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Warning against Ivermectin to treat COVID-19 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 19 January 2021 SAHPRA said it was not yet possible to recommend Ivermectin as a COVID-19 drug. Scientists, authorities and most notably, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States of America have warned against taking an anti-parasite drug as a treatment for COVID-19, despite headlines, WhatsApp chain messages and posts on social media that have touted it as a cure. Facebook posts and articles endorsing Ivermectin have proliferated in Brazil, France, South Africa and South Korea as governments around the world scramble to roll out vaccination programmes. However, citizens are cautioned against taking the drug. A myriad of health agencies have stated that there is not enough evidence to promote the drug as a remedy for COVID-19, and that research into the question has often been unsound. Authorities are clamping down on the dispensing of Ivermectin, which is being marketed as a COVID-19 “miracle drug”, and concern that an underground market may soon emerge is very real. The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has warned the public against using the drug to treat COVID-19, as it has not been approved for use in humans. Ivermectin is a widely used drug for the treatment and control of parasites in animals, and is used to treat several tropical diseases in humans not commonly seen in South Africa, as well as scabies and head lice. In South Africa, Ivermectin is registered for use under Act 36 of 1947 (Department of Agriculture) for use in animals. This means that veterinarians and other trained personnel are allowed to prescribe it as an anti-parasitic agent for a variety of animals. The drug is not currently registered for human use, but SAHPRA occasionally grants Section 21 permits for the use of topical Ivermectin as an unregistered product for the treatment of individual patients with conditions such as scabies or head lice. Researchers stated that flawed studies backing the drug have stoked black market sales, hampered further scientific research and swayed government responses to the pandemic. “The policy decisions of Ivermectin in Latin America have been largely based on the analysis presented in a pre-print in early April,” experts at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health said. A pre-print typically means a study that has been put on the internet but not undergone peer review, the process by which findings are scrutinized by other scientists before they are published in a scholarly journal. The paper was later retracted after experts raised methodological concerns. Ivermectin is one of a string of medications tested as a potential COVID-19 treatment since the pandemic began, and there is currently no sound evidence that it is effective and safe to use. Much like the anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine, which is also so far unproven by clinical trials, Ivermectin is widely available and relatively cheap. The FDA has also thrown its weight beind the caution against Ivermectin, and stated that drug had not been approved to prevent or treat COVID-19. “While there are approved uses for Ivermectin in people and animals, it is not approved for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19," it stated. A widely-cited study published in April in the Antiviral Research medical journal found that Ivermectin was effective against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in cells tested in a lab dish. However, the findings have been misconstrued by the public, as drugs that give promising results in a laboratory setting are frequently ineffective in humans, often because the dose required to neutralize a pathogen cannot safely be administered to patients. SAHPRA said it was not yet possible to recommend Ivermectin as a COVID-19 drug. “From the available randomized control trial evidence, Ivermectin is not superior to placebo in terms of viral load reduction or clinical progression. There is no evidence from randomized control trials for any reduction in mortality,” it said in a statement. “Some of the side-effects that may be associated with Ivermectin include skin rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, facial or limb swelling, neurologic adverse events (dizziness, seizures, confusion), sudden drop in blood pressure, severe skin rash potentially requiring hospitalization and liver injury (hepatitis). Laboratory test abnormalities include decrease in white cell count and elevated liver tests. Any use of Ivermectin for the prevention or treatment of COVID-19 should be avoided as its benefits and safety for these purposes have not been established. Data from clinical trials are necessary for us to determine whether Ivermectin is safe and effective in treating or preventing COVID-19.” < Previous Article Next Article >

Elke provinsie het drie leerders per ouderdomsgroep in geskryf, dus was die deelnemers baie en die kompetisie straf. Erries spog met plekke in Nasionale Jeugskou top tien 1/2 Share Content Supplied 18 October 2022 Elke provinsie het drie leerders per ouderdomsgroep in geskryf, dus was die deelnemers baie en die kompetisie straf. Al die Erries wat tydens die vakansie aan die Jeugskou Nasionale kampioenskappe deelgeneem het, het elkeen ’n plek onder die top tien van Suid-Afrika behaal. Dié is ’n besonderse prestasie. Elke provinsie het drie leerders per ouderdomsgroep in geskryf, dus was die deelnemers baie en die kompetisie straf. Deléne Arnoldi behaal ‘n agtste plek in die Senior Kulinêre Kuns-afdeling met ‘n gemiddeld van 73%. Sudré Meyer eindig derde in die Senior Pluimvee-afdeling met ‘n uitsonderlike gemiddeld van 85%. Martionette Rautenbach behaal in die Senior Wolskaap-afdeling ’n vyfde plek met ‘n gemiddeld van 65%, asook ‘n vierde plek in die groepsklasafdeling met ‘n gemiddeld van 74%. In die Senior Konyn-afdeling behaal Anele Mzinyane ‘n negende plek met ‘n gemiddeld van 68% en Amahle Nzimande ’n tiende plek met ’ngemiddeld van 66%. Baie geluk aan elkeen van hierdie leerders met die uitsonderlike prestasies. EHS is met reg trots op die pragtige plekke wat elkeen ingepalm het. Op die foto verskyn (v.l.n.r): Martionette Rauthenbach, Sudré Meyer, Anele Mzinyane, Amahle Nzimande en Deléne Arnoldi. - Inhoud en foto verskaf deur EHS < 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 >

Ermelo welcomes Midfire Safety EMS 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 26 April 2022 Your level of income and the level of care required all contributes to the costs associated. With great excitement, the residents of Ermelo welcomed Pat Sitoto, I.L.S, and Beauty Themeli, BAA, from Midfire Safety EMS. Pat and Beauty are locked and loaded, ready to assist the community amidst a shortage of emergency vehicles to attend to medical events. Hailing from Kriel and arriving in Ermelo on 1 April 2022, Midfire Safety EMS is based in Camden Avenue, and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Pat and Beauty are fully qualified on all EMS levels. When it comes to indigent patients, the provincial ambulance service has their hands full covering the entirety of Msukaligwa, and aren’t always immediately available when tending to patients. Pat has said that they’re here to alleviate that headache. “The cost associated with our service varies from case to case, and according to severity. In the end, we are here to assist the community with compassion. Your level of income and the level of care required all contributes to the costs associated. We are here to save lives, and affordability cannot be matched with loss of life. We assist private and provincial patients, and work according to RAF standards in many cases.” In case of an emergency, feel free to contact Midfire Safety EMS on 061 800 7479 for immediate assistance. < Previous Article Next Article >

Op Donderdag, 30 Julie, ongeveer 16:00 was ACSU se eienaar, Mnr. Oubaas de Jager, op die regte tyd, op die regte plek. Mnr. De Jager het in dorp gery, en gesien dat ‘n vrou besig was om ‘n Toyota Etios se vensters met haar vuiste te slaan. Hy het die dame genader en gevra waarmee hy haar kan help, waar sy gesê het dat die rowers haar ma geroof het wat by die OTM by Absa bank geld ontrek het. Mnr. De Jager het die rowers agter na gesit, bo oor rooi verkeersligte gejaag, by die straat af, en die volgende straat op totdat die rowers tot stilstand gebring is voor Ligbron Akademie vir Tegnologie. Die rowers is terug gebring na ABSA bank, waar die dame en haar moeder ook weer daar was. Die rowers, wie se name nog nie bekend gemaak kan word nie, is deur die plaaslike SAPD na die stasie toe geneem. Die dame en haar ma, asook die gemeenskap, net graag vir Oubaas de Jager en sy hele span by ACSU bedank vir hulle blitsvinnige diens, dat hul altyd bereid is om te help, en ook spoedig by tonele is. “ACSU, julle maak ons trots om te kan sê ons is van Ermelo. Well gedaan!” ACSU se oë is altyd oop ACSU se oë is altyd oop 1/0 Share SH HATTINGH 4 Augustus 2020 Mnr. Oubaas de Jager, op die regte tyd, op die regte plek. Mnr. De Jager het in dorp gery, en gesien dat ‘n vrou besig was om ‘n Toyota Etios se vensters met haar vuiste te slaan. Op Donderdag, 30 Julie, ongeveer 16:00 was ACSU se eienaar, Mnr. Oubaas de Jager, op die regte tyd, op die regte plek. Mnr. De Jager het in dorp gery, en gesien dat ‘n vrou besig was om ‘n Toyota Etios se vensters met haar vuiste te slaan. Hy het die dame genader en gevra waarmee hy haar kan help, waar sy gesê het dat die rowers haar ma geroof het wat by die OTM by Absa bank geld ontrek het. Mnr. De Jager het die rowers agter na gesit, bo oor rooi verkeersligte gejaag, by die straat af, en die volgende straat op totdat die rowers tot stilstand gebring is voor Ligbron Akademie vir Tegnologie. Die rowers is terug gebring na ABSA bank, waar die dame en haar moeder ook weer daar was. Die rowers, wie se name nog nie bekend gemaak kan word nie, is deur die plaaslike SAPD na die stasie toe geneem. Die dame en haar ma, asook die gemeenskap, net graag vir Oubaas de Jager en sy hele span by ACSU bedank vir hulle blitsvinnige diens, dat hul altyd bereid is om te help, en ook spoedig by tonele is. “ACSU, julle maak ons trots om te kan sê ons is van Ermelo. Well gedaan!” < Previous Article Next Article >

Johanna's recycling success story Johanna Leshabane, who launched Bophelo Recycling in 2007 after being retrenched. Johanna Leshabane, who launched Bophelo Recycling in 2007 after being retrenched. 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 8 December 2020 “I feel so blessed and very honoured,” said Bophelo owner, Johanna Leshabane, who attributed her success to PETCO, Safripol, her staff, and the community members, schools and companies which allowed Bophelo to collect their waste. When Johanna Leshabane launched Bophelo Recycling in 2007 after being retrenched, little did she know that her dream of fighting unemployment in her community would evolve into an award-winning business. Today, with 11 full-time staff and 20 part-time waste pickers, the waste buy-back centre collects 36 tonnes of recyclable PET plastic from informal settlements, households and schools in the Ermelo area. This equates to a 79% increase in total collection volumes since inception. Polymer producer Safripol and the national industry body for PET recycling (PETCO) have together provided Leshabane with supporting recycling infrastructure worth R500,000. The joint contribution included, among other things, a shipping container, electricity supply, trailer, roofing structure, trolleys, signage, fencing and branding, as well as training and mentoring support. The support has helped stimulate job creation, economic growth and development in the area, and, as a result, Bophelo has recently received national acclaim. The acclaim, in the form of the Responsible Care Initiative Award in the Corporate Social Responsibility category, came from the Chemical and Allied Industries Association (CAIA). It recognises the impact the project has made on improving the lives and livelihoods of Ermelo community members while making a positive difference to the environment. “I feel so blessed and very honoured,” said Bophelo owner, Johanna Leshabane, who attributed her success to PETCO, Safripol, her staff, and the community members, schools and companies which allowed Bophelo to collect their waste. “I couldn’t have done it without all these people,” she said. Despite the business being negatively affected by COVID-19, Leshabane said she planned to grow Bophelo even more in 2021. “I’d like to branch out into another town so that we can create jobs in other rural settlements and teach more people how they can start their own recycling business,” she said. Avashnee Chetty, Safripol sustainability manager, said the project demonstrated that “real change is possible in the lives of the most vulnerable when it is driven at grassroots level, and when community members are engaged as both partners and leaders. “This project is embedded in the local community, and it is only through joint partnerships of this kind that real impact and sustainable social change can be achieved. Safripol is extremely proud to be associated with this project,” Chetty said. PETCO collections and training project manager Belinda Booker said the training and mentorship of waste pickers was “critical to improving their working conditions and that of their surrounding communities, while simultaneously keeping our environment clean. “The PET recycling sector has an important role to play in contributing to the transformation of the South African economy. Few issues are more important,” said Booker. < Previous Article Next Article >

A total of 271 males were arrested during an operation focusing on illegal mining in Ermelo on Thursday, 13 October 2022. The illegal mine is located approximately 10KM out of Ermelo on the N11, and the operation was led by the SAPS Gert Sibande District Office. They were assisted by members from the SAPS National Intervention Unit, SAPS Ermelo, Ermelo K9, the SAPS Air Wing, Department of Home Affairs, Kunene Security, Spartan Training, AfriForum Buurtwag and 303 Security. Amongst the suspects arrested were 30 Zimbabwian citizens, 92 citizens from Mozambique and 11 from Swaziland. 138 are South African citizens. Investigation revealed that the citizens from Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Swaziland did not have proper documentation to be in the country, and the are all facing charges of being in South Africa illegally. The SAPS confiscated one front-end loader, three trucks and six bakkies loaded with coal, wheelbarrows, pick axes and forks, all of which had been used in the illegal mining of coal. During the arrest, SAPS Air Wing got their eyes on another mine, where they dispatched SAPS members. Upon arrival at the scene, there were an estimated 50 miners, as well as women selling food and colddrinks from a makeshift stall. All of these miners were also arrested. At this location, there is a mine shaft’s opening is at the end of a 150 meter decline. On Friday, 14 October 2022, outside the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court, family members and working colleagues gathered outside the court waiting for the court case. SAPS visibility was high, and the area cordoned off by SAPS vehciles. At a later stage, the protestors were in front of the SAPS station, were they demanded that the arrested suspects be released to go back to work. Rubber bullets and tear gas was later used to disperse the rowdy crowd, and restore order. The suspects made their appearance before court on Monday, 17 October 2022, were they remained in custody. The suspects that appeared before the court on Monday, are facing all the following charge: the Accused, being an illegal foreigner, is guilty of the offence of contravention of section 49(1)(a), read with sections 9(1) and 9(3)(b) of the immigration Act, Act 13 of 2022 as amended by Act 13 of 2011. The Accused did wrongfully enter the Republic in contravention of the Immigration Act, 2022, by entering the Republic at a place other than a port or entry, or entering the Republic whilst he/she was not in possession of a valid passport or in that the accused, being a foreigner who is not the holder of a permanent residence permit, did enter the Republic while his/her passport was valid for less than 30 days after the expiry of the intended stay, and that he/she was not issued with a valid temporary residence permit; and or in that the entry into the Republic by the said accused was not recorded by an immigration officer, and or remain in the Republic without being iin possession of any form or document allowing him/her to remain in the Republic. The remaining suspects made their appearance in court on 18 October, and again on 21 October, respectively. In a previous article in Tribune of 9 August 2022, Bidvest Protea Coin lodged several complaints to Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) regarding all these illegal mining in and around Ermelo. The Tribune has also directed an enquiry to the DMRE regarding the activity at these mines, and have received acknowledgment of receipt from two of the seven recipients. To date, the Tribune has received no further communication from any of the recipients, the department’s Queen Tsebetsebe, nor from the office of the Director General’s Nonhlanhla Ndebele. The DMRE’s Solomon Phetla acknowledged the enquiry, but to date, failed to reply. You may view more photos and videos on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. Total of 271 zama zama males arrested in Ermelo Total of 271 zama zama males arrested in Ermelo 1/5 Share SM HATTINGH 18 October 2022 To date, the Tribune has received no further communication from any of the recipients, the department’s Queen Tsebetsebe, nor from the office of the Director General’s Nonhlanhla Ndebele. The DMRE’s Solomon Phetla acknowledged the enquiry, but to date, failed to reply. A total of 271 males were arrested during an operation focusing on illegal mining in Ermelo on Thursday, 13 October 2022. The illegal mine is located approximately 10KM out of Ermelo on the N11, and the operation was led by the SAPS Gert Sibande District Office. They were assisted by members from the SAPS National Intervention Unit, SAPS Ermelo, Ermelo K9, the SAPS Air Wing, Department of Home Affairs, Kunene Security, Spartan Training, AfriForum Buurtwag and 303 Security. Amongst the suspects arrested were 30 Zimbabwian citizens, 92 citizens from Mozambique and 11 from Swaziland. 138 are South African citizens. Investigation revealed that the citizens from Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Swaziland did not have proper documentation to be in the country, and the are all facing charges of being in South Africa illegally. The SAPS confiscated one front-end loader, three trucks and six bakkies loaded with coal, wheelbarrows, pick axes and forks, all of which had been used in the illegal mining of coal. During the arrest, SAPS Air Wing got their eyes on another mine, where they dispatched SAPS members. Upon arrival at the scene, there were an estimated 50 miners, as well as women selling food and colddrinks from a makeshift stall. All of these miners were also arrested. At this location, there is a mine shaft’s opening is at the end of a 150 meter decline. On Friday, 14 October 2022, outside the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court, family members and working colleagues gathered outside the court waiting for the court case. SAPS visibility was high, and the area cordoned off by SAPS vehciles. At a later stage, the protestors were in front of the SAPS station, were they demanded that the arrested suspects be released to go back to work. Rubber bullets and tear gas was later used to disperse the rowdy crowd, and restore order. The suspects made their appearance before court on Monday, 17 October 2022, were they remained in custody. The suspects that appeared before the court on Monday, are facing all the following charge: the Accused, being an illegal foreigner, is guilty of the offence of contravention of section 49(1)(a), read with sections 9(1) and 9(3)(b) of the immigration Act, Act 13 of 2022 as amended by Act 13 of 2011. The Accused did wrongfully enter the Republic in contravention of the Immigration Act, 2022, by entering the Republic at a place other than a port or entry, or entering the Republic whilst he/she was not in possession of a valid passport or in that the accused, being a foreigner who is not the holder of a permanent residence permit, did enter the Republic while his/her passport was valid for less than 30 days after the expiry of the intended stay, and that he/she was not issued with a valid temporary residence permit; and or in that the entry into the Republic by the said accused was not recorded by an immigration officer, and or remain in the Republic without being iin possession of any form or document allowing him/her to remain in the Republic. The remaining suspects made their appearance in court on 18 October, and again on 21 October, respectively. In a previous article in Tribune of 9 August 2022, Bidvest Protea Coin lodged several complaints to Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) regarding all these illegal mining in and around Ermelo. The Tribune has also directed an enquiry to the DMRE regarding the activity at these mines, and have received acknowledgment of receipt from two of the seven recipients. To date, the Tribune has received no further communication from any of the recipients, the department’s Queen Tsebetsebe, nor from the office of the Director General’s Nonhlanhla Ndebele. The DMRE’s Solomon Phetla acknowledged the enquiry, but to date, failed to reply. You may view more photos and videos on our Facebook page, Tribune Ermelo. < Previous Article Next Article >

COSATU throws weight behind NUMSA strike 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 7 October 2021 Metalworkers union NUMSA had commenced its national strike on Tuesday, which will continue indefinitely until demands are met. The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) stated that it will take part in the strike today to putpressure on the government and private sector to pay more attention to the working class. The strike has been slated as a "one day participation" by COSATU. “The federation is issuing a call to all workers and South Africans to join the strike. They can either join the planned activities across the country, or withdraw their labour by staying at home on the day,” said COSATU spokesperson, Sizwe Pamla. He said the union was demanding urgent action from policy makers in the government, as well as the private sector, to ensure that workers receive their dues. “Both the public and the private sector have been blatantly undermining collective bargaining. We want the reversal of budget cuts that have led to an unacceptable wage freeze in the public service, the disintegration of the CCMA, and retrenchments in state-owned companies,” Pamla said. Metalworkers union NUMSA had commenced its national strike on Tuesday, which will continue indefinitely until demands are met. The union demands an 8% wage increase for workers, and have accused employers of using the pandemic as an excuse to sidestep lawfully stipulated annual salary increases. An estimated 430 000 workers across 9 000 steel and engineering companies countrywide will down tools in solidarity. NUMSA spokesperson, Phakamile Hlubi-Majola, stated that all their members are fed up with the fact that the employers refuse to give them a meaningful increase. Therefore they are demanding an 8% wage increase across the board. < Previous Article Next Article >

Various perpetrators were sentenced for different offences in the Regional Court in Ermelo during the month of October 2021. - Samuel Ndosi Manana (33) was sentenced to life imprisonment on a charge of rape. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm and to work with children. The sentence follows an incident on 15 March 2020, during which Manana raped a 15-year-old girl. - Sboniso Agreement Dludlu (26) was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for theft. On 27 October 2020, he was caught in De Bruin Street, De Bruin Park, with copper cable in his possession. The copper cable was used to supply electricity to parts of Ermelo. - Mphakamiseni Mkhwanazi (66) was sentenced to eight years imprisonment for murder. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm. On the evening of 5 December 2020, he stabbed Zephania Khumalo (41) during an argument about money. Khumalo succumbed to his wounds on scene. - Joshua Shongwe (34) was sentenced to eight years imprisonment for rape in 2020. The complainant, a 25-year-old woman, woke up during the night on 22 October 2020, realizing that a male was raping her. Shongwe was also declared unfit to possess a firearm. - Andile Mfanafuthi Ndwandwe (27) was charged for public violence, using a motor vehicle without consent of the owner, and robbery. It was stated that on 22 August 2020, he unlawfully intended to disturb public peace, invaded the rights of other persons and prevented motor vehicles from passing, burning tyres, blocking the road and stealing coal in the vicinity of Breyten. He was sentenced to five years imprisonment for public violence and robbery, and 30 days for using a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent. The sentence of 30 days imprisonment will run concurrent with the five year’s imprisonment. - A 17-year-old boy was sentenced to five years imprisonment for murder. The five years was wholly suspended for five years, on condition that he does not commit murder or assault with the intent to inflict grievous bodily harm during the time of suspension. The sentence emanated from an incident on the 2 June 2020 during which the 17-year-old stabbed another 17-year-old during an altercation. - A 17-year-old boy was sentenced to four years imprisonment for the rape of a 9-year-old boy. The sentence was wholly suspended for five years, on condition that the he does not commit rape or sexual assault during the period of suspension. - Two men, aged 27 and 31 years, were arrested during seperate incidents on 4 November for being in possession of drugs. They were both arrested in Extension 4, Wesselton. - Two businesses were robbed the past weekend. On 3 November, at 19:00, three males entered a general dealer in New Ermelo. They held the owner at gunpoint, robbed him of cash and stock to the value of R6 500, and fled the scene. - On 4 November, at 20:00, four suspects entered a shop in Extention 5, Wesselton. One of the suspects pointed a firearm at the shop owner. They robbed him of cell phones, cash, airtime and cigarettes to the value of R19 000. - On 7 November 2021, Ermelo SAPS was informed of a murder in Extention 6, Wesselton. On the scene, they found a 31-year-old man lying in the street. He was stabbed several times in the chest, and was declared dead by EMS on the scene. - Ermelo SAPS has opened an inquest to investigate the circumstances, which lead to the death of two boys. It is alleged that the 26-year-old mother of three boys, aged 5 and 3-years old, and 8 months-old baby left her boys sleeping at home to buy airtime at a nearby shop. On her way home, a neighbour was shouting that her house was burning. When she arrived, the house was already engulfed in flames. The 3-year-old boy was outside crying. Upon questioning, he said that the 5-year-old was playing with matches next to the bed. The 5-year-old boy and the baby died in the fire. The 3-year-old was taken to hospital for medical treatment. The incident happened Saturday morning at 09:00 at New Ermelo informal settlement. - House robbery: On Saturday evening, at 19:00, the complainant and his wife was at home at Extension 2 informal settlement. The door was not locked. An unknown male entered the house, and threatened them with a knife. He robbed them of cell phones and a speaker, and fled the scene. - Rape: On Saturday, 6 November, a 29-year-old mother from Dunusa location left her 9-year-old daughter in the care of her neighbour's brother to go to town. Later the day she noticed that her daughter was acting strange. She also discovered that the girl's underwear was wet and dirty. Her daughter then explained that she was raped by the neighbour's brother. Heavy sentences handed down Heavy sentences handed down 1/1 Share SM HATTINGH 9 November 2021 Various perpetrators were sentenced for different offences in the Regional Court in Ermelo during the month of October 2021. Various perpetrators were sentenced for different offences in the Regional Court in Ermelo during the month of October 2021. - Samuel Ndosi Manana (33) was sentenced to life imprisonment on a charge of rape. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm and to work with children. The sentence follows an incident on 15 March 2020, during which Manana raped a 15-year-old girl. - Sboniso Agreement Dludlu (26) was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for theft. On 27 October 2020, he was caught in De Bruin Street, De Bruin Park, with copper cable in his possession. The copper cable was used to supply electricity to parts of Ermelo. - Mphakamiseni Mkhwanazi (66) was sentenced to eight years imprisonment for murder. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm. On the evening of 5 December 2020, he stabbed Zephania Khumalo (41) during an argument about money. Khumalo succumbed to his wounds on scene. - Joshua Shongwe (34) was sentenced to eight years imprisonment for rape in 2020. The complainant, a 25-year-old woman, woke up during the night on 22 October 2020, realizing that a male was raping her. Shongwe was also declared unfit to possess a firearm. - Andile Mfanafuthi Ndwandwe (27) was charged for public violence, using a motor vehicle without consent of the owner, and robbery. It was stated that on 22 August 2020, he unlawfully intended to disturb public peace, invaded the rights of other persons and prevented motor vehicles from passing, burning tyres, blocking the road and stealing coal in the vicinity of Breyten. He was sentenced to five years imprisonment for public violence and robbery, and 30 days for using a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent. The sentence of 30 days imprisonment will run concurrent with the five year’s imprisonment. - A 17-year-old boy was sentenced to five years imprisonment for murder. The five years was wholly suspended for five years, on condition that he does not commit murder or assault with the intent to inflict grievous bodily harm during the time of suspension. The sentence emanated from an incident on the 2 June 2020 during which the 17-year-old stabbed another 17-year-old during an altercation. - A 17-year-old boy was sentenced to four years imprisonment for the rape of a 9-year-old boy. The sentence was wholly suspended for five years, on condition that the he does not commit rape or sexual assault during the period of suspension. - Two men, aged 27 and 31 years, were arrested during seperate incidents on 4 November for being in possession of drugs. They were both arrested in Extension 4, Wesselton. - Two businesses were robbed the past weekend. On 3 November, at 19:00, three males entered a general dealer in New Ermelo. They held the owner at gunpoint, robbed him of cash and stock to the value of R6 500, and fled the scene. - On 4 November, at 20:00, four suspects entered a shop in Extention 5, Wesselton. One of the suspects pointed a firearm at the shop owner. They robbed him of cell phones, cash, airtime and cigarettes to the value of R19 000. - On 7 November 2021, Ermelo SAPS was informed of a murder in Extention 6, Wesselton. On the scene, they found a 31-year-old man lying in the street. He was stabbed several times in the chest, and was declared dead by EMS on the scene. - Ermelo SAPS has opened an inquest to investigate the circumstances, which lead to the death of two boys. It is alleged that the 26-year-old mother of three boys, aged 5 and 3-years old, and 8 months-old baby left her boys sleeping at home to buy airtime at a nearby shop. On her way home, a neighbour was shouting that her house was burning. When she arrived, the house was already engulfed in flames. The 3-year-old boy was outside crying. Upon questioning, he said that the 5-year-old was playing with matches next to the bed. The 5-year-old boy and the baby died in the fire. The 3-year-old was taken to hospital for medical treatment. The incident happened Saturday morning at 09:00 at New Ermelo informal settlement. - House robbery: On Saturday evening, at 19:00, the complainant and his wife was at home at Extension 2 informal settlement. The door was not locked. An unknown male entered the house, and threatened them with a knife. He robbed them of cell phones and a speaker, and fled the scene. - Rape: On Saturday, 6 November, a 29-year-old mother from Dunusa location left her 9-year-old daughter in the care of her neighbour's brother to go to town. Later the day she noticed that her daughter was acting strange. She also discovered that the girl's underwear was wet and dirty. Her daughter then explained that she was raped by the neighbour's brother. < Previous Article Next Article >

Soos wat ‘n gewone werksdag sal begin met roetine en kinders by die skool kry, het Dinsdag, 8 Februarie 2022, heel anders vir ‘n gesin in Ermelo begin. ‘N Oupa en sy kleindogter was binne-in hul Chevrolet Utilty bakkie, oppad om haar by die skool af te laai. Oupa het by die hek uitgekim om die hek oop te stoot, waar drie rowers vir hom gewag het. Daar is aan die oupa gesê om nie te skree nie, anders skiet hul die dogtertjie. Die oupa en sy kleindogter is binne die huis in geboender saam met die rowers, waarna die drie rowers geld geëis het. Binne in die huis was die ouma, kleinseun, dogter en skoonseun. Die hele familie was gedwing na die ontvangs area, waar hulle vasgebind is. Die rowers het die huis oordompel opsoek na geld. Die dogter het aan die rowers gesê om nie te skiet nie, dat hulle alles kan vat maar moet net nie hulle seer maak nie. Die rowers het ‘n gordel in die hande gekry, en om die dogter se nek vas gemaak. Die pa het probeer om sy kinders se oë toe te hou, sodat hulle nie kon sien wat met hulle ma gebeur nie. Daarna het die rowers ‘n strykyster in die hande gekry, en hom in die gang laat warm word. Die pa is op sy skouer gebrand, en die oupa op sy lae rug, terwyl die res van die gesin toekyk en nie hulp kan verleen nie. ACSU se beheerkamer het gesien dat die alarm verskeie kere agter mekaar ge-aktiveer word. Wentzel Sonnekus en sy bemanning het dadelik na die adres gejaag, en met die aankoms is daar aan hulle vertel wat gebeur het. Die rowers het te voet uit die erf geloop, in ‘n wit Mercedez-Benz geklim en weg gejaag. Tydens die insident is daar na die kamera opname gekyk, waar daar kon sien in wat se voertuig hul geklim het. Mnr. Sonnekus het dadelik begin om die voertuig te volg. Alle veiligheids groepe is in kennis gestel, en die rowers is in Benoni deur die “Flying Squad” gearresteer. Tydens die roof is daar ‘n groot bedrag geld, selfone asook juwliersware gesteel. Die rowers, Thobeka Makua (28), Bennet Mkhize (44) en Badanile Thabethe (42) het op Donderdag, 10 Februarie, in die Ermelo landroshof verskyn waar hulle saak uitgestel is. Tydens ‘n onderhoud met die gesin, wil hulle net graag aan die gemeenskap, ACSU, Ermelo SAPD en ook die SAPD van Benoni bedank vir hulle flinke diens. In besonders wil hul vir Mnr. Sonnekus en sy span bedank wat hulle die nodige bystand gegee het, en hul dadelik kon help om te sê waar die voertuig is. Rowers sak toe op gesin, martel pa en oupa Rowers sak toe op gesin, martel pa en oupa 1/6 Share SM HATTINGH 15 February 2022 Alle veiligheids groepe is in kennis gestel, en die rowers is in Benoni deur die “Flying Squad” gearresteer. Soos wat ‘n gewone werksdag sal begin met roetine en kinders by die skool kry, het Dinsdag, 8 Februarie 2022, heel anders vir ‘n gesin in Ermelo begin. ‘N Oupa en sy kleindogter was binne-in hul Chevrolet Utilty bakkie, oppad om haar by die skool af te laai. Oupa het by die hek uitgekim om die hek oop te stoot, waar drie rowers vir hom gewag het. Daar is aan die oupa gesê om nie te skree nie, anders skiet hul die dogtertjie. Die oupa en sy kleindogter is binne die huis in geboender saam met die rowers, waarna die drie rowers geld geëis het. Binne in die huis was die ouma, kleinseun, dogter en skoonseun. Die hele familie was gedwing na die ontvangs area, waar hulle vasgebind is. Die rowers het die huis oordompel opsoek na geld. Die dogter het aan die rowers gesê om nie te skiet nie, dat hulle alles kan vat maar moet net nie hulle seer maak nie. Die rowers het ‘n gordel in die hande gekry, en om die dogter se nek vas gemaak. Die pa het probeer om sy kinders se oë toe te hou, sodat hulle nie kon sien wat met hulle ma gebeur nie. Daarna het die rowers ‘n strykyster in die hande gekry, en hom in die gang laat warm word. Die pa is op sy skouer gebrand, en die oupa op sy lae rug, terwyl die res van die gesin toekyk en nie hulp kan verleen nie. ACSU se beheerkamer het gesien dat die alarm verskeie kere agter mekaar ge-aktiveer word. Wentzel Sonnekus en sy bemanning het dadelik na die adres gejaag, en met die aankoms is daar aan hulle vertel wat gebeur het. Die rowers het te voet uit die erf geloop, in ‘n wit Mercedez-Benz geklim en weg gejaag. Tydens die insident is daar na die kamera opname gekyk, waar daar kon sien in wat se voertuig hul geklim het. Mnr. Sonnekus het dadelik begin om die voertuig te volg. Alle veiligheids groepe is in kennis gestel, en die rowers is in Benoni deur die “Flying Squad” gearresteer. Tydens die roof is daar ‘n groot bedrag geld, selfone asook juwliersware gesteel. Die rowers, Thobeka Makua (28), Bennet Mkhize (44) en Badanile Thabethe (42) het op Donderdag, 10 Februarie, in die Ermelo landroshof verskyn waar hulle saak uitgestel is. Tydens ‘n onderhoud met die gesin, wil hulle net graag aan die gemeenskap, ACSU, Ermelo SAPD en ook die SAPD van Benoni bedank vir hulle flinke diens. In besonders wil hul vir Mnr. Sonnekus en sy span bedank wat hulle die nodige bystand gegee het, en hul dadelik kon help om te sê waar die voertuig is. < 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 >

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