what they start. If a drain is blocked, we have to wait days, sometimes weeks, and even months for the municipality to assist us, if they ever do. In many cases, we have to make a plan ourselves, because the municipality never arrives. We have to think of our health and the health of our children,” one complex resident lamented. It is evident that the aged and dilapidated sewerage network in this area quite simply can not handle the influx of sewage and wastewater produced by the ever-growing number of houses. What one can only assume to be poor town planning from the municipality has now created a ever-expanding issue of environmental pollution. Alas, the municipality simply ignores these specific overflows, which ave been ongoing since 2015, and reported by numerous residents in this area in August 2016. At the time, the Tribune visited the site, which already showed evidence of overload, and since then, the residences have multiplied exponentially, without infrastructure provision being made by the municipality. Upon visiting the site in 2022, the environmental impact and pollution from these sewage overflows are simply flabbergasting. There are at least four overflow sites that could be noted in the vicinity of Camden Avenue, with more being visible in the distance. The sheer amount of raw sewage is shocking to behold, a stench to choke on. The Vaal River, a source of water for approximately 19 million South Africans, has been slated as polluted “beyond acceptable levels”, impacting on natural ecosystems and endangering the people's health. Raw sewage flowing into living areas is also a major health hazard, The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) stated. However, the issue of MLM’s blatant disregard of environmental impact is no news. In 2014, Municipal Manager at the time, Mr M.W. Zungu, the Head of the Water Department, Mr B. van der Merwe, and the Director of Technical Services, Mr S. Magudulela, received a summons, whilst performing in their capacity as managers of Msukaligwa Local Municipality, in connection to blocked and overflowing sewage sites. Almost all of these sites, including the spillages near the Pet Dam, to this very day, still overflows into the Pet Dam and surrounding water bodies. In 2014, it was estimated that the spillages deposits a quantity of >1 000 000 E. Coli per 100ml of water. Currently, the situation has greatly increased in severity. The fact that, in terms of the National Water Act, 36 of 1998, as read with the National Environmental Act, 107 of 1998, the pollution of a water resource is a criminal offence, the municipality pays no heed. With brazen nonchalance, MLM had recently dug trenches to redirect the constant sewage spillage in President Fouché towards the middle of the field, in an attempt to make the overflow less noticeable. To date, the municipality has failed to provide reasoning behind this, despite various enquiries by the Tribune. More laughable is the fact that the municipal manager at the time, is no longer serving the municipality. Unfortunately, the fact that scores of “acting” municipal officials trot through the municipal service delivery system doorways, leaves nobody in charge to take responsibility for the disasters left behind. However, this is of little comfort to residents in this area, as well as the local school, who have to suffer in the unsanitary environment and gagging stench, day in, and day out. This overflow, coupled with a myriad of other spillages, connect directly to the Klein Drinkwater stream. This stream flows through several farms an small holdings, to eventually contaminate the Vaal River with thousands of kiloliters of raw sewage each month. See more photos and a video on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

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. 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 >