ADDITIONAL ACCUSED ON STEROIDS CASE RELEASED ON BAIL
Secunda – Natalie Pretorius (62) was released on R5000 bail by the Secunda Magistrates Court yesterday after she was arrested by the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team based in Secunda for Contravening the Medicines and Related Substances Act 101/1965.
Natalie Pretorius (62)
Pretorius is the owner of the house where Piater Kruger (28) was arrested by the Hawks last week following a search and seizure operation. Steroids to the value of R300 000 were confiscated upon Kruger’s arrest. He was released on R5000 bail.
Meanwhile, Pretorius’s case has been postponed to 10 June 2022 when she is expected to appear alongside Kruger.
Police are urging anyone with information to call the Crime Stop number on 0860010111 or send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
POLICE FINALLY FIND THE KIDNAPPED GIRL ALIVE, THE SUSPECT IS IN THE CELLS
Nelspruit – 16 March 2022: The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has gladly welcomed the news regarding a girl who was kidnapped, as she was found alive. Thanks to the team of members who worked tirelessly and successfully managed to trace and bring the girl back home alive. A young lady, aged 19 was reportedly kidnapped by an armed man at her home in Kwamhlanga in the early hours of Tuesday, 15 March 2022.
As a result, police received the whereabouts of the 31-year-old suspect at Enkangala and were detained pending further investigation in relation to the kidnapping incident.
According to the report, on the said day at about 03h00 am, five young ladies were travelling home in their car, from a certain function. As they arrived home and were about to get inside the yard, they were allegedly pounced by an armed man, alighting from a Silver Grey Toyota Legend 50 which was without registration number plates.
Photo for illustration purposes
It is further alleged that the said girl (who was later kidnapped) earlier called her mother whilst they were still on their way home, indicating to her that they were being followed by a strange bakkie for a while and, at some stage, the driver of the bakkie (who is also a suspect) reportedly flicked lights for them but they ignored him. They later thought that he had stopped trailing them however, the ladies were shocked when the man strangely went out of his vehicle with a firearm in his hand as they arrived home.
The mother who received a call reportedly went out of her house upon their arrival, only to meet the ladies at the gate being held at gunpoint by the suspect who accused them of stealing some items from his liquor outlet. The mother decided to return to the house, to fetch a torch so that she could help search for the things that the man was looking for in their car as it was too dark.
When she returned from the house, she was flabbergasted when she saw the bakkie driving away with her daughter whilst the other four ladies remained in shock. She realised that the man planned to kidnap the girl and came up with the theft stories just to cover up his evil acts.
Thereafter there were reportedly attempts by some members of the public to give chase but all their efforts seemed futile. The matter was then reported to the police at Kwamhlanga and a case of kidnapping was opened. An investigation team was put in place whereby resources were assembled in order to follow the tracks of the suspect before it was too late.
Police, on the other hand, worked around the clock to ensure that the kidnapped lady is returned home safely to her family as well as to make sure that the suspect was brought to book. The girl was dropped off and later to be found at a certain fuel station at Menlyn in Pretoria in the early hours of today, Wednesday 16 March 2022. She then related her ordeal to the police. The girl was reportedly blindfolded and repeatedly raped by the suspect. A case of kidnapping with additional charges of rape and assault was opened. Police still continues with their investigation.
Meanwhile the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela felt proud about the outstanding work by members at Kwamhlanga. “This is the type of members that we need in order to win the war against crime. We really appreciate the efforts that they have put in ensuring the safe return of the young lady. We are also glad that the suspect was arrested as well. We hope that the law will take its course.” said the General.
Police are urging anyone with information to call the Crime Stop number on 0860010111 or send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
With only a few weeks to go until Misty Waters 2022 the excitement can be felt in the air, on-the-line, inside the Sasol towers, across our lakes and all the way to the top of Table Mountain! After an absolute insane Misty Waters last year, with acts like Spoegwolf, Black Cat Bones, Springbok Nude Girls, Wolfgang Marrow, Albert Frost and Gert Vlok Nel, amongst others, we didn’t think it was possible to top it. However, much like the world’s underestimation of Putin, we underestimated Misty Waters’ ability to top its insane line-up from last year. Yet, by the looks of it, Misty Waters is bringing an even insaner (yes, that’s a word now) line-up than last year!
Now that this line-up has convinced you to purchase your Misty Waters ticket and witness South African music history being made, it’s time to delve a little deeper into some queries you might have. Continue reading to learn more about festival accommodation, festival tickets, festival dos and don’ts, and other questions you might’ve had.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Festival Tickets:
• Will there be day tickets available?
No, there are no day tickets available this year. Only weekend tickets will be sold at the price of R490 for adults and R390 for children (7 – 17 years old).
• Will there be tickets sold at the gates?
No, tickets will not be sold at the gates. Tickets will only be sold online or via welcome@lakeumuzi.co.za
• Are there tickets for minors available i.e. kids tickets?
Yes, for kids below 17 years old there are tickets available at R390. And children younger than 7 years old have free access.
• What does my festival ticket include?
Your festival ticket of R490 includes access to the Misty Waters Music Festival grounds and all the live shows.
• Does my ticket include access to the rest of Lake Umuzi*?
Yes, your festival ticket grants you access to the other restaurants readily available located within walking distance from the festival grounds. Restaurants include Bosveld Lapa, Dros, Eish!!, Ocean Basket and Upstairs.
** The Misty Waters festival grounds form part of the greater Lake Umuzi Waterfront. Along with Misty Waters, Lake Umuzi offers plenty of other activities and annual festivals. At Lake Umuzi you can partake in miniature golf,indoor rock climbing, the waterpark, bars and lounges, the spa and even indoor shooting. Browse the rest of the Lake Umuzi website to discover the abundance of activities available at Lake Umuzi.
Festival Accommodation:
• How far is the accommodation from the festival grounds?
All accommodation located at Lake Umuzi is within walking distance from where Misty Waters takes place.
• Does my booked accommodation include my festival ticket?
Yes, when you book accommodation at Lake Umuzi you receive a complimentary ticket based on how many people are booked for the accommodation. Thus, if you book a six sleeper chalet, you receive six complimentary festival tickets. If you book a single room at InnGreen Hotel, you receive one complimentary festival ticket.
• What type of accommodation is there available at Lake Umuzi and Misty Waters Music Festival?
If you’re planning on attending Misty Waters with a larger group of friends or family, but still prefer sleeping in a bed during a festival the best accommodation option for you would be Umuzi Lodge. Umuzi Lodge is also located at Lake Umuzi and it’s the closest in proximity to the festival grounds. Umuzi Lodge offers customers four and six sleeper, self-catering chalets.
Camping Accommodation
For those die-hard festies, who prefer roughing it up and saving an extra buck there are two camping options available.
The first is general camping, which is included in the price you pay for your festival ticket. Therefore, general camping costs R490 (the price of your ticket) and it includes open camping on the festival grounds. General camping does not allow vehicle access or open fires. You are allowed to bring your own cooler box, permitted it stays within your camping area, as cooler boxes are not allowed at the stage.
The other camping option is Kamp Oase at Lake Umuzi. Kamp Oase is the caravan park located right next to the Misty Waters stage and other general camping areas, but it offers water and electricity points and a braai stand to the camper. Kamp Oase camping allows one vehicle per stand, along with your caravan or camper van.
Both of the camping options, general and Kamp Oase camping, have access to clean ablutions with hot showers and baths.
General Festival Questions:
• What time do the gates open?
Friday, April 29 – gates open at 10:00 and closes at 22:00 Saturday, April 30 – gates open at 10:00 and closes at 22:00 Sunday, May 1 – gates open at 10:00 and closes at 22:00
• When can we first arrive to the festival grounds?
Campers are allowed to arrive any time after 10:00 on Thursday, April 28 (the day before the festival starts – how cool and convenient is that!)
Arrival on Thursday requires prior arrangement. Please contact Central Res to arrange Thursday arrival (centralres@lakeumuzi.co.za or call at 017 631 3452)
The first show of the festival starts at 17:00 on Friday, April 29th.
The Thursday entry only applies to festival-goers that are camping at Lake Umuzi. If you’re staying at any other Lake Umuzi accommodation, your entry to the festival ground is tied to your check-in date. With regards to local festies attending who are staying at their homes or festies who are booked at accommodation outside of Lake Umuzi, please see the information at “what times do the gates open” (located at the first bullet point in this section) as these times apply to you.
• By when are festival-goers required to leave the festival grounds after the festival is finished?
We know how hard a good festival can be on your body, that’s why we specifically planned for the last day to be a relaxed day for casually packing up and heading home. Use the whole of Monday to sleep off that lekker babelas and reminisce about the weekend.
All festival-goers that are camping (general camping and Kamp Oase camping) can stay until Tuesday, May 3rd! This date only applies to festival-goers that are camping, not guests staying at the luxury accommodation (The Merchant, InnGreen, and/or Umuzi Lodge.)
Campers can come in from Thursday (April 28th) and leave on Tuesday morning (May 3rd) at NO EXTRA CHARGE, with prior arrangement.
• Will there be food and beer tents?
Yes, there are always fun and tasty food and drink stalls offering unique options like pizza cones, vodka slushies, edible brownies, sandwiches, cold drinks and of course the actual beer tent itself.
• Can I bring my own cooler box from outside?
Yes, you are allowed to bring in a cooler box and keep it at your camping spot. No cooler boxes are allowed at the stage. This is to keep the grounds clean and safe from broken glass. There are many beverage options to choose from at the stage, such as the above-mentioned beer tent and other craft drinks.
We hope this article answered all of your questions. Should you have more queries regarding Misty Waters Music Festival feel free to contact Lake Umuzi. We look forward to hearing from you!
A WOMAN ARRESTED AFTER ALLEGEDLY STABBING HER NEIGHBOUR WHO LATER SUCCUMBED
Nelspruit -15 March 2022: The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela condemned acts of violence during a dispute which resulted in a man, aged 47 murdered, whilst another sustaining some injuries. A 42-year- old woman, who is also a neighbour of the slain man was arrested in connection with the murder after she allegedly stabbed him on Sunday, 13 March 2022 around 20h30 at Kwazanele Township in Breyten.
According to the information, a man (who is now deceased) reportedly went to fetch his wife from his neighbour’s house where he found four people in the yard, two females (one being his wife) and two males. The four are said to have been sitting and drinking outside the house by then. Upon his arrival, it is said that he demanded for his wife to return home with him but the wife reportedly refused.
A quarrel is said to have ensued between the man and the four. During the scuffle, the deceased reportedly took out a knife and one of the men present attempted to diffuse the situation but he was stabbed in his hand. He reportedly sustained minor injuries. The female neighbour is said to have then grabbed the knife from the man’s hand(s) and allegedly stabbed him several times on his upper body.
It is further reported that the man, who was bleeding by then, left the place and went to his house. He was then discovered by a friend, who reportedly came to check up on him in the morning of the next day, 14 March 2022 around 06h30 am. It is said that he found him outside, lying in a pool of blood at the back of his house.
Police at Breyten and emergency personnel were notified about the incident. Upon their arrival they found him with multiple stab wounds, unfortunately, he was certified dead. The woman who allegedly stabbed him was also present and she reportedly handed herself to the police who immediately arrested her. A murder case was opened accordingly by the police at Breyten.
The suspect is expected to appear at the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 16 March 2022 facing a charge of murder.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has strongly condemned this shocking incident and made a clarion call for people to resolve their differences amicably rather than resorting to violence. “Our society needs to under learn to solve issues in a peaceful manner because violence only breeds undesirable results,” said the General.
Police are urging anyone with information to call the Crime Stop number on 0860010111 or send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
PROVINCIAL COMMISSIONER DELIGHTED OVER THE ARREST OF TWO SUSPECTS WHO WERE ALLEGEDLY SMUGGLING MOTORBIKES TO MOZAMBIQUE
Nelspruit – 13 March 2022: The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has applauded Nelspruit Flying Squad members for arresting three suspects, aged between 31 and 47. The three were arrested on the N4 Road between Kanyamazane and Matsulu in the late hours of Saturday, 12 March 2022 on charges of being in possession of suspected stolen properties whilst possibly smuggling motorbikes and parts thereof to Mozambique.
The police report indicates that members received information about a certain white Toyota Quantum minibus with Free State registration number plates. The details further pointed out that the kombi, carrying some suspected stolen items was en route to Mozambique, using the N4 Road. The said vehicle, which was occupied by commuters was then spotted by the members between Kanyamazane and Matsulu whilst travelling towards the direction of Malelane.
A search was then conducted on the kombi as well as the trailer which it was towing and items suspected to have been stolen were discovered. The properties include amongst others, motorbikes as well as some parts of motorcycles wrapped in black plastic bags. Three commuters informed the police that they were the owners of the bags. The three men were then arrested and charged for possession of suspected stolen properties.
Motorcycle parts
The preliminary investigation into the incident revealed so far that the kombi was travelling from Welkom (Free State) and was destined to Mozambique when it was intercepted. The three are believed to have been on a mission to smuggle the goods from South Africa to the country of Mozambique when their attempts were halted by the astute members.
The three suspects are expected to appear in the Barberton Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 14 March 2022 facing the said charges. They could possibly be linked to cases in relation to the confiscated properties wherein more charges may be added.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has reassured the public that police and other law enforcement agencies are determined to stop the smuggling of goods. “As long as the information about criminal activities is brought to our attention, we will act decisively without fear or favour. We thank both members of the public and the members for this commendable success ” said the General.
Police are urging anyone with information to call the Crime Stop number on 0860010111 or send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
PROVINCIAL COMMISSIONER WELCOMES THE ARREST OF TWO SUSPECTS POSSIBLY LINKED TO MURDERS AND ROBBERIES
Nelspruit -12 March 2022: The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has gladly welcomed the arrest of two male suspects who could possibly be linked to murders as well as armed robberies. The pair was nabbed at Marite (near Bushbuckridge) on Friday night, 11 March 2022 by joint forces of the police from the Tactical Response Team (TRT) from Tshwane and Ekurhuleni in partnership with members from the Calcutta Task Team.
According to the information, police received information from some members of the public about some individuals who were reportedly in possession of firearms in a certain tavern at Jim Brown (in Marite). A sting operation was then planned and swiftly carried out on the said day (11 March 2022) around 23h20 by the formidable team.
Upon arrival at the tavern, the two men were identified and searched accordingly. One of the men was found with a 9mm Girson pistol whilst the other was reportedly found with a 9mm Norinco pistol in his possession. The two, aged 26 and 34 were arrested and charged accordingly, one was charged for unlawful possession of a firearm with ammunition. Meanwhile the other was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm.
Preliminary investigation by the detectives unearthed that the two are somehow fingered in a string of serious cases, including the murder of a police officer at Marite near Calcutta in January 2022 as well as a murder case at Alexandra (Gauteng Province) in December 2021 and other robberies. Police cannot rule out the possibility of linking the suspects to other crimes committed elsewhere. The confiscated firearms will also undergo some forensic tests where more charges may be added upon the suspects.
The two suspects are expected to appear at the Mkhuhlu Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 14 March 2022 facing the said charges.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has reassured the public that the information provided to police will receive the necessary attention. “The area of Marite where the two suspects were arrested, has been in the spotlight in terms of violent crimes. We are busy cleaning up the area and we encourage communities to continue with providing the information that is needed and we will act accordingly ” said the General.
Police are urging anyone with information to call the Crime Stop number on 0860010111 or send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
Secunda – Accident on Nelson Mandela drive this afternoon (16H15)
An accident was reported this afternoon in Nelson Mandela drive near the 5 Star Superspar.
It is alleged that 4 recovery vehicles from GTR chased the taxi during a high-speed chase. The taxi proceeded towards the CBD where it turned into the residential area.
Stratcon received a call around 16H25 from a member of the public alerting them to a “Hit and Run” accident in Nelson Mandela. They joined the chase and proceeded to follow the GTR vehicles.
Taxi crashed into the barracks
The taxi moved to the wrong side of Helen Joseph at Trichardt Ave fearing those that chased him. At one stage the taxi had to apply the brakes aggressively (reason unknown) and the vehicle from GTR crashed into the back of the taxi. The high-speed chase continued involving the GTR vehicles and the Taxi. All travelled on the wrong side of the road forcing oncoming traffic to take evasive action according to reliable sources. Several cars were damaged by the taxi during the chase.
Frontal damage on the tow in truck
Afriforum also received calls from the public alerting them to an accident where a taxi allegedly fled the scene. They also joined the chase and search when the Taxi entered the residential area.
The Taxi driver drove his vehicle into the Secunda Police Station eventually crashing into the barracks. That area is now treated as a crime scene.
The driver of the Taxi was allegedly locked in a cell for his protection while the area was full of tow trucks and ambulances.
The Bulletin spoke to the taxi owner that was visibly upset (not the driver). He showed us the damage on the GTR vehicle claiming that both damaged areas were caused by the driver of the tow truck. The owner also alleged that at least one firearm was pointed at the taxi driver trying to force him from his vehicle at the accident scene. He also claimed that the one that used the firearm had left the charge office. This could not be confirmed and a formal statement by the police after they concluded their investigation will confirm or not confirm this allegation.
The Bulletin tried to contact the owners of GTR but could not establish contact. We would like to bring you our readers their story as well and hope to get a response from them soon.
We also contacted Jaco Horn that is well known as the contact person of GTR. He is no longer associated with GTR or any of their associated companies
Govan Mbeki Municipality recently released an army of insects to fight this invasion. The “Groenstrook Gabbas” are also doing a sterling job of removing the Hyacinth from the dams but they really need help.
But first, we must look at why the Hyacinth is so bad for South Africa.
Water Hyacinth is the world’s worst invasive water weed!
It is a floating water plant that grows about 20 cm high and has beautiful lilac-blue flowers with yellow markings.
The leaf stalks have air sacs that enable the plant to float, and the long feathery roots hang down into the water.
It forms dense mats in lakes, rivers and wetlands.
It does not tolerate brackish water, so is found in the upper parts of estuaries rather than near the estuary mouth.
Water Hyacinth comes from tropical South America, where it grows in rivers and lakes in the Amazon basin.
It was brought to South Africa as a decorative water plant because of its beautiful flowers.
It is an aggressive invader, especially in water bodies with high levels of nutrients.
The water Hyacinth is the world’s most invasive water weed
Water Hyacinth is a successful invader because:
It can reproduce both vegetatively (sprouting new plants) and sexually (from seeds. One flower produces 450 seeds)
It grows faster than any other flowering plant in the world!
Once a seed germinates, the plant grows very quickly and can flower within three or four months.
Water Hyacinth threatens biodiversity by:
Changing the ecosystem so that it no longer suits indigenous plants and animals
Forming thick mats that stop light from getting into the water so that underwater plants cannot grow
Removing oxygen from the water when the plants die, sink to the bottom and rot; this causes fish and other animals to move away.
Water Hyacinth is a problem for people because:
It blocks waterways and interferes with transport, irrigation, fishing and recreation
It worsens flooding and can even cause bridges to collapse
Disease-carrying mosquitoes can breed amongst the plants.
Some people use Water Hyacinth as a source of fibre for making rope, baskets and paper, fodder for livestock, compost, and removing excess nutrients from the water.
Controlling Water Hyacinth:
To control Water Hyacinth it is important both to reduce nutrients (e.g. fertilizer, sewage) entering watercourses, as well as to remove the invasive weeds.
Small amounts of Water Hyacinth can be removed by hand or by specially designed harvesting machines.
It is not a good idea to use herbicide as this can poison other plants and is dangerous for people and wildlife. When large amounts of Water Hyacinth are killed and start to rot, this removes oxygen from the water, which can kill fish and other water creatures.
Three biological control agents have been introduced to control populations of Water Hyacinth,
The parks department of Govan Mbeki Municipality have been proactive and received a consignment of Hyacinth Planthopper to release into the affected dams in Secunda and Evander. This was done on Thursday.
The “Groenstrook Gabbas” has also been very active in fighting this invasion. They have been taking out huge amounts of Hyacinth from the dam by hand.
Groenstrook Gabbas busy removing the Water HyacinthGroenstrook Gabbas busy removing the Water Hyacinth
Lake Umuzi has now made a float available to aid in taking out the Hyacinth.
“It is going to make our work much easier,” said Rika Lambrecht of the “Groenstrook Gabbas”.
Lentreis… Hoe kan ons met die laaste 40 dae voor die kruis vereenselwig met Jesus se pad? Hoe kan ons deel word van hierdie pad? Om teenwoordig te wees in hierdie reis en deel te word van wat hierdie pad bring. Reis saam ons, reis saam Jesus op die pad na die kruis.
PROVINCIAL COMMISSIONER WELCOMES THE DECISION TO SENTENCE THREE POACHERS REGARDLESS OF AWAITED FORENSIC RESULTS
Nelspruit -12 March 2022: The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has welcomed the decision to sentence three poachers regardless of awaited forensic results. Sibusiso Mahlaule, aged 29, and George Manyise, aged 30 as well as 34-year-old Rodrigues Ngobeni did not escape the might of the law as they were sentenced by the Skukuza Regional Court for poaching on Friday, 11 March 2022.
Their sentences emanate from an incident in which the three were caught by field rangers at Kruger National Park on 18 April 2021. It is said that the rangers, working at Pretoriuskop Section (inside the Kruger National Park) discovered something sinister which raised suspicions of the presence of intruders. The rangers then began to be on the lookout and followed some tracks with the assistance of tracker dogs as well as a helicopter belonging to SANParks.
Poachers sentenced
It was not long before the field rangers spotted the three men. These men were then cornered and apprehended. There were certain items found in their possession, which included a .375 H&H bolt action rifle with a fitted silencer, as well as three cartridges of a .375 H&H.
Police at Skukuza was notified about the incident and on their arrival, all three suspects were arrested and charged for trespassing, as well as for conspiracy to commit a crime. Meanwhile, a charge of contravention of the Immigration Act was added upon Rodrigues Ngobeni after police established that he was from the country of Mozambique and was in South Africa illegally. The case was then handed over to the experts in the field of stock theft, hence the Stock Theft Unit of the SAPS at Skukuza took over the investigation.
The three accused were subsequently brought to court and whilst the probe was ongoing, where detectives were still waiting for the forensic outcome in their case, the three accused persons consider that as an opportunity that would probably work in their favour. They then decided to plead guilty. The court accepted their plea however they were not exempted from punishment as they were sentenced as follows:
On the count of trespassing, the three accused were each sentenced to 2 years imprisonment. On the count of conspiracy to commit a crime, the three accused were each sentenced to 5 years imprisonment, meanwhile, Ngobeni was sentenced to an additional 8 years imprisonment for contravention of the Immigration Act.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela added that people should continue to obey the laws of the country, including the laws that have been put in place to protect nature. “We further applaud the good working relationship that existed amongst the team of field rangers, the Investigators, as well as the Prosecution Team and the Judiciary. We also hope that the sentence will serve as a lesson that, one way or another, there is punishment for lawbreakers” concluded the General.
Police are urging anyone with information to call the Crime Stop number on 0860010111 or send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
