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“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 >

MMM displays the power of prayer 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 13 September 2022 The CPF, SAPS & MMM have pledged to continue visiting schools. Mpumalanga Men's Movement (MMM) and the Road Traffic Infringement Agency home of AARTO, along with both provincial and Msukaligwa traffic departments gathered at the N2 Acacia Crossing recently, to pray against accidents on N2 during this season. This initiative will continue as the local Community Police Forum (CPF), SAPS & MMM have announced a mass prayer day for Ermelo, that will take place on 16 September 2022, at Thuthukani Hall, next to Cebisa Secondary School. This comes as incidents of murder have risen at an alarming rate since 1 September 2022, with at least 5 murder cases that have been opened. “Special focus is directed to the murder case of Gogo and the young girl at eMadamini, that were brutally killed recently, as well as the stabbing of young man over chips at New Ermelo, Nyibe. This calls for action, and something must be done against these acts. We have invited pastors from all churches, all organizations, and the community at large to join this prayer walk, from Extension 1 hostel, via the municipal chamber intersection, and then off to Thuthukani Hall, where prayer service will continue” MMM said. The CPF, SAPS & MMM have pledged to continue visiting schools, and have already visited Cebisa Secondary School, Ermelo Combined School, Ithafa and Lindile to search for weapons, drugs and prohibited items on school premises. “This is to motivate them to stay away from gangs and drugs, and to stop bullying, to ensure that learners focus on their studies, free from influence of drugs, or fear of life from fellow learners. Schools should remain a weapon and drug free area, where students should remain sober and safe, by any means necessary,” MMM concluded. See more photos on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

Roelof Ferreira bids fond farewell to Laerskool Ermelo 1/1 Share SM HATTINGH 25 May 2021 "If I had the chance to change anything in my life, I would have done everything all over again, because of the joy teaching gave me." “I was born on 6 March 1958 in Vereeniging, where I grew up. I also matriculated from Hoërskool Vereeniging. The decision to become a teacher was never planned, it was made in the spur of the moment during the last term of my matric year in 1976. I started my studies at the Potchefstroom Onderwyskollege in 1977. I completed my studies in 1980, and only applied for posts in Pretoria. I was appointed in a permanent departmental post at Laerskool Pretoria-Oos, but first had to complete my compulsory two-year military service, and was sent to Infantry School in Oudtshoorn, where at the end of 1981 I became a full Lieutenant. I wanted to complete my second year of Military Service in Pretoria, but the Military Force had other plans. I had to stay on at Infantry School in Oudtshoorn, a year that I really enjoyed, and in which grew fond of Oudtshoorn and its surrounding districts. In 1983 I started teaching at Laerskool Pretoria-Oos, a time that I really enjoyed. I soon decided that I wanted to be the principal of a big school one day. I then started applying for promotional posts, and was appointed Head of Department Educational Guidance at Laerskool Ermelo in 1989, where I stayed in the hostel of the school, Uitkomst Koshuis (now the District Office). Here I met my wonderful wife, Sarah, and her son. We got married on 29 March 1991, on Good Friday. On 27 May 2004, I was appointed as Principal, P3 of Laerskool Ermelo. The biggest challenge I had at that stage was to get discipline and performance of educators and learners up to a high standard, and to start improving the school’s sports and overall facilities. It started with the palisades, all staff and learner bathrooms, many other projects, and ended with the most beautiful staff room. The high point of my career at Laerskool Ermelo was when other schools started to recognize our sports teams as competitors to be reckoned with. On the academic side, we also did our best, and kept a very high standard of education. Discipline was, and remains of utmost importance to me, because without discipline you cannot achieve good results. Another memorable part of my career as Principal was all the different School Governing Bodies who shared my vision for the school. I want to thank each and every member of all the School Governing Bodies for trusting my ideas and capabilities, and for always having the best interest of the school at heart. My dream of becoming a principal of a big school eventually became true when I was appointed as Principal P4 of Laerskool Ermelo in January 2019. I want to place all that I achieved in the hands of our Lord Jesus, as he guided and protected me in every aspect of my teaching career. I wish to thank the community of Ermelo for all the support Laerskool Ermelo received from them, it is much appreciated. To all the parents, thank you for the support the educators and I got from you for the last 17 years, much appreciated. The learners, you are education! Thank you for respecting me as your principal. It was an honour to serve you. Thank you for all the good wishes, hugs (before COVID-19) and compliments I received from you. One compliment I will always remember, was a little girl in the Foundation Phase who gave me a hug and said to me: “Sir, I love you because you are always neat.” If I had the chance to change anything in my life, I would have done everything all over again, because of the joy teaching gave me. To all members of staff, teaching and non-teaching, I wish to thank you for the respect and support I received from you. You are a great team and the hardest part of retiring is leaving you behind. I truly hope that my successor will realise what a wonderful staff you are! I wish you and Laerskool Ermelo all the best for the future. May God bless you with all the best blessings. After 40 years and 5 months in Education, I think it is just fair that my wife and I may return to Oudtshoorn for a well-deserved retirement. And I promise you, God-willing, we are not planning to sit down and wait for old age. We plan to tour the parts of our country we have not yet seen, as well as Namibia. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for a wonderful career in Education, and thank you to my wife who supported me over the 32 years that I have been at Laerskool Ermelo. We greet the community, learners and teachers. May God bless you!” Roelof Ferreira - Principal < 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 >

EMS Vehicle flattens traffic light 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 10 August 2022 The force of impact caused the EMS vehicle to careen onto the traffic median, subsequently uprooting one of the traffic lights. On Friday, 5 August 2022, a traffic light was absolutely demolished at the Joubert and Murray Streets intersection, after a collision took place between a Provincial EMS vehicle and a Mazda bakkie. According to information on scene, the EMS was transporting a patient towards the provincial hospital when the collision occurred. The force of impact caused the EMS vehicle to careen onto the traffic median, subsequently uprooting one of the traffic lights. At the time of publication, no life threatening injuries had been reported. ER24 and Msukaligwa Traffic regulated the scene, where drivers blatantly ignored the indications given on several occasions, instead simply gunning it over the intersection. Msukaligwa Fire & Rescue responded swiftly, after tending to another collision mere minutes earlier. Van Wettens, ETS and Shesha Towing Services were on scene to assist where needed. < Previous Article Next Article >

Congratulations to our Grade 10 bridge building team, who have won the SAICE Highveld bridge building competition. Die trofee gaan aan Ligbron 1/1 Share SM HATTINGH Congratulations to our Grade 10 bridge building team, who have won the SAICE Highveld bridge building competition. Die Graad 10 span het die Hoëveld SAICE Brugbou kompetisie gewen, en die trofee is deur Koketso Kgatle en Johann Veldman aan hulle oorhandig. “Baie geluk aan Beverly Kirsten, Thando Motsoane, Luhlelo Motha en mnr. Andrew Els met die uitstekende prestasie! Congratulations to our Grade 10 bridge building team, who have won the SAICE Highveld bridge building competition. Koketso Kgatle and Johann Veldman visited Ligbron to hand over the well-deserved trophy.” Op die foto verskyn (v.l.n.r): mnr. Andrew Els (vakonderwyser), Luhlelo Motha, Thando Motsoane, Beverly Kirsten, Koketso Kgatle, Johann Veldman, mnr. Gerhard Brand (hoof), mev. Lenie van Zyl (Adjunk hoof), mnr. Antonie Swanepoel (Senior Adjunk hoof). < Previous Article Next Article >

A contractor that had been employed at Camden power plant, Ermelo, was arrested for sabotage of generating Unit 4 at the plant. Investigation conducted by Eskom teams discovered that the perpetrator, employed by a maintenance contractor at the plant, intentionally removed the bearing oil drain plug from the bearing, causing the oil burners to trip repeatedly. In addition, this act of sabotage damaged the bearing, which prevented the mills from operating at nominal capacity. Unit 4 was subsequently out of commission after all mills tripped. Eskom stated that the incident occurred on Thursday afternoon, 10 November 2022. After being questioned by Eskom, the perpetrator confessed that the act of sabotage was willful, thus ensuring that his employer would be awarded additional maintenance and repair work from the power plant. A case had been opened with the SAPS, and according to information received, has subsequently been handed over to the Hawks for investigation. The suspect is expected to appear before the Ermelo Magistrates Court today, 17 November 2022. Camden power plant was also in the news last month, after the entire plant was forced to shut down after a senior technician "opened the wrong valve", contaminating the plant’s demineralised water supply. Eksom also launched a investigation into suspected sabotage. Camden supplies 1 561MW of electricity, equivalent to 3.4% of the national grid. Camden saboteur in cuffs after confession Camden saboteur in cuffs after confession 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 17 November 2022 Camden supplies 1 561MW of electricity, equivalent to 3.4% of the national grid. A contractor that had been employed at Camden power plant, Ermelo, was arrested for sabotage of generating Unit 4 at the plant. Investigation conducted by Eskom teams discovered that the perpetrator, employed by a maintenance contractor at the plant, intentionally removed the bearing oil drain plug from the bearing, causing the oil burners to trip repeatedly. In addition, this act of sabotage damaged the bearing, which prevented the mills from operating at nominal capacity. Unit 4 was subsequently out of commission after all mills tripped. Eskom stated that the incident occurred on Thursday afternoon, 10 November 2022. After being questioned by Eskom, the perpetrator confessed that the act of sabotage was willful, thus ensuring that his employer would be awarded additional maintenance and repair work from the power plant. A case had been opened with the SAPS, and according to information received, has subsequently been handed over to the Hawks for investigation. The suspect is expected to appear before the Ermelo Magistrates Court today, 17 November 2022. Camden power plant was also in the news last month, after the entire plant was forced to shut down after a senior technician "opened the wrong valve", contaminating the plant’s demineralised water supply. Eksom also launched a investigation into suspected sabotage. Camden supplies 1 561MW of electricity, equivalent to 3.4% of the national grid. < Previous Article Next Article >

Apart from the large amount of household refuse bobbing about in the pools of sewage, other unsavory items which include nappies, pieces of cloth and condoms, litter the area. Poo troubles in Pet Street 1/4 Share GK CRONJE 21 September 2021 Apart from the large amount of household refuse bobbing about in the pools of sewage, other unsavory items which include nappies, pieces of cloth and condoms, litter the area. Complaints from businesses and residents in Pet Street led to the discovery of a massive sewage overflow, with raw sewage encompassing an area of several hundred meters. Apart from the health risks associated with the overflow, where pedestrians and nearby residents have to traverse, the sewage also flows into a stream flowing towards Klein Drinkwater stream, ultimately ending up polluting the Vaal Dam. Residences on the opposite side of the read also has their fair share of sewage overflow, as the main lines were seemingly blocked. Apart from the large amount of household refuse bobbing about in the pools of sewage, other unsavory items which include nappies, pieces of cloth and condoms, litter the area. Speaking to Mandla Zwane, spokesman for Msukaligwa Local Municipality, he has confirmed that the relevant teams have responded to the issue. “According to the sewer section, two of the three main holes were cleaned and unblocked last week. Today (Monday, 20 September 2021) they are cleaning the last one. The municipality appeals to the public to report any sewer spillage to the municipal contact centre for speedy responses. Our sincere apology to the affected community,” he stated. < Previous Article Next Article >

Govan Mbeki Local Municipality, which comprises Bethal, Charl Cilliers, Embalenhle, Evander, Kinross, Leandra, Secunda and Trichardt, has become unmanageable due to the great number of towns that have to be provided with services by this municipality. FF Plus to approach COGTA amidst Bethal falling apart 1/1 Share CONTENT SUPPLIED 11 August 2020 Govan Mbeki Local Municipality, which comprises Bethal, Charl Cilliers, Embalenhle, Evander, Kinross, Leandra, Secunda and Trichardt, has become unmanageable due to the great number of towns that have to be provided with services by this municipality. Media Statement - The FF Plus in Mpumalanga has initiated a process to have Bethal, which is burdened with poor service delivery and a general lack of maintenance, established as a smaller, more manageable municipal unit. Govan Mbeki Local Municipality, which comprises Bethal, Charl Cilliers, Embalenhle, Evander, Kinross, Leandra, Secunda and Trichardt, has become unmanageable due to the great number of towns that have to be provided with services by this municipality. For this reason, the FF Plus will send official letters to the provincial MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mandla Msibi, and to the Municipal Demarcation Board requesting, in terms of the Municipal Structures and Municipal Demarcation Acts, that the relevant municipal borders must be redefined so that Bethal can start functioning as a smaller, independent municipality. Bethal is being treated like an unwanted stepchild by Govan Mbeki Local Municipality, and the town's loyal taxpayers have no access to proper service delivery. During a recent visit to Bethal, it was evident that no attempts are made to address the various problems experienced in the town. Since 28 January 2020, the two large pump stations are pumping sewage into the Blesbokspruit (a tributary that flows into the Vaal River) after another pump was removed and was never repaired or replaced. The Bethal Dam, which was previously used for water sports, is polluted with sewage and people have been warned not to make use of the water source. In some areas, live electric wires are exposed and overground cables are being used underground, which, according to some sources, contributes to the frequent power outages that last up to 18 hours. In the FF Plus's view, a smaller and more locally focused local government system is the answer to poor service delivery. The ANC government has proven time and again that bigger budgets only lead to more mismanagement, theft and corruption and less service delivery for taxpayers. < Previous Article Next Article >

One would assume that the stream of vacancies advertised by MLM for horticulturists, groundskeepers and other positions relating to parks and grounds maintenance, Ermelo would be a beacon of neatness. This is, however, not the case. Kindling for zealous arsonists 1/5 Share GK CRONJE 15 March 2022 One would assume that the stream of vacancies advertised by MLM for horticulturists, groundskeepers and other positions relating to parks and grounds maintenance, Ermelo would be a beacon of neatness. This is, however, not the case. The neglected state of Msukaligwa Local Municipality’s council grounds have long been a topic of discussion, with residents learning to deal with the repercussions as best they can. A prime example is the sordid state of the open fields and crossings within the municipal jurisdiction. With the dry season approaching, it is but a matter of time before the annual cases of arson rears its fiery head. Despite several enquiries directed to MLM as to why the grounds are left to their own devices, no answer has been provided. One would assume that the stream of vacancies advertised by MLM for horticulturists, groundskeepers and other positions relating to parks and grounds maintenance, Ermelo would be a beacon of neatness. This is, however, not the case. Motorists and pedestrians have to crane their necks at intersections within the wards to see past the grass taller than a vehicle’s roof, stray cattle leap from the shrubbery into oncoming traffic, and opportunistic criminals have convenient camouflage from the eyes of law enforcement and neighborhood watch. Once these fields are set alight, the thick bellows of smoke is a whole other kettle of fish, with road users and pedestrians being in equal danger due to the poor visibility that comes with the smoldering grass. Moreover, embers being carried during these field fires pose a danger to residences within the wards, which could easily catch fire during dry season. While MLM departments simply mow the field corners of selected intersections to make it easier to sport oncoming traffic, this is but wool over the eyes of ongoing service delivery failure issues. Unfortunately for wards already facing electrical infrastructure collapse, a large amount of electrical kiosks are shrouded in the tall grass. When this kindling lures a arsonists with an itchy finger, scores of residents are left in the dark as the kiosks are damaged beyond repair. In turn, this causes extensive expenditures on MLM’s books... And so the cycle of financial infeasibility continues. < Previous Article Next Article >

World Alzheimer’s Month: Understand the warning signs and symptoms of dementia 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 8 September 2020 Memory loss that disrupts daily life may be a symptom of dementia, a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. There are warning signs and symptoms, but every individual may experience one or more of these signs to a different degree. One of the most common signs of dementia, especially in the early stage, is forgetting recently learned information. Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, and this September, for World Alzheimer’s Month, Livewell aims to encourage understanding, reduce stigma, and raise awareness around this common, yet devastating disease. Memory loss that disrupts daily life may be a symptom of dementia, a brain disease that causes a slow decline in memory, thinking and reasoning skills. There are warning signs and symptoms, but every individual may experience one or more of these signs to a different degree. One of the most common signs of dementia, especially in the early stage, is forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events, asking for the same information over and over, and increasingly needing to rely on aides (e.g., reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on their own. Some people may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before. People with dementia often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes they may have trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work or remembering the rules of a favorite game. People with dementia can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there. For some people, having vision problems is a sign of dementia. They may have difficulty reading, judging distance, and determining colour or contrast, which may cause problems with driving. People with dementia may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have problems finding the right word or call things by the wrong name (e.g., calling a “watch” a “hand clock.”) A person with dementia may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing. This may occur more frequently over time. People with dementia may experience changes in judgment or decision making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money, giving large amounts to telemarketers. They may pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean. A person with dementia may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports. They may have trouble keeping up with a favourite sports team or remembering how to complete a favourite hobby. They may also avoid being social because of the changes they have experienced. The mood and personalities of people with dementia can change. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, at work, with friends or in places where they are out of their comfort zone. If you, or someone you care about is experiencing any of these warning signs, please consult with a medical professional. Early diagnosis gives you a chance to seek treatment and plan for your future. < Previous Article Next Article >

The National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) acting head in Mpumalanga, Matric Luphondo, and a Hawks lieutenant-colonel were among the trio who appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on corruption charges. The bail application for the Mpumalanga head of Human Settlements in Mpumalanga, Kebone Masenga, the Hawks Unit Commander of Serious Corruption Investigation, Lieutenant-Colonel Ayanda Plaatje, and Luphondo is set to continue after the court refused the State’s application for a seven-day postponement. It is alleged that the trio colluded to bribe a prosecutor to withdraw charges that Masenga is facing in contravention of the Immigration Act and fraud, NPA spokesperson Sipho Ngwema said in a statement. “The prosecutor reported the matter to his seniors as well as the police. Subsequently to further investigations, the three were arrested. The NPA has initiated the relevant labour processes against Luphondo. While the NPA is disappointed that any of its officials is entangled in such allegations, in conflict with our new values which are anchored on high ethical conduct, integrity and credibility, we take pride in the men and women who are resolute in defending our new vision. It is encouraging that there were prosecutors and investigators who acted swiftly and with honesty and strong moral principles in defence of our values and the law.’’ Ngwema said. High profile suspects in court for corruption High profile suspects in court for corruption 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 13 April 2021 It is alleged that the trio colluded to bribe a prosecutor to withdraw charges that Masenga is facing in contravention of the Immigration Act and fraud, NPA spokesperson Sipho Ngwema said in a statement. The National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) acting head in Mpumalanga, Matric Luphondo, and a Hawks lieutenant-colonel were among the trio who appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on corruption charges. The bail application for the Mpumalanga head of Human Settlements in Mpumalanga, Kebone Masenga, the Hawks Unit Commander of Serious Corruption Investigation, Lieutenant-Colonel Ayanda Plaatje, and Luphondo is set to continue after the court refused the State’s application for a seven-day postponement. It is alleged that the trio colluded to bribe a prosecutor to withdraw charges that Masenga is facing in contravention of the Immigration Act and fraud, NPA spokesperson Sipho Ngwema said in a statement. “The prosecutor reported the matter to his seniors as well as the police. Subsequently to further investigations, the three were arrested. The NPA has initiated the relevant labour processes against Luphondo. While the NPA is disappointed that any of its officials is entangled in such allegations, in conflict with our new values which are anchored on high ethical conduct, integrity and credibility, we take pride in the men and women who are resolute in defending our new vision. It is encouraging that there were prosecutors and investigators who acted swiftly and with honesty and strong moral principles in defence of our values and the law.’’ Ngwema said. < Previous Article Next Article >