Department of Public Works officials and company directors arrested for corruption
MPUMALANGA – The Department of Public Works officials; Deputy Chief Director, Sipho Ronny Monareng (50); an official, Magdonald Boto Sigudla (43); a State Accountant, Bandile Jacob Ngcebo Official (41) and suppliers; Maganeleng Antony Mashego (43), Whisky Delisa Khumalo (45) as well as Tshidi Suzen Sedibe (43) appeared before the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 28 September 2022 after they were arrested by the Hawks’ Nelspruit based Serious Corruption Investigation on the same day for corruption, fraud and money laundering.
Sipho Ronny Monareng(50) Official – Deputy Chief Director
It is alleged that during the Covid-19 pandemic, Monareng colluded with the company directors who made misrepresentations and submitted claims to the Department of Public Works for the services which were never rendered thus prejudiced the department an amount of R1.38 million. The scope of corruption expanded to other officials and company directors who also benefitted.
The matter was reported to the Hawks in November 2021 for further probe. During further investigation, it was established that Monareng facilitated the whole process. The case was finalised and handed over to the court that issued warrants for their arrests hence their appearance before the court.
Bandile Jacob Ngcobo(41) State Accountant
The accused were granted R10 000 bail each and the case was postponed to 2 November 2022 for further investigation. More arrests are imminent.
The Provincial Head of the Hawks, Major General Zodwa Mokoena acclaimed the speedy finalisation of the investigation.
Maganeleng Antony Mashego(43) SupplierMagdonald Boto Sigudla (43) Official
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.
TEN MORE ILLEGAL MINERS ARRESTED WHILE THE THREE STILL IN CUSTODY
MPUMALANGA – Tau Moyana (17), Josia Mlambo (18) and Nonhlahla Fortunate Mavuso (38) were remanded in custody by the Matsulu and Barberton Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday, 27 September 2022 respectively for illegal dealing in gold-bearing materials in terms of the contravention of the National Environmental Management Act.
Many illegal miners who couldn’t be controlled emerged to the surface and when chased they run underground through many entrances.
Their appearance follows their arrest during a multidisciplinary intelligence-driven operation conducted by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Mpumalanga, Mpumalanga Provincial Detectives, National Intervention Unit (NIU), Department of Home Affairs (DHA), Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), Department of Environmental Affairs, Tactical Response Team (TRT), Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC), K9 Unit, Explosives Unit as well as SSG Security Barberton on Monday, 26 September 2022 in Barberton Borehill-Mjindini, Sheba, Verulum and Matsulu B respectively.
During the operation, numerous pendukas, generators, gold-bearing materials, gold metal detectors, gas cylinders, compressors, iron balls, and containers were confiscated. The estimated value of the seized property is R200 000. Bones suspected to be of endangered species were also confiscated for further investigation.
The case against the ten suspects arrested for illegal mining is rolled to Thursday, 29 September 2022 for a formal court appearance. The suspects remain in custody
Meanwhile, the same team continued with the operation at Slaehoek Waterval Boven on Tuesday, 27 September 2022 where an additional ten (10) suspects were arrested for illegal dealing in gold-bearing materials. The suspects aged between 19 and 56 are expected to appear before the Waterval Boven Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 28 September 2022.
During the arrests, generators, explosives, pendukas, gas cylinders, gas bottles, gold-bearing materials, and music sound systems were seized for further investigation.
The estimated value of the seized property is over R1 million.
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.
Woman arrested on Bethal Prison Grounds with substances
Nelspruit: 28 September 2022 – A 36-year-old woman was apprehended by a prison warder for alleged possession of drugs at the Bethal Correctional Centre. The centre is working towards creating a “No-Go area for drugs” and the woman was reportedly caught before entering the premises to visit an inmate yesterday, 27 September 2022.
The female visitor has reportedly been searched as per prison standard procedures when a black plastic bag concealed beneath her underwear was found. It was then discovered that the plastic bag was stuffed with about 59 different types of tablets, as well as 20 small plastic bags and other substances including crushed leaves and a plastic bottle containing oil.
Police were summoned to the scene where the female suspect was arrested and then charged with the illegal possession of drugs. The concealment thereof was confiscated pending a forensic investigation. The estimated street value of the alleged drugs is about R6000. The investigation suggests that the alleged items were destined for an inmate and of which the matter is still under investigation.
The police and prison officials are said to have proceeded to the inmate‘s bed where a search was further conducted. An additional plastic bag containing dagga was found. The inmate is also facing a charge of possession of dagga as well and he will soon appear in court.
However, Ms Lorraine Nomsa Makhubele appeared at the Bethal Magistrate’s Court, today, 28 September 2022 on charges of alleged possession of drugs. Possible charges of drug trafficking might be added as the investigation continues. During her court appearance, the matter was postponed to 05 October 2022 for a formal bail application meanwhile the suspect was remanded in custody.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has commended officials from the Correctional Facility for their vigilance and for the arrest as well as the recovery of the items.
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.
COMPASSIONATE PEOPLE ARE CONCERNED WHEN THEY FIND WILD ANIMALS INCLUDING BIRDS BUT ARE OFTEN UNSURE OF HOW TO HANDLE SITUATIONS.
We have had so many people recently contact us with regards to finding a birds in their gardens. Sometimes wild animals end up around our homes and many people with good intentions try to help them. There is always a possibility that you might do more harm than good if you don’t know how to handle the situation correctly. Today we will focus on finding birds and give some general guidelines shared by the NSPCA and other wildlife rehabilitation organizations.
Sometimes it is a bird/animal that had a stressful encounter and is now just “catching their breath”, other times they might be injured and lost, or is a baby/fledgling. Unless in immediate danger or injured…….let them be. If it is an adult bird (any animal), they might also have babies nearby, which could die if you remove them.
Don’t BIRDNAP the babies! Many young birds may appear abandoned, but they are probably waiting for mom or learning to fly. The process of fledging begins by jumping out of the nest. It usually takes them 3-4 days to learn how to fly. It is the time when mom teaches them how to fear, forage and fly. We know it is a dangerous world, but this is why it is so crucial to learn these skills from mom. If they look a little scruffy, fully feathered, standing and hopping, they are probably a fledgling.
Image by Dr. Karen Becker
WHAT TO DO IF YOU FOUND WILDLIFE – IN SHORT
1. If they are injured, take them to the vet as soon as possible.
2. If not injured or in immediate danger, let them be and observe.
3. Before you remove them, first contact a wildlife rehabilitator, local welfare organizations, or SPCA to advise.
4. Do not give food or water before speaking to a rehabilitator…..that is why you should contact them as soon as possible. You could kill them by giving them something that their body can’t handle at that moment. You can’t feed a dehydrated bird and the public might not be equipped to know how to recognize the symptoms and they might have an internal injury. For dehydration, they might need liquid therapy too.
Don’t feed them even if it is a tiny baby. Forced syringe feeding is usually a struggle for humans and birds. They can also aspirate, so please do this with the guidance of a rehabilitator only. Many people have this notion to feed Weetbix or ProNutro, but we strongly advise against it. There are safer options if you have to and the rehabilitator will advise on it.
Remember that stress is a big killer of rescued wildlife!
SOME POSSIBILITIES might include (first confirm with the right people):
To let them be while you look for mom nearby.
To put the baby back in the nearby nest if you know it is theirs.
To take them in and keep them safe until the right person can fetch them.
Get the bird to a wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible – it will be highly beneficial to the rehabilitators if you keep a record of any injuries you may have noticed when you found the bird as well as any information regarding the treatment of the bird whilst in your care for example whether or not you have given liquids, whether they had any bowel movements, strange behaviour and where you found them.
WHAT TO DO WITH WILDLIFE UNTIL PROFESSIONAL HELP ARRIVES
Prepare the container. Place newspaper or straw on the bottom of a cardboard box or container with a lid. Don’t use sawdust as it can interfere with respiration.
If it doesn’t have air holes, make enough for good ventilation. For smaller birds, you can use a paper sack with air holes.
Protect yourself. Wear gloves, if possible. Some birds may stab with their beaks, slice with their talons (claws) and slap with their wings to protect themselves, even if sick; birds might have parasites (fleas, lice, ticks) and carry diseases.
Cover the bird with a light sheet or towel.
Gently pick up the bird and put it into the prepared container-do not hold the bird across its chest as this can damage the crop and the internal organs of the bird which will kill it. Keep the bird in a container; don’t let it loose in your house or car.
The correct manner of holding a bird is as follows:
Place a hand over the top of the bird very gently with your index finger and middle finger parting in a “V”. The neck of the bird should rest between the arches of the “V” as to stabilize its head and neck. With your other hand support the bottom of the bird and allow its feet to rest comfortably in your hand. Secure the wings of the bird. Do not handle the bird with a tight grip as it just needs to be stable in the above position. Handle firm enough so they don’t escape and get injured, but gently enough not to hurt them yourself. Do not handle them unnecessarily.
Warm the bird if the weather is cold/wet or if the bird is chilled. Put one end of the container on a heating pad set on low. Alternatively fill a zip-top plastic bag, plastic soft drink bottle with a screw lid, hot water bottle, or rubber glove with hot water; wrap a warm container with a cloth and put it next to the bird. Make sure the container doesn’t leak, or the bird will become wet and chilled.
If the bird is soaking wet and only if the rehabilitator advised so, use a hair dryer on low/medium warmth to dry the bird. Very important: Keep one hand between the bird and the hairdryer so you can feel the heat. Make sure you do not burn the bird. Ensure there is not a massive build-up of heat in the box while drying. As soon as their feathers are fluffed and the bird is warm, leave it to cool down to room temperature in a quiet area.
Tape the box shut or roll the top of the bag closed. Obviously not the air holes.
Keep the bird in a warm, dark, quiet place. Leave the bird alone, don’t bother or handle it. It is stressful for wild animals to be kept in a noisy environment where there are lots of unfamiliar or predator smells and stress is the biggest killer of rescued birds. Keep children and pets away.
Again, do not give them food or water.
Contact a wildlife rehabilitator, the SPCA, nature conservation department, or wildlife veterinarian as soon as possible.
Don’t keep the bird at your home longer than is necessary.
It would be prudent to leave the bird in the box undisturbed for the evening if it is found late afternoon, unless you’ve picked up an owl, in which case, release them as soon as it is dry so it can hunt, if not injured. Release the animal where you found it, as early in the morning as possible. They start chirping from 4.30 am in the summer months but 5.30 / 6 am would be fine too. Make sure dogs or cats cannot get to them while they are in the box getting their bearings before taking off.
If you did put water in a small accessible container, make sure the water is not bumped over and the bird then goes without water. Again, this is after you confirmed with a rehabilitator.
Wash your hands after contact with the bird. Wash anything the bird was in contact with – towel, jacket, blanket, carrier to prevent the spread of diseases and/or parasites to you or your pets.
If there have been heavy rains or other extreme weather, please take a few extra minutes and check gardens for wildlife that may be drenched and not able to fly.
What happens to the bird afterward? Wild birds need to go back to the wild. If injured, they will need professional help from rehabilitators. It is important to remember that rehabilitators will evaluate each situation individually. Although the above are general guidelines please ALWAYS contact a rehabilitator first.
Also see choosing cruelty-free beauty products and animal testing.
People might also soon be finding grounded bats, especially bat pups too. Read more here on what to do if you find a bat.
BIRD OF PREY
If you found a young bird of prey alone and they appear to not be injured, watch from a distance to see if mom returns. If you can approach the bird, they are likely very sick or seriously injured. If this is the case, follow the above guidelines and contact the vet or rescue organization.
Do NOT use a wire cage/cat cage or something similar.
Make note of where the bird was found.
Do NOT attempt to feed the bird or provide water.
As above, if it is an owl and not injured, release them at night and don’t keep them for the evening.
GEESE
Common to many areas this time of year, the Egyptian goose population is one of the few on the increase. Egyptian geese lead their goslings to water a few days after hatching, often along busy streets.
“Unlike some of our local wildlife whose existence is being severely threatened by human development and urbanization, our ever-expanding cities and suburbs are proving an ideal breeding site for Egyptian geese. In addition to a warm climate, Egyptian geese look for access to a freshwater source and an area with plentiful food. So, be it your swimming pool, an eco-estate or a golf course, our Egyptian geese are currently spoilt for choice when it comes to sites to rear their young,” says CROW director, Paul Hoyte.
Hoyte suggests leaving the geese be, if they take up residence in gardens, except where there is a danger of attacks from pets. In these cases, he appeals to people to assist them with safe capture.
If you find them in the street, DO NOT “rescue” the goslings or any other little ones by separating them from their parents. You can rather escort the family through the traffic to the nearest pond.
“The biggest problem we have is that to give the goslings the best chance of survival, we need to catch mom and dad too. Herein lies the problem, as they simply fly away as soon as we arrive with our catch and throw nets. Thankfully, what we have been finding as a huge help, is if the homeowner is prepared to lend us a helping hand by getting the family into any enclosed area such as a garage or shed before we arrive”.
“This is relatively easy to do with a washing or laundry basket. Gently scoop up each of the goslings and place them in the basket. Then, with mom and dad watching you, take the goslings and place the basket in your open garage or shed. Soon enough, mom and dad will make their way into the room to be close to their babies. As soon as they’re in, close the door and contact your local rescue to come and catch them.”
Remember: Never feed any ducks or geese bread!
Image by Yvette from SDS Services & Training Academy. Adorable goslings taken to nearby water in Secunda, with mom following.
WILDLIFE AND THE SPCA
It is important to understand that it is against the law to keep wild mammals/birds if you don’t have permits, even if you plan to release them. The SPCA is a place of safety for animals, dogs and cats being the most commonly handled or admitted animals and no animal is ever turned away. They care for farm and domestic animals. Wildlife is also accepted with indigenous animals being relocated to approved wildlife rehabilitation centers.
Highveld Ridge SPCA injured stray animals or wildlife at 082 222 1122 / advice 082 869 2350.
Please be patient when asking for assistance as these rescuers do not only deal with your situation that day. Thank you for caring enough to help. Educate yourself and others on how to help wild and domestic animals in the best possible and safest way. Please consider donating to the organization that assists or takes the animal in.
Next week we will look at the basics of the SPCA Mandate.
A Pensioner was brutally attacked and killed in a farm attack
Voice clip by Colonel Donald Mdhluli
Nelspruit: 27 September 2022 – The police at Delmas are investigating a farm attack following an incident in which a 72-year-old man was brutally killed. The incident is said to have occurred at a certain farm this morning, Tuesday 27 September 2022.
According to the information members of the police at Delmas received information via a platform of a farm watch group on social media whereby a member of the slain man’s family raised the alarm about a possible attack at a farm in Klipspruit Waaikraal (between Delmas / Bronkhorstspruit).
Upon arrival at the farm, they found a male pensioner lying motionless in a pool of blood. He was unfortunately certified dead by the paramedics who also attended the scene. The man has since been identified as Mr Jessie Henry Coleman who was a farmer who also worked as a Veterinarian in Benoni.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the victim’s hands and feet were tied when he was found. Police discovered as well that the back door of the house was broken possibly by the suspect(s) in order to gain entry. The whole house was ransacked and his mobile phone could have been stolen during the incident hence a charge of house robbery was added. Things are still sketchy whilst the police are currently processing the scene. The motive for the killing is unknown at this stage.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has vehemently condemned the incident. Meanwhile, police urge anyone with information that may assist in apprehending the perpetrator(s) to contact call Detective Warrant Officer Jacques Smook at 0825272974 or 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.
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 de Heever 2021 Invia Gemeente CCLI# 573661
ARE YOU MAKING ETHICAL CHOICES WHEN IT COMES TO ANIMALS AND THE PRODUCTS YOU USE?
Most people don’t really give any thought to animals when they buy products for themselves, whether clothes, beauty or cleaning products, medicines, etc., but when you work in animal welfare, it most likely becomes second nature to make ethical choices, especially when it involves animals. Cruelty is not only physical abuse and unknowingly you might be cruel to animals by supporting certain practices, products, or industries. Today we will focus on the medical and beauty industry with regards to animal testing.
Animals used for research include (in decreasing order) mice, rats, birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, farm animals (including pigs and sheep), dogs, primates (including monkeys and chimpanzees) and cats. Frogs and fish are also widely used. These are however not the only ones and some are sadly not protected under animal welfare acts. Animals can’t consent to this and their lives are given for a cause they can’t comprehend. Do you think that is ethical?
Charles Magel shares that when you ask the experimenters why they experiment on animals, the answer is, ‘Because the animals are like us.’ Ask the experimenters why it is morally okay to experiment on animals, and the answer is, ‘Because the animals are not like us.”
There are modern, reliable, effective, repeatable and available tools, yet they are not being exclusively used. Why? Dr. James Gallagher gives part of the answer: “Animal studies are done for legal reasons, not scientific ones. The predictive value of such studies is meaningless to men”. Legislation and potential litigation are to blame, along with vested interests.
Image by Beauty without Cruelty (South Africa)
MEDICAL RESEARCH AND ANIMAL TESTING
Every year millions of animals suffer and die for nothing because animal-based experiments are misleading and retard medical progress. Did you know that when it comes to the statistics for medical research, the number of animals who suffer and die in laboratories increases to over 190 million a year? It is heartbreaking if you can even begin to imagine the suffering, kept in cages their whole life, being blinded, blistered and poisoned?
Here are just a few examples of how animal-based testing retard medical progress or how animals respond differently to humans as shared by Beauty without cruelty SA:
The introduction of blood transfusion was delayed for over 200 years because of misleading results of animal experiments.
Corneal transplants were delayed nearly 90 years by misleading animal tests.
Morphine drugs are a depressant in rats, dogs, hamsters and other species, but produce tremors and convulsions at comparable doses in mice and cats. Morphine sedates people and dogs but causes maniacal excitement in cats and mice.
Tests on animals have led to around 100 drugs being thought potentially useful for stroke; not one has proved effective in humans.
Penicillin kills guinea pigs, but can be a lifesaver for humans.
Aspirin and Streptomycin can produce allergic reactions for lab animals.
Paracetemol kills cats.
Did you know that more than 90% of experimental drugs that are safe and effective in animals fail in human clinical trials as they are too dangerous?
Animal studies do not predict with any certainty what will happen in humans! Dr. Sabin Albert also said that giving cancer to laboratory animals has not and will not help us to understand the disease or to treat those persons suffering from it.
Three major conditions explain why animal experimentation, regardless of the disease category studied, fails to reliably inform human health:
The effects of the laboratory environment and other variables on study outcomes.
Disparities between animal models of disease and human diseases.
Species differences in physiology and genetics.
I agree with Beauty without Cruelty when they say that you don’t need to be a balaclava-wearing animal rights activist to question the value of animal studies in this area of medical research. Animal testing is INHUMANE, UNNECESSARY & INEFFECTIVE! There are safe, modern, effective, accurate, reliable and repeatable methods available that require no living beings. What’s missing is the will. Why are governments not legislating an end to all animal use and insisting that all future research and testing options must be modern, as these are the ones that benefit humans in the short, medium and long term?
We also support the development of the 4 R’s guiding principles, namely Replacement, Reduction, Refinement and Responsibility when using animals for scientific purposes. The more we push for better welfare standards, higher prioritization of animal life and further questioning the scientific validity of animal experiments, the more we can make a difference.
ARE YOU USING CRUELTY-FREE BEAUTY PRODUCTS?
Animal testing for cosmetics will never have a place, will never be necessary nor valid and should always be condemned.
Image by Beauty without Cruelty (South Africa)
The term “cruelty-free” is unregulated. This means that brands aren’t breaking the law by calling themselves cruelty-free, even if they test on animals. Companies lie through omission, intention or misdirection. Many beauty brands try to mislead us this way, even some sold by your friends and family! It is not what they claim, but what they can prove!
The CRUELTY-FREE 5 QUESTIONS cover the stages at which animal testing can occur. If a brand can confirm that they pass these stages without animal testing, we can consider them really cruelty-free. Brands that are truly transparent and cruelty-free will respond with clear answers to these questions. If they skip questions or follow up with a short animal testing policy or smart marketing slogans, watch out because you might not be dealing with a cruelty-free company.
Contact the brand and ask them the CRUELTY-FREE 5 QUESTIONS.
Does your brand test on animals, for either finished products or ingredients?
Does your suppliers test on animals? How do you ensure this?
Do any third-parties test on animals on your behalf?
Do you test on animals where required by law?
In which countries are your products sold?
One way you can distinguish these types of products from others is the rabbit logo on the product. It does not cost anything to be able to use the rabbit logo so when the brand can answer “no” to the 5 questions, with proof, they may be allowed to use the logos. So, the only reasons I can think of why a brand would not do it is because they are either testing on animals or they don’t care enough. PLEASE NOTE there are different rabbit logos and not all rabbit logos mean the same. I trust the Beauty without Cruelty logo.
The day you make this decision to change the brands you love or products that work for you to cruelty-free brands, it can be quite overwhelming and it certainly was for me! There are just so many products that are tested on animals worldwide. Be kind and use the humane guide endorsed by Beauty without Cruelty (South Africa). They have already done the hard work and this comprehensive list of beauty products not tested on animals can and should be your go-to. Companies won’t provide the public with the detail that they require and get from them. Keep in mind that there are companies listed that don’t use the logo which also means the guide is essential. You can also contact BWC via social media.
If your brand is not listed there, you can contact your brand and ask the 5 cruelty-free questions or encourage them to apply for the use of the logo if they claim they are cruelty-free. I first asked a brand if they are cruelty-free and got a smart marketing slogan reply back. I then asked the 5 questions with no reply, so I changed my brand. For another brand I asked about the rabbit logo they do use but which I know doesn’t mean they are cruelty-free and got no reply. Next you can start with changing out your beauty products one by one as your current ones are finished. I have used Oh so Heavenly, The Good Stuff, Be Bare life (shampoo and conditioner bars) and W-beauty brand from Woolworths. (None are paid endorsements).
Next you can move to more environmentally friendly packaging products. Also think about the clothes you wear. Do you dress to kill, or kill to dress? I now choose not to buy any more fur, feathers (including feather duvets), or leather products.
Choose animal-free clothing. Image by Beauty without Cruelty (South Africa)
RECENT PROGRESS ON THE LEGISLATION FRONT
CHINA – As of May 2021, according to the Chinese National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), imported cosmetics products that fall into the ‘general’ category will no longer require mandatory animal testing to enter the Chinese beauty market. This means that shampoo, body wash, lotions, and make-up no longer require mandatory animal testing for products sold IN China. While animal use remains standard for hair dyes, perming products, blemish pigment-removing products, sunscreens, and others, including cosmetics claiming new efficacy, this is still a significant step forward. There is no mandatory animal use requirement for products manufactured in China for export purposes.
SOUTH AFRICA – An update on the SA Bill regarding a ban on cosmetic testing in SA currently before the Portfolio Committee: The Bill was presented in 2018 but ended up on the back burner, and was streamlined and had to be represented, thus Act 497 of 2020 is currently with the portfolio committee, awaiting review. The Bill shouldn’t be contentious, it is not complicated, far from it and it would be a big international win for the Government, doing the right thing. Beauty Without Cruelty (South Africa) has worked hand in glove with Cruelty-Free and assorted government officials to get us to this point and we look forward to things finally improving!
Watch this 4-minute animated short film on #SaveRalph. It is directed by Spencer Susser and stars Zac Efron, Ricky Gervais and others.
The least we can do is remember the animals, be thankful and acknowledge them for any breakthroughs in medical sciences they have helped towards, but continue to protest all unjust harm to them and for animal-free research to be our future. Make ethical choices when you buy products and please help create awareness for the many millions of animals who suffer and die in labs around the world for useless research every year!
SERIAL BURGLAR CONVICTED FOR SERIES OF HOUSEBREAKING AND THEFT CASES
MPUMALANGA – Alleged serial burglar, Daniel Wagenaar (32) was found guilty by the Nelspruit District Court on Friday, 16 September 2022 on seven counts of housebreaking and theft.
Daniel Wagenaar (32)
The conviction followed after the accused broke into the DPCI offices on Van Ransburg Street in Nelspruit on 6 March 2022 at about 19:00. The Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) visited the crime scene and lifted fingerprints for linkages.
During the investigation, the suspect was positively linked to the crime scene. It was further established that he failed to appear in court on 9 March 2022 for two housebreaking and theft cases which occurred at Nelspruit between July 2019 and December 2021 respectively.
The Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team based in Nelspruit went to court to obtain a warrant for his arrest and he was traced from his hiding place. He was arrested on 9 March 2022 and was kept in custody until his conviction.
The case against Wagenaar was postponed to 14 October 2022 for a pre-sentence report.
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.
