SUSPECT ARRESTED FOR ALLEGED POSSESSION OF ILLEGAL EXPLOSIVES
Nelspruit: 29 June 2022 – The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has appreciated the collaborative effort by police at Witbank and CSC Tactical Security Company. This comes after they arrested a 55-year-old man for alleged possession of illegal explosives in the early hours of the morning, today, 29 June 2022.
According to the police report, guards from CSC Tactical Security Company were on duty monitoring CCTV footage at Marelden Estate, when they noticed a group of suspects in balaclavas, believed to be armed passing the premises. They then called the police for backup.
When the suspects noticed the security guards they ran into the bushes. It is further reported that a shootout ensued. They (guards) managed to catch one suspect who was found with a bag full of explosives while the others managed to flee. He was then arrested and charged with possession of explosives and police cannot rule out the possibility of adding more charges against him as the investigation continues.
The suspect will appear at the Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court tomorrow, 30 June 2022.
Police request anyone with information that will help locate the remaining suspects to contact Colonel One Thobejane on 0823722195 or call the Crime Stop number on 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.
MINIMUM ENCLOSURE SIZE FOR SOME TYPICAL ANIMALS KEPT AS PETS.
Animals are sentient beings and if we want the privilege to share our lives with them, we need to make sure that all their needs are met, including the correct size enclosures and proper enrichment which all animals need. Just because a pet shop or even a vet sells, for example, a cage as an “African Grey cage”, it doesn’t mean it is the right size for them.
The following are general guidelines for the minimum enclosure size required for certain animals, but you should provide the best possible enclosure, more than the minimum, for your pet.
Image by The Paw Company
DOG – This will be dependent on the breed, energy levels and the amount of time the owner spends on daily exercise or enrichment. We believe a dog should be able to run comfortably in your yard. A smaller yard might work for certain large breeds, but for example, a Jack Russell (small breed) should never be in a small yard.
CAT –1 bedroom per cat rule.
RABBITS – Always use solid non-wire flooring. The minimum size of the enclosure must be at least 4-6 times the size of the rabbit when they are entirely stretched out, but more if confined to this space most of the day. At least 0.7m² of enclosure space combined with at least 2.2m² of exercise space, for 1-2 rabbits. The smallest space should be big enough for the rabbit to hop across three times and stand without their ears touching the top.
HEDGEHOG – Cage size minimum 120 x 50cm for one hedgehog.
RAT – Solid floor cage of 1 m x 80cm x 60cm.
GUINEA PIG – Cage at least 1m X 1m for one or two Guinea pigs with no more than 2 Guinea pigs per square meter.
CHINCHILLA – They need to be housed in a wire cage with openings no larger than 2.5cm x 5cm that is well ventilated. Use solid floor spacing, but if you use wired floor spacing, the spaces should be less than 1.25cm x 1.25cm as their feet could get stuck in wider spacing. A good size cage is 1m x 80cm x 60cm as they need vertical space as well.
HAMSTERS – Always us solid flooring.
SYRIAN/TEDDYBEAR HAMSTERS: 5000-7500 cm².
DWARF HAMSTERS: 4000-5000 cm²
SUGAR GLIDERS – Large and tall aviary-style enclosure with a landing platform and space large enough to glide from one side to another. 80cm wide x 80cm deep x 90cm tall.
PRIMATES
Cage height should be sufficient for all animals to comfortably stand erect and stretch out. Longer-legged or long-tailed species may require more height than other species. For brachiating (swinging) species, the cage height should accommodate and enhance brachiating movement. The minimum height of a cage for smaller species like capuchins, guenons, macaques and even marmosets and tamarins is about 1.8m, for squirrel monkeys the minimum height is about 1.5m.
BIRDS – The bird must be able to fully stretch the wings and flap them without touching the sides of the cage. Correct diameter perches where toes must not fully close around the perch. A general rule of thumb is 2/3 or 3/4 close around perch. Horizontal space is just as important as vertical space. Ideally the cage size must provide enough space to fly from one end to another. Avian welfare expert Dr. Kim Danoff notes, “Depriving birds of flight is mentally and physically stressful.”
BEARDED DRAGON – 0.9m x 0.4m floor space per single adult.
FRILLED LIZARD/FRILLED DRAGON – 1.2m x 0.6m x 1.2m.
GREEN IGUANA – Need vertical climbing space and size to turn. Size: 1.8m x 0.8m x 1.8m with non-wire surfaces. At least 3 x the size of the Iguana.
LEOPARD GECKO – Aquarium type 40-liter tank for one Gecko, 60-liter tank for a pair, or a minimum 75-liter tank for three or four lizards. Never wired cages.
VEILED CHAMELEON – 2.7 m x 2.7 m x 4m (height).
TORTOISES – 10 x maximum shell length per animal for floor space and 3 x maximum shell length for height. A tortoise shelter should be of an appropriate size for the individual tortoise and large enough for the tortoise to turn around in.
AQUATIC TURTLES – As a minimum, they need enough water to be able to swim without touching the sides or bottom of the tank, or breaking the surface of the water. A good-sized tank allows 80 liters of water per 5 cm of shell length.
FISH – 4 liters of water per 2.5cm of fish and 2.5 cm fish needs 80 square cm of water surface. Wide-bodied fish 2.5 cm of fish needs 129 square cms of water surface area.
SNAKES – A snake needs a vivarium that allows it to fully stretch out. Allow at least a third of the snake’s length for the width and height. For example, a 150 cm long corn snake will need a minimum 150 cm long, 50 cm wide and 50 cm deep vivarium. The minimum cage size is ½ square foot of floor space per foot of snake for those up to six feet in length and ¾ square foot of floor space for those six or nine feet long. Increase the suggested minimum cage size by 25% for each additional snake. Snakes can feel afraid if the enclosure is too large.
TARANTULA – 30 cm x 30 cm x 30 cm. Tree spiders will need a taller tank.
EMPEROR SCORPION – A terrarium of between 30 – 45 cm wide.
Remember that you might need a permit to keep some of these animals and requirements may vary between provinces. We do not support the keeping of any animals in cages and especially not wild/exotic animals, but if you have them, make sure you are providing the best care possible with the right size and enclosure set-ups and enrichment.
Next week we will look at a problem we often see in animal welfare and how you can help!
WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER, DO BETTER!
The enclosure size sources come from Critter Rescue, the SPCA and others.
The Sasol Highveld Photography Club is passionate about photography and the quality of the images they shoot. They want the members to enjoy their photography.
The “Incoming storm” captured by Peter Winnan was the Best Senior image for June.
What they do
Their goal is to help our members to learn, grow and expand their photography. Highveld Photography Club wants to make a difference in each photographer’s life, by giving members inspiration to really appreciate their hobby and by recognizing their work. Each individual is unique and your picture is special!
Wenke vir ‘n onvoorspelbare lewe… Die lewe gee baie stampe en stote en ons weet nie wat alles nog moontlik kan gebeur nie, wat maak ons met dit en hoe kan ons dit teenstaan?
Gee deur Zapper – vind ons QR code in die diens aankondigings.
Kontak ons gerus op Kruik Gemeente se Facebook Messenger en Whatsapp lyn (072 133 6130) of besoek ons webtuiste by: https://www.kruik.co.za
Geniet die diens saam ons! Wondergenadige Meester (Wonderful Merciful Saviour) D. Rogers and E. Wyse 1989 Dayspring Music LLC Vertaal deur Koos van der Merwe CCLI# 573661
MEC reacted after an outcry in some parts of the province that some of the workers were not paid their salaries by some of the bidders who did not make it for the current three-year security tender.
The current three-year security tender became effective in June 2022. This follows the expiry of the previous three-year security tender for the safeguarding of all provincial government buildings and residences of VIPs.
These companies are reportedly citing non-payment by the department.
“We want to put it on record that the department met with most of the companies who did not make it in the current tender. The aim of the interaction was part of get the companies to honour payments due to the security guards once they receive the last payments. Most of the companies have made the undertaking and that is why payments are being urgently processed by the The department. However, some companies must still co-operate with the department in this regard,” explains the MEC.
The MEC adds that this was done out of sheer consideration of the workers and to also avoid the situation where the companies do not honour their obligations once they receive their last payments.
Shongwe is therefore reassuring the public that the department is doing everything possible to assist the companies in this regard.
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
