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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 >

Congratulations to all the Grade 12 educators who put in the hours and dedication that led to these achievements. NPSS class of 2020 produces great results 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 2 March 2021 Congratulations to all the Grade 12 educators who put in the hours and dedication that led to these achievements. NPSS is proud to announce the 2020 Grade 12 results. The pass rate improved from 93.5% in 2019, to 95% in 2020. A total of 17 distinctions were obtained. Kwandisa Mathebula did NPSS proud with four distinctions in Mathematical Literacy, Life Orientation, Business Studies and Life Sciences. Her average is 83%. Akhona Ngiba achieved four distinctions in Mathematics, Computer Applications Technology, Life Sciences and Physical Sciences. He passed with a 77.9% average. Nosisa Vilane obtained distinctions in Mathematics and Physical Sciences, and achieved an average of 75.3%. The following learners also achieved distinctions: Afrikaans: Sandile Mthombeni, Lindokuhle Mathenjwa, Mathematics: Thanyani Mulaudzi, Mathematical Literacy: Nqobile Khumalo, Zethembe Maseko, Life Orientation: Lerato Nkosi and Life Sciences: Nobuhle Nqoteni. NPSS is especially proud of this group who worked hard under extraordinary circumstances to achieve excellent results. Congratulations to all the Grade 12 educators who put in the hours and dedication that led to these achievements. Appearing on the photo is Kwandisa Mathebula, a learner of NPSS, passed her matric year with four distinctions, and is also the second best learner. < Previous Article Next Article >

The Kinross SAPS arrested five suspects in connection with the murder of Siyabonga Mathebula (20), who was allegedly stabbed by gang members in Extension 25. Mathebula succumbed to his injuries while being treated at the hospital. The incident occurred shortly after two rival gangs were embroiled in a turf war, with Mathebula encroaching on gang territory, according to reports. According to the SAPS reports, the rival gang revolted and torched a vehicle, and damaged several residences while on the hunt for the suspects. SAPS investigations led to the arrest of the suspects in Leandra. The suspects remain in custody as the investigation continues. Five remanded in custody for suspected murder Five remanded in custody for suspected murder 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 2 June 2020 According to the SAPS reports, the rival gang revolted and torched a vehicle, and damaged several residences while on the hunt for the suspects. SAPS investigations led to the arrest of the suspects in Leandra. The suspects remain in custody as the investigation continues. The Kinross SAPS arrested five suspects in connection with the murder of Siyabonga Mathebula (20), who was allegedly stabbed by gang members in Extension 25. Mathebula succumbed to his injuries while being treated at the hospital. The incident occurred shortly after two rival gangs were embroiled in a turf war, with Mathebula encroaching on gang territory, according to reports. According to the SAPS reports, the rival gang revolted and torched a vehicle, and damaged several residences while on the hunt for the suspects. SAPS investigations led to the arrest of the suspects in Leandra. The suspects remain in custody as the investigation continues. < Previous Article Next Article >

Op Donderdag, 8 Oktober, ongeveer 16:00, was ‘n bejaarde dame en haar kinders oppad dorp toe. Die gesin het by die stop straat op die hoek van Jan van Riebeeck en Oosthuizen Straat gestop, en daarna oor gestap. ‘n Vragmotor het af gedraai, en het bo-oor die bejaarde dame se bene gery. Die dame is dadelik na die provinsiale hospitaal geneem vir mediese behandeling. “Die bestuurder van die vragmotor sê hy was besig om te draai, toe die insident plaas gevind het.” Het Kaptein Carla Prinsloo, media beampte van die SAPD, gesê. Die vrou het beserings aan albei haar bene en linker arm opgedoen. 'n Klag van roekelose en/of nalatige bestuur is geopen. Tydens ‘n besoek aan die dame in die provinsiale hospitaal, is opgemerk dat sy goed aansterk. Sy het baie seer, maar sy is baie tevrede met die goeie nasorg wat sy ontvang vanaf die personeel van die provinsiale hospitaal. Vrou ernstig beseer tydens vragmotor ongeluk Vrou ernstig beseer tydens vragmotor ongeluk 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 13 October 2020 Die vrou het beserings aan albei haar bene en linker arm opgedoen. 'n Klag van roekelose en/of nalatige bestuur is geopen. Tydens ‘n besoek aan die dame in die provinsiale hospitaal, is opgemerk dat sy goed aansterk. Op Donderdag, 8 Oktober, ongeveer 16:00, was ‘n bejaarde dame en haar kinders oppad dorp toe. Die gesin het by die stop straat op die hoek van Jan van Riebeeck en Oosthuizen Straat gestop, en daarna oor gestap. ‘n Vragmotor het af gedraai, en het bo-oor die bejaarde dame se bene gery. Die dame is dadelik na die provinsiale hospitaal geneem vir mediese behandeling. “Die bestuurder van die vragmotor sê hy was besig om te draai, toe die insident plaas gevind het.” Het Kaptein Carla Prinsloo, media beampte van die SAPD, gesê. Die vrou het beserings aan albei haar bene en linker arm opgedoen. 'n Klag van roekelose en/of nalatige bestuur is geopen. Tydens ‘n besoek aan die dame in die provinsiale hospitaal, is opgemerk dat sy goed aansterk. Sy het baie seer, maar sy is baie tevrede met die goeie nasorg wat sy ontvang vanaf die personeel van die provinsiale hospitaal. < Previous Article Next Article >

Cricket stalwart Lizelle Lee announces retirement 1/1 Share Supplied Content 12 July 2022 Momentum Proteas batter, Lizelle Lee has announced her retirement from all forms of international cricket with immediate effect. Momentum Proteas batter, Lizelle Lee has announced her retirement from all forms of international cricket with immediate effect. This news comes ahead of the Proteas Women’s three-match One-Day International (ODI) series against England, getting underway from Monday, 11 July in Northampton. The Ermelo-born 30-year-old made her international bow for South Africa in 2013 during the inbound tour against Bangladesh, debuting in T20 International (T20I) cricket at her home ground in Potchefstroom before receiving her first cap in One-Day International (ODI) cricket a week later. In the 50-over game, the opening batter amassed 3 315 runs in 100 matches, including 23 half-centuries and three centuries with a career-best score of 132 not out against India in Lucknow in March last year. In the shorter format, Lee played 82 games for the green and gold, recording 1 896 runs, while notching up 13 fifties and one hundred against Thailand in 2020, which made her only the second South African woman to reach triple figures in T20Is. The Senwes Dragons star leaves the international stage in first place on the runs-scorer’s list in T20I cricket for South Africa, while she only comes second to the recently retired Mignon du Preez in the One-Day format. Lee’s statement is as follows: “It is with a lot of mixed emotions that I announce my retirement from international cricket. From a very young age, I have lived cricket and wanted to represent my country at the highest level. Over the past 8 years I was able to live that dream and I feel I have given everything I could to the Proteas. I feel that I am ready for the next phase in my career and will continue to play domestic T20 cricket around the world. It has been an incredible journey and it would not have been possible without everyone who has supported me during my international career. I want to thank my family, especially my wife Tanja for all the sacrifices they have made for me to live out my dream to represent my country. Thank you to CSA, SACA and all stakeholders involved for the opportunities and support you afforded me to make my dreams of playing for the Proteas come true. My fellow Proteas teammates, thank you for the wonderful memories we have made together. You have made this journey incredible, and I could not have done this without you. I will always be supporting you; we will always be rising together. Lastly to my fans, I am the person I am because of the love and support you have given me throughout my international career. I look forward to continuing this journey with you in the different leagues around the world,” she concluded. “It is with great sadness that we have to bid farewell to a titan of South African cricket at a relatively young age, however we wholeheartedly respect the individual’s decision and her desire to move onto the next chapter of her playing career. Lizelle has given this nation countless memorable moments on the field of play, most notably in 2021 when she was leading from the front with the bat towards being named the ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year in an effort to help South Africa soar to second place on the ICC ODI Rankings. We wish her and her young family nothing but the best from here onwards,” the Director of Cricket, Enoch Nkwe, commented. Pholetsi Moseki, Cricket South Africa (CSA) Chief Executive Officer said: “On behalf of Cricket South Africa (CSA), I’d like to thank Lizelle for her more than eight years of service for the Proteas and wish her all the very best for all her future endeavours, including her ongoing domestic career at home and all around the world. Her explosive batting and her all-round talents at the highest level of the game will be sorely missed by all in the international cricketing fraternity and by the South African public. The legacy she has left behind will be felt for many a year yet,” Moseki concluded. - Cricket South Africa Corporate Communications < Previous Article Next Article >

According to the SAPS, taxi driver Sibonise Patrick Mathebula (31), allegedly ignored a stop sign in Amersfoort while chasing after a white Toyota Avanza, which was traveling from Ermelo on Tuesday, 15 April 2021. Mathebula collided with two pedestrians, a 20-year-old male and a 23-year-old female. They were accompanied by a five-month-old baby, who died on scene. The injured were transported to hospital for treatment. Mathebula was arrested and appeared before the Amersfoort magistrate’s court on Wednesday. He was charged with culpable homicide and reckless and negligent driving, and was remanded in custody. He appeared before the court for formal bail application on Monday, 19 April 2021. According to the SAPS, the mother of the infant sustained several injuries and is still in hospital, while the second victim was discharged from hospital the next day. During the course of last week, Ermelo also saw its fair share of reckless driving and violence from taxi drivers towards individuals transporting passengers with private vehicles. Lawless taxi driver causes death of infant Lawless taxi driver causes death of infant 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 20 April 2021 During the course of last week, Ermelo also saw its fair share of reckless driving and violence from taxi drivers towards individuals transporting passengers with private vehicles. According to the SAPS, taxi driver Sibonise Patrick Mathebula (31), allegedly ignored a stop sign in Amersfoort while chasing after a white Toyota Avanza, which was traveling from Ermelo on Tuesday, 15 April 2021. Mathebula collided with two pedestrians, a 20-year-old male and a 23-year-old female. They were accompanied by a five-month-old baby, who died on scene. The injured were transported to hospital for treatment. Mathebula was arrested and appeared before the Amersfoort magistrate’s court on Wednesday. He was charged with culpable homicide and reckless and negligent driving, and was remanded in custody. He appeared before the court for formal bail application on Monday, 19 April 2021. According to the SAPS, the mother of the infant sustained several injuries and is still in hospital, while the second victim was discharged from hospital the next day. During the course of last week, Ermelo also saw its fair share of reckless driving and violence from taxi drivers towards individuals transporting passengers with private vehicles. < Previous Article Next Article >

Msukaligwa Local Municipality does hold a license, but does not adhere to compliance in the slightest. Municipal deterioration is rampant and it is noticeable that especially smaller municipalities are subject to large-scale mismanagement. Ermelo landfill scores dismal compliance rating 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 14 September 2021 Msukaligwa Local Municipality does hold a license, but does not adhere to compliance in the slightest. Municipal deterioration is rampant and it is noticeable that especially smaller municipalities are subject to large-scale mismanagement. AfriForum has audited 153 landfill sites across South Africa this year as part of the organisation’s national project to measure the quality of landfill sites in South Africa. No nobody’s surprise, only one out of 21 landfill sites that were audited in Mpumalanga complied with national standards. In terms of applicable legislation and regulations, including the National Environmental Management: Waste Act 59 of 2008, all landfill sites must comply with specific requirements, which are not met by municipalities in Mpumalanga. The Ermelo landfill has been a subject of controversy for years, with millions of Rands wasted on contractors and needless rehabilitations of the site, just for it to fall from grace mere months following rehabilitation. In 2015, Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) scored an impressive 85% compliance rating. Alas, it has all gone to the dogs from there. According to the audit, in 2016, scored 52%, and scored 42% in 2017. 2018 and 2020 saw the municipality being rated 18% each year. However, in 2019, MLM essentially failed their compliance completely, with a rating of 2%. In this year’s audit, the municipality scored a compliance rating o a mere 10%, which is well below even the lowest of acceptable standards. According to Hennie Bekker, AfriForum’s District Coordinator for the Lowveld, most of the landfill sites in Mpumalanga are in a poor state. “This can be attributed mainly to the lack of oversight functions by the state to hold municipal officials responsible for the decay of these landfill sites. The most common problems that AfriForum identified during the audit included the absence of landfill site licences, and complete mismanagement of sites. There is also no maintenance plan for machinery and employees that were contacted attested that certain machines stood for months without being repaired. In some cases there was no efficient security to secure the landfill site thus making it easy for informal reclaimers to access the site.” Msukaligwa Local Municipality does hold a license, but does not adhere to compliance in the slightest. Municipal deterioration is rampant and it is noticeable that especially smaller municipalities are subject to large-scale mismanagement. AfriForum met with Barbara Creecy, Minister of Environmental Affairs, and her team on various occasions. AfriForum will also focus on solving problems at certain landfill sites in the province in cooperation with the relevant municipality. The organization will apply pressure to get these sites up to standard. AfriForum will monitor the situation closely to ensure that these sites’ standards improve sufficiently. < Previous Article Next Article >

Mpumalanga Working on Fire’s Busi Mohlala leads from the front 1/1 Share CONTENT SUPPLIED 25 August 2020 “I had blisters on both feet, and I couldn't walk for two weeks, but with encouragement from my Regional Manager, Vincent Lubisi, and WOF OHS, I kept going, became strong, and continued with the course. It was very difficult for me completing that course because after that, my husband and daughter were involved in a car accident and I couldn't cope, but with the support from WOF, fellow colleagues and friends, I continued and completed it.” Press Release - Ms Busi Mohlala is breaking boundaries, rewriting the script and changing the narrative as a crew leader in Mpumalanga Working in Fire’s Breyten team in the Highveld. In its 17 years of existence, the Working on Fire programme, funded by the Department of Environment, Forestry, and Fisheries, continues to support and promote women leadership and equality with 30 percent of their more than 5 000 firefighters being women, the highest number compared to similar firefighting fraternities worldwide. August is Women’s Month, and the theme this year is “Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights for an Equal Future”, and Ms Mohlala and her counterparts continue to prosper in a male-dominated industry. She joined the WOF programme, as a firefighter, in 2010, having been recruited at the Graskop base and she worked her way through the ranks to become a SHE-rep. Her work ethic was rewarded when she was nominated to go study a Type 2 crew leader course in 2013, which did successfully, and was appointed in that position in the same year. After years as a Type 2, Ms Mohlala got the opportunity to further her career, and WOF gave the chance to study the Type 1 crew leader course, which she successfully completed. Ms Mohlala was appointed crew leader of the Breyten team, based and partnered with Msukaligwa Fire and Rescue, which is under the Msukaligwa Local Municipality. She leads a team of 19 firefighters, who conduct Integrated Fire Management (IFM) services, which include fire management planning, detection, prevention, suppression of runaway veld fires, dispatch and coordination, and community fire awareness activities. A mother to a daughter, Ms Mohlala recalls her best memories within the WOF programme being many and very memorable. “I have had many great moments in my career, however, being awarded best crew leader after completing my Type 2 crew leader course, at Kishugu Training Academy in Nelspruit, remains my favourite,” Ms Mohlala said. With success, challenges are bound to arise, and Ms Mohlala remembers how during her vigorous firefighting training for the Type 1 crew leader, she developed blisters because Personal Protective Clothing (PPC) is required to be worn at all times. “I had blisters on both feet, and I couldn't walk for two weeks, but with encouragement from my Regional Manager, Vincent Lubisi, and WOF OHS, I kept going, became strong, and continued with the course. It was very difficult for me completing that course because after that, my husband and daughter were involved in a car accident and I couldn't cope, but with the support from WOF, fellow colleagues and friends, I continued and completed it.” When asked what she enjoys the most about her job and leading a team in ‘fiery’ situations, Ms Mohlala proudly stated she loves the challenges that always arise on the fireline, and all the new things she learns about her colleagues every day. “The fitness part I love as well, because daily fitness tests keeps me healthy and WOF continues to develop its firefighters,” Ms Mohlala concluded. < Previous Article Next Article >

Op Donderdag, 27 Mei, het ‘n man en vrou ‘n groot argument gehad op die hoek van McDonald en De Jager Straat, wat so erg was dat die argument gelei het na moord. Die man en vrou het baie sterk chemikalieë in die hande gekry, en die chemikalieë bo-op mekaar uitgegooi. Die man en vrou is beide na die Ermelo Provinsiale Hospitaal toe geneem vir mediese behandeling. Na wat aangemeld is as poging tot moord, het egter in ‘n moordsaak ontaard nadat die man aan sy beserings beswyk het. Die chemikalieë was so sterk dat dit die sitplekke van die voertuig ook gebrand het. Argument lei na moord Argument lei na moord 1/3 Share SM HATTINGH 1 June 2021 Na wat aangemeld is as poging tot moord, het egter in ‘n moordsaak ontaard nadat die man aan sy beserings beswyk het. Op Donderdag, 27 Mei, het ‘n man en vrou ‘n groot argument gehad op die hoek van McDonald en De Jager Straat, wat so erg was dat die argument gelei het na moord. Die man en vrou het baie sterk chemikalieë in die hande gekry, en die chemikalieë bo-op mekaar uitgegooi. Die man en vrou is beide na die Ermelo Provinsiale Hospitaal toe geneem vir mediese behandeling. Na wat aangemeld is as poging tot moord, het egter in ‘n moordsaak ontaard nadat die man aan sy beserings beswyk het. Die chemikalieë was so sterk dat dit die sitplekke van die voertuig ook gebrand het. < Previous Article Next Article >

"Die sluwe karakters wat hier rond sluip, skrik baie potensiële klante af." Besigheids eienaars sit met hand in die hare 1/6 Share GK CRONJE 15 November 2022 "Die sluwe karakters wat hier rond sluip, skrik baie potensiële klante af." Te midde van die diensleweringskwessies wat Ermelo ervaar, loop Cassim Park se inwoners goed deur. Wat eens die trots en vreugde van inwoners in hierdie area was, het Cassim Park sedertdien teruggeval tot 'n hol skaduwee van sy eertydse glorie. Strate is deurtrek met slaggate, werksterreine word onvolledig gelaat, verskeie straatligte is óf beskadig en leun gevaarlik na die pad, óf heeltemal buite werking, en vullis bemors die sypaadjies. Gras op munisipale terreinne is onversorg, en raadsgeboue, elektriese kiosks, mure en meer is bedek met graffiti en onwelvoeglike gespuitverfde beelde. Ten spyte van talle klagtes vanaf inwoners wat gerig word aan Msukaligwa Plaaslike Munisipaliteit, is daar steeds geen verligting vir besighede in Cassim Park van die onwettige storting van vullis in Tauruslaan nie. Verskeie klagtes wat deur besigheids eienaars aan Msukaligwa Plaaslike Munisipaliteit gerig is oor die toestand van hierdie gebied, val doodluiters op dowe ore. Tuinvullis, stukke glas van vermorselde televisiestelle, drankbottels, menslike ontlasting en allerlei ander vullis versuur die parkeerarea, met haweloses wat die omhulsels van kabels in die verlate gebou af smelt. “Ons sukkel om in hierdie area besigheid te doen. Die sluwe karakters wat hier rond sluip, skrik baie potensiële klante af. Die glas- en metaalskerwe is 'n resep vir pap bande, en die konstante rook van die brandende vullis, gepaard met die reuk van menslike urine en ontlasting, is genoeg om selfs die mees lojale kliënte af te skrik. Ons is aan die einde van verstand hier,” het 'n ontstelde sake-eienaar aan die Tribune gesê. Klagtes van boosdoeners en bendelede wat die lewe vir inwoners nag maak is ook aan die Tribune genoem. Dié kriminele kan snags ongesiens rondsluip, sedert ‘n minimale hoeveelheid straatligte in werkende toestand is. Al is Msukaligwa Plaaslike Munisipaliteit bewus van hierdie kwessies, verval Cassim Park ongelukkig saam met die res van Ermelo en die omliggende areas. Sien meer foto's op ons Facebook blad, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

A resident in Grobler Street has stated with concern that they have noticed that a young male in the area has been targeting and wounding animals with a pellet gun, most notably her cats. It is troubling to note the extent of the injuries inflicted by the shooter. The pellet inflicted two wounds, one behind the animal’s ear, and another laceration above the left eye. While a pellet gun is considered as a non-lethal weapon, an adequately placed pellet is enough to wound, maim and even fatally harm an animal, especially smaller animals such as cats and smaller dogs. Another complaint has also been noted that a resident’s ginger cat had been seriously wounded by a pellet gun. Suffering lacerations and punctures to the chest, the cat has now been missing for two days. Both cats have been spayed, and pose no threat or nuisance. It is also alleged that a shooter in the same area have opened fire on passing pedestrians. It is unclear if the incident relates to the same individual shooting the animals. There have, however, been a slwe of complaints of animals being injured in this manner in this general area. A pellet gun has a caliber smaller than 5.66mm, as to which it falls under the South African airgun laws. While it is not a requirement to possess a firearm licence for a person to own a pellet gun, a pellet gun is regarded as a firearm in terms of the definition section of the Firearms Act. Any person who uses a pellet gun to commit a crime may be charged for possession of a firearm replica to induce fear. It is also an offence to discharge a pellet gun in a residential area, since it jeopardizes the safety of an innocent person. Animals that are targeted fall under the same. In terms of Section 2(1) (s) of the Animal Protection Act of 1962, any person who kills an animal in contravention of a prohibition in terms of a notice published in the Gazette is guilty of an offence, and liable to a R4 000 fine or imprisonment of up to one 2 years. The wilful injury or maiming on any animal also falls under this category. It is an offence to cause injury to any person, animal, or cause damage to property of any person by negligently using a firearm, an antique firearm or an airgun (pellet gun). It is also an offence to fire an airgun (pellet gun) in a manner likely to injure or endanger the safety or property of any person, or with reckless disregard for the safety or property of any person. AWS spokesperson, Allan Perrins, says that most cases involving pellet guns involve cats. Perrins also noted that sadistic curiosity and delinquent behaviour are some of the causes, and animals wounded by pellet guns are never accidental. Injuries inflicted to animals could result in loss of sight or limbs, permanent disfiguration or disability, and even death. Pellets lodged in animals could potentially become infected, and lead to the animal’s death. If you notice someone discharging a pellet gun in a residential ward, please report the guilty party immediately to the neighborhood watch, CPF, SACCW or SAPS. Fury as cats are wounded by pellet gun Fury as cats are wounded by pellet gun 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 24 August 2022 Perrins also noted that sadistic curiosity and delinquent behaviour are some of the causes, and animals wounded by pellet guns are never accidental. A resident in Grobler Street has stated with concern that they have noticed that a young male in the area has been targeting and wounding animals with a pellet gun, most notably her cats. It is troubling to note the extent of the injuries inflicted by the shooter. The pellet inflicted two wounds, one behind the animal’s ear, and another laceration above the left eye. While a pellet gun is considered as a non-lethal weapon, an adequately placed pellet is enough to wound, maim and even fatally harm an animal, especially smaller animals such as cats and smaller dogs. Another complaint has also been noted that a resident’s ginger cat had been seriously wounded by a pellet gun. Suffering lacerations and punctures to the chest, the cat has now been missing for two days. Both cats have been spayed, and pose no threat or nuisance. It is also alleged that a shooter in the same area have opened fire on passing pedestrians. It is unclear if the incident relates to the same individual shooting the animals. There have, however, been a slwe of complaints of animals being injured in this manner in this general area. A pellet gun has a caliber smaller than 5.66mm, as to which it falls under the South African airgun laws. While it is not a requirement to possess a firearm licence for a person to own a pellet gun, a pellet gun is regarded as a firearm in terms of the definition section of the Firearms Act. Any person who uses a pellet gun to commit a crime may be charged for possession of a firearm replica to induce fear. It is also an offence to discharge a pellet gun in a residential area, since it jeopardizes the safety of an innocent person. Animals that are targeted fall under the same. In terms of Section 2(1) (s) of the Animal Protection Act of 1962, any person who kills an animal in contravention of a prohibition in terms of a notice published in the Gazette is guilty of an offence, and liable to a R4 000 fine or imprisonment of up to one 2 years. The wilful injury or maiming on any animal also falls under this category. It is an offence to cause injury to any person, animal, or cause damage to property of any person by negligently using a firearm, an antique firearm or an airgun (pellet gun). It is also an offence to fire an airgun (pellet gun) in a manner likely to injure or endanger the safety or property of any person, or with reckless disregard for the safety or property of any person. AWS spokesperson, Allan Perrins, says that most cases involving pellet guns involve cats. Perrins also noted that sadistic curiosity and delinquent behaviour are some of the causes, and animals wounded by pellet guns are never accidental. Injuries inflicted to animals could result in loss of sight or limbs, permanent disfiguration or disability, and even death. Pellets lodged in animals could potentially become infected, and lead to the animal’s death. If you notice someone discharging a pellet gun in a residential ward, please report the guilty party immediately to the neighborhood watch, CPF, SACCW or SAPS. < Previous Article Next Article >

Two Grade 12 learners of the class of 2020 are featured in this week’s edition of the You magazine, where they share their experience during lockdown. Liggies skitter in die Huisgenoot 1/2 Share SH HATTINGH 9 March 2021 Two Grade 12 learners of the class of 2020 are featured in this week’s edition of the You magazine, where they share their experience during lockdown. Kyk gerus na dié week se uitgawe van die Huisgenoot, waarin twee Liggies hulle Graad 12 ervaring tydens COVID-19 deel. Two Grade 12 learners of the class of 2020 are featured in this week’s edition of the You magazine, where they share their experience during lockdown. < Previous Article Next Article >