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.
Drowning tragedy at Boesies Restaurant & Conference Centre.
Tragedy struck the Makoena family on the afternoon of 24 December 2022 when the 9-year-old Ratiwe Moakoena tragically drowned in the pool of Boesies Restaurant & Conference Centre in Secunda.
Ratiwe and his mother visited Secunda from Hendrina and allegedly spend the day at Aqua Zone Water Park. They later decided to spend the remainder of the day at Umuzi Lodge with other guests. Umuzi Lodge is situated adjacent to Aqua Zone Water Park.
Apparently, the mother of Ratiwe sat next to the pool but did not notice that her son was in trouble. Once she realised that Ratiwe was not moving she immediately raised the alarm and paramedics from Langamed arrived within minutes. The paramedics could, unfortunately, not resuscitate the boy and he was declared deceased by them.
The Management of Boesies Restaurant and Umuzi Lodge spoke to the Bulletin and expressed their sympathy to the family.
“Our Condolences and deepest sympathy go out to the family of Ratiwe,” said the spokesperson of Boesies Restaurant and Umuzi Lodge.
Drownings is a more common occurrence than what people generally think. Drownings such as the one above happens so quickly and silently one often only reacts when it is too late.
When it is hot outside, children love to play in and around water. It is the adult’s responsibility to make sure that children are supervised at all times. Keep your children safe this holiday, by ensuring that your children always have a sober guardian watching them. Dial 112 in case of emergency
The NSRI writes on their Web Page the following regarding drowning.
It may be called the National Sea Rescue Institute, but the NSRI also works hard to prevent inland drownings – the most common kind.
Think ‘drowning’, and most of us picture flailing hands amidst choppy waves, rip currents and, well, the ocean. Yet 95% of drownings in South Africa occur in inland rivers, dams and swimming pools. Even more disturbing, considering how preventable it is, drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death in South Africa.
95% of drownings in South Africa occur in inland rivers, dams and swimming pools
For this reason, even though the bulk of NSRI work focuses on sea rescue, the Institute also places special focus on inland drowning prevention.
“Each year, approximately 1500 people drown, and about 450 of those – or 30% – are under the age of 14,” says NSRI Drowning Prevention Manager Andrew Ingram. “These drownings are completely preventable with the right education and training.”
Two areas of focus for the NSRI are educating the public about risks and dangers to be aware of – such as the signs of drowning, or conditions that make swimming dangerous in dams and rivers, such as alcohol consumption, weeds and currents – as well as teaching youth to swim.
At the beginning of 2020, the NSRI launched its Survival Swimming programme, which teaches children the basic skills to stay afloat should they find themselves in difficulty in the water. The initiative came about after several stories emerged involving children drowning a metre or two from safety. They would only have needed to know how to move as little as five metres through the water to save themselves.
Swimming pools without fences (to curtail access to little ones) are also a contributor to drowning figures – something the NSRI’s Executive Director of Drowning Prevention, Dr Jill Fortuin, has taken upon herself to remedy. She has been actively lobbying to have new swimming pool bylaws passed in the Western Cape that will make it mandatory for all swimming pools to be surrounded by safety barriers to prevent drowning.
In the lead-up to the festive season, which sees a marked increase in the number of drownings countrywide, Andrew has the following message: “The best advice that I can give to parents and caregivers is to keep their children safe when they are in or near water is to watch them constantly. Do not get distracted by your cell phone, socialising or anything else. Drowning is silent and if you are not watching your children they may suddenly get out of their depth with disastrous consequences.
“Also, it is important to never drink alcohol and then swim. We have come to accept that it is not acceptable to drink and drive – the same applies to swimming. Lastly, know the general emergency number to dial from your cell phone: 112. As part of your holiday preparations, save the local emergency services numbers – especially if you are going to a place that you are not familiar with – and remember that if you are in a situation that you have not planned for and need help, use Google to get you those numbers fast!”
Keep a lookout for the NSRI’s Pink Rescue Buoys located at select inland dams and swimming spots (as well as along the coast). “If you need to help someone in difficulty in the water, call the emergency number on the Pink Rescue Buoy sign for help and remember to never go into the water, even if you are a strong swimmer, to help someone if you do not have a floatation device,” says Andrew. “This is what the Pink Rescue Buoys are for. But you can use anything to keep you afloat, such as a surfboard. Enjoy the holidays and please keep a close eye on your children when they are near or in water.”
YOUR PETS CAN BE HEALTHIER AND HAPPIER IN 2023 WITH SOME OR ALL OF THESE PAWSOME PET NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS! (PART 1)
The presents are opened, the Christmas leftovers are done…….and now it’s that time of year again when we think about what we shouda-coulda-woulda done differently last year and vow to do better this year. I wish you and your pets a Pawsome 2023! May you be treated as you treat your pets!
A new year brings new goals, renewed hope and 365 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.
HERE ARE SOME IDEAS FOR PET-POSITIVE NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION (3-part series)
Pet New Year’s Resolutions – Image by The Paw Company
SPAY & NEUTER YOUR PETS.
This is probably our most important one. There are so many benefits to this plus you will help stop this massive overpopulation crisis we face in animal welfare. If your pet is already sterilized, thank you! Now please consider sponsoring one other sterilization for someone in need this year.
MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT FOR YOUR PET AND FEED THEM A NUTRITIOUS DIET.
As with us humans, it’s all too easy for a pet’s weight to gradually creep up over time. Measuring your pet’s food accurately is the first step to take to prevent overfeeding.
The goal in offering your pet fresh food, which they can truly thrive on, is to mimic the ancestral diet of dogs and cats as closely as possible without breaking the bank. Feed your pet as much unprocessed, fresh food as you can afford.
Ask your veterinarian for food recommendations appropriate for your pet’s species, age, breed and lifestyle. Feed the recommended amount, and limit treats to small goodies in limited portions, breaking up treats if you need to. Add in some healthy items, such as bits of carrots, apples and blueberries.
If you give them bones, follow these guidelines! See some advice from Dr Karen Becker (Veterinarian and co-author of The Forever Dog) on fresh food ideas.
LEARN SOMETHING NEW ABOUT ANIMAL CARE, BEHAVIOUR OR PET HEALTH EVERY WEEK.
Learn about the optimal care for your pet, and safety, meeting all their species/breed-specific needs. Observe your pet’s body language and learn what they are trying to tell you.
Check out The Paw Company’s index post on various animal topics and follow our ANIMALS 101 series every Wednesday in The Bulletin.
PROVIDE A LIFETIME OF TRAINING AND SOCIAL INTERACTION.
Dogs, cats and or other social animals can benefit from interaction with animals of the same species. Having a pet that is well-trained, obedient, happy, relaxed and responsive means that not only will your pet be easier to manage and safer in potentially dangerous situations, but you will also get more pleasure from your companionship as a result. Well-socialized have much less chance of winding up at an animal shelter.
Address at least one of those behavioural concerns or “bad” habits of your pet. Get some professional help if you need to. Remember there is a difference between a trainer and a behaviourist.
Learn a new trick.
IMPROVE YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF PET FIRST AID AND CREATE A PET EMERGENCY PLAN.
Accidents happen and the odds are that when your pets eat something they shouldn’t or get hurt, you will be home alone and it will be after veterinary hours. That’s why it’s so important for a pet parent to know how to handle an emergency and what the plan is in case of fire, flood, car accident, or possible evacuations. Save your veterinarian and other local vet’s emergency number on your phone. Read more on having an emergency plan.
Pet New Year’s Resolutions – Image by Dr. Karen Becker
STRENGTHEN YOUR BOND WITH QUALITY TIME.
You have a relationship bank account with your pet. Some negative actions like frustration and intimidation equal withdrawals while positive actions like play and attention are investments or deposits. Keep a positive bank balance.
Spend more time with your pets than you did last year! This can be some one-on-one time with your dog or cat, even if just at home watching some TV and cuddling or playing or having an adventure in the outside world. Sometimes resolve to just sit with your pet and watch the world go by and always be in the moment, not on your phone when you spend quality time together.
MEET ALL THEIR NEEDS.
A suitable environment.
Appropriate diet and fresh, clean, cool water daily.
Companionship.
A chance to exhibit normal behaviour.
Good health and medical attention when needed.
Enrichment is also crucial for your pet’s well-being. This includes food, sensory, cognitive, physical habitat and social enrichment.
It is good for both you and your pet. Get creative as exercise does not need to be boring. Play games or go for one of the 8 different walks.
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! Read last week’s article on helping animal welfare organizations too. Next week we will continue with part 2 of this 3-part series on the New Year’s pet resolutions.
TWO SUSPECTS NABBED FOR POSSESSION OF SUSPECTED STOLEN BAKKIE
Nelspruit: 03 January 2023 – Police in Mpumalanga continue to battle against perpetrators who capitalise on robbing stealing cars from defenceless victims. This is an issue which has been troubling citizens and police vowed not to fold their arms but have been working hard to address it. As a result, two suspects aged 34 and 43 were arrested at Vaalbank in the Nkangala District on Monday, 02 January 2023 around 17h00.
They were charged for being in possession of suspected stolen motor vehicle. The car, a white Toyota double cab bakkie was reportedly stolen during a house robbery at Marapyane village in Mmametlhake on 29 December 2022 around 21h30.
According to the report, an investigation team has been assembled to deal with similar crimes including business robberies, armed robberies and hijackings. The team has worked tirelessly to ensure that the perpetrators of these crimes are brought to book. The arrest of the two is evident of such progress made thus far. The team received some valuable information from the Intelligence structure of the police in the province regarding the stolen bakkie as well whereabouts of the suspects.
Details were then followed by the team consisting of members from Crime Intelligence at Kwamhlanga, Tracker SA and Kwamhlanga Vispol members. That was when the bakkie was reportedly found in possession of the two men who were immediately and without any hesitation apprehended. The arrested suspects could face other charges for similar crimes committed in other areas such as Siyabuswa and the surroundings as investigation continues.
The duo is expected to appear at the Kwamhlanga Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 04 January 2023 on charges of possession of suspected stolen property.
Meanwhile the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has gladly welcomed the exceptional work done by the team, including the arrest and recovery of the vehicle. The General has further indicated that the team indeed produced desired results.
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.
Watter tipe bagasie vat jy saam met jou in 2023 in? Kom ontdek meer…
Maak ‘n finansiële bydrae op 2 maniere: 1.Gee Aanlyn (Kruik Gemeente, ABSA, Tjek, Rek nr: 1510140016) 2.Gee deur Zapper – vind ons QR code in die diens aankondigings.
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
Geniet die diens saam ons! God in my Frieda van den Heever 2021 InVia Gemeente CCLI #573661
HOW TO GET INVOLVED IN ANIMAL WELFARE AND HELP US SAVE LIVES.
Helping animal welfare can lighten the heavy load for the rescuers. Animal welfare is not just an 8h00 to 17h00 job! It is a job, that most do not get paid for and where your heart is shattered every day! Physically and emotionally, it drains you! If you ask a rescuer for help, that rescuer probably had at least 10 other people ask for help too on any given day. They do this along with running to pick up, drop off, going to the Vet, saving lives, feeding, care, bottle feeding, cleaning, medicating, and answering messages, while sometimes even having a full-time job and a family. It is particularly worse during the Christmas holidays!
YOU CAN HELP BY GETTING INVOLVED
Get involved with a local shelter or organization and be an animal hero. As a bonus, you’ll be surrounded by dogs, cats and other animals, and who doesn’t like that? Another bonus of building a relationship with shelters includes a direct link to the right people when you have a problem or emergency and can’t get hold of a vet.
First, find a reputable shelter and then contact them.
Call the shelter or drop by and ask to speak to the volunteer coordinator.
Introduce yourself – give your name, and age, and say that you live in the area.
Ask if they could use a volunteer or if there are other ways to help the shelter.
Find out how the shelter works by asking more questions – it will help you figure out better ways to help.
Sometimes they need volunteers to help feed, wash or walk and play with the animals. If you can’t or don’t want to work with the animals directly? Here is a list of just some other things you can do for the shelter:
Clean cages, the backyard, or even the shelter’s office.
Make phone calls or do other general office work.
Make holiday decorations for the shelter’s office and waiting room or for themed holidays.
Good with websites or social media? Help manage pages or groups and share posts.
Help educate others. Take pictures for the shelter(if instructed to do so) of new animals and learn how to put them up for adoption and network them.
Become a foster home for animals the shelter doesn’t have room for.
Assist with lost and found animals so they don’t become the shelters “problem”.
Offer any professional skills you might have like accounting, IT, plumbing, etc.
Make the time to read the resources we share even if it does not apply to you at the time.
Help us educate others, so tell at least one person what you have learned.
Spay & neuter your pets and don’t support any breeders,”free to good home” ads, pet shops, or animal dealers.
Always adopt, but from reputable organizations only!
Keep your animals safe in your yard so that your animals are not the ones that create an extra burden on the system. Microchip them and make sure the chip is registered on multiple databases otherwise, it’s useless. Have an ID collar on too as that is a faster way to find the owners.
Get involved with reputable local organizations and learn how they operate, what their mandate is and what they need.
On social media – like their posts, and share their post, especially adoption posts. Commenting helps the algorithms, tag a friend, post a picture or a story update and leave a review!
If you can’t give money, you can help with fundraising events and support their events in other ways.
Look after the staff and rescuers or other volunteers who deal with the tough and heart-breaking parts of animal welfare every day. Buy a coffee or lunch, leave a note of encouragement, etc.
Support only reputable organizations that have proper adoption policies, who are transparent financially, etc.
Don’t’ get an animal if you cannot provide for all their needs.
Don’t give animals away, rather contact a local organization to facilitate a responsible adoption.
Don’t just move without including your pets in the long-term decisions.
Don’t blame shelters for what is happening, blame breeders, animal dealers and irresponsible owners.
Don’t support cruel practices or industries including zoos, aquariums, circuses with animals, petting farms, animal rides and more. This is stolen freedoms and exploitation of animals for human entertainment.
Join if they offer membership and help us hold them accountable by attending AGMs etc.
Helping animal welfare – Image from Pexels.com
PLEASE KEEP IN MIND
Animals always need help everywhere and we are grateful for everyone who helps! Sadly, too often we hear the phrase “someone do something”, including a picture of an animal that is dumped, hurt, or lost. Every animal welfare organization is already overwhelmed, which I can guarantee. Many people take in an animal that is hurt or dumped or lost and that is the right thing to do, but the problem comes in with the next step.
They call one of the organizations and just want to hand the animal over, feeling that they did their part. They get angry when the organization says can’t help at the moment and these individuals may even share this on social media. Usually, they do not offer to even donate food or funds or take the animal to someone, because they think the ”rescue” was enough. You are someone, you can do something.
Maybe the organization doesn’t have the resources to help at the moment. The local SPCA for example is one of a few organizations with paid staff, but they are responsible for almost 20 towns. If you phone them and the Inspector is in Delmas handling a cruelty case, then they can’t just jump in the car and drive back immediately because you demanded they help now. The organization probably already has at least 10 more animals than they can handle. Organizations are constantly overwhelmed with “do something” cases. You can lighten the load by helping one animal! If you don’t know what to do, there are many resources available and many rescuers will guide you too. You are someone, you can do something!
There is a way for every person to help! It really takes a village and animal welfare organizations are constantly overwhelmed, especially during this time of year. Your time, skills, or funds can make a difference in the lives of animals.
Next week we will look at some pawsome new years’ resolutions.
TRIGGER HAPPY SUSPECT ARRESTED FOR MURDER, ARMED ROBBERY AND POINTING WITH FIREARM
Voice clip by Brigadier Selvy Mohlala
Nelspruit: 28 December 2022 – A trigger happy suspect (45) was arrested on charges of murder, armed robbery, possession of unlicenced firearm with ammunition as well as pointing with firearm. The man was arrested on 26 December 2022 at Mkhuhlu near Bushbuckridge on allegations that he fatally shot Mr Aby Nginindza (40) in the early hours of Monday, 26 December 2022 around 03h30am at a certain Tavern which has a Car Wash in Mkhuhlu.
According to the report, members of the police at Calcutta received information regarding a shooting incident at the said premises. Upon arrival at the scene, they found the victim lying on the ground with gunshot wound on the head though he was still alive. An ambulance was also summoned however one of the family members decided to transport the victim to a nearby hospital in an effort to save his life. On arrival, the injured man was unfortunately certified dead.
A murder case was then opened and upon investigation, police traced as well as arrested the suspect at Mkhuhlu on the same day of the incident. During his arrest, he was found in possession of a firearm with ammunition as well as cash suspected to have been stolen. The firearm is alleged to have been used during the fatal shooting. Police also discovered that the man allegedly committed an armed robbery, where cash was taken from a male victim.
Photo – Illustration purposes only
It is said that this happened moments after the shooting. The investigators also unearthed that the man was somehow involved in an alleged pointing with a firearm where the victim is also a male. The confiscated firearm will undergo ballistic testing to determine whether it was not used in other crimes committed elsewhere. More charges could be added against the suspect as the investigation continues.
The suspect is expected to appear at the Mkhuhlu Magistrate’s Court today, 28 December 2022 facing a charge of murder, possession of unlicenced firearm with ammunition, pointing with firearm, and armed robbery.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has strongly condemned the fatal shooting of the victim whilst appreciating the excellent work done by the members in arresting the suspects as well as recovering the firearm with ammunition. The General further raised a concern regarding incidences of such nature which take place at liquor outlets.
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.
Kersfees is persoonlik. Wat beteken kersfees vir jou en hoe kan jy opnuut die kersfees boodskap jou eie maak?
Maak ‘n finansiële bydrae op 2 maniere: 1.Gee Aanlyn (Kruik Gemeente, ABSA, Tjek, Rek nr: 1510140016) 2.Gee deur Zapper – vind ons QR code in die diens aankondigings.
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
Geniet die diens saam ons! Silent Night Joseph Mohr, Franz Gruber Public Domain CCLI #573661
Eskom compounds electricity crisis with additional rotational loadshedding
Ghaleb Cachalia MP – DA Shadow Minister of Public Enterprises issued the following statement regarding rotaional loadshedding
Ghaleb Cachalia MP – DA Shadow Minister of Public Enterprises
As if loadshedding that fluctuates between stage 4 and stage 6 is not of sufficient concern and impact on South Africans, Eskom is now implementing additional rotational loadshedding to penalize non-paying municipalities. This means that ordinary households and businesses in the run-up to Christmas and New Year are having to operate with extended periods of blackouts – at considerable extra cost and inconvenience.
This additional rotational loadshedding schedule is implemented on a geographical basis and also affects customers directly supplied by Eskom, even those who are up to date with their accounts. This is being implemented despite a court ruling that paying customers cannot be prejudiced by inter-governmental disputes between Eskom and non-paying municipalities.
The DA has contacted Eskom for clarity on the matter but has received no response. In many areas water pumps, dependent on electricity to feed reservoirs are negatively impacted resulting in many places having no water for weeks.
The question is twofold: why is the exact nature of the problem and the measures being taken by Eskom not communicated to the nation and why are government ministers enjoying a brightly-lit festive season while South Africans who dutifully pay for electricity being excessively loadshed to the point of virtual darkness accompanied by the breakdown of other essential services dependent on power to operate?
