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Friday, 15 January, 2021 48 Fifth Avenue, Springs z 011 812-4800 079 408 9334 Price R1.30 + Vat = R1,50
Pregnant officers
still report for duty
Doreen Mokgolo
doreenm@caxton.co.za
Kwa-Thema – Allegations have
been made against manage-
ment of the local police station
where pregnant police officers
are forced to report for duty
until their maternity leave com-
mences.
This was after one of their
members, who is pregnant, tested
positive for Covid-19 and the sta-
tion had to be closed for decon-
tamination.
This goes against the set con-
tainment regulations set by the
SAPS which are communicated
in the Containment and Manage-
ment of Covid-19 within the
South African Police Services
document.
The regulations state members
who are 28 weeks pregnant and
more, and members who are 60
years and older with one or more
stated comorbidities which are
not well managed, are to continue
working away from the stations.
Sources working at the station,
who asked to remain anony-
mous, indicated they are forced
to report for duty even when it is
communicated that they are vul-
nerable.
“There are about seven preg-
nant officers who are forced to The Kwa-Thema Police Station has been closed for decontamination.
report for duty.
“We have tried raising the issue “Our health is compromised and ised,” said the source. cial management views these al- “Members of the SAPS know
with management but we were they don’t care. In his comment, SAPS provin- legations as serious. the due processes to be followed
told the station will be run the “When you speak out you are cial spokesperson Capt Mavela “Internal investigations will be to lodge a complaint, especially
way they see fit. targeted and end up being victim- Masondo said the police provin- conducted. on a serious matter,” he said.
2 NEWS THE SPRINGS AFRICAN REPORTER | www.africanreporter.co.za Friday, 15 January, 2021
Police nab 72 suspects Tsakani arrests:
Kwatsaduza - Over 70 people were arrest-
ed over the weekend in Ekurhuleni Zone
Three, which includes the following polic-
December round-up
ing precincts: Devon, Dunnottar, Duduza, The operational readiness of the intention to cause grievous
Kwa-Thema, Nigel, Tsakani and Springs. members of the Tsakani po- bodily harm (GBH).
The arrests come as a result of collabora- licing precinct led to the ar- Five were arrested for pos-
tion between law-enforcement agencies. rest of about 155 people who session of hijacked motor ve-
According to Sgt Harry Manaka, com- transgressed various laws be- hicles.
munications officer at Duduza Police Station, tween December 1 and 31. “We appeal to the commu-
the offenders face charges such as assault According to Sgt Lerato nity to help with information in
GBH, common assault, domestic violence, Mngomezulu, communica- order for police to arrest more
theft, possession of drugs and possession of tions officer for Tsakani Police hijackers.
suspected stolen property. Station, these successes were “We would also like to ap-
Many were arrested for contravening realised through intense opera- peal to the community not to
amended level three regulations as police tions put in place for a safer create opportunities for hijack-
continue to enforce the law to ensure compli- festive season to ensure crimi- ings by sitting inside their
ance. nals do not operate in the com- vehicles in the evening outside
All arrested suspects are expected to ap- munity. their yard or on the pavement,”
pear in the relevant magistrate’s courts during The majority of the 61 of- added Mngomezulu.
the course of the week. Some of the items confiscated from those arrested over the weekend. fenders were handcuffed for Other arrests were for:
possession of substances sus- Rape - one
Duduza police warn public to be alert pected to be drugs.
Ten residents were arrested
for selling liquor without a
Murder - one
Domestic violence - one
Perjury – two
Duduza police have appealed to the them at gunpoint. off in secluded areas far from the licence, closely followed by Child neglect - one.
community to be weary of crimi- The victims were robbed of their scene,” added Manaka. those who violated regulations The SAPS also warned the
nals. cellphones and cash before the crimi- Police emphasised that people of the Disaster Management community to refrain from report-
Hijackers are reported to be target- nals drove off with the owner of the should avoid parking and sitting in- Act. ing false cases.
ing unsuspecting people sitting in vehicle and dropped him off a few side their vehicles, especially after Others were apprehended All the arrested suspects ap-
their vehicles and robbing them of kilometres from the scene. dark. for cases ranging from com- peared in the Tsakani Magistrate’s
their valuables and cars. Manaka said the owner of a Toyota “Look around for any suspicious- mon assault and assault with Court in the last four weeks.
The appeal from police follows a Hilux, who was also sitting in the car looking people and ensure the emer-
number of hijacking cases reported at
the Duduza Police Station, where the
perpetrators approach people sitting
with his girlfriend, was targeted a day
later.
The couple was robbed of cash and
gency police number is always on
hand,” said Manaka.
While police are looking for these
Help SAPS identify body
in their vehicles. cellphones by two armed men before criminals and have increased vis- Tsakani SAPS is looking for The body is available for
According to Sgt Harry Manaka, they were forced out of the vehicle. ibility and other crime prevention any information which can identification at Springs Foren-
communications officer at Duduza The men then drove away in the measures, the community is advised lead to the identification of sic Pathology Services at 2099
SAPS, in a space of three days two vehicle. to take extra precaution by being an African male whose body New State Road in Geduld.
vehicles were hijacked in the area, “The criminals target vehicles with vigilant. was found on the morning of Their contact number is 011
using the same modus operandi. occupants parked on pavements. Anyone with information that may January 6 in Langaville Ex- 811 9640.
On January 5, the owner of a “They then point firearms at them assist police in the arrest of these tension Seven. Anyone with information can
BMW was sitting inside the car with and force them out of the vehicle or criminals is urged to call Duduza po- The man is believed to be be- contact Capt Victor Mgiba from
his girlfriend when two males ap- force them to move into the vehicle, lice on 071 675 7027 or SAPS Crime tween the ages of 25 and 35. the Serious and Violent Crimes
proached the couple and threatened drive away with them and drop them Stop on 0800 10111. He was dressed in a pair of Unit at the Tsakani Police Sta-
black Levi jeans, a navy blue tion on 011 363 5388 or the in-
Police bust four drug dealers in Tsakani Relay T-shirt and grey/orange
Nike tekkies.
vestigating officer, Sgt Godlive
Baloyi, on 076 143 3144.
Tsakani - EMPD Drug Enforcement
Unit members arrested four suspects
during an anti-drug operation in
Alleged peddler arrested
Tsakani, on Tuesday. There was no place to hide large quantities of drugs in the
A 40-year old female found idling on for an alleged drug peddler Duduza and Dunnottar areas.
Black Road was approached and frisked as the police pounced and Through a collaboration be-
where five knotted plastics of nyaope cornered him in Dunnottar tween the Duduza and Dunnot-
valued at R250, were confiscated. on Monday morning. tar police, the man was finally
The other suspects were caught at Ex- The man was arrested along arrested.
tension Seven in Langaville with a num- Nigel Road at about 9am as he Drugs as well as cash be-
ber of various drugs. was allegedly delivering drugs lieved to be the proceeds of
The suspects consist of two men and a to his customers. selling illicit substances were
woman who were caught in possession According to Sgt Harry found and confiscated.
of 42 half and full Mandrax tablets, one Manaka, Duduza SAPS com- A number of cellphones were
ziplock of crystal meth, 40 ziplocks and munications officer, the man also found in his possession.
three plastic bags and 404g of dagga, val- was found in possession of Upon his arrest, the man at-
ued at R6 500 with R750 cash. crystal meth, or khat as it is tempted to bribe the police of-
The detained suspects are facing commonly known. ficers by offering them R2 000
charges of possession and possible deal- Police said they have been if they let him go, but the po-
ing in illicit substances and are expected on the heels of this dealer for lice would not hear it.
Couple arrested by the EMPD for pos- to appear in the Tsakani Magistrate’s Suspect apprehended by police some time and he is believed A charge of attempted brib-
session of drugs. Court soon. during a raid. to be behind the distribution of ery was added.
Friday, 15 January, 2021 . . .. THE SPRINGS AFRICAN REPORTER | www.africanreporter.co.za NEWS 3
New SAPS liaison
officer welcomed
Const Nkululeko Magud-
ulela (33) is looking for-
ward to the challenge as
the new communications
officer of the Kwa-Thema
Police Station.
“My friends and family
always said I should be a
police officer.
“But I was hesitant at first.”
He eventually took a leap
of faith and discovered it
was the right fit for him.
Now, after four years in
the force, Magudulela said
he may have found his niche
Community members came together to resolve the drain blockage problem. in communications.
“My job is to be a bridge
Community finds solution to between the station, the me-
dia and the community.
“There is so much educa-
tion that can be offered to
blocked drain problem the public about what the
role of the police is and how
they can assist us.
“But people do not always
Kwa-Thema – Residents ter pooled up until it dried, must refrain from littering know what to expect from
of Thekiso in Barcelona so imagine when it rained and throwing rubbish in the police.
took it upon themselves more than one day. Using the drains. “It would be great if we
to unblock a stormwater the street becomes a huge “We cannot solely put Const Magudulela is ready to help bridge the communication
could work together. gap between Kwa-Thema SAPS and the community.
drain. challenge, especially for the blame on the metro, we “Our work is not easy.
According to residents, residents. must also take responsibil- “There are many things around them. Magudulela also encour-
the blockage was caus- “One could not walk ity for our own actions. We we have to do, under the rule “Some of that information aged walk-ins by the com-
ing havoc when it rained, here without getting wet need to change our behav- of law, and everyone has to can help us get justice for munity to report ill treatment
making using the street and it was unsafe for the iour and start doing better. abide by them regardless of victims.” from the staff in the police
extremely difficult. children as well,” said resi- “Such things end up af- our personal feelings,” ex- Members of the public station.
“The challenge we faced dent Sabelo Gumbi. fecting us and our daily plained Magudulela. can give the police tip-offs “There is always a relief
was that if it rained the wa- He added that residents lives.” He encourages every citi- anonymously. commander who can attend
zen to offer information to “Your neighbour does not to your grievance.”
the SAPS. have to know you were the Contact Kwa-Thema
PAC loses one of its founders “People know a lot of
things that are going on
one who gave us the infor-
mation.”
Police Station on 011 812
4600.
Kwatsaduza – Covid-19
has claimed another
Mlambo was tortured and
subjected to inhumane treat-
Church helps feed the hungry
life of a struggle fighter ment by the apartheid secu- Kwatsaduza – The Lord is
and one of the founding rity police. a Man of War Ministries
members of PAC, Phillip At one point he was bur- handed out 30 food pack-
Mlambo. ied up to his neck and the ages to the elderly and an
The former commander- officers took turns urinating additional 10 bags for fami-
in-chief of the Azanian on his head. lies in need.
People’s Liberation Army He was involved in the Pastor Joey Oosthuizen
died on Saturday at a Jo- planning of the 1960 anti- stated that people are in need
hannesburg hospital due to pass demonstrations which of assistance.
Covid-19-related illnesses. led to the Sharpeville mas- “The food parcels were
The London-educated sacre. given to families that are fac-
economist died aged 80. Picture supplied: Founding mem- After his release on June ing hard times due to the Co-
Mlambo, popularly ber of PAC Phillip Mlambo has died 20, 1983, he spent 10 days vid-19 pandemic. Members from the Lord is a Man of War Ministries delivered
known as River, was ar- at the age of 80. in the country before joining “As people are now restrict- food parcels to families in need within Kwatsaduza.
rested on March 31, 1963, the PAC in exile. ed and unable to hustle, we
along with seven other Mlambo took over as AP- saw it fitting to lend a helping ing forward to reaching out do more since we are facing
accused. LA’s commander-in-chief in June 1985. hand. to more people in the com- this dangerous pandemic that
He was accused number one charged He was instrumental in the formation of “The food will be able to munity. is leaving masses of people
with plotting to overthrow the apartheid Azanian National Youth Unity. He returned last these families for a week “We are really looking for- jobless.”
government, where he was found guilty and to the country and engaged in the negotia- or so,” he stated. ward to be a blessing to our For enquiries, contact pas-
sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment on tions of Codesa ahead of the 1994 elec- In addition, he stated that as communities at large this year. tor Oosthuizen on 073 086
Robben Island. tions. an organisation they are look- “We definitely are going to 3976.
4 NEWS THE SPRINGS AFRICAN REPORTER | www.africanreporter.co.za Friday, 15 January, 2021
Foundation gives back to the needy
Keamogetswe M Foundation “Working over the past eight headed families. will be donated to public schools Centres with food.”
extended a hand to feed the months in the community has ex- “The festive season comes and around Kwa-Thema and other For more information or to
hungry on Christmas Day in posed me to deeper problems that goes and therefore we should de- parts of Ekurhuleni. contribute to the organisation,
Extension Eight. our people face on a daily basis,” vote our time in meaningful things “January is going to be hectic contact Keamogetswe on 065 847
“Christmas is a very special said Keamogetswe Masike, the that will help in the growth and for us as we will be supporting 8291 or WhatsApp him on 061
occasion but unfortunately many foundation’s founder. development of our communities, 15 Early Childhood Development 156 7851.
others have never had an oppor- To date, the organisation has but most importantly families.
tunity to dine with their loved donated food parcels to more “I know many of these families
ones and actually have a meal as than 3 000 families who were don’t have anything to eat, so giv-
a result of many social problems. harshly hit by the effects of the ing them food would really mean
“Just like any other story of a Covid-19 lockdown. a lot to them.”
black child, I am rooted in the Keamogetswe says those af- The foundation is working on
cornerstones of a harshly pov- fected are mostly the elderly, per- an outreach programme to raise
erty- stricken community. sons with disabilities, and child- 500 pairs of school shoes that
Institute of Mathematics ready
to unlock mathematical geniuses
The Institute of Mathematics has joined forces with the Reformed Ap-
ostolic Church to ensure learners receive assistance in mathematics.
The programme started on January 5 and will run until October 30.
Learners in Grades Four to 12, as well as matric rewrites, who require
help with maths can call Mpho Nyathi on 076 889 6002.
Residents of Ext 8 in Langaville were the beneficiaries of the foundation’s Christmas Drive
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Friday, 15 January, 2021 . . .. THE SPRINGS AFRICAN REPORTER | www.africanreporter.co.za NEWS 5
CoE ANC mourns
businesswoman
The ANC in Ekurhuleni School to improve the per-
is saddened by the death formance of learners in
of veteran businesswoman mathematics, science and ac-
Dolly Mokgatle. counting.
She held a number of lead- “She always remained root-
ership positions in listed and ed to her community through
state-owned companies, was her notable contribution in the
the CEO of state rail Spoornet education, reconstruction and
NPO donates food to community from 2003 to 2005, and was
the first black person to be ap-
pointed to the position of MD
development in townships.
“We will always be inspired
by her passion in education.
Kwa-Thema – Daveyton- “I was introduced to the The centre currently runs of the Transmission Group at “She believed young people
based Mofuthung Elderly organisation by Samukeliso two projects, one being home- Eskom. are the leaders of tomorrow
and Disabled Community Tshabalala from Samukelo based care. Mokgatle was the director and must be properly guided
Project received 59 food Esihle Organisation, who Founder of the centre and founder of Peotona Group Dolly Mokgatle. and nurtured.
parcels on Tuesday from made us aware that the Mo- Bridgette Madihlaba ex- Holdings, a majority black fighting against all forms of “Her premature death
NPO The Worse is Never futhung centre needed as- pressed her gratitude. women-owned company. injustices. leaves us with a challenge to
Worst, in partnership with sistance. “I am overjoyed as our ben- In a statement released “She always fought for the continue and fulfil the work
other organisations. “Therefore, we saw it fit as eficiaries are also very happy. by the ANC chief whip in restoration of human dignity we have already started: to
The NPO prides itself on an organisation to help. “The donations will cer- Ekurhuleni, Jongizizwe for all.” continue changing the lives of
giving back to the community. “We have been and tainly make a difference in the Dlabathi, the party described Mokgatle was born and the younger generation for the
Founder Nhlanhla Ndaba continue to be involved in lives of our beneficiaries as the veteran as someone who bred in Kwa-Thema and at- better.
said: “I do not believe that one community-building projects, they are pensioners and most always fought for justice and tended Tlakula High School. “The office of the chief
should go to bed on an empty giving back to our communi- depend on social grants. restoration. She founded Palesa Ya whip extends its heartfelt and
stomach while we are able to ties and fighting poverty,” she “Every little bit helps.” “Mokgatle was a woman Sechaba Foundation, which sincere condolences to her
help. explained. who dedicated her entire life worked with Tlakula High family and friends.”
Households urged to sort recyclable waste for waste pickers
The level of consumption either However, informal waste pick-
of food, drinks or any other per- ers also contribute significantly to
ishables during lockdown has separation of waste as they recover
increased per household and the more recyclable waste than it is
amount of waste from residences recovered at the landfill sites or any
may also extremely increase, other area of the chain of waste col-
while the waste from the indus- lection.
tries and firms decrease. In order to reduce the amount of
This is primarily because some waste to be collected, thus sparing
residents who are traditionally at the landfill sites of more waste to
work during the day are now at handle and illegal waste dumping,
home. This is due to many indus- households are advised to:
tries and firms adopting a new • Separate the recyclable waste
way of working, resulting in some from the non-recyclable waste.
employees working from home to • Place the non-recyclable waste
avoid overcrowding in the work- in the 240l bin provided by the city.
place. • Clean recyclable waste and
The City of Ekurhuleni is also place it in a separate bag to hand it
refining its waste collection pro- over to recyclable waste pickers.
cesses by introducing separation of A recyclable waste picker or
waste at the source in various areas small and medium recycling enter-
to minimise waste that ultimately prises will appreciate the waste as
reaches the landfill sites. they derive income from it. Recyclable waste pickers sort recyclables collected from households and industries to sell at buy-back centres.
Self-taught videographer a true trailblazer in his own right
Kwa-Thema - Banele Msi- Version, is a self-taught vid- The duo has won multiple Ofentse Mwase responded. He also used to take foot- past three years has made
mango (22) is a trailblazer eographer working along- awards for their work. “That was the beginning age for the Kwa-Thema me feel more confident, it
in his own right. side legendary cinematog- Recently, they shot and of a marvellous journey,” he Fashion Week. says what I am doing is ap-
The self-taught videogra- rapher and director Ofentse directed the video of the said. He explained how work- proved on a professional
pher, best known as Bannz Mwase. smash single Imali eningi Msimango grew up in ing with big names in the level.
by Big Zulu. Kwa-Thema and attended music industry changed his “I am able to contribute
The video reached two Fred Habedi Primary School life. ideas as well.
million views in just two and Tlakula High School. “Having survived for the “What is important is to
weeks after it premiered on treat every project with re-
YouTube and has over five spect regardless of whether
million views. you are dealing with an up-
“I would watch tutorials and-coming artist or a well-
on YouTube and that’s how established individual.
I learnt to edit and the dif- “I am so excited about
ferent kind of software to how big the song has be-
use. come. It’s crazy because
“I just loved music, I was this is the first song in
always watching music South African hip-hop to
channels and wanted to do achieve this milestone,” he
promotional videos. stated.
“I started collecting foot- He said his aspirations
age of music videos then include making videos for
combining them and adding international artists.
a song. “I want to change the
“The outcome was noth- mindset artists have about
ing short of amazing. That’s music videos; footage is
when my grandfather something that will be there
bought me a laptop,” he for years to come.
said. “I want to grow in the in-
He joined OM Films dustry to the point where I
when he was 19 years old. get booked by international
“After matriculating I filmmakers and to work
started sending messages Bannz Version is a self-taught videographer whose working with the likes of Dave Mey-
Twenty-two-year-old Banele Msimango is making waves in the to people I wanted to work alongside legendary cinematographer and director Ofentse ers, who happens to be my
videography industry. with on social media, until Mwase. idol,” he said.
6 CLASSIFIEDS THE SPRINGS AFRICAN REPORTER | www.africanreporter.co.za Friday, 15 January, 2021
Friday, 15 January, 2021 . . .. THE SPRINGS AFRICAN REPORTER | www.africanreporter.co.za CLASSIFIEDS 7
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THE SPRINGS AFRICAN REPORTER | www.africanreporter.co.za Friday, 15 January, 2021
port REPORTER
Phone us at 011 812 4800 with your sports news
Workshop to explore
Covid-19 compliance
Legendary soccer star and founder of
Ayoba-yo Soccer Academy Innocent
Mayoyo said there is great need for
coaches to be educated about Co-
vid-19 compliance.
“It starts at the club stages. Before the
players can participate in any competi-
tion they need to understand what is
expected of them and how to carry them-
selves,” he said.
Mayoyo is hosting the Ayoba u-11
Development Tournament, which started
on December 19 at Kwa-Thema Square.
The tournament saw a few delays due
to weather and adjustment of Covid-19
regulations.
“We were compliant from the begin-
ning of the tournament, but after the
president addressed the nation and put
us back at level three, I decided to have
the compliance workshop,” he said.
Mayoyo is inviting coaches to the
Covid-19 compliance workshop at
Kwa-Thema Square on January 17 at
2.30pm.
On January 23, the remaining eight
teams will meet on the field and the
victorious team will be awarded.
For more information about the
tournament and the workshop, contact
Mayoyo on 084 729 1483. After a few weeks’ delay, the Ayoba u-11 Development Tournament will resume on January 23.
Here’s a chance to kick-start your fitness goals
Reinvest Yourself is inviting the community to join its bootcamp on Saturdays at the Extension Six Park. For more information, contact Ntsane Masiloane on 076 889 6002.
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