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Potholes increasing, Residents repair roads

Encee van Huyssteen
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The past December saw a number of residents from various towns taking matters into their own hands and they decided to repair potholes.
Repairing a pothole is quite labour intensive.
In Secunda the Zello group, Secunda 911 was approached by a resident to help with the repair of the potholes. within a day the wheels were set in motion and bags of tar were purchased. Secunda 911 contacted Afriforum to assist and everyone was ready.
A few potholes were filled from the Sasol CBD Filling Station towards the Fire Station. The costs of repairing the potholes were about R200 per pothole.
If there are any other residents that have similar ideas, Roelof Gouws would be the person to contact. His phone number is 0725934052
Secunda 911 is a registered Non Profit Organisation
In eMzinoni, ANC Youth members from ward 24 decided to repair damaged paving. The paved road in eMzinoni was damaged during the heavy rains at the beginning of December. The youth repaired the road before Christmas.
Jabulani Masilela, Chairperson of the ANCYL (Ward 24) said: “We are trying to send a message to all the youth of Govan Mbeki Municipality that they should not always wait for the municipality but some things need the community to unify and meet the municipality halfway.”

Oud hoof van LS Hoëveld oorlede

Encee van Huyssteen
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Mnr Frans Rossouw, oud hoof van Laerskool Hoëveld is op 26 Desember 2019 oorlede. Frans was hoof by die skool vanaf 1987 tot 2003.
Hy is gebore op 17 Mei 1946 en was 17 jaar verbonde aan die skool.
Die Bulletin wil ons innige simpatie en meedelye aan sy familie, vriende en kolegas oordra.

Water problems persist in Govan Mbeki Municipality

Encee van Huyssteen
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Residents in Evander and Bethal are infuriated with the current water situation. Both towns have been struggling with either no water or poor pressure.
The problems in Evander started on 13 December when a pipe burst and the reservoir ran dry. Residents have been venting their frustrations on every platform possible. The group called “Evander/Secunda Wyk18” was particularly busy with tempers flaring.
One of the major problems is that some areas would be affected and others not. GMM struggled to get the reservoir to an acceptable level so that the water distribution could begin only to have pressure problems.
The problem was later identified and was reported as follows by DA Cllr Mariaan Chamberlain: “I think we have discovered why the reservoir was run dry. Currently, we don’t know who is to blame or which shift. A valve was not closed. Thank you to a wake-up resident in Graz street area who heard this, took a video and reported it to the call centre. The video was taken at a stormwater drain.”
Mariaan posted another message a little later with the following content, “I have spoken to a qualified person now. Indeed, it is what they do. This valve is in a manhole. Which the team opens to release pressure in the pipeline so the work on the burst pipe can be done. Then they forget where they have opened the valves (In Secunda and think all over they also open fire hydrants). The low pressure in GRAZ street was reported not once…but many times. Someone must get sjambok.”
A lot of blame was placed on GMM not paying Rand Water but even after the payment was received the problem persisted. The valve was closed and the problem fixed.
Evander residents decided to do something about the situation and contacted Carte Blanch. One post to Carte Blanch read (Translation): “We have had enough! We have been sitting without water for days and the municipality is doing just what they want. No reasons why large sections of the town are without water. Can you help with an investigation?”
Residents commented on the post asking for help.
The problem in Bethal is a different story altogether. Certain areas have water and others not. It is the same as December 2018/ January 2019 when all the reservoirs ran dry and some residents didn’t have any supply for up to 26 days.
The Bulletin is engaging with various stakeholders to try and get to the root of the problem.
Here are some comments:
“I hope that the resevior stay full now,,,Because off the rain ~ I really get tired off all the stories and explaining…When will the truth come to the point..Every week the some old story…..”
and
“My feedback from the official now was. …bacause the reservoir was empty yesterday…they closed the outlet early yesterday and right through the night. Reservoir currently at 50%, and they are pumping to the town.”
as well as
“Somehow we as Evander residents have to stand together even if it’s just by sending an email to draw attention to our problem”
and
“So for years the demand was same as the inflow? And the fact that some areas hav water ND others not is confusing, don’t we all use the same reservoir reserves?”
and lastly
“Sure all the residents will aggree at the moment gmm is a zero on n contract feel nothing for basic service delivery our constitutional right to have water”

Tannie Poppie se Kanselkook Skons

Ane Prinsloo
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Voorbereidings en Bestanddele:

  1. Stel oond op 190 °C
  2. 500g Bruismeel
  3. 350ml vars room
  4. 1 x blikkie Sprite
  5. Knippie sout
  • Voeg Kaas of biltong by (125g) na keuse

Metode:
a. Meng alle bestanddele goed saam
b. Spuit kolwyntjie pannetjies goed (gebruik diep kolwyntjie panne, nie gewone ‘vlakker’ ‘muffin’ panne nie.)
c. Skep in diep kolwyntie panne
d. Skakel oond na 180 °C
e. Bak 12-15 minute tot mooi bruin

Beste om te geniet saam met lekker vars botter; tuisgemaakte konfyt, vars room & gerasperde kaas

So is die lewe

Ane Prinsloo
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“Ek wil teen twaalfuur die lêer, met jou aanbevelings daarop, op my lessenaar hê.” En dit op ‘n Maandagoggend, die eerste werksdag van die nuwe jaar. Januarie 2020 tref Piet van Heerden skielik met volle vaart. Hy strompel die groot kantoorblok se lang gang af, aktetas in die hand, en is vaagweg bewus van die baie kantoordeure weerskante van hom, wat vir hom voel soos blokkies in ‘n lang donker tonnel. Sy eie koninkryk is daar ver vorentoe iewers. Identiese houtdeure, genommerd, is die ingange tot vasgevangde mense se persoonlike professionele spasies, minimalisties eenders, waar berekeninge gedoen word, projekte bestuur word, begrotings opgestel word, personeelsake hanteer word, toekoms-scenarios uitgewerk word, nuwe probleme en onvoorsiene struikelblokke daagliks skynbaar meer en meer opstapel. Waar rekenaarskerms flits met statistieke en data en onopgeloste kwessies. Telefone wat oral lui, stemme wat gedemp en minder gedemp vraagstukke en oplossings beredeneer en soek. Die corpus van sy eksistensie, dink hy sinies. Sy vrou en kinders se foto op die lessenaar proklameer onteenseglik: Hierdie is Pieter se stukkie ruimte. Tydelik. Solank as wat hy ‘n produktiewe eenheid vir die maatskappy bly.
Net hierdie naweek het hulle teruggekom van Hartenbos. Twee weke se son en see en karavaan voel of dit nooit gebeur het nie. Die euforie van massas mense wat ure lank op die spierwit strand lê, wat kersliedere sing in die donker terwyl hulle selfoonliggies op die maat daarvan beweeg, die reuk van houtvure waarop karootjops en wors gebraai word, die lag en gesels oral om die staanplekke, kinders wat ry op skaatsplanke en klein fietsies, tieners wat op die strand draf, ou mense wat twee-twee met wandelstokke al turend oor die see teen die branderlyn afslenter, die vele stalletjies op die sypaadjies waar hulle ure verwyl het en gekyk het na draadolifante, strooihoedens, goedkoop Chinese donkerbrille, nagemaakte Nike-klere, Crocs en T-hemde met Afrikamotiewe, laphoedens waarop geskryf staan: Hou jou bek, hier braai ek. Draairoomyse in soel somersmiddae. Monopoly laataand saam met die kinders. Rustige, tydsame daguitstappies na Knysna en Wildernis.
“Watter lewe is die waarheid, en watter een die werklikheid?” wonder hy as hy die bekende kantoor met sy oorbekende reuke instap. Verlede jaar se dokumente wat nog steeds wag om verwerk te word, antwoorde wat steeds uitstaande is, sy lessenaarstel wat hy vir 25 jaar getroue diens by die maatskappy gekry het, presies eweredig afgemeet op die lessenaar gerangskik, met die rooi en swart pen op aandag soos twee parate soldate in die Staatspresidentswag.
Daar is iewers iets nie meer pluis nie, besef hy as hy op sy lessenaarstoel gaan sit. Hy dink aan die lied van Andries Bezuidenhout wat hulle as gesin deur die karoo op die motorradio geluister het: Pasop vir die droom. Hy dink meteens anders oor die lied se woorde. “Pasop vir die droom, die loon van die droom is jou droom. My televisie kyk nou skeel, die radio verseg om te speel. Die stofsuier en die strykyster het elkeen ‘n greep om my keel.” Pasop vir die droom, dink hy. Die dinge waarom jou lewe draai, word uiteindelik maklik die dinge wat jou lewe totaal waardeloos maak. Jare lank het hy studeer, kursusse gedoen, oortyd gewerk, naweke by die huis deurgewerk, sodat hy hier, in hierdie spesifieke blokkie-koninkryk, kan opeindig. Hy het ‘n lessenaarstel met twee erekte penne om dit te wys. Met dank aan Pieter Stefanus van Heerden vir troue diens gelewer. “On behalf of the company. With gratitude for loyal service”. Hy trek die swart pen uit sy skede, maak sy handtekening op die 2020 lessenaaralmanak met die maatskappy se logo wat reinwit voor hom lê.
“Together to the future,” is hulle leuse. Sy lewe in ‘n goue raam. “Gister hang soos ‘n landskap in ‘n goue raam. Jy is lewenslank in die bitter Transvaal. Hier is geen deurnagdiens vir ‘n man soos jy. En dan wonder jy wanneer kom die Oubaas jou haal, is jou huur betaal? Kan jy vir altyd hier bly?” dreun Piet Botha in sy kop.
Hy trek die lêer nader, slaan dit oop. Hy het geen lus vandag vir geprojekteerde syfers van wins en verlies, van risikos vir die maatskappy, vir vatbaarheidstudies en moontlike omgewingsimpakte nie.
Hy besef daar is ‘n reuse gat in sy lewe, sy gemoed is grotendeels geamputeer van sinvolle lewenservarings. Hy dink aan die lang stuk pad op die N1 tussen Beaufort-Wes en Colesberg waar hulle vir ‘n ruk langs die Bloutrein gery het. Hy onthou dat daar ook blokkies was, kajuitvensters. Maar dit was anders. Mense wat by tafeltjies sit en by die trein se vensters uitkyk, KWV Cabernet Sauvignon drink en die karoolandskap indrink. Die ylblou berge in die verte, die droë ongenaakbare veld, die oneindige ruimte en stilte.
Weliswaar was hulle op vaste spore op pad, voortstomend na Pretoria of Johannesburg. Maar die eindbestemming was nie vir hulle belangrik nie. Die landskap, die rit, die omgewing, die samesyn is wat hulle gaan onthou van daardie rit. Die ervaring van leef. Ongeag wat hulle besigheid aan die ander kant gaan wees as hulle van die trein afklim.
Skielik dink Piet van Heerden anders oor sy lewe. Oor diè lewe. Van vandag af leef jy aspris, besluit hy net daar en dan. Jy is nou wel op hierdie voortsnellende trein genaamd lewe. Jy moet steeds die spertye haal, maar jy is bekwaam en ervare genoeg om dit te doen. Maar jy gaan begin om by die venster uit te kyk. Sodat jy die lewenslandskap kan beleef, ruik, sien, ervaar.
Daardie aand 21:00 steek hy ‘n vuur aan, en haal ‘n pakkie wors uit die vrieskas. “Wat op aarde doen jy nou?” vra sy vrou. Dis Maandagaand, more is dit werk! “Ons gaan nou lewe,” sê Piet.

Tsalanang Flats: a rubbish dump?

Encee van Huyssteen
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The rubbish keeps on piling up at Tsalanang Flats in eMbalenhle. Residents informed The Bulletin that for years no refuse had been collected at Tsalanang Flats.
On Friday, 3 January, some residents decided to burn the rubbish that kept on piling up at the collection centres at the flats. Unfortunately, the nature of the building was not considered, and the building was gutted. People that own a car wash at the entrance also made no effort to extinguish the fire although they were using the fire hose at that time.
The Bulletin was told that Govan Mbeki Municipality only responded with a refuse truck once the residents of Tsalanang flats threatened to dump their refuse at the new rebuilt Municipal buildings. “The truck came once and did not return,” The Bulletin was told: “only one truck is operational for the whole Emba, four others are grounded with no licences.”
The Bulletin has been reporting on the plight of the residents of Tsalanang Flats for a long time. The situation has worsened since The Bulletin’s last visit in 2019. All the flats are now occupied and the strain on the failing infrastructure has increased, resulting in more sewer leakages and water spillages.
One such spillage has been running for months, spilling fresh drinking water into the streets.
No upgrading of the old buildings has been done and no infrastructure has been improved. The Bulletin will be visiting Tsalanang Flats again this year and will continue to report on the inhumane living conditions.

Manana suspects out on bail

Encee van Huyssteen
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The two suspects arrested in connection with the killing of Bethal Business owner, Bongani Manana have been released on bail.
Siswe Benedict Methule and Swangile Douglas Mashlangu appeared before the Bethal court on Thursday, 2 January on charges of murder.
Methule and Mashlangu applied for bail and were released on bail set at R5000 each.
During the bail application, more details emerged regarding the time when Bongani Manana was fatally wounded in the chest.
It would appear that an argument erupted between Manana and Methule near Bethal Dam. Manana proceeded towards Upper Echelon where the argument continued. It is alleged that Manana phoned his brother, Mashlangu to assist in the matter.
It is further alleged that when Mashlangu arrived at the scene he found the argument in full swing. Reports suggested that Methule directed his anger at Mashlangu and shots were exchanged between the two. 16 Shots were fired in total. Once the gunfire subsided, Manana was found with a gunshot wound in his chest. He succumbed to the chest injury according to preliminary reports.
During the bail application, Methule’s lawyer argued that even though the statement from Mashlangu points fingers at Methule, no evidence links Methule to the death of Manana at this stage.
The affidavit from the investigating officer stated that the two accused’s firearms were confiscated and send for ballistic analyses. Both firearms were legally registered to the two accused.
Witnesses to the incident were not asked to testify at the bail application and none of the evidence was tested under cross-examination as the trial has not yet commenced. It became clear that the docket is not ready for trial and that the investigation is still ongoing.
The bail conditions include that there should be no contact with any of the witnesses.
The Judge said that the accused had no previous convictions, nor did they pose any threat to the community. There are also no indications that they’ll commit another crime and that granting them bail will not disturb the peace.
He also mentioned that both accused had strong ties to Bethal and would not flee.
The case was postponed to early February.

Crime Snippets

Ane Prinsloo
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Quick response by police leads to arrest

A quick response by police in Mpumalanga has led to the arrest of a 57-year-old woman, who was found in possession of drugs.
Reports revealed that on Sunday, 5 January, police in Mmamethlake were on duty patrolling as one of the relentless efforts in ensuring that the public is and feel safe under the theme “Zizojika Izinto – Turning the tide against crime”.
The police received information from members of the public about a woman who was selling drugs in the area, which she had allegedly purchased in Gauteng.
The members swiftly responded to the information and traced the suspect. They located the woman and found her alighting from a taxi carrying a handbag when they approached and stopped her. Police proceeded to search her and found her in possession of about 800 plastic sachets containing drugs suspected to be nyaope and some were also wrapped in a doek.
The street value thereof is estimated to be about R24 000-00. The woman was immediately arrested and charged with possession of drugs as well as dealing in drugs. She appeared at Mbibana Magistrates Court on Monday, 6 January.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Mondli Zuma, expressed his disappointment in the woman’s involvement in such a criminal act. “I strongly condemn this reckless act as we expect members of the community to assist the police and government in the fight against the scourge of substance abuse by not dealing in or support businesses that deal in drugs as this has proven to have a negative impact in many communities more so affecting the young ones”.
The General has further applauded members of the public for the valuable information that they provided to the police, which has led to the woman’s arrest. General Zuma also thanked the police for their swift response to the information.

MEC shocked by attacks on women over the last seven days

Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Ms Gabisile Shabalala believes the new year started badly for the province particularly in the fight against gender-based violence following the recent attacks on women across various parts of the province.
Shabalala noted with great shock the recent incident where two people were killed in Pienaar by a 38-year-old police officer stationed at Kabokweni. The third person sustained injuries while trying to intervene during the scuffle. The incident took place on Sunday, 29 December 2019, in Pienaar while the suspect was visiting a lady believed to be his girlfriend.
He has since been arrested and he has been charged with two counts of murder and one of attempted murder.
In another matter, a 28-year-old woman and her daughter believed to be only four years old were reportedly raped in Machadodorp. A man, 35, was nabbed by the police on Friday, 27 December 2019, in connection with the incident.
It is reported that the suspect initially went to visit the victims where they stay. He later took out a knife, threatened the mother and daughter and directed them to one of the rooms, where he, allegedly, raped both of them.
Police were made aware of the incident by one of the community members who became suspicious after seeing the suspect fleeing from the house.
The police immediately rushed to the house and confirmed the details of the incident.
In another case, the lifeless body of a woman, 25, was found in Tweefontein near Zamani Primary in an open field after the community alerted the police. The incident took place on Saturday, 28 December 2019, in the morning. The police rushed to the scene and upon arrival, discovered the body of a woman with multiple stab wounds. No arrests have been made in this regard.
MEC Shabalala has further pleaded with the police to ensure that all these cases are thoroughly investigated so that the culprits are made to pay for the pain they have caused to the victims and their families.
She added that communities who may have any information regarding these and other cases of crime or abuse to report to the police so that the suspects are arrested and accordingly punished.
“We must report abuse to the police. We want abusers to rot in jail so that women and children can walk and live freely without fear of being attacked. Our courts should not grant these perverts bail and once convicted they should be given lengthy jail terms. We need our communities in the ongoing war against gender-based violence.
“Condemning these incidences only will not help but all stakeholders and communities must act and work together to win the war on GBV and other crimes,” Shabalala said.
The MEC went further by encouraging women to walk away from abusive boyfriends and partners and not wait until it is too late.
Shabalala has pleaded for more support to survivors of abuse by all stakeholders and communities so that they do not feel more victimised.
MEC Shabalala is meanwhile sending condolences to all the affected families of abuse across the province saying that government will continue to do all in its might to bring an end to the scourge of abuse in communities.

30 year old man shot and killed, suspect sought by police

Police in Mpumalanga are looking for a suspect in connection with a case of murder in which a 30-year-old man, Dwyne Nguyuza, was murdered at Thulamahashe near Bushbuckridge. The incident took place on 31 December 2019, at midnight.
Reports indicated that the 30-year-old man was celebrating New Year’s Eve with his wife and family at their home in Thulamahashe when an unknown man entered their yard with a firearm. After entering, the suspect shot the man several times and then went on to shoot the wife before fleeing the scene.
The man and his wife were rushed to the nearby clinic for medical assistance. In the process, police were summoned to the scene as well, unfortunately, the man was certified dead on arrival at the clinic.
However, the woman was moved to hospital for medical treatment where she is recovering.
A case of murder as well as attempted murder have been opened and the Detectives have already commenced with their investigation. The motive for the killing is unknown at this stage and there is no arrest made yet.
The police are appealing for anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspect to call Detective Captain Alfred Mashele on 0829684153
Members of the public can also call 10111 or send sms’s to 32211 for any crime-related information. Alternatively, the public can download MYSAPSAPP to anonymously send valuable information to the police.

Double murder police constable remanded in custody

A 38-year-old off duty Police Constable, stationed at Kabokweni who has been arrested for two counts of murder and attempted murder has been remanded in custody.
Constable Bonginkosi Malinga was not asked to plea during his first appearance but appeared again on Friday, 3 January, for a formal bail application.
The arrest of Malinga came after Sunday, 29 December 2019, when police received information about a shooting incident where three people were shot.
The information further indicated that the suspect involved is a police officer. The police on duty went to investigate and discovered that the suspect involved was indeed a police officer who, in an actual fact, went to Pienaar to visit a lady friend, Goodness Mhaule (34) but found her in the company of another man, who was identified as Sibusiso Justice Khoza (31).
The report which was gathered at the scene suggested that the cause of the shooting was a result of a heated argument which ensued within the circle and subsequently, Malinga allegedly drew out his service firearm and shot at Khoza.
He then went on a shooting rampage where he fatally shot Mhaule as she was running towards her parents’ house for help as well as her brother, who was trying to intervene during the commotion.
Police and Medical personnel were summoned to the scene where both Mhaule and Khoza were certified dead. The suspect was immediately arrested whilst the brother, who sustained injuries during the shooting was taken to the hospital for medical treatment.
Malinga appeared on 31 December 2019, at Kabokweni Magistrate’s Court facing two counts of murder and attempted murder.
The Provincial Commissioner of the police in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Mondli Zuma, has welcomed the remanding of the suspect in custody. He further mentioned that an internal disciplinary action against the member is underway meanwhile, IPID will proceed with the criminal investigation.

Bulletin wins defamation case

Encee van Huyssteen
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Victory for The Bulletin in a R1,2M Defamation of Character case. The Bulletin was sued for an astronomical amount of R1,2M after an article was placed in April 2018 when a baboon was shot.
The Bulletin reported extensively on the handling of the matter, especially by the SPCA and their senior inspector at the time, Jenneth Geel.
There was a keen public interest in the matter and a huge public outcry at the eventual shooting of the baboon.
Senior Inspector Jenneth Geel, in her capacity, subsequently sued The Bulletin for R1.2m stating that the article was defamatory, premised on the following and accompanying sting:
That the plaintiff (Jenneth Geel) is heartless, ruthless, careless, confrontational and without moral fibre and is, in fact, an enemy of animals contrary to her position as SPCA inspector.
That the plaintiff has gone against and failed to uphold her duty to protect animals following her position as SPCA inspector.
That the plaintiff cruelly executed an animal without exhausting other options.
Inferring that the plaintiff did not take the interests of the animal into consideration contrary to her position as SPCA inspector and that the plaintiff lied about the condition and circumstances of the animal and incident.
The matter was set down for trial in the Middelburg High Court on 26/27 August 2019.
In her judgment, High Court Judge Mali said: “The pertinent question to ask is what an ordinary reader of The Bulletin would have understood in reading the article. The readers would have understood that the SPCA failed to protect animal rights as expected. Furthermore, Ms. Geel gave the order to shoot an escaped baboon. By virtue of her position as Senior Inspector at the SPCA, she is the face of the organisation. It is very correct and prudent that the article had to carry her photograph.”
At the time of publication, Jenneth Geel was contacted twice by Gwendie Venter, reporter at The Bulletin at the time, to verify the facts and to give her an opportunity to comment. Geel declined the opportunity.
The Bulletin used a sentence that said: “The protector of animal rights turned into the hunter”.
Judge Mali also found that the word “hunter” to be adequately utilised in a context dealing with animals.
“From the above, it is found that there is nothing defamatory about the article. As a result, the plaintiff’s claim ought not to succeed.” Judge Mali concluded.
Jenneth Geel vented her anger on social media after the publication of the article and made defamatory statements of her own regarding The Bulletin’s editor stating that he should have been flushed down the drain before the cells divided. The social media post makes more remarks, including that the article is a pack of lies, that it is defamatory and a counterclaim was lodged. This claim succeeded.
Judge Mali said in her judgment: “Defences to defamation have been referred to above. Anger, forgetfulness and stress are not one of them. The reader of the Facebook Bulletin News would have thought little of the Chief Editor of The Bulletin news. Ms. Geel’s words cannot be turned around to mean anything except that she does not even see Mr van Huyssteen as a human being. She portrays him as something, not just anything, but a useless object not meant to exist at all. She hailed serious insults at him, something that would have left the readers pondering whether Mr van Huyssteen is in the right state of mind as an insulting reference is made about the size of his mind.”
“Ms. Geel proved to be an unreliable and evasive witness who shifted the blame to stress and forgetfulness.” Judge Mali said.

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