Geniet nog ‘n aflewering van “So is die Lewe” uit die pen van Marius Britz.
My naam is Vlekkie. Diè naam het ek gekry toe ek nog ‘n klein hondjie was, so jaar gelede. Dis omdat ek so bruin kol op my rug het. Toe my oubaas my Vlekkie noem, het die naam so mooi geklink. So asof die verkleiningswoordjie beloftes inhou dat hy lief gaan wees vir my, mooi na my gaan kyk, dat ek hom oral sal volg, agter op sy bakkie gaan ry, selfs by hom slaap in die aand. Ek het vandat hy my gekry het, oral agter hom aangeloop.
Ek was sy skaduwee. Ek wou net heerlik rondhardloop op die erf, voëltjies jaag en al die balle vang wat hy na my toe gooi. Ek wou in die middae, wanneer die son maklik bo 40 grade begin brand, saam met hom ‘n middagslapie vang voor die waaier in sy kamer.
Ek was ‘n baldadige, vrolike en uitbundige hondjie. Ek het sommer uit pure lawwigheid geblaf as daar ‘n bakkie in die pad verbyry, of as die buurman in sy tuin loop. Nie omdat ek kwaai is nie, maar omdat ek lief is vir mense, vir aandag, omdat ek baie liefde en energie het om uit te deel.
Baie van die honde wat van dieselfde ras is as ek, ry in die veld agterop hulle eienaars se bakkies. Dan spring hulle sommer in die ry af, en hardloop sirkels deur die bosse op soek na ‘n haas om te jaag. Ons rassoort lewe voluit, vol energie en lewenslus. Ons is baie lojaal.
Toe, een dag, hardloop ek na my oubaas toe. Ek het teen hom opgespring, my stertjie geswaai, en gesmeek dat hy ‘n stok moet gooi wat ek moet gaan haal. Hy het half teruggesteier omdat hy dit nie verwag het nie. “Hierdie hond is te blerrie stout”, het hy gesê. Hy het my gegryp, ‘n halsband om my nek gesit en ‘n ketting van so meter lank agter in die erf aan ‘n paal vasgemaak. Hy het die halsband aan die ketting vasgebind.
Later het hy darem ‘n ou tafel met ‘n seil oor daar neergesit dat ek kan wegkruip as die son so warm brand. Dis net so erg in die winter, as dit so koud word dat al die waterpype vries. Dan bewe ek heel nag van die koue daar onder die tafel. Daar is darem ‘n bak met kos en ‘n bak met water wat volgemaak word as dit leeg is. Daar is nie ‘n grasperk agter in die erf nie, net gruisklip en plaveisel. Dit raak maar hard om heeldag op die klippers te lê. My jong lyfie is stram, en ek staan rukkerig op soos ‘n stokou hond. Veral as die son so woedend brand.
Kyk regs langs die groen gieter
My ogies het dof geword. Ek is nie meer opgewonde nie, ek kyk nie meer op as die buurman my vriendelik roep nie. Ek kan in elk geval nie tot by die draad loop nie, die ketting is te kort. Ek blaf glad nie meer nie, so ek weet nie of my oubaas my eers sal hoor as daar gevaar in die nag kom nie. Hy is ook al redelik doof. My ogies is hartseer, ek kyk nie meer rond nie, steur my nie meer aan enige iets nie. Ek lê. Onder die tafel of op die gruisklip. Ek lê. Ek swaai nie eens meer my stertjie as iemand my roep: “Vlekkie!” nie.
My naam is Vlekkie. En ek wonder of my lewe altyd so droewig gaan wees.
The Bethal SPCA rescued abandoned dogs at the closed abattoir this week.
The Bulletin was investigating the recent closure of the Bethal abattoir when we were informed about the abandoned dogs.
Workers at the mill adjacent the abattoir alerted the Bulletin to at least two dogs that were locked up in one of the outside rooms.
“They are locked up for at least three weeks,” said one of the workers, “the owner is staying in Emzinoni.”
Upon investigation, we found two dogs in one room. They have started to gnaw their way out of the room but could not succeed as the wooden door is too thick.
Barking could be heard in another room. This room too was locked and access could not be gained easily.
The Bulletin tried to find a way to the dogs and entered the abandoned building through a side door that was open. Inside another dog was found.
The Bethal SPCA was alerted and they responded quickly.
What we found was horrifying. Inside the abattoir, a timid and friendly, but scared mixed breed was lying on the cold floor. There was no food in sight nor was there any water. It took only a few minutes for the dog to respond to Christine Payne from Bethal SPCA. The dog was fairly skinny. He was happy to follow Cristine outside and to the vehicle.
This is where one dog was laying on the floor with no food or water
The first locked room had two Greyhounds in it. A strong smell emanated from the room and the dogs were crying out. The lock was cut and we were both shocked at what we found. The odour was overwhelming. There were faeces everywhere. The faeces had mould on them. There were no food or water visible for the two dogs. A metal grid was placed in front of the door in an apparent attempt to keep the dogs from escaping. It was absolutely appalling!
The hole at the bottom of the door is where the dogs tried to gnaw through
When the two dogs were loaded into the back of the SPCA bakkie, Christine promptly gave them food. They started eating immediately.
It is at this stage that we realised we needed another vehicle and the rest of the SPCA team was summoned.
Once Lourna and Sibu arrived it was time to tackle the last room. This proved to be even worse than the first room.
The door was forced open only two find two very scared but aggressive dogs in the room. Again the smell was overwhelming, it was nearly unbreathable! A small Jack Russel and a Shar-Pei. The Shar-Pei had to be restrained with a leash on a stick. (When the Bulletin visited the SPCA to see how the dogs are we were met with growling from the Shar-Pei.)
If you are in charge of an animal, you have a duty of care to that animal
This room had a bag of food, but it was folded and there was no access to the food. There was also no water. There were several pots with what looked to be pap (porridge) in it. The pap was covered in mould. The floor was so littered with faeces that it was impossible not to step in it.
Appaling state of the room with faeces on the floor
Old pots and pans with old moulded pap. Room is in a mess
It took a while to capture the two dogs and load the onto the bakkie.
The SPCA are compiling a case against the owners for neglect and animal cruelty and are in consultation with the authorities regarding the matter.
The Bulletin would like to bring the following 5 Freedoms of animal welfare to our readers attention.
If you are in charge of an animal, you have a duty of care to that animal – no matter why you are in charge of it, what you are using it for or how long it will be in your care.
Duty of care is based on the internationally recognised “Five Freedoms” of animal welfare:
Freedom from hunger and thirst: by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour.
Freedom from discomfort: by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.
Freedom from pain, injury or disease: by prevention through rapid diagnosis and treatment.
Freedom to express normal behaviour: by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal’s own kind.
Freedom from fear and distress: by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.
For over 60 years, the NSPCA has been protecting our country’s animals.
We prevent cruelty, promote kindness and alleviate the suffering of animals.
Our objective is to serve and protect ALL animals, to uplift their welfare and to ensure that the protection they have under South African law is upheld and respected.
Our mission is to prevent cruelty and promote the welfare of all animals, whilst our vision is to end animal cruelty In South Africa and engender compassion for all animals
Lourna Coetzer and Christine Payne (left) in court
HOW WE WORK
The NSPCA was founded in 1955 as the Federation of SPCAs to provide a forum to bring uniformity to welfare legislation and standards. The SPCAs in South Africa are governed by the SPCA Act 169 of 1993 which is administered by the NSPCA, constituting us as a statutory body. Inspectors are authorised in terms of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 and the Performing Animals Protection Act No. 24 of 1935 with the SPCA movement collectively undertaking over 90% of all animal welfare investigations and prosecutions in South Africa.
The NSPCA operates on a national basis with a team of dedicated Inspectors, who are specialists in their fields. We work tirelessly to protect animals from neglect and abuse and enforce the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 when deliberate cruelty takes place. The lives of tens of thousands of animals are improved because of our passion, our intervention, and our commitment to bring about long-term positive change for farmed animals, wildlife, research animals, domestics and animals used in entertainment and sport.
In a country that spans over a million square kilometres, there are areas where there is no SPCA, no animal welfare organisations and no veterinary services. The NSPCA plays a vital role in bringing extraordinary support to these people and their animals.
It’s a huge task and we could not do it alone. But with you, anything is possible.
THREE MEN ARE DUE TO APPEAR IN COURT FOR ARSON AND OTHER CRIMES RELATING TO THE DAMAGED LODGE
NELSPRUIT – Three suspects aged between 28 and 37 are due to appear before the Kanyamazane Magistrate’s Court today, Tuesday 09 February 2021, for arson, possession of stolen goods and other crimes. Their appearance stems from an incident that occurred on 31 January 2021, where the Bongani Mountain Game Lodge, situated at Mthethomusha Game Reserve which borders on the Kruger National Park and shares a fence line with the Park came under attack.
On that day, a group of people driving in a white SUV alighted at the entrance of the said lodge. It is said that they then used rubble including stones and branches of trees to barricade the road which leads to the said lodge. Police were called to diffuse the situation, however, while they were still clearing the road, other people amongst the group, proceeded to the lodge where they are reported to have broken several doors and helped themselves to liquor as well as other items belonging to the lodge.
They also damaged some property as well, torching some of the rooms and other infrastructure before fleeing the scene with the stolen items, leaving behind a trail of costly damages of approximately R9 Million. Employees at the lodge reportedly had to run for their safety as they witnessed the horrific event unfolding in front of their eyes.
Police, as well as other emergency personnel including the fire brigade, responded to the scene and the blazing fire was extinguished.
Subsequent to this unpalatable event, a case of arson was registered with additional charges including theft, malicious damage to property, as well as public violence and a manhunt was then launched.
Police then received information pertaining to the case hence they traced and apprehended the trio. During their apprehension, one of the suspects was reportedly found in possession of certain items believed to have been stolen from the lodge.
Yesterday, Sunday, 07 February 2021, police received information of illegal poaching that took place in the game reserve where the lodge is situated. They then responded promptly and together with the rangers, they discovered nine carcasses of four different animal species, including three Impala, four Inyala, one Rock Jumper and one Spotted Genet.
A preliminary probe suggests that the carcasses were abandoned by a group of unscrupulous individuals who were involved in an illegal poaching activity earlier at the game reserve but were somehow given no chance through the visibility of the rangers which undoubtedly forced them to flee the scene, leaving behind their loot. At the same scene, police confiscated other items such as knives, pots and torches.
A case of illegal hunting was registered with the mentioned items seized and a manhunt has been motioned for the suspects. They (police) are following some positive leads in their investigation and are optimistic that arrests are eminent.
However, they also request the community to participate in the investigation, therefore anyone with tangible information pertaining to the said cases, should contact Detective Captain Vusimuzi Thobela at 082 469 1956, or call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111. Alternatively members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP.
Police are also aware of the social media messages vigorously making rounds depicting that some members were reluctant in attending to the torching of the lodge, in that regard, an investigation has been launched. They (police) are also investigating a murder case involving a man who was found dead in his house at Matsulu near Nelspruit.
What is the trend with Marquise shaped Moissanites?
Marquise Moissanite Shaped Engagement Ring by Ralph Jacobs
The marquise moissanite cut is shaped like a football, also known as the boat-shaped cut, the eye-shaped cut, or the navette. Navette means “little ship” in French…how adorable!
If you want a diamond that will make your fingers look the most slender then the marquise cut diamond will be your best friend. Of all the diamonds they will make your hand look the most elongated and graceful.
This is an extremely unique shaped moissanite, which is rarely seen in the engagement ring world compared to other fewer vintage cuts. Did you know moissanite and diamond shapes are ranked? The “marquise” is on a hereditary rank, which falls above a count yet below a duke.
This moissanite features 58 facets and an elliptical shape with pointed ends. It has been around for centuries. The marquise-shaped moissanite is believed to have been commissioned by King Louis XIV of France to remind him of the perfect shaped mouth and smile of his true love, the Marquise de Pompadour.
A marquise moissanite ring is cut to maximise its carat for carat weight, by giving a larger looking stone and longer diamond surface area. Head over to the Ralph Jacobs Instagram and Facebook to drool over some of our fascinating marquise moissanite engagement rings!
This Post was first published on https://ralphjacobs.co.za/marquise-shaped-moissanite-engagement-rings/
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake
13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
21 Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
31 It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:
32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:
34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne:
35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.
36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.
37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
38 Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.
41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
A 28year old man was arrested for house-breaking and theft by Bethal community policing forum members after he broke into a house at Bethal Rand and stole copper pipes and other properties.
The suspect tried to run away after committing a crime and members of the CPF with the assistance from HABPS security managed to apprehend the suspect and handed him over to the police.
Suspect with the stolen copper pipes, water meter and cables
The police then took the suspect to Bethal police cells for detention and the suspect will appear at Bethal Magistrates Court facing charges of house-breaking and theft.
“As police, we would like to thank the community policing forum members together with HABPS security for the job well done in apprehending the suspect and handing him over to the police.” Said Constable Thomas Mogadime, the Communication officer at Bethal SAPS.
Furthermore, Constable Mogadime encourage home owners to use oil paint on all copper pipes after installing them as this is the most effective measure to prevent theft of copper pipes or alternatively one can install plastic pipes for plumbing.
To report any crime to the police or for police assistance, the community can call Bethal police on 0608022876 or visit the SAPS website HERE
A police constable is allegedly linked to a Cash in Transit Heist
MPUMALANGA –A police Constable Zacharia Makgaolane Magopa (38) was remanded in custody when he appeared at the Vaalbank Magistrate Court on Thursday 04 February 2021.
He was arrested on Tuesday during the Crime intelligence-driven operation conducted by members of the Hawks in Mpumalanga and CIT tracking team attached to the Hawks Head Office as well as Kwamhlanga’s Crime Intelligence.
Two of his alleged co-accused were taken in for questioning and were later released.
Magopa was allegedly linked to a cash in transit incident which happened in the early hours of the morning on Monday, 01 February 2021. Three security guards were transporting an undisclosed amount of money to several ATMs around Moutse West. The security guards were accosted by unknown suspects driving in an Audi Q3 and a Mercedes Benz. Several shots were fired at the armed vehicle causing it to come to standstill.
The security guards were disarmed and explosives were used to gain access to the money bags and the suspects fled scene with an undisclosed amount of cash in several vehicles. Three vehicles which include a Mercedes Benz, Q3 and A4 Audi were later found abondoned in different locations near Vaalbank.
It was later established through further investigation that the Mercedes Benz vehicle was stolen as per Jeppe case in February 2020. The A4 was stolen in Yeoville in December 2020 and the Q3 was reported as stolen in Sebenza in October 2020. A charcoal Kia Rio was also found abandoned which is also reported stolen in Secunda in July 2020.
Further Investigation by the Hawks led team to recover R30 000.00 from a sangoma (witch doctor) which was used as payment to perform some rituals for their protection to evade arrest.
The case against Magopa was postponed to the 11 February 2021 for a formal bail application.
