The Provincial Commissioner is elated with two life sentences handed down to convicted rapist and murderer
Nelspruit: 22 April 2022 -The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela is elated with a hefty sentence that was handed down to a rapist and murderer. Yesterday, Tuesday 21 June 2022 the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court in Mbombela sentenced 40-year-old, Hendrick Nicholas Hanse van Reinsburg to two life sentences for rape and murder.
It is said that on 13 October 2019, Andiswa Zitha, who was 20-year-old suffered violence which was perpetrated by the accused. It is further said that the accused raped her using a wooden object (spoon) before he fled the scene, thereby leaving her in a pool of blood at Mjejane near Komatipoort. Zitha was found by neighbours who took her to Tonga Hospital but she was unfortunately certified dead the next day on 14 October 2019.
Police opened a murder case with an additional charge of rape and the matter was investigated by the police at Komatipoort. The members worked tirelessly in their investigation with the hope to find the perpetrator. Their hard work paid off when they arrested the accused at a tavern in Kamhlushwa on 20 October 2021.
The accused was charged and taken to court where he was convicted and sentenced to 1 life sentence for rape as well as another life sentence for murder. The court also ordered for the sentences to run concurrently. The accused was further declared unfit to possess a firearm.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has gladly welcomed the sentence and appreciated the exceptional work done by the good Samaritans who took the victim to the hospital, the investigation team, the Prosecution team, as well as the Judiciary which resulted in the commendable sentence. “It is unfortunate to have lost a life of a young girl in this manner. We also hope that the sentence will serve as a deterrence to others who might consider emulating the actions of the accused” 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
SAFETY TIPS TO CONSIDER FOR YOUR ANIMALS DURING THE HOLIDAYS.
The holiday is just around the corner and many people who go away, either take their animals with them or leave them behind. Either way you need to plan and take safety precautions for all your animals.
Whether at home or with you on holiday, make sure your animals are up-to-date with all vaccinations, deworming, tick and flea treatments. Micro-chip your pet and make sure it is registered on multiple databases and working, before you leave as well as include a collar ID. Make sure your plan for your animals is clearly stated in your will.
LEAVING YOUR PETS AT HOME
Pet sitters can be a good option when you need someone to care for your pet while you’re away. Animals should never be left alone, in my opinion, for more than even 12 hours.
Do your homework on the pet sitter by getting trusted references from people you know. It is important that your pet also gets along with this person. Book in time as pet sitters are booked well in advance for holidays. Look for ones that have completed special training, like behaviour or pet first aid.
It is your responsibility to ensure things go smoothly, so provide detailed instructions regarding feeding, medications, emergency contacts and other important information. Provide easily accessible and sufficient supplies including their food, grooming, toys, leashes, carriers or cleaning supplies in case of an accident.
Always have a backup plan (person) in place. List your pet sitter at your veterinarian, inform your vet you are away and provide a backup person to contact or to make decisions if you can’t be reached.
Properly pet-proof your home and escape-proof your yard because bored and lonely pets may get into more trouble than usual.
TAKING YOUR PET WITH YOU ON HOLIDAY
If you’re planning on taking your pet with you on holiday, it’s important to honestly assess how stressed your dog or cat might be away from home and whether it’s a risk worth taking. Plan the trip well!
Travel safety! You shouldn’t allow your dog to ride unrestrained. A crate or safety harness (not a collar) can be used to restrain your pet in the car, but be sure that it has been crash-test certified for safety.
Never leave your pet unattended in a vehicle!
Plan extra time for pit stops for them to stretch their legs and relieve themselves. Plan to have clean up supplies on hand, along with your dog’s leash and harness, water bowl and fresh water to drink (preferably water from home which they are used to).
Be sure to plan meal times. Ideally, feed your dog in the morning before you leave (some suggest about 3 hours before) and again at night once you’ve settled into your hotel. If you’ll be stopping to eat along the way, plan to do so at a location where your pet can accompany you.
When traveling with your pet, you’ll need to bring all necessities, including items like poop bags and food bowls, water, medication, grooming kit, but don’t forget to also pack some of your dog’s favourite toys, blankets and, depending on size, even his bed to remind him of home.
You should also make sure your dog is wearing a collar with a current ID tag at all times and pack a pet first aid kit in the event of an emergency. A recent photo on your phone or printed out is also recommended, in the event you become separated. Write down the numbers of emergency vet services along your route for in case.
Remember the vaccination cards!
Image by Zoe Gammon from Pixabay
KEEPING YOUR PETS SAFE AROUND THE POOL, LAKES & THE BEACH
Always supervise swims as not all pets are good swimmers.
Invest in a pet life jacket.
Rinse them off with clean water post-swim, removing chlorine, salt or bacteria.
Avoid wet collars to prevent hot-spots.
Ears should be cleaned and dried after a swim.
Look out for the signs of heat stroke and provide cool shade areas as well as cool, fresh drinking water at all times.
Use animal-safe sunscreen for breeds who are prone to sunburn.
Learn pet CPR for an emergency.
Other dangers around water may include: Parasites and bacteria, water intoxication, salt water, seaweed, sand impaction, hot surfaces, picnic foods & foreign bodies, fishing hooks etc.
If you intend to bring your dog on the boat with you, remember a life jacket, sunscreen, fresh drinking water, providing shade, a leash, proper identification, have potty breaks, have a first aid kit and pay attention!
TAKING YOUR PET ON A HIKE OR CAMPING?
Make sure your dog has an up-to-date ID tag or collar. The fastest way for someone who finds your dog to get her back to you is to call the number on her ID tag.
Your dog will need frequent water breaks along the trail, so be prepared with a lightweight, collapsible travel bowl or a simple plastic container and plenty of fresh water. Stop often to offer her a drink, and especially if she’s panting a lot. Keeping her well-hydrated will also prevent her from drinking from a stagnant water source, which can harbor all kinds of pathogenic bacteria and parasites.
You’ll want to pack a few healthy snacks to feed her along the way as well, and don’t forget dog poop bags, especially if you’ll be hiking on heavily travelled trails.
Remember a first aid kit with essential emergency items like gauze, scissors, or tape.
Don’t forget your cell phone.
An emergency dog sling can be helpful when in remote areas.
Don’t let your pet chase wildlife as both can get injured.
If you are camping, make sure they are not cold, but also safe from camping hazards like fire.
Image by Helge Ely from Pixabay
READ MORE on why you should not be clipping a bird’s wings.
Whether your pet is joining you on your holiday or you leave them home with supervision, it remains your responsibility to make sure they are ok!
Next week we will look at enclosure sizes for different pets.
Bethal – A fugitive and alleged drug ring leader appeared in court
MPUMALANGA – Mbuso Janvier Kikaranga (35) a Congolese citizen was arrested by the Secunda HAWKSon 2022/06/19 in Embalenhle and appeared in the Bethal Magistrate Court for charges of dealing in drugs on Monday, 20 June 2022. This follows his arrest Wednesday, 15 June 2022 in Embalenhle for Possession of a stolen vehicle
Mbuso Janvier Kikaranga (35)
Kikaranga was additionally charged for his alleged involvement in a drug criminal group in the Bethal area in Mpumalanga, to which he was dubbed the main suspect and ring leader. He had been on the run since 28 June 2021, during the takedown operation of “Dream On”, a project-driven investigation that led to the arrest of eleven (11) suspects involved in the criminal group that worked in a tandem arrangement that is distributing drugs to the community in the Bethal area.
Consequently, a warrant of arrest was issued against him for three (3) counts of dealing in drugs which were added to a charge of possession of a stolen vehicle upon his arrest and a subsequent first court appearance in Evander court for the Possession of stolen vehicle and in Bethal Magistrate court on his warrant of arrest for dealing in drugs on Project Dream On. The case against the suspect was postponed to 04 July 2022 for a formal bail application.
Meanwhile, his accomplices are expected to appear on the same day at Bethal Regional court and Kikaranga will at the later stage appear along with his alleged accomplices.
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 Democratic Alliance DA marched against drugs and drug abuse on Saturday 18 June 2022
Several cases against drug suspected dealers and users as well as people in possession of drugs were reported by the Bulletin.
In an article called “Secunda drug trader pleads guilty” it was reported that Belinda Swart pleaded guilty to the possession of a dangerous dependent producing substance (methamphetamine). She was previously arrested by the Hawks in 2018 for contravention of the Drugs and Drugs Trafficking Act. Swart was found guilty in August 2018 and sentenced to 3 years imprisonment of which 1 year and 6 months were suspended for 5 years, with the choice of acknowledgement of guilty of R12 000.00.
In another article The Bulletin reported on six suspects, five foreign nationals and a local aged between 31 and 34 that were due to appear before the Bethal Magistrates court on Tuesday, 29 June 2021. This was after intelligence-driven information gathering was conducted and presented before court resulting in a warrant of arrest being issued. During the arrest, cash and drugs were confiscated.
Ciska Jordaan, DA Mpumalanga Deputy Chairperson together with Nicholas Nyati, DA Youth Leader, and Palesa Mobango, Mpumalanga DA Youth Chairperson led a march on Saturday 18 June 2022 to deliver a memorandum against drug and subsistence abuse.
Here is the full memorandum as delivered by Jordaan:
As you are very well aware, drugs and substance abuse have a formidably murderous presence amongst the youths in Secunda and in the larger Govan Mbeki area.
A number of years ago, the Democratic Alliance Youth had marched to this very location to demand from the South African Police Service the establishment of an anti-drug unit that will tackle drug abuse, and drug-related crimes and arrest drug dealers in our communities. This never materialized.
Yet today, the problem is worse than it has ever been. We see young adults begging at stop signs or shopping centres. Others end up dead on sidewalks. Drugs are being used out in the open and are dealt with in our schools, from drug dens at public transport hubs and even houses and shops that are camouflaged to appear ordinary in residential neighbourhoods and shopping centres.
DA marches towards the Secunda Police station
As young people, we do not see SAPS doing much about this issue. What we do see, is our friends being lost to drugs – ending up in jail and on the streets for stealing their families blind, skinny and full of marks and sores, dying a little bit every day in front of our eyes. Our community is under siege by the scale of drug availability and abuse.
We are asking you to uphold your oath – to create a safe and secure environment for all the people of South Africa. We demand that you
Clamp down on drug abuse
Apprehend all known drug dealers
Establish an anti-drug unit in our community
Jordaan said in an earlier interview (on Saturday) that it is easy to obtain drugs in GMM as drugs can be bought from Bus stops, Filling stations and Taxi ranks to name but a few.
“We are tired of seeing friends and family die as a result of substance abuse,” said Jordaan, “our youth are suffering from the drug pandemic! In many cases, drugs are a death sentence.”
In his speech Nicholas Nyati, DA Interim Youth Leader spoke about the challenges faced by the youth under the current administration. He spoke about the struggle to obtain employment and the lack of opportunities. He told the story of what it means to stand up for those that can’t and told the story of Japie that was shot on 18 June 1976.
He said that Japie teaches us patriotism. He said that Japie said that when he sees injustice in South Africa he will stand up and fight against it. You are not only fighting for yourself but you are fighting for the little ones as well.
Nicholas addressing the marchers
“Young people must define their own struggle,” said Nicholas, “Not only must they define their own struggle but they have to be in the forefront of fighting that struggle.”
“Not having jobs will result in many struggles for the youth such as depression, suicide and drug abuse. The South African Police are not the enemy of the people but their bosses namely the South African Government,” concluded Nicholas.
The DA will also submit a petition to the police at a future date. The petition can be accessed HERE
YOUTH ENCOURAGED TO FOCUS ON SHAPING THEIR FUTURES RATHER THAN ON CRIME, THREE NABBED FOR MURDER AND GANG-RAPE
Nelspruit: 19 June 2022 – The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela is concerned about the rate at which some young people are found to be in conflict with the law. This comes in the wake of a terrifying incident in which five suspects were arrested on allegations of murdering a Nigerian man, aged 25 as well as for gang-raping three women, aged between 27 and 35. Three of those suspects are under age (two are 17 years old whilst one is 16 years old). The incident reportedly occurred at Bethal on Friday night, 17 June 2022.
According to the report on Saturday, 18 June 2022 police received a complaint from Bethal hospital about a man who was admitted with multiple stab wounds but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries. Upon arrival at the hospital, the members opened a murder case.
The investigation by the police then revealed that on that fateful night (Friday, 17 June 2022) a group of about five males reportedly had an altercation with the man who then ran towards a local fuel station in Bethal. It is further alleged that the man was pursued by the suspects thereby stabbing him several times before they left him in a pool of blood.
The medical personnel were notified about the incident and upon arrival, they took him to the hospital but later the victim was certified dead. Police learnt through their probe that after the incident, the suspects proceeded to a certain house where they found three women and allegedly gang-raped them before they fled the scene on foot.
A team consisting of the Bravo Security Company, members from Bethal, Secunda Crime Intelligence and Emzinoni converged with the sole purpose to bring the suspects to book. It was not long before the five were cornered and arrested and charged with murder with an additional three counts of rape on Saturday (18 June 2022).
The man has reportedly been identified by his family as Mr June Mwafor and the police are working in collaboration with other stakeholders, including the Probation Officers as well as Social Workers, taking into consideration the fact that some of the suspects are minors.
Police cannot rule out the possibility of the five being involved in some kind of gangsterism however this will form part of the investigation by the detectives.
All suspects are expected to appear at the Bethal Magistrate’s Court today, 20 June 2022 facing the outlined charges.
Meanwhile the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has reassured the public that police will continue to work tirelessly in order to dismantle any form of criminal groupings or syndicates that terrorize communities with crime, citing the recent hefty sentence imposed in Marite. “There is so much space created by the various challenges that the world faces today, which young people can turn into opportunities by bringing forth innovative ideas and solutions rather than engaging themselves in criminal activities. We encourage the youth to join Youth Crime Prevention Desk in their respective police stations in order to constructively participate in inventive ways of preventing and tackling crime in the society” 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
Govan Mbeki Municipality (GMM) – 35% of Mpumalanga municipalities are so broke that they may not have the ability to continue functioning in the near future.
“The lack of improvement in municipal outcomes is an indictment on the entire local government accountability ecosystem, which failed to act and arrest the decline that continued to be characterised by service delivery challenges in municipalities,” said Auditor-general (AG) Tsakani Maluleke in a press release earlier this week.
The AGSA’s audit outcomes are based on the audits that they perform on the quality of financial statements and performance reports, and on compliance with key legislation. Some municipalities improved their audit outcomes, just to regress again in later years. Overall, only 61 municipalities had a better audit outcome in 2020-21 than in 2016-17, with 56 now having a worse audit outcome.
Maluleke states that it is encouraging to see the slight increase in the number of clean audits – 27 municipalities were able to maintain their clean audit status throughout the administration, while 14 achieved a clean audit for the first time and six lost their clean audit status. However, clean audit outcomes continue to represent less than a fifth of the local government budget.
Despite the improvement in the number of clean audits, the AG says that the substance of the outcomes indicates that local government still has a long way to go before we can celebrate improvements. The vast majority of unqualified audit opinions are only achieved after the auditee was given an opportunity to correct the annual financial statements that were submitted for auditing, which is not sustainable. This means that internal controls and financial management disciplines are still lacking. There are also still municipalities with disclaimed audit opinions, while municipal financial health continues to deteriorate and service delivery is declining.
In her office’s 2019-20 general report, Maluleke told the story of the 10 municipalities (Maluti-APhofung, Masilonyana, Tokologo, Govan Mbeki (GMM), !Kheis, Joe Morolong, Lekwa Teemane, Madibeng, Mamusa and Ramotshere Moiloa) that had received disclaimed audit opinions for years. The latest report shows that these municipalities have still not improved. She says that at most of these municipalities, the auditors observed leadership instability (both at political and administrative level), poor oversight by councils, significant financial health problems, protests and strikes, a lack of consequences, and interventions that were not effective.
In her consolidated General Report on Local Government Audit outcomes, the auditor general had the following to say on Govan Mbeki Municipality
Govan Mbeki improved from its previously disclaimed opinion to a qualified opinion in 2020-21. The municipal manager and the chief financial officer ensured that they reconciled bank and cash successfully. Despite this improvement, the municipality struggled to use its funds to deliver quality services to communities, as illustrated in the significant deficiencies we identified when visiting the Evander wastewater treatment works. The municipality spent only 4% of its infrastructure value on infrastructure maintenance in 2020-21, which is below the norm of 8%, further adding to the dilapidation of infrastructure.
Trudi Grové-Morgan MPL and DA Spokesperson on Gogta stated the DA in Mpumalanga will submit a Motion in the next Legislature sitting asking for a debate on the damning Auditor General’s (AG) report that revealed that 35% of Mpumalanga municipalities are so broke that they may not have the ability to continue functioning in the near future.
The above municipalities have been facing financial crises for over five years or more.
The AG also noted that many municipalities were unable to accurately bill residents for basic services and consequently 60% of the debt balance in the province was deemed irrecoverable.
The financial health of any municipality is pivotal in its ability to provide services to its residents and in recent times, the provision of water and electricity in many parts of the province was at risk.
Situations like these are unacceptable given that municipalities should operate as a business and use profits made in order to uplift the lives of their residents.
“Further to calling for a debate on municipal collapse in the province, the DA will request a meeting with the MEC of CoGTA, Mandla Ndlovu, asking him how he is going to deal with the financial crisis in our municipalities with a specific focus on improving revenue generation and reducing reliance on grants in all municipalities in our province,” said Trudie
Out of 257 municipalities across the country, only 41 received clean audits. Yet again, the DA-led Western Cape was the best performing province in the country, receiving 22 clean audits.
“This is because only the DA gets things done,” concluded Trudie
Maluleke said: “Audit outcomes were in a bad state when the previous administration took over in 2016-17 and this state had not improved since then.”
A total of 33 municipalities had been placed under administration after being declared dysfunctional, predominantly because of their failure to meet their financial obligations and provide essential services during this period.
Maluleke said that a number of cases had been referred to the Financial Information Centre (FIC) and the Hawks for investigation in six of 10 municipalities with disclaimers that had been subjected to post-audit investigations aimed at identifying “where the money has gone.”
BETHAL SAPS 2022 National Youth Day Sports Against Gender-Based-Violence and femicide.
Bethal SAPS Men for change and Women’s Network, Social Crime prevention in partnership with Indawo Yesizo Foundation and Thomas-Heights hosted sports against Gender-Based-Violence and femicide on Thursday 16 June as part of youth month activity to celebrate youth day where four(4) soccer teams participated.
Constable Thomas Mogadime addressed the players before commencing the games.
The teams that participated are: -Invaders FC -Puzzles FC -SAPS FC -FC Boys
Constable Mogadime handing over the trophy to Sbonokuhle Thwala(Captain) and Sandile Sindane(Team Manager) of Puzzles Football Club
Constable Thomas Mogadime, the Social Crime Prevention and communication officer outlined the objectives of the activity during the briefing session before the games as follows:
To raise awareness on crime prevention among the youth.
To reduce the youth’s involvement in crime as perpetrators or victims.
To Integrate youth structures in the fight against Gender-Based-Violence and femicide.
To address youth development and the challenges in that regard.
To address Gender-based violence and femicide through the six pillar approach of the SAPS.
Develop young people into productive crime prevention catalysts.
Produce positive young role models who will portray a positive image of South African citizens.
Bethal and Mzinoni police management with Lunga Ngobeza(Mr Thomas-Heights 2021), Samuel Hlatshwayo(Mr Supraglobal 2021), Meluleki Vilakazi(Second Prince of Mr Thomas-Heights 2021), Pastor Elias Mokoena and Bethal SAPS Football Club before the Kickstart of the game.
During the tournament, Puzzles FC was crowned the winner of the sports against Gender-Based-Violence and femicide 2022. Constable Thomas Mogadime thanked all the teams for their positive participation during the celebration of the 2022 national youth day.
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
ANIMALS OF THE AIR SHOULD NOT HAVE THEIR WINGS CLIPPED!
We have recently seen so many lost pet birds in our area and last week we looked at what you can do to find your missing bird. One thing that bird owners consider to prevent escape is clipping the wings. Although there are usually two sides to any issue and this is a controversial topic, wing clipping is not something I support and I will share why.
In short, birds are creatures of the air with some parrots in the wild often flying 30 miles per day. They are not animals that are meant to be grounded or caged. One of the five freedoms of animal welfare includes the freedom to express natural behaviour and for me, taking away the ability to fly effectively, by clipping their wings, is cruel! By doing this you force this animal to be dependent on you and mostly perch or cage bound. The experience is also very traumatizing for birds as they have an innate desire and need to fly.
Wing clipping may not necessarily be permanent, but this will depend on the type of bird, their health and what techniques are used for clipping. Bird specialist Dr. Pat says that there is not a single generic style that is suitable for all situations. The type of bird, their weight, athletic ability, agility, lifestyle and more, play a role. There are certain methods of trimming a bird’s wings that allow them to glide, not fly, although it is no guarantee.
I asked a parrot rescue and rehabilitation organization that takes in many of these mostly abandoned and neglected parrots, for their opinion. The owner agreed that she doesn’t support the clipping of wings, though there might be exceptions. She further shared that they probably have about 40% of birds whose wings have been clipped all their lives, especially from a young age, that sadly can’t use those precious wings to fly anymore. People just assume they would know how to fly.
Our family also took in a parrot that was passed on from one home to another. When we got her, her wings were clipped to the point of permanent damage, so she couldn’t fly anymore and that breaks my heart. This certainly puts her at risk for other potential injuries.
Chest muscles won’t develop due to their inability to fly.
When clipped before learning to fly, they may never develop balance, agility and other flight skills.
Once clipped, many birds have problems regrowing flight feathers.
You can cut their “blood feathers” if you don’t know what you are doing.
Birds with clipped wings tend to develop psychological and behavioural problems like feather picking more than other birds. This is most likely due to the frustration they feel when not being able to fly, amongst other reasons. Note that wild birds do not feather pick.
After being clipped, many birds feel frightened of their human companion and may mistrust them.
It may lead to injuries from crash landings, like air sac rupture, damaged chests, cuts near the vent and broken bones.
Inability to escape predator attacks.
WHAT ABOUT THE PROS?
Many articles discuss the pros and cons of wing clipping, however, these assume that the “pros”, usually argued from a safety perspective, can only be attained if the bird’s flight is limited or eliminated by having their wings clipped. An important question may be how safe you can keep your birds if they are flighted.
Here are just a few basic examples from Parrot Volancy about these excuses:
Windows, glass doors, and mirrors worry many people when discussing flight for birds. It’s an easy concern to address. Birds can learn to safely avoid windows, glass doors, and mirrors if you took the time to teach them. Close curtains when you take them out and make sure doors and windows are closed if this is a concern and they are not yet trained.
Ceiling fans are dangerous to birds, for obvious reasons. Once we know how important flight is to a bird, we can’t prioritize using a fan with exposed blades over a bird’s natural mobility. There are alternatives.
Is the kitchen stove a concern? Put your bird in a room with the door closed or in a cage while cooking. Cooking and for example the type of cookware you use can harm birds (pets) anyway.
As for toilet bowls, keep toilet seats closed.
Cats and dogs are commonly cited as a household danger but, frankly, it is questionable as to whether one should mix either of these with birds.
If avoiding bird poop in the house or damaging furniture takes precedence over their well-being then you should seriously reconsider owning a bird.
WHAT ARE OTHER ALTERNATIVES?
Luckily there are better ways that allow your bird to enjoy flying while being safe, it just takes more effort from you. Animal Wised suggests training based on positive reinforcement. You can teach your bird recall and simple commands. They are smart and curious animals who learn quickly. Training will not only challenge and entertain them, but it will also strengthen your relationship with them and improve communication. Many bird companions even take part in free flights, as they’ve trained their birds very well. You can also “bird-proof” your home or consider using a safe and certified flight harness, until they are trained.
If you are going to clip their wings it must be done by a qualified professional who knows the species, the different techniques and understands how to evaluate individual health. We suggest avian vets or exotic pet vets and it should also not be done at a young age.
If you’ve previously clipped your bird’s wings but now want them to recover and be able to fly, first you must give them time to regrow all of their natural feathers. Once they can regrow their feathers, they must learn or re-learn how to fly. Be patient with your bird through this process.
Wing clipping is not a procedure to be taken lightly. There are better ways to keep them safe while respecting their rights, freedom and needs.
With the holidays coming up, we will look at some safety tips for your animals in next week’s edition. Stay warm!
The game started at a blistering pace with Secunda Rugby with the home team scoring two fast tries in quick succession.
This start could only spell doom for the visiting team and the score kept adding as the first half progressed.
No serious mistakes were made but a few handling errors gave the visitors from Newcastle time to counterattack. Newcastle, although clearly stunned by the fast start by the Secunda team, slowly regained their composure but could not penetrate the defences of Secunda.
Secunda pushed the Newcastle boys back in the scrums and even managed to secure a few of Newcastle’s lineouts. Secunda did lose a line out or two but the lineouts were planned and well-executed.
The backline attacked with vigour and the team continued to add to the score ending the second half with a very healthy lead. The halftime score was 47-0
The second half was a totally different affair. The impact players did not make the impact that was expected and the rhythm of the Secunda team was broken. Suddenly there were a few quick penalties awarded to the visiting team, something that did not happen a lot in the first half.
Newcastle really took the opportunity to heart and played with new determination scoring two quick tries. Suddenly the game looked completely different.
I would think that complacency played a big part in the scores of the second half that Newcastle clearly finished in their favour. Secunda suddenly struggled to find their good form of the first half and failed to keep on scoring adding only 12 points in the second half compared to their 47 points of the first half.
Newcastle added 21 points in the second half. They ended the game on a high note and could leave the field with their head held high.
Secunda should work on maintaining their rhythm and form when they bring their impact players onto the field. The game could have seen a bigger score difference but somehow Newcastle managed to surprise everybody in the second half.
The home team played a good game and both teams showed good discipline, even when under pressure.
Well done to Secunda Rugby and Newcastle rugby for an entertaining game.
