Victor Bester, SVP ROAS, addressed the attendees: “Thank you for being here today, for bringing your plus one (+1) and thank you to those of you that are fully geared in your PPE, you look very impressive. You would have seen that we are running a #ShutdownFridays initiative from today. This means that throughout September, all of us, especially those who are not required to wear PPE daily, will show their support to our shutdown activities. This will be done by colleagues wearing PPE to work and sending you messages of encouragement.”
“In June, I had the opportunity to speak with some of you at the Virtual Shutdown Kick-Off Day with our service providers. I can see that a lot of work has been done since then. In that session, I indicated that completing the September shutdown successfully will make a significant contribution to our Sasol 2.0 strategic objectives.” said Victor.
“I am pleased that our readiness levels have improved and we are now more confident of delivering a successful shutdown. The pre-shutdown construction work is progressing well.”
“Today, I would like to say to each one of you, that your hard work and efforts do not go unnoticed. I see your dedication and I value your contribution. Sasol’s investment in the shutdown and its success positively impacts the lives of many people in the community. Remember, our shutdown theme is #ownit. Therefore, each one of us should be mindful of our responsibility to support the success of the shutdown and thereby the prosperity of our communities.”
Please continue to look for new or better ways of working, to optimise cost, time and productivity. Make use of the newly launched online Innovation Platform to submit your ideas not only on what we need to improve but also on how we improve the way we improve. Safety is our number one priority, so please remember, if it can’t be done safely it shouldn’t be done. I look forward to a successful 2022 shutdown.
A word of appreciation was delivered by Renier van Wijk, RM Manager IR. “I said to my son about working that we work for money but I realise we work because we affect so many people.”
STOLEN VEHICLE INTERCEPTED AT LEBOMBO PORT OF ENTRY, SUSPECT ARRESTED
Nelspruit: 24 August 2022 – Whilst most attention at the Port of Entry is on narcotics, illegal goods, contraband and unauthorized movement of people including human trafficking, police equally attends to other crimes committed and continue to make major breakthroughs in recovering stolen vehicles.
Police at the Lebombo Port of Entry recovered a vehicle which was destined to Mozambique just eleven days after it was stolen in Ivory Park (Gauteng Province).
Vehicle recovered at Lebombo border post
The vehicle which is estimated at about R100 000 was reportedly stolen on Thursday, 11 August 2022 around 21h00. The white Isuzu pickup was recovered at Lebombo Port of Entry on Monday, 22 August 2022 at about 10h00 am. A 32 year old Mozambican national allegedly produced the false vehicle registration certificate. Preliminary investigation indicated that the vehicle identification number was also tempered with. Police Vehicle Identification Unit (VIU) conducted further investigation which identified the vehicle positively as being stolen from Ivory Park. The suspect was arrested and the vehicle he drove was loaded with furniture and was confiscated as well.
The suspect is expected to appear at the Nkomazi Magistrate’s Court soon, facing the charge of possession of suspected stolen motor vehicle. Police can not rule out the possibility of other charges to be added as investigation continues. The suspect may also be linked to other crimes committed elsewhere.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has commended the dedication displayed by the members from Border Policing Port of Entry which led to the recovery of the vehicle and the arrest of the suspect. “We are so grateful for the calibre of members that we have at our borders. The public can be rest assured that these men and women in Blue work tirelessly to ensure that in case their properties somehow get stolen, then the properties can be recovered at the borders” 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
DO YOU WANT A PROACTIVE, WELLNESS-ORIENTED VET OR A TRADITIONAL ONE THAT ONLY PUTS OUT “FIRES” AS THEY ARISE?
If you are a pet guardian (owner) then you have been to a veterinarian before. If you are a responsible pet guardian then you should have visited them at least once in the past year for a wellness check and annual vaccinations.
As a pet guardian who takes my responsibility towards our pets seriously and as an animal welfare volunteer, choosing a good veterinarian is not a decision I take lightly. I do my homework well and I am not blind to the fact that not all vets are good, competent or even kind. Sadly, we can share many horror stories about this.
A FEW THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND
When people visit a vet, it can be an emotional situation and emotions are rarely objective. People will claim their vet is the best, but they can’t say that if they have not actually been to all vets in the area.
No vet is perfect and vets can make a mistake, but when those mistakes pile up, you have to ask questions! For me, one of the best indicators of a good vet are those used by responsible animal welfare organizations. They deal with vets on a daily basis and have extensive experience in how veterinarians work.
Not all veterinarians are qualified to treat farm animals or exotic pets! If you have exotic animals, it is crucial to find an exotic qualified vet! Not all countries require the same qualifications to become a vet.
Do your own research even if it seems like a lot of work because your pet’s well-being and life depend upon finding the best veterinary care available.
Start the search before you have an emergency!
Google reviews can be used, but we have had a situation where a vet practice unethically encourages good google reviews for prizes! They can also create fake profiles to give good reviews.
If you are looking for an exotic vet you can do the following: Check Google for veterinarians who advertise as “exotic” (including, rabbits & rodents). Then randomly select 5 veterinarians who do NOT advertise as avian or exotic. Phone these veterinarians and ask who they refer their clients to if they have an exotic pet case. If all 5 veterinarians give you the name of the same veterinarian, ok. If not, then randomly select another 5 veterinarians and continue the process until you have a clear “winner.”
The next step is to phone the vet and let the receptionist know that you are concerned with finding the very best veterinarian to care for your exotic pet and that you would like to consult with the vet directly. Also read about screening questions for finding a rabbit veterinarian.
Image from Pexels.com by International fund for animal welfare
SO, WHAT DO I LOOK FOR IN A VETERINARIAN?
WHEN I VISIT THE VET
Location is not the most important thing, but having an area where the dogs can relieve themselves or walk without immediate danger, like a busy road, while we wait, is a bonus.
Our pets are relatively healthy, so we mostly go for the annual check-up only. In this case, I don’t want my pet to be in close contact with other sick animals, so having a separate area for healthy pets and vaccinations for example is important to me. It is also a bonus if they have specie specific treatment rooms like a cat room. Whether it is another animal business like grooming, a pet shop where they sell animals, or for treatment I never want the sick animals to be in close contact with the healthy ones to reduce that risk.
How kind is the vet towards all kinds of animals and people? You can usually see this in the way they talk to and handle the animals. How kind and helpful is the receptionist?
I need my vet to be confident when working with my pet. Sure, the risk of being scratched or bitten is always there, but animals know when someone is not confident and this will only increase their stress during the visit.
I want a vet who is proactive, wellness-oriented, informed and does not mind prescribing natural remedies or treatments. How accurate is their diagnosis?
I want to see the vet when I visit and not the vet nurse. Especially if it is an annual wellness check and if you pay the same for the consultation. I also prefer to ask for a vet specifically so my pets can see the same vet.
They need to be able to communicate clearly, explain well and be willing to answer your questions. You cannot take the chance with your pet’s life to misunderstand the treatment. Some veterinarians are better than others at communicating what they’re doing and why, and what they are or aren’t finding as they inspect your pet. I recently had one of the best vet experiences ever in this regard.
I want a vet who does a thorough questioning about all aspects of my pet’s life (diet, behaviour, body and environment) as well as a thorough exam from nose to tail and compare it to the previous visit.
Is this vet practice helpful in emergencies and especially with stray or wild animals brought in by strangers who try to help?
Do they check whether your pet’s microchip is working and has not migrated in their body and then ask if the microchip is registered on multiple databases? Are they willing to check microchips on lost pets, without charging you, so these animals can potentially be reunited with their owners quickly?
How understanding and supportive is your vet with euthanasia because this is hard for any pet parent (and compassionate vets)?
When you keep proper records of your pets, you want clear statements from the vet and it is important in case something goes wrong.
Fancy equipment can be useful, but even in my profession, I find that some who become dependent on fancy equipment, tend to lose some important “natural” instincts which I value more.
Your vet may also perform diagnostic tests such as a complete blood count, urinalysis, thyroid screen, and others to get a complete picture of your pet’s internal health. When the vet suggests expensive diagnostic tests, in most cases, it is not about the money. There are so many things that can happen in your pet’s body, which can be caught early before it presents physically for you to notice.
Tips for the visit
Prepare questions or observations since the last visit in advance, so you can discuss them with your vet. It may also lead to important conversations about their health. There is no stupid question when it comes to the life and well-being of your pet and if a vet makes you feel judged or stupid, then get another vet. Ask these questions and ask for explanations if you don’t understand.
Knowing what your veterinarian is checking for can help you prepare questions and raise concerns you may have about your pet’s health. Here are some questions Dr. Karen Becker suggests your vet should ask and some questions you can ask your vet.
Be honest with your vet because it is in the best interest of your pet.
For non-emergency situations, I take treats and water with for them to drink. Doing some sniff-work before the visit can help calm them too.
There are some veterinarians all over the world where you will get the impression that it is about the money and not because they care, be very wary of those ones! If a vet bad mouths animal welfare organizations or make an issue if they use outside vets or organize sterilization days, then it is a good indication that it is about the money.
Those of us in animal welfare are highly unlikely to choose a vet that breeds themselves or that encourages breeding. The reason for this is that we have a massive overpopulation crisis and millions of healthy animals are being euthanized (killed humanely) because there are just not enough homes for them all. If a vet doesn’t understand that and doesn’t promote sterilization, which is beneficial for your pet’s health, then I can’t support them with a clear conscience.
Although I think it is important for the public to know which vets are good for animal welfare organizations, be wary of those who constantly brag about it on social media! Smart people will see right through those who are constantly bragging or badmouthing others or deleting comments or blocking anyone who oppose the narrative they sell. I also like vets who focus on education via social media!
Do they have emergency hours available? I don’t want to use one vet practice for the annual checks and use a totally different one for an emergency(with exceptions).
One of the best indicators for me about any business is the personnel turnover. How does the vet treat their personnel? Are the employees happy there or does this business constantly change personnel? If they do, you should ask some serious questions!
OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS FOR YOUR SEARCH
How many patients do they see per day or how many operations do they do per month on average? Take that number and divide it by the number of vets and hours they are open. You do want a vet that is trusted by a lot of people, but you also want a vet that does get enough rest and one that does not push in too many procedures. Quality versus quantity (the money thing you know). This is important because they work with lives and need to be responsible.
Ask who does the procedures. We have had cases where unqualified personnel performed dental procedures or euthanization and that is highly irresponsible.
If a vet does euthanize your pet, it is important to ask what happens to the body. I prefer proper cremation through registered cremation service providers. Some vets charge you a lot and then either dump the bodies at local garbage sites or burn the bodies somewhere.
Don’t be shy to ask when and where they qualified as a vet.
Image by Pexels.com
WHAT SHOULDN’T YOU DO?
Do not make your choice based on how close the veterinarian is to your home (unless that veterinarian is the clear “winner”).
Don’t assume that just because a veterinarian works with breeders or kennel clubs, they are experienced or knowledgeable about a species.
Don’t think you case is isolated. If you had a bad experience at a vet including unprofessional conduct or negligence, please read here and contact me via The Paw Company. Your case might not be isolated and you can prevent this from happening to another animal.
It is your responsibility to choose the best vet possible for your animals, visit them for wellness checks and be proactive in keeping them healthy! We support at least a minimum once a year visit to your vet, but bi-annual visits, especially for older pets should be considered.
Next week we will look at why it is a good idea to spay and neuter your pets!
Several goods were seized and an illegal immigrant was arrested in a joint law enforcement operation
Bethal: A joint operation by the SAPS from Bethal, Govan Mbeki Law enforcement team, Govan Mbeki Environmental Health Practitioners and Electricians conducted an operation on Friday, 19 August 2022 and raided several shops to ensure compliance and law enforcement.
During the joint operation, illicit goods including backpacks, shoe polish, cigarette cartons, watches, belts and T-shirts worth about R20 000 were confiscated.
The Govan Mbeki Law Enforcement team issued business owners with fines to the value of about R8000 for non-compliance, possession of counterfeit goods and illegal electricity connections. Retail store owners were warned not to display goods on the pavement in front of the shops as they are distracting people’s movements in the CBD.
Furthermore, a 34-year-old man was arrested for contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa as he is alleged to be a foreign national from Malawi without legal documents to be in the country. He will appear at the Bethal Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 22 August 2022 facing the said charges.
The public is urged to refrain from buying counterfeit goods they should rather report any of those who are trading in suspected stolen properties to the police. The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has appreciated the collaborative effort by the law enforcement agencies.
Advertorial – IRT Training, the industry leader and only accredited provider for High-pressure water jetting training is now in Secunda
“The IRT Training journey started 12 years ago and with our world-class facilities, we must do something right if companies are returning for further training,”said Company founder, Toelie Swart
If you need training expertise in High-pressure water jetting (hydro-jetting), Vacuum operations, Generic health and safety, Working at heights, Scaffolding, Leadership, Organisational development, Skills development facilitation, etc. then partnering with IRT Training as your provider of choice is the way to go.
IRT Training (Pty) Ltd the industry leader and only accredited provider for High-pressure water jetting training, is a 51% black and black woman-owned level 2, BBBEE registered Qualifying Small Enterprise and accredited training provider with merSETA, Services SETA, CETA and DoL and is constantly growing its scope with other SETA’s and QCTO (Quality Council for Trades and Occupations) to provide one-stop service delivery.
Entering their learning space, you will learn through practical exposure and discovery. You will find a safe space where you and your team can explore and experience various learning opportunities.
Their facilitators will guide and invite you to engage yourself fully in this life-changing experience. All your senses will be engaged through sound, sight, movement and feelings. In their simulated environment, you will have fun, be part of the experience, and leave inspired, competent and certified.
What do they love to do?
They pride themselves to provide industry-relevant training and development
They build and enhance applied competence through simulated practical experiences, and
They strive to source the best-accredited training solutions for their clients and will implement service level agreements for this purpose
They are proud to announce their service level agreement/partnership with TIA (the Thermal Insulation Academy of Southern Africa) and TIPSASA (the Thermal Insulation, Products and Systems Association SA) to provide the Occupational Qualification (SAQA ID 109560) for an Insulation Installer, also a first for the industry.
IRT Training (Pty) Ltd has branches in Naledi Industrial park (Sasolburg) and in Secunda, from where they provide a holistic service approach for their clients countrywide.
Staff members are carefully selected, not only with regard to their qualifications and accreditation with relevant SETA’s, but also for their organisational culture fit, expertise and facilitation skills.
Training programmes are SETA unit standard outcomes-based aligned and can be customised to suit client’s specific needs, but not compromise the identified outcome requirements.
IRT Training can be contacted for your training and development needs at:
FEARLESS BUSINESS WOMAN CHOSEN TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SERITI WOMEN IN MINING ESD PROGRAMME
“Life is short. Do what you love and love one another.”
Middelburg businesswoman, Olivia Knoesen, is the owner of Abhay Projects and was chosen to participate in the Seriti Women in Mining ESD programme, in partnership with Collective Value Creation (CVC). Abhay, an Indian name meaning ‘fearless’, fits well into this self-confessed tomboy’s love for life, Formula One Grand Prix racing and horse-riding.
Middelburg businesswoman, Olivia Knoesen
Abhay Projects manufactures, fabricates, supplies and installs anything to do with steelwork from a carport to a steel structure. They also do maintenance and breakdowns as part of their service to their clients. Supporting her is a team of fifteen employees, her two children and her husband who acts as her educator and guide through the minefield of engineering jargon and products.
Born in Barberton and raised in Middelburg, from the age of seven, Oliva started volunteer work while still at school. As a young woman, she became an au-pair in the United States of America. Here she found herself in the midst of the 9/11 tragedy while living in New York. Some of her au pair colleagues perished on that day and as she puts it in no uncertain terms: “This experience taught me that life is short. Do what you want and love each other.”
Oliva’s overwhelming passion and goal for her company are to be able to grow and benefit others by providing job opportunities to the people most needy. Her qualification and background in human resources, especially labour law combined with a creative flair and quest for self-satisfaction, drove her to start the business six years ago after leaving her job at the South African Police Services.
As with many other businesses, Abhay Projects was and still is, badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Olivia managed to supplement her employees’ UIF pay-outs, ensuring they still received their salaries to provide for their families during the difficult times.
Speaking on her expectations for the Women in Mining programme, designed and managed by Collective Value Creation on behalf of Seriti, Olivia hopes to grow into a stronger person, develop her career, and eventually fulfil her plan for creating more jobs. She believes the programme will be a backup for problem-solving, enabling her to handle the challenges on the ground and serves as motivation to achieve even more as a woman and entrepreneur.
The launch of the Seriti Women in Mining programme took place in Middelburg in May 2022 and will run over the next eighteen months, and participants will be supported through development workshops, backed up by one on one mentoring. As Managing Director of Collective Value Creation, Wybrand Ganzevoort said: “With most programmes of this nature, immediate attention is provided to the business support needs, however, Women in Mining specifically addresses the holistic relationship between the female entrepreneur and all the various stakeholders.”
Olivia believes the women participating in the programme can be a chain of motivators. Once you share your experiences, challenges and solutions with each other, you too become a valuable link in that chain.
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. We base our Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) policies and actions to support the country’s Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) strategy in order to redress historical socio-economic imbalances.
Through this Women-focused programme, we believe we are able to grow and sustain Women entrepreneurs, enabling them to enter the economy and augment the creation of employment through their successful businesses.
This programme will be run by Collective Value Creation (CVC) over the next eighteen months and emphasises Seriti’s focus on women empowerment.
KNOWING WHAT TO DO DURING AN ANIMAL EMERGENCY CAN BE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH.
When your animals suffer an injury or poisoning, knowing what first aid to do can have a massive impact on their recovery, safety and comfort. This is an important topic with much more to learn, but let’s get into some of the basic tips.
FIRST DO YOUR RESEARCH
Knowing and understanding what illnesses and conditions our pets might face is the key to the longevity of life. Whichever animal species you are a guardian (owner) of, learn about first aid and CPR for the particular animal, the breed, or species-specific health conditions they may suffer from. Also learn about the medications they can take, body language and signs of pain or stress in the particular specie.
PREPARE
Always be prepared for emergencies in advance. This includes physically, like your first aid kit, emotionally by knowing what to do and financially because emergencies can be expensive. Some of the most likely emergencies may include, poisoning, wounds, seizures, drowning or choking. Save your veterinarian’s emergency number and a backup one in case, in advance.
PREVENTION
Prevention is always better than cure! Keep them healthy, dewormed, vaccinated and treated against ticks and fleas. Feed a species-appropriate diet and provide proper enrichment (mental/physical/social, etc.). Make sure their enclosure/yard is the right size and safe to prevent injury and stress. Keep dangerous objects and products out of their reach and KEEP THEM OUT OF THE STREETS!
Prevention also includes regular health checks, whether at your vet or by yourself.
HEALTH-CHECK LIST
Behaviour
Body Condition
Skin & Coat
Ears & Eyes
Nose & Mouth
Nails & Paws
Stool check
Vitals like breathing, heart rate, body temperature
Image by Animal Friends
WHAT TO DO DURING AN EMERGENCY?
First, stay calm and ensure the safety of yourself and others. Assess the situation before acting. Remember that injured animals can be frightened and may act differently than usual when you touch or interact with them.
Contact your vet. There may not always be a vet available immediately, but staff may be able to suggest immediate action you can take to help your pet. Have a pen close by in case another number is given.
More effective treatment can be provided if they are taken to the vet immediately instead of waiting for a call-out vet.
If there is a risk of biting, put a muzzle on. If you don’t have one, you can make a temporary one, but it should never cause difficulty breathing and the nose need to be open. Small dogs or cats may be restrained by putting a towel over their heads or wrapped around their body.
Never give human medicines to a pet without consulting with your vet as it could do more harm. Some medications are fine in one specie but lethal in another.
Do not give food or something to drink in case an anesthetic is needed.
Drive carefully when taking the patient to surgery.
Do not remove penetrating objects. It needs to be stabilized and only removed by a trained individual.
It is important to fit your first aid kit for the particular specie of animalsyou are a guardian (owner) of. What you may need for a bunny can be different from what you need for a dog. It is also important to store the supplies together and where they are easily accessible. You can put it in a backpack, tackle boxes, toiletries bags, etc.
Image Dr. Karen Becker
Rescue packs for poisoning – This for us is a must-have since poisoningemergencies occur daily. These kits include activated charcoal which may buy precious minutes, to get them to the vet to save their life. They still need to go to the vet after administering this rescue pack. You can usually buy them from your local SPCA or other organizations for less than R50.
Dressings / “white goods” – These are items like medical tape, non-stick pads, roll gauze, gauze squares, and cotton-tipped applicators. They can be used to help stop bleeding, cover and protect the wound or keep the dressing in place. It’s also helpful to include an old white sheet.
Cleaning supplies/disinfectants – Pre-packaged pads like alcohol pads or betadine pads work well in smaller kits. Bottles with these solutions can be stored in your larger kit. Hand sanitizer can also be useful and I guess many of you currently have stock of this.
Tools to use – This will include scissors, tweezers, a flashlight, a CPR barrier mask, gloves, duct tape, and a carabiner that can all be useful in an emergency. Nail clippers specifically for your pets, syringes and plastic bags can also be included.
Pet-specific items – A muzzle, an extra leash, a harness and booties are pet-specific items that should be considered based on your pet and your needs. Many of these items have the potential for multiple uses! Some form of restraint is important to protect your pet from further injury or cause injury to you.
Water – Water is not only useful for drinking, but also for flushing wounds, soothing burns, washing off toxins, soaking a paw, or cooling an overheated pet. Keep some water in your first aid kit along with a collapsible water bowl.
Medications – In addition to a small quantity of your pet’s regular medications, you can also include something to help stop bleeding, something for mild allergic reactions and sugar tablets that can help a diabetic pet or a pet with low blood sugar.
Hydrogen peroxide or small amounts of salt can induce vomiting and help get rid of ingested toxins or foreign objects. Vomiting should not always be induced, so only do this under the direction of a veterinarian, as some toxins or materials will cause more harm if they are vomited up. Additionally, hydrogen peroxide should never be given to a cat, as it can cause severe stomach bleeding. Dr. Lubbe shared more on this here.
Talk to your vet about which medications as they know your pet best.
Thermometer – A thermometer is necessary for determining if your pet has a fever or is hypothermic (the normal body temperature for a dog and cat is approximately 37-39°C) The temperature should be taken rectally, as it more accurately reflects the pet’s core body temperature. To make the insertion easier on your pet, keep a petroleum or water-based lubricant in the first aid kit.
A thermal blanket can be helpful too.
Treats – This can be used to distract your pet, help keep them calm, or even as a reward for being a “good boy or girl” during an emergency.
Emergency information cards – You don’t want to be looking for numbers when an emergency happens, so save all the important local numbers in one place and have a copy of it in your first aid kit. You can put an emergency card about your pets in your wallet and car. Here are example cards to print.
Please note that this is not a complete kit content list!
When your pet is choking you can perform the Heimlich maneuver, but when they are not breathing nor have a pulse, you will need to perform CPR, which may differ a bit for example with birds versus dogs.
When you are away, please don’t leave your pets without someone checking in every 8-12 hours at least. Have an emergency plan for pets when something happens to you and include them in your will, in case of death. Consider adding small bords somewhere in your home near an entrance in case of a fire, which includes how many and what kinds of pets live there. This should not be obvious to thieves.
It is always better to be prepared for an emergency or know first aid and not use it than to need it and not have the skills. You can contact Langamedto attend one of their pet first aid courses.
Next week we will look at what we look for in a veterinarian.
SAPS recruitment drive help police net an alleged thief (suspect) who was on the run for a while
Bethal: Police recruitment drive has helped police net a long sought possible thief in Bethal. Thomas Ngcobo (40) has allegedly been on the run for the past seven years after allegedly stealing materials he was supposed to deliver to clients.
The accused, Thomas Ngcobo (40) appeared before Bethal Magistrate Court yesterday, 16 August 2022 and the matter was postponed to 28 August 2022 for verification of address and formal bail application. The accused was remanded in custody.
According to information on police disposal, the suspect was supposed to make Hardware material delivery worth more R20 000. It is alleged that the said material was redirected to another address without either the owner’s concern or knowledge.
The suspect’s alleged dirty tricks were uncovered a week later after the manager decided to check invoices. It was realised that two invoices were missing and other materials delivered to the wrong addresses.
The matter was reported to the police and a case of theft was registered in September 2015 at Bethal SAPS. Thomas Ngcobo was unexpectedly nabbed on Monday, 15 August 2022 after he visited the Bethal SAPS to make enquiries about his application for the police recruitment drive.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has taken the opportunity of the arrest to warn offenders who are still on the run from authorities that police are closing all the nets for them and they will soon be arrested. “We are working tirelessly day and night, sticking to our mandate of creating a safe environment for all citizens. We cannot achieve that stage whilst other suspects are still roaming the streets and terrorizing the communities. It is just a matter of time before we bring them to justice” warned the General.
Police urge anyone with any information on Crime to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous
HUMAN SKELETON FOUND IN THE BUSHES – SUSPECT ARRESTED
Nelspruit: A human skeleton was discovered in the bushes at Nkanini Trust near Masoyi outside White River. The gruesome discovery was made on Sunday, 14 August 2022 around 10h00 am.
According to the report, children from an initiation school were in the bushes looking for some wooden sticks and then trembled upon the skeleton. Police were then alerted and upon their arrival, all other role-players were summoned to the scene. The forensic unit of the police later confirmed the skeleton as that of a human being. The members also found some clothes believed to be of the victim during the discovery. An inquest case was opened but later changed to murder after some groundwork was done by the Detective team.
Police connected their dots and discovered there was a little girl who went missing in December 2021 and was reported as such by her family at the beginning of January 2022. A preliminary investigation by the team of experts in the investigation field revealed that the skeleton could be that of the 15-year-old girl who vanished without a trace. The family believes it is her as they identified the dress that was found at the scene.
Photo Illustration purposes only
Whilst investigating the case, a woman stormed into the police station at Masoyi on 15 August 2022 claiming that some members of the community wanted to kill her after being accused of shielding the suspect. Police managed to calm the situation while requesting members of the public to leave everything in the hands of the police.
The team received crucial information in their probe from a member of the Community Policing Forum (CPF), Community in Blue to be specific regarding the whereabouts of the suspect. The details were followed which culminated in his arrest at Malelane, of course with the great help offered by the police from Malelane SAPS. It is further believed that the suspect could have been trying to flee from the authorities when he was cornered.
The 24-year-old male suspect has since been charged with murder as well as defeating the ends of justice. He is due to appear at the Masoyi Periodical Court on Wednesday, 17 August 2022 facing the said charges. Police cannot rule out the possibility of adding more charges against the suspect as the investigation proceeds.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has hailed the breakthrough made by the members of the police however the General has vehemently condemned the acts of violence against defenceless women.
“It is a shameful thing that a similar incident of this nature occurred in the same policing area of Masoyi where the little girl, Buntle Mashiyane was brutally murdered recently. We never expected that such an atrocity can be experienced by this community in a short space of time. This is a moral issue and we urge Faith-Based Organisations as well as Traditional Leaders to join hands with us to fight the scourge” 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
