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Manhunt for seven (7) escapees

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POLICE LAUNCH MANHUNT AFTER SEVEN SUSPECTS ESCAPE FROM LAWFUL CUSTODY

NELSPRUIT – Police in Mpumalanga have launched an investigation and manhunt following an incident where seven suspects escaped from Volksrust police holding cells earlier today, Sunday 07 March 2021. However, four of the escapees have been rearrested whilst the other three are still at large.

The remaining suspects are Mduduzi Khumalo aged 27, Paul Sambo who is 19 and Bongani Sithole 30. The four other suspects who have since been rearrested are 34-year Nkosingiphile Zwane, 19-year Siyabonga Mbatha, 27-year Phumlani Khanyi, as well as 18-year-old Thando Mavimbela.

The suspects were arrested for various offences including robbery, rape, possession of drugs, housebreaking and theft, as well as Contravention of the Immigration Act. An investigation regarding their escape is underway and the suspects will face an additional charge of escaping from lawful custody.

Also read: Police clamp down on vandalising suspects

Police want to thank members of the public who provided information that led to the re-arrest of the three suspects. Police though still appeal to the public including the families of the remaining suspects, to assist with information that may lead to their rearrest to contact Detective Captain Dambuza Shikwambana at 0825790167 or call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.

Find all your SAPS Mpumalanga contact details HERE

Police clamp down on vandalising suspects

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POLICE CONTINUE TO CLAMP DOWN ON SUSPECTS WHO VANDALISE MINING INFRASTRUCTURE

NELSPRUIT: Police in Mpumalanga continue to clamp down on those who are vandalising essential infrastructure in the mines and Eskom, which has left the surrounding community without electricity.

The office of the Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Mondli Zuma, issued a statement last month (February 2021), wherein 114 suspects were arrested on various charges, including trespassing, possession of suspected stolen property, contravention of the Disaster Management Regulations by failing to confine to their places of residence, as well as contravention of the Illegal Immigration Act, as in the main, these suspects are Zimbabwean as well as Mozambican Nationals.

Police clamp down on vandalising suspects

However, these suspects continue with their illegal activities, wreaking havoc. Police are also relentless in their efforts to bring the suspects’ illegal activities to an end. At times the suspects were acting dangerously as a number of police and mine vehicles have been shot at. One police officer was robbed of her firearm.

Also read: Manhunt for Cop-killers ordered

The actions of these suspects prompted police to conduct a sting operation between Monday, 01 and Thursday, 04 March 2021, at which 79 suspects were arrested for Contravention of Critical Infrastructure Protection Act and other related cases.

The said suspects aged between 18 and 61, are alleged to have illegally entered Goedhoop mine premises in Blinkpan near Middelburg, stole items and further vandalised the mine’s infrastructure. Police confiscated 20 cars during the arrest of the suspects and they have already appeared before the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court where they were granted R1000 bail each. This brings now a total of over 80 cars that were seized by police so far.

The police management has indicated that such lawlessness will not be tolerated and operations around these affected areas will continue to be intensified.

Find all your SAPS Mpumalanga contact details HERE

Manhunt for Cop-killers ordered

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PROVINCIAL COMMISSIONER ORDERS MANHUNT FOR COP-KILLERS

NELSPRUIT – The Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Mondli Zuma, has ordered a manhunt following a heartbreaking incident in which a 43-year-old police Sergeant was shot and killed in the evening of Friday 05 March 2021, at Gamotibidi Trust in Bushbuckridge.

Reports indicate that last night, Sergeant Dominic Monana, who was off-duty at the time, was travelling in his vehicle with a lady friend. The two were then accosted by about four armed suspects who were driving alongside and disguised as if they needed to make a conversation with him. As he opened the window of his car, the suspects pointed firearms at him, demanded his firearm and cellphones. These ruthless assailants are said to have then fired several shots at Sergeant Monana. They then pulled him and his friend out of the car, took his state firearm and two cell phones, before fleeing the scene in his vehicle.

manhunt
Sergeant Dominic Monana

Police as well as medical personnel were notified about the incident where Sergeant Monana was unfortunately certified dead. The member’s friend was unharmed though during the ordeal. A case of murder with an additional charge of car hijacking was opened and police immediately mobilised all the necessary resources to attend to the crime scene where a 72-Hour Activation Plan was implemented to track the suspects, hence the manhunt. The hijacked vehicle was later recovered at Violet Bank near Bushbuckridge.

Also read: Rapist sentenced to two (2) life terms

Sergeant Monana was stationed at Calcutta Police Station before he met his untimely death. General Zuma conveys his condolences to the family and further indicated that they will be given the necessary support by the management. “I am confident that the prompt implementation of the 72-Hour Activation Plan which includes experts from various environments in the police will surely yield positive results and ensure that the suspects are put behind bars,” said General Zuma.

Police appeal to anyone who may have information on the whereabouts of the suspects to contact Detective Warrant Officer Mduduzi Aubrey Motubatsi at 0723203194, 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.

Find all your SAPS Mpumalanga contact details HERE

Secunda Reformed Church morning service 7 March 2021

Welcome to the Sunday morning service of the Secunda Reformed Church

“How Can God Be Just And Merciful” by Anton Knoetze

Secunda Reformed Church morning service 7 March 2021

John 8:1-11 – King James Version

Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.

And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.

And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,

They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.

Also read: Secunda Reformed Church morning service 28 February 2021

Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?

This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.

So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.

And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.

And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.

10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?

11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

Kruik se Oggenddiens 7 Maart 2021

Welkom by Kruik gemeente se Oggenddiens, 7 Maart 2021

Vanoggend se tema: Daar is een groot rolspeler in die geluk van ons lewens

Kruik se Oggenddiens, 7 Maart 2021

Daar is een groot rolspeler in die geluk van ons lewens… wat is dit en hoe kan ons dit kry?

Lees ook: Kruik se Oggenddiens 28 February 2021

Preeknotas + Besprekingsvrae: https://bible.com/events/48536351

Maak ‘n finansiële bydrae op 2 verskillende maniere:

  • Gee Aanlyn – Kruik Gemeente, ABSA, Tjek, 632005, Rek nr: 1510140016
  • Gee deur Zapper App – vind ons QR code in die diens aankondigings.

Kontak ons gerus op Kruik Gemeente se Facebook Messenger en Whatsapp lyn (0721336130) of besoek ons webtuiste by: https://www.kruik.co.za/​​​​.

Ons sal graag met jou gesels.

Geniet die diens saam met ons!

Kruik CCLI lisensie nr: #573361​​​

Hier is ek Heer J Terry ©️ 2020 MAR Gospel Music Publishers CCLI#573661​

It is well HG Spafford, K DiMarco & PP Bliss ©️ 2013 Bethel Productions CCLI#573661​

Item: Vrede C Barkhuizen & R Jones ©️ 2021 Kruik Musiek CCLI#573661

So is die Lewe: Om die pyn te laat ophou.

Geniet nog ‘n aflewering van “So is die Lewe” uit die pen van Marius Britz.

Iemand vertel die eendag vir my van haar pa wat baie ernstig siek was.  Terwyl hy in die intensiewe afdeling gelê het, het hy herhaaldelik gesê, later gesmeek, dat hy eerder wou sterf.  Die intensiteit van die pyn en die aanhoudende lyding het hom totaal gebreek.  Op ‘n stadium het hy sy vrou pleitend gevra om sy pistool te bring, sodat hy self ‘n einde kan maak aan sy lyding. Die hoogs ontstelde tannie het die versoek natuurlik geweier.

Hy het swaar  gesterf, ‘n paar oomblikke voordat sy dogter uit die Kaap by die hospitaal in die Noorde van die land kon arriveer. Uiteraard was dit ‘n diep ontstellende ervaring vir almal naby aan hom. Die dualisme: aan die een kant die seer en skok oor sy afsterwe, en aan die anderkant die magtelose toekyk hoe jou geliefde die mees ondenkbare vorm van lyding deurgaan, totdat jou eie toleransievlakke tot op sy uiterste beproef word.  

Elkeen wat al aanhoudende, onhoudbare pyn moes deurgaan en afhanklik geraak het van andere se versorging, of wat met ‘n geliefde dieselfde pad geloop het, word diep geraak deur so ervaring.  Hierdie kwessie het ook aan die lig gekom hier in ons land.

Prof. Sean Davison (59), direkteur van die organisasie Dignity South Africa,  is in Kaapstad gearresteer omdat hy die 43-jarige dr. Anrich Burger, ‘n kwadrupleeg, bygestaan het om selfdood te pleeg. 

So is die lewe
Professor Sean Davison (Photo by Foto24/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

Burger het ernstige chroniese pyn ondervind, en was feitlik totaal onbeweeglik na ‘n ongeluk.  Hy het herhaaldelik en uitdruklik die wens uitgespreek om te sterf. Uiteindelik het die professor hom bygestaan om sy wens te vervul. 

Lees meer van die Professor HIER

Davison, wat ook in Nieu Seeland gearresteer is in 2010 nadat hy sy 85-jarige terminaal siek ma bygestaan het om selfdood te pleeg, word van moord aangekla.  Hierdie kwessie lok wyd uiteenlopende reaksies uit.  Verskeie standpunte is ter sprake. Daar is vele Christene wat redeneer dat die keuse tot lewe en dood net by God berus, en dat enige menslike ingrype daarin inmenging met die soewereine wil van God impliseer. Hierdie teologies-etiese standpunt het uiteraard baie meriete. 

Maar dan is daar ook die menslike ervarings:  versorgers van mense wat totaal afhanklik van hulle geraak het, besef naderhand radeloos en hoogs gefrustreerd dat niks wat hulle doen, die pyn van hulle pasiënte kan verlig nie.  As morfien en skedule 5 pynpille nie meer help nie, kan die versorgers gedryf word tot ‘n magteloosheid, bykans ‘n redelose woede.

Lees ook: So is die lewe: Kom ek laat jou onthou wie jy is.

Dan is daar die ervaring van die pasiënt self. Aanhoudende pyn is ‘n vretende, vernietigende ervaring. Dit verwoes alle lewensgenot en toekomsverwagting. Pyn beroof jou.  Dit steel jou rasionele denke, en verklein jou wêreld tot die bed waarin jy lê. Hede, verlede en toekoms word ingebrand in een enkel ervaring van onuitstaanbare swaarkry. 

Wanneer jou daaglikse roetine van opstaan, stort en aantrek ‘n marteling begin raak, jou asem kort is en jy net vir klein entjies mobiel is, begin die perspektiewe van lewe en dood vir jou anders te lyk as diè van ‘n filosoof agter sy lessenaar wat akademiese essays skryf oor genadedood.  IL de Villiers skryf in sy gedig Pyn (Manna oor die duine: 1974) “Ag, my God! / Ag, my God! Dit het vandag teruggekom. / Vlymskerp. / Aanhoudend. / Ek is moeg.”

So is die Lewe
IL de Villiers

Hierdie eerste strofe van sy gedig som dit presies op. By vele ernstige siekbeddens en sterfbeddens het ek presies dít ervaar.  Daardie moegheid wat ‘n mens oor die kranse van kan-nie-meer-nie stoot.

Hoe moet jy daaroor dink?

Elke individu se blootstelling en ervaring aan sulke situasies slyp uiteindelik maar hulle denke en standpunte. Ek meen dat mens, soos in alle kontroversiële sake, versigtig moet wees om vinnige en oppervlakkige uitsprake te maak, veral as jyself nog nooit direk of indirek betrokke was by so ‘n lydingsproses nie.

My standpunt hieroor is in die natuur gevorm, lank voordat dit ‘n etiese kwessie geword het, en lank voordat ekself ‘n voltydse versorger geword het. Ek onthou, een spesifieke dag in die jagveld. In die Noord Kaapse gemeente was dit vir jare tradisie, volgens ‘n kerkraadsbesluit, dat die predikant op die gemeente se plaas twee springbokke mag skiet. 

Sommige het gesê die besluit is geneem in die oorlogsjare, toe die gemeentetjie gesukkel het om die predikant se traktement te betaal, en op so wyse wou kompenseer vir sy vleisvoorraad. Dit was ook nie duidelik of dit twee springbokke per seisoen was, of per maand nie.  Ek kon nooit die besluit opspoor nie, slegs mondelinge weergawes daarvan, maar het ook geesdriftig gejag, binne my gegewe regte.

My geweer het ook uit die oorlog dateer:  ‘n ou weermag .303 met opwipvisier.  So tussen die boere met hulle moderne, uiters effektiewe jaggewere moes ek my skiet ken. Die .303 patrone het verwoesting gesaai, dit was swaarkaliber-ammunisie.

Op dáárdie dag, alreeds diep in Meimaand, en steeds bloedig warm, het ek onder ‘n kameeldoringboom in die jagveld gesit.  Geweer gelaai, water en biltong byderhand, en gewag op die troppie bokke. Iemand sou hulle te perd aanjaag, en dan sou ons elkeen op ons prooi kon aanlê. Ek het die gedreun van hoewe gehoor, en die stof gesien soos die trop naderbeweeg.

Op my maag, een oog toe, het ek korrel gevat op ‘n groot ram met mooi horings. Toe die skoot klap, het hy net sy lyf geruk, en weggehardloop.  Ek het hom gekwes. Nou het ure se spoorsny begin. Uiteindelik het ek hom gekry, grootogig angstig in die lang gras, deur die longe geskiet, en bloed wat borrel by die wond uit.

Sy oë het my gesmeek. 

Ek het die geweer teen sy kop gedruk en die skoot afgetrek. 

Ek het nooit weer gejag nie.

Afriforum’s control room assist neighbourhood watches

AfriForum’s northern region control room offers assistance to neighbourhood watches

In February AfriForum’s control room for Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga reported and handled more than 618 cases and supported the organisation’s neighbourhood watches in these provinces. The purpose of the control room is to strengthen AfriForum’s neighbourhood watches and ensure that help and the necessary resources can be called in faster.

In February AfriForum’s neighbourhood watches in the three provinces undertook 544 patrols (Gauteng 297, Limpopo 137 and Mpumalanga 137), and 1 089 people (Gauteng 594, Limpopo 220 and Mpumalanga 274) participated.

Read more about Afriforum HERE

Some of these cases where the control room provided assistance, include:

Gauteng:

  • The control room was informed of a motor vehicle accident outside Nigel close to the cemetery. The police were called in and they visited the scene.
  • The control room was informed of a motor vehicle accident on Garsfontein Road. The police and emergency services were called in. 
  • The control room was informed of a transformer that exploded and was burning in Boksburg. The fire department was contacted and called to the scene.
  • The control room was informed of a case of mass violence in Krugersdorp. There was a scuffle between a group of men and women. The control room contacted the police and called them to the scene. The police arrived and the situation was cleared up.
  • The control room received information of a hit-and-run incident on the R29 outside Springs. Emergency services were called to the scene as well as the police. A government ambulance picked up the pedestrian and took him to the hospital. The man sustained serious injuries. The police were also on the scene.
  • The control room was informed that a senior citizen in Krugersdorp needed medical help. The man presumably had a stroke and was battling to breathe. The person was transported to a hospital.
  • The control room was informed of housebreaking in Krugersdorp. Upon arrival at the premises the patroller that reported the housebreaking, reported that the suspect fired shots and fled on foot. The police were contacted and called to the premises. A backpack with tools that the suspect probably used to break in was found on the scene. The police took over the search and further information could not be obtained. 

Also read: Rapist sentenced to two (2) life terms

Limpopo:

  • The control room was informed of a motor vehicle accident on the R510 road in the direction of Thabazimbi. It was established that a vehicle crashed into a tree. One of the occupants sustained serious injuries. The police and ER24 were called and the injured person was taken to a hospital.
  • A neighbourhood watch member contacted the control room and informed them that his family was involved in an accident in Trompsburg, Free State. The neighbourhood watch member requested the control room to assist in finding his family members. The control room contacted the Trompsburg police. The police confirmed that an accident was reported. The control room contacted the emergency services on the scene that confirmed that one person was taken to a nearby hospital.
  • A farmer in the Afguns area called for help on the emergency radio. One of his workers collapsed. The control room contacted the local ambulance service to call them to the premises.

Mpumalanga:

  • The control room was informed of a motor vehicle accident in Tsitsikamma Street. One of the occupants was slightly injured. The police were contacted to visit the scene.
  • The control room was informed of a shooting in Dullstroom at a local centre and was requested to contact the police.

“The control room serves as the centre of communication and ensures that the necessary assistance can be called in faster after emergencies. This is one of the benefits that AfriForum offers its members to ensure that communities are more prepared,” says Hillel Coetzer, AfriForum’s Safety Head for Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

Become involved with your nearest AfriForum neighbourhood watch and become part of the difference: SMS your town’s name to 45353 (R1).

Rapist sentenced to two (2) life terms

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A 33-YEAR OLD LUCAS SINDANE SENTENCED TO TWO(2) LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR RAPE.

The Secunda Family Violence, Child Protection And Sexual Offences(FCS) Unit has welcomed the sentence passed down by Secunda Regional Court recently, where a 33-year-old Lucas Sindane was sentenced to count1: Life imprisonment; count 2: Life imprisonment for rape.

Sindane’s sentencing came after he was arrested on Tuesday, 05 February 2019 on a rape case that occurred in a period between 2013 and 2014 at Embalenhle  where he unlawfully and intentionally committed an act of rape with a nineteen (19)year old girl by then whom she thought he was safe around him as he was her cousin.

The investigating officer on the case, Sergeant Palesa Monagane worked tirelessly in investigating and securing the conviction.

rapist sentenced
The investigating officer: Sgt Palesa Monagane

Also read: Suspect escapes from police guard in hospital

The accused appeared before the Secunda Regional Court on several occasions until he was convicted on Thursday 25 February 2021.

During the sentencing, in proving its case; the state led the evidence of the victim and in some way corroborate the version of the victim.
The victim gave a clear and consistent evidence as she did not deviate from her evidence and she withstood cross examination. The victim gave her version of what happened between the period of the incident.

The state submitted that when the court considers the credibility of her evidence, it must consider the evidence in totality and consider the merits and the demerits of the state case.

During the trial, the state then led the evidence of the victim,  After the victim have testified during the trial at Secunda Regional Court, the Magistrate, Mr Graham Cupido stated that  Sindane took advantage of the victim which made him to take a decision and sentenced Mr Lucas Sindane to 2x Life imprisonment.

Statement compiled by Constable Busisiwe Mthethwa -Communications Officer.
079 923-2942

Find all your SAPS Mpumalanga contact details HERE

Suspect escapes from police guard in hospital

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MANHUNT LAUNCHED FOR SUSPECT WHO ESCAPED FROM POLICE GUARD IN HOSPITAL

NELSPRUIT – Police in Mpumalanga have launched a manhunt for a 37-year-old suspect who escaped from lawful custody at the hospital in the early hours of Saturday, 27 February 2021.

According to the report, on Friday, 26 February 2021, the man and his accomplice stole a bakkie that was parked outside a certain creche at Phola Trust in Masoyi near Hazyview and fled the scene. Along the way, they met another man who was trimming the lawn with a brush cutter. They then shot at him and robbed him of his brush cutter before running him over with the stolen bakkie as he laid on the ground.

suspect escape police

The owner of the bakkie is said to have sought assistance from some community members who began searching for his bakkie and suspects thereof. They (suspects) were then later found at Mshadza Trust with the stolen bakkie where one suspect somehow fled upon the arrival of the bakkie owner who was in the company of a group of people. The remaining suspect was then reportedly apprehended and assaulted by this mob and sustained some injuries. Thereafter, it is said that the matter was reported to the police and a case of car theft with an additional charge of armed robbery was opened and the injured man was taken to hospital where he was placed under police guard.

Also read: 6 Bursaries awarded by Pan African Resources

In the early hours of the said day, the suspect is said to have gone to the bathroom and somehow, managed to escape through the window, hence the manhunt. It also emerged that the suspect is wanted by police at Nelspruit for several criminal activities. The investigation regarding his escape is underway both criminally as well as departmentally and if the members who were tasked with a responsibility to guard him, faltered, the law will surely deal with them accordingly.

Police are currently requesting Mr Sibusiso Dalton Nkosi, who is also known as Nunuza whom they believe can be of great assistance in this investigation to contact the Investigation Officer urgently, or anyone who may know of Mr Nkosi’s whereabouts to contact Detective Lieutenant Colonel Timothy Mshwane at 0824490223. Alternatively, members of the public can call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. The public is also warned though, that the man may be armed and approaching him could be dangerous.

Find all your SAPS Mpumalanga contact details HERE

6 Bursaries awarded by Pan African Resources

Pan African Resources awarded 6 bursaries to top achievers in eMbalenhle

6 Students were the lucky recipients of bursaries when Pan African Resources awarded the bursaries.

Pan African Resources made it clear at their Sod Turning Ceremony in 2017 that they will invest in the local community. They employed local people for the construction of their Elikhulu project.

Kusasalethu Comprehensive School

They also adopted local schools as part of their community involvement. Kusasalethu Comprehensive School and KI Twala Secondary School are two schools that Pan African Resources adopted.

“We decided to award bursaries to deserving learners,” said Mrs Ramuedzisi-Human Resources Manager at Pan African Resources, “not only in the mining fields but in any field of study.”

KI Twala Secondary School

The bursaries are full bursaries and Pan African Resources will pay all the expenses including accommodation, study fees, books and even a little allowance.

“We would like to congratulate the students on their achievements,” said Mr Oriel Shikwambana- Operations Manager at Evander Gold Mining, “But the journey doesn’t end there and this is where we at Evander Gold Mining want to invest in the next step of your journey.”

Oriel also explained that he asked that the bursary be expanded to allow a team from Pan African Resources become involved in the progress of the students and visit them regularly at their universities to ensure that they are not just left alone.

Interview with Godfrey Mazerura. His student achieve full marks in Science

Congratulations to all the students that received bursaries.

Pan African Resources is a company that invests in the communities that they operate in. The following is directly from their website.

Why communities are material to Pan African Resources

As employers and valuable contributors to the nation’s economy, Pan African Resources has a key role to play in South Africa’s transformation journey and a moral obligation to deliver meaningful direct and indirect social benefits for local communities. Through local community investments, we support initiatives that benefit communities and promote their sustainable development. Understanding and proactively managing the impacts of mining on communities is integral to the success of our operations.

Management Approach

Pan African Resources operates mines in the Barberton and Evander regions of the Mpumalanga province of South Africa. Each of our operations has developed programmes aimed at optimising the benefits we offer communities by creating shared value, while at the same time anticipating and mitigating any potential negative social impacts of our activities.

Our approach centres on:
◗ building strong relationships with community members and leaders
◗ upholding fundamental human rights
◗ investing in meaningful community upliftment and empowerment projects
◗ catalysing sustainable development
◗ respecting cultures, customs and values
◗ engaging in open and inclusive dialogue.

We recognise that continuous stakeholder and community engagement is key to cultivating a safe and healthy environment for all. We are working towards building better relationships with our communities over time and inviting those stakeholders to engage with us through established community forums about the issues they experience, so that we can take steps to resolve these collaboratively. Our mine representatives attend monthly and quarterly community forum meetings to address community concerns.

The community steering committee, established by the Elikhulu team to represent Evander Mines and all relevant community stakeholders, continues to engage with the Evander community to address grievances and concerns. Mine representatives attend monthly and quarterly human settlement and LED meetings of Govan Mbeki Municipality.

The Mining Charter and Social and Labour Plans

The Mining Charter and social and labour plans The Mining Charter III sets out targets for the mining industry in terms of social development and community upliftment. We comply with the requirements of the MPRDA and submit annual progress reports on our SLPs to the DMR. To minimise any negative social impacts from our mining operations, we monitor, measure and manage our social and economic impact in line with approved SLPs.

All SLP processes are conducted through recognised municipal structures and we review our SLP spend regularly, based on our available financial resources and legislative requirements. In the 2019 financial year, no fines or sanctions were received for non-compliance with social or economic laws and/or regulations.

Corporate Social Investment

Corporate and social responsibility is the group’s overall contribution to society, including its role as social investor, employer and capacity builder. We continue to drive various community-focused development projects in the areas and communities in which we operate. The group also promotes responsible supply chain management by encouraging our suppliers to support LED projects where possible.

Also read: Lake Umuzi Soccer Challenge continues

Corporate social investment and local economic development

The group has maintained its contributions to CSI, LED projects and bursaries as required by legislation. The group spent US$1.9 million (2018: US$1.1 million) on CSI, LED projects and bursaries.

Illegal Mining

Illegal mining activities are a constant challenge at all Barberton mining facilities, particularly in and around the mountain range separating Fairview Mine and Sheba Mine. During recent years, the influx of illegal immigrants from neighbouring countries to the Barberton region, especially from Lesotho, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, has led to a significant increase in the number of foreign nationals being arrested for illegal mining at Barberton Mines. In addition, it has also been found that local youths are increasingly abandoning their education to join the illegal miners in their illicit activities.


During the 2019 financial year, we focused on clamping down on illegal mining to assist in addressing these social challenges. As a result, 2,900 suspected criminals have been arrested for the theft of gold-bearing material and other commodities such as copper cable and scrap metal at Barberton Mines and Evander Mines. We recognise, however, that this is an ongoing issue that has to be constantly monitored. We will continue to work with our security contractors and the South African Police Service to inhibit illegal mining and criminal activities and limit their impact on the safety and moral fibre of local communities and our operations.

Supporting our Communities Through Our Transformation Trusts

Pan African Resources’ investment in communities through the group’s transformation trusts amounted to US$1.3 million for the current financial year (2018: US$1.0 million). This included contributions from gold mining operations and suppliers.

Wherever possible, the group promotes responsible and ethical supply chain management by encouraging suppliers to support local economic development. Barberton Mines and Evander Mines encourage their suppliers to contribute up to 1% of their contract value to these trusts.
The objective of these trusts is to improve the quality of life of the local community, create jobs and promote socio-economic development.

The BMTT is facilitating an innovative small enterprise development programme for entrepreneurs in the community. This will assist existing small, medium and micro-sized enterprises (SMMEs)in the immediate communities surrounding Barberton Mines to grow and become regionally competitive, self-sustainable businesses.

The BMTT is also in the process of establishing a business development hub to provide support for small enterprises. The hub will provide a host of services typically required by any developing business that wishes to provide services to Barberton Mines and other businesses or industries in the region. The initiative will identify up to 100 community-based businesses and coach them through a four-phase development plan.

Preferential Procurement

Our primary procurement objective is to control costs, achieve savings and manage inventory across operations through decentralised sourcing. In addition, we are committed to increasing spend with black-owned and black-women-owned businesses, as well as uplifting the communities where we operate through proactive projects and strategic sourcing.
Our operations promote responsible and ethical supply chain management by encouraging suppliers and contractors to support local economic development through the employment of community members and sourcing local products where possible.