On Wednesday, 27 January, a collision occurred at the Church- and Buhrman Street intersections. According to bystanders, the driver of the red Toyota Quantum minibus taxi was traveling in Church Street at high speed, wholly disregarding the traffic light. Another motorist, driving a Kia station wagon, was busy turning at the traffic light, and was hit by the taxi. According to eye witnesses, the taxi was launched into the air as it hit the Kia, and came to a halt on its side. At this time, there are no reports of serious injury, although several individuals were transported to the hospital for treatment. Emergency medical services, the fire department and towing services were on scene in a flash, with ACSU ensuring orderly conduct from onlookers. Emergency personnel appeals to motorists to obey the traffic laws, and to keep to the speed limit. Disregard of traffic light leads to accident Disregard of traffic light leads to accident 1/6 Share GK CRONJE 27 January 2021 According to eye witnesses, the taxi was launched into the air as it hit the Kia, and came to a halt on its side. On Wednesday, 27 January, a collision occurred at the Church- and Buhrman Street intersections. According to bystanders, the driver of the red Toyota Quantum minibus taxi was traveling in Church Street at high speed, wholly disregarding the traffic light. Another motorist, driving a Kia station wagon, was busy turning at the traffic light, and was hit by the taxi. According to eye witnesses, the taxi was launched into the air as it hit the Kia, and came to a halt on its side. At this time, there are no reports of serious injury, although several individuals were transported to the hospital for treatment. Emergency medical services, the fire department and towing services were on scene in a flash, with ACSU ensuring orderly conduct from onlookers. Emergency personnel appeals to motorists to obey the traffic laws, and to keep to the speed limit. < Previous Article Next Article >

WOF MPU prepares for Winter Fire Season 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 13 April 2021 These camps ensure the 24 WOF Mpumalanga teams are mentally and physically fit going into the season. Firefighters are physically and theoretically assessed, and when successful, receive Yellow Cards at the end of the camps. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Working on Fire Programme continues to live by its objective of restoring dignity to the disadvantaged youth in marginalised communities. This was evident when Working on Fire Mpumalanga recently conducted a recruitment drive at various towns across the province, in preparations for the upcoming Winter Fire Season. Selections were conducted under strict COVID-19 protocols and regulations, with hopefuls put through the rigorous WOF fitness test of a 2.4 kilometre run, push-ups, pull-ups and sit-ups. A total of 45 new recruits were selected, giving previously unemployed youth entry into the employment sector. The new recruits will undergo specialised veld and forest firefighting training through the Kishugu Training Academy, in Nelspruit. Upon completion, they report back to their respective bases to top up existing teams. This ensures Working on Fire teams are at full strength going into the fire season. The province also took the team drivers and Safety Health and Environment Representatives (SHE Reps) to refresher training workshops at the Kishugu Academy, where they polished up on their theoretical education to ensure best practices at their bases. The Working on Fire Yellow Card Training Assessment Camps is set to take place in April. These camps ensure the 24 WOF Mpumalanga teams are mentally and physically fit going into the season. Firefighters are physically and theoretically assessed, and when successful, receive Yellow Cards at the end of the camps. All these preparations will ensure WOF Mpumalanga is ready and able to assist partners and stakeholders in WOF’s much-sought-after Integrated Fire Management Services, which includes but not limited to, fuel load reduction and fire suppression. < Previous Article Next Article >

Bethal jeweller, Francois Pretorius, who faces charges of the double murder of Dr Hannes and Ms Ibel Beukes, appeared before the Bethal Magistrate’s Court for formal bail application. Pretorius is accused of murdering the Beukes couple on 18 March 2020, and leaving their bodies in the trunk of a vehicle near Bethal Dam. He fled the scene, but was arrested on a farm outside Belfast. Pretorius was denied bail, and will appear in court Thursday, 2 July. He remains in custody, and has been since his arrest. Pretorius remains behind bars Pretorius remains behind bars The Beukes couple, found dead in the trunk of their vehicle. Double murder accused, Francois Pretorius. The Beukes couple, found dead in the trunk of their vehicle. 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 16 June 2020 Pretorius is accused of murdering the Beukes couple on 18 March 2020, and leaving their bodies in the trunk of a vehicle near Bethal Dam. Bethal jeweller, Francois Pretorius, who faces charges of the double murder of Dr Hannes and Ms Ibel Beukes, appeared before the Bethal Magistrate’s Court for formal bail application. Pretorius is accused of murdering the Beukes couple on 18 March 2020, and leaving their bodies in the trunk of a vehicle near Bethal Dam. He fled the scene, but was arrested on a farm outside Belfast. Pretorius was denied bail, and will appear in court Thursday, 2 July. He remains in custody, and has been since his arrest. < Previous Article Next Article >

Gehalte diens by SAVF Huis Ermelo 1/1 Share Content Supplied 25 May 2022 Die opregte dank van SAVF CEO, Adriaan Raubenheimer, word oorgedra aan die lojale ondersteuners. Persverklaring - SAVF Huis Ermelo se 2022 Munisipale Inspeksie verslag weerspieël die hoogstaande kwaliteit van die fasiliteit. Die verslag reflekteer die voortdurende fokus op gehalte diens deur die bestuurspan met fokus op kwaliteit onderhouding van hul fasiliteite in 14 Fourie Straat in Ermelo. Dit was veral die aanmerking van die inspekteur - “Tannie Ragie is terug”- wat SAVF Mpumalanga se Provinsiale Leier, Mnr Marinus van Dijk en SAVF Huis Ermelo Voorsitter Me. Judy Gray met trots gevul het. Tannie Ragie was wel bekend in die gemeenskap, en die wete dat die fasiliteit steeds volgens haar streng standaarde bestuur en onderhou word, is vir SAVF een van die grootste komplimente. SAVF verskaf geintegreerde en bekostigbare diens aan kwesbare bejaarde persone in SAVF tehuise. Ons sorg vir jou wanneer jy nie vir jouself kan sorg nie, met die verskaffing van 24-uur versorging aan brose bejaardes. Die versorging sluit in: akkomodasie, alle maaltye, verplegingdienste, wasgoed dienste en ander verwante dienste wat tot die voordeel van inwoners bydra. SAVF Huis Ermelo is sedert 2021 onder ‘n nuwe bestuurs fokus, die impak van die samewerking tussen die nuwe bestuurder, Me. Waldi Sieberhagen, en die gevestigde bestuurspan in Ermelo dra by daartoe dat SAVF Huis Ermelo uitstaan as fasiliteit van keuse vir bejaarde sorg in Ermelo. Beplanning is reeds op dreef met die “Active Aging Programme” wat geimplementeer gaan word, en die “Eden Programme” vir die Altzheimers-afdeling wat weer nuwe fokus op die inwoners se aktiewe deelname gaan plaas. SAVF Streeks bestuurderes, Me Mari Louw, praat met lof oor die opknappings werk aan die fasiliteit, en die positiewe impak van Me. Waldi Sieberhagen se aanslag op die dag-tot-dag aktiwiteite in SAVF Huis Ermelo. Hoogtepunte wat uitgelig kan word sluit in: nuwe verswakte sorggedeelte vir nuwe opnames, opskerp van verplegingsmetodes in verswakte sorgafdeling met deurlopende opleiding en evaluasies van verpleeg personeel, opgradering van inwoners se kamers, opgradering van infeksiebeheer in die verswakte sorgafdeling, 4 x 10 000L watertanks herstel, uitstekende plaagbeheer en bo verwagte personeel prestasies. Personeel en vrywilligers het hande geneem om te verseker dat elke inwoner die kwaliteit diens ontvang waarop hul geregtig is. SAVF Ermelo is verantwoordelik vir die self-verkryging van fondse om voortgesette kwaliteit dienste te kan lewer. In hierdie proses word SAVF Huis Ermelo versterk deur verskeie organisasies en individue in die gemeenskap, wat al vir jare ondersteuning bied deur middel van donasies, skenkings en betrokkenheid as vrywilligers. Die opregte dank van SAVF CEO, Adriaan Raubenheimer, word oorgedra aan die lojale ondersteuners. SAVF Huis Ermelo se volgende opedag vind plaas op Saterdag, 4 Junie 2022. Tydens die opedag word alle belangstellendes genooi om die bestuurspan, personeel en vrywilligers persoonlik te ontmoet, saam deur die fasiliteite beweeg en die dienste wat gelewer word aan die inwoners eerste hand te ervaar. Opedae vind plaas om die wonderlike impak van die gemeenskap se ondersteuning, donasies en borgskappe te vertoon en die areas aan te spreek waar SAVF as ‘n nie-winsgewende organisasie die gemeenskap se ondersteuning benodig om die fasiliteit te onderhou. Vir enige navrae kan SAVF Huis Ermelo gekontak word op 017 819 3614 of ‘n e-pos kan gestuur word na ermelo.manager@savf.co.za . < Previous Article Next Article >

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 >