GSDM calls for an end to GBV 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 7 July 2020 Leaders from various faith-based organisations joined the GSDM political and administrative leadership during the prayer session, which was held under the theme “An Outcry for spiritual Intervention against COVID-19, Gender Based Violence and Femicide”. Press Release - The Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM) has again called for an immediate end to the scourge of Gender Based Violence (GBV) and Femicide. The call was made during a prayer session that was conducted from the GSDM Council Chambers on Thursday, 25 June where less than 50 delegates were gathered while others joined virtually in line with the lockdown alert level 3 regulations. Leaders from various faith-based organisations joined the GSDM political and administrative leadership during the prayer session, which was held under the theme “An Outcry for spiritual Intervention against COVID-19, Gender Based Violence and Femicide”. In his address, GSDM Executive Mayor, Councillor Muzi Chirwa, said the municipality was very concerned by the emergence of violence directed at women and children. “These acts of Gender Based Violence and Femicide are rising and they are done by some of us in the society, in particular men. That is why as the collective leadership of this municipality are calling on men to desist from this conduct of abusing and killing of women and children,” said Chirwa. He also announced that GSDM would be hosting a first ‘District Women and Men Parliament’ the following day, 26 June 2020, virtually, to try and find solutions in fighting the scourge and grow the District together. He further added that the municipality had the full confidence on all the law enforcement agencies that they will act swiftly against the perpetrators of Gender Based Violence and called on members of the community to work with them by reporting incidences to the police. Cllr. Chirwa also raised his concerns about the sharp increase in the number of COVID-19 infection rates in the country, particularly in the District, and called on all to remain vigilant. The leaders of the faith-based organisations applauded the GSDM for the initiative and pledged their support. < 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 >

Morné Engelbrecht hardloop tydens die Mpumalanga kampioenskappe ‘n uitstekende tyd van 11.21 sekondes in die 80m hekkies vir seuns o/13. JJ se eie sport ster 1/1 Share SH HATTINGH 6 Oktober 2020 Morné Engelbrecht hardloop tydens die Mpumalanga kampioenskappe ‘n uitstekende tyd van 11.21 sekondes in die 80m hekkies vir seuns o/13. SA Skole sport sterre is ‘n platform wat geskep is om erkenning te gee aan sport sterre op hoërskool en laerskool vlak. As gevolg van die COVID-19 regulasies kon die Suid-Afrikaanse Atletiek kampioenskappe nie hierdie jaar plaasvind nie. Leerlinge se beste tye gedurende die seisoen is ingestuur, om sodoende hul plek op doe rangkys te bepaal. Morné Engelbrecht hardloop tydens die Mpumalanga kampioenskappe ‘n uitstekende tyd van 11.21 sekondes in die 80m hekkies vir seuns o/13. Die fantastiese tyd plaas hom eerste op die ranglys. Morné is dus die beste 80m hekkie atleet in ons land. “Morné, ons is voorwaar baie trots op jou. Baie geluk!” < Previous Article Next Article >

SA staar hoër grendelvlak in die gesig 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 27 October 2020 Suid-Afrika het op Sondag, 25 Oktober 2020, 1 622 nuwe infeksies aangemeld, wat die totale aangemelde gevalle tot 715 868 geneem het. Premier Sihle Zikalala het gesê dat 'n terugkeer na 'n hoër grendelvlak op die spel is, tensy die land 'n afname in die aantal gevalle van COVID-19 infeksies sien. Gesondheids- en regeringsamptenare het die land gewaarsku oor 'n toename in COVID-19-gevalle in Suid-Afrika as gevolg van inwoners wat regulasies teenstaan, versuim om maskers te dra en groot byeenkomste bywoon. “As ons na die statistieke kyk, kan ons nou met veiligheid sê dat ons beslis weer ‘n verhoodge grendelvlak gaan instel as daar geen dringende en drastiese verandering in gedrag is nie,” het Zikalala op Sondag laat hoor. Die premier het veral klem gestel op roekelose verbruik van alkohol, en sosiale byeenkomste en partytjies, wat die potensiaal het om al die vordering wat gemaak is om die gesondheidsorgstelsel voor te berei op 'n moontlike aanslag van COVID-19, te laat ontspoor. “Ons kan dit nie duld nie, en daarom sal ons inspekteurs ten volle optree om die wet toe te pas,” het hy afgesluit. President Cyril Ramaphosa sal na verwagting vandeesweek die land toespreek oor die toenemende aantal COVID-19-infeksies in die land. Suid-Afrika het op Sondag, 25 Oktober 2020, 1 622 nuwe infeksies aangemeld, wat die totale aangemelde gevalle tot 715 868 geneem het. Sterftes het 18 960, 'n daaglikse toename van 16, bereik, terwyl herstel tot 646 170 geklim het. Daar is tans 50 738 aktiewe gevalle in die land. Inwoners word gemaan om regulasies na te kom, en die nodige voorsorg te tref, wat die dra van ‘n masker in die publiek, insluit. < Previous Article Next Article >

Desperate times call for desperate measures, as more and more business opt to move their operations online. A large part of a successful business online, is the feedback received from clients who search for your services. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) statistics play a large part in how easily your business can be found on Google, and various paid services can help increase your visibility rating. However, a company called White Pages, claim to provide interested parties with free SEO listings on Google. While this might seem like a perfect investment for your company, it is in actuality, a shameless moneymaking racket. When you are cold-mailed by White Pages representatives, or happen to stumble across their “free” service, take a look at the fine print on the documentation sent to you. While it may seem at a glance that this is a service rendered by Telkom, listing your contact details in a directory similar to the Yellow Pages, White Pages holds no affiliation to Telkom whatsoever. While a large, eye-catching sentence draws your attention, claiming to be a “free service”, the fine print is the flopped pudding. The fine print, which is almost always ignored, or simply glanced over when filling in a submission form, states that White Pages Directory Pty Ltd is an independent online advertising company, who is not affiliated to Telkom or Trudon. Furthermore, you are unwittingly duped into signing a twelve month contract to the value of R10 740.00. To make matters even worse, this contract will renew annually unless cancelled in writing, and White Pages Directory Pty Ltd needs to send confirmation acknowledging the request to cancel the service. Advertising is to be carried out for the above mentioned company as per the details above. It should also be noted that this contract is subjected to cancellation within five days of signing. Delayed payments will incur penalty fees after 30 days, and will be handed over for collection including costs on an attorney and client scale. Unsuspecting clients are also duped into signing a contract which binds them to 50% of the total amount being payable upon cancellation. Ironically, the “debt collection” e-mails often come from a Gmail account, which brings into question the validity of the White Pages, as well as the dubious means in which they trap unsuspecting individuals. There have been numerous complaints laid against the White Pages at the ombudsman, as well as the South African credit bureau. Complaints have also been lodged against the White Pages regarding harassment from their “debt collection department”, and affiliated legal threats. Be wary of White Pages contractual traps Be wary of White Pages contractual traps 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 2 March 2021 You are unwittingly duped into signing a twelve month contract to the value of R10 740.00. Desperate times call for desperate measures, as more and more business opt to move their operations online. A large part of a successful business online, is the feedback received from clients who search for your services. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) statistics play a large part in how easily your business can be found on Google, and various paid services can help increase your visibility rating. However, a company called White Pages, claim to provide interested parties with free SEO listings on Google. While this might seem like a perfect investment for your company, it is in actuality, a shameless moneymaking racket. When you are cold-mailed by White Pages representatives, or happen to stumble across their “free” service, take a look at the fine print on the documentation sent to you. While it may seem at a glance that this is a service rendered by Telkom, listing your contact details in a directory similar to the Yellow Pages, White Pages holds no affiliation to Telkom whatsoever. While a large, eye-catching sentence draws your attention, claiming to be a “free service”, the fine print is the flopped pudding. The fine print, which is almost always ignored, or simply glanced over when filling in a submission form, states that White Pages Directory Pty Ltd is an independent online advertising company, who is not affiliated to Telkom or Trudon. Furthermore, you are unwittingly duped into signing a twelve month contract to the value of R10 740.00. To make matters even worse, this contract will renew annually unless cancelled in writing, and White Pages Directory Pty Ltd needs to send confirmation acknowledging the request to cancel the service. Advertising is to be carried out for the above mentioned company as per the details above. It should also be noted that this contract is subjected to cancellation within five days of signing. Delayed payments will incur penalty fees after 30 days, and will be handed over for collection including costs on an attorney and client scale. Unsuspecting clients are also duped into signing a contract which binds them to 50% of the total amount being payable upon cancellation. Ironically, the “debt collection” e-mails often come from a Gmail account, which brings into question the validity of the White Pages, as well as the dubious means in which they trap unsuspecting individuals. There have been numerous complaints laid against the White Pages at the ombudsman, as well as the South African credit bureau. Complaints have also been lodged against the White Pages regarding harassment from their “debt collection department”, and affiliated legal threats. < Previous Article Next Article >

Na die jaar se opleiding, sal hul dan op die televisie verskyn in 2021 saam met die akteurs wat hulle mentor en oplei. “Baie geluk julle twee, die Liggies is baie trots op julle.” Ligbron leerders streef hoog Elzaan van de Venter, saam met die Hoof van Ligbron, Mnr. Brand. Lohan Coetzee, saam met die Hoof van Ligbron, Mnr. Brand. Elzaan van de Venter, saam met die Hoof van Ligbron, Mnr. Brand. 1/2 Share INHOUD VERSKAF 1 September 2020 Na die jaar se opleiding, sal hul dan op die televisie verskyn in 2021 saam met die akteurs wat hulle mentor en oplei. “Baie geluk julle twee, die Liggies is baie trots op julle.” Twee leerders van Ligbron Akademie vir Tegnologie, Elzaan van de Venter en Lohan Coetzee, het tydens die grendeltyd ingeskryf vir ‘n toneel talent kompetisie, genaamnd “Mentor My”. Beide leerders het deurgedring, en is gekies om deel te wees van ‘n groep leerders wat aanlyn opleiding sal ontvang. Die opleiding het reeds in Augustus begin, en sal ‘n jaar lank duur. Na die jaar se opleiding, sal hul dan op die televisie verskyn in 2021 saam met die akteurs wat hulle mentor en oplei. “Baie geluk julle twee, die Liggies is baie trots op julle.” < Previous Article Next Article >

Toil and trouble for motorists in Camden Avenue 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 17 August 2021 The drivers of these heavy vehicles are supposedly liable to a fine of R1500, and traffic officials do an excellent job at clamping down on a large number of heavy vehicles in the CBD. Alas, the lament of the residential wards seem to be the least of MLM’s worries. “What are they even doing in the residential area? I mean, there are traffic officers who live near here, who drive past these trucks every day. Nothing is being done. The municipality ignores our pleas, and the traffic department couldn’t be bothered.” These are the words of a frustrated resident in De Bruin Park, where several self-titled businessmen park their heavy vehicles at night, lining the streets and obstructing the traffic flow. During the early morning rush hour traffic, these lumbering vehicles have been reported driving carelessly, ignoring stop siggns and traffic lights, making u-turns in front of oncoming traffic, and being a general nuisance to the residents in the area. “I can’t see if there are oncoming traffic when I exit my yard, because my view is blocked by a heavy vehicle which is parked on the sidewalk. It’s very dangerous, and nothing is being done about it.” Camden Avenue is known for its motorists who travel at unacceptably high speed, and often disregard the rules of the road. These dangerous drivers, coupled with the heavy vehicles that have no business being in a residential area, is a recipe for disaster. Despite the issue being raised with Msukaligwa Local Municipality (MLM) on several occasions, the issue persists, and has, in fact, worsened. Heavy vehicles, which transport coal, large loads and often livestock, can be spotted in Camden Avenue on a daily basis. These heavy vehicles have on several occasions been deemed as a danger to road users and pedestrians, especially college students and children whose parents reside in the Autumn Ridge security village. Heavy vehicle drivers have, on numerous occasions, been spotted double parking on the sidewalks to offload passengers, damaging curbs and street signs by misjudging turns, driving at excessively high or low speeds, in both cases frustrating motorists to a large extent. This issue is, however, not confined to De Bruin Park, as there are several wards in Ermelo East where heavy vehicles are parked in the road at night, and often detach their trailers, leaving it on the roadside as an accident waiting to happen. The drivers of these heavy vehicles are supposedly liable to a fine of R1500, and traffic officials do an excellent job at clamping down on a large number of heavy vehicles in the CBD. Alas, the lament of the residential wards seem to be the least of MLM’s worries. < Previous Article Next Article >

Former Minister of State Security, Bongani Thomas Bongo, and ten others appeared briefly in the Nelspruit Magistrates’ Court on charges of corruption, fraud, theft, money laundering and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act. Robert Burwise, Patrick Donald Chirwa, Harrington Sizwakhendaba Dhlamini, Blessing Mduduzi Singwane, David Boy Dube, Sipho Joel Bongo, Vusi Willem Magagula, Bongani Louis Henry Sibiya, Elmon Lawrence Mdaka, and Sibongile Mercy Mdaka were reported to the DPCI investigating team and were charged earlier this morning together with four companies and face 69 counts. The companies implicated are The Little River Trading 156 (Pty) Ltd, Broad Market Trading 204 (Pty) Ltd, Bongiveli CC, and Pfuka Afrika CC. The allegations are in connection with the R37.5 million sale and purchase of a farm Naauwpoort at Emalahleni by the Mpumalanga Department of Human Settlement (DoHS) ostensibly on behalf of eMalahleni Municipality. Some of the accused, acting in common concert and with common purpose, exploited the normal phenomenon of purchase of land by government by misrepresenting facts to the DOHS regarding ownership and true sale price of the farm Naauwpoort. The real owner of the farm, Petrus Johannes Van Tonder, was paid only R15 million for the farm from the R37.5 million. The money was paid into the trust account of Singwane Attorneys, in their capacity as conveyancer appointed by the department. Van Tonder paid R1.5 million commission to Pam Golding as estate agents for the transaction. Singwane, not instructed by the department, paid R22.5 million to Little River Trading, which enabled the accused to successfully steal the money. In another transaction, Bongiveli entered into a sale and purchase agreement with Fremax Farms for a portion of Rietspruit Farm for an amount of R10.5 million. However, Msukaligwa Local Municipality's valuation of the portion of the Rietspruit farm was valued at R1.6 million. Little River paid R1.5 million as deposit for the farm, and Bongiveli had to deliver a guarantee issued by a bank or financial institution for payment of the balance of the purchase price on or before 31 May 2011. In turn, some of the accused, as members of Pfuka Afrika CC, received commission of R4.5 million. In March 2011 the DOHS, Msukaligwa Local Municipality and Bongiveli entered into a sale and purchase agreement for Rietspruit Farm. When the said sale and purchase agreement was signed, Bongiveli was not the owner of the farm, and there was no approval of the departmental to purchase the farm. Msukaligwa Local Municipality's valuation of the portion of the Rietspruit Farm was valued at R1.6 million. In March 2011, the DOHS paid an R52 884 384.00 to Singwane. Subsequently, the law firm furnished Freemax with a guarantee of R15 661 018.59. The property was then transferred to Bongiveli from Msugalikwa Local Municipality, and the company became the owner of the farm. The farm was sold back to DOHS for R32 million. The farms fell out of the Spatial Development Plan for the municipality, and therefore not categorized for human settlement. To date it has not been proclaimed as township. It is alleged that some of the accused received kickbacks of cash and cars, among others, from some of the entities involved in the transactions. The two Bongo brothers were released on R10 000 bail and they were warned to appear 4 March 2021. The court will resume shortly to hear the bail applications of the rest of the accused Bongo brothers out on bail Bongo brothers out on bail Bongani Bongo, one of the Bongo brothers, amongst 11 arrested for fraud. Rietspruit Farm, just outside Ermelo. Bongani Bongo, one of the Bongo brothers, amongst 11 arrested for fraud. 1/2 Share GK CRONJE 29 October 2020 Rietspruit Farm was sold back to DOHS for R32 million. The farms fell out of the Spatial Development Plan for the municipality, and therefore not categorized for human settlement. To date it has not been proclaimed as township. Former Minister of State Security, Bongani Thomas Bongo, and ten others appeared briefly in the Nelspruit Magistrates’ Court on charges of corruption, fraud, theft, money laundering and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act. Robert Burwise, Patrick Donald Chirwa, Harrington Sizwakhendaba Dhlamini, Blessing Mduduzi Singwane, David Boy Dube, Sipho Joel Bongo, Vusi Willem Magagula, Bongani Louis Henry Sibiya, Elmon Lawrence Mdaka, and Sibongile Mercy Mdaka were reported to the DPCI investigating team and were charged earlier this morning together with four companies and face 69 counts. The companies implicated are The Little River Trading 156 (Pty) Ltd, Broad Market Trading 204 (Pty) Ltd, Bongiveli CC, and Pfuka Afrika CC. The allegations are in connection with the R37.5 million sale and purchase of a farm Naauwpoort at Emalahleni by the Mpumalanga Department of Human Settlement (DoHS) ostensibly on behalf of eMalahleni Municipality. Some of the accused, acting in common concert and with common purpose, exploited the normal phenomenon of purchase of land by government by misrepresenting facts to the DOHS regarding ownership and true sale price of the farm Naauwpoort. The real owner of the farm, Petrus Johannes Van Tonder, was paid only R15 million for the farm from the R37.5 million. The money was paid into the trust account of Singwane Attorneys, in their capacity as conveyancer appointed by the department. Van Tonder paid R1.5 million commission to Pam Golding as estate agents for the transaction. Singwane, not instructed by the department, paid R22.5 million to Little River Trading, which enabled the accused to successfully steal the money. In another transaction, Bongiveli entered into a sale and purchase agreement with Fremax Farms for a portion of Rietspruit Farm for an amount of R10.5 million. However, Msukaligwa Local Municipality's valuation of the portion of the Rietspruit farm was valued at R1.6 million. Little River paid R1.5 million as deposit for the farm, and Bongiveli had to deliver a guarantee issued by a bank or financial institution for payment of the balance of the purchase price on or before 31 May 2011. In turn, some of the accused, as members of Pfuka Afrika CC, received commission of R4.5 million. In March 2011 the DOHS, Msukaligwa Local Municipality and Bongiveli entered into a sale and purchase agreement for Rietspruit Farm. When the said sale and purchase agreement was signed, Bongiveli was not the owner of the farm, and there was no approval of the departmental to purchase the farm. Msukaligwa Local Municipality's valuation of the portion of the Rietspruit Farm was valued at R1.6 million. In March 2011, the DOHS paid an R52 884 384.00 to Singwane. Subsequently, the law firm furnished Freemax with a guarantee of R15 661 018.59. The property was then transferred to Bongiveli from Msugalikwa Local Municipality, and the company became the owner of the farm. The farm was sold back to DOHS for R32 million. The farms fell out of the Spatial Development Plan for the municipality, and therefore not categorized for human settlement. To date it has not been proclaimed as township. It is alleged that some of the accused received kickbacks of cash and cars, among others, from some of the entities involved in the transactions. The two Bongo brothers were released on R10 000 bail and they were warned to appear 4 March 2021. The court will resume shortly to hear the bail applications of the rest of the accused < 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 >

Vosman kidnapping and murder suspects Thulani Thobela (26), Donie Cavin Boshielo (22) and Mthobisi Brilliant Mkhize (26) had their bail application denied by the Witbank Magistrate’s Court. The fourth suspect, Thokozani Msibi (32), a Swazi sangoma, was also denied bail. The trio broke into a house on 2018 January 2018, and gained entry into the dinning/living room. They proceeded to kidnap two children, Gabisile Shabane (13) and 15-month-old cousin, Nkosikhona Ngwenya. Gabisile had been living with albinism. The children were residing with their 50-year-old grandmother. After the kidnaping, a nationwide manhunt ensued, and Msibi was the first one to be arrested. The SAPS discovered the remains of the two children at Cullinan, and along the N4 Highway respectively. Gabisile’s mutilated body was found buried in a shallow grave, and Nkosikhona was found floating in a stream. According to statements, Msibi mixed brake fluid with beer and forced Gabisile to drink it. She was also forced to smoke dagga with Mkhize. After killing her, they severed her arms, and removed her heart, lungs, vagina, uterus, ovaries, all the abdominal organs and the bladder. The head, one arm and a part of the vagina were later found at the home of Msibi. Nkosikhona, who was thought to have been abducted by mistake, was found drowned in a river. Msibi planned use her body parts to create muti for Thubane and Mhlanga to make their business, a private college, thrive. Mkhize wanted Msibi to make him rich through the same muti. On 3 March, Msibi’s new legal representative, Musa Mavasa of Legal Aid, told the court about disagreements during consultation with Msibi in preparation for trial. A week ago, Msibi fired his lawyer, Verner Smit, citing disagreements. Smit was the second lawyer to be fired by Msibi. The Middelburg High Court threatened to continue the trial of Msibi, without legal representation, if he fails to retain his new, and third, lawyer. This follows what the court said was a third delay tactic employed by Msibi in an attempt to evade being prosecuted. “This court has wasted enough time. I cannot allow you to keep changing lawyers more than you have done. This was the last time. You must remember that justice delayed is justice denied,” the judge said. The trial is set to begin from 4 October to 12 November 2021. “If this date comes, and you still have not decided who should represent you, the court will proceed with the trial,” said Brauckmann. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said it would also not allow further delays. “As the NPA, we view this as delaying tactics. We will not allow further delays, because we want to bring this matter into finality,” said NPA spokesperson, Monica Nyuswa. Court halts delay tactics by muti murderer Court halts delay tactics by muti murderer 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 23 March 2021 Msibi mixed brake fluid with beer and forced Gabisile to drink it. She was also forced to smoke dagga with Mkhize. Vosman kidnapping and murder suspects Thulani Thobela (26), Donie Cavin Boshielo (22) and Mthobisi Brilliant Mkhize (26) had their bail application denied by the Witbank Magistrate’s Court. The fourth suspect, Thokozani Msibi (32), a Swazi sangoma, was also denied bail. The trio broke into a house on 2018 January 2018, and gained entry into the dinning/living room. They proceeded to kidnap two children, Gabisile Shabane (13) and 15-month-old cousin, Nkosikhona Ngwenya. Gabisile had been living with albinism. The children were residing with their 50-year-old grandmother. After the kidnaping, a nationwide manhunt ensued, and Msibi was the first one to be arrested. The SAPS discovered the remains of the two children at Cullinan, and along the N4 Highway respectively. Gabisile’s mutilated body was found buried in a shallow grave, and Nkosikhona was found floating in a stream. According to statements, Msibi mixed brake fluid with beer and forced Gabisile to drink it. She was also forced to smoke dagga with Mkhize. After killing her, they severed her arms, and removed her heart, lungs, vagina, uterus, ovaries, all the abdominal organs and the bladder. The head, one arm and a part of the vagina were later found at the home of Msibi. Nkosikhona, who was thought to have been abducted by mistake, was found drowned in a river. Msibi planned use her body parts to create muti for Thubane and Mhlanga to make their business, a private college, thrive. Mkhize wanted Msibi to make him rich through the same muti. On 3 March, Msibi’s new legal representative, Musa Mavasa of Legal Aid, told the court about disagreements during consultation with Msibi in preparation for trial. A week ago, Msibi fired his lawyer, Verner Smit, citing disagreements. Smit was the second lawyer to be fired by Msibi. The Middelburg High Court threatened to continue the trial of Msibi, without legal representation, if he fails to retain his new, and third, lawyer. This follows what the court said was a third delay tactic employed by Msibi in an attempt to evade being prosecuted. “This court has wasted enough time. I cannot allow you to keep changing lawyers more than you have done. This was the last time. You must remember that justice delayed is justice denied,” the judge said. The trial is set to begin from 4 October to 12 November 2021. “If this date comes, and you still have not decided who should represent you, the court will proceed with the trial,” said Brauckmann. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said it would also not allow further delays. “As the NPA, we view this as delaying tactics. We will not allow further delays, because we want to bring this matter into finality,” said NPA spokesperson, Monica Nyuswa. < Previous Article Next Article >

On Saturday, 15 May, a collision took place between a BMW and Volkswagen at a local watering hole in Oosthuise Street. After a rough night, the driver of the BMW, allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol, smashed into the Volkswagen. According to reports, the driver of the BMW subsequently attempted to flee the scene of the accident, but his vehicle wasn’t up to the task. No serious injuries were reported. All City Towing Service was on scene in a flash, and assisted the drivers, accompanied by the relevant emergency services. The Tribune ePaper received information from the SAPS that no incident has been reported, and no case opened. Party hard, crash harder Party hard, crash harder 1/1 Share GK CRONJE 18 May 2021 The Tribune ePaper received information from the SAPS that no incident has been reported, and no case opened. On Saturday, 15 May, a collision took place between a BMW and Volkswagen at a local watering hole in Oosthuise Street. After a rough night, the driver of the BMW, allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol, smashed into the Volkswagen. According to reports, the driver of the BMW subsequently attempted to flee the scene of the accident, but his vehicle wasn’t up to the task. No serious injuries were reported. All City Towing Service was on scene in a flash, and assisted the drivers, accompanied by the relevant emergency services. The Tribune ePaper received information from the SAPS that no incident has been reported, and no case opened. < Previous Article Next Article >

Sunday, 16 May 2021, proved to be a day of fortune for a family living at the Mabuza Farm informal settlement, after their shack was decimated by a fire. In a stroke of luck, no injuries or fatalities were reported. According to the Msukaligwa Local Municipality spokesman, Mandla Zwane, the cause of the blaze was determined to be a nearby veld fire, which in turn caused significant damage to the family’s home. Msukaligwa Fire & Rescue were on scene to extinguish the blaze. Residents are warned to be vigilant during the winter season, where dry grass and shrubbery can easily catch fire and cause exponential damage to property, as well as loss of human and animal life. Lucky escape for family after shack fire Lucky escape for family after shack fire 1/3 Share GK CRONJE 18 May 2021 Residents are warned to be vigilant during the winter season, where dry grass and shrubbery can easily catch fire and cause exponential damage to property, as well as loss of human and animal life. Sunday, 16 May 2021, proved to be a day of fortune for a family living at the Mabuza Farm informal settlement, after their shack was decimated by a fire. In a stroke of luck, no injuries or fatalities were reported. According to the Msukaligwa Local Municipality spokesman, Mandla Zwane, the cause of the blaze was determined to be a nearby veld fire, which in turn caused significant damage to the family’s home. Msukaligwa Fire & Rescue were on scene to extinguish the blaze. Residents are warned to be vigilant during the winter season, where dry grass and shrubbery can easily catch fire and cause exponential damage to property, as well as loss of human and animal life. < Previous Article Next Article >