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.
ACCUSED FOUND GUILTY AND SENTENCED TO EIGHT YEARS DIRECT IMPRISONMENT FOR CORRUPTION
MPUMALANGA- Martin Mandla Mlotshwa (61), was found guilty and sentenced by the Bethal Regional Court on Friday, 29 September 2023 for Corruption.
MARTIN MANDLA MLOTSWA (61)
The sentence followed after a lengthy investigation conducted by the Hawks’ Middelburg-based Serious Corruption Investigation Unit.
It is alleged that on 02 July 2017, Mr Mlotswa, employed by Sead Public Clinic in Emzinoni Bethal, demanded gratification from the patient who came to the clinic for termination of pregnancy services.
The male nurse introduced himself as Mr Sithole, and he told the patient that the services that she required would not be possible because the pregnancy was already at 12 weeks.
He then told the patient that if she could pay him R700 gratification, he could assist her.
The arrangement was made for the money to be paid.
The matter was reported to the police and further transferred to the Hawks for further investigation.
An undercover operation was authorized and executed, and the accused was arrested upon receipt of the gratification money.
During further investigation, it was established that the real surname of the nurse was not Sithole but Mlotswa.
Mlotswa appeared in court on several occasions until the matter was finalized.
On Friday, 29 September 2023, the accused was found guilty and sentenced to eight years of direct imprisonment by the Bethal Regional Court.
The Provincial Head of the Hawks applauded the Investigation team for their excellent investigation, which led to the appropriate sentence. He congratulated the prosecution on the proper sentence handed over to the accused. This will send a stern message to government and private citizens to refrain from corruption, no matter how small as it might just land you behind bars for a lengthy time!
In an effort to drive Sasol’s ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) strategic approach, Sasol President and CEO, Fleetwood Grobler, together with his executive leadership team hosted a group of investors, analysts and members of the media at the Sasol Secunda Recreation Club for a two-day interactive session.
The meeting took place on Thursday and Friday.
The objective of this session was to allow these key stakeholders to experience Sasol’s operating environment which included an underground mining tour as well as a site tour of its Secunda’s Operations.
Some of the topics discussed on Day 1 were around Sasol’s:
commitment to ZERO Harm
update on Mining operations
operational resilience through business reset
progress on its 2030 sustainability roadmap
This is in line with Sasol’s ongoing commitment to building open, transparent, and constructive relationships and engaging all key stakeholders in a professional, courteous and timely manner.
WHY YOU SHOULDN’T SUPPORT THE CIRCUS AND WHAT YOU ARE TEACHING YOUR KIDS IF YOU DO.
The circus has long been a source of entertainment for families around the world, promising a magical experience filled with wonder and excitement. However, beneath the colourful facade and dazzling performances lies a troubling reality that has sparked growing concerns over the years. This article aims to shed light on why parents should consider alternatives to traditional circuses, with a particular focus on the ethical issues surrounding the exploitation of animals for human entertainment.
As society becomes increasingly aware of animal welfare issues, public opinion has shifted away from supporting circuses that use animals. Many countries and cities have implemented bans or restrictions on the use of animals in circuses in response to these concerns. By attending such circuses, parents inadvertently support practices that are widely seen as outdated and unethical.
People tend to not think about the “behind the scenes” and the welfare aspect of the animals when they go to enjoy the circus. No matter what the owners tell you and whether you think they are pampered or not, ANIMALS DO NOT BELONG IN THE CIRCUS. I wouldn’t trust anything from someone who thinks it is acceptable to exploit animals anyway. It is what you can’t see that is the problem!
REASONS TO NOT SUPPORT THE CIRCUS!
BORN IN CAPTIVITY & LACK OF OPPORTUNITY FOR NATURAL BEHAVIOUR.
One of the most distressing ethical concerns surrounding animals in circuses is the lack of freedom to exhibit natural behaviours and forcing them to do unnatural tricks. Wild animals, such as elephants, big cats, and bears, have evolved over millennia to thrive in their natural environments, engaging in activities like roaming vast territories, hunting, socializing, and caring for their young. In the circus, these fundamental behaviours are stifled, as animals are downgraded to confined spaces and compelled to perform unnatural tricks. This not only leads to physical and psychological distress but also fundamentally deprives these creatures of the right to be themselves.
Elephants, lions, tigers, and chimpanzees for example, naturally social creatures, suffer in circuses where they’re separated from their mothers at a young age and isolated from their natural behaviours and environment. These performances force them into unnatural acts, like tigers leaping through fire or elephants balancing on their heads. The circus takes these animals far from their natural habitats and disrupts their social structures, resulting in behavioural and health issues stemming from the captivity they endure.
These animals, of which many are inherently wild, deserve to live in their natural habitats, and not be forced to entertain audiences with unnatural behaviour to make money for the owners.
TRAVEL, CHAINED & CAGED WITH LITTLE SPACE
While on the road, circus animals endure harsh conditions, often crammed into filthy, sweltering, and poorly ventilated tractor trailers. In one of these trucks, an elephant named Heather tragically succumbed to heat exhaustion. Outside of training and performances, these animals spend most of their lives confined in chains or small cages. Circus animals, during the average 48-week circus tour, have limited space, just enough to stand and turn around. This starkly contrasts with their wild counterparts, such as elephants that roam up to 195 km per day, underscoring the stark difference between their cruel circus life and their natural habitat.
This constant travel can have severe physical and psychological effects on the animals. They are frequently confined to small cages or trailers for extended periods, leading to muscle atrophy, joint problems, and stress-related health issues. Additionally, the long journeys between performances can disrupt their natural sleep patterns and routines, further exacerbating their stress and discomfort.
For parents concerned about the well-being of animals, recognizing the toll that this nomadic lifestyle takes on them should be an additional reason to avoid circuses that use animals.
MENTAL HEALTH & PHYSICAL LONG-TERM DISABILITIES
Wild animals in circuses endure extreme stress due to the disruptive circus environment, including blaring music, cheering crowds, and disorienting lights. They suffer through transportation, training, and performances in cramped spaces, leading to stress-related illnesses, depression, anxiety, and frustration stemming from unnatural behaviours and social isolation. These prolonged conditions can result in abnormal behaviours like swaying, head-bobbing, and incessant pacing, sometimes even self-harm. Circus animals are denied essential elements of their lives, such as running, playing, and socializing without a schedule to perform. In moments of overwhelming stress, some have been known to go on rampages, causing property damage, injuries, and even deaths, with the animals often paying the ultimate price.
The sensory overload in circus environments, including blaring music, flashing lights, and overwhelming smells, can have a profoundly distressing impact on the animals involved, whether you are used to it or not. These heightened sensory stimuli can induce stress and anxiety. The constant exposure to unnatural scents, such as paint, food, and fuel, can overwhelm their highly sensitive senses, further contributing to their discomfort and disorientation.
For parents concerned about the well-being of animals, the harsh sensory environment of circuses serves as another compelling reason to choose alternative, animal-free entertainment options that prioritize the mental and emotional health of these animals.
In addition to the above, the captive state that these poor animals experience, often leads to shorter lifespans and physical disabilities, due to a lack of any natural exercise and the extreme daily confinement. Joint problems are particularly common among elephants, lions, and tigers as they would naturally roam over distances, something that circus animals never get to experience.
THE DARK SIDE OF TRAINING
Circus animals’ training is often misrepresented, creating a false image that they perform willingly. Behind closed doors, investigators have documented trainers’ use of brutal tools like bullhooks, whips, and electric prods, causing injuries such as bleeding, bruising, and broken bones. Are you so naïve to think that these animals do unnatural tricks because you ask nicely? Some of these circuses often refuse voluntary entry of animals welfare authorities and have had multiple warnings given about the conditions the animals are in. Why would you do this if you have nothing to hide? Why would you need to be told how to take better care of animals, if you are in this industry for so long?
Some argue that animals in entertainment can serve as educational tools, raising awareness about different species and their conservation needs. However, this argument is contentious, as it raises questions about whether animals’ educational value justifies their captivity and potential suffering. A three-year-old can tell you a lot about a dinosaur that they have never seen in real life. I believe that education can be achieved without subjecting animals to stressful or unnatural conditions and that focusing on their conservation in the wild is more effective.
The circus perpetuates harmful stereotypes and misconceptions about these creatures, their behaviour and conservation, reinforcing the idea that animals exist for human amusement and can be used as commodities.
When a school except these free or discounted tickets, I seriously question if they are what is good for shaping my child.
Read more on why you should not support any circus that uses animals for entertainment and why these animals are prisoners for profit in the entertainment industry being exploited for human entertainment.
WHAT ARE YOU TEACHING YOUR CHILDREN WHEN YOU SUPPORT THESE EXPLOITIVE INDUSTRIES?
The decision to support or reject the use of animals for entertainment holds significant implications for the lessons we impart to our children. By choosing to support animal entertainment, we risk reinforcing notions of animals as mere commodities, potentially stifling empathy, and disconnecting them from the natural world. Such a stance can normalize the exploitation of sentient beings for amusement, teaching children that this is an acceptable part of human interaction with animals. It’s important to consider both the intended and unintended lessons they might learn.
Here are some potential lessons that supporting such practices might teach your child:
Animals as Commodities: Supporting animal entertainment can inadvertently teach children that animals are objects to be used for human enjoyment rather than sentient beings with their own needs, emotions, and rights.
Lack of Empathy & Compassion: Children may not develop a strong sense of empathy towards animals if they see them being treated as props or performers rather than beings deserving of respect and care. Parents who take their children to such circuses inadvertently endorse the suppression of natural behaviours, undermining the principles of compassion and respect for all living beings.
Disconnection from Nature: Encouraging entertainment that exploits animals might distance children from the understanding that animals are part of the natural world and ecosystems, contributing to a lack of appreciation for biodiversity and the environment. By opting for animal-free entertainment options that allow animals to live in environments that mimic their natural habitats, parents can demonstrate a commitment to preserving the dignity and inherent rights of these magnificent creatures.
Normalization of Exploitation: Children might come to see the exploitation of animals as a normal and acceptable part of human entertainment, potentially perpetuating a cycle of unethical treatment in the future.
Misunderstanding Animal Behaviour: Entertainment routines often involve animals performing behaviours that are unnatural to them. This can lead to misconceptions about animal behaviour and perpetuate stereotypes that don’t align with the animals’ true nature.
The decision to reject animal entertainment can be an opportunity to teach children about ethical considerations, critical thinking, and making informed choices based on principles and values. Ultimately, the messages you convey to your child about animal entertainment will shape their attitudes and beliefs about animals, their role in the world, and their responsibility toward them. Choosing to support ethical forms of entertainment or activities that prioritize the well-being of animals can help children develop empathy, compassion, and a deep respect for all living beings, their rights, and their dignity. The path we choose reflects our collective responsibility to nurture not only the well-being of animals but also the values we hope to pass down to the generations that follow.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Parents who are genuinely interested in educating their children about the importance of caring for animals and wildlife conservation should seek out alternative educational opportunities where what is best for the animals are the top priority. Human interaction with them, is never what is best for them!
There are so many entertaining circuses that don’t exploit animals, but use true human talents. Support them! Join a demonstration and encourage your friends and family members to shun animal circuses by sharing this information. Be an example for your kids.
In conclusion, while the circus may offer a tempting escape into a world of wonder and awe, it’s essential for parents to consider the ethical implications of their choices. The use of animals in circuses raises significant concerns about exploitation, safety, education, and changing societal values. By opting for alternative and ethical forms of entertainment and educational experiences that do not involve animal exploitation, parents can send a powerful message about the importance of compassion, empathy, and ethical responsibility to their children. In doing so, they contribute to a brighter future for both animals and the generations to come.
WATCH this short video on the sad reality of animals in captivity. Do you remember how you felt during lockdown? This is their life.
Images by The Paw Company
Your hour of fun means a lifetime of enslavement for them. Entertainment should not come at the expense of the well-being of animals and people alike. Instead, parents can choose to support circuses and entertainment options that prioritize human talent and creativity over the use and exploitation of animals.
Taking your kids to the circus is not “just for fun or innocent”, it shows a lack of compassion and understanding. When you go home, they go back into a cage and you paid for it. Captivity is not education…..don’t be captured by it.
We will fight, not until cages are comfortable, but until they are empty! Thank you to each responsible, intelligent and compassionate parents who SAY NO TO THE CIRUCS!
Next week we will look at protecting your pets from the heat.
