ANIMALS 101 – DO YOU HAVE A PLAN IN PLACE FOR YOUR PETS IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY?
This is NOT ONLY APPLICABLE IN COVID TIMES!
Your pets are important members of your family, so they need to be included in your family’s emergency plan. To prepare for the unexpected follow these tips with your pets in mind:
1. Make a plan.
2. Build an emergency kit.
3. Stay informed.
Source Pexels.com
MAKE A PLAN
If you have a plan in place for you and your pets, you will likely encounter less difficulty, stress and worry when you need to make a decision during an emergency. This includes you falling ill or dying in an accident. If local officials asks you to evacuate, that means your pet should evacuate too. If you leave your pets behind, they may end up lost, injured or worse. You are responsible for them.
Have an evacuation plan for your pet. Many public shelters and hotels do not allow pets inside. Find a safe place where you can take your pets, before disasters and emergencies happen.
Plan together with neighbors, friends or relatives to make sure that someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so.
Have your pet microchipped. Make sure to keep your address and phone number up-to-date and include contact information for an emergency contact outside of your immediate area. Remember that you have to register the microchip the first time and on more than one database.
Contact your local emergency management office, veterinarian, animal shelter or animal control office to get additional advice and information if you’re unsure on how to care for your pet in case of an emergency.
Source humanesociety.org
2. BUILD AN EMERGENCY KIT
Just as you do with your family’s emergency supply kit, think first about the basics for survival, such as food and water. Have two kits, one larger kit if you are sheltering in place and one lightweight version for if you need to evacuate. Review your kits regularly to ensure that their contents, especially foods and medicines, are fresh.
Here are some items you may want to include in an emergency kit for your pet:
Food. Keep several days’ supply of food in an airtight, waterproof container.
Water. Store a water bowl and several days’ supply of water.
Medicine. Well labelled. Keep an extra supply of the medicine your pet takes on a regular basis in a waterproof container.
Keep all their medical records in one place with this kit.
First aid kit. Talk to your veterinarian about what is most appropriate for your pet’s emergency medical needs.
Collar with ID tag and a harness or leash. Include a backup leash, collar and ID tag. Have copies of your pet’s registration information and other relevant documents in a waterproof container and available electronically.
Traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each pet. Have a plan on who grabs what in an emergency.
Grooming items. Pet shampoo, conditioner and other items, in case your pet needs some cleaning up. Dry shampoos are great for this.
Sanitation needs. Include pet litter and litter box (if appropriate), newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags and household chlorine bleach to provide for your pet’s sanitation needs.
A picture of you and your pet together. If you become separated from your pet during an emergency, a picture of you and your pet together will help you document ownership and allow others to assist you in identifying your pet. You can also add a detailed description of your pet.
Important numbers. Your veterinarians number. If your family does not live in your town, have numbers for someone who can immediately go to your home and check on them or take them. You can even provide them with a letter of authorisation and or a key to your home.
Familiar items. Put favorite toys, treats or bedding in your kit. Familiar items can help reduce stress for your pet.
This includes the current situation in your area or country or topics about your pets.
OTHER TIPS
Emergency card. You can buy or make such cards to keep in your wallet or in your car. Even stickers. If you are in a accident or unconscious then this person can be contacted. Never list your address, but that you have animals at home to be taken care of and the contact person.
In case of a fire at home. Have a small notice board near entrances about people and pets in this home. Not where thieves can see it from outside, but if firemen enter this could help. Read more on FIRE EMERGENCY here.
Provide exits for your pets like doggy doors. We prefer at least two.
Teach your pets to open certain doors.
Our pet sitter and one other person is listed with contact numbers on our vet accounts as having authority to make decisions on our behalf. Inform your vet that this person can be contacted.
We opened a vet account at more than one veterinary practice in town, so if one is not available, you (or pet sitter) does not need to do all the paperwork then.
Our pet sitter has the family’s numbers and vice versa.
Include your pets in your will and clearly state your wishes. Name one or two people you trust to make these decisions if necessary. Inform those that you name in your will to take care of your pets.
NEVER LEAVE your pets alone when you are away for holiday. Have someone check in at least once a day.
Save in advance for pet emergencies.
Next week we will look at how you can help reputable and local animal welfare organisations.
MPUMALANGA WANTED SUSPECT ARRESTED FOR TAMPERING WITH ESSENTIAL INFRUSTRUCTURE
MPUMALANGA – A 28-year-old foreign national is expected to appear before the Mkhuhlu Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 04 August 2021 after he was arrested during a disruptive operation by members of Mpumalanga based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation together with Germiston CPI private investigators on Monday, 02 August 2021 for tampering with essential infrastructure, theft and fraud.
It is alleged that in June 2018, Vodacom tower batteries were stolen from the Calcutta power station and were later recovered in a vehicle at Marite trust. The vehicle owner could not be located at the time. A case docket for tempering with infrastructure and theft was opened and it was transferred to the Hawks for further probe. During the investigation, the suspect was linked to the incident and the matter was brought before the court for a decision. A warrant of arrest was issued against him.
The information was received about his whereabouts at his hiding place in Germiston, Gauteng province. The team proceeded to the identified address and the suspect was apprehended.
During the search, a gas bottle, cash, container keys and cutting welding pipes with gauges which are allegedly used to cut the tower containers were confiscated. The investigation is continuing.
DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT CELEBRATES WORLD RANGER DAY AND REPORTS BACK ON RHINO POACHING IN SOUTH AFRICA
31 JULY 2021 was World Ranger Day. Rangers are facing increasing dangers in the field as poaching syndicates are growing more ruthless
“On World Ranger Day, we want to pay tribute to our rangers for the incredible work they do each and every day to keep our National Parks and our iconic species safe. We also want to pay tribute to eleven of our staff members at SANParks who lost their lives to Covid 19 over the past year,” said Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Ms Barbara Creecy.
Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Ms Barbara Creecy.
“We find ourselves in a position where the efforts being made to combat wildlife crime, such as rhino poaching, are influenced to some extent by the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the battle to beat the Covid-19 pandemic,” said the Minister.
“In the battle to conserve our wildlife and halt poaching, it is our rangers who remain at the forefront, putting their lives on the line daily to conserve our environment and vulnerable species despite the additional risk of contracting Covid-19,” added Ms Creecy.
We also want to remember Field Ranger, Checkers Mashego whose lifeless body was discovered at the Kruger Park late last year. May the souls of all our SANPARKS staff and field rangers rest in peace after serving our nation with diligence and passion.
Rangers salute to the commanders i.e. KNP Managing Executive – Gareth Coleman, KNP Head Ranger – Catherine Dreyer and Skukuza Section Ranger – Kally Ubisi
While the national lockdowns that curbed the movement of people to halt the spread of the virus in 2020 contributed to a decrease in rhino poaching, the lifting of the stringent lockdown regulations appears to have seen an increase in rhino poaching in the first six months of 2021.
From January to the end of June 2021, 249 rhinos have been poached for their horn in South Africa. While this is higher than the number of rhino killed for their horns in the same period last year, at 166, it is less than the 318 rhinos that were poached in the first six months of 2019.
During the six months, January to June 2021, the Kruger National Park experienced 715 poacher activities, an increase of 3.77% in comparison to the number in 2020, which was 689 for the same period. From January to the end of June 2021, 132 rhinos were poached for their horns in the Kruger National Park. One elephant was poached for its ivory in the Kruger National Park during this period.
A number of successful arrests and prosecutions have also been recorded in the past 6 months. This again underscores the success of the collaborative work being done by law enforcement agencies. These include the police, the Hawks, SANParks, the Environmental Management Inspectorate or Green Scorpions, customs officials, SANDF, provincial park authorities and the National Prosecuting Authority.
Regional Ranger, Marula North – Steven Whitfield pays homage to the KNP Rangers and Rangers throughout Africa (those who passed on and the living)
From January to June 2021, 40 alleged poachers were arrested within the Kruger National Park. A total of 125 people have been arrested for rhino poaching and rhino horn trafficking across the country in the past six months.
Numerous confiscations of rhino horn have also taken place since January, both within the country as well as at OR Tambo International Airport. The cohesive partnership with the South East Asian countries is also showing concrete results with the recent collaboration between the South African and the Vietnamese authorities resulting in one of the largest seizures of rhino horns and other wildlife products, thereby disrupting syndicate activities.
A total of 14 cases have been finalised since the start of the year with a verdict, representing a 93% conviction rate. A total of 14 convictions represented 20 convicted accused. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the finalisation rate in courts has slowed down as witnesses, accused and court staff in many instances are required to isolate or quarantine, and even court buildings in some instances need to be decontaminated. This has had an effect on the finalisation of cases.
KNP Staff members observe the moment of silence in honour of Rangers who have departed
“It is clear that the multi-disciplinary, integrated approach to investigating illegal wildlife trade is bearing fruit and that effective collaboration with critical role players remains key to our success,” said Minister Creecy. “I congratulate the teams on a job well done.”
Read more on the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment HERE
We remain aware that criminal elements within our society continue to take advantage of the socio-economic pressures and drive demand for illegal wildlife products. Accordingly, the Department, working with a number of communities, NGO’s and donors, continues with various community development programmes, in collaboration with its partners, SANParks, Provinces and neighbouring countries. The only long term sustainable solution to wildlife management and conservation is to ensure communities living on the outskirts of our national parks benefit from tourism and other opportunities.
The provincial and national breakdown for January to June 2021 (in comparison to 2019 and 2020) is as follows:
PROVINCES ANDNATIONAL PARKS
2019January to June
2020January to June
2021 January to June
SANParks
191
90
132
Gauteng
5
0
0
Limpopo
16
5
30
Mpumalanga
11
6
20
North West
17
17
18
Eastern Cape
1
0
0
Free State
8
0
16
Northern Cape
3
1
0
Kwa-Zulu Natal
66
47
33
Western Cape
0
0
0
Total
318
166
249
Noticeably increased poacher pressure has been experienced in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the Free State provinces. The Department is also monitoring the increased pressure seen on private rhino reserves and collaborating closely with the private sector which continues to play a significant role in rhino protection. During the same reporting period over the last three years, losses in private parks constituted 15% of the total reported loss in 2019, 9% in 2020 and 30% so far in 2021.
Skukuza Section Ranger, Kally Ubisi reads the Ranger’s Pledge
The following are examples of successful prosecutions indicating that transnational organised crime, as well as poaching cases within the borders of the Republic, are addressed through collaborative efforts between the NPA, DPCI, Stock Theft & Endangered Species Unit of the SAPS and the Green Scorpions:
S v Solly Ndima was sentenced to 25 years’ imprisonment after being convicted of trespassing in the Skukuza National Park, contravention of Immigration Act, possession of prohibited firearm with serial number obliterated, possession of ammunition, illegal hunting and killing of a rhino.
S v AA Valoyi was sentenced to 23 years imprisonment after being convicted of trespassing in the Skukuza National Park, contravention of Immigration Act, possession of a firearm with intent to commit a crime, possession of unlicensed firearm, possession of a 6 rhino horns.
S v GV Tibane and J Matshinga Sithole were sentenced 19 years’ imprisonment and were subsequently convicted of trespassing in Skukuza National Park, Contravention of the Immigration Act, illegal hunting and killing of a rhino, possession of firearm with obliterated serial number, possession of silencer firearm, possession of firearm with intent to commit crime, possession of ammunition and possession of an axe.
S v Carlos Ngobeni was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment after being convicted contravening the Immigration Act, trespassing, possession of unlicensed firearm, illegal hunting and killing of a rhino, Possession of firearm with intent to commit crime, Possession of dangerous weapon.
S v Emmanuel Mdluli was sentenced to 16 years’ imprisonment after being convicted on charges of trespassing, possession of firearm with the intention to poach a rhino, possession of firearm with serial number obliterated, conspiracy to commit a crime, possession of dangerous weapon, contravening Immigration Act.
KNP Ranger Corps team at the 2021 World Ranger Day
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (HAWKS) commitment to combat wildlife trafficking and in specific combating rhino horn trafficking is harvesting the fruits of years of hard work. The integrated approach working with transnational law enforcement agencies, the public and private sector and other government agencies has led to a weekend of success in combating rhino horn trafficking in South Africa and beyond.
South Africa and the Vietnamese authorities worked together for the past month in investigating one of the largest consignments of rhino horns and other wildlife products to disrupt syndicate activities. The first phase of the investigation was concluded on 17 June 2021 with the seizure of a container in Da Nang Port in Vietnam. The Vietnamese authorities seized 139 kilograms of rhino horns, as well as 3.1 tons of animal parts suspected to be lion bones. The integrated investigation continues between the two countries with further results expected.
In addition to this success, another consignment of 32 rhino horns was seized at OR Tambo International Airport on 17 June 2021 destined for Malaysia. The HAWKS are currently investigating the matter.
Just days prior to the seizures made in Vietnam and ORTIA two rhino horn traffickers were arrested in Bedfordview, Johannesburg. One Zimbabwean male, 35 years and one South African male, age 40 were arrested in the late afternoon on 16 June 2021 during an integrated Hawks operation supported by DFFE, US Home Land Security and public-private partnership. Two kilograms of rhino horn were seized during the operation and the accused appeared in the Germiston Magistrate court on Monday 19 June 2021.
In addition to these successes, three accused that were arrested by the HAWKS in Gqeberha on 21 February 2021, charged with the theft of a rhino horn, were convicted in the Gqeberha Magistrate Court on 15 June 2021.
AfriForum’s northern region neighbourhood watches participate in national patrol
AfriForum’s neighbourhood watches in the northern region on 30 July 2021 participated in the civil rights organisation’s national patrol in their various areas to increase policing visibility. The patrol was undertaken in cooperation with the SAPS, local community policing forums, community members, various security companies and other safety institutions.
Altogether 660 AfriForum members in Gauteng (331), Limpopo (81) and Mpumalanga (248) and 41 other institutions covered in total more than 30 169 km in 393 vehicles. The patrol started at approximately 16:00 on Friday 30 July and continued until 06:00 on Saturday 31 July.
The neighbourhood watches in Gauteng, which covered a total of 13 900 km in 191 vehicles, offered support during 31 incidents in the province. These incidents include the apprehension of reckless and drunk drivers, the prevention of armed robberies and various roadblocks where people were arrested for the possession of drugs.
In Limpopo, 64 vehicles covered a total of 3 132 km during the patrol. Help was summoned after housebreakings took place, while possible other housebreakings were also prevented. There was also an attempted vehicle theft that was successfully thwarted in cooperation with the SAPS.
The neighbourhood watches in Mpumalanga covered a total of 13 137 km and successfully handled 15 incidents in cooperation with the SAPS and other safety institutions.
“Visibility plays a crucial role in the combating of crime and AfriForum’s northern region neighbourhood watches will continuously tackle projects and regularly organise patrols to combat crime in cooperation with the SAPS and other safety institutions,” says Llewellynn Hemmens, AfriForum’s Head of Community Safety for the northern region. “I would also like to thank the following groups for their support during this patrol and that we can always count on their cooperation: The Heritage Protection Group (HPG), the Rural Safety Police, the SAPS, various CPF groups, as well as many security companies.”
Andries Opperman, AfriForum’s Provincial Safety Coordinator for Limpopo, thanked the neighbourhood watch members for their selfless service. “We are seeing through actions such as these how communities are in a professional and disciplined manner – within the framework of the law – taking ownership of their own safety and are purposefully establishing a network of cooperation through which they can ensure their prosperous existence. Criminals withdraw themselves from a community that is visible and prepared and can cooperate.”
“National patrols have a big impact on crime prevention in the area and lower crime rates have been reported when actions like these are taking place. It definitely helps to keep the people in our province safe,” says Hennie Bekker, AfriForum’s district coordinator for the Lowveld.
AfriForum se noordstreekbuurtwagte neem aan nasionale patrollie deel
AfriForum se buurtwagte in die noordstreek (Gauteng, Limpopo en Mpumalanga) het op 30 Julie 2021 in hul onderskeie gebiede aan dié burgerregteorganisasie se nasionale patrollie deelgeneem om polisiëringsigbaarheid te verhoog. Die patrollie is in samewerking met die SAPD, plaaslike gemeenskapspolisiëringsforums, gemeenskapslede, verskeie sekuriteitsmaatskappye en ander veiligheidsinstansies aangepak.
Altesaam 660 AfriForum-lede in Gauteng (331), Limpopo (81) en Mpumalanga (248) en 41 ander instansies het in totaal 30 169 km in 393 voertuie afgelê. Die patrollie het omstreeks 16:00 op Vrydag 30 Julie begin en tot 06:00 op Saterdag 31 Julie geduur.
Die buurtwagte in Gauteng, wat met 191 voertuie ’n totaal van 13 900 km afgelê het, het hulp verleen tydens 31 voorvalle in dié provinsie. Hierdie voorvalle sluit in die vastrek van roekelose en dronkbestuurders, die voorkoming van gewapende rooftogte en verskeie padblokkades waar mense vir die besit van dwelms in hegtenis geneem is.
In Limpopo het 64 voertuie ’n totaal van 3 132 km tydens die patrollie afgelê. Hulp is ontbied ná huisbrake plaasgevind het, terwyl moontlike ander huisbrake ook voorkom is. Daar was ook ’n poging tot voertuigdiefstal wat suksesvol in samewerking met die SAPD gefnuik is.
In Mpumalanga het 248 vrywilligers ’n totaal van 13 137 km afgelê en in samewerking met die SAPD en ander veiligheidsinstansies 15 voorvalle suksesvol hanteer.
“Sigbaarheid speel ’n deurslaggewende rol in misdaadbekamping en AfriForum se noordstreekbuurtwagte sal voortdurend projekte aanpak en gereeld patrollies organiseer om misdaad in samewerking met die SAPD en ander veiligheidsinstansies hok te slaan,” sê Llewellynn Hemmens, AfriForum se veiligheidshoof vir die noordstreek. “Ek wil ook graag die volgende groepe bedank vir hulle bystand tydens hierdie patrollie en dat ons altyd op hulle samewerking kan staatmaak: Die Heritage Protection Group (HPG), die Rural Safety Police, die SAPD, onderskeie GPF-groepe, asook talle sekuriteitsmaatskappye.”
Andries Opperman, AfriForum se provinsiale veiligheidskoördineerder vir Limpopo, het die buurtwaglede vir hulle onbaatsugtige diens bedank. “Ons sien deur aksies soos hierdie hoe gemeenskappe professioneel en gedissiplineerd – binne die raamwerk van die wet – eienaarskap van hulle eie veiligheid neem en doelgerig ’n netwerk van samewerking vestig om daardeur hulle voorspoedige voortbestaan te verseker. Misdadigers onttrek hulself van ’n gemeenskap wat sigbaar en paraat is en kan saamwerk.”
“Nasionale patrollies het ’n groot impak op die bekamping van misdaad in die omgewing en daar word afnames in misdaad tydens hierdie operasies aangeteken. Dit speel ’n reuse rol om mense in die provinsie te beveilig,” sê Hennie Bekker, AfriForum se distrikskoördineerder vir die Laeveld.
Bethal – Op 19 Julie ontdek die polisie die ligame van twee geliefde inwoners van Bethal, Andrè en Marita du Randt .
Die ontdekking was ‘n groot skok vir almal.
Andrè en Marita du Randt
Die Bulletin het aan die familie gevra om ‘n huldeblyk te skryf.
Hier volg hulle huldeblyk:
Bethal gemeenskap moes ongelukkig met groot hartseer van ń welbekende en geliefde egpaar afskeid neem. Andrè(61) en Marita(62) du Randt is op ń tragiese manier van ons af weggeneem.
Heeltemal te vroeg vir dit wat hul vir almal en ook die gemeenskap beteken en gedoen het. Hulle het met baie liefde en oop hande en harte in so baie van Bethal se aktiwiteite deelgeneem en was ook op dieselfde manier in hul familie en vriende se lewens betrokke. Hul bydraes was groot.
André het vir 35 jaar sy beroep met passie en lojaliteit by Pannar, uitgeleef en was tans ń areabestuurder vir die Hoëveld streek. Ons gaan hom mis vir die grapjas wat hy by byeenkomste was en die noemnaampies wat hy aan almal gegee het waarvoor hy lief was. ń Reus met ń goeie hart.
Marita was ń liefdevolle ma, dogter, sussie, ouma, tannie en vriendin. Sy het al haar doelwitte met liefde en passie aangepak en ook so voltooi. ń Talentvolle kunstenaar wat pragtige skilderye geskilder het, uitstekende naaldwerk gedoen het, konfyt ingelê het tot vervelens toe en sy was lief daarvoor om te bak en brou. Haar familie en vriende is ook gedurig bederf met haar handewerk. Die kerk en markte kan ook van al haar insae, met lof getuig.
Hul laat hul seun Bennie du Randt met sy vrou Claire en hul dogter Paige agter wat hul in Engeland gevestig het. Ons sal hul altyd onthou vir wie hul was en gaan hul verseker mis.
Die laaste plasing op Marita se Facebook blad was op 31 Julie deur Marita Oosthuisen. Dit was ‘n lied deur Donna Taggart met die naam “Jealous Of The Angels”
Dit is ‘n gepaste lied vir twee mense wat duidelik deur hulle gemeenskap geliefd was.
Hoërskool Secunda se hokkie personeel het ‘n afrigtings kursus bygewoon en 10 leerders gaan aan ‘n toernooi deelneem.
Hokkie:
Vier van ons personeellede het hul Vlak 0 Doelwagter Afrigtingskursus voltooi die 16de Julie. Hul name is as volg: Dirk Scheepers, Estée Odendaal, Anna Blom en Chelize Willemse.
Dirk ScheepersMe. Estée OdendaalMe. Anna BlomMe. Chelize Willemse
Dans:
Ons het tien leerders wat in die SDS (Solo Dance Schoolsport) Mpumalanga Provinsiale Span opgeneem is en hulle gaan aan die Interprovinsiale Toernooi deelneem wat heelwaarskynlik weer aanlyn gaan plaasvind. Hul name is as volg: Divan van der Merwe, Priscilla de Beer Madison Naidoo, Jemma Laubscher, Diané van Rooyen, Njabulo Mokoena, Michael Botha, Tlotlo Mongale, Chanise Vermaak en Atlekgang Chiloane (Sien aangeheg hul foto’s).
Madison NaidooJemma LaubscherDivan van der MerweDiané van RooyenChanise VermaakAtlekgang ChiloaneTlotlo MongalePriscilla de BeerNjabulo MokoenaMichael Botha
TEN ALLEGED CRIMINAL GROUP DEALING IN DRUGS REMANDED IN CUSTODY FOR MORE THAN TWENTY CHARGES OF DEALING AND POSSESSION OF DRUGS, CORRUPTION, ESCAPING FROM LAWFUL CUSTODY, RESISTING ARREST AND ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION
MPUMALANGA – Chibuzo Chicozie Ogbunkwu Don (35), Okereke Valentine Okwudiri (35), Kadima Remy(29), Male Mkolo(33), Mukembani Justin Kasindo(34), RudeA ngeKishuke(24), Bongiwe Manengela(41), Enewere David (34), Mwambaza Hamisa(31) and David Chicoloko(26) were remanded in custody by the Bethal Magistrate Court on Friday 30 July 2021.
The nine foreign nationals and one local were arrested by the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team Mpumalanga assisted by Forensic Science Laboratory, Crime Intelligence, Tactical Response Team, Public Order Policing and SAPS Bethal during the clampdown operation which emanated from a major investigation by the Hawks and Crime Intelligence since June 2020 addressing drug challenges in Bethal.
Sentenced accused David Chicoloko (26)
It is alleged that in June 2020, information was received by the team about the criminal group dealing in drugs around Secunda and Bethal. Intelligence-driven information gathering was conducted and presented before court resulting in the arrest of the suspects. During the arrest, cash and drugs were confiscated for further investigation.
One of the accused David Chicoloko (26), who was not part of the said investigation,(ADHOC), was arrested for illegal immigration, he was found guilty and sentenced to an R1500 fine or three months imprisonment further ordered to be deported to his original country on the 09 July 2021 by the same court.
The case is postponed to 06 July 2021 due to the unavailability of the interpreter and Legal Aid. All accused were remanded in custody.
Van Ellewee Attorneys is a young dynamic law firm that embraces all the challenges that face firms in the modern era.
In facing the digital age as well as the Covid Pandemic, Van Ellewee Attorneys made it their mission to make Van Ellewee Attorneys completely digital. Clients can get into contact with us at the click of a button, without ever meeting face to face. This enables us to still reach out, connect with and accommodate the needs of individuals.
It does not mean that clients, should the need arise, cannot meet in person. That is still available.
With more and more people working from home, law firms had to shift focus to reach people on their couches and at their home offices. Zoom and Microsoft Teams made video consultations possible throughout the whole of South Africa. Even Gauteng Courts stepped up and created an electronic case system called Caselines, which enables certain cases to be heard digitally.
Your personal preference for contacting Van Ellewee Attorneys will be followed.
The fresh new approach to practising law by Van Ellewee Attorneys will ensure that everyone has access to a lawyer. “Our unique approach to practice allows for a personal approach to your affairs.”
Leading Attorney Suné van Ellewee may be young but is full of energy and knowledge. Not only did she finish with good marks but also passed her Bar Exams on her first attempt.
Suné van Ellewee, Founder and Director. As young and driven legal professionals, we will be happy to assist you with matters ranging from litigation to estate administration and notarial services.
Qualifying with both LLB and LLM (Masters) degrees made sure that she has the best and most up to date knowledge to serve her clients. She also attended Law school before finally becoming a lawyer.
Suné found a special liking to the Medical Law and Medical Negligence fields and completed her master’s degree in a branch of Medical Law.
Van Ellewee Attorneys are offering services in:
Divorce- and Family Law
Comprehensive estate and succession planning
Estate Planning & Drafting of Wills
Administration of deceased estates
Notary and legalisation services
Marital Contract Services and advice
Medical Law and Medical Negligence
Being a Notary
A Notary is held in high esteem and held to a higher standard of care than a “run-of-the-mill” attorney, for they have a higher standard of care placed upon them and must adhere to a higher ethical standard. A Notary is an admitted and practising attorney that has passed an additional practical examination in respect of the practice, functions and duties of a Notary.
A Notary usually witnesses signatures, draws and attests contracts and authenticates the validity of certain documents for instance a marital contract must be signed in the presence of a notary, whereto a notary will attest (sign) the contract along with the parties.
With the passing of a deceased, his/her estate is given over to an executor to administer An executor must be mentioned in the will, or if there IS no Will, an executor will be allocated It is the responsibility of the executor to administer the estate of the deceased from start to finish, meaning that these duties are usually given to attorneys to complete
The attorney will act as an agent on behalf of the executor and will complete and compile all the required documents to report the estate to the relevant Master’s office the attorney will further inform each relevant institution of the passing of the deceased and round up all the assets and liabilities In the estate and draw up the relevant account to each and every rand
Estate Planning and Wills
It is important to have a will as it determines the distribution of your assets upon your passing. Having a will also makes the administration process easier.
Estate planning regards the drawing up of all your assets and liabilities in your current state to determine exactly how your estate will be administered and how the assets will be distributed amongst your beneficiaries his will also indicate your current tax liabilities and your policy distributions.
Morné Oosthuysen het Covid oorleef nadat hy gedurende die eerste vlaag Covid opgedoen het.
Morné se storie klink amper soos ‘n Bybelse storie van Hoop en Geloof, maar as mens stil word en weer daarna luister en dit lees besef mens dat sy storie amper daar hoort. Hoe oorleef mens die ongelooflike ernstige virus? Hoe hou mens kop met so ‘n swaard bo mens se kop?
Morné se storie is ‘n storie van hoop, geloof en liefde. Ongelooflike hoop, onwrikbare geloof en tonne liefde.
Morné en Candice Oosthuysen
Hoe tel mens die virus op? Wat gebeur as jy die virus het? Hoe oorleef mens die hospitaal? Hoe herstel mens? Dan laaste, hoe help jou geloof jou deur hierdie siekte.
Luister hoe vertel Morné self sy geloofs storie en luister hoe hy die virus opgedoen het. Maak jouself gereed vir die stryd. Rowland Jones van Kruik gemeente het met Morné gesels oor sy ervaring met Covid.
Morné is op 8 Julie 2020 positief gediagnoseer met covid en is op 15 Julie die eerste keer opgeneem in die hospitaal met Covid longontsteking. Hy is op 18 Julie ontslaan.
Op 20 Julie word hy weer opgeneem met Covid longontsteking. Hierdie keer was hy egter vir 3 dae in die intensiewe eenheid. Hy is dan weer op 28 Julie ontslaan.
10 Augustus word hy vir ‘n derde keer opgeneem met Covid longontsteking. Hy spandeer 13 dae in die intensiewe eenheid waarvan 3 dae op ‘n ventilator. op 26 Augustus word hy dan weer ontslaan.
Op 27 September word hy dan vir ‘n 4de keer opgeneem met longontsteking en was geplaas in die NON-Covid intensiewe eenheid in Mediclinic Highveld.
Op 29 September word hy oorgeplaas na Donald Gordan, Wits Medical Centre onder Dr Gunter Schleicher en Dr Kate Dudgeon.
27 September se Covid toets was negatief. 7 Oktober toets hy negatief vir HIV en op 8 Oktober wys sy CT-Scan en sy Longfunksie toets dat sy longe teen ongeveer 46% funksioneer.
Morné het sy getuienis gepen en met ons gedeel. Hier volg sy getuienis in sy eie woorde:
Morné se getuienis: ‘n Godelike ontmoeting
Niks, maar niks kan jou voorbery vir die skok wanneer jy die bevestiging kry dat jy positief getoets het vir covid-19 nie. Hallo almal ek is Morné en my vrou se naam is Candice. Ons is Covid survivors en hierdie is die storie van ons journey en my ontmoeting met my Skepper.
Dit was Woensdag die 8ste Julie 2020 en eers was dit net ek wat siek geword het. Die volgende dag het my liewe vrou siek geword. Ons simptome was ook nie heeltemal dieselfde nie, maar daar was tog sommige ooreenkomste. Dieselfde dag wat ons siek geword het, het ons vir die toetsie gegaan daar by Ampath in Trichardt. Ek het my uitslag Vrydag gekry en Candice haar uitslag die Saterdag.
Ek onthou nog ons gesprek wat iets geklink het soos: “oooo magtag, wat nou!” Ons was altwee siek en ons bekommernis het begin by: wat van die kinders? Wat maak ons nou? Die kinders se skole was gelukig baie akommederend, iets waarvoor ons nog baie dankbaar sou wees.
Van hier af, het ons lewe drasties verander! Die realiteit van siek wees as gevolg van die Corona virus het alhoemeer ‘n werklikheid begin word… dit is regtigwaar “life changing”. Ek was die 15 Julie 2020, vir die eerste keer in die hospitaal opgeneem en tot en met die 21ste Oktober was ek 5 keer in-en-uit die hospitaal gewees, waarvan ek 3 keer in ICU was.
Ons medisie het nog baie min van die virus geweet en tog maar alles probeer om my aan die lewe te hou. My liggaam het bly saturasies verloor want my longe het baie seer gekry. Ek het ongelooflik baie gesukkel met asemhaling!
Dit was tydens my tweede opname in ICU wat die mediese personnel van mening was dat ek regtigwaar in lewensgevaar was. Eers het die hoë-druk masjien nie meer goed genoeg gewerk vir my nie en toe later die CPAP masjien. Die laaste lienie in vedediging om my lewe te probeer red, was die “gevreesde” ventilator. As dit nie gewerk het vir my nie, was daar niks meer verder wat die dokters vir my kon doen nie en sou dit dan die einde van my lewe beteken het. Ek het dit geweet en ek was bang gewees. Ek was ook moeg gewees, want ek het so hard gewerk om asem te haal, maar dit was nie goed genoeg gewees nie.
Baie vroeg die volgende oggend het die narkotieseerder na my toe gekom en my verduidelik wat nou met my gaan gebeur. Uit pure vrees vir die onbekende was my reaksie teenoor haar dat sy my asseblief nie vandag hier moet laat dood gaan nie. Ter opsomming van ons gesprek was dit duidelik dat niemand my meer kan red nie. Om verder te lewe gaan nou van myself afhang. Ek moes besluit, gee op en sterf of veg om asem te kan haal.
Net voor dat ek gesedeer is bel Candice die ICU om uit te vind hoe dit met my gaan en kry ek die geleentheid om met haar te praat. Onthou dat geen besoekers toegelaat was daardie tyd nie. Haar stem het my rustig gemaak en my oë was vol trane . . .
Dit is in daardie tyd dat ek iets van Jesus ervaar het soos beskryf in die bybel, net voor hy gevange geneem was in die tuin van Getsemane, om uiteindelik gekruisig te word: Doodsangs het my oorweldig. In die hande van my Skepper het ek nou my lewe neer gelê.
Dit is gedurende my sedasie wat ek ‘n ontmoeting met my skepper gehad het, en toe ek 2 dae later uit my sedasie by gekom het, was Candice langs my bed. Dit was die mooiste gesig om te aanskou! Weens die mediese prossedures wat op my uitgevoer was, kon ek nie praat nie en ek het “gebrand” om vir haar van my visioen te vertel…my Godelike ontmoetting. Ek moes op ‘n klein wit bordjie vir haar alles skryf. Later het ek by ‘n paar geleenthede (vir meestal mediese personnel) van my visioen vertel en het ek ook begin besef dat dit mense bemoedig. En dit is juis daarom dat ek nou my storie met julle wil deel.
My visioen terwyl ek onder sedasie was is as volg:
Ek loop vanuit ‘n vallei met ‘n water stroompie verder af aan my linker kant en ‘n steilte met groterige bruin klippe aan my regter kant. Dit is asof ek uit die duisternis loop, maar tog in lig loop. Die duisternis is nie soos dit aand sou wees nie, dit is donker. Die lig is ook nie soos daglig nie, dit is net lig. Soos wat ek loop word dit dadelik donker agter my en lig om my en voor my, maar ek kan nie te vêr voor my sien nie.
Ek loop tussen gras deur. Die gras is lank, omtrent heup-hoogte, maar kielie of pla glad nie, amper asof ek dit nie kan voel nie. Die gras was die mooiste groen gewees…’n groen wat ek vandag nog sukkel om te beskryf. Die gras het ook heen-en-weer beweeg soos die wind dit waai, maar ek voel glad nie die wind nie. As ek af kyk sien ek dat ek kaalvoet is, tog voel ek nie die klippies of dorings onder my voete nie en dis amper asof ek deur die gras sweef…’n baie eienaardige gevoel.
Ek het alleen gevoel, amper soos asof ek verdwaald was…ek ken glad nie die plek nie. Die volgende oomblik voel ek dat ek nie meer alleen is nie. Oor my regter skouer sien ek iemand aangeloop kom en die volgende oomblik was die persoon langs my gewees.
Die volgende oomblik voel ek dat ek nie meer alleen is nie.
Wat my eerste opgeval het van hierdie persoon, is sy voorkoms. Hy was geklee soos ‘n Bybel-tydse soldaat. Kompleet met die leer uitrusting, borsharnas en swaard. Hy het wel nie ‘n helm gedra nie en ook nie ‘n skild nie. Sy swaard was iets besonders! Dit was ‘n buitengewone groot twee-snydende swaard en het baie geblink.
Die man het lang spierwit hare gehad wat in die wind gesweef het en die blouste oë wat sag voor gekom het. Sy gesig’s uitdrukking het egter iets anders vertel. Hy het ‘n kwaai (amper kwaad) uitdrukking gehad. Toe ek die man vra wie hy is, was sy antwoord aan my gewees: “ken jy My dan nie? Herken jy nie My stem nie?” Ek het besef dat ek nou in die teenwoordigheid is van my SKEPPER.
Ek was oorweldig gewees! Dit het vir my gevoel asof ek ‘n gesprek met Hom wou voer, maar ek kon nie woorde uit kry nie. Ek wou Hom vertel van al die baie siek mense en families wat geliefdes verloor het as gevolg van die Corona virus…dit kan mos nie van God af kom nie.
Die volgende oomblik het Hy na my toe gedraai en gesê: “Ek is nog nie klaar nie!” Dit was duidelik aan my dat HY besig was om oorlog te voer, dis hoekom Hy dan so kwaad was…het ek gereken. Hy het toe voor my uit beweeg, ook asof hy sweef tussen deur die lang gras en vir my met ‘n arm-wuif geroep en gesê: “VOLG MY“. Hy het toe oordie horison op ‘n bult verdwyn.
My volgende visioen was vir my egter meer ontstellend gewees:
Ek loop in ‘n gang, wat soos ‘n hospitaal se gang gevoel het terwyl ek kaalvoet was en ‘n hospitaal frokkie aan gehad het. Iemand was langs my gewees en hy het my tussen twee oop-swaai deure gelei in ‘n vertrek in. Die persoon langs my het ‘n wit kleed (ook amper soos ‘n hospitaal tiepe uitrusting) aan gehad en donker hare. Behalwe vir dit het ek nie veel meer opgelet nie.
Want voor my was iets wat my vandag nog tot trane dryf: Voor my was ek wat op ‘n hospitaal-tipe bed gelê het met my kop wat so half af gehang het van die die bed af en pype wat by my mond uit gesteek het. Ek was dood gewees. Terwyl ek so kyk het ek ewe skielik besf en hardop geroep dat Candice my nie so kan sien nie en het ek begin huil. Ek wou nie dood wees nie…ek kan nie dood wees nie! Die persoon by my vra my toe: “wat kies jy, lewe of sterf“. Ek kies toe om te lewe.
Die volgende oomblik word ek wakker en besef ek is nog in die ICU en Candice was langs my bed gewees. Sy het so mooi gelyk…my engel! Ek kom toe agter dat ek nie kon praat nie want daar was pype wat in my keel en in my neus was.
Candice wys my toe met trane in haar oë, haar hangertjie om haar nek. Dit was ‘n kruis en my trou-ring wat sy om haar nek gedra het. Ek kon net huil van blydskap…ek het dit gemaak! Ek lewe! Dit was twee dae later nadat ek gesedeer was en geventileer was. Ek was op die ventilator vir nog drie dae gewees en het by die dag beter geword.
In daai tyd het ek maar gekommunikeer deur op ‘n klein wit-bordjie te skryf. Ek het vir Candice op so manier van my visioen vertel terwyl ek gesedeer was. Sy het my op haar beurt vertel dat die hospitaal vir haar en vir my ouers laat kom het om my te kom groet terwyl ek gesedeer was, want ek sou dit nie deur die nag gemaak het nie.
Dit was ‘n baie emosionele oomblik gewees! Ons besef toe albei, dat my visioen ‘n Godelike ontmoeting moes wees. Ek het sedertdien my “storie” met baie mense gedeel, veral mediese personeel waar ookal ek was en agter gekom dat dit vir mense bemoedig het en hoop gegee het. Ek was net nie heeltemal seker wat, hoe en wie almal hierdie boodskap moes hoor nie.
Ons beleidenis is: Groter is Hy wat in ons is, as hy wat in die wêreld is. Daarom het ek gedurende my gesond-word proses vas gehou aan daardie hoop en nooit opgegee nie, omdat daar vir my gesê was “Ek is nie klaar nie” en “volg My”. God se genade en liefde vir ons is onbeskryflik en onmeetbaar.
Hoe wonderlik is Morné se getuienis nie? Wees reg vir jou ontmoeting met die Here sodat jy ook Covid kan oorwin. God is groot!
2 And Joshua the son of Nun sent out of Shittim two men to spy secretly, saying, Go view the land, even Jericho. And they went, and came into an harlot’s house, named Rahab, and lodged there.
2 And it was told the king of Jericho, saying, Behold, there came men in hither to night of the children of Israel to search out the country.
3 And the king of Jericho sent unto Rahab, saying, Bring forth the men that are come to thee, which are entered into thine house: for they be come to search out all the country.
4 And the woman took the two men, and hid them, and said thus, There came men unto me, but I wist not whence they were:
5 And it came to pass about the time of shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the men went out: whither the men went I wot not: pursue after them quickly; for ye shall overtake them.
6 But she had brought them up to the roof of the house, and hid them with the stalks of flax, which she had laid in order upon the roof.
7 And the men pursued after them the way to Jordan unto the fords: and as soon as they which pursued after them were gone out, they shut the gate.
8 And before they were laid down, she came up unto them upon the roof;
9 And she said unto the men, I know that the Lord hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you.
10 For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed.
11 And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the Lord your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.
12 Now therefore, I pray you, swear unto me by the Lord, since I have shewed you kindness, that ye will also shew kindness unto my father’s house, and give me a true token:
13 And that ye will save alive my father, and my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters, and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death.
14 And the men answered her, Our life for yours, if ye utter not this our business. And it shall be, when the Lord hath given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with thee.
15 Then she let them down by a cord through the window: for her house was upon the town wall, and she dwelt upon the wall.
16 And she said unto them, Get you to the mountain, lest the pursuers meet you; and hide yourselves there three days, until the pursuers be returned: and afterward may ye go your way.
17 And the men said unto her, We will be blameless of this thine oath which thou hast made us swear.
18 Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father’s household, home unto thee.
19 And it shall be, that whosoever shall go out of the doors of thy house into the street, his blood shall be upon his head, and we will be guiltless: and whosoever shall be with thee in the house, his blood shall be on our head, if any hand be upon him.
20 And if thou utter this our business, then we will be quit of thine oath which thou hast made us to swear.
21 And she said, According unto your words, so be it. And she sent them away, and they departed: and she bound the scarlet line in the window.
22 And they went, and came unto the mountain, and abode there three days, until the pursuers were returned: and the pursuers sought them throughout all the way, but found them not.
23 So the two men returned, and descended from the mountain, and passed over, and came to Joshua the son of Nun, and told him all things that befell them:
24 And they said unto Joshua, Truly the Lord hath delivered into our hands all the land; for even all the inhabitants of the country do faint because of us.
