The Bulletin News

This is a press release from the South African National Blood service:

This year, Workers’ Day looks different for South Africans. It’s impossible to ignore the irony of celebrating Workers’ Day under lockdown where the status quo of working life in South Africa includes a daily commute to the office. For the past few weeks, work life has looked different for many, with the number of employees working from home expected to increase post-the COVID-19 lockdown.

Born from the struggle for workers’ rights and social equality, this international observation is especially significant to South Africa – a country with a bitter history of labour and social inequality. Sadly, the pandemic has undone a lot of advancement that our government and trade unions have made in reducing the numbers of unemployment and promoting workers’ rights in our country. With widespread job losses anticipated, social inequity will be aggravated and unemployment will become a reality for many. This Workers’ Day, it is important to recognise that workers will be particularly affected by the pandemic through job losses, homelessness and in various other ways.

The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) joins the international community in honouring the contributions of its employees across the country. “The SANBS tips its hat to all the men and women who make sure that we continue to fulfil our purpose of being trusted to save lives. Our employees have been especially significant to the greater South African community as they continued to serve as essential services workers during this pandemic,” said Jonathan Louw, Chief Executive Officer of the SANBS.

We remain aligned to the visions of the trade unions operating in our business space which strive for “human dignity, effective service delivery and protection of members’ rights in the workplace” and to serve the individual and collective interests of workers.

We pay homage to the workers who fought for a democratic South Africa and to those who continue to stand on the front lines to ensure that all South Africans enjoy employment rights in their own country.

Residents from Ext 22 in eMbalenhle are upset and scared. 

Recent cracks in the earth, as well as an earthquake, are leaving residents scared. 

The Bulletin reported on the cracks on Friday with videos and photos of the cracks. These cracks were not limited to the roads but also affected some houses.

In our previous report, we wrote the following: What became clear to The Bulletin was that the area had been undermined before and that GMM was fully aware of this. They were told not to build on that particular area by Sasol unless the structure complied to certain regulations or building codes, according to some residents that spoke to a Vice President at Sasol.

There are some claims that the Department of Planning and Development, under the political leadership of MMC NE Nkosi, was well aware of the problems.

A source, that asked to keep his/her identity secret, told The Bulletin that Sasol objected when GMM started construction, but that the objection was rejected. It is very worrying that an important factor such as underground (or previous) activities can be ignored, putting people at risk.

Some residents told The Bulletin on Tuesday that the rumblings underground continued until at least Monday. They are now scared to stay in their houses and feel traumatised by the events. 

One Resident said that the Mayor, Cllr Thandiwe Ngxonono, was in her house when a noise sounded underground. The Mayor ran out and did not want to enter the house again. No one from Govan Mbeki Municipality returned to address the problem or speak with the residents. 

The resident and owner of the house claimed that the Mayor was scared to return to the house.

The cracks in some houses were noticeably larger when The Bulletin visited the area on Tuesday. Some stands were also flooded after the cracks appeared and the subsequent earthquake. It is still not exactly clear what caused the movement as the investigation continues.

Meanwhile, residents are expected to stay in their houses. 

The roads were in an appalling state with sewerage and rainwater flooding the streets, turning it into a mud bath that is difficult to traverse. Residents said that this is how they have to deal with the roads every time it rains. Some areas are just not possible to walk in without having to walk in mud and water.

The plight of the residents continues as the rain continues and no answers are forthcoming from GMM at the moment.

The following is a press release from Secunda Mall:

What to expect in level 4 of lockdown:

As of 1 May, Secunda Mall will be implementing the following mandatory measures as per the National Health Department:

Masks will be mandatory when going out in public spaces. This includes coming to Secunda Mall. If you do not have a mask, please ensure that you cover your nose & mouth with something suitable such as a scarf, buff, shield etc.

Hand sanitiser can be found at all main entrances.

Customers are expected to maintain a safe social distance of 2 meters at all times. As well as when using lifts and escalators.

Only one family member per household allowed and no socialising with other customers.

Please ensure that you continue practicing healthy hygiene habits when visiting Secunda Mall.

*Stores re-opening and trading hours will be shared soon, once it becomes available.

#SecundaMall #MyMallMyHealth

With the country moving down to Level 4 on Friday, 1 May, there are a lot of questions and also some confusion.

But never fear when The Bulletin is near!

We have classified the following into the 5 Levels and below you will be able to denote what is permitted and what is not permitted.

We really hope that you will stay home and stay safe and let’s flatten the curve!

Nelspruit – Three suspects aged between 31 and 35 were arrested at Ekulindeni in the early hours of today, 27 April 2020 for using COVID-19 to cover their ploy.

According to the report, a team of police officials received information about two vehicles which were branded with COVID-19 insignia allegedly participating in criminal activities. They (police) followed up on the information and noticed a VW Polo Sedan as well as a Toyota Hilux Bakkie, which both matched the description given.

Upon stopping the said vehicles, police found three occupants pretending to be COVID-19 officials on deployment. They then found fake permits inside and further discovered that the suspects were attempting to cross the border with the intention to collect dagga from a neighbouring country.

The suspects were then arrested and charged with Contravention of the Disaster Management Regulations as they also moved between provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga. The vehicles were confiscated for further investigation.

The management of the SAPS has welcomed the arrest of the three and have sent a stern warning to those who think they will take chances during this Lockdown period that law enforcement agencies will deal decisively with them. Meanwhile, the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Mondli Zuma, has indicated that the trick by the suspects of using COVID-19 insignia on their vehicles to covert criminal activities, did not come to pass as the astuteness of the police was magnificent.

Meanwhile, the trio is expected to appear at the Chief Albert Luthuli Magistrate’s Court tomorrow, Tuesday 28 April 2020. Police cannot rule out the possibility of adding charges relating to fraud as they impersonated Covid-19 officials.

COURT FEEDBACK : Three suspects, Martin Prince Lekhuleni (35), Banele Georgina Nyalunga(24) and Sipho Alfred Nyundu (36) were remanded in custody by the Kabokweni Magistrate Court on Tuesday, 28 April, after they were arrested by members of  the Hawks Mpumalanga, Detectives, Tactical Response Team, Crime Intelligence, Tracking Team and the Local Criminal Record Centre last week Friday for dealing in Rhino horns estimated to the value of R 6 Million. The case is postponed to Wednesday 29 April 2020 for formal bail application. All three suspects remain in custody.

An intelligence driven operation has landed three suspects in jail after they were found with six rhino horns.

The operation comprising of the Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Detectives, Crime Intelligence, Tactical Response Team, Tracking Team and the Local Criminal Record Centre ensued after it emerged that three people were allegedly dealing in rhino horns.

The team obtained a search and seizure warrant and descended on the suspects house at Clau-Clau Newscom in Pienaar. On arrival at the premises, an intensive search commenced and members located a number of hunting knives in one of the three vehicles that were parked inside the yard. They also uncovered a sizable amount of money inside the house.

The team proceeded with the search around the yard and found six rhino horns hidden inside the outside restroom. The horns are believed to be from three dead rhinos.

The three suspects, two males and one female, aged between 24 and 34 were later arrested. The three vehicles, money and the six rhino horns have also been seized. The suspects are expected to appear before Kabokweni Magistrate Court on Tuesday for illegal possession of rhino horns in terms of the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act. Investigations are still continuing.

Meanwhile the National Head of the DPCI, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya welcomed the arrests.

“The DPCI shall continue to deal decisively with those who are involved in poaching these species. We shall be following the motive which is probably the making of an unexplained wealth with view to attaching same,” said Lieutenant General Lebeya.