The DA in Govan Mbeki will table a motion calling on the municipality’s Executive Mayor, Nhlakanipho Zuma to provide a comprehensive plan for the upgrades of Sijongile Ndamase Community Hall in eMbalenhle.
During a soil-turning ceremony on August 25, the mayor announced that renovations at the hall were to commence immediately and that a contractor was already appointed.
“According to the mayor, the contractor was expected to build a security house and install a fence around the hall and the whole yard before beginning with the necessary renovations,” said Thomas Mazibuko DA Councillor Govan Mbeki Local Municipality.
On September 7, during the Mpumalanga Premier’s IMBIZO, the mayor promised that the renovation of Sijongile Ndamase Hall would start on September 13. However, renovations have still not started.
Despite their endless promises, the community hall remains abandoned with broken windows, broken doors, plumbing leaks, and vandalized toilets and walls. This goes to show that the municipality’s facilities are administered by individuals who are self-centred and do not care about the needs of our residents.
The hall was meant to provide the following opportunities for the community:
Educational programmes facilitated by the municipalities and other stakeholders. Serve as a facility for different purposes and activities in the community. A centre for public engagement, where important information and ideas are shared. Provide a support system for community projects these include, community gardening services, substance abuse awareness and facilitating clean-ups.
The ANC administration has been making empty promises on several failed projects in Govan Mbeki. Ironically, the mayor keeps on contravening the municipality’s vision which calls for excellence, transparency, openness and responsiveness.
“The DA will not sit back and watch the ANC mislead residents. Through our motion, we will demand the exact time frame for these renovations and the budget set aside for the renovations,” concluded Thomas Mazibuko
CLANDESTINE LABORATORY DISMANTLED AND SUSPECT ARRESTED
Secunda – The Hawks Secunda-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation with the assistance of Pretoria Forensic Laboratory followed information regarding a clandestine laboratory at residential premises in Secunda.
The team confirmed the information, and a search and seizure warrant was authorised and executed on the same day.
During the search and seizure operation, manufacturing equipment and chemicals were seized for further investigation.
The following was seized:
four batteries (the size of a normal car battery),
two cylinders (50 litres and 25 litres),
pipes,
wire,
2x bags of dagga weighing over 100kg,
dry dagga, hydroponic dagga,
8 x boxes of unused syringes 3ml,
4 x boxes of unused syringes 10ml,
about 20 loose syringes containing an oily liquid substance,
about 30 loose syringes with needles containing oily liquid substance,
about 5x 200g bottles containing black substance not covered,
2 bags of 500 cotton wool balls,
small hand silver weighing scale,
two hand grinders (purple and green),
two dagga bags,
9 x 5 litres of ethyl,
5 litre camphor powder,
1.5 litre diphenyl oxide,
125 g activated charcoal,
57 unused viper cartridges,
one unused viper with a white charger in a box,
2 cooler boxes (white 50 litres and a blue 25 litres),
clear packing plastic 2,5 x 250 size
and several other items used for distribution.
During the preliminary investigation, it was established that the dagga was used to manufacture cannabis oil.
The value of the seized items will be determined once the investigation is complete.
The accused is expected to appear before the Secunda District court on Thursday, 5 October 2023.
RAISING THE STATUS OF ANIMALS TO IMPROVE WELFARE STANDARDS AROUND THE GLOBE.
World Animal Day, observed on October 4th each year, is a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness about animal rights and advocating for their welfare. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of acknowledging the intrinsic value of animals and the need to protect and care for them. This article will explore why animal rights are essential and provide ideas on how people can celebrate this significant day.
WHY ANIMAL RIGHTS MATTER
Animal rights encompass the ethical and moral considerations of treating animals. It emphasizes that animals have intrinsic value and should not be subjected to unnecessary suffering or exploitation. Understanding why animal rights matter is crucial to creating a more compassionate and just world for all living creatures. Here are some compelling reasons why animal rights are important:
Ethical Considerations: Animals, like humans, are sentient beings capable of experiencing pain, pleasure, and a range of emotions. Treating animals with kindness and respect aligns with fundamental principles of compassion and empathy.
Environmental Impact: The treatment of animals in industrial agriculture, deforestation, and habitat destruction have far-reaching environmental consequences. Protecting animal habitats and conserving biodiversity are essential for maintaining a healthy planet.
Public Health: The well-being of animals is closely linked to human health. Zoonotic diseases can emerge when animals are subjected to stressful and unsanitary conditions.
Conservation Efforts: Many species risk extinction due to human activities. Recognizing animal rights is essential for conservation efforts and preserving the Earth’s incredible biodiversity.
Moral Progress: The way society treats animals reflects its moral progress. Acknowledging and respecting animal rights indicates a society’s commitment to justice, equality, and empathy.
WAYS TO CELEBRATE WORLD ANIMAL DAY & BEYOND
World Animal Day allows individuals, organizations, and communities to come together to promote animal welfare and advocate for their rights. World Animal Day unites the animal welfare movement, mobilizing it into a global force to make the world a better place for all animals. Each of us can make a difference – together we can bring change! Be part of the solution!
Here are some meaningful ways to celebrate this day:
Volunteer at Animal Shelters: Spend the day volunteering at a local animal shelter or rescue organization. You can help care for animals, clean their living spaces, or assist with adoption events. Your time and effort can make a significant difference in their lives.
Adopt a Pet: Adopt a pet from a shelter instead of purchasing one from a breeder or pet store contributing to the massive overpopulation crisis. Countless animals are waiting for loving homes. By adopting, you not only save a life but also support responsible pet ownership.
Raise Awareness: Spread awareness about animal rights by organizing educational events, workshops, or seminars in your local community. Invite experts to discuss the importance of animal welfare and the ways people can get involved.
Support Animal Conservation Efforts: Donate to organizations dedicated to conserving endangered species and protecting animal habitats. Your financial support can aid in critical conservation initiatives.
Live Kinder: Support the life in your own backyard, the small ecosystems, animals, and insects that live around your home. Say no to pesticides and poisons.
Advocate for Legislation: Write letters or lobby for animal welfare legislation in your region or country. Advocate for stricter animal cruelty laws, bans on certain practices (like trophy hunting or fur farming), and stronger protections for wildlife.
Encourage Responsible Pet Ownership: Educate pet owners about responsible care practices, such as spaying and neutering, regular veterinary check-ups, and proper training and socialization, enrichment, and more. Promote the importance of microchipping and pet identification and keeping your pets safe in your yard.
Create Art and Share Stories: Use your creativity to create art, poetry, or stories that celebrate animals and highlight their unique qualities. Share your work on social media to inspire others to appreciate and protect animals.
Organize Fundraisers: Host fundraising events to collect donations for animal welfare organizations. You can organize food drives, charity runs, or online crowdfunding campaigns to support the cause.
Adopt a Sustainable Lifestyle: Make choices that contribute to a more sustainable and animal-friendly world. Use cruelty-free products, reduce single-use plastics, and support businesses that prioritize environmental and animal welfare practices.
Organize Clean-ups: Organize a community clean-up because plastic and other trash are harmful to the environment and the animals.
Reduce Animal Food Products: We accept that most humans will likely not become vegans, but you can reduce your meat intake and consumption of animal products to reduce animal suffering.
Support Ethical Hunting: Unfortunately, there are many unethical hunting practices supported by our people, like hunting with dogs, green hunting, canned lion hunting, driven hunts, and more. Opt for ethical hunting.
Choose Cruelty-Free Cosmetics: Make conscious choices when it comes to your beauty products. Opt for cosmetics from brands that are cruelty-free, meaning they do not test their products on animals. Look for cruelty-free certifications or check online databases for reliable information. By choosing cruelty-free cosmetics, you’re taking a stand against animal testing and supporting ethical practices in the beauty industry. Find cruelty-free brands here.
Wear it kind:With so many animal-friendly options available, and more on the market every day, it’s never been easier to have a cruelty-free wardrobe.
Reject the Use of Animals for Entertainment: Take a stand against the use of animals for entertainment purposes, such as circuses, zoos, rodeos, aquariums, petting farms, animal rides, etc. that keep animals in captivity to be exploited. Refrain from attending or financially supporting such events. Instead, seek out animal-free entertainment that respects the rights of these sentient beings.
There are many other ways you can stand up for the rights of animals!
World Animal Day is a meaningful occasion to reflect on the importance of animal rights and take action to protect and care for our fellow inhabitants of the Earth. By advocating for ethical treatment, raising awareness, and supporting organizations dedicated to animal welfare, we can contribute to a more compassionate and just world for animals. Celebrating World Animal Day isn’t just a one-day event; it’s a reminder of our ongoing responsibility to respect and protect the rights of all creatures that share our planet.
Next week we will look at how to help your animals stay cool during the hotter days!
WOMEN IN MINING PROGRAMME RECOGNISES TOP WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS
The yearlong entrepreneurial Women in Mining business support and development programme, presented by Collective Value Creation (CVC) and sponsored by Seriti, came to a celebratory end on 25 July this year.
In attendance at the prestigious award ceremony in Middelburg were the female beneficiaries of the programme, representatives from Seriti, including Mokhine Makgalemele, Community and Regulatory Affairs Manager and Nyaniso Rapiya, Preferential Procurement and ESD Lead. Joining them from CVC were Wybrand Ganzevoort, Managing Director, Asheka Lee, MC for the day and Orla Ollewagen who was the responsible Project Manager for the programme.
Zoe Sibawu receives Top Entrepreneur Award from Nyaniso Rapiya, Preferential Procurement and ESD Lead, Seriti.
During the ceremony, a number of awards were handed out to those entrepreneurs who showed exceptional dedication, growth and promise. Competition for these awards was fierce and the panel of judges had a hard time choosing the worthy winners.
The Top Sales Pitch award went to Eva Masemola. The entrepreneurs had to submit a sales video showing their insight at the culmination of their sales training and mentorship. This required the entrepreneurs to have a firm grasp on the needs of the target audience and the value proposition that they needed to convey in their pitch.
Olivia Knoesen won the Commitment to Success award for her dedication to the responsiveness that she demonstrated to the timelines and compliance that is required in the competitive nature of a targeted procurement readiness programme.
Some of the Women in Mining programme beneficiaries: From left to right: Zodwa Mlangeni, Wonderful Mafu, Gladys Maseko, Zoe Sibawu and Prima Mokgokoloshi
The Sustainability programme that some of the ladies joined, entailed modules such as Anti-modern Slavery; Corporate Governance and Anti-corruption and Environmental Management. These issues are very important in the workplace and not always the most enjoyable part of an entrepreneur’s job, but Shamilla Rampersad, who won the Compliance Award, proved that SMEs can be leaders in the field of sustainability and they do not have to shy away from their environmental and social responsibility.
The Entrepreneurial Mindset Mastery award went to the individual who had shown the most significant change and/or adaptation in the entrepreneurial mindset dimensions that they have sought to impact. This could include changes in self-confidence, optimism, interpersonal sensitivity or other areas. A few individuals stood out and the decision was made to have two awardees namely, Merlin Kalikhan and Zodwa Mlangeni.
The Top Woman Entrepreneur award for the Women in Mining programme as nominated and voted for by her peers, went to Zoe Sibawu.
Asheka Lee who was also the personal development mentor during the programme, urged the entrepreneurs to “continue to grow, support, and network with one another for mutual business growth and benefits.”
Commenting on the programme Wybrand said: “Gender inclusion and consideration of the environment is critical in the context of enterprise and supplier development and will become even more important in the transition process in Mpumalanga in the future. The research shows us that women are more affected by economic disruption, yet most development programmes focus on men and when they do include women, the programme does not recognise intersectionality and the broad role played by women entrepreneurs in both the mainstream economy and the caring economy.”
And what are the thoughts of the entrepreneurs themselves? Shamilla Rampersad echoed their sentiment: “To all the presenters and coaches, salutations to every one of you. Thank you for giving us the tools to become world-class organisations.”
GUN-TOTING SUSPECTS ARRESTED FOR POINTING OF FIREARM AND ATTACK ON POLICE
Delmas – 03 October 2023 – Two suspects, a 39-year-old male and a 32-year-old female are expected to appear before Delmas District Court tomorrow, Wednesday 04 October 2023 for allegedly pointing a firearm and assaulting two victims in front of the police yesterday, Monday 02 October 2023 in Delmas. The suspects, believed to be siblings as they share the same surname also attacked police when attending to a complaint.
According to information, three police officials were busy with their regular patrol duties when they received a complaint that two suspects in a Hyundai sedan pointed them with a firearm.
Police took the victims who identified the vehicle in Delpark ext 2 next to a liquor outlet at about 16:30.
Members managed to pull over the vehicle with a male driver and a female passenger.
When police enquired about the firearm, it was alleged that the passenger became violent, alighted from the vehicle and assaulted the victims in front of the police.
Police managed to ease the commotion and the driver sped off with the vehicle.
A few minutes later the driver returned. When asked about the firearm, he attacked one of the male police officers. The female also attacked the female police officer, assaulted her with fists and tore the member’s uniform.
The driver allegedly discharged two shots, but police managed to restrain the driver whilst the passenger fled the scene on foot.
Police managed to retrieve the firearm and arrested the driver. The firearm was found with four rounds of ammunition.
The suspect was arrested for pointing a firearm, discharging the firearm in the municipal area, and assaulting and attacking police officers.
The investigation led to the arrest of the female passenger this afternoon, Tuesday 03 September 2023 at about 16:00.
Both suspects are expected to appear in court tomorrow Wednesday 04 October 2023.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has strongly condemned the attack on police officers and the number of firearms circulating in the province.
MPUMALANGA — The Tonga Magistrates’ Court granted bail to three police officers and three co-accused on Tuesday, 3 October 2023. They were arrested in connection with a cash-in-transit heist, that took place on 11 August 2023, on the R570 road towards Schoemansdal, outside Malelane in Mpumalanga. Another accused, a Tanzanian national abandoned his bail application.
The court found that there are exceptional circumstances which permit the accused to be released on bail. The six accused were granted bail of R5000 each, on the following conditions: The accused shall attend the court until the matter is finalised, they shall not interfere with State witnesses.
The court further ordered that the accused report to the nearest police station every Friday, between 06:00 and 18:00.
The accused, Bhekifa Ngwenyama (30), Ali Ebrahim (24), Lawrence Lubisi (44) and Moosa Vilakazi (38), were charged together with the three police officers; Sunday Mashego (39), Collen Nonyane (44) and Bhekinkosi Godi (39), all attached to the White River Flying Squad. They are charged with five counts of attempted murder, three counts of possession of stolen property, possession of firearms and ammunition, malicious damage to property, possession of explosives as well as conspiracy to commit crime.
It is alleged that a group of unknown men ambushed a Fidelity armoured vehicle, with a Mercedes Benz C-class. The suspects rammed the cash van, which overturned.
The security guards were reportedly forced out of the vehicle and high-calibre rifles were used on the scene, where one security officer was disarmed. The cash van was then bombed.
Three suspects were arrested on the same day, while the other accused were arrested a few days after the incident.
The investigation is ongoing and the team is pursuing the two wanted accused, Zola Martin Minisi (29) and Mpendulo Absima Hassane (31) who are sought by the Hawks after they were linked to the crimes.
MPendulo Absima Hassane(31)Zola Martin Minisi (29)
During the investigation, it was established that Mnisi was further linked to a cash-in-transit heist and murder of a Fidelity security guard (Kabokweni case), another cash-in-transit heist and murder of a G4S security guard (White River case).
The matter was postponed to 06 December 2023, for further investigation and the suspects will appear before the Malelane Periodical Court.
The Provincial Head of the Hawks, Major General Gerber applauded the investigating officer together with the prosecution team, who stood their ground when testifying during the bail hearing at court for almost 14 days. “Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Mnisi and Hassane are urged to contact the investigating officers, Lieutenant Colonel Erhard Stroh on 082 300 8315 and Warrant Officer Albert De Lange on 071 481 2815,” General concluded.
POLICE CONSTABLE ARRESTED FOR ALLEGEDLY STABBING HIS WIFE TO DEATH AND INJURING ANOTHER WOMAN AT A LIQUOR OUTLET IN BARBERTON
Nelspruit: 03 October 2023 – A Police Constable (34), attached to Public Order Policing in Hazyview has been arrested for allegedly stabbing his 28-year-old wife to death and attempted murder of another female (27) in Barberton in the early hours of today, Tuesday 03 October 2023 around 03h00 am.
According to the report, an alleged scuffle broke out between the SAPS member and his wife at a liquor outlet when the member allegedly stabbed his wife with a beer bottle. Another female who was trying to diffuse the situation was also injured.
Police and paramedics were summoned to the scene. The suspect’s wife was certified dead on the scene whilst the other female victim was taken to hospital for medical attention after she sustained some injuries.
The suspect, who was also injured, was found at the scene. A murder case and attempted murder were registered that led to the member’s arrest, and he was also taken to hospital for medical attention.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) is investigating. The police constable is expected to appear at the Barberton Magistrate’s Court tomorrow, Wednesday 04 October 2023 facing the said charges.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has strongly condemned the incident and reiterated the serious concern of violent crimes, including murders that are associated with liquor outlets. “The investigation team will also focus on the possible failure to comply with the liquor Act by the owner of the liquor business, ” said the General.
FIVE FOREIGN NATIONAL COPPER THIEVES TO SPEND TIME BEHIND BARS
02 October 2023 – The fire that broke down in Eskom Thuthuka Power Station in Standerton led to the arrest of five foreign nationals who were caught red-handed, digging up and skinning copper cables valued at about R3200 on 29 November 2022 at about 00h50 am.
On that day, the security personnel on duty received a call regarding a fire which broke out in the utility and all role players were activated whereby five Lesotho Nationals were caught in the act digging up and skinning copper cables.
The suspects, Mokhele Mokhele (21), Tshwarelo Moloi (32), Makato Motsepa (41), Machabe Nkhere (27) and Johannes Twala (57) were arrested and then denied bail from their first day in court until their fate was decided on 27 September 2023.
Mokhele was sentenced to 15 years direct imprisonment whilst Moloi, Motsepa, Nkhere and Twala were each sentenced to 10 years direct imprisonment for the damage to essential infrastructure.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has indicated that the sentence handed down to the five will hopefully serve as a deterrence to others who might consider engaging in similar offences of damaging to the country’s essential infrastructure.
LARGE QUANTITY OF ALCOHOL CONFISCATED FROM AN ALLEGED ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT WHO ALLEGEDLY SOLD LIQUOR INSIDE A SPAZA SHOP
Nelspruit: 02 October 2023 – A Somali National in his early 20’s was arrested during Operation Shanela for allegedly selling liquor inside a Spaza Shop in Standerton. Approximately 332,69 litres of alcohol valued at about R20 000 was confiscated on Saturday 30 September 2023.
During the operation, police noticed suspicious movements and gatherings at this premises which also operated as a tuckshop (Spaza Shop). When police investigated, it was discovered that illegal liqour trading activities were being conducted inside this premises.
The said foreign national from Somalia is alleged to be behind this whole shenanigans hence he was arrested on further verification, the astute members also discovered that he does not even have valid documentation to be in South Africa hence a charge for contravention of the Immigration Act was laid against him in addition to the one of selling liquor without a licence. The investigators are working in conjunction with the Department of Home Affairs pertaining to his status in the country.
During the same operation, three other people were issued with fines for contravention of the Road Traffic Act.
The man who was arrested for illegal liquor trade will appear at the Standerton Magistrate’s Court today, Monday 02 October 2023 facing the outlined charges.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela said more liquor outlets will be closely monitored following the spade of fatal shooting incidents that were experienced, emanating from liquor outlets in the province.
RHINO POACHER GETS ANOTHER JAIL SENTENCE AFTER BEING REQUISITIONED FROM CORRECTIONAL CENTRE TO STAND TRIAL
Nelspruit: 02 October 2023 – The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has welcomed a well-deserving sentence imposed upon a poacher by the name of Lucky Mabunda (43). The accused was sentenced by the Skukuza Regional Court on Thursday, 28 September 2023 during the time he was serving another sentence of 18 years at the Correctional Centre, a sentence imposed upon him back in September 2019.
On 25 February 2019, Mabunda together with two of his accomplices got inside the Kruger National Park. On that day, Field Rangers came across human footprints and then realized that there were possibly people who had entered the Park illegally. The Rangers began to trace these individuals and it was not long before they found the accused together with Albazino Mandlanzi (41) and Vasco Nazovela (39).
The three were caught in possession of an unlicensed firearm (hunting rifle) with ammunition. As a norm in the Police, whenever firearms are confiscated from suspects, ballistic testing is conducted to determine whether the weapons were used in the commission of crime elsewhere. This incident too, was not an exception. A rhinoceros was also found shot and killed at the Malelane Section of the Kruger National Park.
The accused was charged accordingly and taken to court where he pleaded guilty. In September 2019, Mabunda was sentenced to an effective 18 years imprisonment which was handed down as follows:
one (01) year imprisonment for trespassing in the National Park, 15 years imprisonment for possession of a prohibited firearm (as the firearm had no serial numbers). He was further sentenced to two (02) years imprisonment for unlawful possession of ammunition. The sentences were not running concurrently.
Meanwhile, his two accomplices, Albazino Mandlanzi (41) and Vasco Nazovela (39) were convicted and then sentenced to a total of six (06) years imprisonment each with an option of a fine (which they both opted for) to a total of R30 000 each for similar counts faced by Mabunda who previously had similar convictions before, unlike his counterparts.
Whilst he was serving his 18-year sentence, ballistic results came back from the laboratory, pointing out to Mabunda as the one who used a hunting rifle (which was seized in February 2019) to kill the rhinoceros, the carcass thereof found at Malelane Section.
As a result, Mabunda was requisitioned from the Correctional Centre and brought to court to face the music after being charged with killing the rhinoceros. Mabunda again pleaded guilty on this charge hence he was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has further thanked the SANPARKS team, including the Field Rangers, the Investigation team, the Prosecution team, and the Judiciary for their collaborative efforts which culminated in this enormous sentence.
