AfriForum wins order against Rand Water with costs
AfriForum won an order against Rand Water with costs in the Pretoria High Court today. In November 2020, Rand Water reduced the water pressure in several areas due to the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality’s inability to settle outstanding debts.
Although the water pressure was greatly reduced in several towns, parts of Bethal and Leandra were left completely without water. Residents had to get by without running water for weeks at a time.
In March 2021, AfriForum submitted an application to review the decision to lower the water pressure after the organisation determined that there was insufficient public participation in the process.
The matter was finally settled by Rand Water’s legal team after two years of delay and the decision was declared invalid and illegal by the High Court in Pretoria.
AfriForum set up emergency water points in Bethal and other affected towns to help communities if their taps ran dry. These emergency water points are filled by volunteers at no extra cost.
“AfriForum will not just stand by and watch as communities are punished as a result of the mismanagement of state organs and municipalities and we will not hesitate to act if these draconian measures were to be implemented again in other areas,” says Hennie Bekker, AfriForum’s District Coordinator in the Highveld.
ABNORMALLY LARGE WORKSHOP FABRICATED STORAGE VESSEL TRANSPORTED TO CLIENTS SITE FOR INSTALLATION
People watched as the largest tank to be transported into Sasol, a fully fabricated and Erected Tank, since the operation of Sasol Secunda in 1976, was transported into Sasol Plant.
Those residents that were living in Secunda, and some working at Sasol, will remember the days of large pieces of the plant were transported by road into the factory area.
Each one is bigger than the next, until now.
At 78 tons and a minimum of 15.8m in diameter and 17.5m in height, this would prove to be a mammoth task to transport. Everything needs to be considered. The wind, the road surface, areas to be able to turn and overhead cables. Even the congestion of traffic was considered.
The tank was supplied by WOOD PLC as the contractor with Hydra-Arc/Sky Hill as the sub-contractor. Sasol Secunda Tank Farm was the end user.
The request was submitted in 2021 already for a Budget Proposal:
Tyrone van Heerden, PMO Manager and Project Manager for Sky-Hill
“We were initially requested to submit a budgetary Proposal in May 2021,” said Tyrone van Heerden, PMO Manager and Project Manager for Sky-Hill, “At the time of providing the Original Pricing Proposal, we issued our Commercial offer in line with the original scope calling for On-Site Fabrication and Erection of the tank. We did concurrently investigate the Full fabrication and Erection of the tank at our Sky-Hill Fabrication Facilities, and the transporting of the tank undressed (Meaning no walkways and Fire Suppression Deluge System installed which would be installed onsite) to site.”
“Upon Conclusion of our Investigation, with the Contractor, we established that the cost savings were proven and significant, the feasibility of this major undertaking, the risks associated and Schedule Benefits, aligned to build the Storage tank as One Unit, as against an onsite build.” Said Tyrone
Preliminary Transport route surveys and the investigation of other similar projects showed that it was possible to transport the Storage Tank with the diameter of the tank being 13.75m in total, considering both the road limitations and Plant Congestion.
As they proved the viability of fabricating and Transporting the Storage Tank as a Single Unit and well below the Originally Priced Onsite Build, the contractors received an RFQ in Aug 2022 requesting a Commercial Offering on the revised option which was submitted in the middle of August 2022.
The order was placed at the beginning of September 2022.
The project scope included a full turnkey project with the Management, Design, Procurement of materials and sub-contractors, Fabrication, Painting / Galvanising, Transporting, and Rigging of the tank into position on site.
“Luckily, the Contractor knew our Capabilities and if we said we could do it, we would do anything in our power to reach the Contractor deliverable to the client,”
Tyrone van Heerden, PMO Manager and Project Manager for Sky-Hill
“Once the Tank is placed, and rigged into position, we were to install the walkways, platforms and install the fire Suppression deluge system. We were also required to complete the Storage Tank stand test and the Tank Gauging and Strapping’” said Tyrone.
As the transport was the biggest risk and the biggest deliverable, they needed to prove within 20 days it could be definitively done without any risks that were “show stoppers”.
The design commenced in parallel with their alternative offer proposal. They (Hydra-Arc/Sky Hill) met their deadline, and it was decided to go ahead with this option by managing the risks and establishing the Best Engineering practices to Deliver the Projecton time, In Budget and Ahead of Schedule.
“Luckily, the Contractor knew our Capabilities and if we said we could do it, we would do anything in our power to reach the Contractor deliverable to the client,” said Tyrone.
As they continued with the Project, they continued to look for opportunities to mitigate risks but also optimise their offering to the Contractor and ultimately the End User.
Photos by Liefling Photography
During one of their risk mitigation and optimisation sessions, an alternative route was identified due to another large project being underway that they were not aware of and which allowed them through an alternative access route West of the Plant with much less congestion.
This would now allow the transportation of the entire tank including the walkways, platforms and deluge system fully installed, essentially removing any construction work being required within the Primary Area of Sasol Secunda, as previously planned. This option was then taken.
“With this revised option, the fully dressed storage tank would need to be transported at a minimum of 15.8m in diameter and 17.5m in height, making this the largest tank to be transported into Sasol as a fully fabricated and Erected Tank, since the operation of Sasol Secunda in 1976.” Said Tyrone
Some technical Details on the Tank and Project are as follows (supplied by Hydra-Arc/Sky Hill:
The tank weighs 78 tons.
The total transport weight is 190 tons.
The total super lift weight is 94.2 tons with a boom radius of 45.5 meters and a boom height of 63 meters.
The Transport width of the tank will be 16.5m and the height will be 17.52m.
A USEFUL GUIDE TO SEE WHETHER YOU MEET THE CRITERIA OF A RESPONSIBLE PET OWNER.
Have you cleaned your pet’s kennel or cage today or their water and food bowl? Have you made sure to feed them and provide fresh clean drinking water before eating yourself? Have you made the effort to say hello to them today? Your animals never really got a choice as to where they end up. You chose to have them and taking care of them and meeting their every need is not something optional for responsible pet guardians. It is a privilege to share your life with an animal companion and this responsibility should not be taken lightly. We make time for things that are a priority to us…..no excuses!
Before you even get any species of animal, you need to do proper homework on their needs and the cost involved. In addition to meeting your pet’s basic needs like food, water, shelter, health and basic care, there are some extremely important rules of responsible pet ownership you need to know about to keep your pet in good health and enjoying life.
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) lists six areas of responsible pet ownership, including commitment, investment, obeying local ordinances, ensuring your dog is properly identified, limiting his or her reproduction, and preparing for emergencies and other life-changing events.
COMMIT
Avoid impulsive decisions when selecting a dog.
Select a dog that’s suited to your home and lifestyle.
Provide appropriate exercise and mental stimulation.
Properly socialize and train your dog.
Commit to the relationship for the life of your dog(s).
Keep only the type and number of dogs for which you can provide appropriate food, water, shelter, health care and companionship.
INVEST
Recognize that dog ownership requires an investment of time and money.
Make sure your dog receives preventive health care as well as care for any illnesses or injuries.
Budget for potential emergencies.
OBEY
Clean up after your dog.
Obey all local ordinances, including licensing, leash requirements and noise control.
Don’t allow your dog to stray.
IDENTIFY
Make sure your dog is properly identified (i.e., tags, microchips, or tattoos) and keep the registration up-to-date.
LIMIT
Don’t contribute to the dog overpopulation problem: limit your dog’s reproduction through sterilization, containment, or managed breeding (The Paw Company does not support any breeding while there is a massive overpopulation crisis).
PREPARE
Prepare for an emergency or disaster, including assembling an evacuation kit.
Make alternate arrangements if you can no longer provide care for your dog.
Recognize any decline in your dog’s quality of life and make timely decisions in consultation with a veterinarian.
FOUR PAWS SHARE THE FOLLOWING ON RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP
PET’S BASIC NEEDS
You are responsible for ensuring that your pet has:
the opportunity to express their natural behaviour;
healthy diet and access to fresh water;
a comfortable resting place;
regular exercise;
protection from stress, illness, and injury.
MEDICAL RESPONSIBILITY
You are responsible for ensuring that your pet gets:
annual vaccinations;
regular preventative parasitic treatment;
annual/general health checks;
nail clipping, dental checks and grooming;
vet consultation when your pet is sick/injured.
TRAINING & SOCIALIZATION
You are responsible for ensuring that your pet:
understands basic commands;
is socialized well to cope with life (other pets, people, children, noises);
receives behavioural training, when necessary, from a reputable behaviourist;
receives reward-based training and not punishment-based training;
receives mental stimulation through training and enrichment.
Also, read tips to keep your pets warm in cold weather
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
You are responsible for ensuring that your pet:
is microchipped and the details are kept up to date on the microchip database;
is kept on a leash and under control in public places;
How well do you score on our basic responsible owner test? Give yourself one point out of 10 for each yes answer.
1. Can you commit for their whole life and do they fit your lifestyle?
2. Are your pet’s vaccinations, worm and parasite treatment up-to-date?
3. Do you know and are you obeying the local laws on having pets?
4. Are your pets sterilized?
5. Are your pets safe and secure in your yard and not allowed to roam the street freely?
6. Are your pets microchipped and the chip registered and do they have a collar ID?
7. Are they on healthy weight?
8. Do you meet the enrichment needs for your pets, including, social, mental stimulation and regular exercise?
9. Does your pets have access to fresh drinking water daily and do they get the right specie appropriate food?
10. Are you prepared for an emergency and for when something happens to you – are they included in your will?
Being a responsible pet parent is about more than just these 10 points. It also means learning to pick up on your pets’ often-subtle communication cues, as well as helping your pet learn human communication signals through proper handling, socialization and training. Being a responsible pet guardian is a privilege, with responsibility and a serious commitment that takes time and energy. Commit fully, or don’t get a pet! It is that simple!
Next week we will take a look again at what to do when you lost or found an animal.
FAMILY HOUSE CONSUMED BY FIRE AFTER BROTHER ALLEGEDLY SET IT ALIGHT
Nelspruit: A 36-year-old lady was left devastated trying to figure out what her next move will be after the hard-earned family house was allegedly set alight by her younger brother on Wednesday 03 May 2023 at about 23:00.
A 33-year-old Bheki Tibane left his 36-year-old sister homeless, with only walls, broken windows and ashes which serve as memories of what was the fully furnished mansion left behind by their late parents.
According to information, the suspect Tibane from Kanyamazane township found his sister watching TV in her bedroom at home and allegedly borrowed matches.
Innocently she gave it to him, a few minutes later the sister could smell some smoke inside the house.
Upon inspecting, she found that one of the rooms was on fire. The fire spread in the whole house in such a way that it went out of control.
The shocked sister called the police whilst helplessly watching the fire consuming the house with its contents.
On arrival to attend to the complainant, police found both siblings still at home. A preliminary investigation led to the arrest of Bheki who appeared in Kabokweni Magistrate’s Court yesterday Monday 08 May 2023, and he was remanded in custody for a formal bail application scheduled for tomorrow 10 May 2023.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela called upon family members to seek for professional advice when they do not see eye to eye or identify unusual behaviours from one another to avoid unnecessary damages or loss of lives.
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.
ALLEGED RHINO POACHER FROM MOZAMBIQUE REARRESTED AT KABOKWENI
One of the most wanted suspects in rhino poaching-related cases in Mpumalanga, Odis Maluleke (47), a Mozambican National was rearrested at Kabokweni on Saturday, 06 May 2023 after police got information of his whereabouts. Thanks to the whistleblowers as well as members of the SAPS from Skukuza Stock Theft Unit who were assisted by members of the Tactical Response Team (TRT). The man is said to have been running away from facing court cases against him where he was allegedly involved in poaching.
According to the report, Maluleke was initially apprehended together with three of his fellows on 20 July 2015. The ages of the other three South African male suspects were 30, 35 and 49 at the time. It is said that when they were cornered, the four were trying to enter the Park through the Skukuza Kruger Gate and their car was searched. During the search, security guards discovered a hunting rifle, 12 live ammunition as well as an axe inside their vehicle.
The Police at Skukuza Station were immediately informed about the incident and the men and women in Blue attended the scene where the four were arrested as well as charged accordingly. Maluleke got bail of R20 000 but failed to return to court at some point whilst his fellows attended court then a warrant for his arrest was issued.
In 2019 the Police as well as SANParks officials received information about poaching. A follow-up was made and on 15 February 2019 four suspects were arrested, amongst them was Maluleke. The ages of the other three South African males arrested with Maluleke were 31, 39 and 50 by then. The three were not the ones that were apprehended with Maluleke in 2015. During the arrest, the suspects were found in possession of two rhino horns, a hunting rifle, five live ammunition, as well as a knife. All four suspects were arrested and charged accordingly.
During last their court attendances, the other three South African suspects were granted R3000 bail each. On the other hand, initially, Maluleke was not granted bail for the second time but the amount for his bail was R30 000. The suspect was expected to show up in court but he absconded again. Another warrant for his arrest was issued and the Police were in pursuit of him but fortunately, on the said Saturday he was captured again.
Maluleke appeared yesterday, 08 May 2023 at the Mhala Regional Court where his case was postponed to 18 May 2023 for further investigation meanwhile the suspect remains in custody until his appearance in the Skukuza Regional Court.
Meanwhile, the cases against other suspects that were arrested with Maluleke are still proceeding in court except for the 50-year-old male suspect who has since passed on, on 25 January 2021.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has welcomed the arrest of the suspect and the General is adamant that justice will prevail.
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.
“Change your mindset, change your future,” says Women in Mining beneficiary
Mbombela born and bred Gladys Maseko, has benefitted from Seriti’s sponsored Women in Mining programme to such an extent that she has recently opened a second branch of her business, Lady B laundry services, in Ermelo. The main branch is in eMahlahleni where she resides with her family and where her husband is a pastor at a local church. The programme has taught her that when you believe in yourself, have a clear passion and strong motivation, you will be able to open your mind to new growth and business opportunities.
Gladys Maseko
The majority of the 20 ladies on the programme are established suppliers to the Seriti Power business and they have each been running their companies for a number of years. Some of the companies have gone through difficult times during the COVID-19 pandemic and these entrepreneurs are looking for renewed success in their businesses.
Gladys said she started the business because “I wanted to create job opportunities, especially for our youth in South Africa and because I was so passionate about being a businesswoman and giving back to the community. Being a young black woman with no capital to start the business and having had no business knowledge, posed a tremendous challenge, coupled with the pressure of supporting my family while my husband went through a serious illness.”
Lady B Cleaning Services with its two employees – the name comes from the Maseko’s congregation who fondly calls her Lady Bishop – has also been struck hard by the Covid pandemic. However, being a resilient woman of faith, Gladys has grown her business to include wellness coaching and the designing of inter alia, matric farewell dresses and ‘makoti’ outfits for her clients. She learned the ropes when she approached an elderly ex-factory worker some years ago, asking him to teach her to sew and design patterns. Today she constantly receives compliments on her own fashion style which she creates herself.
Elaborating on the wellness aspect, she explains that she made a mindset change back in 2019 to reduce her dress size from 42 to an incredible size 30 this year! She now advises clients on weight loss and how to introduce healthy eating habits.
This same mindset moved her to work her way up from a cleaning/tea lady for a mining house many years ago, to that of assistant surveyor. During this time, she attended many courses and training opportunities to eventually be able to take the leap into the world of an entrepreneur, when she was confronted with retrenchment in 2015.
Gladys hopes that with this programme, which is being managed by Collective Value Creation, she will be able to expand her business and hire more people, especially less privileged women.
This remarkable businesswoman, without any formal higher education, is a living testimony of her unshakable faith in the Lord and her belief that hard work, dedication and passion will carry you through many hardships.
Seriti’s Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) programmes, aim to develop local SMMEs to create a pipeline of supply chain ready businesses that can secure procurement opportunities both inside and outside Seriti and to develop existing local suppliers and SMMEs to enable them to realise the scale and drive supplier diversity in their Supply chain.
COUNCILLOR ARRESTED FOR HOUSEBREAKING, ASSAULT AND ATTEMPTED RAPE
Voicenote by Brigadier Mohlala
A 39-year-old councillor was arrested in Kriel for housebreaking, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and attempted rape on Friday 05 May 2023.
According to information the councillor reportedly visited his friend where they had a couple of drinks. It is further alleged that whilst still in the house, the councillor allegedly made some inappropriate sexual comments towards the 12-year-old girl. After that, the two friends went out for leisure at a particular tavern nearby.
The mother of the girl had reportedly gone to work hence the girl, as well as her elder sister (26), is said to have been temporarily left to stay with their uncle (the councillor’s friend).
It is said that whilst the two buddies were still in the tavern, the councillor sneaked out without telling his friend.
Photo supplied
At about 23h30, the elder sister alleged that she heard somebody breaking into the house. She further alleges that the person tried to open her bedroom door which was fortunately locked. She then immediately called a friend and requested him to immediately alert the police. The man allegedly assaulted the teenage girl and tried to rape her. Whilst still in a state of shock, the elder sister reportedly heard her younger sister calling for her uncle to rescue her.
The report further states that the intruder responded by saying that the uncle was not in the house. At that moment, the Police fortunately arrived and upon noticing their arrival, the intruder reportedly abandoned what he was doing and escaped through the window, leaving behind his T-shirt as well as his mobile phone.
Police went after the suspect and caught him and according to the report, the man was wearing a pair of blue jeans as well as brown shoes without a top when he was cornered. He was charged accordingly. It is also reported that the suspect further sustained some injuries in the head.
As the Police went through the scene during the course of the probe, they came across some blood drops in the house as well as on the window. The suspect’s car was also found about 50 metres away from the home.
The arrested councillor is expected to appear in the Kriel Magistrate’s Court today, Monday, 08 May 2023 facing the said charges.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has condemned the incident whilst applauding men and women in Blue from Kriel for their swift response thereby arresting the suspect.
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.
Jaco Horn was cleared on all charges as the case was struck from the roll by the Secunda Magistrates Court on 25 April.
The charges originated from an incident where a suspect died after being shot at and chased from Secunda Mall.
Night Guard Security, chased a suspect from the mall to the Graceland golf course after firing shots at him at the Mall.
Calls were made on several channels for help and people responded.
Several shots were fired at the fleeing suspect by several people including 5 guards from Night Guard Security. Night Guard is contracted by Secunda Mall.
The suspect ran onto the golf course at Graceland Hotel where he succumbed to a gunshot wound in the leg.
The Bulletin learned (from reliable sources) that after obtaining statements a decision was made to arrest Mr Horn.
During the Bail applications, that The Bulletin attended, Horn’s defence had to drag a confession from the investigating officer that other people fired shots. There was no clear evidence that Mr Horn fired any shots. A reason for having the case struck from the roll.
The Bulletin learned that the statements implicating Horn were taken from other shooters. The information provided to The Bulletin was that the statements said that they saw Horn shoot. This could not be proved.
Several people were quick to judge Horn purely on the fact that he was arrested. Horn had to step aside as CPF Chairman while the case was ongoing.
A local publication even blatantly said that Horn shot the victim from behind.
No other arrests were made in connection with the man’s death, even though several shooters were identified.
COLD WEATHER TIPS TO KEEP YOUR PETS WARM THIS WINTER.
With winter around the corner, it is our responsibility to keep our pets safe and warm and it is also required by law. All animal owners whether domestic animals, farm animals, or wildlife, are reminded to provide adequate shelter from adverse weather conditions.
MYTH: Cats and dogs are resistant to cold weather because they have fur.
FACT: They do feel cold and are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia. When you are cold, they are cold too!
WHICH ANIMALS ARE MOST SUSCEPTIBLE?
Puppies, kittens and other young animals as they have not yet built up a resistance to the cold. Always keep them indoors, in a warm environment.
Older pets, like people, feel the cold more.
Short-coated animals.
Thin breeds or species of animals.
Pets with medical conditions. Cold weather worsens certain medical conditions, which can also cause these pets to struggle with regulating their body temperature.
WINTER TIPS FOR ANIMALS
If your dog will tolerate a dog jersey, buy one and reduce exposure to the cold.
Make sure you shine when walking your dog in the dark by wearing reflective gear like a leash, clothing, bandana, collar, etc.
Towel dry your dog if they come inside damp. Check for cracks on the paw pads or redness between the toes and ensure you dry their feet properly.
Ideally, pets should be allowed to live inside, especially in cold or any extreme weather. If they are outside, bring them in during low/high temperatures. Remember to pet-proof your inside when you bring them in.
Raise their outdoor kennel off the ground. Ensure the kennel is solid, safe, waterproof and in a dry place, facing away from wind and rain. Line it with soft and warm bedding.
Bath your pets as little as possible during the winter. Washing them too often in general, can remove essential oils and increase the chance of developing dry and itchy skin. If they have to be bathed, ask your veterinarian for a moisturizing shampoo or use dry shampoo for a quick clean.
Anti-freeze is dangerous for pets. Thoroughly clean any spills from your car and keep them stocked away in a safe place where the animals can’t reach it.
Pets burn more energy to stay warm in the winter, so you can feed them a bit more. Cold weather can do a number on your pet’s system, but keeping them hydrated gives the body some energy needed to regulate temperature.
Ensure they always have plenty of fresh drinking water in clean bowls (not plastic).
Let their hair grow. The longer coat will give some extra protection.
Make sure your pet has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from cold walls or areas with a draft. A cozy pet bed, large pillow, or folded duvet can also work. Some pets will also feel safe sleeping in the igloo pet beds.
Minimize their time outside. Limiting exposure to extreme temperatures is good for your pet.
Don’t stop exercising because of the weather! You can still exercise outside or get some exercise and mental stimulation inside the house. There are many videos and ideas on this.
Look for signs of hypothermia and get them to a vet immediately: whining, shivering, anxiety, slowing or stops moving, weakness, or looking for warm places to burrow.
Look out for heat-seeking behaviour from your pets like curling up small, shivering, seeking the heater and more.
Provide livestock with structural shelters that have proper ventilation and bedding, as well as ample food and fresh water.
You can provide an outdoor shelter with food and fresh water for wild animals/community cats. Provide food for some wild animals like seeds for wild birds in your garden.
You may still need to protect your animals against fleas and ticks in winter. These parasites are present all year round. In winter they seek out warm places to live and will be more than happy to irritate the skin of your beloved pet. Don’t stop tick and flea control, however, don’t dip your dog in the cold. Rather use an alternate product that can be applied to dry skin. Always talk to your veterinarian.
When using a heater, ensure that the wiring is out of reach for your pets. Pets should not be left unsupervised with any heating appliances.
Birds specific – wall heaters in a safe place where the birds cannot get to chew on it or oil heaters can work, but never any gas, bar heaters, or form of wood or anthracite burning devices. Keep them out of a drafty area and you can use a blanket or cover for the cage if necessary. Keep their food dry.
If you want to help a shelter, please DO NOT buy the budget blankets. They are disposables and have to be hand-washed. Shelters do not have the time to handwash these blankets every day. They are put in a kennel today and as they tear easily, they block the drains and have to be thrown away the next day. Rather buy stormy or fleece blankets.
Some groups do outreach to rural areas. They make pet beds from dog food bags with newspaper and other materials inside. The dog food bag helps keep the inside dry, while still providing a softer bed and offering some protection from the damp and cold ground. Contact Little Paws Big Hearts if you want to contribute to this project.
CATS & OTHER SMALL ANIMALS As temperatures are starting to drop or even in stormy weather, please remember that feral cats and other small animals may find shelter for themselves or their babies in and under your car. This is a reminder to TAP TAP TAP on your hoods & wheels and blow your horns to let them get out. You can tap and stand back for a while, but still check as well! We can share horror stories about injured cats due to this and can you imagine how hurt and scared they can be? Please take that extra minute before starting your cars. SAVE A LIFE
If an owner leaves their pet in the cold, politely let them know you’re concerned. They might not know the risk that cold weather poses. If they respond poorly or continue with their neglect, time to speak up and report it to your nearest SPCA. If you see any stray animal suffering in the cold weather, please contact your local SPCA and take the animal in. Find your nearest SPCA here.
Remember that you choose to have your pet, they didn’t get to choose, so do right by them and keep them safe during all weather conditions. Their safety and care are your responsibility!
Next week we will look at responsible pet guardianship.
GOGO NABBED WITH 12.6 KG DAGGA IN THE PORT OF ENTRY
Nelspruit: 02 May 2023 – Gogo from the Kingdom of Eswatini who showed disrespect to the authority has allegedly bravely tried to cross the Port of Entry from her native country to the Republic of South Africa with a vehicle she allegedly hitchhiked with her 12.6kg luggage of dagga estimated at R52 920.00 street value.
According to information at police disposal, on Monday 01 May 2023, it is alleged that a 60-year-old woman got a lift from a vehicle that was from the Kingdom of Eswatini to the Republic.
They allegedly went straight to Mananga Port of Entry. It is alleged that after passing through the first control checkpoint, they had to undergo the same process on the South African side where members from the South African Revenue Services found the dagga.
Preliminary investigation indicated that the dagga belonged to the old woman.
The elderly woman was arrested, and charged with dagga trafficking and she is expected to appear in the Nkomazi Magistrate’s Court today, 02 May 2023 for dagga trafficking.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has welcomed the arrests and voiced her disappointment as she believes that elders should lead by example to the youth.
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.
