Leef jy of oorleef jy? Wat beteken dit om te lewe met die lewe wat die Here vir ons gee as Hy sê; “Ek het gekom sodat jy lewe kan hê en dit in oorvloed”?
Secunda – The GMM Executive Mayor Cllr NG Zuma delivered his “State of the Municipality” address on May 31.
The Executive mayor delivered his State of the Municipality speech at the council meeting on May 31.
GMM Executive Mayor, Cllr Zuma
In his speech he spoke about Govan Mbeki Municipality council: “Our council continues to be the sight of a circus instead of an honourable house characterized by a festival of ideas on how to change our people’s lives for the better.” This is in light of the Motion of no confidence in the speaker that was successfully tabled and accepted and the chaos that ensued afterwards. The end result is an Highcourt lawsuit lodged by the DA.
Zuma further spoke about a vision of GMM: “This means that if a proper vision can be put in place and sufficient effort is invested to realizing this vision, we can be the city that we deserve to be. A city that cares for its people, a city that provides adequate services to its citizens, a city that has unlimited opportunities, a city that other towns and cities look up to for good practice and innovation. This therefore can only be “A model city of excellence” and that shall be our ultimate vision. 2030 here we come.”
New developments are also addressed: “We are going to establish a total of around 20 formal settlements with amenities necessary to cater for our people.” and “These developments will be spread across Govan Mbeki as some will be implemented in Bethal/Emzinoni, Charl Cilliers, Kinross, Leandra/Lebohang, Secunda and Brendan Village.”
Progress made on previous years’ addresses were also given as well as the economic plans for the municipality. The electricity crises in Embhalenhle and Bethal received mention but with no plans for the short term improvement of the situation in Bethal.
It is very strange that both the district and GMM speeches mentioned the SANRAL maintenance and intervention that will take place as non of these will fall within the boundaries of GMM. Al the SANRAL interventions will be from GMM borders outwards according the the SANRAL presentation that was done a few weeks ago.
Here is the full speech as provided to the public. It is placed verbatim
It is a very painful and glorious day for the different members of the Govan Mbeki Community today. While we have just celebrated 28 years of democratic break through, communities within the municipality are unfortunately having mixed emotions about our municipality and also our country. This is as a result of us finding ourselves in different conditions of life both materially and in mind.
Our communities are ravaged by the inherent contradictions of inequality, unemployment and poverty. On daily bases they listen to many of us telling them about how not to lose hope. Some of us are just populist demagogs who thrive at the opportunity of alarming other people’s suffering, while others are genuine champions of change in the quest for better life for all.
Our people must at this point in time be able to use their accumulated past experiences to see through a liar and a leader of purpose. Our council, continues to be the sight of circus instead of an honourable house characterized by a festival of ideas on how to change our people’s lives for the better. I call for calm and order to all elected representatives or the people.
Being a leader does not need you to be a critical think tanker but a listener, who listens to what the people need and try to find the simplest ways of making that happen, most of the time people themselves will tell you as their leader how it can be done.
Govan Mbeki municipality is one of the fastest growing municipalities in the province, second to Steve Tshwete only. The latest stats so far indicate that we are about 380 000 with projections of growth siting at 3.3 percent for the next 8 years. I unfortunately do not agree with projections because of the vision we have for our municipality.
Govan Mbeki currently contributes about 12 percent of the provinces economy and remains the biggest economy than all economies of Gert Sibande District municipalities combined. This means that if a proper vision can be put in place and sufficient effort is invested to realizing this vision, we can be the city that we deserve to be. A city that cares for its people, a city that provides adequate services to its citizens, a city that has unlimited opportunities, a city that other towns and cities look up to for good practice and innovation. This therefore can only be “A model city of excellence” and that shall be our ultimate vision. 2030 here we come.
Planning is the most critical and crucial part of any successful mission into the war. A long-term plan that will see you winning the war must be derived first before the rest. It is a given that you must first win the war before you start fighting, otherwise there is no need for you to start fighting because you have already lost. Municipalities are given a 5year periodic planning circle which in our case must serve as the building blocks towards the ultimate goal.
We have listened to our people as we have been doing consultations and we now have a consolidated IDP for the next five years that must be considered by this council. Let the work begin immediately so as we can attain our goal in good time. Let us first settle our people comfortably.
Govan Mbeki currently has just above 113 000 households which 106 180 of them are bourn water households and 103 407 are connected to the sewer network and 112 658 of them are connected to electricity. This gives a clear indication of the state of our infrastructure. Not all our people have access while we are building even more human settlements. This calls for a deeper form of investment into infrastructure construction projects, in particular revenue generating infrastructure. That will then allow for the municipality to create financial stability and capacity to continue sustaining the ever-growing population within the municipality.
We are going to establish a total of around 20 formal settlements with amenities necessary to cater for our people. These developments while creating proper settlements for the people, they will also bring about massive opportunities for the manufacturing sector, construction, engineering, and many other businesses for locals. Jobs will also be created for both permanent and part time activities. Skills will also be developed as an ongoing exercise.
These developments will be spread across Govan Mbeki as some will be implemented in Bethal/Emzinoni, Charl Cilliers, Kinross, Leandra/Lebohang, Secunda and Brendan Village. Note be taken that these settlements do not include private developments that are happening on daily basis within our municipality. These developments will be receiving support from the other spheres of government for the installation of all other social amenities such as Schools and Health facilities.
It is also prudent that we report on the progress made on some of the pronouncements made in the last SOMA such as the 4 Schools that were announced. 3 of the schools are at the final stages of designs and shall this financial year start with construction while the other one was long ago designed and concluded but had a challenge of land. This matter has since been attended to by both the municipality and the department of human settlements and is about to reach it finality.
These developments will also be accompanied by the establishment of an Industrial Park which will seek to create stability to our economy and job sector. This industrial park will be one of the catalytic projects drawing in investment from across the globe. While appreciating this massive project that is coming, we must first appreciate the business operating within our municipality with their continued support to the municipality and its communities in trying to intervene on the inherent challenges, particularly infrastructure challenges.
These include amongst many the involvement of SASOL in the upgrading of our electrical infrastructure network, The upcoming construction of a waste transfer station by Evander Gold mine, The retrofitting of high mast lights in Leandra by Thungela, the resurfacing of roads and regravelling by Katlego mine and many other business interventions that are happening. We say THANK YOU but you can still do more. Let me also take this opportunity and thank all stakeholders that have assisted us in the development our infrastructure master plans. This will now allow us to act with knowledge on how we must develop and maintain our infrastructure moving forward.
While we appreciate the contributions that are being made, it is very important that we must find ourselves around the round table with all sectors of our society in particular business, so as we can be able to consolidate ourselves and move as a collective towards one direction instead of the current silo form of thinking and implementation of projects. This therefore calls for an Economic Summit that will sit urgently as our economy needs intervention and guidance so as to assist in the fighting of unemployment and poverty within our communities.
This economic summit must be held adjoined with the energy summit. Energy has now become a basic need that drive all other basic needs as traditionally known. Today if there is no petrol, diesel, gas or electricity there is no water to drink, there is no food to eat, there is no warmth in our shelters. The urgency of this summit compels us to host this summit within the next 90 days. This platform shall also be used to closed the lacunar that exists with the absence of an active Local Economic Development Forum that will not resemble business but demographics of our socio-economic standing as the municipality.
As we all know that Govan Mbeki has serious sewer challenges, we have as the municipality structured our budget to prioritize sewer and water projects over R80 million worth of projects excluding maintenance for the next financial year starting from the first of July 2022. Speaking of projects, it is unfortunate for us as Govan Mbeki communities that we are unable to spend the entire budget allocated for grants while we are having infrastructure challenges. I would want to call on communities to desist from stopping project when they have interest on subcontracting and employment but follow given platforms to pursue their interest. Communities must also assist us in ensuring that projects are not stopped as they are for their own benefit.
On the other hand, electricity has been a thorn in the flash for both ourselves as the municipality and communities in particular in Bethal/Emzinoni and Embalenhle. We have since made significant progress in Embalenhle even though not all sections are having constant supply but the strain of long hours of loadshedding and load reduction has been cut done drastically. We are still making interventions to the network and eventually there will be no load reduction in all section soon.
We are also busy with intervention in Bethal/Emzinoni by ensuring maintenance of the network and upgrading of capacity. We have just started with the designs for the construction of a brand new 88kva substation which should be concluded in the next 2 year. This is done as long-term solution as we are busy with short to medium term solution to the loadshedding challenges that are currently engulfing this area. Electrical smart meters are being installed as we have already installed over 1300 going to 17 000 plus. This will not only assist in controlling the load but also in assisting the municipality in generating revenue so that we can be able to service ESKOM account and maintenance of the network.
Roads and storm water are also another surfaced challenge for the community of Govan Mbeki and therefore were committing to an intense program of repair and construction of the said items by first ensuring that there is equipment to do these services. This include buying of the yellow fleet, Bakkie, tools and relevant material to do maintenance. We are also very happy to announce that there will be intervention from both SANRAL with regards to reconstruction of the national roads N17, R35 and R38. The province, has finally agreed to upgrade the so-called road of the Death, the road between Secunda and Embalenhle is as we Speak in the design phase and will in 2023 start with construction. We will therefore be embarking on large consultation program to all the affected stakeholders in particular those that are in the transport business.
People must find our roads conducive to use as this will not only assist in saving lives but also it will assist in reviving our tourism and assist in rebuilding our economy. Having Spoken about tourism. It is very important that we promote our municipality and all the diverse cultures that we hold. In the month of heritage, we are therefore going hosting an Arts, Culture and Tourism week with a possibility of relaunching SEJACUFE if resources permit.
Tomorrow we will be unveiling the month of young people. Where young people must intensify their struggles to emerge. It is unfortunate that our young people in majority have developed a do for me old people syndrome, failing to understand the laws of nature as they stand. Let me try and revive you, young people. One of the laws of nature is what is called “negation of negation”. This principle of life simply says, the old shall continue to fight for existence while the new shall fight for emergence.
We, the old gut, are hellbent on holding on to what worked for us when we were young and change shall in most of the time be a problem for us. The truth of the matter is the older we become, the more conservative and complaisant we become with the status quo. In short, we simply don’t want to see change happening because we are comfortable.
Young people of Govan Mbeki must derive their own path in making themselves and Govan Mbeki community a centre of excellence. I, together with all patriotic members of this community are going to give you, young people an opportunity to discuss your path through a youth summit that shall be held over two days to give you sufficient time to engage on the 26 – 27 June 2022.
In this Summit young people must map the road from 2022 to 2027 on how do they make themselves to thrive, economically, skills wise and so on and so on through a Govan Mbeki Youth Development Strategy under the theme “Govan Mbeki Youth Creating Opportunities Under a New Normal”.
Women, Children and Disabled people are also a priority to us. It is understood that these societal group continue to victims of abuse in our communities. It is a joint responsibility that we must all work together in combatting this pandemic. We are therefore in August and October respectively going to hold a Gender summit and disability consultative summit.
Inconclusion Speaker
As part of our vision, it is to come out of ESKOM debt so as we can start new developmental projects which one of them is to have a new Municipal Building in Secunda by 2030. Let us build Govan Mbeki municipality to live up to the person that it is named after. That can only be realized if we work together not against each other.
Those who do not dream will never see a new world being created!
The EFF in Govan Mbeki Municipality has joined hands with the ANC.
The municipal council of Govan Mbeki Municipality (GMM) have been in disarray since the vote of no confidence in the Speaker of the council Cllr Fikile Magagamela. The speaker was successfully voted out of her position by all opposition parties in the council. These parties are Democratic Alliance (DA), Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Freedom Front Plus (VF+), the Azanian Residents Party (ARP), African Transformation Movement (ATM) and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP).
Embattled Speaker Cllr Fikile Magagamela
The council meeting was disrupted by the African National Congress (ANC) in an effort to protect the Speaker to the point that all opposition parties left the meeting. This brought a change of heart by the EFF as well as the ATM, the motion was tabled by them, ARP and the IFP.
The EFF vowed after the last municipal elections not to form any coalition with the ANC. The EFF leader, Julius Malema was very vocal about that. They were also under strict instructions not to vote for the ANC.
“We are not desperate to govern, We are not going to do everything in our power to get into government by compromising the fundamental principles which are going to change the lives of our people,” Said Julius Malema at a press conference in 2021 after the local municipal elections. It is a far cry from proceedings at the council meeting on May 31.
The EFF now accepted a position on the Mayoral Committee to secure their support for the ANC. Cllr Mavis Nsibande has been appointed as the new Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC). She will now head Community Services.
ANC Cllr Sibanyoni was demoted to the MPAC Chairperson position
ANC Cllr Sibanyoni
“The DA congratulates Cllr M Ntsibande and with a hope that the piling up of refuse in residents premises and at every open space next to the streets will the past,” said James Masango, Deputy Chairperson of the Federal Council of the DA and Councillor in GMM, “Early this year the EFF submitted a motion of no confidence against the mayor Nhlakanipho Zuma and another motion to have the former Municipal Manager Felani Mndebele reinstated. Both motions failed because they were not in compliance with the Council Standing Orders.
The DA will continue as mandated by their voters to be an effective opposition and hold both the ANC and EFF accountable
James Masango
“The EFF then led by Sam Zandamela MP, approach the DA to take over as GMM government. The DA agreed on the condition that we don’t govern with them,” continued James. “The EFF represented by Sam Zandamela saw an opportunity and made an about-turn demanding the position of the speaker from the DA. The DA flatly refused the demand. The EFF then took a decision to abandon their mission to remove the ANC from government and rather join forces with the same mayor they earlier had no confidence in.”
Sam Zandamela
“The DA wishes the EFF well in their new position as the co- governing party with the ANC. We are awaiting a radical change in the services delivery in GMM,” said Masango, “The DA will continue as mandated by their voters to be an effective opposition and hold both the ANC and EFF accountable.”
New MMC Corporate Services, Cllr Mavis Nsibande
The DA in GMM have now launched a legal battle with GMM, The Mayor Cllr NG Zuma as well as the Acting Municipal Manager, Lizzy Shabalala. The DA maintains that the Motion of no Confidence carried (was successful) and that Magagamela is occupying her office illegally. The DA also claims that all actions, after the removal of Magagamela as a speaker, that Magagamela presides over are open to a legal challenge.
If the court rules in the DA’s favour several items might be challenged. Items such as the budget that was approved after her removal as well as the appointment of the new Municipal Manager.
The Executive Mayor is adamant that the procedures were handled correctly, even if it was handled differently in the last council meeting to serve their own purpose.
The DA did not attend the council meeting on April 28 as well as May 31. During the so-called continuation meeting on April 13, they withdrew when the acting Municipal Manager, Lizzy Shabala, refused to preside over the election of a new Speaker.
The EFF, ATM, ARP and IFP decided to attend these meetings in contradiction to a prior agreement to force a new election. The motion was even withdrawn after being successfully voted upon.
It would appear that power-hungry individuals within the EFF are adamant to have some say in running this municipality, even to the extent of working against their leader’s instruction and forming a coalition with the ANC.
This municipality has been plagued by mismanagement for several years under the ANC rule and for the first time, ever history could have been made in Mpumalanga. The EFF chose to bow under pressure from the ANC bullies. So have the ARP, ATM and IFP.
The Municipality are already on the verge of complete collapse with an unfunded budget of over R400m with no prospect of improvement under the current leadership.
Will there be a positive outcome with the EFF/ANC coalition?
The Bulletin seriously doubts that.
We will continue to update you on the state of affairs as it develops. 14 June may well turn out to be a Rubicon judgement for all
ANIMALS 101 – ADVICE FOR CURRENT OR PROSPECTIVE PARROT PARENTS.
Parrots, especially African Grey parrots are popular pets, but unfortunately, many owners don’t realize the extreme level of care these highly intelligent, high-maintenance birds require.
The combination of their high intelligence and their long life expectancy makes them one of the highest maintenance pets on the planet. Adding inexperienced owners to the mix often results in a long list of behavioural problems, health concerns and unhappiness for both parrot and owner. These animals can easily change homes 6-7 times in their lifetime. The number of surrendered and abandoned birds are sky-high worldwide. Through education and awareness, we want to help change that.
Although we do not support exotic and wild animals as pets, or keeping them in cages, many are captive and that is why it is important to make sure you are ready and realistic about owning a parrot. They are beautiful, adorable and very smart, but they are also:
Noisy
Messy
Require expensive care
Need lots of time & energy
Demanding
Still needs grooming
Vet care is specialized
Destructive
Not ideal for kids
Become very old (60+)
“Parrots are commonly presented, at veterinary clinics, for feather-destructive behaviour, aggression, inappropriate noise making and/or excessive vocalization, and other behaviour problems — usually more so than for medical illnesses,” writes avian veterinarian Dr. Anthony Pilny.
Image from Pexels.com
Two absolute essentials for caring for parrots in captivity are access to an avian veterinarian & a minimum of 4 hours each day spent in human-bird interaction. Other fundamentals include a big monthly bird budget & a cage that is the right size, properly accessorized and well-maintained; and a species-appropriate, healthy diet.
He suggests the following:
You need an avian vet. Parrots aren’t chickens or small mammals. They have a unique physiology that exotic animal vets are well versed in navigating. Avian veterinarians are better equipped than general small animal vets to diagnose exotics, as well as to understand and interpret behaviour problems and recommend appropriate treatment, enrichment methods, and behaviour counseling.
Owners and potential owners of parrots need to be thoroughly educated by avian veterinarians and other knowledgeable sources about the parrots’ needs so they know what to expect and how to meet the birds’ requirements in captivity.
The high cognitive ability of parrots should be considered in their captive husbandry as a contributing factor to developing behaviour concerns. If you’re considering a parrot as a pet, you should be prepared to spend almost the same amount and quality of time with your bird as you would a highly interactive, bright, inquisitive pre-schooler.
FIVE MUST-HAVES FOR CARING FOR PARROTS
Image from Dr. Karen Becker
THE CAGE
An appropriately sized cage that is cozy (draft-free) and located in a safe, low-stress but social area. Your bird’s cage should be big enough for her to spread her wings and flap vigorously without contacting anything. Even better when they can fly in their cage. Remember birds fly more horizontally, so consider this when you buy a cage.
It should have a variety of natural branch perches (not dowels) and contain several shreddable toys, for example, balsa wood, woven mat toys, paper-stuffed toys, nontoxic enrichment “goodie bags,” and organic hemp rope toys for chewing. A huge variety of organic, all-natural, chemical-free toys are critical, as parrots’ mouths are used as a third hand, so an ongoing supply of safe, nontoxic instantly shreddable, as well as a few resilient or reusable chew toys, are a must.
He recommends replacing the disposable chews at least daily and rotating the more resilient toys at least twice a week, ideally daily. Always introduce new toys slowly, attaching them to the outside of the cage for a few days first, so your parrot can investigate at his own pace.
The cage should be cleaned daily with a nontoxic cleaner. His recommendation is diluted vinegar. The cage floor should be lined with newspaper that is discarded daily. All loose material (feathers, leftover feed, bird poop) should be carefully disposed of before disinfecting cage surfaces. Birds should be removed from the area during the disinfecting process to protect them from fumes.
DIET – Feed a high-quality diet of species-appropriate fresh foods including fruits, vegetables, sprouted seeds, whole nuts and sprouted grains. Organic, dye-free commercial pelleted food (not poor-quality sunflower seed mix, which is the equivalent of junk food for most exotic birds) can also be offered.
BATHS – Parrots can get dusty, so regular bathing opportunities are important. Many parrots love baths; some will splash around in a tub of shallow water; others will join their owners in the shower and others enjoy a gentle spray from a plant mister. Use filtered water, free from heavy metals and contaminants, and consider adding a flower essence if your bird is stressed.
MONEY – Beyond the initial expense of acquiring a parrot, owners should plan to spend a lot of money a month on wholesome fresh food, destructible toys, and other supplies. Also an emergency fund or pet medical aid.
TIME – Just because birds live in cages doesn’t mean they are easy pets to care for. You can’t just pop your parrot into his cage and ignore him except at feeding time. Be prepared to spend a great deal of time interacting with them. Potential owners of parrots should be ready, willing, and able to commit at least 4 hours a day to human-bird contact. This will disqualify many potential owners immediately.
Birds need chemical-free environments to be healthy. Consider the dangers or effects of:
Tap water
Home scenting products
Kitchen cookware
Fireplaces and smokers
Home cleaning products
Air purification
Please think twice and again before committing and if you do…..ALWAYS ADOPT! We will fight not until cages are comfortable, but until they are empty!
Next week we will look at tips for finding missing birds.
Read more on keeping your pets warm in the winter. If you own a bird or want to learn, read more on various bird-related topics here.
The team from Witbank was very unlucky not to beat Secunda as they kept on attacking but by sheer luck, the Secunda team prevailed.
It is mentionable that there were moments of brilliance when individuals shone but it was not enough to ignite that true Secunda HEART!
The next game will surely be an interesting one. Maybe the team will bounce back to give the fans what they really want. Spectacular club rugby!
I should rather say that I know that Secunda rugby will bounce back and prove that they are true champions. They have never disappointed in the long run and I doubt that they will do so now. Secunda Rugby has proven on several occasions that they should not be underestimated.
The team’s discipline has always been good with only a few slipups. The ball skills always impressed and I believe that the next game will once again see the Secunda team that everybody loves and supports show their colours again.
Let us fill the stands when they are playing on their home fields.
That is what makes club rugby so great, good clean rugby by very talented players and noisy spectators.
GERT SIBANDE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY CHIEF WHIP, CLLR TREVOR NKOSI, PASSES AWAY.
“It is a sad day today that we wake up to the news of the passing of the member of Council, Cllr Trevor Nkosi who is reported to have passed away in the early hours of 28 May 2022 following a long illness,” read a statement released by the Gert Sibande District Municipality.
Cllr Trevor Nkosi passed away recently
Cllr Nkosi was a councillor of the ANC in Gert Sibande District Municipality, appointed and serving as the Whip of Council.
His career has been characterised by political work in the main with a focus on youth development. While his key role was the management of the majority party’s participation in the Council’s business as the Whip of the Council, he was also trusted with various positions of authority during his political journey.
These include Regional Secretary of the ANC Youth League (ANCYL) in Gert Sibande, Regional Chairperson of the ANCYL in Gert Sibande, ANCYL Mpumalanga Deputy Chairperson and Deputy Secretary of the ANC in Gert Sibande.
Speaking on behalf of the Council, the Speaker Cllr Busisiwe Sekhonde has expressed her shock and condolences to the Nkosi family, the political party he was serving and the entire district of Gert Sibande. “GSDM is proud to have had an individual of his calibre within the institution whose passion for the youth was never downplayed”, said Sekhonde.
The entire GSDM leadership and staff personnel send their messages of support and condolences and pray for strength to the Nkosi family during this time of bereavement.
SECUNDA DRUG TRADER PLEADED GUILTY AFTER PROPELLED FOR REHABILITATION PROCESSES
Secunda: Belinda Swart (53) pleaded guilty in the Secunda Magistrate Court on Thursday, 26 May 2022 for possession of a dangerous dependent producing substance (methamphetamine).
Belinda Margaret Swart
The conviction followed the arrest of the accused on Thursday, 13 January 2022 by the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation based in Secunda together with Crime Intelligence and K9 Unit when they promptly responded to information about a suspect allegedly dealing in drugs around Secunda on Tuesday, 11 January 2022.
A disruptive search and seizure operation was executed on the premises and the suspect was found in possession of drugs (Chrystal meth). Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect was previously arrested by the Hawks in 2018 for contravention of the Drugs and Drugs Trafficking Act. The accused was later in August 2018 found guilty and sentenced to 3 years imprisonment of which 1 year 6 months were suspended for 5 years, with the choice of acknowledgement of guilty of R12 000.00.
The accused was remanded in custody by the Secunda District Court on the first appearance on Thursday, the defence of the accused insisted to proceed with a formal bail application on a schedule 5 hearing. The accused was denied bail and remanded in custody. The case was postponed to 4 April 2022 for further investigation.
On 4 April 2022, the accused appeared in court and the court released her under the strictest court order that she goes through a rehabilitation process. After rehabilitation, she should report to the Hawks offices in Secunda twice a week to be tested for drugs. The accused went through all the processes of rehabilitation and drugs test assisted by the investigating officer until she completed the order.
On Thursday, 26 May 2022 she was sentenced to 14 months imprisonment suspended for 5 years. The state made an application in terms of Sec 297 sub-sec 9aii so that the previous conviction, dealing in drugs be put in operation. The Secunda Hawks also arrested the said accused of dealing drugs in 2019. The accused also pleaded guilty on that occasion and was sentenced for dealing drugs. An additional sentence was posed on the accused for a fine of R9000 on her previous conviction.
The court made it clear to her that this was her final warning, that she should not be found guilty of a similar crime.
The Provincial Head of the Directorate For Priority Crime Investigation Major General Zodwa Mokoena applauded the enormous effort by the investigating officer and further informed the community that arresting the perpetrators is not to punish them. She also appreciated the community for giving information about criminal activities within their midst”.
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
MPUMALANGA – Gert Wessel van der Westhuizen (60) who is was released on bail by the Secunda Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 24 May 2022 after he was arrested by the Secunda based Hawks Serious Commercial Crime Investigation for fraud of over R2.3 million in Secunda.
Gert Wessel van der Westhuizen (60)
It is alleged that three suspects recruited unsuspecting victims to invest money in return for receiving interest. The complainant in this matter invested R1 200 000-00 on the advice of an accomplice of van der Westhuizen on the 9th October 2017 into Extreme Business Solutions by transferring the money into an FNB bank account.
After investigation, it was discovered that the account holder is Extreme Business Solutions (PTY) Ltd and that Gert Wessel van der Westhuizen was appointed as the authorised representative primary user for FNB online banking dated 06 June 2014 as the only signatory as per the affidavit in terms of section 236 of Act 51 of 1977 from FNB Bank.
Van der Westhuizen’s accomplice again advised the complainant to invest in another company called (UGI) Unique Global investments (PTY) LTD because it allegedly had better returns compared to Extreme Business solutions. On that advice, the complainant transferred R500 000-00 into an FNB account on 13th November 2018 to convert into bitcoins.
The ensuing investigation revealed that the account belonged to COINBR SA (PTY) LTD and that a second accomplice was appointed as the authorized representative primary user for FNB Online Banking dated 28 April 2015 as authorised signatory according to an affidavit in terms of section 236 of Act 51 of 1977 from FNB bank.
As per her investments, the victim was promised a monthly payment of R40 000. The payment was received for 11 months and thereafter they stopped. The complainant made some enquiries with Hester Marx as to why their payments have stopped. The complainant was given a barrage of excuses but eventually, the complainant was promised that the outstanding monies would be paid. The complainant’s money was used to purchase bitcoins in an account allegedly managed by Extreme Business Solutions. The total amount with interest for the investments is approximately R2.3 million.
Gert van der Westhuizen was granted R5 000.00 bail. The case was postponed to 10 June 2022 for the other two suspects whose warrants have been issued to be arrested and be joined with the accused in his next appearance. Investigation continues.
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
SKUKUZA COURT HANDS DOWN A COMBINED 63 YEARS SENTENCE TO POACHERS
South African National Parks today, 25 May 2022 welcomed yet another heavy sentence handed down to three rhino poachers by the Skukuza Regional Court on Tuesday, 24 May 2022.
Isaac Zitha 41, Oscar Ndlovu 38, Richard Mkhombo 39, all South African were convicted by the court on twelve charges related to rhino poaching. They were all sentenced to a total of 63 years.
The three were convicted of the first incident which took place in the Stolznek Section of the Kruger National Park (KNP) after rangers followed up after hearing gunshots near where they were patrolling. Oscar Ndlovu was found hiding in the area and was promptly arrested. The rangers called in their K9 colleague who led them to a backpack and two other suspects, namely Isaac Zitha and Given Zitha. The backpack contained a pair of rhino horns and a rifle which were linked to a carcass found nearby. The incident took place in 2017 and the accused were granted bail. Given Zitha absconded and is still being sought by the police to face trial.
In 2018, Rangers found human tracks in the Kingfisherspruit section of the KNP which led them to the boundary of the Manyeleti Game Reserve where Oscar Ndlovu was arrested. The K9 unit was called in and led the team to Isaac Zitha and Richard Mkhombo and later a backpack containing a pair of rhino horns and a rifle, linking the three to a carcass found nearby.
The Managing executive of the KNP, Gareth Coleman said the sentence is further evidence that collaborative work on criminal matters between different units is bearing fruits and sending a strong message to criminals. “The members of the SAPS, the prosecution and the Rangers Corp have been diligent in handling these cases and presented foolproof evidence to the courts. The prosecution has also made a compelling argument on our behalf for harsh sentences and we are delighted at the outcomes and hope the remaining suspect will be apprehended and face trial” said Coleman.
Gereth Coleman
All Three Accused: Richard Mkhombo, Isaac Zitha and Oscar Ndlovu were sentenced as follows for the 2017 incident:
Count 1. Trespass All 3 Accused sentenced to 3 years
Count 2. Possession of an illegal firearm with the serial number filed off – 6 Years
Count 3. Illegal Possession of Ammunition – 2 years
Count 4. The killing of an endangered species – 10 Years
Count 5. Possession of an Axe – 1 year
Some of the sentences run concurrently.
Two Accused: Isaac Zitha and Oscar Ndlovu were sentenced as follows for the 2018 incident:
2018 Kingfisherspruit case
Count 6. Trespass – 6 years
Count 7. Possession of firearm – 6 years
Count 8. Possession of firearm to commit a crime – 5 years
Count 9. Possession of a firearm with serial numbers filed off – 5 years
Count 10. Possession of ammunition – 2 years
Count 11. The killing of an endangered species (rhino) – 10 years
Count 12. The killing of rhino – 10 years
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
