COMPANY DIRECTORS WARNED TO RETURN TO COURT FOR FRAUD.
MPUMALANGA – Hartman Industrial Equipment (PTY) Ltd, Charles Sydney Hendry Hartman (63) and Eulene Hartman (61) appeared before the Evander Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 17 May 2022 on fraud charges.
Allegations were reported anonymously to Sasol via Sasol Ethics Line that Hartmans Industrial Equipment (PTY) Ltd supplied Sasol (PTY) Ltd with less expensive actuators sourced from Omal Automation (PTY) Ltd instead of actuators sourced from Festo (PTY) Ltd as requested by Sasol. They allegedly supplied these actuators in Festo-branded packaging.
The Hartmans allegedly defrauded Sasol by supplying Omal actuators instead of agreed Festo actuators, charging the same price. Based on the outcome of an audit conducted by Sasol, it was discovered that the Hartmans have been supplying the actuators to Sasol from 2011 to 2017.
They had supplied 182 in the period mentioned and 88 of them were Omal actuators instead of Festo actuators. The Hartmans are the directors of the company, Hartman Industrial Equipment (PTY) Ltd. The accused have already paid back Sasol as per agreement.
They were summoned on 6 May 2022 to appear in court. On 17 May 2022, they appeared and the matter was postponed to 8 June 2022 for further investigation.
ANIMALS 101 –WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT POST-OPERATIVE CARE FOR YOUR PETS
Any pet parent feels worried when their fur-family member has to go for an operation as well as feeling intimidated about caring for your pet after their surgery. You are not alone! We learned five particular things for successful at-home care after your pet’s surgery from Dr. Meyers, a veterinary surgeon.
Before we get into this, it is crucial to do your homework on your veterinarian. Not all vets are allowed to work or are qualified to work with all species of animals, especially exotic pets! Get references from friends and family you trust as well as your local animal welfare organizations who work with these vets daily. Support the vets that support animal welfare organizations without bragging about it on social media.
Most animals’ activity will need to be restricted for one to two weeks after surgery while the wound heals. Try to confine your pet to a small area where there are not much furniture to jump up on or too much space to move. Consider blocking off a portion a room with a kid’s playpen or a dog gate (especially for cats). It is okay to allow your pet to be out of this area as long as they are supervised when out.
2. MONITOR IN GENERAL
Eating and drinking normally is important, so monitor this. Over the first 1-2 days after surgery, your pet’s appetite should be gradually returning to normal. Most pets will sleep a fair amount the first day following surgery. It’s common for a pet not to have a bowel movement for a few days after surgery. Your pet will do there number two eventually, but keep an eye out!
Contact your vet if you notice any vomiting and diarrhoea, if your pet is not eating or drinking or if you notice your pet is straining to poop. Look at your pet’s behaviour too.
3. WOUND MONITORING
Typically, you don’t need to put any ointments or cream on the wound, but you have to monitor the incision! Bruising can occur shortly after surgery, but should gradually improve over 2-3 days.
After some procedures, a sterile fluid pocket under your pet’s skin may develop. This is known as a seroma. As long as the swelling does not seem painful when you touch it and there is no discharge. Seromas usually resolve on their own.
You can apply a cold compress to the incision for 12-24 hours and then a warm compress for a few days to help decrease swelling and inflammation. (Never directly on the skin)
Signs to contact your vet –
Excessive redness.
Foul-smelling discharge.
Evidence that the incision is opening up.
Bleeding.
4. E-COLLAR
“Does my pet need to wear an E-collar if she doesn’t really scratch or chew at her body?” The short answer is “Yes.” Depending on where the wound is, sometimes a pet can wear a t-shirt or onesie instead of an E-collar, but your pet must be unable to lick or chew at the incision area. Licking the wound can open it up or cause infections due to certain bacteria in the pet’s mouth.
The E-collar needs to be worn until the wound is completely healed which usually can take up to two weeks.
TIP – You can also modify a pool noodle as an e-collar. We often use these in animal welfare. Make sure it is not too tight. You can use a shoe lace or a loose regular collar.
Image shared by The Paw Company
5. MEDICATIONS
Most animals will go home with a few days of pain medications. This medication should be given as the vet instructed for the first few days. If your vet didn’t give pain medication, ask about it. After the first few days, you can give the medication when and if your pet seems to be in pain. Learning to read body language signals is crucial for this.
If you aren’t sure if it’s okay to give the medication or have any other concerns, consult with your vet or the vet surgeon.
Follow your vet’s instructions, but you know your pet best, so if something is off, never hesitate to ask your vet again or get a second opinion and please don’t ask for advice from unqualified individuals online. Prevention is better than cure, so keep your pets safe and healthy with regular wellness checks! Read more here on avoiding high vet bills.
Next week we will look at questions to ask your vet!
SUSPECTS STRIPS AN AMBULANCE AND HELD MEDICAL STAFF HOSTAGE
Nelspruit: 16 May 2022 – The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has strongly condemned an incident in which an ambulance was allegedly stripped and the medical personnel reportedly held hostage by a group of suspects. The shocking incident is said to have taken place on the evening of yesterday, Sunday 15 May 2022 in Belfast.
It is reported that on the said day, the Emergency Medical Services received a strange call about a woman who was in labour (giving birth) at a farm near Belfast on the Spitzkop Road road.
An ambulance, a VW Crafter was then dispatched to attend. At around 21h30, it is said that a follow-up call was received by the paramedics whereby the caller requested to meet with the medical staff at a certain spot for the direction to the scene. Little did the medical staff know that this was an orchestrated robbery which was paraded as an emergency call.
As the ambulance arrived at the place mentioned by the caller, two males wearing balaclavas which covered their faces are said to have then emerged. The suspects allegedly held them hostage and took their cell phones from them before they tied them up with cable ties but kept them inside the ambulance. The said ambulance was reportedly driven to another place where five more suspects were noticed.
It is further reported that the suspects allegedly stripped the vehicle of its gearbox, engine, two tyres as well as battery. The total estimated value of the vehicle parts stolen is about R300 000. These motor parts were then loaded into another vehicle and surprisingly the suspects gave the EMS personnel, the cell phones taken earlier before they left the scene.
The victims later managed to alert their supervisor and directed them to the location where they were. They (victims) were then rescued and the incident was reported to the police in Belfast where a case of robbery was reported. A manhunt has since been launched for the suspects.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has further spoken strongly against the suspects who carried out the said robbery. “As law enforcement officers, we will not allow a situation like this, whereby emergency workers will be hindered to carry out their duties by criminals. We will do all in our powers to bring them to book and they cannot escape the arm of the law” said the General.
Meanwhile, the police at Belfast urge the public to assist with information on the whereabouts of the suspects by calling Captain Tobias Mogadime at 071 353 6763 or call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the community can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
MPUMALANGA –A 40 years old, undocumented Mozambican appeared before the Bethal Magistrate Court today, Monday 16 May 2022 after he was arrested by the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation based in Secunda on Saturday, 14 May 2022 in Bethal farm for Human Trafficking.
Edjuanida Teixeira (40) was remanded in custody by the Bethal Magistrate court and the case is postponed to 23 May 2022 for a formal bail application.
Edjuanida Teixeira (40)
A tip-off about young and undocumented Mozambicans who were kept on a farm around Bethal was received by the Hawks. The team promptly responded to the information and on arrival at the farm, they found six undocumented Mozambicans who complained to the police that they were recruited from Mozambique and were promised that someone in South Africa have a job for them.
The victims alleged that they travelled from Mozambique on 05 May 2022 with a blue bakkie and before they reach the border gate from Mozambique’s side, the driver stopped and told them to go and pass through the river while he pass through the border post. The victims did as they were instructed and met with the driver on the other side of the border in South Africa.
He took them to Bethal on a farm where they were handed over to the suspect. The victims further told the police that the driver of the bakkie was paid R800 for each victim by the recruiter in Mozambique.
The victims further alleged that on arrival at the suspect`s place they were instructed to cut the grass and during the night the suspect took them with a bakkie to steal coal from the nearby mines and he would only pay them R100 after stealing the coal and never paid them for other jobs.
The Provincial Head for the Directorate For Priority Crime Investigation Major General Zodwa Mokoena applauded the team for the swift response to arrest the suspect and rescued the victims who are kept in a safe place while the investigation continues. She further commended the public for reporting the wrongful activities in their respective communities
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 anonym
CONTINUOUS MURDERER SENTENCED TO 4TH LIFE IMPRISONMENT PLUS 80 YEARS FOR KILLING OLD WOMEN
Voiceclip by Captain Sekgotodi
MPUMALANGA – Today,16 May 2022, the Pretoria Regional Court sentenced the serial murderer, Shaun Oosthuizen (42) to additional fourth direct life imprisonment for murder plus 80 years imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances.
Shaun Oosthuizen (42)
On 8 July 2018, the accused travelled from Gauteng to Nelspruit where he went to Macadamia Old Age Home to rob and kill Henrietta Catharina Potgieter (85). He was arrested and was later released on bail after his persistent applications.
While he was out on bail, the accused further committed another murder of an elderly resident, Barbara Esme Fenton (74) by strangling her to death on 1 September 2018 at her home in Alberton. The Hawks’ investigation led to the arrest of Oosthuizen immediately after the incident and he was further linked to another murder that occurred on 24 June 2018 where Engela Van Wyk (86) was killed and robbed at Rus n’ Bietjie Old Age Home in Springs.
The case was finalised where the accused was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment for Van Wyk’s murder and 15 years imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances.
In December 2019, Oosthuizen was sentenced to life imprisonment for Fenton’s death and 20 years imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances. He was sentenced to serve three life sentences for killing three older women and 50 years for further robbing them.
During his life imprisonment, Shaun confessed to the investigating officer that he had already killed other victims in Sunnyside and Roodepoort. Investigation revealed that in December 2015, the accused broke into an old age home in Sunnyside whereby he robbed and killed Ema Gossen (93) and fled the scene with her jewellery valued at R50 000.
The investigation further linked him with another incident which took place in Roodepoort in August 2018 whereby the accused used the same modus operandi. He murdered and robbed the victim, Lillas Merry (77) and fled the scene with jewellery also valued at R50 000.
Today, 16 May 2022 the Pretoria Regional Court added extra life imprisonment for murder plus 30 years imprisonment for aggravating circumstances and bringing the total number to four life imprisonment plus eighty (80) years imprisonment.
The Hawks’ Provincial Head, Major General Zodwa Mokoena applauded the investigating team for securing such substantial life sentences. “We appreciate the collaboration between the investigators and judiciary for ensuring that the heartless criminal who tormented the elderly who could not fight for themselves is removed from the community”, she said. She further urged anyone who is responsible for the safeguarding of the elderly to take extra care as they cannot fight for themselves.
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 anonym
Learners from Hoërskool Oosterland were hosted by Secunda Toyota this week for the MISA Career expo.
More than eight hundred learners, nationwide, participated in the Career Expo of MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association, aimed at raising awareness about what the motor retail industry entails as possible career opportunities.
Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations, says the Union believes that learners must have knowledge and understanding of the variety of careers and growth opportunities in a vital industry, employing more than 300 000 workers, over seven sectors.
“I believe that Youth Development must be one of the core issues tackled by unions and we must make it a priority if we want a better future for our youth and young workers. This is the eleventh year MISA’s Women’s Forum and Young Workers’ Forum hosted the Career Expo in partnership with dealerships nationwide.
“I am overwhelmed by the success and grateful for the keen interest shown by the Grade 11 learners at this very important stage of their lives, having to consider possible careers. Notwithstanding all the troubles and tribulations, the motor industry is still the best sector to work in,” says Keyter.
Michelle Vorster, Chairperson of the Young Workers’ Forum, told learners at the Hoërskool Hans Moore in Benoni how she started working in the industry as a service advisor. Today she is a portfolio manager without a post-graduate degree.
“I want to motivate and encourage those learners who cannot or do not want to go to university by telling them about my journey. I love my job,” says Vorster.
Amandla Kuse, MISA’s Training Officer, explained to learners how they should draw up a curriculum vitae, so they know what to include and what not.
Keyter would like to thank all the dealerships who participated in the Expo.
“MISA continues to grow in whatever the Union is doing. The aim is to reach more than a thousand learners in 2023,” says Keyter.
ELEPHANTS FROM MOZAMBIQUE SUCCESSFULLY CAPTURED AND RELOCATED
The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) in partnership with SANParks successfully captured and relocated five of the eleven elephants that were roaming the Madadeni area in the Nkomazi region on Saturday, 7 May 2022. The elephants entered South Africa from Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland) after having moved from Mozambique.
GENERAL PIC OF ELEPHANTS IN THE KNP
The elephants have been released in the Shingwedzi Section North of the Kruger National Park. This operation was successfully conducted with the assistance of the SANParks Veterinary Wildlife Services (Game Capture) operations team and Ranger Services. This saw the provision of their Fixed Wing and Helicopter for Air Wing Support, Game Capture trucks, Loading Ramps, and all the other necessary resources required to ensure a safe and successful Game Capture operation.
The operation was conducted in a safe and secure manner under the authority of the MTPA to ensure that the elephants were captured in a safe manner and were not a threat to human life.
GENERAL PIC OF ELEPHANTS IN THE KNP
“We are grateful for the assistance received from the SANParks management and the KNP Ranger Services. The collaboration between the two conservation authorities made this operation a success. We are delighted that the elephants are safe and have been captured and relocated safely. Our Wildlife Management team will continue to monitor the situation on the ground and look out for the remaining elephants which it is believed to be with the breeding herds”, said Mduduzi Vilakazi, Acting CEO of the MTPA.
The Managing Executive of the KNP, Gareth Coleman commended everyone who was involved in the operation “This was a difficult and stressful operation, but we are happy at the turn of events and that the animals have been relocated to a safe area away from communities. We urge communities to alert officials when they observe animals outside the protected areas to stay away from these animals and allow conservation authorities the space to carry out their duties unhindered for the safety of both animals and humans,” concluded Coleman.
Since the elephants made their way to Mpumalanga, a number of people have been following their journey and there has been an appeal to ensure their safe passage back to Mozambique.
ANIMALS 101 – HOW YOU CAN ENCOURAGE A RELUCTANT EATER.
Last week we looked at some tips for when your cat is reluctant to drink and today we will look at some tips for reluctant eaters. Cats’ ancestral diet was moisture-rich prey which helps meet their fluid requirements, so feeding your cat dry food only, which is <10% water, can create a problem. It can cause chronic dehydration, leading to constipation and kidney stress, which is why vets recommend feeding cats moisture-rich diets. One of the first signs that a feline family member is sick is a lack of appetite. Cats can’t go without food for very long due to the risk of hepatic lipidosis, so it’s important to address the problem quickly.
TWO MAIN REASONS WHY YOUR CAT MIGHT NOT BE EATING.
STRESS
Cats who are stressed can lose their appetite. Has something in your cat’s life changed?
New family members (human or animal)?
Have you moved?
Sometimes it can be too few resources or the placement thereof. We suggest a water and food bowl for each cat plus an extra one, as well as with the litter box and neither the bowls or the litter box should be placed close to the other.
This is a situation pet parents can often resolve without consulting a veterinarian.
2. UNDERLYING ILLNESS
Several underlying diseases can cause kitties to lose interest in eating and it’s important to contact your veterinarian right away if you suspect your cat is ill. Remember not all vets are good with cats, so find one with a special interests in cats.
TIPS TO TEMPT KITTY’S TASTEBUDS (Dr. Karen Becker & The Cat Nurse)
There are things you can do to try to entice your cat to eat; however, veterinary intervention is necessary if, despite your best efforts, your cat isn’t eating. Helping a cat who is refusing to eat stay nourished is an exercise in creativity, gentle prodding, and patience.
Warm her meals to bring out the aroma as cats respond to the smell of food before the taste.
Lure her with species-appropriate “people food” she has enjoyed in the past, for example, warm baked chicken or salmon.
Offer her canned food with a strong smell or a sardine (packed in water).
Buy a small selection of different flavours and textures of canned cat food or use home-cooked meat or bone broth and see if one catches her interest.
If she’s hooked on kibble and refuses everything else, try adding warm water to the food or an aromatic enticement like tuna juice or chicken broth.
Double bowls tend to be small, quite deep and are of course joined together, which could risk aggravating your cat’s sensitive whiskers. Try using a large flat bowl that gives plenty of room for your cat’s whiskers. Offer new food from a paper plate (in case she associates a bad memory with her food bowl). Whisker fatigue plays a role if the bowl is too small or deep.
If you are changing your cat’s food bowl, offer food in the old bowl and original location as well as using the new bowl and in a slightly different location. This allows your cat to have a choice. You can then remove the old bowl once your cat starts using the new one.
Raised bowls can help encourage some cats to eat. This means that your cat doesn’t have to dip its head down into the bowl to eat or drink, meaning he/she can still keep watch for any threats. Consider raising the bowl, especially if your cat is elderly and/or has arthritis as it may be more comfortable for your cat to eat that way (less pressure on its joints and less flexion of the neck).
Consider offering food in ceramic or glass bowls. Plastic holds odours and metal is reflective.
Keep the food and water stations separate. Being survivalists, cats like to eat in one place and drink in another. Cats living in the wild do this to prevent food (blood and tissue from prey) from contaminating their water (a sick cat is a vulnerable cat) and because it helps to keep the location of their food (and them) a secret.
STILL NOT EATING?
If despite your best efforts you can’t get sufficient calories into your cat, call your veterinarian, who may prescribe an appetite stimulant, a homeopathic remedy, or a vitamin B12 injection.
5 TIPS FOR STRESS-FREE FELINE DINING IN GENERAL (Dr. Karen Becker)
Offer food in a variety of ways that gives your cat more control over her environment. When possible, feed smaller, frequent meals throughout the day, instead of two larger meals. Use food puzzles, hunting feeders, or other novel methods that encourage her to actively look for food and burn calories in the process.
In a multi-cat household, feed everyone separately. Establish multiple feeding locations that provide solitary access to food. Food puzzles, hunting feeders and regular bowls/saucers containing small amounts of food can be placed in different spots around the house to help satisfy the natural feline desire to dine in different locations. It also encourages cats to spend time hunting for food and allows them to be in control of their food intake.
If feasible, feed your kitty from an elevated location, since cats tend to feel safer in high spots where they can see what’s going on around them. These platforms should only be large enough for one cat. Do not put their bowls in a corner as they feel safer when they can view the area for threats, as in nature.
Try to place your cat’s food in areas with minimal human activity and away from loud noises and visual threats like a window where your kitty might catch a glimpse of another cat outside.
Put food in locations that encourage climbing and set aside time to play with your cat each day, which will provide him with both physical and mental stimulation.
CHECK THE POOP
It sounds weird to some, but it is important to regularly check their poop as it can indicate health concerns. Watch this video about it. Urine is discussed with drinking in last weeks’ article.
Keep your cat healthy and fed by following these tips. Next week we will look at post-operative care for your pet.
