Two health officials, Jabulani Sam Mnguni, 45, and Pascal Mandla Gininda, 49, were arrested on Sunday and have since appeared in the Eerstehoek Magistrate's Court. The duo have been suspended after they were allegedly found in possession of human body parts, the Mpumalanga health department said on Wednesday. The two officials were stationed at the Ermelo Hospital and the Lothair Clinic, respectively. Mpumalanga Health MEC, Sasekani Manzini, expressed shock and dismay regarding the incident. “We are very shocked and dismayed at the criminal activities that the two officials have allegedly been involved with. Such dehumanising acts are indeed barbaric and as a department we do not condone such illegal activities. We shall allow the law to take its course while we, as a department, conduct our own internal investigation. For now, we have suspended the two officials to allow the SAPS to conduct their investigation without any interference,” said Manzini in a statement. Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Brigadier Leonard Hlathi, said their arrest follows an intelligence operation. “Their arrest spirals from an intelligence-driven operation which prompted police to follow up on information regarding a red sedan which was on its way to Elukwatini with two occupants conveying human body parts,” Hlathi said. The suspects were nabbed at the Lochiel-Nhlazatshe intersection. Police thoroughly searched the vehicle and discovered a leg, placenta, and a knee that was separately collected from a house. According to Hlathi, a third suspect, aged 45, will join the two on July 15 during their court appearance. The trio were remanded in custody when they appeared before the Eerstehoek Magistrate's Court. Local health officials nabbed peddling human body parts Local health officials nabbed peddling human body parts 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 14 July 2020 Jabulani Sam Mnguni, 45, and Pascal Mandla Gininda, 49, were arrested on Sunday and have since appeared in the Eerstehoek Magistrate's Court. The duo have been suspended after they were allegedly found in possession of human body parts. Two health officials, Jabulani Sam Mnguni, 45, and Pascal Mandla Gininda, 49, were arrested on Sunday and have since appeared in the Eerstehoek Magistrate's Court. The duo have been suspended after they were allegedly found in possession of human body parts, the Mpumalanga health department said on Wednesday. The two officials were stationed at the Ermelo Hospital and the Lothair Clinic, respectively. Mpumalanga Health MEC, Sasekani Manzini, expressed shock and dismay regarding the incident. “We are very shocked and dismayed at the criminal activities that the two officials have allegedly been involved with. Such dehumanising acts are indeed barbaric and as a department we do not condone such illegal activities. We shall allow the law to take its course while we, as a department, conduct our own internal investigation. For now, we have suspended the two officials to allow the SAPS to conduct their investigation without any interference,” said Manzini in a statement. Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Brigadier Leonard Hlathi, said their arrest follows an intelligence operation. “Their arrest spirals from an intelligence-driven operation which prompted police to follow up on information regarding a red sedan which was on its way to Elukwatini with two occupants conveying human body parts,” Hlathi said. The suspects were nabbed at the Lochiel-Nhlazatshe intersection. Police thoroughly searched the vehicle and discovered a leg, placenta, and a knee that was separately collected from a house. According to Hlathi, a third suspect, aged 45, will join the two on July 15 during their court appearance. The trio were remanded in custody when they appeared before the Eerstehoek Magistrate's Court. < Previous Article Next Article >

Mbhasobhi Amos Zulu (39) appeared before the Bethal Magistrate Court for fraud worth one million Rand on Tuesday, 23 August 2022. Zulu was, on 14 July 2022, served with summons by the Middelburg based Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation to appear in court to face his fraud allegations. It is alleged that the suspect met with his victims, informed them about his business, and that they must invest in his company, Mbhasi Trading (PTY) LTD. The victims signed an investment agreement with the suspect on 28 August 2020. The contract was between the Mbhasa Trading PTY LTD, and the victims as investors, provided the contract holder with financial investment amount of R85 000, paid by electronic fund transfer (EFT). The alleged contract also stated that the investment shall be paid back to the investors with returns, as a lump sum of R302 370 on or before 30 September 2020. After the contract was signed, several EFTs were made to the victims between 4 September and the 7 October 2020, and the suspect allegedly received a total amount of  R3 910 000. The suspect manufactured a fraudulent proof of payment from his account 8 August 2020, claiming that the total transfer amount of R3 910 000 did not all reflect on the receiving account, and the suspects suffered a total loss of R1 256 000. The suspect appeared before the Bethal Magistrate Court, and the case was transferred to Bethal Regional Court, where it was postponed to 30 August 2022 for further investigation. Fraudster nabbed by Hawks Fraudster nabbed by Hawks 1/1 Share Supplied Content 26 August 2022 The alleged contract also stated that the investment shall be paid back to the investors with returns, as a lump sum of R302 370 on or before 30 September 2020. Mbhasobhi Amos Zulu (39) appeared before the Bethal Magistrate Court for fraud worth one million Rand on Tuesday, 23 August 2022. Zulu was, on 14 July 2022, served with summons by the Middelburg based Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation to appear in court to face his fraud allegations. It is alleged that the suspect met with his victims, informed them about his business, and that they must invest in his company, Mbhasi Trading (PTY) LTD. The victims signed an investment agreement with the suspect on 28 August 2020. The contract was between the Mbhasa Trading PTY LTD, and the victims as investors, provided the contract holder with financial investment amount of R85 000, paid by electronic fund transfer (EFT). The alleged contract also stated that the investment shall be paid back to the investors with returns, as a lump sum of R302 370 on or before 30 September 2020. After the contract was signed, several EFTs were made to the victims between 4 September and the 7 October 2020, and the suspect allegedly received a total amount of R3 910 000. The suspect manufactured a fraudulent proof of payment from his account 8 August 2020, claiming that the total transfer amount of R3 910 000 did not all reflect on the receiving account, and the suspects suffered a total loss of R1 256 000. The suspect appeared before the Bethal Magistrate Court, and the case was transferred to Bethal Regional Court, where it was postponed to 30 August 2022 for further investigation. < Previous Article Next Article >

“Los julle verskille by die deur” - Dié was die woorde van Mike Bolhuis 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 22 June 2021 Inwoners wat agteraf baie te sê het, maar as dit by die daad kom, geen bydrae lewer nie, moet hul deel begin bybring. Ongeag van wat se hoorsê in die gemeenskap rondflap, die tyd vir aksie is nou. In die woorde van Mnr. Bolhuis: “Skinder is ‘n nasionale sport van die Suid Afrikaner.” Nou is die tyd dat alle inwoners hul verskille op die kantlyn sit. Besighede word ook dringend versoek om hul klagtes in te dien. Op Vrydagaand, 18 Junie 2021, het privaat inspekteur, Mike Bolhuis, Ermelo se inwoners toegespreek rakende die swak dienslewering en finansiële wanbestuur van Msukaligwa Plaaslike Munisipaliteit (MLM). Inwoners wat die toespraak bygewoon het, was kans gegun om hul frustrasie en klagtes aan te meld, wat vanaf water en riool, elektrisiteit, geskatte meterlesings, die verkeersdepartement en lisensie kantore, tot by beweerde korrupsie vanaf die munisipale amptenare. Mnr. Bolhuis het dit duidelik gemaak vanaf die staanspoor dat die penarie waarin Ermelo hul bevind nie met die waai van ‘n towerstaffie opgelos gaan word nie, maar dat dit ‘n hewige proses sal wees. Na aanleiding van Mnr. Bolhuis, moet alle klagtes en besware gedokumenteer word. As ‘n inwoner ‘n probleem ondvervind met enige aspek van MLM, word hul versoek of foto- of videomateriaal bymekaar te maak. Sodoende sal die verdediging van MLM gekniehalter word met onbetwisbare feite. Geskatte water en elektrisiteit rekeninge moet gedokumenteer word en alles bymekaar gehou word. Mnr. Bolhuis het met lof bevestig dat geskatte rekeninge totaal en al onwettig is. Die feit dat MLM nie ordentlike en akkurate meterlesings doen nie, is ‘n misdaad. Inwoners wat ingedoen word met elektrisiteit en water rekeninge van derduisende Rande is ‘n misdaad. Die feit dat inwoners geforseer word om die geskatte rekening bedrae te betaal onder die dreigement vanaf MLM dat dienste gestaak sal word en elektriese toevoer afgesny gaan word, is ‘n misdaad. Foto’s moet geneem word van swak dienslewering en faal van dienslewering vanaf munisipale afdelings, onder andere die lisensie kantoor. “Jou foon is die belangrikste, maar ook die gevaarlikste ding wat jy by jou dra. Foto’s, video’s en klankgrepe (voice recordings) is onweerlegbare bewyse van gebeure. Neem foto’s van swak dienslewering. As jy swak dienslewering ontvang, maak ‘n video daarvan. Al hierdie dinge maak die saak net sterker,” het Mnr. Bolhuis gesê. Hy het egter ook laat hoor dat Projek Ermelo slegs ‘n sukses sal wees as alle inwoners saamstaan, ongeag van ras, ideologie en gemeenskap status. As inwoners nie kan saamstaan tydens hierdie aanslag teen MLM nie, sal die projek ‘n mislukking wees. Mnr. Bolhuis het ook inwoners genoop om nie hulself te verlustig in skinderstories, en staat te maak op hoorsê en derdehandse informasie nie. Die belangrikste deel van die projek is dat ieder en elkeen hul deel moet bring. In hierdie tyd van maak of breek is daar nie plek vir groot honde wat baie blaf en geen byt het nie. Elkeen moet hul klagte indien, elkeen moet hul bewyse van klagtes instuur na die Projek Ermelo e-pos adres. Inwoners wat agteraf baie te sê het, maar as dit by die daad kom, geen bydrae lewer nie, moet hul deel begin bybring. Ongeag van wat se hoorsê in die gemeenskap rondflap, die tyd vir aksie is nou. In die woorde van Mnr. Bolhuis: “Skinder is ‘n nasionale sport van die Suid Afrikaner.” Nou is die tyd dat alle inwoners hul verskille op die kantlyn sit. Besighede word ook dringend versoek om hul klagtes in te dien. Hoe meer bewyse ingevorder word, hoe sterker word die saak vanaf die gemeenskap teen MLM. Inwoners en besigheidseienaars word genooi om hul klagtes te stuur, gepaard met bewyse, hetsy fotografies of videomateriaal, na ermeloproject@gmail.com . U kan ook vir Kevin Duggan by 071 476 2028, of Lynette Hattingh by 082 542 9592 kontak indien u navrae het rakende Projek Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

An ACSU reaction vehicle patrolling Havenga Road noticed a suspicious vehicle. The vehicle sped away, and upon investigation, reaction members discovered nine cases of 750ml Johnny Walker Black Label Whisky, as well as five cases of 750ml Hennessy. The approximate value of the liquor is estimated at R218 000. The seized goods was handed over to the SAPS. ACSU seizes R218 000 worth of liquor ACSU seizes R218 000 worth of liquor 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 28 January 2021 ACSU reaction members discovered nine cases of 750ml Johnny Walker Black Label Whisky, as well as five cases of 750ml Hennessy. An ACSU reaction vehicle patrolling Havenga Road noticed a suspicious vehicle. The vehicle sped away, and upon investigation, reaction members discovered nine cases of 750ml Johnny Walker Black Label Whisky, as well as five cases of 750ml Hennessy. The approximate value of the liquor is estimated at R218 000. The seized goods was handed over to the SAPS. < Previous Article Next Article >

Die afgelope naweek was ‘n besige naweek vir die nooddienste, met verskeie botsings wat plaasgevind het. Al die nodige dienste was blitsvinnig op die tonele, en die owerhede vra alle motoriste of veilig te bestuur ten alle tye. Botsings teister motoriste Botsings teister motoriste 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 18 Augustus 2020 Nooddienste was druk besig met verskeie tonele, met skare wat hul vergaap aan die botings. Die afgelope naweek was ‘n besige naweek vir die nooddienste, met verskeie botsings wat plaasgevind het. Al die nodige dienste was blitsvinnig op die tonele, en die owerhede vra alle motoriste of veilig te bestuur ten alle tye. < Previous Article Next Article >

Mpumalanga SAPS is searching for a group of armed men who made away an undisclosed number of firearms from the Badplaas police station. According to information received, the men stormed the station, allegedly overpowered the officers and made off with the firearms. SAPS Brig. Leonard Hlathi stated that no arrests have yet been made: “A number of armed men entered the CAC in Badplaas police station and threatened the members on duty with their firearms. They managed to disarm to of the members of their service pistols, and forced them to open the safe in the community service centre, where they took one R5 rifle. The suspects fled the scene, no shots were fired and no injuries were reported.” Amidst contradicting reports stating that two pistols and an undisclosed amount of cash was also nabbed. The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) has come forward, blaming the incident on understaffing and a lack of leadership. “There has not been much progress in ensuring that we deal with the uneven allocation of resources within police stations, and in ensuring that the South African Police Service (SAPS) is restructured to ensure that we get more manpower on the ground where crime is actually happening.” Richard Mamabolo, POPCRU spoksesperson, stated. Badplaas SAPS robbed at gunpoint Badplaas SAPS robbed at gunpoint An example of an R5 rifle, which the group made off with. Richard Mamabolo, POPCRU spoksesperson. An example of an R5 rifle, which the group made off with. 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 15 September 2020 The suspects fled the scene, no shots were fired and no injuries were reported.” Amidst contradicting reports stating that two pistols and an undisclosed amount of cash was also nabbed. The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) has come forward, blaming the incident on understaffing and a lack of leadership. Mpumalanga SAPS is searching for a group of armed men who made away an undisclosed number of firearms from the Badplaas police station. According to information received, the men stormed the station, allegedly overpowered the officers and made off with the firearms. SAPS Brig. Leonard Hlathi stated that no arrests have yet been made: “A number of armed men entered the CAC in Badplaas police station and threatened the members on duty with their firearms. They managed to disarm to of the members of their service pistols, and forced them to open the safe in the community service centre, where they took one R5 rifle. The suspects fled the scene, no shots were fired and no injuries were reported.” Amidst contradicting reports stating that two pistols and an undisclosed amount of cash was also nabbed. The Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (POPCRU) has come forward, blaming the incident on understaffing and a lack of leadership. “There has not been much progress in ensuring that we deal with the uneven allocation of resources within police stations, and in ensuring that the South African Police Service (SAPS) is restructured to ensure that we get more manpower on the ground where crime is actually happening.” Richard Mamabolo, POPCRU spoksesperson, stated. < Previous Article Next Article >

NERSA rejects price hike application by Eskom 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 5 October 2021 Power plants are being constructed at exorbitant inflated costs of nearly 300%, and have a 60% surplus of staff at a cost of an estimated R10 billion per annum. In January, Nersa allowed Eskom to recoup an additional R6-billion after a court set aside several of its earlier decisions. It had rejected Eskom’s fifth multi-year price determination (MYPD5) revenue application for the financial years 2022/2023, 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 on the basis that it was based on an expired methodology. Eskom has also come under fire for their notorious fruitless en wasteful expenditure, which includes, amongst others, paying R300 per roll of toilet paper, coughing up a blistering R238 000 for a single floor mop, and purchasing kneepads at R80 000 each. This has been slated as cadre enrichment and gross corruption withing the struggling entity. In an effort to curb the corruption, and alleviate mounting pressure on consumers, NERSA has started its process to develop this new pricing methodology that will be applicable to the industry. The first step entails a consultation to determine the new pricing methodology. This will be followed by the development of the actual methodology. As is usual all stakeholders will be given an opportunity to influence the finalization of the new pricing methodology. Once this is finalized, utilities will be required to submit applications to NERSA for analysis to be undertaken before price increase decisions are made. According to Eskom, NERSA’s rejection of Eskom’s MYPD 5 application, has created a regulatory vacuum for the electricity supply industry in South Africa. Eskom is accordingly considering how to proceed, and is taking advice on its position following the NERSA decision. Eskom claims that the situation will create a legal liability for the company. Consumers and regulatory boards are having none of the wet dog attitude set forth by Eskom, stating that power plants being constructed at exorbitant inflated costs of nearly 300% and having a 60% surplus of staff at a cost of an estimated R10 billion per annum. Ultimately, consumers cannot, and should not pay for inefficiency in a state monopoly’s internal structural inflation. < 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 >

“Don” Chibuzo Chicozie Ogbunkwu (35) , Okereke Valentine Okwudiri (35), Kadima Remy (29), Male Mkolo (33), Mukembani Justin Kasindo (34), RudeA ngeKishuke (24), Bongiwe Manengela (41), Enewere David (34), Mwambaza Hamisa (31) and David Chicoloko (26) were remanded in custody by the Bethal Magistrate Court on Friday, 30 July 2021. The nine foreign nationals and one local were arrested by the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team Mpumalanga, assisted by Forensic Science Laboratory, Crime Intelligence, Tactical Response Team, Public Order Policing and SAPS Bethal during a crackdown emanated from a major investigation by the Hawks and Crime Intelligence since June 2020 addressing drug challenges in Bethal. It is alleged that in June 2020, information was received by the team about the criminal group dealing in drugs around Secunda and Bethal. Intelligence driven information gathering was conducted and presented before the court, resulting in the arrest of the suspects . During the arrest, cash and drugs were confiscated for further investigation. One of the accused David Chicoloko (26), who was not part of the said investigation, (ADHOC), was arrested for illegal immigration. He was found guilty and sentenced to a R1500 fine or three months imprisonment, and was further ordered to be deported to his country of origin on 9 July 2021. The case has been postponed to 6 August 2021 due to unavailability of the interpreter and legal aid. All the accused remain in custody. Hawks take down group of drug dealers Hawks take down group of drug dealers 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 3 August 2021 The nine foreign nationals and one local were arrested by the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team Mpumalanga, assisted by Forensic Science Laboratory, Crime Intelligence, Tactical Response Team, Public Order Policing and SAPS Bethal. “Don” Chibuzo Chicozie Ogbunkwu (35) , Okereke Valentine Okwudiri (35), Kadima Remy (29), Male Mkolo (33), Mukembani Justin Kasindo (34), RudeA ngeKishuke (24), Bongiwe Manengela (41), Enewere David (34), Mwambaza Hamisa (31) and David Chicoloko (26) were remanded in custody by the Bethal Magistrate Court on Friday, 30 July 2021. The nine foreign nationals and one local were arrested by the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team Mpumalanga, assisted by Forensic Science Laboratory, Crime Intelligence, Tactical Response Team, Public Order Policing and SAPS Bethal during a crackdown emanated from a major investigation by the Hawks and Crime Intelligence since June 2020 addressing drug challenges in Bethal. It is alleged that in June 2020, information was received by the team about the criminal group dealing in drugs around Secunda and Bethal. Intelligence driven information gathering was conducted and presented before the court, resulting in the arrest of the suspects . During the arrest, cash and drugs were confiscated for further investigation. One of the accused David Chicoloko (26), who was not part of the said investigation, (ADHOC), was arrested for illegal immigration. He was found guilty and sentenced to a R1500 fine or three months imprisonment, and was further ordered to be deported to his country of origin on 9 July 2021. The case has been postponed to 6 August 2021 due to unavailability of the interpreter and legal aid. All the accused remain in custody. < Previous Article Next Article >

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. 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 >

The Department of Community Safety, Security and Liason (DCSSL) convened a multisectoral safety and security Imbizo on Sunday, 28 August. The programme was supported by different stakeholders as part of mobilising communities against crime, and aims to strengthen existing partnerships between government and the community. This is as a result of the high levels of criminal activities caused by, amongst others, gangsterism and substance abuse in Ermelo and the surrounding communities. Recently, the community of Ermelo was dismayed when a learner from Cebisa Secondary School was stabbed to death by a fellow learner, after a conflict ensued between their rival gangs. The Imbizo was organised by DCSSL in conjunction with the local police, community policing forum, SGBs, churches and other community structures. The Ermelo citizens were also provided with an opportunity to provide their input on safety and security matters affecting their community. All stakeholders vowed to work in collaboration with the Mpumalanga government in combating the social ills that continue to affect their community. The Department of Education was also encouraged by the outcome of the Imbizo, as it will also contribute towards enhancing safety in schools. Mr. Oubaas de Jager from ACSU was also present at the Imbizo, where he also encouraged the communities to work with ACSU and the SAPS, so that Ermelo can be a crime-free town. During Imbizo, the MEC DCSSL, Vusi Shongwe, addressed the community members, where he said: “Enough is enough, we are not afraid of the gangsterisms in Ermelo. We will make sure our informal settlements, as well as Ermelo town, are all clean and safe.” The Imbizo was a huge success, with a lot of support from all the residents from in and around Ermelo. “Enough is enough" says MEC Shongwe “Enough is enough" says MEC Shongwe 1/6 Share SM HATTINGH 30 August 2022 During Imbizo, the MEC DCSSL, Vusi Shongwe, addressed the community members. The Department of Community Safety, Security and Liason (DCSSL) convened a multisectoral safety and security Imbizo on Sunday, 28 August. The programme was supported by different stakeholders as part of mobilising communities against crime, and aims to strengthen existing partnerships between government and the community. This is as a result of the high levels of criminal activities caused by, amongst others, gangsterism and substance abuse in Ermelo and the surrounding communities. Recently, the community of Ermelo was dismayed when a learner from Cebisa Secondary School was stabbed to death by a fellow learner, after a conflict ensued between their rival gangs. The Imbizo was organised by DCSSL in conjunction with the local police, community policing forum, SGBs, churches and other community structures. The Ermelo citizens were also provided with an opportunity to provide their input on safety and security matters affecting their community. All stakeholders vowed to work in collaboration with the Mpumalanga government in combating the social ills that continue to affect their community. The Department of Education was also encouraged by the outcome of the Imbizo, as it will also contribute towards enhancing safety in schools. Mr. Oubaas de Jager from ACSU was also present at the Imbizo, where he also encouraged the communities to work with ACSU and the SAPS, so that Ermelo can be a crime-free town. During Imbizo, the MEC DCSSL, Vusi Shongwe, addressed the community members, where he said: “Enough is enough, we are not afraid of the gangsterisms in Ermelo. We will make sure our informal settlements, as well as Ermelo town, are all clean and safe.” The Imbizo was a huge success, with a lot of support from all the residents from in and around Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

Little fighter celebrates birthday in hospital 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 14 September 2021 The prayer and update group created for Daniel on Facebook was abuzz with birthday- and well wishes for the little soldier, who has thus far persevered and kept a light spirit, despite his injuries. The news of Daniel Kerswell, now 2 years old, spread like wildfire through the community of Ermelo, and the nation as a whole. In a utter freak accident, Daniel was accidentally hit by his father’s SUV on Sunday, 5 September, after he presumably ran out to say goodbye to his father. Unbeknownst to Paul, Daniel’s father, the toddler was behind the SUV, and was subsequently knocked down. Daniel is currently being treated in Steve Biko for medical treatment for a broken collarbone and hip bone, and one of his lungs also collapsed. Initial brain scans indicated no cranial injury. The past week has, however, been a rollercoaster ride of emotions for the family, as well as those following the updates regarding Daniel’s wellbeing. While he had a setback during the week when they attempted to wean him off the ventilator, the little one bounced back resiliently and is in stable condition. Danelle, the toddler’s mother, told the Tribune ePaper that the medical personnel has provided a positive update on his condition, and that the drainage shunt and ventilator was again scheduled to be removed yesterday, Monday, 13 September. According to an update by Danelle, the little man woke up during visiting hours on Monday, and immediately started to cry when he saw her. At time of publication, the ventilator pipes were being removed. The accident occurred a mere week before the toddler’s second birthday, which was joyously celebrated by all this past Sunday, despite the rough week. The prayer and update group created for Daniel on Facebook was abuzz with birthday- and well wishes for the little soldier, who has thus far persevered and kept a light spirit, despite his injuries. Several institutions and community members jumped in and started raising funds for the treatment and medical expenses, as the family does not have medical aid. On Friday, the Learning Nest Academy, along with a multitude of other institutions, presented a coin toss at the school in aid of Daniel’s medical expenses. If you have hosted an event or coin toss in aid of Daniel, you may call, or forward your event’s photos, accompanied by the relevant information via WhatsApp to 071 885 2505, to be included in next week’s publication. < Previous Article Next Article >