68 NABBED FOR ILLEGAL MINING, OTHER FACE HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND POSSESSION OF UNLICENSED FIREARMS WITH AMMUNITION
17 September 2023 – Police in the province are working tirelessly to fight illegal mining and as a result, 68 male suspects aged between 19 and 54 were arrested in connection with illegal mining activities. Amongst them, two were nabbed for human trafficking meanwhile two others were charged for possession of unlicensed firearms with ammunition whilst eight (08) were nabbed for alleged kidnapping. The successes are part of Operation Shanela in the Province which was carried out at Sabie on Saturday, 16 September 2023. All arrested suspects are facing charges in relation to contravention of the immigration act of South Africa.
According to the report, the operation was conducted by a team consisting of members of the Police from Provincial Organised Crime, members from Sabie Vispol, members from the Local Criminal Record Centre in Lydenburg, Lydenburg K-9 Unit, Department of Home Affairs, Department of Minerals and resources, personnel from Emergency Medical Services (EMS), guards from Phoenix Security and Amandla Security.
An operation was carried out after a victim from Lesotho came to the Sabie Police Station last month (August 2023) to report a case of kidnapping.
An investigation was thoroughly conducted then after information was gathered, the team coordinated as well as executed a sting operation in the early hours of Saturday (17 September 2023).
When members arrived at the site, they managed to arrest the alleged illegal miners, well-known as ‘ZamaZamas’ where two firearms with ammunition were found amongst the suspects.
The astute members also nabbed the eight that are suspected to have been behind the kidnapping of the Lesotho national. In fact, a preliminary investigation by the Police revealed that two of the suspects are allegedly involved in some dodgy dealings of trafficking people from Lesotho and using them for illegal mining in the Sabie area. The two are faced with charges of human trafficking for now. More charges could possibly be added against them as the investigation continues. The investigators are adamant that there could be more criminal activities that these men might be involved in however the probe is underway whereby other stakeholders are positively assisting to ensure that the law takes its course.
The confiscated firearms will surely undergo ballistic testing to determine whether they were not used previously in the commission of crime.
The suspects are expected to appear at the Sabie Magistrate’s Court tomorrow, Monday 18 September 2023 facing the said charges.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has expressed her gratitude for the outstanding work that has been done by the collaborative team. “We are very much glad that, not only were a huge number of suspects arrested but two firearms were discovered. The issue of illegal mining is a concern in our country and we are happy that the public can see that the state in conjunction with the private sector is working hard to address the challenge, hence this success, ” said the General.
Police urge anyone with any information on Crime to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Mr. Vusi Shongwe has lauded the police in the province for bringing to book 68 suspects linked to illegal mining activities in and around Sabie.
“We applaud the police under the sterling leadership of Provincial Commissioner, Lt.General Semakaleng Manamela, for their relentlessness in eradicating crime in our province. With their determination, our communities will become safer, and they should not be dispirited by high levels of crime,” Shongwe says.
He also acknowledged other stakeholders in the operation. This includes departments of Home Affairs, Minerals and Energy Affairs, as well as two security companies in the area.
The MEC enjoins communities to work side by side with the police by providing information that will assist in solving and preventing crime.
He is further cautioning people to refrain from illegal mining activities.
“While we understand that unemployment rate is high especially among young people,, we will not allow unregulated and dangerous illegal mining activities to thrive in the province. It is not deadly that is why those who get caught must be subjected to lengthy jail terms,” he says.
The MEC also mentions that the country does not have a problem with foreign nationals, but when they come here, he insists that such individuals should comply with all the laws of the Republic.
“We are concerned with some foreign nationals who enter the country illegally and go on to be involved in criminal activities such as illegal mining and human trafficking. Our police should continue to work tirelessly to reign in on criminals whether they are locals or not in order to protect the country and its citizens,” says the MEC.
Sasol Grip and Rip Rugby suffered a humiliating 69 – 8 defeat at the hands of Northam Rugby.
The day promised to be a game of good rugby but alas this was not to be. It is with great disappointment that I write my opinion piece about the slaughter that happened on Saturday. It is also with great emotional control that I write this article.
How could a team with such talent and potential, such HEART abandon their spirit to suffer such a defeat? It is perhaps good that I waited a day before writing, emotions would have tainted my report and opinion. Please see this article as my opinion and may not be the same for other supporters.
We, as Sasol Grip and Rip rugby supporters became accustomed to dominating Mpumalanga that we might be forgiven for thinking that we are the best in South Africa. Well, Saturday’s game clearly shows that we still have a long way to go.
Even though I am very disappointed I will not stop supporting Sasol Secunda and believe that we will learn from the past game. But enough about disappointments, let me report on the game. It will not be a friendly read I’m afraid but one that needs to be done.
Sasol took an early lead of 3 – 0 when they converted a penalty
Scrums
Sasol normally dominated every scrum that they did with very few exceptions. Northam Rhinos, however, continually pushed back the strong Sasol Scrum. The Rhinos managed to secure a tighthead or two and spoiled several of the Sasol throw-ins. This placed tremendous pressure on the scrumhalf and flyhalf.
Ssol Scrum struggling
Lineouts
Oh, what to say about the lineouts? The Rhinos dominated the lineouts from the word go. Sasol struggled to find the jumpers resulting in Rhinos stealing the ball before the Sasol jumpers. When the ball was on target, the Rhinos used their forwards effectively to make it very difficult for Sasol to secure clean balls. Sasol could not secure balls on the Rhinos’ throws. The Rhinos drove forward with their front eight pushing Sasol onto their backfoot on nearly every lineout. Sasol was penalised for taking the feet out from under a jumper, something that has never happened that I can recall.
Rhinos securing a Sasol throw-in
Mauls/Breakdowns
The rhinos dominated the mauls and breakdowns, securing a lot of Sasol’s balls. They were quicker on the loose balls and secured many of Sasol’s balls. The Rhinos managed to push Sasol back on most of the mauls, driving forward with determination and creating opportunities for the backline.
Backline attacks
The backline did not play with the flair that we became accustomed to from Sasol over the years. Only a handful of attacks were worthy of mention. Seldom did we see the handling that was so good in their previous game against Rustenburg Platinum that one had to wonder if a completely new team was on the field. Excitement was high, with the few supporters that made it to the game when the ball was passed to the wings. But alas the penetrating skills were not there.
Defence
I am going to discuss the defence by Sasol as a team as I think that it would be fair. The Rhinos managed to run circles around Sasol. But let’s discuss the way they played man-on-man. The Rhinos managed to bump off most of the frontal tackles made by Sasol. Something not seen often. It took Sasol more than one player to bring the Rhinos player down. This poor defence was seen made by nearly all of Sasol’s players.
The backline attacks by the Rhinos were simply amazing, once they attacked the Sasol backline, they became very difficult to stop, just as Sasol did in their last game. I can only surmise that Sasol gave up on winning long before running onto the field.
The Rhinos’ back would cut the defences like a hot knife through butter. One movement, that was clearly well-practiced, had an attacking player catch the ball from an inside pass and run through the whole Sasol team to score his try.
Penalty kick-off against Sasol
The poor performance of Sasol as a team overshadowed the courageous efforts of a small handful of players.
There were a few injuries on the field. Two from both sides
Two Rhino players collided. One player was uncontious for a long timeKyle sufferd a light neck injury
Sasol managed a pushover try from a lineout and one penalty was converted.
This game should now be seen as history and all lessons learned in this competition should be taken to the drawing board.
I am very confident that Sasol will not let this game affect their future plans, and I am sure that they will bounce back.
There will be more competitions such as this one and I am sure that Sasol will continue to feature in them. I am also sure that Sasol Secunda Rugby will only grow and continue to be a force to be reckoned with.
THREE SUSPECTS TO APPEAR IN STANDERTON MAGISTRATE’S COURT FOR POSSESSION OF DRUGS
Standerton 15 September 2023 – Three suspects were arrested in Standerton CBD yesterday for possession of substances believed to be drugs.
Standerton police were conducting regular stop and search operations when three suspects aged between 25 and 31 years were found with the substances in different areas of the town.
A total of 23 sachets of a substance believed to be Nyaope and ten sachets of a substance believed to be Crystal Meth were seized for further investigation.
All three suspects are expected to appear before the Standerton Magistrate’s Court today.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela made a call to community members to work hand in gloves with the police to curb drug circulation in the society. “Drug peddlers are destroying our communities hence we call on members of the public to partner with law enforcement agencies in the fight against drug trafficking,” said the General.
Police urge anyone with any information on Crime to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
THE HIDDEN DANGERS OF GIVING ANIMALS AWAY FOR FREE
In the world of animal welfare and pet ownership, there exists a “well-intentioned” but often overlooked practice that can lead to unforeseen consequences for our furry companions and the humans who open their homes to them. It’s the act of giving animals away for free, a seemingly generous gesture that, more often than not, conceals a host of concerns and challenges. While the intention behind such acts may be “innocent”, the reality is far more complex. When you give animals away for free or sell them to strangers, you play Russian Roulette with the lives of sentient beings.
Facebook doesn’t allow the selling of animals on their platform, but unfortunately, they don’t seem to have a problem with free animals. There is a local group that promotes free animals. Most of us in animal welfare get blocked there. When I recently engaged with one of their admins via messenger, asking if they understood what they were doing, this individual responded with: “People want to sell them, and she is just keeping order in the group and being an admin.” She also has the mentality that if it is not against the law so, it is acceptable. Something doesn’t have to be illegal to be immoral, dangerous or unethical.
In this article, we delve into the hidden pitfalls of giving animals away without a “price tag”. Your intentions might be considered well-meaning, but here we will share some reasons why anyone who actually cares should seriously reconsider “free to good home” ads!
NOT A GOOD HOME, BUT A GOOD PLACEMENT
Our biggest challenge in an overwhelmed animal welfare system is the massive overpopulation crisis fuelled by irresponsible owners, breeders, pet shops that sell animals, those who give them away for free to strangers, and those who support these practices. There are not enough homes for every domestic animal and that is why we so fiercely advocate for spay and neutering.
So, if there are not enough homes, how many good homes do you think there are? What do you consider a good home?
Sadly, a “good home” means very little in today’s society. What people don’t seem to understand, is that whether they sell, buy, give an animal away for free, or adopt, it is never just about a good home, but about a good placement for that animal. The needs of the animal should come first, always! Paying for an animal or having a big yard and money is no guarantee that they will be taken care of and loved as they deserve.
How can you guarantee it is a good home? Do you really know what we consider a good home? You most likely can’t because you are not trained to do this. Animal rescuers can share hundreds of stories about this that ended up in horror situations for those animals.
SOME REASONS WHY “FREE TO GOOD HOME” ADS ARE DANGEROUS
From the lack of screening and financial considerations to the risk of exploitation and the consequences of insufficient education, we will shed light on the concerns that surround the practice of giving animals away for free. By examining these issues, we aim to encourage a more thoughtful and responsible approach like pet adoption, one that prioritizes the welfare of animals and ensures that their new homes are loving, safe, and prepared to meet their unique needs.
Giving animals away for free can raise several concerns, both for the welfare of the animals and the people involved. Some of the main concerns include:
Giving animals away for free contributes to pet overpopulation, well more than contributes….it fuels it. In SA on a daily basis an average of 2800 (yes two zeros and yes daily) healthy animals are humanely killed because there are just not enough homes. Without responsible breeding practices and adoption fees, there may be less incentive for people to spay/neuter their pets, leading to more unwanted litters. How many of the free animals do you think are sterilized? Usually only a few exceptions and this just continues the cycle.
2. LACK OF SCREENING
When animals are given away for free, there is often minimal or no screening of potential owners. This can lead to animals being placed in homes where they may not receive proper care, or attention, or even be subjected to abuse.
Those who failed the adoption process are on the list too. Some people could not get animals through reputable shelters, so now they troll these “free to good home” posts. There is a reason that shelters reject some people, whom those who do not work in animal welfare, would consider “good homes”. So, chances are high that someone who asks for animals online, free or to buy, might have been rejected by reputable organizations already.
If these animals are not re-homed properly with home checks and sterilization, through the SPCA or reputable animal welfare organizations, these animals, countless times, end up in the wrong hands!
3. RISK OF EXPLOITATION
Free animals can be attractive to individuals who may not have the best intentions. Some people may acquire free animals with the intention of:
Reselling them for profit.
There are speculators which means the person can make a pure profit by selling these animals instead of having to care for mothers and litters. They collect the “free to good home” or buy litters only after they have found buyers.
These “free to good home” animals are targets for animal dealers too. They take these animals and also sell them for profit. They can be sold to other people as pets, to breeders, puppy mills, for animal trades like skin or for racing, as security animals, and to laboratories for animal testing to mention a few. Some call them “flippers”. Trailers full of dogs and other animals are found at borders and other places by authorities.
Using them for illegal purposes.
Dog fighters may take the power breeds to use in fights and bait dogs (other breeds and species including cats) can easily be obtained through these adverts and used in fights too. Bait animals are used for sparring and building up aggression of the pedigree or power breed, like a pre-show for the main event. Some take these animals to abuse them, to rape them, to offer them as sacrifices (yes, we have witches that live in our community).
Used as food. In some cases, these animals are used as food for humans and other animals.
Animal dealers troll these ads too and are “experts” when it comes to fooling most. They pretend to care for the animals in front of you and if you are not trained to spot them, like those who work in animal welfare, you will be fooled and an animal will pay the price. There are literally animal brokers who will meet you at a different house or even have a fake Facebook profile where it looks like they love animals.
4. FINANCIAL CAPABILITY
Owning a pet comes with various expenses, including food, veterinary care, grooming, and more. If someone cannot afford to adopt a pet, they may struggle to provide for the animal’s needs, potentially leading to neglect or abandonment.
5. LACK OF COMMITMENT
People who acquire pets for free may not be as committed to their care as those who invest time and money for adoption, not that it is a guarantee either. This can result in impulsive buying, with some owners giving up on the animal when they no longer want the responsibility.
6. HEALTH AND SAFETY CONCERNS
Free animals may not have received necessary vaccinations, veterinary care, or proper socialization. This can lead to health and behavioural problems for the animal and potential risks to other pets and humans in the community.
7. LACK OF EDUCATION
When animals are given away without any educational resources or support, new owners may not have the knowledge and skills needed to care for the pet properly. This can result in behaviour problems and animal suffering.
To address these concerns, many animal welfare organizations and shelters charge adoption fees and conduct thorough screening processes to ensure that animals are placed in responsible, loving homes. These fees help cover the costs of care and can act as a barrier to impulsive or ill-prepared adopters, ensuring a better quality of life for the animals. Additionally, providing educational resources and support to new pet owners can help ensure the well-being of the animals and reduce the risk of abandonment or neglect.
WHERE DOES“FREE TO GOOD HOME” STOCK COME FROM?
Free to good home “stock” usually comes from backyard breeders, irresponsible owners, or those who do not want animals anymore because it is inconvenient for them. Someone in a difficult situation, the very few exceptions, will do re-homing through a responsible organization.
The “buying price” is but a small expense compared to their care by a responsible pet guardian (owner). Usually, the veterinary bill for first vaccinations, de-worming, tick and flea treatment, and sterilization will fall on the new owner and this will remain an expense during the animal’s lifespan. If you are at all a responsible pet owner you will need to pay for sterilization as well as spend on proper food, toys, and shelter in addition to securing your yard properly. All this will easily be more than R2000! Do you think someone who asks for free animals will do the above? Can you guarantee they will?
Yes, we don’t support selling and yes, we don’t support “free to good home”, so what do we support? ADOPT DON’T SHOP! Adoption from reputable organizations is the only kind of “trading” of animals we support and the only ethical option. These organizations will do an adoption application, home check, sterilization, adoption contract, and follow-ups. That’s responsible. Note that there are registered organizations that do not do this. Don’t support them!
Responsible adoption practices are essential for the well-being of our beloved pets. The complexities of pet ownership demand careful consideration, commitment, and financial responsibility. The fact remains that millions of animals are euthanized annually because there are just not enough homes for all the animals and even far fewer good homes.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Educate your friends and family on this topic and share our posts.
Report any such post on the social media platform and to your local welfare organizations. Facebook doesn’t allow the selling of animals, so report it too.
Spay and neuter your animals and don’t give them away for free (nor sell them).
Rehome your pets through reputable organizations if you can’t take care of them.
Please stop supporting the “free to good home” ads.
Stop supporting breeders, pet shops, and animal dealers.
Stop being mad at shelters and start blaming breeders (of any kind), irresponsible pet owners, and every single person who gives animals away for free as if they are objects and not sentient beings.
Adopt don’t shop. Adoption is the only ethical option!
Are you willing to take these risks with an animal’s life? If these people really cared about these animals, they would let them be adopted through a responsible organization because irresponsible homing hurts animals.
The act of giving animals away for free, while maybe well-intentioned, can lead to a myriad of problems that impact the welfare of both animals and humans. Let us strive for a future where the act of giving animals away for free is replaced by a culture of responsible and compassionate pet adoption. In doing so, we can create a world where every animal enjoys the love, security, and respect it truly deserves. By uniting our efforts, we can pave the way for a brighter and more humane future for pets and their human companions alike.
Next week we will look at a cat “problem” many complain about on social media.
Deur Alma Swart. Klik HIER om die oorspronklike plasing te lees
Noudat die winter uiteindelik sy kloue losmaak en lente vrolik neurie, kan die polsende opgewondenheid in die lug gevoel word. Nou is die tyd om die winterkombers af te gooi en die oorgang van die seisoen te geniet. Kom ons kyk na ʼn paar opsies wat by Lake Umuzi en die dorp van Secunda vir ons wag.
Lake Umuzi Waterfront eish!! Familie restaurantse Bokpark het die regte atmosfeer om jou as rugbyondersteuner in die regte luim te hou tot die eindstryd. Hier kan jy jou span ondersteun saam met vriende en mede-landgenote. eish!! maak ook elke Saterdagaand sy dansvloer oop met musiek vir elke smaak. Op die eish!! verhoog is gereeld ʼn sanger wat sorg dat die gehoor op hul voete bly. Saterdag 16 September is ditBarthose beurt. Wanneer daar nie ʼn sangkunstenaar optree nie, word musiek oor die luidsprekers gespeel wat sorg dat die week se roes van stywe spiere afgeskoffel kan word.
Na twee suksesvolle jare hetMvua Wellness Spa uit sy nate gebars en ʼn tweede vloer is ingerig. ʼn Groter verskeidenheid van behandelings kan nou deur kundige en professionele terapeute aangebied word. Klik hier vir die kontak besonderhede.
Alhoewel die knus gevoel van onder ʼn kombers sit met ʼn bakkie sop en glas wyn, nie te versmaai is nie, is dit nou tyd om die donsies af te borsel en die aandlug in te asem. Die verskeidenheid van restaurante op die Lake Umuzi Waterfront sal verseker dat enige smaak en gier bevredig word.
Die Bosveld Lapa gebou het ʼn splinternuwe baadjie aangestrek, en spog nou met ʼn nuwe toevoeging tot restaurante. Justino’s, spesialiseer in Portugese en Mosambiekse cuisine. Moet egter nie dink dit eindig daar nie.
Hennie’sis welbekend as kuierplek onder jonk en oud en binnekort is ook hierdie kuierplek se deure oop op die Waterfront in Secunda. Buiten genoemde is daar ook nog ander restaurante waaruit die kieskeurige eter kan kies. Dus het jy geen verskoning om nie jou honger en dors by Lake Umuzi te kom les nie.
Vir die mense wat nie kan wag om die son op die wintervelle te voel nie is die goeie nuus dat Aquazone Waterpark die 23ste September weer oopmaak na ʼn winterslaap. Let op dat die waterpark wel 23, 24 en 25 September oop is van 10:00 tot 17:00 en daarna elke Saterdag en Sondag dieselfde tye. Aquazone waterpark sal weer skoolvakansies elke dag oop wees waar van vroeg tot laat baljaar kan word.
Vir die buitelugliefhebber is daar ʼn spik-splinter-skoon en moderne kampterrein. Kamp Oase is langs die meer geleë met grasbedekte kampplekke en twee swembaddens. ʼn Buite swembad asook een binnehuis. Bring jou visstok, kampstoel en koelboks en ontsnap van alles om jou. Terwyl die mans langs die meer ontspan kan die vrouens vir ʼn pamperlangsessie by Mvua Spa gaan. Vir die kleingoed onder 1.3 m is Carnival Square, die veilige binnehuise speelplek om te wees. En, vanaand wanneer die son sak, en die gesin is bymekaar, steek die braaivure aan en ervaar algehele rustigheid met die aandgeluide om jou.
Op dieselfde perseel as die restaurante is daar ook genoeg vir die avontuurlustige jongmens, oumens, kind en kraai te doen. Van laserspeletjies, rotsklim, aksiesport, of ʼn 18 putjie avontuurgolfbaan (Putt-Putt) en meer. Of besoek die brouery waar jy met ʼn varsgebroude bier kan ontspan.
Dwaal tussen die kuns in die kunsgalery rond en bewonder die talent van ons eie Suid Afrikaanse kunstenaars. Jy is ook welkom om in te skakel by een van die kunsklasse wat naweke aangebied word deur professionele kunstenaars.
September is nie net lente-maand nie, maar ook trou-maand. Hiervoor het jy die gebruik van die romantiese glaskas byBoesies nodig. Die bekwame span van Boesies sorg dat jou spesiale dag vir altyd met ʼn glimlag onthou sal word.
Ander dinge om te doen die maand van September in Secunda. Slegs ʼn klipgooi van Lake Umuzi, is Graceland Hotel, Casino and Country Club,waar jy ʼn rondte of twee gholf kan speel. Bring jou gholfstokke en toets jou slaanvernuf op een van die beste gholfbane in Mpumalanga.
Een van die groot gebeurtenisse in Secunda, en iets wat Lake Umuzi na aan die hart lê, is die jaarlikseMariki Mark vanaf 22 tot 26 September. Dit is ʼn geldinsamelings-inisiatief van Marietjie skool vir leergestremde kinders. Hierdie jaar bied die Mariki Mark ook ‘n Mariki MAAK projek aan, waar jy elke dag aan ʼn kuns aktiwiteit kan deelneem. Alle inligting is op hul facebook-blad Mariki Mark, of kontak die skool direk op 017 631 1474 vir meer inligting en besprekings.
Net om alles vinnig saam te vat: Soos winter sy aflosstok oorgee aan lente, het dit tyd geword om met nuwe energie die dae aan te pak. As jy hou van die buitelug, visvang en swem, of van die meer avontuurlustige uitdagings, soos rotsklim, en gholf, of net ʼn rustige aand met vriende en goeie kos en drankies, is daar iets vir jou by Lake Umuzi Waterfront in Secunda. Skud die winter af en huppel die lente in met nuwe hoop, sprankel en energie. Vir alle inligting en navrae:www.lakeumuzi.co.za
Meer oor Alma Swart
Alma Swart is ʼn entoesiastiese aspirantskrywer wat enkele kortverhale gepubliseer het. Haar agtergrond strek van dramaprojekte met tieners vir die gewilde fliek Klein Karoo asook die betrokkenheid by feesbeplanning vir die KKNK en InniBos. Deesdae is sy deel van die Lake Umuzi feesspan waar haar passie vir beplanning en mense uitgeleef kan word.
Sasol in partnership with Gert Sibande TVET College has the following Skills programme opportunities available for unemployed youth within the Govan Mbeki Municipality:
Basic Solar Installation.
Basic House Wiring.
Submit your application at Skills Academy, Standerton.
Closing Date: 22 September 2023
Applicants must
Be South African citizens
be between the age of 18 – 35 years
be unemployed
not have a criminal record
Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply
Required documents
Curriculum Vitae
Certified Identity Document Copy
Certified relevant qualification copy
Certified identity document of parent or guardian (under 18)
Please clearly indicate the programme you are applying for on your Curriculum Vitae
Closing Date: 22 September 2023
For more information, please contact Gert Sibande TVET College Skills Acadamy
Sasol Secunda Grip and Rip Rugby beat Rustenburg Impalas by a huge margin.
The first match for the Homeboys turned out a brilliant one. Sasol Secunda Grip and Rip Thrashed Rustenburg Impala 58-17.
Dwayne Lake
Several teams that played so far had large margins and made their intentions known but Sasol’s effort could be rated as the one of the loudest. Other teams will take note.
Both teams appeared jittery, especially at the start of the game. Handling errors were everywhere.
Steyn vd Heever
The Impalas scored the first try, it looked as if Sasol would have their hands full. The first try was within 10 minutes of the start of the game.
Sasol continued to pressure Rustenburg only to have poor handling spoil the efforts. It might have been a bit of over-eagerness, but the poor handling reared its head far too often. I am sure that the coaching team will give a lot of attention to this area.
Theuns Kruger
The home team continued to stamp their authority on the game with increasing confidence.
The lineouts were well controlled by Sasol with not too many loose balls. Rustenburg struggled to control their lineouts and lost a few to the home team.
Rustenburg proved no match for the bigger and heavier Sasol scrum. Sasol used their size and weight advantage well to push the Rustenburg scrum backwards, spoiling the ball for the visitors.
The Sasol forwards played well as a group and dominated in the loose as well, although Rustenburg managed to secure several turnover balls.
While I criticize the handling at times of both teams, I must commend the keen eyes of the home team. They intercepted Rustenburg’s balls on several occasions. Two intercepts turned into tries.
The backs of both sides tried to create opportunities, but Sasol proved to be the best at this. Once they started running, they attacked with determination. I would say that the ball could have been send down the line a bit quicker as the ball carriers ran into the tackles, but I have learned through the years that the best player always sit on the side. It looks so easy from the side but on the field, you have to make split decisions, Players don’t have the luxury of overthinking moves like I do and then I still air my own view. So, I am not sure why the ball was not passed earlier, but in my view, at least one possible try was lost when the visitors caught Sasol with the ball.
Now while the comments above might sound negative, I have to commend both teams on playing some spectacular rugby. It was a clean game with not many tempers flaring. We as journalists or photographers sometimes must wash our ears from all the swearing on the field. This time it was not so. Both teams came to play rugby. Unfortunately for Rustenburg, they were outplayed by Sasol in all aspects of the game.
Some exciting runs were made by both backlines but mostly by Sasol. Once the backline started running it was excitement all the way.
Several players from Sasol played outstanding games. It would be difficult to single out players, but I would be remiss if I did not mention the outstanding efforts by Dwayne Lake (who unfortunately sustained a serious ankle injury), Steyn vd Heever, Dalton Smit, Theuns Kruger and Mervin Gilbert, who were called up as a replacement.
Mervin even bulldozed the ref out of the way when he used his big body to ram through a wall of defenders. Dwayne intercepted the ball twice when Rustenburg passed it around the scrum. He scored from one such an intercept.
Sasol has a slogan that reads HEART. They played with heart and as a team to beat the defending champions comprehensively.
Well done Sasol Secunda Grip and Rip Rugby!
You made us proud today. It would have been great to have seen more spectators on the pavilions, but we are in the middle of a shutdown and it might have contributed to the low supporters turnout.
Keep following the Bulletin to be updated on the Gold Cup Campaign by Sasol.
MPUMALANGA: Aletta Caroline Scrooby (52) was found guilty and sentenced by the Middelburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Thursday, 7 September 2023 for fraud. It was reported that during April 2018, Scrooby visited Scania company in Middelburg with the allegation that she was the owner of Phakamisa Logistics, awarded a transport contract in one of the mines and requested for quotation of 90 G460 Scania trucks. She then sent fraudulent proof of payment to Scania with an amount of R 1 724 885-00.
It was then discovered that the accused used a vat registration number for the known client of Scania and the money she alleged to have paid in their account was never reflected.
Aleta Caroline Scrooby (52)
The matter was reported to the Hawks Middelburg-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation for further investigation. During the investigation, the accused was linked with the crime. The investigation was finalized and the matter was brought before the Court. The accused was arrested and released on bail.
She attended court on several occasions and after the investigation was concluded the accused pleaded guilty and was convicted. The accused was sentenced as follows: Six (6) years imprisonment wholly suspended for 5 years on condition that the accused is not convicted of fraud or a similar verdict on the charge of fraud which is committed during the period of suspension. Acting Provincial Head of the Hawks, Brigadier Gregory Gaillard applauded the investigating team and prosecution authority for ensuring that justice prevailed.
Police urge anyone with any information on Crime to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
Pieter is in Graad 10 en speel vir die Eerstespan. Hy het tot dusver in 2023 in 12 wedstryde 1000 lopies aangeteken. Dit sluit ‘ n dubbele honderdtal ( nie uit nie) in teen HTS Witbank asook hondertalle teen HTS Middelburg, Fichardtpark en Transvalia. Pieter was ook nie met een van hierdie beurte uit nie. Verder spog hy ook met vyftigtalle teen Ligbron, Secunda, Middelburg en Cambridge.
Sy kolfgemiddeld? ‘n Ongelooflike 166.66!
Kleinboet Johan is in graad 8. Hy het self ‘n skitterende gemiddeld van 48.88 en het reeds 391 lopies aangeteken in 11 wedstryde. Dit sluit in 154(nie uit nie) teen Secunda B, 60 teen Rustenburg en 75 ( nie uit nie) vs John Vorster.
Johan was ook lid van die Hoogies se O/14- rugbyspan wat vanjaar die Noordvaal kompetisie gewen het.
Pieter en Johan, baie geluk met uitsonderlike prestasies.
