MAN DUE TO APPEAR BEFORE COURT FOR TAXI MURDER CRIMES
NELSPRUIT – A 28-year-old suspect is due to appear before the Kwamhlanga Magistrate’s Court tomorrow, Monday 03 May 2021, on two counts of murder as well as an attempted murder case. The suspect was apprehended at Tweefontein on Thursday, 29 April 2021.
His arrest spirals from an intensive investigation by a team of astute detectives tasked to probe a number of senseless killings which have engulfed the taxi industry in the province recently. A call was also extended to the community to assist police with relevant information to help police in their investigation. In that regard, patriotic citizens volunteered valuable information which shed light on the investigation. The information provided led police to a house in Tweefontein where the suspect in question was sniffed out.
During his arrest, the suspect was found to be in possession of a licenced firearm as well as ammunition, however, police seized it to form part of their investigation. Further than that, police also seized a VW Polo as they believe it might have been used in the commission of a crime.
The man is fingered in at least three shooting incidents in the Nkangala District, one being in which 39-year-old France Oupa Manamela was gunned down at Miliva Taxi Rank on 01 March 2021. Manamela was a Taxi Marshall before his life was cut short.
He is also suspected to have been involved in a shooting of a man driving a taxi patrol vehicle, the victim sustained an injury on his leg. This incident occurred at Moloto near Kwamhlanga, on the same day Manamela was murdered.
The suspect is facing another murder allegation which took place at Tweefontein on 23 April 2021, where a 42-year-old man who was a taxi owner and also held an executive position within the leadership structure, was unfortunately shot execution-style at Miliva traffic circle few meters away from where Manamela was murdered.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Major General Thulani Phahla, said that the arrest of the suspect is welcomed and will no doubt bring answers to other unresolved similar cases that took place within the taxi fraternity around Kwamhlanga areas. “We are adamant that the investigation team will unearth more information so that justice can be served on behalf of the victims of these killings” concluded General Phahla.
Old people are easily forgotten and deserted as burdens for their children
It was cold and windy when we met at the funeral parlour in Bethal to say our final goodbyes to Oom Piet.
Hannelie, Elmarie, Danile and I stood outside in the street, talking about him and what he meant to us in his special way. We waited a while, but it soon became clear that it was only going to be us attending his funeral.
Hennie Rademeyer and his crew lead the procession of two cars to the Bethal cemetery, with people giving us right of way.
The gravesite was expertly prepared with a few chairs under the shade net and bottles of water should we need some. It dawned on me that there will be no one to carry the coffin to Oom Piet’s last resting place. He was deserted even on his last voyage.
Hannelie and I joined Hennie and his team and carried Oom Piet. We carefully placed him on the lowering device before Hennie said a prayer. Hannelie placed a bottle of Coca Cola and a small box of GrandPa’s on his coffin before it slowly started to desend into the grave.
Hannelie placing the Coke and GrandPa on Oom Piet’s coffinOom Piet’s favourite, Coke and GrandPa
We all became emotional as the coffin slowly descended into the grave. I started to think about the sadness of Oom Piet’s funeral. Strangers donated towards the cost of the burial and strangers attended his funeral.
But Oom Piet’s Funeral was a dignified grand affair. For those that knew him, know that that was what he would have said.
But all of this brings me to the issue that I would like to discuss.
How many elderly people are just neglected? I know that Oom Piet’s family did not have the money to pay for the funeral. I also, unfortunately, knew about his circumstances. Sometimes he would be depressed, and he would phone some of us, mostly Hannelie, and then he would face his woes again.
During my tenure as an elder in my church, I had the opportunity to represent the church at our Synod. We would sometimes visit places of interest during this time, and I chose to visit the Parktown Old Age Home in JHB.
This visit will always be with me for as long as I live. I remember how the staff would have to be patient with the elderly as some had Alzheimer’s or Dementia, others just longed to see their family again.
Just to see their family again!
Some of the elderlies were just dumped as if they are no longer useful to society. I was told that sometimes the children would bring their parents to look at the place and if they did not want to stay, they would tell them to wait there, they are going to go shopping (or something similar) and would fetch them again soon. They never return.
My Grandmother moved to the old age home in Springs. On one of my very regular visits, I asked her why were all the chairs facing the large windows and not facing each other? She replied that is where the people would sit to see who is coming to visit. “I will never sit there,” she told me. Later she told me that she also sits there to wait for someone to visit.
I was told that in Bethal a lady was put in the old age home and all her belongings sold before the son moved overseas.
We all want to belong somewhere; we want to be loved. Some are not so lucky. I wonder how many elderly die of broken hearts. Is this not something that might face us all?
We are all going to grow old. There is an old saying “the wheel turns.” Is this what we want for ourselves? I know the answer is NO! So why would we do it to our parents?
LR Tibbit quoted an American author in the South African Medical Journal, Volume 64 Dated 13 August 1983. The quote is as follows:
Aged persons in our Society are neglected and rejected and discriminated against. They are discarded by selfish, callous families and are relegated to loneliness and discomfort which affects their mental and emotional well-being. When they become ill, they are quickly dumped into state hospitals, nursing homes or old-age homes where many of them die from the shock of transfer or from humiliation. Large numbers of them are forced to remain in institutions simply because they have no place to go, and this is largely because their place in the community has been permitted to close in behind them. The children of this generation lack estimable characters and virtue – they make one wonder how it is that while one parent can take care of four children, four children can’t take care of one parent.
The children of this generation lack estimable characters and virtue – they make one wonder how it is that while one parent can take care of four children, four children can’t take care of one parent.
This was written in the 1960s. It is clear that the problem is an old one. But it does not have to continue!
As I looked back at Oom Piet’s grave I could see that the back actor started to fill the grave. I cannot help to think that this is the last that we will ever hear about Oom Piet. How many other people just seem to vanish, to leave no trace?
Oom Piet was known by many but loved by few. Deserted by the company he worked for when he fell into a pit on the N17. Deserted by friends and family as financial pressure mounted.
In the end, it took four people to help give Oom Piet a dignified funeral. Let us not forget about our elderly. Let us not forget those in need.
I would like to thank everyone that contributed to Oom Piet’s funeral for their unselfish contributions.
More on the loneliness of the elderly
Claire Samuels wrote an article that was published on January 7, 2021 that was titled: “Facts About Senior Isolation and the Effects of Loneliness That Will Stun You.” I am going to place the full article as written below.
Facts About Senior Isolation and the Effects of Loneliness That Will Stun You
Nearly one-third of all seniors live by themselves, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That’s close to 13.8 million seniors aging alone. Senior isolation is both common and dangerous — and while living alone doesn’t inevitably lead to senior loneliness, the two often go hand in hand.
Since March 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has urged older adults — a group at highest risk for severe illness with COVID-19 — to stay home with few, if any, visitors.
These restrictions have helped to protect seniors throughout the pandemic, but also limited interaction with friends and family, leading to a stark increase in reported isolation. In fact, 56% of older adults said they felt isolated in June 2020, according to a University of Michigan poll on healthy aging. That’s more than double the number of seniors who reported feeling isolated in 2018’s healthy aging poll. This isolation can lead to depression, weight loss, cognitive decline, and other medical complications, research suggests.
Learn the major mental and physical effects of loneliness, and how senior isolation has been complicated by the coronavirus pandemic. Get tips on how to connect with and support seniors who are lonely or living alone.
The health dangers of senior isolation and loneliness
Loneliness can be as deadly as smoking or obesity, according to a Brigham Young University study. Senior isolation may complicate existing conditions, encourage an unhealthy lifestyle, and affect cognition.
Loneliness leads to stress. Researchers at the University of Chicago note blood pressure and stress levels are “significantly higher” in lonely people, especially seniors.
Unhealthy habits increase during isolation. Social isolation often leads to bad health habits, according to the American Psychiatric Association. Lonely seniors are more likely to smoke, drink in excess, and neglect the need for physical activity. Conversely, social support can encourage seniors to eat well, exercise, and live healthy lifestyles.
Loneliness increases the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Loneliness is a risk factor for cognitive decline, according to a study conducted by the Rush Institute for Healthy Aging. In the study, the risk of Alzheimer’s nearly doubled in lonely adults, and mental decline was faster. This could be because isolated older people have less stimulation, or because their symptoms are less likely to be reported before the disease has progressed, suggested the study.
Isolation leads to higher instances of elder abuse. There are several reasons for this correlation, according to the National Center on Elder Abuse. Isolated seniors are more likely to fall prey to scammers and financial abuse. Neglect, one of the seven types of elder abuse, is more likely to go unnoticed. Seniors themselves are less likely to report physical abuse without a trusted family member, and they may protect abusers if they don’t have other caregiver resources.
Lonely seniors assume the worst. Socially isolated seniors are 60% more likely to predict their quality of life decreasing over the next 10 years. They’re also more concerned about needing help from community programs as they get older, and they’re more likely to express concerns about aging in place, according to the National Council on Aging.
The “double pandemic:” coronavirus and senior isolation health risks
Social isolation has been a “core concern” during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a University of Washington study of social services and health care organizations across the state. Organization leaders expect the effects of isolation in 2020 to persist well after restrictions have been lifted, according to the study, leading to “exacerbated problems of dementia, depression, suicide risk, and disrupted care.”
Family caregivers agree social distancing and the stress of the pandemic have affected their aging loved ones. Sixty-two percent of adult children caring for their parents or elderly relatives say their loved one has suffered physically or mentally from isolation during the pandemic, according to a December 2020 survey from A Place for Mom. Some groups particularly affected by pandemic isolation include:
Seniors in need of preventive health care who may postpone regular appointments, tests, and elective surgeries
Older adults with impaired mobility, who may lose the benefits of regular physical therapy or suffer bedsores from decreased movement
Seniors with lower incomes, who may rely on public transportation, or be essential workers
Older adults with depression, anxiety, or other mental illnesses that may go untreated without access to a therapist
Seniors with chronic conditions who may have less support for disease management and postpone medical visits to avoid exposure to COVID-19
People living with dementia, who require cognitive and sensory stimulation and benefit from seeing relatives and familiar faces
Help for seniors living alone
Before the pandemic, many seniors living alone maintained active social lives, regularly visiting community centers and friends. Additionally, routine interactions like checking out at the grocery store or chatting with the mail carrier offered much-needed socialization. Now more than ever, it’s vital for friends, family members, and acquaintances to reach out to seniors. Even 15 minutes of interaction a day — in person or virtual — can mitigate the effects of loneliness on seniors, according to the Administration on Aging (AoA).
Reaching out makes a difference. Social distancing from the coronavirus has made senior isolation more prevalent, but it’s also demonstrated how well we can communicate from afar. If you have aging relatives, call them, and encourage your family to do the same. If you run out of conversation topics, try asking these 20 questions seniors never get tired of hearing.
Volunteering decreases loneliness. The more volunteer associations to which a senior belongs, the lower their collective loneliness, according to the Administration on Community Living. Volunteering gives seniors a sense of purpose, and it allows them to engage in personal interests. The good news is that volunteering is possible even without social contact: Intergenerational programs allow seniors to help young children with reading over the phone or via pen pal letters, for example.
Technology solutions address loneliness. From Zoom video chats to innovative products designed especially for seniors, technology can bridge gaps between socially distant friends and family. Look into easy-to-use phones and tablets that offer additional features, such as brain games and digital assistants like Alexa and Siri. However, too much screen time can lead to fatigue and eye strain, so consider alternating between technology and good, old-fashioned phone calls. Other ways friends and families can use technology to connect include:
Having a “movie night” where everyone rents the same film, or uses an app like Netflix party or Gaze to watch and chat at the same time.
Playing games together, like online chess or scrabble. Apps like Kahoot and Drawful allow you to customize games and quizzes with your own family facts and interests.
Sharing memories through photos. Family members can use a shared photo app, like FamilyAlbum or Google Photos, to upload new and old memories. If your senior loved one is less tech-savvy, send pictures via email or snail mail.
Exploring keepsakes and heirloom treasures. Social isolation has given seniors plenty of time to clean out closets and attics of keepsakes. Get the family together to look through photo albums and old treasures on Zoom, and see what stories and memories they inspire.
Exercise feels good physically and emotionally. Brisk movement helps ward off anxiety and depression in addition to offering physical health benefits. If you live in a neighborhood with socially isolated seniors, suggest taking a short walk together or spending time outside. During this time of social distancing, remember to wear a mask and stay 6 feet apart.
Learning and exploring reduces cognitive decline. There are hundreds of online resources for seniors who want to learn from home. From video livestreams of zoos and museums to open online courses, there are mentally stimulating resources available to fit every senior’s interests.
Senior living prevents loneliness in seniors. Older adults are less likely to feel lonely when they have the opportunity to spend time with friends and peers. A senior living community counters many of the reasons for social isolation described above: Without having to worry about transportation, entertainment, or family dynamics, seniors have more time to live a life they enjoy.
8 reasons more seniors are aging alone
Even when social distancing restrictions lift, many seniors will struggle with isolation. As far back as the 1950s, psychiatrist Frieda Fromm-Reichman raised awareness about the dangers loneliness, which she defined as the difference between someone’s “preferred and actual social relations.” For some, that gap has widened during COVID-19 — for others, it’s been caused by situations that will persist once the pandemic subsides.
Family dynamics have changed. Divorce rates have nearly doubled over the past 40 years, and the number of adults who never married is at an all-time high, according to the most recent U.S. Census. National birth rates also plummeted after the baby boomer generation, meaning more seniors are childless. These factors lead to a decrease in family caregivers.
Women are more likely to live alone than men. Higher percentages of women are widowed, divorced, or never married. The median income of women older than 65 is $18,380 — that’s roughly half of men’s $32,000 average, according to a study conducted by the AoA. This financial discrepancy makes it more difficult for single women to afford home health care or assisted living later in life. Interestingly, more men report being lonely in old age, while women are more content to age alone.
Neighborhood dynamics change. Many seniors choose to stay home as long as possible, often citing their community as a main reason to age in place. However, community dynamics change over time — gentrification, new job opportunities, and an increase in urban living can bring in younger neighbors, which can isolate seniors. 55+ communities can be a good option for seniors who want to maintain a neighborly environment as they age.
Planned solitude decreases loneliness. Seniors who find themselves unexpectedly alone are at a higher risk of related complications than those who expect to age without a spouse or family. This means widowers and people who’ve lost younger family members experience higher levels of perceived loneliness, according to the AoA study.
LGBTQ+ seniors are more likely to be socially isolated. LGBTQ+ seniors are twice as likely to live alone, according to SAGE (Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders). This is because they’re less likely to have children and are more commonly single or estranged from their biological families.
Transportation challenges lead to social isolation. Forty-one percent of seniors believe that transportation in their communities is inaccessible or inadequate, according to the National Council on Aging. Since many people lose their ability to drive as they age, they’re likely to be isolated without available transit.
Married couples can be lonely, too. Seniors don’t have to live alone to be lonely. Older adults who are married are just as likely to report feeling isolated as those who aren’t married. This is partially because couples who focused on children for years aren’t used to living without them. Spouses who act as caregivers for their partners are at risk of emotional isolation, since they often don’t have time for activities or social outings.
Seniors may feel they’re being left behind. New technologies and lifestyles can be overwhelming for seniors. The first generation to experience color TV and the personal computer is inundated with new, seemingly inaccessible tech without proper instruction.
Claire Samuels
Claire Samuels is a content writer at A Place for Mom. She worked with senior living communities throughout the Midwest before pivoting to writing. She’s passionate about sharing ways of living well at any age.
MPUMALANGA – A 31-year-old suspect is expected to appear before the Mhala Magistrate Court on Monday 5 May 2021. This follows his arrest by members of the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation in Mpumalanga on Thursday 29 April 2021.
The suspect was allegedly linked to a failed cash in transit heist that happened on Thursday, 01 April 2021. A G4S armoured vehicle was travelling from Dwarsloop to Thulamahashe escorted by the police.
The police vehicle was allegedly rammed by a gold Mercedes accompanied by a silver Subaru. The police returned fire in the ensuing shootout and suspects fled the scene on foot abandoning their getaway vehicles. Along the way, they reportedly hijacked two other vehicles as they fled.
The two vehicles used in the commission of crime were taken for further investigation, whilst the armoured G4S vehicle proceeded without further attack. One police member was wounded in the gun battle and taken for medical treatment.
A preliminary investigation by the Hawks Serious Organised Crime team revealed that the Subaru was stolen in Brooklyn in December 2020 and the Mercedes Benz had been stolen in Bushbuckridge in February 2021.
Further probe linked the suspect to other cases including that of car hijacking committed in July 2017. The suspect had been released on bail and a warrant of arrest was issued against him as he absconded a High Court appearance on the hijacking cases.
4 Unto the place of the altar, which he had make there at the first: and there Abram called on the name of the Lord.
5 And Lot also, which went with Abram, had flocks, and herds, and tents.
6 And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together.
7 And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram’s cattle and the herdmen of Lot’s cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land.
8 And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren.
9 Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.
10 And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar.
11 Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other.
12 Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom.
13 But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the Lord exceedingly.
14 And the Lord said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward:
15 For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever.
16 And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered.
17 Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee.
18 Then Abram removed his tent, and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which is in Hebron, and built there an altar unto the Lord.
Watter verskil het Jesus al gemaak in jou lewe? Vanuit Jesus se verskyning aan Paulus, kan ons vandag herbesin oor belangrike uitnodigings wat Jesus ook vir ons maak om op te reageer en transformasie daarin te beleef.
Highveld Park High is on a mission – to play a significant caring role in and around the community.
As a school, they have plans to expand their outreach programme to all in need.
For more than 10 years, HPHS has adopted Marietjie School as their project for giving back, which meant every year, HPHS learners put together, care packages for children in need. This year, along with their adopted school, HPHS would like to broaden their scope of community upliftment. It’s refreshing to note Highveld Park learners are being taught that no matter how difficult their personal circumstances may be, someone else may have it worse.
Highveld Park High workers donating items – unfit for human use – to the SPCA, so that the animals’ stay may be more comfortable.
They are also being shown that everyone has something to give – even if it means simply playing a supportive role in an outreach programme. The school aims to teach learners to be upholding charitable citizens.
Certainly, life skills are not taught in a day, but with this positive start, we know we will see great things to come.
REAL ESTATE AGENT, ANNICA VAN STADEN, LINKED TO FRAUDULENT SALE OF RDP HOUSES RE-ARRESTED
MPUMALANGA – Annica Van Staden (46), a real estate agent sought by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team was re-arrested by the team from her hiding place in Boksburg Gauteng Province on Monday 26 April 2021.
Annica van Staden
The arrest follows Annica Van Staden’s recent publications on the media as a wanted suspect dating back to 20 April 2021. It is alleged that the suspect was selling Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) houses without the knowledge of the owners.
The buyers allegedly paid money into her business trust account, trading as “Housing First Eiendomme”. As soon as the money was received into her account, it would be transferred to her accomplices.
It is further alleged that Annica Van Staden was arrested in Protea Glen, Soweto in August 2019 for fraud and she was released on bail and the matter was postponed to 11 November 2020 but she evaded court. Consequently, a warrant of arrest was issued against her.
A further investigation linked her with other cases of fraud worth a total value of approximately R184000,00. These cases are in Orange Farm, Nelspruit, Lydenburg and Piet Retief, where more than 36 potential witnesses laid complaints against her.
The Hawks swiftly acted on information from the community about her hiding place. The team proceeded to the address and found her with all her luggage packed and ready to flee. The suspect was arrested and appeared before the Middelburg Magistrate Court on Wednesday, 28 April 2021.
During the investigation, it was established that the suspect was allegedly using different modus operandi to crook the victims. In Middelburg, Annica was allegedly selling RDP, repossessed and private owners houses. In Protea Glen she was allegedly selling bricks and building cement and air-conditioners. In Piet Retief and Cape Town(Brackenfell), she was allegedly selling vehicles. In Lydenburg, she was allegedly selling containers.
The amount involved is appropriately over R3Millon rand. She was advertising her business on Social media, Facebook page. During the court appearance, she was given an opportunity to look for a representative, she was sent back to the cells until 05 May 2021 by the same Court. Investigation continues and more arrest is imminent.
The Provincial Head of the Hawks in Mpumalanga, Major General Zodwa Mokoena applauded the team for their quick response to arrest the suspect before evading. She further appreciated the work done by the Communication Officer in the partnership with the media for publishing information to the public who responded positively leading to the arrest.
Kobus Burger van RSG bied ’n dag lange, praktiese skryfkursus aan waarin hy die geheime en tegnieke van goeie drama en radiodrama verklap. RSG bied vanjaar weer die RSG Sanlam Radiodrama-skryfkompetisie aan en die prysgeld beloop R115 000. Kom leer op ’n vermaaklike manier hoe om jou teks vir hierdie kompetisie te skryf en te slyp.
Leer wat word gereken as goeie radio-dialoog (en hoe dit klink!), hoe om spanning te skep en hoe ander skrywers daarin geslaag het om in die kompetisie uit te blink. Deelnemers sal ook hoor wat die mees algemene foute is wat beginner-skrywers maak en wat die beoordelaars vir nuwelinge aanbeveel.
Daar sal genoeg klankvoorbeelde wees om na te luister asook tyd om te skryf en te luister.
Die bekroonde radiodramaturg Hendie Grobbelaar sal ook vertel hoe en waar die radiogogga gebyt het en hoe sy haar twee gewilde radiodramas aangepak het.
Deelnemers sal ’n handleiding ontvang – wat nie algemeen beskikbaar is nie – en verskeie hulpbronne sal met kursusgangers gedeel word.
SPERTYD vir aansoeke is Vrydag 28 Mei.
Die slypskool is op enigiemand van 16 jaar en ouer gemik. Geen vorige ervaring in skryf is nodig nie.
Kobus Burger is die uitvoerende regisseur: drama by RSG. Sy debuut-drama, Mara wie?, het in 2008 die top 5 van die Nagtegaal-tekskompetisie gehaal en is in 2011 met die ATKV Mediaveertjie vir beste radiodrama bekroon. Hy is in 2020 met ’n ATKV Mediaveertjie bekroon vir sy radiowerk en het ook die Cordis Trust se Orde van die Beiteltjie ontvang vir sy bydrae tot die Afrikaanse letterkunde en woordkuns.
Kobus Burger
Hy is die voormalige kunsredakteur van Beeld en was ook vir sowat 18 jaar ‘n toneel-, musiek- en kabaretresensent. Hy was vir ‘n hele paar jaar die voorsitter van die Absa KKNK se Kunstekabinet en later die fees se programbestuurder. Hy skryf steeds weekliks vir die webblad SKROP, sy gedigte en kortverhale is al in die Tydskrif vir Letterkunde en Ons Klyntji gepubliseer en pleeg ander skrywes onder ’n skuilnaam wat hy weier om te verklap.
Naas die toneelverhoog en popmusiek, is kreatiwiteit sy ander passie. Hy is reeds in 2007 deur dr. Eric Maisel, die VSA se voorste kreatiwiteitsafrigter, opgelei om kunstenaars in bykans alle kunsdissiplines te help om hulle talent en kunstenaarskap uit te leef. Kobus se kreatiwiteitslypskole is al tydens die Nasionale Kunstefees in Grahamstad en die Moshito-musiekkonferensie aangebied. Hy was ook tot ‘n deeltydse lektor in die joernalistiek aan die Universiteite van Johannesburg en Pretoria
Hendie Grobbelaar
Hendie Grobbelaar woon op Gouritsmond en is ‘n kortverhaalskrywer wat twee selfgepubliseerde kortverhaalbundels, onderskeidelik in 2016 en 2017, die lig laat sien het. Haar derde bundel “Maskermense” verskyn eersdaags by Naledi Uitgewers.
Hendie Grobbelaar
Sy het ook al stories in Vrouekeur en op verskeie platforms soos LitNet gepubliseer asook in twee van die Toyota US Woordfeesbundels. In 2019 word haar verhaal “Die ruimteskip” aangewys as die wenner van daardie jaar se kompetisie. In 2019 debuteer sy as dramaturg met haar radiodrama “Johanna se Elvis” wat een van die finaliste was in RSG en Sanlam se radiodrama-skryfkompetisie. ‘n Tweede radiodrama “Sterrereën” verower die tweede plek in dieselfde kompetisie in 2020 en is onlangs uitgesaai
NELSPRUIT – Police in Mpumalanga have launched a frantic manhunt following a heartless incident in which two people, a 56 year old mother as well as her son aged 34, were murdered during a robbery. The sad incident occurred at a certain farm outside Nelspruit yesterday, Saturday 24 April 2021.
According to the report, the Emergency Services received a complaint around 18:30, about the incident at Valley farm and upon arrival, a male and a female were found lying motionless. The two seemed to have been hit with an object and unfortunately, they were certified dead at the scene. Police opened a murder case and preliminary investigation revealed that several items were stolen from the house hence an additional charge of robbery. A search for the suspects was immediately sanctioned. The motive for the killing is unknown at this stage.
The two victims were identified by the family as Anna-Marie Botha, 56 years of age and Rohn Britz, aged 34.
The Police management in the province is concerned about the senseless killings that take place in the farming sector and have strongly condemned this incident. The management indicated that this unfortunate incident occurred during the time whilst the country is still in shock after two people were recently murdered in Piet Retief.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Major General Thulani Phahla, said that ” These killings in the farms should immediately stop because that sector is the one that gives a boost into our economy. Even during the hard Lockdown, the sector was allowed to continue working so that there is no shortage of food as well as other supplies. All relevant resources in terms of the 72 Activation Plan have been mobilised and a solid investigation team has been established to bring the perpetrators to book.”
Police appeal to anyone who may have information on the whereabouts of the suspects to call the Branch Commander, Detective Colonel Ernest Maoka at 0823189843 or call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All information received will be treated as confidential.
The Bulletin received the following press statement just after 15H00 this afternoon.
MEC Shongwe condemns family murders near Mbombela
Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Vusi Shongwe has condemned the latest incident where two family members, a mother and son, were killed on a farm near Mbombela this weekend.
A 56-year-old woman along with her 34-year-old son was killed during a robbery. The incident occurred on Saturday, 24 April 2021.
According to the report, the Emergency Services received a call around 18h30 yesterday about the incident at Crocodile Valley farm and upon arrival, a male and a female were found lying motionless. The two seemed to have been hit with an object and they were certified dead at the scene.
The police are investigating the matter and the preliminary investigation revealed that several items were stolen from the house.
The two victims were identified by their family.
The MEC appeals to the police to work around to ensure that culprits are urgently brought to book.
“What is worrying is that the incident happens shortly after the killing of two farm dwellers in Pampoenkraal farm near Mabola. “
“The police must bring these senseless murderers to face the law. We are also calling on communities who may have information regarding the case to come forward and assist the police,” says Shongwe.
Read about the Department Community Safety, Security and Liaison HERE
The MEC is sending condolences to the affected families. He is also calling for calm adding that the police should be given space to pursue this case and all other cases that affect farming communities.
He also indicated that Rural Safety Strategy implementation will continue to be high on government’s agenda.
Shongwe once again appealed to all farm owners, dwellers and workers to live peacefully together and to also be united against crime.
A LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL AND HIS WIFE DUE TO APPEAR BEFORE COURT FOR ALLEGATIONS OF RAPE
NELSPRUIT – A senior Local Government official and his wife are expected to appear before the Bushbuckridge Magistrate’s Court tomorrow, Monday, facing a case of rape involving two minors aged between 13 and 15 years old. The 49-year-old suspect who is the uncle to the minors is employed as a Director at a certain municipality in Gauteng. It is alleged that his 36-year-old wife, hereinafter referred to as an aunt to the victims, forced the victims to have sexual intercourse with her husband in exchange for meals. The suspects were eventually exposed by a concerned citizen which led to the man as well his wife brought to book on Friday 23 April 2021.
Reports suggest that between 2019 and 2020, the two girls who are cousins, were reportedly lured from Mozambique by their aunt under the false pretence that they were going to receive a better education in South Africa. When they arrived in the country, they were allegedly subjected to rape, as well as gross human violations. According to allegations, the girls were literally kept as slaves by their own aunt and uncle in a house at Shatale near Bushbuckridge, which was supposed to be a warm home for them.
The sequence of events indicates that their aunt would often change the girls each at the time to sleep with her husband. She would allegedly often excuse herself from the bedroom and when the girls refused to obey, they would be severely assaulted and starved. When the elder girl narrated the ordeal, she said one night she hid inside a wardrobe out of fear and for those few hours, she was at least safe. However her freedom was short-lived as the next morning, she was severely assaulted and sadly no one came to her rescue.
The girls also alleged that other members of the family back in Mozambique were not aware of their ordeal. Their aunt is said to have ensured that each call made between the victims and their family at home in Mozambique, was personally monitored by her as she sat close to hear all the conversations.
Finally, the girls managed to escape their horrific circumstances on Friday 23 April 2021, when their aunt and uncle went away for a while. They then got a chance to sneak out of the house and reported the matter to the good Samaritan who in turn alerted the police.
Preliminary investigation has revealed that the girls were illegally brought into the country without proper documentations hence an additional charge of contravention of the Immigration Act was added. The suspects are also facing a charge of human trafficking as well as conspiracy to commit a crime.
Meanwhile police, in collaboration with the Department of Social Development, removed the children to a place of safety where they will receive all care needed.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Major General Thulani Phahla, has voiced his concern over incidents in which defenceless children are subjected to gross violation of their rights. “This alleged incident shows a degree of moral decay in our society. Adults should protect children not abuse them, however, be that as it may, the law will definitely take its course, ” concluded General Phahla.
