SECUNDA TEENAGE WOMAN (19) DUE TO APPEAR IN COURT FOR DEALING IN DRUGS
MPUMALANGA – A 19-year-old suspect is due to appear in the Secunda Magistrate Court for dealing in drugs. She was arrested during an Intelligence-driven disruptive operation conducted by Secunda-based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team together with Secunda Crime Intelligence and K9 unit on Wednesday, 15 March 2023.
The arrest followed a search and seizure operation that was executed following information about drugs kept in a house at Schoor street, Secunda. On arrival at the address, the team found a lady in a locked house and managed to gain entry to conduct a search.
Several bags of compressed dagga were found and seized for further investigation. The suspect was found in possession of drugs with an estimated value of R 80 000-00. She was arrested and charged with dealing drugs. She is expected to make her first court appearance at the Secunda Magistrate Court on Thursday, 16 March 2023.
The Provincial Head of the Hawks in Mpumalanga, Major General Gerber applauded the good work done by the team. Further, he appreciated the positive response by members of the community for providing information which lead to the arrest of the suspect. “As the Hawks, we are grateful to the public for providing information that enables us to fulfil our mandate and provide safety and stability in our communities. We pledge our commitment and thank the community for their continued support”, said Major General Gerber.
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.
ANIMALS BEING AGGRESSIVE IS A COMPLEX BEHAVIOUR AND SHOULD BE IDENTIFIED CORRECTLY AND ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY BY QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS!
Aggressive behaviour is probably the most common behavioural problem in dogs seen by behaviour professionals and the most dangerous one seen in companion dogs. Many behaviours that people perceive as aggressive are actually normal forms of communication. Behaviour is one of the most common reasons why people surrender animals, especially dogs, to shelters and aggression is one of them.
As the Whole Dog Journal shares: “The broad spectrum of “aggressive behaviours” is technically called “agonistic behaviours” and is defined in ethology as, “pertaining to the range of activities associated with aggressive encounters between members of the same species or social group, including threat, attack, appeasement, or retreat.” So, while a growl-lunge-bite sequence would be easily recognized by most people as aggression, more subtle agonistic behaviours such as a freeze, a hard stare, or even a lack of eye contact, may go unnoticed (and unaddressed)”. The lack of understanding of basic and normal animal behaviour remains part of the problem!
Part of the problem is also that there has been a cultural shift about dog aggression. I agree with Patt Miller that our culture has become over-sensitized to dog bites. In the past, if a child was bitten by a neighbour’s dog, the mother would usually question the child about what they did to provoke the animal. Nowadays, however, the first response is to contact a lawyer or a behaviour specialist (less likely), or even take the dog to a shelter. We have become a society that is increasingly fearful of aggression. Read more about the Pitbull crisis in SA and dog bite prevention.
Aggression – Images by R+DogsAggression – Images by R+DogsAggression – Images by R+Dogs
SOME FACTORS THAT MAY CONTRIBUTE TO DOG AGGRESSION
Aggression in animals can be caused by a variety of factors, such as fear, excess energy, self-defence, or pain and physical discomfort, for example.
1. Lack of Socialization: Dogs that are not properly socialized may become aggressive when they encounter unfamiliar people or animals. Pups learn valuable information about behaviour from their mom/dad. If they are removed before 10-12 weeks, then this could affect their future behaviour negatively too.
2. Fear: Dogs may become aggressive when they feel threatened or scared, which is a normal response for us as humans too. “Aggressive” behaviour when defending themselves or a mom protecting her puppies are also examples.
3. Pain: Dogs in pain may become aggressive as a way to protect themselves.
4. Dominance: Dogs may become aggressive in an attempt to establish dominance over other animals or people. Whether people believe it or not, animals do establish hierarchy and what appears to be aggressive behaviour might be part of that, although possibly normal. Sometimes just the company of other dogs may be stressful to your dog, which may lead to “aggressive” behaviour.
5. Breed genetics: Some breeds of dogs might be predisposed to aggression and bad breeding practices have certainly contributed to this. All dogs can bite, but some may do more damage than others. Aggression can’t be blamed on the breed. The breed of a dog can tell you what they can do, but how they are raised and cared for, determines what they will do. I believe dog bites are 100% preventable and understanding body language is key to prevention.
6. Hormones: An earlier study showed that dogs with high levels of the hormone vasopressin may be more aggressive than dogs with lower levels; higher levels of oxytocin (the “love hormone”) and higher oxytocin-to-vasopressin levels are seen in the breeds least likely to behave aggressively. Hormone levels when a bitch is in heat may contribute to “aggressive” behaviour for both her and males. One of the many reasons we support spay & neuter.
7. Your response: The owner’s prior experience with dogs can contribute to or reinforce certain behaviours, and when you panic it may worsen the situation. Animals need calm and confident owners. Remember that aggression can be learned; your pup can learn that if he acts aggressively, the things that scare him will go away. This means that his aggressive behaviour is rewarded, and will become more frequent.
MORE ON BEHAVIOUR
Reactivity
Reactivity is a reaction to something that makes a dog uncomfortable. It always starts subtly and as signals are missed, ignored, or punished. We then start to see behaviours that become a problem for us, like growling, snarling, lunging and biting.
All animals engage in defending their resource,s and resources come in a variety of forms. Some may make sense, others may not. It may also seem surprising to you that your dog may resource guard items because they have an abundance of things. Food, toys, you…..but resource guarding isn’t about things. It’s about feelings as R+Dogs explains it including:
The fear of losing out on something
The fear associated with not having any control
The fear that comes with intimidation (implied or unknowingly present)
The fear of the unknown
The fear of no escape
The fear of being unsafe
Resource guarding can also be linked to pain so please have your dog thoroughly checked for pain by your vet.
Trigger stacking – when the behaviour happens “out of the blue”
We’ve all experienced days when it feels like everything is going wrong and we’re left feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and ready to lash out at the next person who speaks to us. This person may think we have a serious attitude problem or need anger management when in reality, we’re just having a really bad day and don’t usually act this way. The same is true for dogs. Behaviours that appear out of the blue or are out of character can often be attributed to the stacking of different triggers.
A trigger can be anything that causes a dog to become overwhelmed and have a negative reaction. These can be small, seemingly insignificant things that we may not even notice, but they can add up and eventually lead to a reaction that is out of proportion to the stimulus. When the dog’s stress levels reach a certain point, the next event, no matter how small, can cause an unexpected reaction.
Examples include: Someone at the gate, the garbage truck passing, a strange man fixing the pool, someone on a bike passing, other dogs barking, a kid that hugs the dog, etc. If this happens each on a consecutive day, you likely avoid the stacking, but if it all occurred in one day, they might “snap” with something simple due to stacking of triggers.
WHY PUNISHMENT IS NOT THE ANSWER!
Punishment is not the solution because it only suppresses the symptoms. Physical, punishment-based training is outdated. Such methods may include the use of choke chains, shock collars, or alpha rolls (physically rolling a dog onto the ground and holding him there) and hitting them. While these methods peaked in popularity in the 1960s, the science of dog training has advanced significantly in the last 50 years and today’s reputable trainers/behaviourists overwhelmingly shun them in favour of positive reinforcement or reward-based conditioning. Remember punishment, whether physical or mental, can harm your pet.
Never punish a growl, which usually precedes the bite or snap action. This way they will learn from you that it is safer to skip the growl because you will punish it, and then they bite “out of the blue”. A growl is a way of communicating that they are not happy and that they need your help! No bite is “out of the blue!”
You need an aggression-modifying action plan. A blanket approach can’t be followed for aggression and an evaluation by a qualified behaviourist, not just a dog trainer, is important as well as addressing the individual needs of that animal if it is correctly identified as aggressive behaviour.
My first stop will always be to go for a vet check to rule out any underlying medical issue or pain.
Educate yourself about dog body language so you can be aware of your dog’s more subtle agonistic behaviours. Listen to what your pet is saying through their vocalizations or body language. TEMP – tails ears/eyes, mouth and posture. Also learn basic first-aid for pets in case of an emergency.
Find out what is the cause of aggression or stressors, and the stress levels. Look for subtle signs too. Avoid putting them in situations where they may be compelled to act aggressively and also to help them cope. Take steps to eliminate it from their life if possible. If it is something that can’t be removed, try to manage it by removing the dog from the environment when the stressor is present or re-directing your pet’s attention. If it is too difficult to be removed or managed, try to change their opinion of the stressor (gradually) through counter-conditioning or behaviour modification in the presence of the stressor. Redirect their attention or give them a job. Always stay calm!
Contact a behaviourist and make the time to follow the plan. Search for a behaviourist near you and ask for references. Remember that you need to look out for your pets, so if you feel uncomfortable with any trainer/behaviourist, then walk away and find someone else. We only support fear-free reward-based training methods. You can follow R+Dogs more on aggression and reactivity.
Aggressive behaviour – Image by Dr. Karen Becker
Become a calm-confident guardian by setting rules and boundaries and being consistent.
Meet all their needs physically and emotionally through species-appropriate enrichment.
Never force affection and let them come to you.
This only includes the basics and each situation must be assessed by a qualified behaviourist and an individual plan needs to be formulated to help the particular animal cope.
Many people wait too long before getting help for their dogs. Invest in learning about body language so you can help your pet to better navigate this human world they were forced into. They are your responsibility and just as most won’t dump their angry child on an already overwhelmed welfare system, you shouldn’t give up on the animals in your care because you are not meeting their needs or understanding their behaviour.
Next week we will look at the body language of dogs.
WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER, DO BETTER!
Disclaimer: I am not a behaviourist although I research these topics.
MULTIDISCIPLINARY STING OPERATION RESULTS IN 10 SUSPECTS ARRESTED WITH SEVEN FIREARMS WITH AMMUNITION RECOVERED
Nelspruit: 12 March 2023- A Sting Operation was conducted by a multidisciplinary team from the SAPS in Mpumalanga and it has led to the arrest of ten (10) suspects as well as the recovery of three hunting rifles, one shotgun and three pistols as well as some ammunition. This breakthrough was achieved in Middelburg on Friday, 10 March 2023.
According to the report, the team consisting of members from the Tactical Response Team (TRT) in Witbank, the Mpumalanga Tracking Team, Middelburg Flying Squad, Middelburg K9 Unit, members from Witbank Trio Crime Detectives, as well as members from Crime Intelligence in Witbank carried out an operation in pursuit of people of interest in the circles of serious crimes committed throughout the province which terrorized communities. Some of these offences include murder, attempted murder, business robberies, house robberies, car hijackings theft of motor vehicles, ATM bombings.
In the morning of the said Friday when information regarding the whereabouts of the suspects was obtained, members did not hesitate to act as part of their mandate to ensure that those who are alleged to be involved in criminal activities are swiftly brought to book. From 10h00 am members began by cornering and arresting three suspects and recovered a firearm. This was followed by the arrest of the other seven that were arrested respectively at different times and at various spots.
The firearms with ammunition were seized from the suspects. The suspects were charged with various offences including for murders, armed robberies, business robberies, unlawful possession of firearms with ammunition and possession of suspected stolen properties. Some of the properties found in the possession of the suspects include two mobile phones that were taken from deceased victims who were allegedly robbed and sadly murdered.
Interestingly, during the operation, the astute members cornered a suspect who was admitted to hospital after being shot whilst allegedly committing a crime but reportedly identified himself to the medical personnel using a false name. He too could not escape from the long arm of the law as he was arrested by the said team after discovering his real identity through the investigation which directed the members accordingly. This particular suspect could also face additional charges of fraud with regard to the incorrect details he provided to the hospital officials as the investigation continues.
Nine (out of 10) suspects are expected to appear in the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court tomorrow, Monday 13 March 2023 facing various charges meanwhile the tenth suspect will appear in court as soon as he recovers.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi has expressed his gratitude for the professional manner in which the team responded and executed the operation. “The Police are indeed serious about preventing and fighting crime from every corner in which it raises its ugly head. Those recovered firearms will surely undergo ballistic testing to determine whether they were not utilized in the commission of the crimes and if be, then more charges will be added against the suspects” 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.
TWO SUSPECTS DUE TO APPEAR IN COURT FOR DEALING IN DRUGS AND ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF UNLICENSED FIREARM AND AMMUNITION
MPUMALANGA – The Provincial Head of the Hawks Major General Gerber is appealing to the community of Mpumalanga to join the dedicated members of the Hawks, Secunda-based Serious Organised Crime who are working tirelessly to eradicate drugs in Gert Sebande District by providing information on drug dealers and premises.
The call came after another intelligence-driven disruptive operation was conducted by the Hawks together with Secunda CIG and Secunda K9 on Thursday, 09 March 2023. Information concerning drug trafficking and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition was followed up at 9 Kuschke Street Secunda.
The address was identified, and a search and seizure operation was executed. During the search, two suspects aged 32 and 62, were found in possession of drugs and an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. Drugs 877 x packets of heroin,1 x 38 Special revolver, 2 cell phones,35 socks ( where drugs were hidden ), and R 2440 -00 cash money were seized for further investigation. The street value is approximately R 60 000-00.
The suspects are expected to appear at the Secunda Magistrate Court on Friday, 10 March 2023. Investigation continues.
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.
Sasol operates an 865km Cross-Border underground pipeline network from Mozambique to South Africa transporting natural gas.
ADVERTORIAL
Sasol maintains this network and therefore ensures the safety of people’s lives, communities and the environment.
To ensure that members of the public identify this underground pipeline network, visible surface route markers are erected aboveground along the network.
“One of our Sasol values: Be Safe, is at the core of our operations and day-to-day business. To drive our Zero Harm Ambitions, we take a proactive approach around safety. We do this by conducting daily route inspections, control room monitoring of the pipeline network, and emergency drills, among other measures,” says Sipho Maseko, Vice President: Pipeline and KZN Wax Operations.
In the past year, Sasol has identified increased residential, commercial, and industrial developments, unauthorised construction, and the development of informal settlements near the pipeline installations. Some of these activities pose a safety threat.
“Sasol is committed to conducting regular public safety campaigns and cautioning community members. Managing these risks requires collaborative industry-wide interventions,” says Maseko.
Sasol Maintains and operates the following Sasol Energy-owned gas transmission pipelines:
Besides infrastructure, Sasol operates another 560km “Lilly” Transnet-owned pipeline transporting methane-rich gas from Secunda to Kwazulu-Natal. “We also maintain and operate the ArcelorMittal-owned pipeline network transporting natural gas from Sasolburg to Vereeniging, and the multi-product petroleum pipeline integrating Secunda and Natref in Sasolburg,” concludes Maseko.
Sasol remains committed to the safety and health of its employees, community, and the environment.
REGULAR HEALTH CHECKS ON OUR PETS BETWEEN VET VISITS IS A PROACTIVE TOOL FOR THEIR WELL-BEING.
Our pets might get sick or injured and need veterinary care, but we can also add many tools to our toolbox, like health checks at home, to help prevent conditions from occurring in the first place or manage them better to allow our pets to live long and happy lives. Being informed and understanding what illnesses and conditions our pets might face is key to longevity. It is important to do regular health checks on your pets by inspecting their body from head to toe every week and making notes.
I fully support annual or even bi-annual health checks at your vet, including blood work. Our pets age faster than we do, so their bodies are rapidly changing. When they reach their senior years, a health check is recommended every six months instead of annually to ensure the detection of illnesses and make them easier to treat. Between visits, you can keep a close eye on your pet’s health by conducting an at-home physical exam (demo video). Physical “inspection” touch regularly with some positive re-enforcement can also help make that vet visits more comfortable.
Health checks – Image by The Paw Company
HEALTH CHECK-LIST
Behaviour
Body condition
Skin & coat
Eyes & ears
Nails & paws
Nose & mouth
Stool check
Vitals (heart rate, breathing, body temperature etc.)
Weigh your pet and review their diet
BODY
This is an overall examination of your pet by feeling around the body, limbs and tail for any potential problems. When you feel over your pet’s body, you should be able to feel their ribs, but it should not be sticking out or under a large layer of fat. Feel for lumps, bumps or injuries. You can also observe their body language and whether they appear lethargic, depressed or in pain. Body language can tell you a great deal about how they are feeling.
TEETH
You can lift their lips and have a good look at their teeth and gums. Check for:
Broken or missing teeth
Sores or mouth and tongue injuries
Red and swollen gums
Stinky breath
Bloody gums
Tartar or plaque build-up
COAT & SKIN
Feel over your pet’s fur and skin and look at its appearance. Check for:
Tick or fleas
Dull and hard or thinning coat
Skin lesions, sores, red patches, itchiness, bald patches or scabs
EARS
Their ears should be clean with no foul smells coming from the ear. Check for:
Shaking head or holding the head tilted to one side
Rubbing ears against objects like furniture
Abnormal earwax other than yellow/brownish
Swelling
Redness
Ear mites
NOSE
A wet nose is normal, but a dry nose might not be totally abnormal. Check for:
Crusting
Discharge
Wheezing sounds
Cracking of the skin
EYES
Eyes should be bright and clear. Check for:
Redness
Swelling
Abnormal blinking
Inflamed or swollen eyelids
White spots in the eyes
Any debris or objects
Puss or discharge
BATHROOM HABITS
Although what your pet eats and drinks can influence the appearance of the faeces, their stool can give an indication of their general health. I do almost daily poop-patrol so I can pick up if something is wrong. It should be looked at within context and not as a diagnostic tool on its own. Check for:
Diarrhoea
Blood or mucus
Signs of worms
The urine should be clear, yellow with no blood
Watch this video for more on what their poop might mean.
RED FLAG SYMPTOMS
The following are red flag symptoms that should never be ignored. Consult with your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Fainting, collapsing
Difficulty breathing
Trouble urinating
Pacing, restlessness, unproductive retching
Lethargy, extreme fatigue
Bloody diarrhoea, urine, vomit
Loss of appetite, weight loss
Coughing
Fever
Red eye(s)
Read the full article on these symptoms .
Health checks red flag symptoms – Image by Dr. Karen Becker
HOW CAN YOU IMPROVE YOUR PETS HEALTH?
Three pillars that form the foundation for your pet’s health, quality of life and longevity include:
Important note: Please make sure that your vet and their staff are actually qualified. Just because they wear scrubs does not make them qualified! Do your homework well. Asking animal welfare organizations which vets they trust is a good start! If you are aware of any staff performing veterinary work without being registered at the SA Veterinary Council, please report this to The Paw Company or the SAVC.
Also read how to help your noise-phobic pet during stormy weather.
Your pets are your responsibility and withholding necessary medical care, is considered neglect and a case of animal cruelty can be opened against you. Please report any neglect or suspected cruelty to your nearest SPCA or the NSPCA. Don’t ask advice from unqualified people on the internet or Dr. Google. We have seen some terrible advice being dished out which could endanger your pet.
Do regular health checks on your pet and when in doubt, always go to your trusted vet! By helping your pet lead a healthy lifestyle and seeking proactive preventive veterinary care, you can minimize healthcare costs while maximizing longevity.
Next week we will look at aggressive behaviour with pets.
WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER, DO BETTER!
Disclaimer:I am not a veterinarian. Although I do a lot of research and write on these topics, the advice always comes from qualified individuals. You must consult with qualified individuals about your pet’s health.
Misty Waters 2023 and perhaps the biggest one, yet!
It comes with great joy to start talking and writing about Misty Waters Music Festival again. It feels like many moons ago we were sharing tales about this phenomenal festival, yet it’s less than a year ago that we celebrated some of South Africa’s greatest musical talents on our stage. If your mind is a little foggy, please read the recap blog here and refresh your memory.
As most of our festival attendees know the line-up has been released and boy oh boy is it a goodie! Hold on to your socks, because they are about to get rocked right off by rock and roll legends like Fokofpolisiekar, The Narrow, Bittereinder, Springbok Nude Girls, Karen Zoid, and many, many more! Such a high-end line-up requires accommodation to match, and that’s what this blog is mostly about – our luxury accommodation that are within walking distance from not only Misty Waters Music Festival, but the first-ever Misty Waters Fringe Festival!
Misty Waters starts on Friday, April 28th and ends with a bang on Sunday, April 30th. The Fringe Festival will kick off the five days of music on Wednesday, April 26th two nights before Misty Waters commences. The Fringe Festival is also taking place at Lake Umuzi Waterfront and will showcase several alternative artists and bands at three of the restaurants and bars located at the waterfront. We want everyone coming from near and far to be able to enjoy South African music and that’s why The Fringe Festival has no entry fee. We are gifting you with two days of free shows and hoping it will get you into the groove of Misty Waters. But enough about the five days of mind-blowing music coming your way, let’s dive into your festival accommodation options.
We want to know where else in South Africa can you attend a music festival and choose between accommodation all the way from roughing-it-up-camping (which is on lush green grass, so roughing is a strong word) to sleeping in a deluxe hotel room with a bath and shower? At Lake Umuzi we offer various accommodation options varying in price to accommodate everyone attending Misty Waters and The Fringe Festival.
Your first accommodation option is general camping which is included in your Misty Waters ticket. General camping allows you to set up camp with tents a mere few feet from the stage itself. General camping is situated on lush grass and works on a first come first serve basis. Next, we have Kamp Oase camping for those festies who love to camp and still engage in the action but enjoy extra amenities such as electricity -and water points. Kamp Oase has dedicated stands that can be booked from R1200 for five nights. With the Fringe Festival starting on the Wednesday night before Misty Waters we thought we’d give our campers (general camping and Kamp Oase campers) an additional two nights of stay at no extra charge! That’s right, you can camp for five nights and only pay for three!
For those who completely skipped over the preceding paragraph because camping is just not your vibe, we’ve now arrived at the crème de la crème of accommodation – our luxury options. Unfortunately, all the chalets in Umuzi Lodge have been booked, but that’s no reason for concern as InnGreen Eco Hoteland Merchant Business Class Hotelstill have rooms available.
InnGreen Eco Hotel is within walking distance from where Misty Waters takes place, is centered between two of the Fringe Festival venues; Eish Restaurant and Zebra’s and has its own entrance to the other Fringe Festival venue, Upstairs Sky bar. At only R30 per person per night more than Umuzi Lodge, InnGreen is the ideal option for the couple who prefers some privacy or for those wanting to fest in style, but on a budget. Lastly, also within walking distance from where Misty Waters and The Fringe Festival occur is The Merchant Hotel which offers spacious double en-suite rooms, with breakfast included in your booking.
Don’t hesitate, book your accommodation today and join in on one of the greatest extra-long, long weekends in South Africa! There’s no need to purchase a Misty Waters ticket separately when booking with us because your Misty Waters ticket is included in your accommodation booking.
In conclusion, your socks will be rocked off, you will be able to walk to the festival grounds from your accommodation without socks with no hassle, and we are giving you two EXTRA days of music at no extra charge so you can go buy yourself some new socks after the monumental five days of music that starts April 26th and rocks on until April 30th, 2023!
To purchase Misty Waters tickets and/or book accommodation click on the link below. It is important to note that the tickets are still available at only R590 until the end of March after which ticket prices will increase with R100. Your Misty Waters ticket includes general camping and access to all of the shows.
Dates, prices, and location: The Misty Waters Fringe Festival: 26 April – 28 April 2023 Free entry to the venues where the shows are taking place. Venues include: Eish restaurant, Upstairs Sky Bar and Zebra’s. 1 Kiewiet Street, Lake Umuzi
Misty Waters Music Festival: 28 April – 20 April 2023 R590 per ticket, which includes general camping (price increase from 1 April 2023). 1 Kingfisher Street, Lake Umuzi South Bank.
Important Information:
General campers and Kamp Oase campers can start setting up camp from Wednesday, April 26th and stay until Monday, May 1st at no additional charge for the two extra nights.
On-premises accommodation is currently blocked out on Booking.com. and will therefore indicate that it is all sold out. It is not all sold out, yet. Accommodation for Misty Waters at Lake Umuzi can only be booked through the link above.
ACTING PROVINCIAL COMMISSIONER WELCOMES THE SENTENCING OF TWO ON CHARGES RELATED TO POACHING
Nelspruit: 03 March 2023 – The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi has gladly welcomed the sentences handed down to two brothers, Arshandi Zitha (34) and Peter Zitha (30) on charges related to poaching at the Kruger National Park. The two men were sentenced by the Skukuza Regional Court yesterday, Thursday 02 March 2023.
The court heard how on 18 July 2022 three individuals entered Kingfisher Section in the Kruger National Park. It is said that their mission was disturbed when field rangers that were on duty patrolling at the park on that day suspected that there could be intruders inside the park. The field rangers began their search for these individuals. A helicopter was also summoned to assist in tracing. Two out of the three were cornered meanwhile the third man vanished into thin air. During their capture, the two brothers were found with a hunting rifle without a licence, three live ammunition, three bags, a knife and an axe in their possession.
The Police at Skukuza were also informed about the incident and upon arrival, they arrested as well as charged the two accused persons accordingly for poaching and other charges. It was also discovered that the two brothers were from Mozambique but without valid documentation to be in South Africa. Further than that, the two entered the park without permits. After their arrest, the two were taken to court and they both pleaded guilty hence their sentencing as follows:
On count 1 (Trespassing in a National Park), the two accused persons were sentenced to 2 years imprisonment.
On count 2 (contravention of the Immigration Act), the two accused persons were sentenced to 1 year imprisonment.
On count 3 (Possession of a prohibited firearm with no serial numbers), the two accused persons were sentenced to 6 years imprisonment. Meanwhile,
on count 4 (Possession of unlicenced ammunition), the two accused persons were sentenced to 2 years imprisonment.
On count 5 (Conspiracy to commit a crime), the two accused persons were sentenced to 4 years imprisonment.
On count 6 (Possession of a dangerous weapon), the two accused persons were sentenced to 1 year imprisonment.
The court ordered that counts 1 and 2 run concurrently with count 5 (which will be 4 years) whilst count 4 will run concurrently with count 3 (which is 6 years imprisonment). Count 6 will run on its own (which is 1 year imprisonment). The two accused persons will effectively be behind bars for a total of 12 years.
Both accused were further declared unfit to possess a firearm in terms of Section 103 of the Firearm Control Act.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi emphasised that the sentence should serve as a deterrence to others who might consider perpetrating a crime, that crime does not pay.
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.
