Hilbrow Flats apartment engulfed in flames

A Hilbrow Flats apartment caught fire on Friday, October 7, 2022 in the late afternoon.

At this time, it is unclear what started the fire.

Before fire personnel arrived on the site, community members who were swift were able to put out the majority of the fire.

Community members pulled a mother and her two children out of the burning apartment; they were unharmed and only required treatment for shock and smoke inhalation.

The City of Johannesburg Fire Department, Saaberie Chishty Ambulance Services (SCAS), and Fire and Rescue Team all arrived on the site quickly and helped extinguish the fire.

Eight people in total received medical attention for smoke inhalation by the paramedics and one of them was taken to the hospital for serious smoke inhalation.

The cause of the fire will be investigated by the Fire Department. 

To watch the video please click the link below:

https://youtu.be/LF4aRKNIlYk

Two men alleged grabbed by members of Lapland

Even after months have passed, Lapland Dumpsite on Union Road in Eldorado Park continues to be a hotspot for crime. 

 On 27 September 2022, shortly after 7 a.m., neighbours to the dumpsite observed two men—Johnny Mashudu (28) and Tebogo Nare (36)—being carried into the site by unidentified Lapland members. 

 

A woman yelling, "Can somebody come out here to Union Road, at Lapland, the Basotho males have weapons, and they are simply looking, and they are hitting and killing a coloured man," filled the Eldorado Park groups with messages. 

 

Police were at the scene quickly. Brigadier Lesley Lloyd, the station commander of Kliptown SAPS, reported receiving a call from community leader Dereleen James, who informed him that people are being beaten and pulled at Lapland.

 

Brigadier Lloyd said: "I jumped in my car and drove right over to the location, where I discovered police officers already there. We were informed that the two victims dragged the boys into the scene after allegedly stealing something from the youngsters at Lapland. Six to seven police officers were dispatched, and they entered the location where the two men were being beaten and bound.” 

 

Brigadier Lloyd stated that the two guys were not assaulted in front of them.  They only discovered the two men with their wrists bound behind their bodies, and the outraged residents of Lapland told the police that they were upset because the thieves were robbing them. 

 

The community members were asked by Brigadier Lloyd to initiate a case, but they declined as well, and the two victims have the right to file a claim against the aggressors.

 

“No case has been opened currently, and no arrests have been made so far. We need people to give statements in order for us to open up a case and the man from Lapland are not prepared to give us any statements” explained Brigadier Lloyd.

 

"At this time, no cases have been filed, and no arrests have been made. The individual from Lapland is not willing to offer us any statements, and we need people to provide statements in order to open a case,” according to Brigadier Lloyd. 

 

Nicolene Campbell and Fagmeda Edries, two female warriors from Eldorado Park, were among the few brave women who ran across the street to try to help the two victims.

 

Campbell claims, "We initially believed that Basotho natives were robbing the coloured males. The Basotho men pulled out their weapons while we were yelling. As Fagmeda and his squad entered to search for the two men who had been abducted by the men, we fled out of fear. 

 

According to Edries, “The two men were already being hauled into Lapland when he arrived at the site at 7:25 am. Men who live in Lapland indicated that although the lads claimed to be there, nothing could be done because the men had firearms when we went looking for them. The second time, we entered with the police to save the two men.”

Tribute to Lenasia Rising Sun's Raj Maharaj

At Lenasia Rising Sun, Raj Maharaj was the senior employee. Everyone who has worked with him or had a personal contact with him for many years has been shocked by hearing about his abrupt passing today, including myself. 

Raj has never once stated that I am unable to meet any journalists. He always valued the collaborative efforts we made and the beneficial knowledge we shared.

He served as Lenasia Rising Sun's rock after Nieshal, the former branch manager, and Reshanaa, the former sales manager and editor, left. Raj was an expert in his field and knew what he wanted. The best work was produced by his workers as a result of his pressure.

Over the weekend, he reported on stories without declining.

Raj has always been a proponent of working with various organizations and being media partners. Anyone who entered his office and requested a story would not be turned away as he always believed in giving credit where it was due. He had always considered what was in the community's best interests. Furthermore, he always placed a hand where he could.

Rest well Raj, your journey has ended on earth and God has called you to Him, to be an angel to watch over your wife, and kids 

You will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of working with you.

Action SA host its first Imbizo

MMC's and Councillors together on stage.

Prompted by the poor service delivery to the residence of Soweto, Action SA held its first Imbizo on Monday, 29 August at the Naledi Hall Community in Soweto. This was to listen to community’s concern but most importantly to map a way forward. 

Residents have not had the luck of getting the service they deserve from the city for a long time. Some of the concerns raised were the issues surrounding crime, streetlights, corruption, housing issues, basic service delivery, substance abuse and myriad of other issues.

 

Some of the dignitaries who attended the event were, MMC for Public Safety David Tembe, MMC for Roads and Transport Funzela Ngobeni, MMC for Economic Development Nkuli Mbundu, Cllr Zark Lebatlang, Cllr Siyabonga Zwane, Cllr Emma More, Cllr Tshepo Mposula, Cllr Nobuhle Mthembu and Cllr Ayanda Mchunu.

 

Concerns were noted down and the team explained that they will ensure matters are resolved. MMC Tembe explained that he will be having more JMPD vehicles visibility in the area in the next few weeks.

 

The Cllrs explained that there is no place for corruption.

COJ MMC for Transport Funzela Ngobeni

COJ MMC for Public Safety David Tembe

MMC for Economic Development Nkuli Mbundu

COJ Cllr Zark Lebatlang

 

Sivuyile nominated for two segments at 2022 SATMA awards

IsiXhosa singer Reethabile Sindla aka Siyuvile

Reethabile Silindla, called "Sivuyile," a well-known IsiXhosa musician who was raised in a tiny rural location close to Umthata and now resides in Diepkloof, claimed he had to leave the rural areas so he could continue exploring and developing as an IsiXhosa singer. 

In addition to the late Dharam Sewraj, a musician who founded Bhavani Entertainment and Investments, and numerous other musicians, he frequently collaborated with singer Zara. 

He has received nominations for the South African Traditional Music Awards in two categories (SATMA). In addition to being nominated for best song, Sivuyile song Bambo Lwam also received a nomination for best IsiXhosa artist. To vote for the greatest song and artist, text SATMA329 to 49495.

To watch the full interview visit Youtube: https://youtu.be/fotPbva3IEA

 

 

Crime Updates in Eldorado Park

38-year-old man arrested 

 

A 38-year-old man was arrested on 14 August during the early hours of the morning by the law enforcement collaboration of SAPS Sedibeng K-9 unit and Blue Eye Security Services yielded a success. The man is being charge of possession of unlicensed firearm, ammunition, and possession of drugs

 

Eldorado Park SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Roxanne Gibb explained that this comes after they were patrolling the area and found a a group of males who were spotted and seemed to be suspiciously gathered at the flats in Extension 2, by the Security Services.

 

“Swift response of the SAPS members to the back up call resulted in the search of the group, with one of whom was found to be in the possession of an unlicensed Norinco firearm with one magazine containing 8 live ammunitions. Upon enquiry of the unlicensed firearm found, it was discovered that it had been reported as stolen as per Edenpark SAPS. The suspect was furthermore found in possession of seven zip lock bags containing substances suspected to be chrystal meth drugs, in his bag,’ said Gibb. 

 

Gibb added that the suspect was arrested for the alleged charges and will appear before the respective court during the course of the week. Further linkage to possible crimes committed with the said firearm and further investigation to be conducted and abandoned was dangerous weapons, namely knives, were also found near the group. The property was confiscated by the SAPS Sedibeng K-9 members.

 

The Eldorado Park SAPS encourages residents to continue reporting illegal and suspicious activities to our SAPS Crime Stop Hotline on 08600 10111, the Eldorado Park SAPS on 011 946 0300 or the Relief Commander on 082 444 3001.

Photo: Supplied

Murder suspect hands himself over

 

A 32-year-old male was rushed to the Ahmed Kathrada Lenmed Hospital on 13 August after he sustained a stab wound to his body. He unfortunately succumbed to his injuries on arrival at hospital. 

 

The Eldorado Park SAPS responded swiftly to a complaint of a death of a victim at the Ahmed Kathrada Lenmed Hospital.

 

“It is alleged that earlier, on the same day, the victim and suspect had an altercation between the pair whilst in Kersiedorp. The suspect allegedly left after the altercation, and later returned and started stabbing the victim on his right thigh with a knife,” said Sergeant Roxanne Gibb, Eldorado Park SAPS spokesperson.

 

Gibb explained that a 44-year-old year old suspect later handed himself over to the Eldorado Park SAPS, where he was detained for the alleged charge of murder. The alleged weapon okapie knife used to commit the offence was also handed in by the suspect and will be used for further investigation purposes.

 

The Station Commander Brigadier Maluleke stated that residents should refrain from resorting to violence as resolutions to verbal altercations and misunderstandings among each other, and residents should instead follow procedures that have been implemented, to resolve all issues that need external intervention.

 

The Eldorado Park SAPS further continues to encourage residents to continue reporting all crime and criminal activities to our SAPS Crime Stop Hotline on 08600 10111, the Eldorado Park SAPS on 011 9460300 or alternatively the Eldorado Park SAPS Relief Commander on 082 444 3001.

 

Crime Updates in Soweto

Diepkloof SAPS spokesperson Captain Phephi Matlou

Police sought suspects for attempted business robbery and murder

On 2 August at 10:45pm at the Takealot pick up point at Power Park, three suspects entered the place and tried to rob the pick-up point though the security who was alert immediately acted and a shootout occurred between him and the suspects. The security guard in self-defence fatally wounded one of the suspects and he was unfortunately shot in the abdomen. He was rushed to the nearest hospital for medical care.

 

“The one suspect who was fatally wounded he was wearing a Takealot reflector and on his waist he had a wheel spanner and a holster, next to him was a 9mm Firearm that he was using to shoot the Security guards with the other suspects ran away and they are still at large,” said Diepkloof SAPS spokesperson Captain Phephi Matlou 

 

Diepkloof Saps Station Commander Brigadier Makgomo Maake is appealing to the community to help with the arrest of the other suspects anyone with information leading to the arrests of the suspects can contact this number 011933-7400 / 0860010111, you can remain anonymous.

 

“Diepkloof SAPS is appealing to the community to work hand in hand with the Police to reduce the crime in the community and they can report any suspicious criminal activities happening in the community. Criminals don’t belong to the community,” ended Matlou.

 

Suspect wanted for rape

 

The Diepkloof SAPS is requesting assistance from the public at large with any information that can lead to the arrest of an alleged rape suspect who has been terrorising the community in Zone 6 between Calvary Church and the open space.

 

“The suspect preys on women waiting for the taxi early in the morning and late in the afternoon or passing through the open space going to Bara taxi rank, the police station has already opened a number of Rape cases from the victim of this suspect,” said Captain Phephi Matlou, Diepkloof SAPS spokesperson.

 

Matlou added that the Diepkloof police are urging the community not to use dark roads with no streetlights or pass-through open spaces with long grass, the community must use visible main roads and avoid short routes which are not safe. We all ask the community to accompany each other if they go to taxi stops when is dark not to walk alone.

 

 

Ma Nkosi has a brand-new house

David Tembe, COJ MMC for Public Safety with Ma Nkosi (87)

COJ Public Safety MMC David Tembe kept his word to make sure that Ma Nkosi, 87-years-old house be fully refurbished with proper windows, beds, kitchen, lounge, television, a vegetable garden and also a fire detector that will assist in an emergency of a fire at any house in her area in Zola

 

Ma Nkosi lives on her own and her home was identified as part of Mandela Day initiative. Tembe along with his sponsors completed the house within two weeks.

 

The opening of the official new home took place on 4^th August where Tembe personally handed over the keys to Ma Nkosi and took her for a walk through her new refurbished home.

 

Ma Noksi was overjoyed and left without words when she was informed that she won’t need to worry anymore. Tears of joy fell down her cheeks.

A granny called thrash

Gauteng MEC for Education addressing the community

A teacher from Fred Norman Secondary School in Ennerdale has been suspended after her racial words towards a learner’s grandmother who was uncalled for when she said to the granny that she is thrash and she also stated that she does not like coloured people. 

 

This comes after the teacher is believed to leak the video, she took showing the granny trying to explain the situation, but the teacher refuse to listen, and the grannies voice went loud. The incident took place on Friday, 12 August at the school.  This comes after the learner was not allowed into her history class and the granny could not understand why her granddaughter was not allowed to be in class. 

The learner’s name and those if her family members may noy be mentioned for her own protection but her father explained that his mother-in-law was informed to return to the school in order to speak to the teacher. 

“I wish to bring to your attention the incident referred to above. The incident stated when, visited the school on Wednesday 10 August 2022 to see the principal about the racist verbal assaults against my daughter by said teacher. My mother in law was then informed to return on Friday in order to speak with the teacher. 

“On Thursday however, the said teacher, not only verbally abused my daughter again, after various learners asked the teacher to please be lenient towards Tatum, since she was still in morning after the loss of her sister. Said teacher responded by saying that she did not care where, how or whether her sister had hung herself. Incidentally, her sister had died in a motor car accident. This gross insensitivity on the part of an educator will haunt me forever, and I am certain it will haunt my daughter too. 

On Friday, my mother in law went to the school however, because the principal was busy and could not see her, she went to the said teacher’s classroom to try and resolve the problem amicably,” said Daniels.

“My daughter has been completely traumatized; therefore, she will decidedly need counselling and equally importantly she must not be allowed to suffer academically, since she is in her penultimate matric year. 

“I demand justice for my daughter, my mother in law and all the other pupils that have been ill-treated, mishandled and traumatized at the hands of this educator. In addition, I demand a public apology on all media, including WhatsApp and Facebook as well,” he ended.

Gauteng MEC for Education Panyaza Lesufi visited the school on Tuesday, 16 August where he addressed the community who were there. Lesufi said the teacher has been  suspended and that the matter will not be taken lightly and he felt personally disturbed by the incident that took place. He stated that they first suspend and an appeal is put in to dismiss. “There is no justification at what happened here,” said Lesufi.

Reacting to a question from Eldorado Times on  returning among learners discipline, Lesufi said: “When you say the word discipline you mean the cane. You are putting it nicely, it is the cane and I say government is government of people, it must listen to the people. I am saying this we passed this laws because we had a vision of pupils who are well behaved. We never thought we will have these kinds of pupils when the law was passed.”

Teachers suspended after allegedly assaulting two sibling learners

At the Noordgesig Primary, two teachers allegedly assaulted two siblings who are 7 and 9 years old. 

The younger sibling, age 7, allegedly received a slap from the teacher on Friday, August 12 at school because he or she did not have a pencil. 

The mother, revealed that the child had gone home to the grandmother with marks and a swollen check from the slap the instructor had given her. When the incident at the school occurred, the grandma quickly called the mother to let her know.

“The department is aware of the situation at the said school and can confirm that On Tuesday, 16 August 2022, the community of Noordgesig stormed the office of the principal demanding that two teachers whom they allege to have assaulted two siblings at the school in two separate incidents be removed permanently.  The Department immediately dispatched officials to the school, met the principal, the parents, and the community leaders.” Said Gauteng Department of Education spokesperson Steve Mabona.  

 

He added that it was requested that the Department be given time to investigate as due processes still needed to be followed and teachers cannot be suspended from their duties without due processes being followed.  However, the community were not co-operating. 

 

Both teachers were subsequently suspend both teachers on Monday, 22 August for investigations to commence.

 

“We appeal to community members to refrain from disrupting teaching and learning when they have grievances, we encourage them to use proper channels to address their concerns. Stakeholders meeting will continue on Monday while teachers are at school.  The Monday meeting will have the community leaders and the pastors in the area who can assist the situation.  The rest of the programs are scheduled to warn teachers to desist from such conduct as per Section 10 of SASA. We will continue to monitor the situation accordingly,” ended Mabona. 

 

 

Much anticipated GunsDown Movement hosted in Eldos

The Guns Down Movement was initiated by Eldorado Park’s very own Dwain Ponsonby who is not just a Ward 17 Councillor but also a community activist. Dwain Ponsonby grew up in Eldorado Park and is well vast with its dynamics. The two-day event took place on 6th and 7th August at the Eldorado Park Ext 9 stadium.

 

The initiative came owing to the constant shootings and killings that the community and other surrounding areas have been facing for the past months.  But most importantly, to bring Eldorado Park and other communities to stand as unison in the fight against gun violence, substance, and alcohol abuse, gangsterism and many more issues.

 

On the 6th, the community and leaders gathered at the corner of Turf Road and Golden Highway where they marched to the stadium. The crowd held placards written ‘say no to guns and killing of young men and women’.

 

The day was graced with different speakers including sports such as rugby, soccer, boxing, cricket, baseball.

 

On Sunday the 7th – the day was graced by the Muslim brothers and sisters who read namaaz at 12pm and thereafter different Christian pastors gathers together to pray for the Greater Eldorado Park and surrounding areas, and not forgetting Soweto Parliament’s Nhlanhla Lux who took the crowd by surprise with his motivational speech, including the Chair of Chairs Colleen Makhubele.

Leaders working in Soweto honoured at the 8th Annual WOW awards

 

WOW awards recipients 

The 8th Annual Gauteng Women of Wonder Awards was hosted at the Hilton Hotel on Saturday 20 August at 7:30pm.

Amongst 43 gorgeous women, were two wonderful women Namritha Sivsanker founder of Hope SA who has been feeding the less destitute in Soweto on a weekly basis a total of 400 meals and also assist with children clothing, sanitary pads, and groceries in Soweto while, Dr Faheema Ismail Ravat, a dentist, entrepreneur, secretary of the Emdeni Muslim Association (EMA) in Soweto and head of Houghton’s wing of the SA national Muslim Women’s Forum. Dr Ravat is well known for empowering young children and adults in Soweto. The EMA is an NPO and their main focus is to uplift and empower and the association also has orphan children who come from different backgrounds

Dr Ravat and Sivsanker shared the stage with, COJ Executive Mayor Dr Mpho Phalatse, Pabi Maloi, Dereleen James, Asha Singh, Keke Mphuthi, Dr Nadia Jajbhay , Marang Phooko, Abigail Visagie, Kimberleigh Stark, Manuela Ferguson, Dr Faheema Ismail Ravat, Adila Patel, Hanli Burger, Rashmi Mehta Prag, Keke Mphuthi, Dr Nadia Jajbhay, Belvia Malebana, Dilshaad Suliman, Namritha Sivsanker, Nina Daya Karolia, Dineo Stiyana, Portia Modise, Razia Dawood, Fatima Bibi Mohamed, Mbali Nkosi, Zainub Nathie, Varushka Naidoo, Candice Modiselle, Neesha Ramsumar, Hawa Bibi Essa, Dr Marguerite Barnard, Cartier Zagorski Lebatie, Salamina Mosese, Zeenat Kara, Sbahle Sithole, Kyli Brown, Sandra Da Mata, Mamello Makhanya, Dr Shiksha Gallow, Candice Englebrecht, Christel Marais, Dr Jonel May Breytenbach, Yvette Rathshikopha, Sasha Lee Taylor, and Farah Fortune.

Namritha Sivsanker, Dr Faheema Ismail Ravat, Dr Nadia Jajbhay, Dineo Stiyana, Razia Dawood and Fatima Bibi Mohamed were awarded the Visionary Award.

Dr Ravat said: “I am truly honoured and humbled to receive the visionary wow award this year! I recently embarked on the ‘We care for oral health campaign!’ Where schools in Gauteng invite me to educate and empower the youth. My most memorable experiences are the township schools. I'm also a huge supporter of small businesses and I use my social media platforms to empower these businesses. It brings me ultimate joy to positively impact on their lives.”

She added that the campaign plans to empower thousands of South Africans with the aim of building a more united society for our young people. My goal is to empower one million people over the next 5 years. Dr Ravat ended with one quote she lives by: “Live your best, act your best and think your best each day for there may be no tomorrow”.

Manuela Ferguson, Newzroom Afrika Facilities Manager said that she was honoured and humbled to be recognized for the work she does when it comes to charity. She is a firm believer that everyone is deserving of a second change and that acts of kindness, love and compassion gives people a sense of value which allows them to want to grow and together communities can all lead each other to reclamation, she believes that this is what humanity is about.

She quoted “In the words of Scott Adams, always remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end”.

Sivsanker said: “I feel so blessed and extremely grateful for the recognition of Hope SA Foundation achievements and work in our communities. It makes me feel respected within my industry. Winning an award helps us boost our stakeholder confidence. Honouring women of influence who make a valuable contribution to our country is motivation for other women be courageous and shine on in their journeys. Thank you.”

Manuela Ferguson with Farzana Mayet and Yaseen Valli

Dr Faheema Ismail Ravat with Yaseen Valli and Farzana Mayet 

Namritha Sivsanker with Farzana Mayet and Yaseen Valli

Dereleen James of Eldos recognised at the WOW awards

Women of Wonder recipients with WOW founder Farzana Mayet and co-founder Yaseen Valli 

Eldorado Park’s very own activist Dereleen James who is also a substance abuse activist in SA was amongst 43 wonderful women from various organisations who were the recipients of the 8th Annual Women of Wonder (WOW) Gauteng Awards.

The WOW awards was founded in 2015 by Farzana Mayet. The prestigious awards evening took place on Saturday, 20 August at the Hilton Hotel Sandton.

James shared the stage with, COJ Executive Mayor Dr Mpho Phalatse, Pabi Maloi, Asha Singh, Keke Mphuthi, Dr Nadia Jajbhay , Marang Phooko, Abigail Visagie, Kimberleigh Stark, Manuela Ferguson, Dr Faheema Ismail Ravat, Adila Patel, Hanli Burger, Rashmi Mehta Prag, Keke Mphuthi, Dr Nadia Jajbhay, Belvia Malebana, Dilshaad Suliman, Namritha Sivsanker, Nina Daya Karolia, Dineo Stiyana, Portia Modise, Razia Dawood, Fatima Bibi Mohamed, Mbali Nkosi, Zainub Nathie, Varushka Naidoo, Candice Modiselle, Neesha Ramsumar, Hawa Bibi Essa, Dr Marguerite Barnard, Cartier Zagorski Lebatie, Salamina Mosese, Zeenat Kara, Sbahle Sithole, Kyli Brown, Sandra Da Mata, Mamello Makhanya, Dr Shiksha Gallow, Candice Englebrecht, Christel Marais, Dr Jonel May Breytenbach, Yvette Rathshikopha, Sasha Lee Taylor, and Farah Fortune

Namritha Sivsanker, Dr Faheema Ismail Ravat, Dr Nadia Jajbhay, Dineo Stiyana, Razia Dawood and Fatima Bibi Mohamed were awarded the Visionary Award.

James said: “Firstly a heartfelt thank you to the organisers of the WOW awards. It take a confident woman to recognise the efforts of other women, thank you Farzana Mayet, you are appreciated. It was an honour being in the presence of such dynamic woman from all walks of life. We may differ in our appearance but one thing that connects us is our will to effect change within society. As I’ve mentioned in my acceptance speech, Some of the world’s greatest change makers had no titles, through their struggles in life they found their passion to serve” Through my sons addiction with substance use disorder I found my passion and purpose in life. Thank you once again for a beautiful evening filled with inspiration and success.”

Dr Phalatse said: “I am so honoured and humbled. Thank you, Farzana Mayet, the CEO of Women of Wonder awards. It has been a long and hard journey and it was not easy closing my business, putting down the stethoscope to get to the complex world of politics. It is good that someone sees and appreciates it.”

Singh said: “As a 25-year-old who took a somewhat unusual career path in social media, receiving this accolade was reinforcement that I no longer needed to doubt myself or my path. I’m even more grateful now that I persevered when times were tough and feel even more inspired to change the narrative and achieve more in my life.”

 

COJ Executive Mayor Dr Mpho Phalatse with Farzana Mayet and Hamida Moosa

Dereleen James with Farzana Mayet and Hamida Valli

Asha Singh with Hamida Moosa

Fire broke out a store at Protea Gardens

Protea Gardens Mall, Soweto was plunged by community members who flocked to the mall after 7pm when they saw a fire. 

It is unclear how the fire started at the mall at Nizam shop and spread to Roots Butchery and another store. 

The City of Johannesburg (COJ) EMS Fire Department responded to the call immediately and have been scene doing their best to contain the flames. 

According to Nana Radebe-Kgiba, spokesperson COJ EMS she said, "We received a call just after 7pm about a fire at Protea Gardens Mall, on arrival we found that two shops were on fire affected. We will do a preliminary investigation after the fire has been completely contained."

Ward 10 Councillor Nokuthula Nofemela said: "A fire started at Nizam's shop, and it is not known at this stage as to how the fire started and has spread to other shops. No injuries were reported.

https://youtu.be/pmeGqYp-lxA 

Successful arrest of two suspects who were in possession of stolen motor vehicle

A bravo male and female who found in possession of a stolen vehicle. Photo: Supplied

Two successful arrests were made by the anti-hijack team from Dobsonville SAPS on Monday, 8 August. They arrested one African female and one African male who were in possession of a stolen motor vehicle in Braamfischer. 

 

This comes after the team had followed up on information received which led the  tracing team members to a house in Braamfischer where they found the vehicle which was occupied by a male and female. Both suspects could not prove their innocence. 

 

"Both suspects were arrested and detained at Dobsonville saps on charges of possession of stolen motor vehicle and will appear in Roodepoort Magistrates Court in reasonable time and the vehicle is in police custody for further investigation," said Constable Vusi Thokwan, SAPS Dobsonville spokesperson. 

 

Dobsonville acting station commander Colonel Lengau applauded the team on a swift reaction to bringing the perpetrators to book.

 

The suspects will make their first appearance in court soon.

The stolen vehicle that was recovered. Photo: Supplied

South African Police celebrate female officers this women’s month

Late Sergeant Busisiwe Mjwara. Photo: Supplied

The South African Police Service (SAPS) paid tribute today to late Sergeant Busisiwe Mjwara (40) a female police diver who was attached to the Pietermaritzburg Search and Rescue (SAR) unit.

She tragically died in a Search and Rescue operation in the Msunduzi River.

 

“Mjwara was part of more than 120 rescuers made up of police divers, K9 members, SAPS airwing personnel and fire department teams that had been deployed to form part of Operation ISSA to respond to the floods in the Greater Ethekwini area in April 2022.  From the SAPS, she was one of only four female members that had been deployed to assist in saving and recovering missing people,” said SAPS national spokesperson Colonel Athlenda Mathe.

 

Mathe explained that Mjwara had been searching for a family of three who had drowned when she experienced difficulty and drowned and was airlifted to a nearby hospital but was sadly declared dead on arrival.

 

Sgt Mjwara was born and bred in a small village  Caluza in Pietermaritzburg, and she had  joined the organization in 2008 and had 14 years’ service.

 

“She began serving at the Hilton and Mooi River Police Stations Community Scene Centre (CSC) and in 2014 joined the 10111 Call Centre as a Call-Operator. She later joined the Flying Squad and Police Diving Unit,” said Col Mathe.

 

Her unit commander, Warrant Officer Frederick Brand had described the late member as a dedicated, selfless and passionate member who was committed to the cause of serving.

  

“She was a people’s person and loved by all whose paths crossed with hers. Her work ethic was amazing, she had good morals, good ethics, she is one of those people that you cannot replace. Always willing to go the extra mile”, said Warrant Officer Brand.

 

To the late Sergeant Mjwara , the SAPS flag does not fly because the wind moves it, but because of the last breathe of members like you who died protecting it. Thank you for your bravery, loyalty and the sacrifices you made to serve and protect the people of the Republic of South Africa (RSA).

 

 

Pritisha M, Gauteng young girl nominated for SATMA’s awards

South Africa’s young Indian talented singer Pritisha M has been nominated for the South African Traditional Music Awards (SATMA) 2022 in the category of Best Indian Artist/Group. Pritish M, 12-years-old is raising the bar much higher and also motivating other young singers to not give up on their music career no matter what their circumstances are. 

Pritisha was always inspired by her late grandfather Dharam Sewraj who motivated her to not just dream but make her dreams a reality and she is continuing her journey as a singer. She released her first song Meri Maa, followed Ye Hawaye Remix which is the song nominated for the SATMA 2022 award. Not forgetting Pritisha threw herself into the deep end and sang her very first Zulu song Love Me which was composed by Mercedes Boshego.

“I am honoured to once again be nominated for a SATMA 2022 Award in the category of Best Indian Artist for my song Ye Hawaye Remix and music is my life and I want to contine following my grandfather’s footsteps of being a dedicated, humbled, and passionate singer,” Pritish said.

To vote do not forget to send an SMS: SATMA271 to 49495.