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Sting operation resulted in 10 suspects arrested

Encee van Huyssteen
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Sting operation resulted in 10 suspects arrested

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.

sting

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.

sting

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.

Also read: Drugs and Illegal firearms lead to the arrest of two.

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.

Kruik se Oggenddiens 12 Maart 2023

Encee van Huyssteen
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Kruik se Oggenddiens 12 Maart 2023

Welkom by Kruik gemeente se oggenddiens van 12 Maart 2023

Vanoggend se tema is: “My werkplek, ook God se plek.”

Hoe kan ek ‘n plek vir God in my werksplek skêp? Kom ontdek meer…

Lees ook: Kruik se Oggenddiens 5 Maart 2023

Welkom as jy ‘n finansiële bydrae wil maak: Kruik Gemeente, ABSA, Tjek, Rek nr: 1510140016

Kontak ons gerus op Kruik Gemeente se Facebook Messenger en Whatsapp lyn (072 133 6130) of besoek ons webtuiste by: https://www.kruik.co.za

God in my Frieda van den Heever 2021 InVia Gemeente CCLI #573661

Drugs and Illegal firearms lead to the arrest of two.

Encee van Huyssteen
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Drugs and Illegal firearms lead to the arrest of two.

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.

drugs and firearm

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.

drug and firearm

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.

Also read: Poaching sentence welcomed by Acting Prov Commissioner

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

Encee van Huyssteen
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Sasol operates an 865km Cross-Border underground pipeline network

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.

sasol

“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:

  • The Secunda-eMalahleni-Middelburg network
  • Secunda-Springs-Olifantsfontein-Alrode-Germiston
  • Boksburg-Pretoria-Krugersdorp-Vereeniging-Sasolburg

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.

ANIMALS 101 – PET HEALTH CHECKS AT HOME CAN IMPROVE YOUR PET’S LIFE!

Ancois van Zyl
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ANIMALS 101 – PET HEALTH CHECKS AT HOME CAN IMPROVE YOUR PET’S LIFE!

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 check
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:

1. Species-appropriate nutrition

2. A balanced, functional immune system

3. A sound, resilient frame

Read more about the three pillars here.

Small changes make a huge difference to your pet’s life, and they are easy to do. Here are a few simple tips:

  • Keep your pet’s weight maintained and feed a balanced, nutritious and species-appropriate diet.
  • Do weekly health checks.
  • Regular grooming, nail trims and claw care, especially for older pets.
  • Exercise at the pace set by your pet.
  • Keeping on top of vaccination, tick, flea and worm treatments. Work with a veterinarian who titers rather than just re-vaccinates.

Read more on how to choose a good vet and questions you should ask your vet.

Check out this pet health-related index.

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: What to expect

Encee van Huyssteen
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Misty Waters: What to expect

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.

Also read: Misty Waters 2022 a festival of music

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 Hotel and Merchant Business Class Hotel still 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.

Should you have any queries regarding accommodation for Misty Waters, please don’t hesitate to contact us:
Tel: +27 (0)17 631 3452
Tel: +27 (0)17 631 3441
Tel: +27 (0)17 631 3506
Email: welcome@lakeumuzi.co.za
Address: 1 Kiewiet Str, Secunda, Mpumalanga

Kruik se Oggenddiens 5 Maart 2023

Encee van Huyssteen
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Kruik se Oggenddiens 5 Maart 2023

Welkom by Kruik Gemeente se oggenddiens van 5 Maart 2023

Vanoggend se tema: “Die uitdaging van elke verhouding.”

Hoe kan ek my verhoudings reg benader? Kom ontdek meer…

Lees ook: Kruik se Oggenddiens 26 Februarie 2023

Welkom as jy ‘n finansiële bydrae wil maak: Kruik Gemeente, ABSA, Tjek, Rek nr: 1510140016

Kontak ons gerus op Kruik Gemeente se Facebook Messenger en Whatsapp lyn (072 133 6130) of besoek ons webtuiste by: https://www.kruik.co.za

U Weë is Hoër As My Weë / Your Ways are Higher Than Mine R McCutcheon Vertaal deur E Kriek / Z Zazi / J Heystek Peck Music Publishing CCLI# 573661

Poaching sentence welcomed by Acting Prov Commissioner

Encee van Huyssteen
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0
Poaching sentence welcomed by Acting Prov Commissioner

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.

poaching
poaching

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.

Also read: Swindler sentenced for Fraud and Money Laundering

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.

Swindler sentenced for Fraud and Money Laundering

Encee van Huyssteen
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Swindler sentenced for Fraud and Money Laundering

Bongani Sibuyi convicted swindler sentenced

MPUMALANGA – Bongani Sibuyi (31) was found guilty and sentenced by the Bushbuckridge Magistrate Court for fraud and money laundering on Friday, 3 March 2023. The sentence was preceded by a lengthy and scrupulous exploration which was effected by the Serious Corruption Investigation team of the Hawks in Nelspruit.

swindler
Bongani Sibuyi (31)

The probe revealed that over the period between 2017 and 2018, Bongani Sibuyi recruited unemployed youth from poor rural areas of Bushbuckridge to be part of a skills development learnership programme. More than 300 youth registered for the project and they were informed to pay an administration fee of R250 each into a company account.

Learners were promised to receive a stipend of R3500 per month. A few months after the commencement of the project, learners embarked on a strike due to non-payment of the stipend as promised and as such the programme could not proceed.

Also read: Well-known man in Emba art circles remanded in custody

It was found that the company was not registered with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC). Moreover, it was also not accredited by Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA).

The money deposited was not used for the purpose it was intended for, subsequently, Sibuyi was arrested with his partner. Swindler Sibuyi was found guilty of fraud and sentenced to thirty-six (36) months imprisonment or R60000,00 half of which is suspended whilst his partner was cleared on all charges.

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.

Legal Notice – CARBON CAPTURE UTILISATION AND STORAGE (CCUS) PROJECT

Encee van Huyssteen
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Legal Notice – CARBON CAPTURE UTILISATION AND STORAGE (CCUS) PROJECT

CARBON CAPTURE UTILISATION AND STORAGE (CCUS) PROJECT: 3D SEISMIC SURVEY AND DRILLING ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Project Background

Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) has been acknowledged by South Africa (SA) as one of the technologies to mitigate the emission of CO2 into the atmosphere and forms one of the Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMA) against climate change. It is also one of the national flagship projects. CCUS forms part of a just transition to a future low-carbon energy economy.

The Council for Geoscience (CGS) is undertaking a geoscientific research project for the piloting of CCUS in Leandra in Mpumalanga, where it is proposed to inject CO2 into deep suitable geological formations, approximately 1km below the surface. The Government of SA has received funding from the World Bank’s International Bank for Reconstruction and Development to finance the CCUS project and intends to apply part of the proceeds for conducting Geological Characterisation comprising, amongst others, of drilling exploration boreholes and undertaking high-resolution 3D seismic survey at the proposed site. This notice only focuses on the Geological Characterisation component of the overall CCUS.

Carbon

3D Seismic Survey and Drilling

The proposed drilling site is located along the R29 from Leandra to Kinross and is bounded to the south by a railway line from Secunda to Springs. The area earmarked for the 3D seismic survey encompasses most of the town of Leandra, as well as rural areas to the east and north-east.

The boreholes will be cored from the top of the bedrock to total depth with a minimum hole diameter of c. 95 mm. At various intervals during the drilling, suites of geophysical instruments will be installed in the borehole to obtain geophysical information. In addition, tests to determine the presence and quantity of gasses, e.g., hydrocarbons/light gasses, and tests to determine hydrological information will be conducted at systematic horizons, e.g., where water strikes are intersected, in the borehole.

The purpose of the high-resolution 3D survey for the CCUS Project is to map the structures, reservoir and seal rocks in detail over the identified potential injection site. The 3D survey will also establish the baseline for future time-lapse CO2 monitoring activities. The seismic waves will be induced by vibrating truck-mounted heavy plates on the ground. These specialised trucks are known as “Vibroseis”. By analysing the time it takes for the seismic waves to reflect off subsurface formations and return to the surface, formations can be mapped. 3D surveys are acquired by laying out energy source points (vibroseis) and receiver points (geophones) in a grid over the area to be surveyed.

Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

Nemai Consulting was appointed by the CGS to undertake the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the 3D seismic survey and drilling required as part of the CCUS Project.

The ESIA must satisfy the following:
• The World Bank Environmental and Social Framework, the General Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Guidelines, Industry specific EHS Guidelines and Good International Industry Practice (GIIP); and
• SA’s environmental legal requirements.

Note that a separate consultant is undertaking the ESIA for the injection phase of the CCUS Project.

Stakeholder Engagement

Stakeholder engagement will be undertaken as part of the ESIA. The following public meeting will be held to provide a platform for project-related discussions and to obtain input from stakeholders:

Date: 15 March 2023
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Venue: Difa Nkosi Hall, Leandra (coordinates: 26°22’35.08″S, 28°55’19.72″E)

Please submit your contact information and any comments that you may have regarding the proposed CCUS: 3D seismic survey and drilling to the contact person below by 28 March 2023.

Contact Details of Environmental Assessment Practitioner:

Contact Person: Donavan Henning
Tel: (011) 781 1730
Fax: (011) 781 1731
Email: donavanh@nemai.co.za
Postal Address: PO Box 1673, Sunninghill, 2157

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