OTHER ACCUSED ON BETHAL TRAFFICKING IN PERSON CASE REMANDED IN CUSTODY
MPUMALANGA – Nonhlanhla Precious Thabetha (49) appeared before the Bethal Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 29 August 2022 after she was arrested from her hiding place in Esikhawini near Richards Bay in the KwaZulu-Natal on Thursday, 25 August 2022 for trafficking in person case. The case was postponed to 6 September 2022 for a formal bail application.
Nonhlanhla Precious Thabetha
Her arrest followed the investigation after the incident which occurred on Saturday, 14 May 2022 in Bethal farm whereby a foreign national, Edjuanida Teixeira (40) was arrested by the Secunda-based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team for trafficking in person after a tip-off about young and undocumented Mozambicans who were kept in a farm around Bethal was received.
The team promptly responded to information and on arrival at the farm, they found six undocumented Mozambicans who complained to the police that they were recruited from Mozambique and were promised that someone in South Africa have a job for them but on arrival what they were promised was never done.
Edjuanida Teixeira was then arrested while Thabethe escaped. Teixeira appeared in court and his case was postponed to 20 September 2022 for further investigation.
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
FORMER MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS ARRESTED FOR CONTRAVENTION OF PFMA
MPUMALANGA – The former municipal manager, Theron Zwelishe Shongwe (47); former municipal manager, Thusi Hezekiel Kubheka (65) and former community service manager, Masego Mmabatho Matsheka (51) of Msukalikwa Municipality (Ermelo) appeared before the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 29 August 2022 after their arrest by the Nelspruit based Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team for fraud, theft and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
Theron Zwelishe Shongwe
It is alleged that between 2014 and 2018, the former municipality officials of Msukalikwa local Municipality in Ermelo contravened the PFMA by selling and exchanging the property belonging to the municipality which included the reservoir and the water pump which are meant to serve the basic needs of the community. They also exchanged the municipality properties with a higher value for the property of lower value to benefit the private person without considering the essential benefits to the community.
Masego Mmabatho Matsheka
The matter was reported to the Hawks in March 2020 for further probe. During the investigation, it was established that the correct procurement processes were not followed and that the properties which were sold belonged to the municipality for the benefit of the community.
Thusi Hezekiel Kubheka
The trio were granted R5000 bail each and the case was postponed to 6 October 2022 for further investigation. More arrests are imminent.
Police urge anyone with any information on Crime to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous
POLICE ARREST TWO FOR ILLEGAL MINING FROM NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES
Nelspruit: 30 August 2022 -The challenge of illegal mining in the country has been in the public eye recently, receiving strong condemnation from all angles. However, members of the SAPS in the province of Mpumalanga have been working tirelessly to address the challenge. The arrest of two suspects aged 21 and 26 is a typical example of such efforts by the police to stabilize the situation. The two were arrested yesterday, 29 August 2022 at a certain farm in Greylingstad.
According to the report, members of the Police at Greylingstad conducted a sting operation after gathering some information about activities of illegal mining in the area. They then cornered one suspect and the second one later. The two were charged with illegal mining as well as contravention of the Immigration Act after police discovered that the two are foreign nationals without valid documentation to be in the country.
It is said that one of the suspects is from Mozambique whilst the other is from Zimbabwe. On the scene Police also discovered some equipment suspected to have been used by the suspects for illegal mining. Police cannot rule out the possibility of adding more charges against the suspects as the investigation continues.
The two male suspects are expected to appear before the Balfour Magistrate’s Court tomorrow, Wednesday 31 August 2022 facing the said charges.
Meanwhile the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela reassured the public that police are doing all in their power to mitigate the challenge of illegal mining in the province hence the arrest. “We are making some good progress in dealing with illegal mining and the arrest of the two is a sign of so many achievements that we have made thus far. We will continue to monitor the situation to ensure that we do not leave any stone unturned” said the General.
Police urge anyone with any information on Crime to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous
BUSINESS WOMAN WANTS TO BLOW RENEWED LIFE IN 68-YEAR-OLD TESTING LAB BY PARTICIPATING IN THE SERITI WOMEN IN MINING ESD PROGRAMME
“I don’t want to be somebody’s shadow.”
Evander based Silver Solutions 1445 cc, now trading as Colliery Environmental Control Services, has a soft but firm hand holding the reigns. Business owner Shamilla Rampersad is trying to have her “space recognised in the competitive world of mining” and hopes the recently launched Women in Mining programme, sponsored by Seriti, will provide her with the necessary tools and skills to succeed. The programme is designed and managed by Collective Value Creation (CVC) on behalf of Seriti.
Born and bred in Dannhauser in KZN, Shamilla eventually made her way to Mpumalanga in 1999 and into the world of mining as a personal assistant at Sasol mining in Secunda. In 2007 she ventured into the personal protective equipment environment by starting a small supplies company. After many years of trying to break into the market, she finally got a break in 2016 to do stone dust sampling for a mining house.
In 2020, the struggling laboratory assisting Shamilla’s company with sample analysis came on the market and, yet again, this driven businesswoman with a quest for innovative ideas and continuous improvement, grabbed the opportunity to extend the scope of her business. Today she is very proud of the expert talent and dedication of her twenty employees.
Collieries Dust and Ventilation Laboratory established in 1954, had its name changed in March 1981 to Collieries Environmental Control Services (CECS) and formed part of Colliery Training College (CTC).
Nowadays CECS, a SANAS accredited laboratory, does a number of tests such as respirable airborne particulates based on NIOSH 0600 for personal dust monitoring and continuous miner dust monitoring; total airborne particulates based on NIOSH 0500; Crystalline Silica Analysis based on NIOSH 7203 and Stonedust colourimetric standard preparation and analysis, to name a few.
Shamilla explains that her business tests for basically everything “that can cause harm to humans and in order for mining houses to take corrective action to create a safe and healthy work environment for miners”. Fortunately, the business was still regarded as an ‘essential service’ during the Coronavirus pandemic and, even though only a limited number of staff were employed, all were paid their salaries.
With the Women in Mining programme, Shamilla is hopeful that she can share and also learn best practises within the group and mentors of the programme. She believes that by sharing expertise, participants will add value to each other’s experiences. Her husband is part of the company and a valuable contributor towards the technical side of the business for which she is grateful. However, it is important to her that she is not just seen as a shadow but recognised as an equal. “I need people to believe in me and my abilities.”
With her focussed approach to life and business, Shamilla is an avid believer in ensuring her tasks and life are balanced and rightly prioritised. To relax, she loves reading, especially motivational books by Deepak Chopra and spends time on creative art such as embroidery and painting.
This mother of three adult children hopes to leave a legacy, especially for her daughters, that it is important to be a confident woman and take up your rightful space in society and in business.
Nyaniso Rapiya, Preferential Procurement & ESD Lead said: “Seriti continues to introduce initiatives aimed at developing communities surrounding our operations and the Women in Mining ESD programme is one such initiative. This WIM programme is structured to provide different types of support based on the stage or level of business maturity of the SMMEs, as well as existing operating gaps. In this way, we are able to equip the women entrepreneurs with the much-needed skills and support to ensure that they are successful and sustainable, way into the future.”
Sasol faces environmental charges relating to pollution by DFFE
“On 27 July 2022, the National Prosecuting Authority served Sasol with a summons instituting criminal proceedings. The charges relate to aspects of environmental management at its SO. Sasol is busy studying the summons and the charges contained therein and will adhere to the legal process that will follow.”
A small note at the bottom of page 8 of the “Annual financial results for the year ended 30 June 2022” was Sasol’s way of informing its shareholders and investors about the pending court case regarding possible pollution of our water systems.
Notes in finacial results regarding charges against them
The Bulletin wrote to Sasol in March enquiring about the “Spillage into and subsequent contamination of the Klipspruit”
In their response, Sasol mentioned that they observed raw sewage seeping into the Klipspruit. Our investigations showed that the sewage spillage had been ongoing for several days and could not result in a spike of dead fish as observed by Sasol.
The Bulletin wrote to Sasol again about the spillage. We also enquired about charges that were laid at Secunda SAPS. “To date, no charges have been brought against Sasol” were their response.
The case number is Secunda CAS 19/06/2021. This clearly indicates that the charges were made in June 2021.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has now served Sasol with a summons to appear in the Secunda magistrate’s court on 20 September to face criminal proceedings. This was done in July.
“The summons was issued on the 27 July 2022 by the Secunda Magistrates court under instruction of Advocate Bekwa, the prosecutor in the matter,” said Albi Modise, spokesperson for the Department of Forestry, Fishery and the Environment. “ This summons was issued to Sasol South Africa Limited as well as Ms Nomia Machebe (in her capacity as a representative of SASOL South Africa Limited).”
The Bulletin asked the Department of Forestry, Fishery and the Environment for more details. Albi Modise confirmed that The charges relate to the following alleged misconduct:
The unauthorised disposal of waste;
Dismissing information which may have disclosed evidence of potential environmental risk;
Disposal of waste in a manner which is likely to cause pollution;
Commencing activities in the absence of an environmental authorisation;
Unlawful, negligent disposition/discharge of contaminated water into a water resource
It was also confirmed that this case related to the complaint made by Mr Ian Erasmus, a former employee of Sasol and now turned whistleblower.
Mr Ian Erasmus, a former employee of Sasol and now turned whistleblower.
In March last year, the Mail & Guardian reported how Erasmus, who worked as a senior process controller at Sasol from 2005 until he was allegedly forced to resign in 2020, had endured “years of hell” after blowing the whistle on the company’s alleged unlawful disposal of the hazardous chemicals, vanadium, diethanolamine and potassium carbonate, into the river. The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment has listeddiethanolamine as cancer-causing.
But Sasol is not only in the proverbial “dogbox” in South Africa. The company also encountered some problems with its Lake Charles project.
A group called VICE released a video about a small community called Mossberg and their dealings with Sasol. The community is only about two minutes drive away from the Lake Charles project.
Here is a quick description of VICE taken from their Facebook page: VICE is a global media channel focusing on investigative journalism and enlightening videos about everything from world news, travel, art, drugs, politics, sports, fashion, sex, and super cute animals.
Watch the video below
There is also the story of the Meyer family living in Lake Charles. Sasol tried to buy the property, allegedly far below market value. When this did not succeed, they approached the district for help.
The Meyers were successful in fighting off the land grab for the time being.
Here are a few excerpts from that court document granting a preliminary injunction against the district:
“Mr Rase confirmed that were it not for Sasol’s Megaproject, the District would not have looked at acquiring the Meyers’ property.”
“Instead, the Meyers submit that the sole purpose of the Resolution is to deprive them of their private property for the sole benefit of another private, for-profit, foreign-controlled company.”
The Bulletin asked Sasol for a response but did not receive anything from them at the time of placing this article.
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A 43-year-old Female warden arrested for possession of dagga
Nelspruit: 27 August 2022 -A 43-year-old female warden was arrested for possession of dagga in the morning of yesterday Friday, 26 August 2022. Her arrest came after the facility manager arrived at the Correctional Centre to conduct a morning parade with all employees reporting for duty.
During the parade, the facility manager with her team announced that according to the procedures of the department of Correctional Services, no employee is allowed to enter the premises with a hand or grocery bag unless it is transparent for everyone to see the items inside.
Whilst at the parade, everyone was informed that a search and seizure will be conducted to prevent possible drug smuggling.
As the search and seizure were carried out, the said warden reportedly tried to hide her handbag however she was noticed. She allegedly ran from the parade to her office where she hid her handbag and went out to another office.
Some of the members conducting the search then followed her to her office and could not find her, instead they only found her in another office. After being questioned on why she left the parade without permission, she allegedly indicated that she was rushing for her duties.
Furthermore, she was asked about her handbag which she hid in her office but she could not give a proper explanation as to where the bag was. The team then searched her office and found a bag stashed with dagga weighing about 0.186 grams to the estimated street value of about R1 500 as well as a cell phone. Though the warden denied knowledge of the dagga, she was arrested and a case of illegal possession of dagga opened against her.
The warden is expected to appear soon before the Bethal Magistrate’s Court facing the said charges.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has welcomed the arrest of the suspect and further urged all law enforcement officials to always set an example in upholding the law.
Police urge anyone with any information on Crime to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous
The newly built Glasshouse proved to be an excellent choice for the festival. The tables were set, and the guests arrived. The atmosphere was buzzing. Covid restrictions are a thing of the past and the Wine Lovers were waiting in anticipation for the start of the function.
Photo by: Zelda Terblanche Photography
Music by Costa Nicholas set the mood for the evening. More about Costa at the end of the article. The lights dimmed and the festival began. Guests were greeted at the door with a glass of lovely Cederberg Sustainable Rosé 2022. It is a dry, delicate Shiraz-based pink wine.
Cederberg owner, David Nieuwoudt, made sure that everybody had something to drink and Jean Nel, winemaker of Cederberg explained the wines to the patrons.
David Nieuwoudt makes sure that everyone enjoys their wine. Photo by: Zelda Terblanche Photography
The first meal was a loaded Spinach soup with parmesan and bacon crumbs. This of course was paired with a Cederberg Sauvignon Blanc 2022. A lovely tasteful wine. The Cederberg Savignon Blanc is described as an aromatic, topical white wine.
Photo by: Zelda Terblanche Photography
The music by Costa had people’s feet itching and they soon took to the dance floor, just to dash back for the next meal and wine.
The main course was Beef potjie, Chicken coq ou vin, creamy samp and fresh mealies with roasted veggies, yummy! Two wines were served with this course. The Cederberg Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, is a classic, complex example of this noble variety, and the Cederberg Merlot-Shiraz 2020 is described as an accessible, smooth red blend. The description does not do it justice as it is a delightful, easy-drinking wine. Definitely one to have in the house for that quick sip of red.
Cheese platters with dates and figs were next with the star of the night, Cederberg Shiraz 2019. Cederberg describes it as fruit-driven and succulent, the star of the show. A complex Shiraz filled with intense red fruit, mulberry and cherries on the nose. 15 Months in oak showing hints of sweet spice and vanilla. Red berries follow through on the palate and finish off with a smooth lingering sensation.
Of course, no evening would be complete without desserts and Apple tart, Malva pudding, salted caramel cheesecake and Strawberry shortcake promised to make any mouth water. If one still had a little capacity for more food.
Photo by: Zelda Terblanche Photography
Lake Umuzi is known for its great festivals. Their venues are very popular. Make an effort to visit Lake Umuzi at the next festival.
A little background on Costa Nicholas
Costa Nicholas first played professionally at the age of twelve, holding his own with musicians who were much older and highly experienced. At the age of 17, he joined “Adverse Edition”, a prominent Jazz/fusion band, and at 19 years old joined world-acclaimed Jazz maestro Johnnie Fourie. Other exploits include compositions and performances for world-renowned actress Sharon Stone, Pope John Paul 2, Nelson Mandela, Saudi Prince, Isaac Hayes, All American Jazz Band, Jean-Michel Byron of “Toto” a host of session work for television and radio. One of his career highlights was working with actress Sharon Stone – being commissioned to compose a song for her first dance at her wedding which was performed by the legendary musician Ray Charles and his band, supported by the New York Choir.
Cederberg Wines is situated in a unique climatic zone that can be described as a cool Mediterranean climate rather than a maritime or coastal one. Furthermore, the farm Dwarsrivier is located at the foot of Sneeuberg Mountain, one of the highest peaks in the Western Cape at 2 026 m above sea level. Cederberg Wines, thus, lays claim to having the highest vineyards in the Western Cape at between 950 and 1 100 m above sea level.
The soil types are well-drained on weathered shale/slate on the hillsides and high mountain slopes, with a higher clay content well suited to red cultivars. From the yellow-brown soil of granitic origin to the lightly structured soil with sandstone, Cederberg Wine’s soil types belong to the Bokkeveld and Witteberg groups.
Photo by: Zelda Terblanche Photography
The Cederberg Wine’s team comprises individuals who are passionate about winemaking excellence. Under the leadership of David Nieuwoudt, our talented ‘team with attitude’ combine their skills, minds and hearts to ensure each one of our premium wines is an experience worth enjoying.
Fifth-generation winemaker David Nieuwoudt leads a talented ‘team with attitude’ to produce award-winning wines from our high-lying vineyards that flourish in a pure, virus-free environment. In the spirit of collaboration, each team member contributes the passion and expertise that produce Cederberg Wine’s exceptional portfolio of premium wine ranges.
David makeing enjoying his own wine. Photo by: Zelda Terblanche Photography
Whatever your preference, Cederberg Wines offers you a world of award-winning wines waiting for you to savour and enjoy, no matter the occasion.
Laerskool Kruinpark het 4 skaakspanne wat deurdring na die Mpumalanga uitspele wat 3 September 2022 plaasvind
Laerskool Kruinpark se skaakseisoen het 29 Julie 2022 begin waar hulle eerste wedstryd in Leandra plaasgevind het. Die uitslae was as volg:O/13 A-naaswenners, O/13 B-naaswenners, Dogters-naaswenners, O/11-derde plek, O/9-derde plek.
Al 5 skaakspanne het aan die Munisipale liga uitspele deelgeneem wat die 12de Augustus 2022 plaasgevind het by Laerskool Kruinpark. Die spanne se uitslae was na ‘n paar naelbyt wedstryde as volg: O/13 A-wenners, O/13 B-naaswenners, Dogters-naaswenners, O/11-naaswenners en die O/9-derde plek.
Vrydag, 19 Augustus 2022 was dit die Gert Sibande Uitspele wat by Laerskool Goedehoop aangebied is. Die O/13 A, O/13 B, O/11 en O/9 spanne dring deur na die Mpumalanga Skaak byeenkoms wat die 3de September plaasvind by Curro Nelspruit.
O/13 A (Wenners), van links na regs: Michiel vd Berg, Donovan Pieters, Markis Schoeman, Louis Roux, Arno Theron, Liam Barkley.O/13 ope B (Naaswenners), van links na regs: Keenan Carstens, Xavier le Roux, Juanru Brazelle, Xavier Potgieter, Duncan van Rooyen, Imke vd Lith, Henk Wolmarans, Morgan Wolvaardt, Bryan Gouws (Iwan van der Merwe afwesig op foto)O/11 (Wenners), van links na regs:Totius Botha, Zander Blom, Markus Coetzee, Dehan Horn, Daniël jv Rensburg, Riekert van Zyl.O/9 (Naaswenners), van links na regs: Eben Preuyt, Janke-mari Shahia, Mianay van Niekerk, Eckard Beelders, Caitlin de Beer, Lian Erwee.
Laerskool Kruinpark se skaakspanne is almal vreeslik opgewonde vir die geleentheid om aan die Mpumalange byeenkoms te kan deelneem!
In Februarie 2022 het Laerskool Kruinpark 13 atlete gehad wat deelgeneem het aan die Mpumalanga Kampioenskappe vir atletiek ook.
DIE 1STE SEUNS TENNISSPAN VAN LAERSKOOL KRUINPARK IS DIE LIGA WENNERS VAN 2022
Dit is ‘n goeie seisoen vir Laerskool Kruinpark se 1ste seuns tennisspan!
Die 1ste Seuns Tennisspan het die liga afgeskop met ‘n wedstryd die 25ste Julie teen Laerskool Trichardt.
Die 29ste Julie het die seuns liga wedstryde gespeel teen Laerskool Hoëveld. 1 Augustus was dit Curro Secunda se beurt om die stryd aan te sê en daarna het die 1ste Seuns Tennisspan teen HM Swart gespeel die 15de Augustus.
Die liga finaal het die 24ste Augustus op Laerskool Kruinpark se tennisbane plaasgevind, waar die 1ste Seuns Tennisspan teen Laerskool Secunda gespeel het en as wenners aangewys is vir die liga.
Al die seuns se ouers is ook getroue ondersteuners en is dit wonderlik om te weet dat die seuns ondersteuning langs die baan met elke wedstryd gehad het.
Baie geluk aan Laerskool Secunda en Laerskool Trichardt wat liga naaswenners is. Die skole wat almal gaan deelneem aan die Gert Sibande liga is Laerskool Kruinpark, Laerskool Piet Retief, Laerskool Secunda, Laerskool JJ van der Merwe, Laerskool HM Swart en Laerskool Trichardt.
Daar was ‘n hele paar tawwe wedstryde en kan Gert Sibande distrik spog met sterk tennisspelers.
Die 1ste Seuns Tennisspan se volgende wedstryde wat voorlê is vir die Gert Sibande titel. Die semi-finale vind op die 29ste Augustus plaas waarna die Gert Sibande finale die 5de September sal plaasvind.
Nie net het die seuns aan die liga deelgeneem nie, hulle het terselfterd ook aan die Rising Star kompetisie deelgeneem waar hulle 5de in die provinsie geëindig het. Dit was ‘n ongelooflike ervaring vir die seuns. Die Rising Star provinsiale uitspele het die 20ste Augustus plaasgevind.
Een van die seuns in die 1ste Seuns Tennisspan, Imke van der Lith, neem die naweek van die 27ste Augustus aan die Interdistrik Tennis Toernooi deel, waar hy as Hoëveld se nommer 2 gaan speel.
Laerskool Kruinpark 1ste Seuns Tennisspan (van links na regs): Marko Grobler, Liam Blom, meneer Cuen Coetzee (Afrigter), Imke van der Lith, Ulrich Dreyer.Imke van der Lith neem deel aan Interdistrik Tennis Toernooi.
Alle sterkte vir die skole se tennisspanne in die Gert Sibande liga!
Lees meer hier oor vorige Laerskool Kruinpark nuus.
U kan ook Laerskool Kruinpark se aktiwiteite en spogfoto’s op hulle FB Blad sien deur HIER te kliek.
