Police sought business robbery suspects

 

Eldorado Park SAPS officers responded swiftly to a business robbery which occurred at 8:34am on 5 April at Pep Cell store which is situated at Sirkel Road, Ext. 5. 

 

The complainant alleged that she and her colleague reported to work. As they opened the door of the store they were accosted by two males waiting to enter. 

 

One of the perpetrators was a wearing a police uniform and the other was in civilian clothing. The complaint further alleged that the perpetrator took out a police docket before requesting the two members to allow them in the store.

 

Eldorado SAPS, spokesperson, Constable Roxane Gibb said, “The suspect informed the victims that they were at the store due to a complaint in connection with her vehicle that had been used in the commission of crime. When the victim denied any involvement of her vehicle, the perpetrator told her that it could be a duplicate registration number that had been used."

 

Constable Gibb added that the male who was at the till instructed the victim to go into her office, as this wasn't Police business, but a robbery. The perpetrators demanded the cellphones of the victims, took out their sim cards ,cuffed her colleague and took him to another office.

 

“The suspect in Police uniform then took out a bag and started to pack the cellphones which were in the safe as well as earphones. The value of the robbed items is estimated to be approximately R50 000.00,” stated Constable Gibb

 

The police are investigating a case of business robbery and no suspects have been arrested. Anyone with information about the whereabouts of the perpetrators can contact Eldorado Park SAPS on 011-946-0300 or CrimeStop Hotline on 08600-10111 or use the MySAPS App.

Soweto community and Traditional Healers rise against the gruesome murder of Gogo Jostina Kate Sangweni

Gogo Jostina Sangweni

The community of Soweto, CPF members, ANC   members and the Traditional Healers Organisation came together and marched on 15 April to Mapetla from Emndeni Bus Terminal to where Sangoma (traditional healer) Gogo Jostina Kate Sangweni (58), suffered a horrific tragedy. She was brutally assaulted first at the house and dragged across the road and was set alight by the angry community members who accused she of evil deeds on 26 Mach. 

Cops arrived at the scene and she was taken to hospital where she died eight days later at Bara hospital. 

A special cleansing ritual was conducted at her home in Emndeni, Soweto. 

A second ritual was carried out where she was set alight allegedly by community members who accused her of evil doing. 

 

According to Mama Sangweni family she was diagnosed with a mental illness. 

Her family said she was diagnosed with Schizophrenia on 2 March and was taking medication for her illness but relapsed. 

 

She was staying at her sister’s home in Mapetla but left home and got lost while trying to find her way back home. When she was found hiding near a car in fear, the allege suspects thought her aim was to do evil act. 

 

According to Naledi CPF Chairperson Lucy Mofubetsoana she said: “The CPF were shocked hearing the news that one of their community members were brutally killed in an unfortunate gruesome manner. We say “NO” to femicide and gender base violence.”]

Mofubetsoana explained that it’s the duty of the CPF members to educate people of different illnesses and they need to teach their people to look out for one another. The community need to take charge and stand together. 

 

“Our role in the community is for us to have a safe community. A person cannot choose to have dementia or schizophrenia, it is something that just happens,” ended Mofubetsoana.

 

Her distressed daughter Elizabeth Nkosi speaking to the media explained that her mum was hearing voices and guns where she believed she was going to be killed. “The people who found her alleged she was a witch and wanted to bewitch them wearing a traditional healer’s outfit,” said Nkosi. 

Two accused of murdering Mama Sangweni, Taelo Dipholo (28), and Collen Sello (27), were arrested by Moroka Police Station officer on 10 April, and they appeared before the magistrate facing charges of murder on Monday, 12 April at Protea Magistrates Court and they reappeared before the magistrate on 20 April where attorneys were assigned to represent them for their court proceedings. They both remain in custody and will appear on the 4 May for a formal bail application at court 5.

 

“Sangweni was allegedly burnt by members of the community following accusations that she was allegedly performing evil acts. It is alleged that she was attacked for wearing a traditional healers' attire. The NPA is working closely with the police to guide the ongoing investigation into her death and the possibility of more arrests cannot be ruled out at this stage,” said Phindi Mjonondwane, NPA spokesperson. 

 

Sangweni’s funeral was held on Saturday, 17 April where her body lied in state at the Naledi Community Hall from 9am to 11:30 and thereafter proceeded to the Slovoville Cemetery. Rituals were performed by the Traditional Healers Organisation at the Naledi Hall and cemetery before she was laid to rest.

Rituals being completed by sangomas where Gogo Jostina was allegedly set alight

The home where Gogo Jostina was found hiding.

The two accused Taelo Dipholo (28), and Collen Sello (27) appear in court for the allege murder of  Gogo Jostina Sangweni 

 

Rituals being performed by Sangomas from the Traditional Healers Organisation at the Naledi Community Hall before her coffin was taken into the hearse to leave for her last rites at the cemetery. And her family on the right side.

A 61 year old male assaulted to death

The Dobsnoville Saps is investigating a case of murder, after a 61 year old male was killed by community members on 13 April at 6pm in Braamfisher. The deceased who was out on bail after it was alleged that he raped a four year minor.

The police were called at the scene, however, they were overpowered by the crowd and went back to call for backup. However, when they came back the man showed no sign of life.

Dobsville Saps, spokesperson Constable Vusi Thokwan said "The police arrived at the scene. They were denied access. Community started throwing stones to the police van. The police reverse the van and mobilize man power. The Public Order Police arrived at the scene, however, they found that the deceased was brutally murdered. He was also half burnt.The paramedics certified him dead.

Cst Thokwan added, "The commumity was angry after they discovered that the deceased was released on bail after allegedly raping a minor of four years old. Our Investigation is continuing."

Gruesome discovery of new born baby dumped

The residents of September Road, Klipspruit, Soweto were left saddened and in disbelieve on 9 April 2021. This follows the gruesome discovery made by children playing along the street. Children stumbled over a green Shoprite bag at approximately 10am. When they investigated what was inside the bag they found a black packet with a  lifeless body of new born boy.

The boys immediately alerted their elders who contacted SAPS and the Ward 25 Councillor Rynett Maobi who all responded to the scene swiftly. MMC for Development Planning Cllr Thapelo Amad and MMC for Community Development Cllr Magaret Arnold also responded to the scene. 

The baby was declared deceased by Gauteng Provincial Government Emergency Medical Services 

Constable Roxanne Gibb, Soweto East Cluster spokesperson said: "At approximately 12h00 members of Kliptown SAPS attended to a scene of an Inquest along September Street in Klipspruit West."

She explained that the circumstances surrounding this  act is unknown at this stage, however a case of an inquest has been registered and currently under investigation. 

"The identity of the parents are unknown and Kliptown SAPS therefore emphasizes the importance of the  reporting of the incident by anyone with information regarding the identity of the mother of the victim," stated Constable Gibb.

The police are urging with community at large if their have any information about who dumped the baby or have any information that can assist in the investigation to please contact Kliptown SAPS on 011-945-4489 or call the  Crime Stop Hotline on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app. 

Constable Gibb ended by urging the community to take a stand against crime. The  assistance of the community members in this regard is much needed and is of utmost importance in order for justice to prevail. 

Police are investigating an inquest docket currently.

Link to interview with different Councillors: https://fb.watch/4T2p98YxlD/

Youngage Foundation donate sanitary pads to young girls

The Youngage Foundation NPC celebrated Human Rights Day in an authentic style where they donated 250 sanitary pads to teenage girls from Aurora Girls School recently.

 The Foundation collaborated and partnered with Assupol Life to donate the girls with sanitary pads.

 

“Every girl has the right to dignity, freedom, education, and safety and protection as we want our school girls to feel supported, motivated, uplifted and encouraged during this coronavirus pandemic,” said founder Louisa Molise. 

 

She added that the reason why they looked into sanitary pads handover, is because most of the school's girls skip school lessons when it's that time of the month, due to lack of sanitary pads, and others use tissues and socks which can cause complications for them. 

 

“We want these young girls to learn more about personal hygiene, good health and we also want them to feel good about their bodies and we want them to understand their body changes. Gifting a pad to a girl in need goes a long way, this is our annual sanitary pad drive under our health program, and we intend to have another drive later in the year,” she stated. 

 

Molise ended by thanking their partner Assupol for believing and trusting their brand, forever consistent and always willing to support CSI initiatives. "We are truly honoured and blessed to be working with such a big amazing 

brand, and we are forever grateful," ended Molise.

Photos: Supplied

Caitlin Douman Foundation continue with their amazing work

The Caitlin Douman Foundation is  based in Eldorado Park. The foundation was founded by Marcelle Daniels and Charis Pretorius. The duo has being making a huge difference in both young and old people who are living with special needs within the Johannesburg South area.  

The founders of the foundation have  managed to acquire a home which will be used for different activities which included therapy. However the organisation needs financial assistance in order to renovate the place. 

Speaking to the Eldorado Times, Daniels explained about the exodus of the foundation, “The Caitlin Douman Foundation is named after my late daughter, Caitlin Douman, who was born with Cerebral Palsy and died at the age of 18. This particular journey is very personal for me and it has an extremely clear understanding of the challenges the families with children living with disability are faced with on a daily basis,”

During an interview between the publication and Daniels, which was aimed at understanding the role of the organisation, this is what she had to say;

ET: Please tell us about the Caitlin Douman Foundation? 
MD: The Caitlin Douman Foundation was founded by Charis Pretorius and Marcelle Daniels. A conversation that is not heard often because it’s difficult talking about how the needs and rights of people living with disabilities are grossly neglected. We had identified that the need was greater than the some of us and that something needed to be done to address and rectify this dire situation. The Caitlin Douman Foundation is that solution provider and we will ensure that this organisation serves the people living with disabilities without fear or favour.

ET: What is the main purpose of the foundation?
MD: The main purpose is to provide children living with disabilities access to fundamental services at no cost. For far too long people living with disabilities have viewed with a negative connotation and we endeavour to bring about the realisation that different is not bad, but is as important and the none-disabled. Their voices need to be heard!

ET: What was the reason behind finding a home?
MD: This is not a home but a Holistic Therapy Centre for Children living with Disabilities. It will allow them to receive the necessary therapy that will improve on their quality of life.

ET: What service will the home(centre) be rendering to special needs children and adults?
MD: Physiotherapy, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Play Therapy, Massage Therapy, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), Parental Empowerment and Support and Advocacy for people living with Disabilities

ET: How does the foundation aim to help individuals with disabilities through the home(centre)?
MD: The aim is to create Disability Awareness, Education, Support and Training for the community but most importantly INCLUSIVITY.

ET: Will there be qualified facilitators/caregivers at the home 24hours a day?
MD: No, this is a therapy centre which will be operational Monday to Friday 8 to 4.

ET:  Will the home help people in Eldorado Park only or other parts of Johannesburg as well?
MD: Region D and Region G will be serviced through the Centre which is Eldorado Park , Klipspruit West, Freedom Park, Slovo Park, Lenasia, Ennerdale, Orange Farm, Lawley and Soweto

ET: What renovation are needed to be completed at the home?
MD: The centre requires a boundary wall, gutters and roof paint. The yard needs to be levelled and paved or tarred, disability Ramps
Disability Aids need to be installed in the bathroom
Paint is needed for the interior as well.

ET: Will all different special needs be welcomed at the home?
MD: Yes we will have children and adults with Cerebral Palsy, Down syndrome, Autism, Apraxia of Speech, ADD, ADHD, Trisomy 13, Osteogenesis Imperfecta and including all other disabilities that are not mentioned above.

 

Donations can be made to FNB Business Account, 62840169074, ref: building and cell number: 0659092481

Charis Pretorius & Marcelle Daniels founders of Caitlin Douman Foundation

Spiritual Chords keeping up the good deeds

Covid-19 has not stopped Spiritual Chords founder Safeeyah Moosa and core volunteers from making a difference and giving back to the community across Gauteng.

 

On 9 March, the volunteers visited Funda Ujabule Primary School where they handed out lunchboxes, stationery pack and school bags to learners from Grade 5 to 7. After that the team visited Imvelo Day Care Centre to hand out sweet packs for the little children.

The packs were made in collaboration with Spiritual Chords, Mini Miracles and Al-Imdaad Foundation. 

 

Many children life’s have changed as their parents suffer due to either losing their jobs or not able to find a job due to the current pandemic, we are facing globally but Spiritual Chords are doing their utmost to put a smile on children’s faces.