PROVINCIAL COMMISSIONER GLADLY WELCOMES THE HEFTY SENTENCES HANDED DOWN TO POACHERS
Nelspruit: The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has gladly welcomed the hefty sentences handed down by the Skukuza Regional Court to three poachers who are Mozambican Nationals, Lowrene Makamu (28), George Muyanga (50) and Nuru Burros (24). The poachers were sentenced yesterday, Tuesday 17 January 2023.
The court sentenced the trio after the state presented overwhelming evidence against them in court. Their sentence stems from an incident that occurred on 01 July 2022 at Crocodile bridge in the Kruger National Park. It is said that field rangers received a report from tourists about sounds of gunshots that were heard at the North of Afsaal picnic spot. The Section Ranger then activated his team with the help of a helicopter. A tracker dog was also brought in to assist in tracing the suspects.
The team followed up on the information until fresh rhino carcasses and fresh human footprints were found. The rangers on the helicopter spotted three suspects and called for backup from a second helicopter. Both helicopters landed a few metres from the suspects and cornered the three who were found in possession of a (,375) hunting rifle, 1 silencer, 6 fresh rhino horns (3 front and 3 rear horns) and 3x large hunting knives. Members from Skukuza SAPS were informed about the incident and upon their arrival, all three suspects were arrested and charged accordingly.
They were then charged and convicted hence their sentence as follows:
For (count 1) trespassing in Kruger National Park, the three were sentenced to 2 years imprisonment and for (count 2) contravention of the Immigration Act they were all sentenced to one-year imprisonment. For (count 3) Possession of a prohibited firearm, they were sent to spend 5 years behind bars. On (count 4) Conspiracy, they were sentenced to 4 years imprisonment and for (count 5) illegal hunting and killing of a black rhino, they were all punished with 10 years imprisonment each.
Meanwhile, for (count 6) the illegal killing of white rhinos, they were each sentenced to 5 years imprisonment. On (count 7), illegal hunting and killing of white rhinos, they each got a punishment of 5 years imprisonment whilst, on (count 8) possession of ammunition, the three were given 2-year imprisonment each. For (count 9) possession of a dangerous weapon, the three men were punished with one-year imprisonment.
The court ordered that the sentences on count 1, 2 and 5 run concurrently for accused number 1&3 (Makamu and Burros) because they were first offenders and count 3 and 8 will run concurrently. They will both spend an effective 25 years in prison whilst for accused number 2 (Muyanga), the court regarded him as a repeated offender and he will spend an effective 33 years in prison. They were all declared unfit to possess a firearm.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has further thanked the Field Rangers from SANPARKS, the Investigation team, the Prosecution team and the Judiciary which led to the well-deserved hefty sentence imposed upon the rhino poachers. ” We hope that the hefty sentence will serve as a deterrence to others who might consider emulating the actions of the three accused,” 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.
Is Bethal Dam Resort contributing to Bethal water problems?
“No water for the town, but I can fill the resort swimming pools.” This seems to be the message that the current proprietor of Bethal Dam Resort is sending to the Bethal community.
Bethal is plagued with problems, not only with electricity but also with water supply. Some residents have reported that they have been without water for over 8 weeks.
The officials from GMM are trying to “balance” the water to give all the residents equal opportunity to receive water but this is a mammoth task. Bethal Rand Reservoir is the first to fill up but struggles to get past the 30% mark. Only this week was it reported that the reservoir was 80% full.
The Bulletin received complaints regarding water being pumped into the Bethal Dam Resort swimming pools. We were told that no chemicals were used by the resort to clean the pools but that the water was pumped into the Bethal dam and filled with fresh water on a weekly basis.
We investigated the situation and visited the site on several occasions. We spoke to the workers that confirmed the fact that the water is pumped out and fresh water is then pumped into the pool. The way they clean the pool is to pump the water out, scrub the pool and then pump new water in. On one of our visits, a pump was next to the kiddie’s pool and the level of the pool was very low.
When we visited the pool, it was clear, given the state of the clogged-up pool drains, that the cleaning system is not functioning at 100%. We could not get a proper response on this yet as the proprietor, Shelly, did not respond to our letter.
During our investigations, we established, through very reliable sources, that the police instructed Shelly on one occasion at least not to use the fire hydrants for water. We also learned from reliable sources that officials from Govan Mbeki Municipality also instructed Shelly not to use water from the hydrants and taps. Apparently, this was done on several occasions.
During our last visit we were confronted by a very irate Shelly, she confirmed her identity, asking why we were trespassing. She refused to answer any of our questions but continued to accuse us of trespassing. Shelly later opened a case against us for trespassing at the local police station.
Shelly even said that we were recording her and they are residents from Bethal. We asked her to confirm if she was taking water without paying or if she was paying for this water to which we received no response. This was also asked in a follow-up letter with no response. The information at our disposal is that while she is renting the facility there is no water meter installed. This was not confirmed by the municipality yet.
Bethal residents have been complaining bitterly about the water situation exacerbated by the fact that they are experiencing double sessions of load-shedding. Both old-age homes had to scramble to get water for their residents.
GMM arranged a water truck to deliver water to the people, but several people complain of not being able to carry such a heavy burden and that the truck regularly passes them by. Several political parties arranged for water and even The Bulletin asked people in Secunda to supply water for the people in Bethal.
All this while water is being tapped into a large swimming pool with allegedly no payment for that water. The swimming pool volume is approximately 300 000litres. This is not exactly the correct volume as a bit of guessing had to be done. According to Google Earth Pro, the diameter of the pool is approximately 16,5m and we estimate the average depth at 1,3m.
Peninsula Pool Renovations gives the formula to calculate the pool volume. It is diameter x diameter x average depth x 785 = Volume in Litres. This means that the calculation should look like this: (16,5 x 16,5 x 1,3) x 785 = 277,831.125 litres.
If this is taken as roughly correct it means that 27 homes with 10000L JoJo tanks could have filled their tanks every week.
We would still like to offer Shelly a right of reply so that we can hear her side of the story as well
YOUR PETS CAN BE HEALTHIER AND HAPPIER IN 2023 WITH SOME OR ALL OF THESE PAWSOME PET NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS! (PART 3)
A new year brings new goals and more than 300 days of opportunity for you and your pet to bond, develop healthier habits, and discover new ways to live a full life. Your pet can live a better tomorrow with your help. An important first step is to avoid becoming overwhelmed thinking you need to make big changes overnight. Baby steps in the right direction are the way to go. The important thing is to make a plan and move steadily forward.
This week we look at the final part in this three-part series on how to have healthier and happier pets in 2023! Also, read PART 1 & PART 2 of these pawsome New Year’s resolutions.
CREATE A SAFE ENVIRONMENT & A SPACE THAT IS ONLY THEIRS
Keep toxic substances like medications, cleaning or gardening products, alcohol, and toxic plants out of reach.
Just because a pet shop or vet sells something, doesn’t make it safe. Buy safe bedding and toys made of natural material without strong smells.
Clean their food and water bowls daily. We prefer stainless steel bowls to plastic.
Be careful about cleaning products, air fresheners, or perfumes and candles you use that can affect your pets.
Resolve to take the time to safely secure your dog in the car on all car trips, regardless of the length of the journey. Never leave them alone in a car!
Make sure there is proper shelter from all the elements.
CREATE A PET-FRIENDLY GARDEN
Since our pets spend the most time at home or in the garden, we should do our best to build them safe, entertaining places to rest and play. Make sure all potentially harmful plants or substances are out of reach. Create some nice hiding places and vertical territory for your pets to enjoy and explore. Learn more about zoo pharmacognosy, which allows your pet to self-select remedies that best soothe them, especially during periods of anxiety.
OPEN A SAVINGS ACCOUNT FOR PET EMERGENCIES OR GET PET INSURANCE
Be better prepared for the unexpected. This is a healthy habit and can save you a lot of worries later. Pet owners can now choose from a variety of pet insurance plans that meet their needs and fit every budget. Read more on the pros and cons of pet insurance.
Pet New Year’s Resolutions – Image by The Paw Company
DO SOME COMMUNITY/PHILANTHROPY WORK FOR ANIMALS IN NEED
adopt or foster a pet
donate to a rescue or shelter
donate pet products like beds, towels, bowls, leashes, collars or food
volunteer at a shelter
say thank you to the rescuers (and a vet)
take a shelter dog for a walk
sign a few petitions to help us save more animals
share lost and found animal posts to improve their chances of being reunited with their owners
join a specific cause like “stop fireworks”, “say no to the circus” or sterilizations campaigns
BALANCE YOUR MOOD (ENERGY)
Animals can pick up on our energies. We see how sensitive animals are to our emotional state. They get excited when we are or try to comfort you if you are down by climbing on your lap. If you’re continuously agitated or angry when you come home, this could negatively affect your pet’s emotional state. Maybe a good New Year’s resolution idea this year is to learn how to have balanced energy before coming home to see your furry family. Even though a walk might do you good, maybe not attempt it on a day that you are angry or frustrated or not in the mood because you might ruin the experience for your pet.
Keep in mind that barking, humping, and digging for example are natural behaviours, but don’t allow your pet to do things if it frustrates you as this will not be good for either of you. There are alternative and healthy ways to deal with such natural behaviours.
FIND A GOOD PET SITTER
Identify what type of pet sitter service you need. Start your search as soon as possible, ask for referrals, and interview potential sitters. For us, a big factor (apart from being trustworthy) is someone who has training in pet first aid (behaviour and grooming are a bonus) and who has professional documentation (forms and terms & conditions). List your pet sitter at your vet. Read more on this topic.
ADOPT DON’T SHOP
If you are planning to get a new pet, please do your homework in advance about the specie and their needs. It is important that the animal and breed you choose fit with your family’s energy levels and lifestyle. Please do not support breeders who fuel this massive overpopulation crisis, so opt to adopt from reputable organizations that include home checks, a contract, and sterilization.
Only visit True Sanctuaries and say no to those that offer animal rides, interaction, walking with, petting, or taking photos with the animals.
Use your birthday to raise donations for a reputable animal shelter by asking friends and families to donate or let your wedding registry be donations to an animal shelter.
Organize a community clean-up because plastic and other trash are harmful to the environment and animals.
Support the life in your backyard like the small ecosystems, animals, and insects that live around your home.
Say no to pesticides and poisons because poisoning rats and other animals influences the natural food chain.
Choose to wear it kind by buying and wearing clothing ethically. Avoid leather, fur, and wool, and try sustainable, animal-friendly alternatives because their lives matter! Don’t buy products that are tested on animals. You can find the approved beauty brands in the Humane Guide.
EDUCATE & ADVOCATE
This is one we really want you to help us with! Try and share an educational post about animals regularly to help others learn more about animal care and welfare. Advocate for the voiceless and the unheard, especially about topics like breeding, selling, petting farms, the circus, and fireworks.
FINALLY, CREATE A PLAN
Almost done. You have your pet and you have decided to make some pet-positive changes in the new year. You even have some great ideas now for paw-some resolutions. To execute these resolutions though, there need to be detailed goals and an easy plan to follow every day. It is important to create a plan that you can stick to. Consider asking a friend to check in with you and make sure you are keeping to those resolutions. Maybe start a calendar and write down the days and the goals. The most important part, get excited!
Do you have a New Year’s resolution for your pet? Are you sticking to them?
Since the tragedy of the tigress that was shot and killed recently in Gauteng, next week we will look at the issue of keeping exotic and wild animals as pets.
SERITI’S WOMEN IN MINING TRAINING PROGRAMME PROVIDES HOPE FOR LOCAL BUSINESS OWNER
“The training lets me view business differently” Khuliso Munyembane
Ogies based businesswoman, Khuliso Munyembane and the owner of Yellow Team Mining Construction and Civil, is a beneficiary in Seriti’s Enterpriseand Supplier Development (ESD) holistic development programme.
This programme, launched during May 2022 by Seriti, aims to empower woman entrepreneurs in the Emalahleni/Middelburg area, and was designed and is being run by Collective Value Creation (CVC) over eighteen months and emphasises Seriti’s focus on women empowerment. It further aims to develop local SMMEs to create a pipeline of supply chain ready businesses who can secure procurement opportunities both inside and outside Seriti and endeavours to develop existing local suppliers and SMMEs to enable them to realise scale and drive supplier diversity in their supply chain.
Khuliso Munyembane
Khuliso started her business six years ago and with her fourteen employees, provide grass cutting, landscaping and waste water treatment services to Khuthala Colliery just outside of Ogies. One of these employees is her husband who is the general manager of the company and with their two children, forms her biggest support structure.
She started her business career when she resigned from her first job as a Telkom technical officer and started attending business seminars and briefings. She found both the mining sector and natural environment appealing and decided to combine them in her business venture. She enrolled in one of Seriti’s earlier ESD programmes at the then, South 32 mine, in order to learn more about business processes. She explains that it was not an easy road and she was confronted with numerous obstacles in the founder years, such as obtaining capital and equipment as well as employing the right skills.
Khuliso, who was born and bred in the small Mutiti Ha Matsa village in Limpopo, grabs opportunities that come her way and because of the Women in Mining programme, has already made some changes to her lifestyle. One of the first assignments of the twenty entrepreneurs on the programme, was to build a vision board with long term goals in different categories. One category is personal health and wellness and Khuliso has subsequently bought a treadmill to ensure that she gets the necessary daily workout to a stay fit and combat work-related stress.
The training so far has played a significant role in boosting her confidence and improving some crucial business skills. Some challenges she hopes to overcome is learning how to improve her marketing, negotiation and decision-making skills.
Apart from growing her business, expanding to the private and government sector while acquiring much needed skills, Khuliso plans to one day become an investor herself.
Sharon Sprenger, sales coach to the entrepreneurs said “working with the ladies on an individual level has been both inspiring and rewarding as we assisted them in developing their sales skills so that their businesses could grow and expand. To see how the confidence and attitude has shifted in each of them over the last few months as they tapped further into their potential, has been extremely satisfying to experience.”
PROVINCIAL COMMISSIONER THANKFUL TO THE TEAM FOR ARRESTING TWO IN CONNECTION WITH TRIPPLE MURDER OF COUNCILLOR AND TWO OTHERS IN PIET RETIEF
Nelspruit: 17 January 2023 – The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has expressed her gratitude to the assembled team after they arrested two male suspects aged 43 and 52 in connection with the fatal shooting incident at Longhomes Township in Piet Retief whereby a Councillor, identified as Mr Sbonelo (Mthembu) Ntshangase (36), and other two that were since identified as Mr Sandile Khumalo (51) and Mr Sizwe Mbingo (40). The three were gunned down in the evening of Friday,13 January 2023 around 20h00.
According to the report, the victims were allegedly shot by armed suspects in Mkhondo, also known as Piet Retief. It is further alleged that the suspects reportedly fired multiple shots at Mr Ntshangase who was in the yard, and also shot Mr Mbingo inside a bakkie who sadly died at the scene whilst Mr Khumalo was shot in the yard as well. Thereafter the suspects fled to unknown direction.
The Police at Piet Retief as well as the paramedics were informed about the incident whilst Mr Ntshangase and Mr Khumalo were privately taken to a nearby hospital. Mr Khumalo was unfortunately certified dead on arrival meanwhile Mr Ntshangase regrettably succumbed to his injuries moments later. A case with three counts of murder was opened and a dedicated team of experts in the field of investigation was immediately assembled under the leadership of the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela to probe this disheartening incident.
Mr Sbonelo (Mthembu) Ntshangase (36)
The team worked tirelessly until they made a breakthrough after receiving information on the whereabouts of the two male suspects who were arrested yesterday, Monday, 16 January 2023 and during the arrest, an automatic rifle with ammunition were confiscated. They are both charged with possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition. Police also confiscated other firearms and ammunition alleged to be owned by a certain security company however that matter is still under investigation to determine the lawful owners thereof.
Police will go as far as testing all seized firearms to determine whether they were not used previously in the commission of crime. The police investigation is still underway and the two could also be possibly faced with other charges, including the said fatal shooting if the three victims but for now the duo is expected to appear at the Piet Retief Magistrate’s Court today, Tuesday 17 January 2023 on the said charges of being found in possession of unlicensed firearm with ammunition.
The 43 year old suspect is charged with possession of unlicensed firearms and the 52 year old is charged for Fraud, Contravention of firearms control Act and Contravention of PSIRA Act.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has further urged members of the public, including families as well as colleagues of the slain victims to remain calm and allow police a space to investigate to bring all perpetrators thereof to book whilst allowing due processes of the law to take its course. “We have always stayed true and committed to our call of duty, that of preventing crime, and when crime has been committed we are obligated in terms of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, to investigate and bring perpetrators thereof to book.
We still need support from members of the public regarding further details which may assist in the investigation to come forth. We promise to treat such information with much delicacy” assured 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.
COUNCILLOR AND OTHER TWO VICTIMS FATALLY SHOT IN PIET RETIEF
Piet Retief – The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has strongly condemned the fatal shooting incident at Longhomes Township in Piet Retief whereby a Councillor, identified as Mr Sbonelo Mthembu (36) as well as two other males were gunned down last night, Friday 13 January 2023 around 20h00.
Mr Sbonelo Mthembu
According to the report, the three were shot at a certain yard in Mkhondo. Further information indicates that the Councillor as well as his mechanic were dropped off by a friend who was driving a bakkie then soon appeared three armed men at the yard. The suspects reportedly fired multiple shots at the Councillor who was in the yard, and also fatally shot the friend who was still inside his bakkie. The mechanic did not escape the shooting as he was shot by the same suspects whilst in the yard as well. Thereafter the three suspects fled to unknown direction.
The Police at Piet Retief as well as the paramedics were informed about the incident whilst the Councillor and his mechanic were privately taken to a nearby hospital. The mechanic was unfortunately certified dead on arrival meanwhile the Councillor regrettably succumbed to his injuries moments later.
On the other hand, when police and medical practitioners arrived at the scene, they found a male victim laying motionless behind a steering wheel of a white bakkie with gunshot wound then the paramedics unfortunately certified him dead.
A case with three counts of murder was opened and the suspects are still at large.
Police urge anyone with information that may assist in apprehending the perpetrators to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
A dedicated team of experts in the field of investigation was immediately assembled under the leadership of the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela to probe this disheartening incident with an anticipation to swiftly bring perpetrators thereof to book.
Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Mr. Vusi Shongwe has condemned in the strongest possible terms the recent shooting of three people in Mkhondo, which has left three people dead.
Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Mr. Vusi Shongwe
He says such acts of cowardice do not only rob the community of its leadership but it also impact negatively on service delivery at the local level.
” We must all work together to bring to book perpetrators who deserve lengthy jail terms. This is the second time in recent months that we lost a councilor at the hands of callous criminals. Condemnation alone is not enough. Such barbaric individuals must be urgently brought to book. The police should not spare any effort to ensure justice,” says the MEC.
He is also appealing for calm in Mkhondo, saying any person who has information that may assist law enforcement agencies should come forward.
“While the anger of the community is understandable, let us not fuel lawlessness or take the law into our own hands. Our police have made breakthroughs in many complex cases. Let us, therefore, allow them space to do their work,” adds Shongwe.
He is also sending condolences to the families of the deceased , friends, colleagues, and the entire Mkhondo community.
One of the councillors in Govan Mbeki Municipality was also allegedly threatend to have her life ended, this was allegedly done by the Speaker of the municipality Cllr Magagamela. A case has since been opened by Cllr Aranda Nel-Buidendag of the VF+ at the Police and it is being investigated
POLICE ON HIGH ALERT AFTER TRUCKS AND OTHER VEHICLES WERE TORCHED IN VOSMAN
Vosman (Witbank) – Police are on high alert and have heightened visibility in monitoring the situation on the N4 Road and areas in-and-around Vosman near Witbank, following an incident on Wednesday night, 11 January 2023 whereby four trucks and two bakkies were set alight. Scores of other vehicles were also reportedly damaged when some members of the community pelted stones at passing vehicles.
Preliminary reports indicate that the incident erupted following reports of lack of electricity in areas like Sangweni and other places in Vosman. A case of public violence was opened as well as multiple charges of malicious damage to property were laid following the dreadful incident. No one has been arrested so far however police, including members from Public Order Policing continue to maintain their presence in the area.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has called on members of the public to refrain from acts of violence though they have a right to protest however this should be done within the ambit of the law.
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.
MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH AS MPUMALANGA POLICE ARREST TWO ALLEGED ATM BOMBERS
Nelspruit: 12 January 2023 – The multidisciplinary police team comprised of Ehlanzeni Crime Intelligence Task Team, White River Flying Squad, Tonga K9 Unit and White River K9 Unit nabbed two male suspects aged 38 and 42 who are alleged to be involved in incidents of ATM bombings or even Cash-In-Transits (CIT’s). They are expected to appear at the Nkomazi Magistrate’s Court in Tonga today, Thursday, 12 January 2023 after being arrested and found in possession of a pistol, some explosives, large number of ammunition for rifles and for pistols.
The province of Mpumalanga has had a share of incidents where suspects attacked various business premises mostly fuel stations whereby explosives were detonated to get cash from drop-in-safe’s and ATM’s. Under the leadership of the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela a team of experts was assembled to deal with this situation with a hope to arrest perpetrators hence this breakthrough. The team is working around the clock to effect more arrests. Police believe that the arrested suspects could have been responsible for a string of business robberies in areas like Tonga, Pienaar, Nhlazatshe, Acornhoek, Kanyamazane, Schoemansdal and Kamhlushwa. In one of the incidents, one person was killed during an ATM bombing at Kamhlushwa in October 2022.
The two were cornered at Mzinti and Masibekela respectively near Komatipoort. During their arrest, a Glock 9mm pistol with one magazine and 26 live ammunition, four live rounds of an R5 assault rifle, an explosive charger box as well as explosive wires were found in their possession. Police cannot rule out the possibility that the suspects might be linked to other cases and anticipates to make more arrests as the investigation continues.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela was overwhelmed by the major breakthrough and applauded all members involved in the operation for their dedication in the fight against crime.
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.
