Secunda, Mpumalanga – From 30 August till the end of September 2021, the Sasol Secunda Operations plant will undergo a major facility shutdown for statutory maintenance to critical infrastructure and equipment. This year, the shutdown theme “Own it” is based on one of our core values, which is to Be Accountable. “At Sasol, we believe that well-maintained equipment enables reliable operations and encourages a safe and healthy working environment,” said Nomia Machebe, Regional Operations and Assert Services Communications and Media Manager at Sasol
During the 2021 shutdown, various Sasol Secunda employees and service providers will be carrying out some of the following activities:
Restoring and/ or replacing some of our equipment to strengthen a safe and reliable operational environment
Improving procedures to ensure that our processes are aligned to best practices
Reviewing and measuring our ways of working against those used by market leaders
Optimising cost, time and available resources to ensure a successful shutdown
It is expected that during the shutdown approximately 1.3 million man-hours will be worked to complete all activities. During this time, ± 102 000 planned activities will be performed to repair, clean, service or replace approximately 7500 pieces of equipment.
“Our objective is to achieve a successful shutdown in terms of safety, stakeholder involvement and community impact as we adhere to the current COVID-19 regulations.”
It is for this reason that, ahead of the shutdown, Sasol partnered with the Mpumalanga Provincial government and the Department of Health to roll out a COVID-19 vaccination programme to their service providers and employees. This was done as an effective measure to mitigate the increased workplace exposure to the COVID-19 and the risk of it spreading.
Sasol recognising that it remains an individual’s choice to be vaccinated, which choice is to be exercised with due consideration to individual rights and without any fear of discrimination or retaliation. This is underpinned by Sasol’s Human Rights Policy.
Sasol encourages all stakeholders to remain vigilant and practice non-medical interventions by wearing masks, washing hands, observing social distance.
Health and is a top priority for Sasol.
Secunda will be expecting an influx of people coming for a shutdown, which may result in increased traffic. Sasol would like to encourage stakeholders and communities to be patient.
Zero harm is only possible when we do it together, so let us Own it
Twee Hoogenhout leerlinge het ‘n groot bedrag geld ingesamel vir die Bethal DBV.
Die Bulletin het op 17 Julie berig van twee Hoogies, Christiaan Menge en CarinLize Muller, wat besluit het om uit te reik na die Bethal DBV as deel van hulle Mnr en Mej Hoogie inskrywings.
Deel van hulle inskrywing was dat hulle ‘n welsyns organisasie moes kies en hulle ondersteun.
Hulle het Bethal DBV gekies. Daar was gou rondgeskarrel met planne en hulle het ‘n bottel vol honde koekies gemaak en die mense moes raai hoeveel daar in was.
Die Bulletin het ook geraai maar was baie vêr van die getal af.
Hier is die eerste onderhoud met Christiaan Menge en CarinLize Muller:
Die twee Hoogies het ingespring en die strate ingevaar en ‘n paar weke later het hulle die verstommende bedrag van R17000 aan die Bethal DBV oorbetaal.
Die Bulletin het aan hulle gevra wat hulle wenresep was. “Dit was net harde werk,” het hulle geantwoord.
Hier is hulle onderhoud tydens die serimoniële oorhandiging aan Rina Naude, Voorstitter van Bethal DBV.
Robbie Wessels tree op by Laerskool Kruinpark se manne-aand.
Die manne het baie lank gewag vir die voorreg om vir Robbie Wessels op ‘n verhoog te sien optree! Laerskool Kruinpark se oorspronklike datum sou die 15de Augustus 2020 wees, maar ‘n week nadat hulle opgewonde Robbie se besprekingsagent gepraat en vasgemaak het, het Suid-Afrika in hul eerste Covid-19 inperking inbeweeg.
Robbie Wessels
Vir die res van 2020 het die regulasies en tydsberekinge nie toegelaat dat hulle ‘n tyd kon vind waar die manne lekker saam met mekaar kon kuier nie.
Versigtig opgewonde het Laerskool Kruinpark saam met Robbie Wessels se besprekingsagent ‘n voorlopige datum in Augustus 2021 gekies, met die hoop dat Suid-Afrika se inperkingsreëls ‘n klein samekoms sou toelaat. Die Manne-aand saam met Robbie Wessels, het baie vinnig uitverkoop, met die huidige inperkingsvlak, kon daar ongelukkig nie meer kaartjies verskaf word nie.
In die week voor die groot optrede kon mens die opgewondenheid voel. Die mans het daarna uitgesien om by Stoepstories bymekaar te kon kom, mense was opgewonde dat Robbie Wessels na Secunda toe gaan kom en dit was seker dat selfs Robbie Wessels opgewonde was om weer na amper twee jaar, op ‘n verhoog te kon klim.
Die mans is met hul aankoms, bederf met ‘n graveerde bierglas, sowel as die eerste bier op die huis. Die wind het nie heeltemal die Saterdag saamgewerk nie, maar dit het niemand se opgewondenheid gedemp nie en het almal vinnig plangemaak om nogsteeds die beste sitplek te kon inneem.
Robbie Wessels bedank Laerskool Kruinpark vir ‘n fantastiese Manne-aand, 21 Augustus 2021
“Laerskool Kruinpark wil graag vir Fireplace Roadhouse bedank, dat hulle as hoofborg hulle ondersteun het met die manne-aand, asook die verruklike kosborde wat die mans ontvang het! Die manne kan getuig dat niemand honger was nie,” Het Anita de Beer, Bemarkings beampte aan die Bulletin gesê, “Baie dankie aan Stoepstories, wat nooit terugstaan om hul plaaslike gemeenskap te ondersteun nie en weer hulle plek aan Kruinpark beskikbaar gestel het vir die hele dag. ‘n Groot dank aan Etienne Smit, wat deur die dag gesing en vermaak verskaf het, dit is lekker as ons plaaslike kunstenaars ook geleentheid het om op te tree.”
“Hotel@Secunda lê Kruinpark ook na aan die hart! Baie dankie dat julle aan Robbie Wessels en sy hele span verblyf uit die boonste rakke verskaf het! Grubhouse het natuurlik gesorg dat Robbie Wessels en sy span die volgende oggend ‘n ordentlike ontbyt kon geniet voor hulle die lang pad terug huis toe aandurf. Nanouk Textiles en In the Buff, het vir elke man ‘n besonderse promosionele item verskaf en ook seker gemaak dat Robbie Wessels ordentlik met ‘n eie van sy soort geskenk bedank word vir sy optrede,’ het Anita verder gesê.
Lees ook meer van Laerskool Kruinpark se Redenaars,hier.
“‘n Manne-aand sal nie ‘n manne-aand wees, sonder die plaaslike besighede, besigheidseienaars, ouers en manne wat so aand ondersteun nie! Baie dankie aan elke persoon wat die geleentheid bygewoon het, deelgeneem het aan die veiling wat Tienie Olckers (BL Sportvoorsitter) behartig het en ook aan die veiling geskenk het in die vorm van items en kontant. Een van die hoogtepunte van die veiling was ‘n Brian Mitchell skildery, met ‘n getekende handskoen, pragtig geboks in ‘n glasraam. Die veiling was ‘n reuse sukses en het baie bygedra tot die wins vir Laerskool Kruinpark se sport fondsinsamelingsprojek.”
Tienie Olckers behartig die veiling.
Robbie Wessels se optrede was een vir die boeke!! Hy het die mans vermaak met gunsteling liedjies, handtekeninge uitgedeel, seker gemaak daar is paar onthoubare “selfies” en ‘n leeftyd se herinneringe vir die mans wat die aand bygewoon het! Die mans het heerlik saamgesing, deelgeneem en gesorg vir ‘n heerlike atmosfeer! Die aand het vroeg afgesluit, maar die mans het ‘n heerlike middag en vroegaand saam met mekaar geniet en seker gemaak dat hulle die beskikbare tyd tenvolle benut.
“Die winste wat uit die aand gemaak is, gaan aangewend word by Laerskool Kruinpark se sport, vir toerusting, opgradering ens. Elkeen se bydrae maak ‘n reuse verskil! Laerskool Kruinpark is opreg dankbaar! Ons hoop en vertrou ook, dat in 2022, ons weer ‘n geleentheid sal hê om weer ‘n manne-aand te kan hou,” het Anita afgesluit.
Volg Laerskool Kruinpark se amptelike FB-Blad, deur hier te kliek.
ANIMALS 101 – ONCE YOU LEARN TO RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS OF ANIMAL ABUSE, YOU’LL BE BETTER EQUIPPED TO REPORT IT.
The Humane Society divides cruelty into two kinds: direct violence and neglect. Some call it active vs. passive cruelty.
Direct violence. Signs include open wounds, multiple scars, limping, or difficulty walking. Many dogs that suffer direct violence will also display behaviours such as hiding, walking with their head down and tail between their legs, or cringing when people approach. Since those can also occur for other reasons, these behavioural signs alone shouldn’t be taken as definitive proof that a dog is being hurt.
Neglect. Most people don’t go so far as to actually lay hands on their pet to hurt them, but what happens with far too many owners is just as bad: they neglect the needs of their dog/pet.
All animal cruelty cases can be separated into three basic categories:
It may be hard to believe, but many people don’t even know that the harm they are inflicting on their pets is in fact abuse. This type of abuse is known as unintentional, and it’s caused through neglect, animal hoarding or, failure to meet an animal’s basic needs.
Intentional animal abuse and cruel intent both refer to abuse that is performed with the knowledge that an animal is being harmed and possibly injured.
Cruel intent is often recurring and abusers in this category feel a sense of power, control or, enjoyment when inflicting pain on these animals.
The animal has severe matting and a filthy coat, hair loss, lesions, scabs or other skin conditions that have not been treated. Open sores or obvious wounds. They appear to be flea or tick-infested. They are underweight with bones clearly visible or dehydrated. They might be limping or unable to walk at all or have congested eyes or ears. They are in obvious physical distress, have no signs of medical care like bandages etc., and are in need of veterinary care. Withholding/denial of medical care whether sick or injured is also considered cruel.
2 – LACK OF FOOD OR WATER
Every time you see this animal you notice that they have no obvious sources of food and/or freshwater. They may be aggressive due to starvation and thirst, and perhaps very lethargic.
3 – LACK OF SHELTER
The animal is contained in an area that is largely or fully exposed to inclement weather or constant sun.
4 – LACK OF SANITATION
Faeces and/or debris cover the animal’s living area. Offensive odours coming from a home or yard, such as the constant smell of ammonia or faeces.
5 – ABANDONED
The animal is left in a house, yard, or other areas that appear empty or devoid of normal human activity. Reports of companion animals abandoned and left to die inside vacant buildings are alarmingly common. It is a crime under SA law to abandon an animal.
6 – THE ANIMAL IS TIED OR CAGED
They have little or no room to move and are unable to stand or turn. Animals are kept confined inside a car, garage, basement, attic or, other enclosed areas.
7 – CHAINS, ROPES, WIRE OR PADLOCKS AROUND THE ANIMAL’S NECK
Be on the lookout for anything around an animal’s neck that may have become embedded and/or infected, including regular collars. If an animal is tied there are chaining or tethering regulations that need to be followed!
8 – SIGNS OF AN ANIMAL BEING TRAINED TO, OR HAVING BEEN USED TO FIGHT
This is especially common with power breed dogs, and even roosters. You may see training implements, treadmills, spring poles, etc. More likely you will notice obvious signs of trauma, including scars, open wounds, infections, and even missing body parts, such as ears or tails.
9 – THE ANIMAL’S BEHAVIOR IS ABNORMAL
They may be very aggressive, hostile, ill, distressed or severely shy, e.g., cowering, hiding, fear-biting, even with or especially with the owner.
10 – TOO MANY ANIMALS LIVING ON ONE PROPERTY
This can be a sign of animal hoarding, which makes the conditions no less cruel. An estimated hundreds of thousands of animals are hoarding victims each year. An individual who has a large number of animals in his/her care and may not even know the total number when questioned. Animals are kept in overcrowded, deteriorated areas. Your local municipal bylaws state how many animals may be kept.
11 – OVERT ACTS OF VIOLENCE
An owner or any person who is being overtly violent against the animal, striking or throwing objects at them, or otherwise physically abusing them.
There is no violence against an animal that is justified and a person who would abuse an animal in public or plain sight is likely doing far worse outside of view. The death of one or more animals under suspicious conditions should also be reported and investigated.
The above is there to help you understand cruelty better and know what to look for. Some of the above signs by themselves do not necessarily mean that an animal is being abused. It’s important to examine the entire situation before jumping to conclusions, but rather report it if you are unsure, so it can be investigated.
For EXAMPLE, you might notice that your neighbour’s three cats are infested with fleas and are physically uncomfortable. After a short conversation with your neighbour, you learn that all three cats are being treated, and they appear healthy and socially adjusted. You conclude that these cats are probably not being abused. On the other hand, you notice another neighbourhood dog with an obvious flea infestation who also looks emaciated, has open sores on its body and acts aggressively when approached. In this case, you may have reason to suspect abuse.
Next week we will look into how you can help us fight cruelty!
The ANC used municipal resources during their candidate selection process for the upcoming local government elections.
The ANC Candidate Selection Processes here in Govan Mbeki Municipality are comprised of several public meetings where people are told that they have to elect their councillors. People speaking to The Bulletin said that they are electing councillors and are under the impression that this will be the councillor after the October elections.
They are not always aware that this is an ANC process and that they should still exercise their democratic rights by voting at the Local Government Elections. During at least two meetings the people wanted to nominate DA members as candidates not understanding that this is an ANC process and not the actual election.
Thandi Ngxonono recently attended several ANC candidate elections meetings. During these meetings, municipal Law Enforcement Officers attended the meeting protecting the MMC, Cllr Thandi Ngxonono.
Cllr Yvonne Thandi Ngxonono
Videos surfaced where at least two Law Enforcement Officers are seen to be keeping people at bay. This raises a lot of questions regarding the running of this municipality.
Thandi Ngxonono trying to speak to people and bodyguards keeping people at a distance
Why does the MMC have bodyguards?
The Government Gazette dated 24 April 2020 (no 43246) makes it very clear that only Executives Mayors, Mayors and Speakers are entitled to two bodyguards. Deviation from the norm may only be based on the recommendations of the South African Police Service.
This brings to question why she is using GMM officials that were seen to be using GMM vehicles.
At one meeting it is alleged that another ANC councillor was assaulted and arrested by the Law Enforcement Officers.
Law enforcement officials are seen standing at her vehicle as people voice their anger at Ngxonono
The Bulletin wrote to the communications department of Govan Mbeki Municipality with the following questions:
Why are the Municipal Law enforcement officers acting as her bodyguards?
Why does she have bodyguards from GMM as that function needs to be in line with the upper limits as published in the government cassette dated 24 April 2020?
Who will be paying for those officers?
Who are paying the vehicle costs?
Who gave approval for this?
Why are officials participating in political work?
At the time of placing this article, their only response was that they are investigating the incidents.
The Bulletin spoke to Ciska Jordaan, DA Cllr in Govan Mbeki Municipality and also DA Mpumalanga Deputy Chairperson about the use of officials for political work.
“The Democratic Alliance will question the ANC’s use of municipal bylaw enforcement officials as bodyguards to the MMC Thandi Ngxonono during a meeting in which the ANC was informally deciding on their candidates for the local elections which are taking place on the 27th of October,” said Ciska, “ Video footage of the meeting was shared widely on social media which clearly portrays a disgruntled community which the MMC apparently required protection from by the municipal officers.”
“Ironically, while the ANC dramatically pretends to consider the needs of the community – by asking residents to nominate candidates – they continue to misuse public funds while doing so!” she continued, “The ANC’s continuous misuse of council resources and their desperate attempt to submit candidates at the last second only reflects their pathetic record of governing this municipality and is a taste of what’s to come, should the ANC win governance of this municipality again.”
Cllr Ciska Jordaan. Democratic Alliance Caucus leader in GMM
Ciska concluded with the following statement:
“The DA has been conducting candidate selection processes for a year in which candidates have submitted CV’s, been vetted, completed a training course and assessments as well as interviews which were scrutinized by provincial and national bodies of the party before submitting its candidate lists on Monday. This is concrete evidence that the DA gets things done. Voters will have the chance to oust the ANC on 27 October, we urge them to come out in numbers and vote for real hope and real change.”
The ANC selection processes were marred by incidents where the people were not allowed into the venue and elections that did not reflect the will of the people attending. The Bulletin received several phone calls from people requesting The Bulletin to investigate the processes that were followed. Some even called it corruption.
Thandi Ngxonono is trying to address the people.
The videos clearly show that the people are upset by the presence of Thandi Ngxonono and they told her to leave.
The selection processes followed by Thandi Ngxonono, and several other ANC members, are in stark contrast to the ANC’s Freedom charter adopted at the “Congress of the People, Kliptown, on 26 June 1955”
The leading paragraph reads as follows:
We, the People of South Africa, declare for all our country and the world to know:
that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, black and white, and that no government can justly claim authority unless it is based on the will of all the people;
that our people have been robbed of their birthright to land, liberty and peace by a form of government founded on injustice and inequality;
that our country will never be prosperous or free until all our people live in brotherhood, enjoying equal rights and opportunities;
that only a democratic state, based on the will of all the people, can secure to all their birthright without distinction of colour, race, sex or belief;
Several ANC councillors are expected not to return as the ANC will use this election to try and strengthen their grip on the approaching municipal elections.
During the current term of office, the ANC had to deal with the disgruntled members on several occasions. The protests that resulted in the burning of Emba Mall was during such a period of dissatisfaction by ANC councillors.
The ANC National List Guidelines of 2018 gives the following criteria for people to be elected during the 2019 elections:
CRITERIA FOR CANDIDATES AND LISTS
The Criteria must be guided by the character of the ANC, our objective of winning elections, and the kind of people we need in government. The List process is an ANC process, and all candidates stand as ANC members. Provision will be made for the effective participation of the Alliance in the process. There will be no reserved seats for any organisation within or outside the Alliance on the lists because MPs are ultimately accountable to the ANC.
Candidates should meet the following criteria:
a) ANC member in good standing with a proven track record of commitment to and involvement in the democratic movement.
b) Experience, education or expertise that will enable them to make a constructive contribution in the relevant legislature or in parliament.
c) No criminal record after 1996 that resulted in a sentence of 12 months or more without the option of a fine (this excludes political-related crimes committed before April 1994).
d) No history of ill discipline or corruption.
e) No history of involvement in fostering divisions and conflict.
f) No other breaches of the ANC code of conduct.
One can only wonder if these criteria are also applicable to the ANC local election processes.
Fewer than half the ANC’s current councillors have been deemed fit to contest the upcoming local government elections, party Deputy Secretary-General Jessie Duarte has said.
“There is a great number of people who are not happy with not being returned,” Duarte told journalists during a Zoom press conference shortly before the Electoral Commission’s (IEC’s) extended 9 pm deadline for the submission of party lists on Monday night.
The African National Congress (ANC) said that it has ratified the names of almost 10,000 individuals who were nominated to its ward and proportional representative candidates list ahead of the local government elections.
The party’s national executive committee (NEC) met over the weekend to approve the candidates which will be submitted to the Independent Electoral Commission.
The ANC has commended the steadfast dedication and commitment of party and community members to participate in the councillor nomination process under unusual and difficult conditions.
An extended national executive committee (NEC) met on Saturday and Sunday to approve the lists of ANC candidates for the local government elections scheduled to take place on October 27, 2021.
Representatives of the extended NEC include ANC provinces, leagues, and alliance partners – the SACP and Cosatu.
Former Nelson Mandela Bay regional task team leader Babalwa Lobishe and eThekwini leader Thabani Nyawose are said to be leading the list of proportional representation (PR) councillor’s candidate lists, making them the ANC’s number one picks for mayors in their respective metros.
ANC insiders have said that Tshwane regional chairperson Kgosi Maepa has also made it to the top of the PR list, making him the top candidate.
The ANC has been plagued by allegations of list manipulation, with branches protesting against the formation of the party lists at the national headquarters in Luthuli House and the provincial headquarters.
Shortly before the 9 pm deadline to submit its candidate lists to the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), ANC members and supporters are said to have closed roads leading to the IEC in Pretoria, calling for the ANC to resolve their concerns, Timeslive reported.
It is clear that the democratic image that the ANC wants to show their people and the world is not so democratic as it seems. It would also appear that in an attempt to improve their image after several scandals surfaced with prominent leaders, several candidates have now been side-lined.
PROVINCIAL COMMISSIONER DISTURBED AFTER PREGNANT WOMAN’S BODY FOUND IN A RIVER, MANHUNT LAUNCHED FOR SUSPECTS
NELSPRUIT – The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela is extremely disturbed by an incident in which a woman’s body was found in the Crocodile River at Kanyamazane, on Sunday, 22 August 2021. A murder case has been opened and SAPS members at Kanyamazane have since launched a manhunt for suspect(s).
The members as well as medical personnel were notified about the incident and upon arrival at the scene the woman was unfortunately certified dead by the paramedics. A preliminary probe by the police suggests that the woman was pregnant. She further had gunshot wound (s) and has not yet been identified. She is estimated to be in her 30’s, had short blonde hair and it is said that she was wearing pink trousers as well as a maroon t-shirt.
Lieutenant General Manamela further expressed her disappointment that the woman was murdered during a month where women should be celebrated and more so as there are indications that she was expecting. The Provincial Commissioner has ordered for a swift arrest of the suspect (s).
Members of the community are urged to assist the SAPS with information on the whereabouts of the suspect(s) or the woman’s family by contacting the Investigating Officer,Detective Constable Andrea Terrance Mthunzi Maphanga at 082 4691604 or the Branch Commander, Captain Ishmael Zephania Phiri at 0824691542. Alternatively, members of the public can call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
NKANGALA DISTRICT MAYOR AND EIGHT CO-ACCUSED IN COURT FOR FRAUD
MPUMALANGA – Thembi Sarah (67) the Executive Mayor of the Nkangala District Municipality and eight others appeared in the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court today after they were arrested by members of the Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation in Mpumalanga for alleged fraud.
Thembi Sarah Masilela (67), Executive Mayor of the Nkangala District Municipality
The accomplices; Gigimani Swartboy Sindane (59), the Secretary of the Ndzundaza Mabhoko Traditional council, Tebogo Nkamide Matiwane (50) the general manager of Social Development within Nkangala District Municipality, Thembi Ndlovu (50) Co-ordinator for Social Services, Given Sipho Jele (33), his company Somziloyi business Enterprise, Simon Prince Musiza (33), his company Zenzazona PTY LTD, Vincent Jabu Sibiya (39), his company Megaworks Trading Enterprise, Elvis Sifiso Ntuli (36), his company Ngibongaimpilo PTY LTD and Thabo Wiseman Ntuli and his company Ngezabanqobi Supply Trading and Enterprises were all charged for theft, forgery and Contravening the Public Finance Management Act (PMFA).
Thembi Ndlovu (50) Co-ordinator for Social ServicesTebogo Nkamide Matiwane (50) General Manager of Social Development
Given Sipho Jele (33) Company owner
Simon Prince Musiza(33) Company owner
Thabo Wiseman Ntuli (31) Company owner
Vincent Jabu Sibiya (39) Company owner
It is alleged that Masilela colluded with the group in September 2019 and ensured that fraudulent documents were processed for payments for services that were never rendered. As a result of the Municipality lost approximately R215 730.
The accused were granted R10 000 bail each and the case was postponed to 10 September 2021 for it to be transferred to the Serious Commercial Crime Court.
PROVINCIAL COMMISSIONER CONDEMNS THE SENSELESS MURDER OF TWO MEN, WHILST ANOTHER INJURED, MANHUNT LAUNCHED FOR SUSPECTS THEREOF
NELSPRUIT – The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela has strongly condemned the incident in which two men were brutally murdered whilst another sustained gunshot wounds yesterday, Sunday, 22 August 2021 at Nelspruit. Police in Nelspruit has since launched a manhunt for the suspects.
According to the information at police disposal, on the said day at around 21h00, three men travelling in a VW Polo were ambushed by armed suspects who were driving in a blue double-cab bakkie. It is said that shots were fired by the suspects, fatally wounding two men. The third man sustained some injuries. The suspects reportedly fled the scene after the incident.
The police at Nelspruit as well as the paramedics were informed about the incident where upon arrival, the two men were certified dead at the scene. The injured man was taken to the hospital for medical treatment. A case with two counts of murder and attempted murder were opened. An investigation is underway.
A preliminary probe by the SAPS members has since revealed that there was a shooting incident earlier that night at about 19h30 next to a hospitality facility around Nelspruit. About three occupants were in a VW Polo when suspects opened fire on them whilst they were inside the vehicle. No one was reportedly injured during that incident. It is further reported that the victims then went to Nelspruit Police Station to open a case, being accompanied by their friends, where it is alleged that amongst them, were the two men that were fatally shot as well as the one who sustained injuries.
Police in Nelspruit urges anyone who can assist with the investigation to contact the Branch Commander, Colonel Ernest Maoka at 0823189843 or call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
PROVINCIAL COMMISSIONER APPLAUDS THE COMMUNITY’S ASSISTANCE IN LOCATING A RAPE SUSPECT
NELSPRUIT – The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela has applauded members of the public for providing information that assisted in locating a 29-year-old man who had evaded police for years, in connection with rape cases that occurred between 2010 and 2019.
According to the information at police disposal, on 25 September 2010, a 32-year-old woman was with her male friend at Kwaggafontein C when they were approached by two armed male suspects who allegedly assaulted the male friend and robbed them of their personal items. They (suspects) then dragged the woman to the nearby bushes and gang-raped her before they fled the scene. The matter was reported to the police at Kwaggafontein where a case was opened and a manhunt launched for the suspects.
Illustration purposes only
In another incident that occurred on 07 August 2011 at around 02h00 am, it is said that a woman was with a friend and they were both coming back from a traditional ceremony at Kwaggafontein A when a suspect attacked them. The friend is said to have managed to escape but the 22-year-old woman was unlucky. She was allegedly raped by the suspect who also stabbed her before he threw her into a reservoir and fled. The victim managed to swim out of the reservoir and sought help. This incident too was reported to the police at Kwaggafontein where a rape case was opened with an additional charge of attempted murder. A manhunt was also launched for the suspect.
On 01 June 2012 at about 23h50 it is said that two girls were on their way home at Kwaggafontein C when an armed man suddenly appeared and held them at gunpoint. One of the girls managed to flee whilst the other girl, aged 17 was held hostage by the suspect. She was unfortunately dragged by the suspect to a nearby bush and raped. This incident was reported to police at Kwaggafontein as well and a case was opened accordingly.
Reports further indicate that on 03 May 2019 at about 20h00 a suspect pounced on two girls at their place of residence in Kwaggafontein C. One of the girls escaped whilst the other, aged 15 was raped by the suspect who then fled the scene after the incident. Police at Kwaggafontein were also informed about the incident and a case was opened.
The said cases were assigned to an investigation team from Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) at Kwamhlanga. The astute members worked tirelessly and through the information provided by members of the public, the suspect was finally arrested at Kwaggafontein on Thursday, 19 August 2021. He made his first appearance at the Mkobola Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 20 August 2021 where he was remanded in custody. He is expected to appear again on 26 August 2021.
Find contact details of the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS)HERE
The Provincial Commissioner, further indicated that the breakthrough occurred during women’s month and such efforts indicate that the SAPS is determined to squeeze the space for perpetrators of Gender-Based-Violence. She also promised the public that the information that they provided will surely be used to achieve the ultimate goal of creating a safe environment for citizens, including the vulnerable groups.
Police in Bethal arrested a 30-year-old man for statutory rape after he had a sexual activity with a 14-year-old girl. The arrest came after the family member went through the girl’s phone and found the conversation between her and the man.
The family member, who is the uncle to the victim then had a talk with the girl and the girl confessed that she is having an affair with the man. She said that the man sent her a message after he saw her pictures on social media later in 2020.
The uncle further went through the conversation and found a text from the man asking the girl about the next date to have sexual contact. He(Uncle) asked the girl about the relationship with the man and she said they’ve been dating since 2020 and had sexual intercourse while she was 13(Thirteen) years to recent.
Constable Thomas Mogadime, the communications and social crime prevention officer at Bethal Police Station outlined statutory rape as a crime that involves sexual contact with a person who is under an age specified by law, commonly referred to as the “age of consent.”
The legal term for the crime varies from state to state and includes sexual intercourse with a minor, sexual assault of a child, criminal sexual penetration of a minor or a child under a certain age, and sexual abuse of a minor.
Under statutory rape laws, a person who has sex with a person under a certain age known as “the age of consent” risks criminal charges and a jail or prison sentence, even if the younger person is a willing partner and neither partner is an adult.
Statutory rape laws are meant to protect children and teenagers from predatory adults. The crime of statutory rape has been controversial because, historically, it has been applied primarily or exclusively to relationships where the female is underage. In addition, strict statutory rape laws did and do not take into account relationships between young people who are close in age but where one (or both) persons is under the age of consent.
For example, if the age of consent in a state is 17, a boy who is 17 or 18 can be charged with statutory rape for having sexual contact or intercourse with his 16-year-old girlfriend. If the age of consent in a state is 16 and a boy turns 16 on August 15 but his girlfriend turns 16 on August 30, the boy can be charged with statutory rape if he and his girlfriend begin having sex between August 1 and August 30 because the young woman is not yet 16. Similarly, two young people under the age of consent can each be charged with statutory rape for having sex with one another if state law has no exceptions for sex or sexual contact between two young people.
Constable Mogadime encourages teenagers to focus on their studies and refrain from things that will destroy their future. And He further warns the older men that having an affair or sexual act with a teenager can lead to them being arrested for statutory rape and could face a prison sentence. “Teenage girls are not women, statutory rape must end!” concluded Constable Mogadime.
The following description on Statutory rape comes from Choma
What is Statutory Rape?
Statutory rape can often be a confusing term chomas, and maybe it’s because it isn’t spoken about often. Do you know what the age of consent is? In other words, do you know at what age someone younger is legally allowed to have sex with another person?
For a long time in South Africa the legal age of consent has been 16 years old. Recently things have changed a bit where the law was revised for teenagers. As of this year, the legal age of consent between teenagers is 12. Remember that this ONLY applies to relationships between young teenagers.
Here’s an example of how it works:
A person aged 12 can consent to sex with someone who is 14 years old, but not someone who is 16 and older. So if two minors (over the age of 12 and under the age of 16) consent to sex, then in the eyes of the law this would not be considered statutory rape.
The official age of consent, however, is still 16. This means that adults (in South Africa, an adult is someone over the age of 18) cannot have sex with minors (12, 13, 14 and 15).
Statutory rape then is a form of rape that occurs when someone older than 16 has a sexual relationship with a minor. A teenager below the age of 16 having sex with someone who is below the age of 12 can also be charged with statutory rape.
What can I do if I’m younger than 16 and in a relationship with an older person?
Remember that that person you’re dating can be charged for statutory rape and face time in jail. If you’re in the relationship like this and either feel like you’re forced into it or feel like you don’t know how to get out, then you should speak to someone you trust, preferably an adult. You should also contact an authority figure who can help you out of the situation.
You can call these numbers for help and counselling:
