PROVINCIAL COMMISSIONER PRAISE MEMBERS AFTER ARRESTING FOUR ALLEGEDLY CONNECTED TO MURDER OF TWO PENSIONERS
Voice note: Colonel Donald Mdhluli
Carolina: The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has praised members of the police from Carolina for arresting four male suspects, aged between 18 and 30. The four are alleged to be somehow connected to the murder and robbery of two pensioners, aged 64 and 83 respectively. The bodies of the couple were strangely discovered earlier today, Tuesday, 22 February 2022 at a communal place in Carolina.
It is said that at about 07h10 am, police in Carolina were called to attend a crime scene at Voortkrekker Street in Carolina. According to the information, some concerned residents at the said communal became worried when they did not see their two elderly neighbours for a while and then contacted the police.
Upon arrival at the place, police entered the house as both, the door was not locked. The members then discovered the lifeless bodies of the couple. The two were unfortunately certified dead by the Emergency personnel at the scene.
Police managed to connect their dots and uncovered that there were some items belonging to the victims, which appeared to have been taken by the suspects thereof. These items included their Toyota Corolla and a firearm. The said vehicle was found abandoned not far from the scene.
A case with two counts of murder and robbery was then opened accordingly with a launch of a manhunt for suspects. The astute members worked tirelessly to bring those responsible to book. Some information regarding the whereabouts of the suspects was then obtained from certain members of the public. The details were followed up and the four were cornered and nabbed at Carolina. The men are facing charges of two counts of murder and robbery as well as possession of the suspected stolen property. They are expected to appear in court soon.
Police are urging anyone with information to call the Crime Stop number on 0860010111 or send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
PROVINCIAL COMMISSIONER APPLAUDS THE ARREST OF A MAN LINKED TO ROBBERY WHEREBY SAPS MEMBERS’ FIREARMS WERE TAKEN
Voice note: Colonel Donald Mdhluli
Nelspruit: The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has applauded members of the Mpumalanga Provincial Task Team for the outstanding work done after arresting a male suspect. The man is alleged to have been involved in a robbery incident at Siyabuswa on Sunday night, 20 February 2022 where two members of the police were robbed of their three official firearms (a rifle and two pistols) as well as some ammunition at gunpoint.
The man’s arrest comes as a breakthrough following an armed robbery incident whereby members of the police were under attack whilst on duty. It is said that the robbery was orchestrated and carried out by about five armed suspects at a certain fuel station in Kameel Rivier B near Siyabuswa around 20h30. It is further reported that when these men were done, they took the keys to a police vehicle and fled the scene with the robbed items. Luckily the two members escaped without any injuries.
The suspects then proceeded to Watervaal where they reportedly fired several shots and then hijacked a vehicle, a Mercedes Benz. Police pursued these suspects and found them at Leeufontein near Siyabuswa. A shootout then ensued between the police and the suspects however no one was reportedly injured. The suspects then drove off with the said Mercedes Benz.
Respective cases were then opened accordingly with a launch of the manhunt for suspects. A 72-Hour Activation Plan was immediately sanctioned by the Provincial Commissioner and thereby put in place. The plan yielded positive results as one suspect was followed up and arrested in Tembisa (Gauteng) on Monday, 21 February 2022.
During the arrest, police recovered one pistol as well as a revolver in his possession. The said firearms were seized as they will form part of the probe. Police cannot rule out the possibility of linking the suspect to other crimes committed elsewhere. His case is now before the court.
Police are still looking for the remaining suspects and urge anyone with information about their whereabouts to call the Crime Stop number on 0860010111 or send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
Whistleblowing in South Africa is a dangerous game!
This is the first in a series of articles regarding whistleblowing in South Africa.
“SIU confirms Babita Deokaran, mowed down after dropping a child at school, was a witness in the R332m PPE scandal.” Daily Maverick
“Covid corruption whistleblower Babita Deokaran shot dead in South Africa,” The Times UK https://www.thetimes.co.uk/
On Monday 23 August, Babita Deokaran, a Gauteng Health Department official was gunned down outside her home in Mondeor, Johannesburg just after 8:00 in the morning. (Photo: Facebook)
“Babita Deokaran’s murder will deter whistleblowers from speaking out, says Goodson,” News24
“Murder of South African Whistleblower Illustrates Dangerous Status Quo” Council for Foreign Relations.
These are all headlines in mainstream newspapers! Whistleblowing is dangerous.
Several mainstream whisteblowers have been featured in recent years. All had been victimised for speaking up.
The murder of Babita Deokaran clearly emphasises the dangers that whistleblowers face in South Africa.
But let us start at the beginning. What is a whistleblower?
Wikipedia says the following of Whistleblowers: A whistleblower (also written as whistle-blower or whistle blower) is a person, usually an employee, who exposes information or activity within a private, public, or government organization that is deemed illegal, immoral, illicit, unsafe, fraud, or abuse of taxpayer funds. Those who become whistleblowers can choose to bring information or allegations to the surface either internally or externally.
Over 83% of whistleblowers report internally to a supervisor, human resources, compliance, or a neutral third party within the company, with the thought that the company will address and correct the issues. Externally, a whistleblower can bring allegations to light by contacting a third party outside of the organization such as the media, government, or law enforcement.
It is also a huge decision to become a whistleblower as there would normally be severe retaliation by the whistleblower’s employers.
Wikipedia also defines the following: The most common type of retaliation reported is being abruptly terminated. However, there are several other activities that are considered retaliatory, such as a sudden extreme increase in workloads, having hours cut drastically, making task completion impossible or otherwise bullying measures.
Individual harm, public trust damage, and a threat to national security are three categories of harm that may come as a result of whistleblowing. Revealing a whistleblowers identity can automatically put their life in danger.
For the whistleblower’s claims to be credible and successful, the whistleblower must have compelling evidence to support their claims, that the government or regulating body can use or investigate to “prove” such claims and hold corrupt companies and/or government agencies accountable.
The Mail & Guardian wrote the following in an Editorial dated 27 March 2021: The corrupt, those with power and those who abuse others thrive when their wrongdoing stays hidden. In government and in the private sector these secrets are kept because people have so much to lose when speaking out.
As this newspaper (M&G) has often reported, from the days of apartheid to today, it is not unusual for whistleblowers to be killed for their bravery.
The bulletin asked several entities that are impacting the lives of Govan Mbeki Municipalities to forward their respective whistleblower policies to us. These included Rand Water, Eskom, Sasol and Evander Gold Mines.
The following acts are applicable when whistleblowing is at play:
The PDA 26 of 2000 (protected disclosures act),
NEMA act section 31.4/5/6, National Environmental Act.
Companies act section 159.
Die LRA, Labour Relations Act, section 186.d.
The Bulletin will explore whistleblowing over the next few weeks and will endeavour to feature some of the prominent whistleblowers in the next few articles.
We will be giving tips from real whistleblowers on what to do and not to do. We will visit the different laws and acts. We will also scrutinise the different policies of companies in our area.
We will see if what happens in the workplace and what is written in the policies align.
Hoërskool oosterland het Saterdag 19 Februarie ‘n baie suksesvolle interhoër aangebied.
Na ‘n lang breuk as ‘n gevolg van Covid het Hoërskool Oosterland die geleëntheid gehad om ‘n heerlike interhoër aan te bied.
https://youtu.be/sWN6U0ZK3M8
Die weer het kort kort gedreig om vuil te speel maar het gelukking nie versleg nie. ‘N paar druppels het defenitief nie die gees gedemp nie.
Verskeie rekords het ook gespat.
Tyrone Berning het selfs 3 laat spat. Die rekord vir die seuns onder 16 Hekkies is deur Tyrone verbeter van 0:56:50 na 0:54:71. In die hoogspring het hy die rekord vanaf 1,87m na 1,90m verbeter en in die suens onder 16 400m het hy die sekord met 17 hondertstes van ‘n sekonde vanaf 0:50:30 na 0:50:13 verbeter. Dit voorwaar goeie prestasies.
Lys van rekords wat gebreek is
“Vir die eerste x in 2 jaar was daar lekker atletiek en die atlete en die ouers het die dag geniet. Hs Ermelo het die atletiek gewen,” het Line deVries, Bemarking Hoërskool Oosterland, gesê, “Daar was nie geesbeker nie, ons moes getalle dophou binne die Covid-19 regulasies, maar aan die einde vd dag het die atlete spontaan op die veld gaan staan en almal saam gesing en dans ! Dit was wonderlik om die kinders so te sien!”
Daarna het die deelname in alle erns begin. Die veld was ‘n byenes van bedrywighede maar elkeen het sy pos behoorlik gedien en die dag het glad verloop.
Een van die hoogtepunte was die aflos deur die onderwysers.
FORMER RESERVIST DUE IN COURT FOR POSSESSION OF STOLEN FIREARM AND DEALING IN DRUGS
MPUMALANGA – A 43-years-old former police reservist was arrested during an intelligence joint disruptive operation by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation based in Middelburg, Crime Intelligence and K9 on Friday, 18 February 2022, for possession of a stolen firearm, illegal possession of police uniform, and dealing in drugs in Leslie.
Information was received and followed up resulting in a search and seizure operation at the suspect’s house. During the search, a firearm, police uniform and drugs at a street value of R500 000.00 was found and seized.
During preliminary investigation, it was established that the firearm, 9mm Barreta found in possession of the suspect, was stolen from Leslie SAPS in April 2010 while he (the suspect) was still a police reservist.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Leslie Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 21 February 2022.
Sasol hosted two under 20 rugby teams on Friday night.
The teams of Gert Sibande U/20 and Nkangala U/20 struggled it out on a wet field. Nkangala won the game 50-14.
The rain that fell did not help the teams and made the ball slippery. The wet field no doubt did not create a field for spectacular rugby.
The game started with the Gert Sibande team (GS) taking the initiative. They started attacking the Nkangala (NK) backline from the kickoff.
The Gert Sibande team played in pink and Nkangala in black.
The boys in pink started with vigour and the Nkangala team had to defend their territory with all they had. The first crack in the Gert Sibande team came when the boys in black took a quick lineout that caught the Gert Sibande team by surprise. Nkangala ran the ball from the lineout, which was in the Gert Sibande quarter area, and scored a quick try.
GS still tried to control key areas but was outplayed in every facet of the game. The first few lineouts looked like it was all GS as they won the ball on their opponent’s throw-ins. The GS lineouts slowly deteriorated at NK started to dominate the lineouts.
NK made sure that their throw-ins were accurate and also started to win some of the GS lineouts. This gave NK a huge attacking advantage. The throw-ins of the Gert Sibande team were atrocious to say the least, especially towards the latter part of the game when they used a flank to do duty at the lineouts.
Lineouts
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The scrums were a nightmare for GS. The Nkangala front row was penalised for scrumming upwards, lifting the entire row as they overpowered the boys in pink towards the end of the game.
The backline of Nkangala dominated that of their counterparts. They continued to find the gaps in the Gert Sibande backline and took advantage of poor defences by GS.
It was not a complete dominance as GS showed signs of brilliance in short bursts only for Nkangala to bounce back again.
The ball-handling by both teams suffered as a result of the wet field but GS did not impress. The ball was knocked at crucial times giving Nkangala the opportunity to attack again. There were some good individual players in both teams but the team from Nkangala impressed with their gameplay and skill, especially so early in the season.
The Gert Sibande team, to their credit, had only two practise sessions before this game and it showed. This ultimately cost them the game. They were not prepared for the onslaught from Nkangala.
The Nkangala team responded positively to every lineout, scrum and penalty. They kept on looking for opportunities to play the ball while the Gert Sibande team looked tired and leaderless. They were caught napping on several occasions.
Although there were a lot of drives and mauls from the forwards, most of the game was played with the backlines.
Although the scoreboard reflected a large score difference it is our belief that both teams have the skills and players to do well in future games.
The key area should be fitness and commitment as well as handling.
The two-year break as a result of the COVID pandemic was not good for South African rugby and most probably for rugby as a whole.
There is now a gap in the feed (of young players) that rugby usually had from school, as some players have lost their appetite for rugby during the past two years and brilliant players have been lost.
The COVID break is also very visible in the two teams that played on Friday night.
Both teams will continue to grow as the year progress and rugby becomes a bit more normal in the next few months.
ANIMALS 101 – THE HARDEST PART OF OWNING ANY PET IS THE DAY YOU HAVE TO MAKE THE FINAL DECISION FOR THEM.
It’s inevitable that pets die before most of their owners and saying good-bye is something every pet lover faces eventually. It’s distressing to see any animal in pain — whether it’s our animal or not. We have the opportunity to put an end to their suffering. It’s a gift we can give when there’s no other alternative.
Animal euthanasia stems from a Greek word that means “good death” and is the act of putting an animal to death, humanely. Reasons for euthanasia include incurable (and especially painful) conditions or diseases, extreme trauma, old age and more.
Although modern veterinary medicine can extend a pet’s life, this isn’t always what’s best for them. Cynthia Steele (a Vet in Marin), says. “To me, it’s important to differentiate between living and existing. A dog or cat that’s unable to enjoy the things they used to, even if it’s simply the enjoyment of eating, is not truly living. The decision to euthanise is often done in a grey area, but if we wait until it’s black and white, we’re often sorry we waited too long.”
Image from Dr Karen Becker
HOW TO PREPARE IN ADVANCE
When You Should Put Your Pet To Sleep
When your pet’s health is declining, before you make the decision to euthanise, you can determine your pet’s quality of life using the HHHHHMM scale. Those letters stand for hurt, hunger, hydration, hygiene, happiness, mobility, and more – good days than bad. Each factor is scored on a scale of 0 to 10. This should be done separately by you and the veterinarian because it can be very easy to rate your pet higher on some points than a medical professional would.
Discuss the decision with your vet to euthanise and be sure to ask any questions you have, even if they seem trivial.
If at all possible, pay up front — the staff at the clinic are only human, and they don’t want to hand you a bill right after your pet has been put to sleep any more than you want to deal with paying it.
It’s a good idea to arrange for someone to drive you to the vet clinic.
The Procedure
There are various steps in the process of euthanasia. Nowadays almost all cats/dogs are euthanised by injection and it is almost always a peaceful process designed for minimal pain or distress.
It isn’t absolutely necessary that you stay for the procedure and a vet will never require it. Veterinarians do everything possible to ensure that animals are not so scared, but they are “strangers”, in a place most animals don’t exactly love.
On a question as to what was the most difficult part of his job, a vet answered without hesitation, that for him it is the fact that 90 % of owners don’t want to be in a room with a dying animal. People leave so that they don’t see their pet leave, but they don’t realize that it’s in these last moments of life that their pet needs them most.
There are valid arguments for and against being present, although the most commonly reported negative of not being there, is a sense of regret for having abandoned the pet in their final moments.
What To Do With the Pet’s Remains
The options are the same as with humans — burial or cremation, but organ donation for research or transplantation is also becoming more common.
Some people request euthanasia at their home, so that the pet can be in a familiar place.
When you do schedule the procedure, ask your vet if you can make it the last appointment of the day, as neither one of you will feel like going back to work afterwards.
What To Do After They Are Put to Sleep
Don’t immediately run out and get another pet. You won’t be in the right emotional state and will be bringing the new pet into a place with weak, negative energy and which still smells strongly of another pet.
Give yourself the time and tools to go through the grieving process. If you don’t have other pets, but think that you will adopt again eventually, donate your pet’s bedding, toys, bowls, leash, and so on to a shelter. This will help with the grieving process by not being constantly reminded, as well as allow you to start fresh if and when you adopt another pet. Many people do keep their pet’s collar and tags or a favourite toy.
Once you’re done with the grieving and back in a positive place, the best tribute you can pay to a pet that has passed is to give another pet a second chance by adopting from a reputable organisation.
Remember
Your grief is valid.
Your grief is individual.
Don’t be afraid to reach out for support.
Ensure all your family members are supported.
A physical memorial can provide comfort.
Other people, especially those without pets, don’t realize that the experience can be just as traumatic as losing a parent or child.
Never let the animal suffer because you do not have the funds to euthanise them. This is considered cruelty which is a crime. Contact your local SPCA or rescue organisation and discuss your situation with them. They might be able to help.
Our thoughts are with those that have to make this decision in the near future. Read this beautiful poem The Last Battle, by an unknown author.
SADFA held their monthly breakfast at Garden Terrace on Saturday and a parade in remembrance of their fallen comrades.
The SADFA monthly breakfast is open to all military veterans and offers an opportunity to reminisce and remember the past services.
It is also a time to be updated on SADFA plans and projects
Members enjoying the breakfast
This Saturday was different though.
The yearly Pro Patria Parade was also held but at Makumbura Shellhole (Moths)
This parade is held every year on the second Saturday of February to honour those who died in the Border War, but also the fallen soldiers involved in all wars.
Gerhard Claasen and Kevin Oliver
Here is a little background on the Medal:
The Pro Patria medal was also referred to as the haemorrhoid medal because every serviceman got one, but in reality, its meaning is much more.
“Pro Patria” is Latin and it means “for one`s country”, “vir jou land”. The Pro Patria medal was awarded to all members of the South African Defense Force that was Engaged in preventing or combating terrorism.
Pro Patria medal
It is primarily viewed as “the border war” medal, for active service in South West Africa (Namibia) It was awarded between 1975 and 1991. The award criteria were that it may be awarded to a person who, while serving in the defence of the Republic, or for the prevention or suppression of terrorism # Was involved in combat or skirmish or in a combat situation with the enemy
# Participated in a specific operation that shall be acknowledged by order of the minister by means of the medal and clasp indicating the name of the operation concerned
# Rendered such service for a continuous period of at least 60 days in an operational area designated for that purpose by the minister. This ruling made the Pro Patria medal a combat award
One gets many Pro Patria medals on eBay or on a bid or buy for about R400. That’s the average price for a medal, but it’s worth a lot more, and each medal has its own story.
Is R400 enough to compensate for all the final light preparations, being ready at all times and walking patrol with a kit that weighs approximately your body mass?
Can compensate for all the flies on Oshivello, the 2.4`s, pole-pt, tire-flip, push-ups and more.
Can R400 reimburse the men who did not return or parts of some that stayed behind?
How much does it cost for the ops medic’s thoughts that had to try and compose a body of their mates’ body parts before he could send them back in a body bag to the States (South Africa)?
Or where they had to crawl into burned-out wrecks to find something to send home.
R400 for the troop hit by a rifle grenade, where his palate was pressed vertically in his mouth so that his teeth rotated 90°. Or that someone that stepped on a “Black Widow” and lost his foot.
Is R400 worth remembering the heat when you walk out at the “Flossie” on Ondangwa, or when you at last light Take your tb (temporary base) for the night, or the anticipation and adrenaline rush when you lie in ambush at night? Either the cattle of uncle willie’s road or a buffalo driving between Ondangwa and Eenhana.
Lockheed Hercules C130: “Flossie”
Who knows, for R400 you might get a story that everyone knows or maybe even one that no one knows about.
Maybe the story of the troop that was “casevac” (casualty evacuated), and asked where his hand was, everyone said his hand was OK because the truth would have sent him into shock. His hand stayed behind at Mpacha in the woods.
Or for the guy who got shrapnel through his back, and they had to remove it through his stomach, where he screamed of the pain, while he could only receive morphine every 4 hours.
Those Pro Patria medals were bought with blood and tears and are worth much more than a mere R400.
Think of the team of doctors who removed a live rifle grenade stuck in the ribcage of the troop of 32 battalion. What a story.
Oliveira Martin Gomes was struck by a M-60 anti-personnel rifle grenade that lodged in his chest
Others’ memories come with animals, such as the troop of the mounted unit who just wanted to fire and move, but fell every time. He tried but couldn’t understand why he fell until he realized his leg was no longer there. It was way back with his horse, left behind when they stepped on a landmine. Did that horse not also deserve a medal?
Or maybe the story of rifleman Schonefield who died while trying to save his dog “Rinty” who was shot in an ambush with about 40 Swapo soldiers. Both Schonefield and Rinty died in the skirmish.
Even the medic, Louw, was wounded in the shoulder when he wanted to go help Schonefield.
Others did not get a Pro Patria, such as Sister Wilna Gouws, a civvie (civilian) who jumped on a partner’s bed and sat wide-legged on top of him as she tried to get his heart going again. All in vain! Thank you for your service, Sister!
To get. In vain. Thank you for your service sister.
Every Pro Patria medal has a story.
For some, it was nothing, for others it was all because there will always be a part of him left behind, somewhere between Namibia and Angola.
Maybe it can be explained, but most will not understand
The first Afrikaans service by Blaze Ministries will be held on 27 Feb 2022
Blaze Ministries was planted by Pastor Bernard Liebenberg in 2004 with his wife Martie Liebenberg when they were instructed by God.
Blaze Ministries was established with the focus is on the Priesthood of all believers instead of creating another pulpit Hero.
Over the years Blaze Ministries were led and trained by the Holy Spirit to create a discipleship system that can help any person from all walks of life and establish them spiritually. Persons as also guided to find their ministry in the design God has intended for them.
Pastor Tinus Olcker and Pastor Bernard Liebenberg, Pastor Olckers will lead the Afrikaans service
“We would like to invite all believers that wants answers and is ready and geared up to serve the Lord with everything to offer,” said Pastor Tinus Olckers.
Some Good news from Blaze Ministries!
Blaze Ministries will have its 1st Afrikaans service on Sunday 27 February 2022.
Join them in this establishment of a new work God birthed in them.
