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.
DA calls for urgent financial intervention for struggling municipalities in Mpumalanga
The DA in Mpumalanga is concerned with the progress of the financial recovery approach strategy implemented to address financial challenges across various municipalities.
The program spearheaded by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) was adopted in 2018 with the aim of helping affected municipalities reduce their debts, collect revenue, save money and service creditors on time.
“Govan Mbeki, Msukaligwa, Lekwa and Emalahleni Local Municipalities are amongst the municipalities where this approach was implemented,” said Trudie Grovè-Morgan – MPL DA Spokesperson on the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.
Trudie Grove-Morgan
The DA finds it extremely concerning to note that there has been no significant improvement in these financially distressed municipalities. Despite numerous documents and financial reports raising alarm bells, the provincial government is still very reluctant to take a hands-on approach.
“For a number of years, our financially distressed municipalities in the province have struggled with all aspects of revenue generation, inaccurate billing and an inability to collect monies owed to them for services provided,” said Trudie
Alongside this inherent inability to generate revenue, our debt to creditors such as Eskom, Rand Water and the Department of Water and Sanitation have increased drastically.
The DA condemns the fact that the Eskom accounts for both Emalahleni and Govan Mbeki was allowed to escalate to just over R10 billion, with very little intervention from the province.
According to the Section 71 report for the month of October 2022, Govan Mbeki’s inability to generate revenue from the sale of services resulted in the municipality not only being owed R3.3 billion for services provided, but it also owed Eskom and Rand Water R3.3 billion and R568 million respectively.
Equally concerning is the fact that the Eskom debt in Emalahleni grew to R7.1 billion, whilst the municipality was owed R6.8 billion for services provided. The Eskom debt is crippling these two municipalities and severely hindering their ability to deliver services.
For the 2019/2020 financial year, the Standing Committee On Public Accounts (SCOPA) report on the 2019/20 Assessment Report of the Section 131 (b) of the Municipal Finance Management Act 56 of 2003 noted that both Emalahleni and Govan Mbeki operated at a deficit of R550 million and R650 million respectively.
These devastating developments across our municipalities are an indication of the ANC’s capabilities in governance. In this regard, the financial recovery approach is one of their many unsuccessful strategies aimed at misleading the public. The DA holds the ANC administration accountable for the collapse of these municipalities. “I have therefore written a letter to COGTA MEC Mr. Mandla Msibi to urgently determine whether this plan has produced the desired results,” said Trudie Grovè-Morgan – MPL DA Spokesperson on the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.
HORROR AS TWO BURNT BODIES FOUND IN A DUMPING SITE
Bushbuckridge – It was an astonishment and horrific experience at the discovery of two burnt bodies in a dumping site in Casteel outside Acornhoek near Bushbuckridge on Monday, 09 January 2023 at about 19h30.
Police were alerted by a community member about the gruesome discovery and upon arrival at the scene, medical practitioners were summoned who certified both male victims dead. Alongside the deceased were three carcasses of cattle. The police are in a process of finding their families so that the two could be identified. The motive behind the killing is unknown at the moment pending investigations. A postmortem will also be conducted to determine the cause of death.
Police have since launched an intensive investigation which will include on finding out the owners of the cattle. Police therefore urge anyone who might have information that may assist in the investigation to contact Detective Lieutenant Colonel Aaron Digoro on 082 318 9925 or call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has strongly condemned the senseless killing of the two individuals.
YOUR PETS CAN BE HEALTHIER AND HAPPIER IN 2023 WITH SOME OR ALL OF THESE PAWSOME PET NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS!
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.
Last week we looked at PART 1 of the three-part series on pawsome New Year’s resolutions for the animals you choose to share your life with.
Pet New Year’s Resolutions – Image by The Paw Company
TRY A NEW ACTIVITY, LOOK AT THINGS FROM A NEW ANGLE OR GO ON AN ADVENTURE
You see so much more of the world compared to the animals in your care. To them, you, your family, and your home are their world. Let them see more! Do you have an adventurous dog breed? Or a curious cat? Try a new activity with them. Find something you both love doing. Many restaurants are now offering dog-friendly seating areas and during the off-season, more beaches are open to dogs.
INCORPORATE MORE PLAY AND FUN TIME
Besides being fun, playing has a vital role in their development. It promotes confidence. If they are confident, they tend to be less anxious or fearful. You should also play breed-specific games including scent & track, eye & stalk, chase, grab-bite, kill-bite, possess, dissect, and consume. Resolve to get at least one new toy and play with your pet, even just 5 minutes a day. For cats, you can also buy a new scratching post or build a new cat tress. Most dogs love car rides.
SCHEDULE A WELLNESS CHECK-UP WITH YOUR VET AND IMPROVE YOUR PET’S HEALTH
Regular appointments are so important for ensuring that your animals enjoy many happy and healthy years. It can help detect any potential problems early. So, consider adding more wellness appointments to your New Year’s resolution list, but do so at least once a year.
Make sure your necessary vaccinations are up-to-date.
Around the age of 8, their wellness and nutritional needs can require fine-tuning every 4 to 6 months. In older animals, it’s very important to review weight, muscle tone, joint range of motion, diet, supplement protocol, and exercise habits at least semi-annually.
Through a healthy diet, exercise, enrichment, and keeping your home safe and toxin-free, their health can improve drastically.
SEEK MORE NATURAL WAYS TO SUPPORT YOUR PET’S HEALTH
‘Integrated’ health care for domestic animals can combine the best of conventional Veterinary medicine, alongside diet and nutrition, supplements, herbal and homeopathic formulas, physiotherapy acupressure, and acupuncture. All of which can improve our pet’s quality of life.
Schedule an appointment with a natural health care practitioner to see how a more natural approach to your pet’s health care could benefit them this year…… and every year in the future.
ADD YOUR PETS TO YOUR WILL
What is the immediate and long-term plan for your pets if you die today? Are they included in your will? Will they be taken care of? It is important to list specific instructions in your will! Is there someone in your town who will be responsible for taking care of your pets in case of an emergency? You can also LEAVE A LEGACY, by donating part of your estate to an animal shelter.
MICROCHIP AND REGISTER (OR UPDATE) YOUR PET’S MICROCHIP & ID COLLAR INFO
If your pet doesn’t have a microchip, get one now! There are affordable options and it drastically improves the chances of reuniting your pet with you if they get lost. You have to register your details on a database (preferably more than one) so it can be linked to the microchip number. Otherwise, the microchip means nothing. Make sure your details are up-to-date if you moved or changed numbers. Have a recent photo ready in case they get lost. Read everything you need to know about microchips here.
Pet New Year’s Resolutions – Image by Dr. Karen Becker
CLEAR OUT OLD TOYS & GET CREATIVE BY MAKING SOME NEW ONES
Take a fresh look at their toy collection and stop holding on to old, tatty, and often germ-infested pet toys. Now’s the perfect time to do a good clean and clear and to give your pet something fun and new to play with. Choose safe toys made of natural materials and clean them regularly. Read more on pet toys.
SCHEDULE SOME DAILY DIY GROOMING TIME
Grooming is important to keep the coat shiny and healthy. Like playtime, grooming is something that most pets look forward to and it’s a bonding activity. Grooming your pet is also a great way to notice if something is off. Make sure their coat/skin is in good condition, nails are trimmed, eyes and ears are clean as well as maintaining good dental hygiene.
Your pets didn’t have a choice when they came to stay with you and since you chose to have them, it is your responsibility to meet their every need! Next week we will continue with the final part of this three-part series on the pet New Year’s resolutions. Do better for your pets in 2023!
DCSSL traffic officer killed by a truck along N4 toll road near Middelburg
The Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison (DCSSL), has lost a traffic officer, Mr. Gijimane July Nkabinde (57) after he was hit by a truck along the N4 toll road on Monday evening around 19h30.
This happened while Nkabinde was on duty at Middelburg weighbridge. It is alleged that at the time the accident occurred, he was directing the truck to the wrighbridge situated along the road.
The late Gijimane July Nkabinde
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragedy is already underway.
Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Mr Vusi Shongwe, has sent his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and colleagues of Nkabinde.
He has called on Nkabinde’s colleagues in the law enforcement fraternity not to be discouraged by this incident. He says they should rather continue working harder to deal with errant drivers as part of honouring the departed official.
“Truck drivers must at all times cooperate with law enforcement officers because the directives of these officials supersede all other signs on the road. We have noticed that some truck drivers are at times not working with our officials. There is a problem of attitude on some truck drivers who constantly disregard the rules. The attitude of some of these drivers must change and trucking companies must instill in their employees the culture of considerate and courteous driving,” says Shongwe.
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.
POLICE CAPTAIN AND TWO ARRESTED ON ALLEGED CORRUPTION, EXTORTION, KIDNAPPING AND DEFEATING THE ENDS OF JUSTICE
Three suspects including a female Police Captain were arrested on charges of corruption, defeating the ends of justice, extortion and kidnapping. The three (one female and two males) were nabbed in Witbank on Monday afternoon, 09 January 2023 around 15h30.
According to the report, 13 alleged undocumented persons were reportedly taken into a police marked van by the three suspects for hours whereby a bribe of R10 000 was demanded from them for their freedom. It is further alleged that these individuals were working at a certain construction site in Witbank. Apparently the owner of the premises was also contacted to also pay for the release of the 13. After few hours cash was allegedly paid to the three suspects and that is when they were arrested by the members of the police from Mpumalanga Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit.
The cash was also confiscated from the possession of the suspects as part of the investigation. The trio appeared at the Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court today, Tuesday 10 January 2023 and they were each granted bail of R2000 and they are expected to appear again in the same court on 01 March 2023 meanwhile the investigation continues. They were identified as Tshidi Anastacia Mamareko (56), Santi Madoda Khumalo (44), and Albert Ramuchu (41). Internal investigations surrounding the incident against the female Captain will also be conducted whereby disciplinary steps may be taken pending the outcome of the probe.
Illustration purposes
Meanwhile the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has welcomed the arrest of the three and used the opportunity to strongly warn members to stay away from involving themselves in alleged corrupt activities as it would land them in hot waters. “We cannot allow ourselves to be associated with corruption and the law will have to take its course against such who break the law, including those within our ranks without fear of favour” warned 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.
POLICE INVESTIGATES A ROBBERY AT A FILLING STATION
Police are investigating an incident whereby a group of suspects staged a robbery at a fuel station in Hazyview in the early hours of today, Tuesday 10 January 2023.
Information on police disposal indicates that a group of about four armed suspects who were driving in two vehicles, possibly a blue Toyota Fortuner and a Ford Everest reportedly stormed into a certain filling station today (10 January 2023) around 01h40 am. The suspects are said to have held the petrol attendants and security personnel at gunpoint. The suspects also reportedly fired some shots to scare off anyone who could attempted to approach them. It is further alleged that in the process of attempting to get the money, they damaged an ATM at the liquor store but did not get cash however they then went to detonate some explosives at an ATM and drop-in-safe at the fuel station. It is reported that they made off with undisclosed amount of cash. No one was reportedly injured during the incident.
No arrest has been made so far and police are continuing with their investigation of this business robbery and 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 team of experts in the field of investigation has been assembled under the leadership as well as guidance of the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela and these members are working around the clock to bring perpetrators thereof to book.
