English voice clip by Brigadier MohlalaSepedi voice Clip by Brigadier MohlalaIsiZulu voice Clip by Brigadier Mohlala
Nelspruit: 05 October 2022 – The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has strongly condemned the brutal murder of a 57-year-old police Warrant Officer.
Warrant Officer Siyaphi Jan Msiza who was stationed at Kwamhlanga Police was attacked by suspects on Tuesday, 04 October 2022.
According to information, the member is said to have visited his friend at Msholozi Village in Kwamhlanga. At about 20h15 it is said that he called it a day and decided to go home. His friends reportedly accompanied him. After they all thought he was safe, his friends went back however the friends responded quickly after they heard him calling for help. They were shocked to find him with two stab wounds on his chest. It is further alleged that he informed his friends that he was attacked by two guys who stabbed him.
Sadly on their arrival at the hospital, it was too late as their friend was certified dead by medical staff.
The fallen man in blue has served the SAPS for 32 years. No arrest has been made so far and the police are appealing to anyone who might have information that can lead to the arrest of the suspects to contact the Branch Commander, Detective Colonel Alex Mahlahlane on 0823189865. Alternatively, members of the public can 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.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has further sent condolences to the family of the slain member as well as his friends. “Attacking police officials is a direct attack on the state and a team consisting of investigators will probe and ensure that the perpetrators are soon brought to book,” said the General.
Police Minister welcomes progress made in police investigations into German Tourist murder.
The latest developments in the murder investigation of a German national shot and killed close to the Kruger National Park, have been optimistically welcomed by the Police Ministry.
The 67-year-old German national was shot and killed this week, on Numbi Road near the Numbi gate of the Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga.
Police in the province has identified and taken in three people for questioning regarding the murder of the tourist, who was driving in a vehicle ferrying three other passengers, heading towards the national park.
The trio who are in police custody are said to be cooperating with investigators.
Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele and the National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola together with the Mpumalanga Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Daphney Manamela and Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC, Vusi Shongwe on Wednesday 05 October 2022, visited the scene of the fatal Monday afternoon shooting.
Picture: JACKIE CLAUSEN
The Minister told reporters gathered at the scene that police are following up on good leads.
“The tourism sector is highly contested and is the bread and butter of millions of households in this province and other parts of the country, therefore it must be guarded jealously by all of us including communities and we simply cannot let such callous acts go unpunished. Therefore, it is highly encouraging to see police in this province move with agility to find those responsible for this crime.”
Minister Cele also added that a long-term solution is needed to safeguard communities and tourists alike, he has committed to engaging his cabinet colleagues responsible for tourism and transport to put in place a joint coordinated response against tourists.
The response should be both reactive and proactive and bring together national and local government and both public and private tourism role players to urgently combine resources and efforts to deal with the causative factors of some of these crimes taking place in and around the Masoyi policing area.
This province recorded eleven common robbery incidents involving tourists, from April to June 2022. Police have arrested two people for their alleged involvement in some of the crimes and the suspects are currently going through court processes.
“Police have a duty towards all inhabitants of this country and must make arrests, as part of crime prevention, the tourism sector also has a responsibility to empower their clients with information and knowledge about their surroundings, so they are not easily targeted for their valuables. We have no doubt if this approach is widely adopted, it will go a long way in ensuring the space for these criminals targeting visitors to our shores is squeezed and ultimately shut”
While police continue to follow up closely on strong leads in the murder investigation, the Ministry calls on the SAPS to speedily make arrests to restore public confidence and ensure the law takes its course.
Trudie Grovè-Morgan MPL, DA Spokesperson on Community Safety, Security and Liaison said that “The KNP and neighbouring lodges play a vital role in the economy of the province as they attract tourists from different parts of the world. Following the devastating impacts of Covid 19, it is of importance that such sites are kept safe and operational.”
Trudie Grove-Morgan
“Mpumalanga is a tourist destination with a variety of appealing nature sites, however, such crimes will damage the image of the province and deter potential tourists.” Said Trudie, “The DA calls on the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison and the Department of Economic Development and Tourism to come together and formulate a crime combat strategy which will counter criminals and protect our tourists.”
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.
The long-awaited SANBS donor for Life awards (Teksa branch) took place at Graceland recently
Several people were honoured for their commitment to SANBS with rewards for donating several units of blood. The following special guests were welcomed: Willem van der Merwe – Senior Specialist: Donor Relations Ronald Marsh – Zone Donor Manager Asanda Msileni – Head of Donor Relations: Mpumalanga All the donors that received their awards, the staff as well as the donor committee.
Willem van der Merwe, Sr Sanet Kalse, James van Wyk (250 units donated), Ronald Marsh and Encee van Huyssteen
The Covid pandemic put a huge damper on the donor awards during 2020 and 2021. The hall was beautifully decorated and all the recipients and guests were eagerly waiting for the function to commence. There were nearly 400 guests in the hall.
Willem van der Merwe gave a little insight into the developments within SANBS with donations and the distribution of the units. The drone program was also mentioned where two routes have been approved for drone delivery of blood. The first in the world!
The Branch Donor Committee Chairperson, Encee van Huyssteen, spoke about Donor Governance, He explained how the various committees work and where they fit in in the organisation. The requirements to become a committee member were also explained.
Three donor committee members were also honoured for their long service to the committee.
Sr Sanet Kalse: Collection Manager Teksa Branch gave oversight of the branch performance for the past year.
Dot Prinsloo, Donor Relations Practitioner of the Teksa branch explained the process and the difficulties of handing out awards during the covid period with all the restrictions. However, some milestone donors did receive their awards at the clinics where they usually donated. Even though they already received their medals they were still honoured during the event and would only be called to receive congratulations while others would be handed their rewards on stage.
Here are some of the recipients (best seen on a computer screen):
The awards were given for Club25 youth campaign, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 225 and even 250 units.
James van Wyk was the real guest of honour with his 250 units donated. It takes dedication and commitment to reach milestones such as his.
Thank you to everyone that makes SANBS such an exceptional place to be part of.
“It is not just blood, it’s life,” said Dot Prinsloo.
The evening ended with a Buffet dinner and everyone took some time to enjoy the rest of the evening.
Police need your help with a decomposed body that was found in the ceiling of a house.
Nelspruit: 05 October 2022 -A decomposed body of a woman was found in a ceiling of a certain house on Tuesday morning, 04 October 2022 around 11h00 am in Minaar Street at Balfour.
According to the report, the Police received a complaint of a bad odour coming from a house in the area of Balfour. On arrival police found a lady who indicated that she has moved into the said house about a month ago to stay with the father of her child.
The Police began to check the house in order to determine where the odour was coming from. At first, the ceiling trapdoor did not show clearly what was inside, however, the members proceeded to the next room and broke the ceiling where they made the discovery of a human body wrapped in some clothes.
Emergency Services personnel were summoned to the scene but the body was in a decomposed state in such a way that the gender could not be determined at that time however later through the shoes that the victim was wearing as well as the nail polish and other features it was then determined that it is a female person. A murder case is being investigated by the police.
On further questioning by police, the woman indicated that she too was concerned about the odour and even asked her partner but he responded that it was due to rats. When she was asked about the whereabouts of her companion, the lady indicated that she last saw him on Saturday (01 October 2022) when he indicated that he was going to make payments on some accounts and then vanished. The family is yet to identify the deceased.
Do you know where he is? Saps need your help in locating Thabo
The investigators believe that Mr Thabo Silas Tsotetsi (picture attached) could assist in their investigation therefore police urge anyone who may know his whereabouts or anyone with information that may help in the investigation to contact Detective Sergeant Moeketsi Mofokeng at 0723513801 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.
Meanwhile the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has condemned the incident in the strongest possible terms it deserves. “This is really heartbreaking for a woman to be murdered and her body concealed like that. We strongly suspect that this is another Gender-Based-Violence incident but hope and trust that anyone behind this murder will feel the full might of the law” said the General.
WHEN YOU UNDERSTAND THE MANDATE OF THE SPCA, YOU MAY BE ABLE TO HELP ANIMALS MORE EFFECTIVELY.
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals which in short is SPCA, aims to protect all animals from cruelty, neglect and ill-treatment that often results from ignorance about animals and their needs, although it is no excuse. The SPCA has authority basically in terms of any animal’s welfare. The local municipality and police in each town are however responsible for certain complaints about animals like those causing a nuisance or disturbance of the peace.
You are always welcome to contact the SPCA to advise you or help where they can. It is however important to understand their mandate within the local municipality in terms of lost, found, stray or injured animals, selling, deceased and nuisance complaints. There is more to the mandate than what we discuss below, especially when it comes to practices like hunting, performing animals in circus or aquariums, illegal wildlife trade next to the road and more.
JURISDICTION
Every SPCA has a jurisdictional area wherein they operate. Contact your nearest SPCA or the NSPCA if there is not one nearby. Find yours here.
Some situations that may appear as though the SPCA must get involved, aren’t actually within their mandate. Their mandate is to prevent cruelty, and in a country that spans over a million square kilometers, their Inspectors must place their focus on cases where the Animals Protection Act is being contravened. Please consider the following guidelines:
Barking Dogs
Barking dogs does not fall within their mandate and you should contact your local Municipality or police station to lodge a formal complaint regarding barking dogs. If it sounds more like distressed barking, please contact the SPCA to investigate at that address.
Stray Animals
The local Municipality in each town is responsible for complaints regarding stray animals, which include animals in the street, animals causing a nuisance, or animals attacking people & other animals. Please contact your local Municipality or police station for assistance in this matter.
However, if you can enclose a stray, please do so and take the animal to the nearest SPCA. If a stray animal appears thin, sick, injured, or in distress, you should immediately contact your local SPCA emergency number! Call until they answer, don’t send a message and especially no emergencies via Facebook because these pages aren’t monitored 24/7.
Many of the SPCA, even though it is not part of their mandate, might pick up strays and especially those that are reported as being on the street for a long period as well as “power breeds” used for dog fighting.
If an animal is constantly on the street and you know who the owners are, you can contact the SPCA and request a proactive inspection at the owner’s home. Please do this to help the animal.
Deceased Animals
The local Municipality in each town is responsible for the collection of dead animals in puclic areas. If you do find a deceased animal lying in the street, please try and move the body out of the way. It might be helpful to take a picture and send it to your local lost and found groups so they can give closure to someone whose pet was lost.
The Selling of Animals
The SPCA opposes the sale/trading of animals, however, it is not illegal to trade with domestic animals and therefore, they have no jurisdiction to intervene unless there are welfare concerns. There are certain regulations to be followed in terms of welfare which they can investigate and act upon. If you are unsure, rather let them investigate. In the case of any breeders (registered or backyard), they need the breeder’s address to conduct a proactive inspection (we often ask for this) which you can request or an inspection if you actually see welfare concerns including lack of food and water, distress, confinement, etc.
Side note: The selling of animals goes against Facebook community standards and should be reported to the Facebook group admins and Facebook itself. If the seller does not mention a price in the post, ask for it in the comments and report that comment too. If they use the word adoption, ask for their NPO/NPC registration number. If they can’t provide theirs or they have one and do not include sterilization and home checks, then they should not be using the word adoption. Please contact us at The Paw Company to report that.
Image as shared by Bethal SPCA
MANDATE AND POWERS OF INSPECTORS
In South Africa, SPCA Inspectors are authorized in terms of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 (as amended) and the Performing Animals Protection Act No. 24 of 1935 (as amended) and undertakes most of all animal welfare investigations and prosecutions in South Africa.
This means that in terms of both the Acts mentioned above, qualified inspectors with magisterial authorization have the powers that include the obtaining of search and seizure warrants to enter any premises and seize any animal to prevent suffering. The SPCAs work with local law enforcement and when individuals are in contravention of the provisions of the Animals Protection Act, it can lead to an arrest, including the abondoning of an animal. Keep in mind it is not always as simple as to just remove an animal.
ABOUT SPCA OPERATIONS
The public can take animals to the SPCA that seem lost, abandoned or whose owners did not keep them safe in their yards. For animals in danger or injured, they will go out ASAP!
Pound period
When an animal is taken to the SPCA there is a pound period. The pound period is mainly determined by the local municipal bylaws for animals. According to these local laws the SPCA can either euthanize or adopt the animal out after the pound period. Pound periods can vary between SPCAs from 5 to 14 days.
During the pound period, they do not advertise animals, but owners who have lost pets can contact them, send an email with pictures and details, but the best option is to visit the kennels to see if your pet has been taken to them. Follow up and visit frequently. Remember that they work with many animals a day and different volunteers, so it is crucial that you go in to check.
Claiming your lost animal
Owners who claim these animals during the pound period might need to pay for sterilization, micro-chipping, collar ID deworming, vaccinations and pound fees per day, for their care. This will be determined by the SPCA’s policy.
If an owner claims the animal after the pound period, they will need to go through the adoption process.
When someone’s animal is constantly in the street. Please take them to the SPCA as the owner can then explain to the SPCA why they allow their animals in the street, they will have to meet all the above requirements for claiming an animal and will be subject to a home check too.
Surrendering an animal
If you can no longer take care of your animal, you can surrender them to your nearest SPCA by signing a document that transfers ownership to the SPCA in a “no questions asked” kind of way. However, if you dump the animal in the street or leave them behind when you move and they find you, it is contraventions of the Animals Protection Act and will have serious repercussions.
Euthanasia
If your pet is suffering and or severely ill, please do not let them suffer any further because you can’t afford to put them to sleep. You can surrender them to the SPCA at no cost (consider a donation though) to end their suffering humanely as soon as possible.
Please report animal cruelty directly to your local SPCA. If you suspect cruelty or are unsure, please report it immediately so they can investigate. There is a legal process they have to follow which may include first only a notice to comply or a warning, etc. The animal can’t just be removed without evidence, so report it even if you are unsure and when it happens again. Try to get evidence if you can do this safely. All of this can speed up the process to remove the animal. These reports can be done anonymously.
REPORT CRUELTY – Image as shared by Bethal SPCA
Please save the contact numbers in advance, especially the emergency ones!
Before you blame the SPCA, please go and volunteer, to better understand. Become a member so you can have a say through voting at the AGM. Please sterilize your pets, keep them safe in your yard, keep them healthy, meet their needs and also make sure your microchip is registered on multiple databases.
Remember that when an animal is a “nuisance” to you, it is not the animal’s fault, but a human who failed them. Thank you to each who supports the reputable local animal welfare organizations, so they can continue the good work. Next week we will look at what to do if your pet dies at home.
WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER, DO BETTER!
Please note that I write this as someone who has been involved with the SPCA, but does not represent the SPCA here in any way.
Felani Mndebele finally wins R1,7m compensation in arbitration case regarding unfair dismissal case against GMM
In a judgement given by Arbitration Commissioner Freddy Baloyi, it became clear that the ratepayers will once again pay for mistakes made by the ANC majority in GMM Council.
Baloyi awarded Mndebele R1,7m compensation in a CCMA Arbitration ruling made on 29 September 2022.
The embattled Ex-Municipal Manager of Govan Mbeki Municipality took the municipality to the CCMA in an unfair dismissal dispute related to misconduct as described in section 191(5) (a) of the Labour Relations Act No.66 of 1995 as amended (the LRA).
Felani Mndebele
The Municipality has shown disregard for several rulings in this case and the residents will have to foot the bill. The legal fees alone would be a substantial amount. These decisions made by the council of GMM are paid for with money received from levying rates and taxes. Rates and taxes are paid by residents and businesses within Govan Mbeki Municipality.
The Bulletin reported the progress of the dismissal over several articles. These will be recapped shortly.
Baloyi made several references to unfair practices by GMM.
It would be fair to note a few.
“It is common cause and noted in the pre-arbitration minutes that the respondent (GMM) has conceded that no procedure was followed before the applicant was dismissed.”
This means that in layman’s terms, Mndebele’s contract was terminated, but none of the described procedures was followed as required by law.
“It is uncontested that the applicant was dismissed after Council made a resolution to terminate his contract on 16th July 2022. The letter did not stipulate the reasons for the termination except that the item about the termination of his employment contract, namely CA011/07/2021, was discussed and dismissal be effected on 16th July 2021.”
The opposition parties contested the decision but the ANC used their majority to push the item through. In an article titled “Municipal Manager sacked by GMM (July 17, 2021),” the Bulletin highlighted the following:
In a council meeting that was described by Cllr James Masango as a Cangaroo Court to fire the Municipal Manager, the ANC voted as per their party caucus decisions leaving the Municipality open for further lawsuits and expenses.
In the discussion of the item, Executive Mayor Cllr Zuma acknowledged the fact that Felani obtained a court order against the Municipality compelling them to allow the MM to return to work and halt all proceedings against him.
In the judgement by Acting High Court Judge, AJ Brauckmann costs were awarded against GMM. This was after the team from GMM tried to mislead the High Court regarding the Council resolution taken by the council regarding the appeal.
“The following was the order made by the Middelburg High Court: 11.1 the disciplinary proceedings instituted against the Applicant on 16 October 2020 in terms of the Local Government: Disciplinary Regulations for Senior Managers 2010 (“the 2010 Regulations”) is declared unlawful, null and void.”
“The applicant’s (Felani Mndebele) dismissal is on a balance of probabilities procedurally unfair.”
“The reasons given by the respondent (GMM) after the termination of his employment do not amount to charges but mere allegations as they were not tested in a disciplinary hearing.”
“The respondent chose to arbitrarily terminate the applicant’s contract through a process in conflict with the court’s order”
The following award was made:
The dismissal of the applicant (Simon Felani Mndebele) by the respondent (Govan Mbeki Local Municipality) is procedurally and substantively unfair.
The respondent ordered to pay the applicant (Simon Felani Mndebele) the amount of R1 672 257.36 (One million six hundred and seventy-two thousand two hundred and fifty-seven rands thirty-six cents only) into his bank account by no later than 31st October 2022.
To recap some of the articles we will highlight some of the paragraphs in them.
Title: MAYOR MISLEADS COUNCIL TO PUSH ANC AGENDA (May 20, 2021) Click HEREfor the article
GMM Mayor misleads council to obtain condemnation for actions already taken while this will cost the municipality thousands.
The council convened on the 30th of March and the item was presented to the council. In this item, the Mayor, Cllr Nhlakanipho G Zuma, explained the court action that the Municipal Manager took to try and have him reinstated at the council.
This is an important fact on the timeline. The opposition parties vehemently opposed the possibility of an appeal. Unfortunately, the ANC majority decided to go ahead with this appeal.
The problem lies in the fact that the appeal had already been lodged at the high court on the 29th of March, without council approval.
Title: MM PLACED ON SUSPENSION BY ANC MAJORITY (September 3, 2020) Click HERE for the article
“It doesn’t matter what the opposition says, we will push it through!” The words of MMC Ethel Nkosi still ring in the ears of the opposition as the ANC pushes through their agenda of removing the Municipal Manager.
The last extraordinary council meeting was no different. Opposition parties vehemently opposed the suspension of the Municipal Manager, proposing that at the very least the Mayor and CFO should also be suspended and investigated.
During the presentation of the item, the Mayor, Cllr Thandiwe Ngxonono, accused the Municipal Manager, Felani Mndebele of the late submission of the Annual Financial Statements.
Freedom Front Plus Councillor Aranda Nel-Buitendag said in a statement to The Bulletin: “The FF plus feel the suspension of the Municipal Manager is unacceptable. The allegation that was made by the Executive Mayor of the MM is absurd.”
Title: GMM MUNICIPAL MANAGER STILL NOT AT WORK DESPITE RULING. (March 30, 2021) Click HERE for the article
The ANC majority in council today voted to appeal the High Court ruling interdicting any proceedings against the Municipal Manager
The judgement of the High Court is not painting a rosy picture of the municipality. It would appear as if the ANC in their majority in council will not hesitate to use any means possible to get rid of the MM.
“The DA is of the opinion that the incurrence of exorbitant legal fees on the part of the municipality to fight battles in the high court intended to protect ANC cadres, and the double payment of acting officials and suspended officials is a further wastage of public funds that the bankrupt Govan Mbeki Municipality simply cannot afford – and could have been put to better use if it was allocated towards delivering much-needed services that residents and businesses have been stepping up to the task for at their cost,“ said Councillor Jordaan before the council meeting.
Tourist fatally shot by ruthless criminals on Numbi Road
Nelspruit: 03 October 2022 – Police at Masoyi are investigating a terrible incident in which a tourist was fatally shot by a group of ruthless criminals at Numbi Road near White River in the afternoon of today, Monday 03 October 2022 around 16h30.
According to the report, at that time four tourists from Germany were travelling in a Hyundai H1 on Numbi Road en route to Numbi Gate at Mdluli Safari lodge. They were then stopped by three armed suspects who were driving in a VW Caddy. The suspects are said to have instructed the tourists to open the doors of their vehicle but when the driver reportedly locked all the doors, apparently one of the suspects shot him in the upper body through the window.
It is further said that the victim’s vehicle drove in reverse for about 100 meters before crashing into the wall of Heroes Academy. Unfortunately, the driver died on the spot as a result of the shooting. The suspects reportedly sped off in their vehicle without taking anything from the tourists.
The police at Masoyi as well as other role players in the Emergency Services were alerted about the incident. A murder case was opened with an immediate launch of a manhunt for the suspects.
No one has been arrested as yet and police urge anyone with information that may assist in apprehending the perpetrators to immediately 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.
Meanwhile the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has vehemently condemned the terrible atrocity carried out by the suspects. “This is really cruel and uncalled for given the economic challenges that our country is facing. When one has tourists then it means the tourism sector is benefitting in a way which in turn gives a boost to our struggling economy. We call on our good citizens who might have seen or heard anything about these criminals or the VW Caddy they were driving, to come forward and we promise to swiftly act so that they are brought to justice” urged the General.
Sasol appeared in the Secunda Court on 20 September 2022 on environmental charges
Sasol faced environmental charges in a rare turn of events on September 20, 2022. Nomia Machebe, Manager: Media and Communications, represented Sasol at their first appearance in court.
Sasol is facing a variety of charges. They range from pollution to Illegally dismissing a whistleblower to constructing facilities without the necessary authorisation.
Sasol’s team outside the Secunda court on 20 September 2022
“On Wednesday, 27 July 2022, the National Prosecuting Authority served Sasol with a summons instituting criminal proceedings. The charges relate to historical aspects of environmental management at its Secunda Operations,” said Alex Anderson, Group Media Manager: Sasol, In a statement released by Sasol.
“The summons follows an investigation by the National Environmental Management Inspectorate (EMI), as an agency of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE). Sasol fully cooperated with the authorities in this investigation,” continued Anderson, “The first appearance in the matter was in the Secunda Magistrate’s Court on 20 September 2022. The matter was postponed to 13 January 2023 for further investigation by the State, while Sasol awaits the docket.”
Some of the charges that Sasol is facing are so severe that fines of up to R10m or imprisonment (or both) could be made. This would be for each incident or collective, as decided by the judge.
Section 332 of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 provides for the criminal liability of corporate or juristic persons as well as for directors and employees (shortened). In short, those that were involved as well as the directors could be held responsible in terms of the act.
Here is a more detailed look at the charges. Please note that these charges were shortened and do not reflect the exact charge sheet.
Unauthorised disposal of waste.
Sasol stands accused that, between January 2012 and February 2019, they illegally discharge or negligently disposed of waste that contained Vanadium, Diethanolamine & Potassium Carbonate from the Benfield West unit inside the Sasol plant. This was allegedly done through the chemical drain valve at the Benfield West phase 1 area into the chemical sewer which flowed into the API dams.
Unlawful prejudice and/or dismissal of a whistle-blower.
Whistle-blower Ian Erasmus was allegedly unlawfully dismissed in July 2020. The charges state that Erasmus’s contract of employment was terminated without any reasonable grounds
Sasol also stands accused that, between January 2012 and February 2019, they unlawfully and negligently, disposed of waste in a manner that was likely to cause pollution or harm to health and well-being, by disposing of Vanadium into the API dams in which water is used in the cooling processes of the facility, and also discharged into the neighbouring river.
Commencing with listed activities without an environmental authorisation. (Activity 8)
Sasol allegedly disposed of waste as defined in section 20 of the Act, excluding domestic waste, but including the establishment, expansion, upgrading or closure of facilities for all waste, ashes and building rubble, by rehabilitating the Black Product Area without an Environmental Authorization and/ or a prescribed permit.
Commencing with a listed activity without an environmental authorisation (Activity 55)
In this charge, Sasol stands accused of allegedly constructing facilities for the treatment of effluent, wastewater or sewage with a daily throughput capacity of more than 2000 cubic meters but less than 15000 cubic meters, by constructing the MSU plant (Desalination Plant) without an environmental authorisation and/ or a prescribed permit/s.
Unlawful, negligent disposition/discharge of contaminated water source
And lastly, Sasol is charged with allegedly channelling the water from the API dams which is likely to contain the chemical Vanadium, into the Klipspruit river, an activity which caused or was likely to cause groundwater and environmental pollution between January 2012 and February 2019
According to Wikipedia Vanadium is a chemical element with the symbol V and atomic number 23. It is a hard, silvery-grey, malleable transition metal. The elemental metal is rarely found in nature, but once isolated artificially, the formation of an oxide layer somewhat stabilizes the free metal against further oxidation
About 80% of the vanadium produced is used as a steel additive. Vanadium-steel alloys are very tough and are used for armour plates, axles, tools, piston rods and crankshafts. Less than 1% of vanadium, and as little chromium, make steel shock resistant and vibration resistant. Vanadium alloys are used in nuclear reactors because of vanadium’s low neutron-absorbing properties. Vanadium(V) oxide is used as a pigment for ceramics and glass, as a catalyst and in producing superconducting magnets.
Vanadium compounds are not regarded as a serious hazard, however, workers exposed to vanadium peroxide dust were found to suffer severe eye, nose and throat irritation. The uptake of vanadium by humans mainly takes place through foodstuffs, such as buckwheat, soya beans, olive oil, sunflower oil, apples and eggs.
Vanadium can have a number of effects on human health when the uptake is too high. When vanadium uptake takes place through the air it can cause bronchitis and pneumonia.
The acute effects of vanadium are irritation of the lungs, throat, eyes and nasal cavities.
Other health effects of vanadium uptake are:
– Cardiac and vascular disease – Inflammation of the stomach and intestines – Damage to the nervous system – Bleeding of livers and kidneys – Skin rashes – Severe trembling and paralyses – Nose bleeds and throat pains – Weakening – Sickness and headaches – Dizziness – Behavioural changes The health hazards associated with exposure to vanadium are dependent on its oxidation state. This product contains elemental vanadium. Elemental vanadium could be oxidized to vanadium pentoxide during welding. The pentoxide form is more toxic than the elemental form. Chronic exposure to vanadium pentoxide dust and fumes may cause severe irritation of the eyes, skin, upper respiratory tract, persistent inflammations of the trachea and bronchi, pulmonary oedema, and systemic poisoning. Signs and symptoms of overexposure include; conjunctivitis, nasopharyngitis, cough, laboured breathing, rapid heartbeat, lung changes, chronic bronchitis, skin pallor, greenish-black tongue and an allergic skin rash.
What is Diethanolamine and what are the Health hazards
Diethanolamine is a surfactant, corrosion inhibitor; component in soaps, shampoo, cleaners, polishers, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals; chemical intermediate in the rubber chemicals industry.
It is listed as Cancer-Causing by the California Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
It also becomes very hazardous when combined with other substances such as nitrates.
What is Potassium carbonate and what are the hazards
Potassium carbonate, K2CO3, appears as a white powder or as a colourless solid crystal and has a salty taste. Also known as potash or pearl ash, it may be used in pharmaceutical laboratories as a drying agent or as a source of potassium. It is also used in fire extinguishers, to make soap, to make glass, and softened water
Potassium carbonate causes severe skin burns and serious eye damage, it also causes serious eye irritation. It may result in permanent eye damage. It is harmful if inhaled or swallowed.
It may be corrosive to metals.
Potassium carbonate is harmful to aquatic life as it may increase the pH of waterways which will adversely affect aquatic life.
THREE SUSPECTS ARRESTED AFTER FOILED TRUCK HIJACKING
Nelspruit: 30 September 2022 – Speedy reaction by police resulted in the arrest of three suspects aged between 28 and 45 on Thursday night, 29 September 2022 around 21h00 after their attempted truck hijacking was foiled by another truck driver in Carolina.
It is alleged that one of the suspects alighted from the suspect’s VW Golf and boarded a truck whilst it was in motion and pointed at the truck driver with a firearm.
The truck driver behind realised what was happening, he flashed lights whilst blowing a hooter to distract the alleged hijacker.
The suspect was probably frightened and he alighted from the truck then got back into their VW Golf and fled the scene with the other suspects.
Police were informed about the incident, and they then quickly mobilised and operationalised the information. They (members) were on the lookout for the suspects. The search bore positive results as the vehicle fitting the description of the suspected vehicle was spotted with three suspects around midnight (00h00). One of the occupants was wearing clothes identical to the complainant’s description.
All three suspects believed to be involved in the intercepted hijacking were arrested with the VW Golf confiscated. As the investigation continues, the suspects could also be possibly linked to other previously hijacking incidents committed. The trio is expected to appear at the Carolina Magistrate’s Court as soon as all investigative processes are finalised.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela commended the truck driver who distracted the alleged hijackers and the General further praised members for the speedy reaction which led to the arrest.
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.
