Issue 158 - FREE
15 DECEMBER 2017
Community News. Original - accurate - first
017 631 1903 / 017 631 1845 • admin@thebulletin.co.za • 1 Kiewiet Street, Secunda (Lake Umuzi)
Incompetent or just careless? More and more stories about the lack of care and service at Evander hospital is surfacing after a desperate mother struggled to get her son transferred to a hospital that can operate on him. 17-Year old High School Secunda student, Stephan Pelser, broke his back in *5 places when the family car skid and rolled on the outskirts of Secunda last Tuesday morning. He was admitted to Casualties where he laid for more than a day before being transferred to the surgical ward on Wednesday evening. But since the hospital doesn’t have a surgeon who can operate on him, he needed to be transferred to Witbank or Steve Biko. But the hospital refused to release him for different reasons. This according to Elsabe Pelser, Stephan’s mom. Dr. Bolembe apparently said he should get a brace before being transferred but staff ignored his orders and transported him to Ermelo provincial hospital to get a brace fitted. However, they returned with x-rays and no brace. X-rays which were already taken at Evander hospital. Worried that her child might have to lie in Evander hospital, possibly until 17 January next year, Elsabe contacted The Bulletin for assistance. Only after intervention from DA Councilor, Encee van Huyssteen and journalist Gwendie Venter, Stephan got transported by Netcare 911 to Steve Biko Academic hospital in Pretoria on Friday evening. How events unfolded during The Bulletin’s visit to Evander hospital: When we arrived at the hospital, we met Elsabe, a single mother, in front of the surgical ward and all that stood in the way of this single mother and her son was a rude security guard that decided who he unlocks the gate for. When asked if we could see Stephan, he said that we should wait until visiting hours. However, he let another man enter and when confronted, he said that the man was a patient in the ward. The same “patient” was seen walking out of hospital grounds a few hours later and confirmed to The Bulletin that he was not a patient but a visitor. According to Elsabe only some individuals are allowed entry into the ward during non-visiting hours and the staff and security decides who they like enough to make exceptions. We used the time to try and get the opinion of all parties involved. While the Councilor Encee van Huyssteen, was trying to get hold of the CEO, JS Aphane, Journalist Gwendie Venter went on to speak to Elsabe and other patients. The CEO was
not available for comment. When we were finally allowed to see Stephan, we found him in the same shirt he was wearing on the day of the accident, laying on a barely covered mattress and an almost full catheter that rests on a footstep. He told The Bulletin how he was left to his own mercy and had to lie in his own urine when his catheter bag overflowed. He also explained how he had to push the catheter tube back into his body when it got detached. He told us how he helplessly called the nurse to switch off the light one evening but that they ignored him and he could hear them laughing as they walked past his room and he received Panado’s for pain. “He sent me a message with crying faces, he said he is in so much pain. This after they told me to leave because they want to administer pain medication,” Elsabe said. During our visit on Thursday morning, tears ran down Elsabe’s cheeks as she begged staff for information and a chance to see the file but Masondo just looked at her with no interest in the case whatsoever. The doctor on duty, Dr. du Plessis, escorted us to a consulting room in the casualty ward and showed us the x-rays. The doctor who admitted Stephan, Dr. Bolembo was also present and phoned around, desperately trying to get Stephan transported but clearly didn’t receive co-operation. “He is a wonderful doctor and seems like the only one who really tried since day one,” Elsabe said. Encee phoned James Masangu, DA Provincial leader, who in turn contacted the MEC. The MEC contacted the hospital. The manager, Richard Ndlovu, called the relevant people into a consulting room. The Bulletin was not allowed to sit in on this meeting but afterwards Elsabe told The Bulletin that the manager was not happy about how the case unfolded. Apparently the manager said that Stephan should be transferred to Highveld Medi-Clinic on the states cost or he must be transferred to Pretoria before 17:00 on Thursday evening. The Bulletin left the hospital satisfied that something is happening but got a call late Thursday evening that informed us that he will be transferred to Witbank at 05:00 on Friday morning. We arrived at the hospital on Friday morning just to find out that Stephan is still in the same situation. - Continued to page 2
Inside...
Calvin has been found See page 3
Hawks awarded See page 6
NEWS
2 From page 1
Incompetent or just careless? We were refused entry into the ward once again and staff were very rude when we asked to take a peek into the room to make sure that Stephan is still there. The hospital called Elsabe into a meeting once again and agreed to transfer Stephan to Steve Biko. Elsabe, who is a single mother, reached out for help on facebook and Bryan Jones opened his heart and payed for the transfer costs. Stephan is currently still laying in the casualty ward of Steve Biko while they are waiting for a bed to open in the hospital. “This hospital is way better than Evander and Stephan is doing good,” Elsabe said. Our observation: We had the chance to speak to another doctor on a previous occasion and the doctors at the hospital we had interaction with came across as
competent. They work very hard and long hours and seem to be trying their best. - The nurses and matron we interacted with were openly arrogant, aggressive when confronted and didn’t seem to care that they are damaging the hospital’s name and reputation. - By the state of the patients it looks like they do the minimal nursing duties. Stephan’s sheet barely covers his mattress. Stephan’s uncle from North West province had to bathe him on Wednesday evening with no help from nurses.
- Personnel, other than the doctors we came across were sulking and rude. - We got confronted by the matron about media procedures and were told to only speak to the CEO, JS Aphane, who was not available for comment on every visit and by the time of going to print he still didn’t respond to messages. It seems like he is not willing to tell the hospital’s side of the story and it also seems like there are major communication issues. - The hospital doesn’t smell fresh and clean and equipment is seen standing around in the halls. - Gwendie Venter
Stephan on a barely covered mattress in Evander hospital
Cats left to rot in garbage bag The Nissan Juke Stephan was travelling in when he broke his back in 5 places
The unbearable stench of rotting animals in van Riebeeck Street in Secunda, comes from a black garbage bag containing the maggotridden carcasses of three cats. Between the white sea of maggots and wetness from the rain, it is difficult to make out details about appearance and gender, but it is believed to be a mother cat and her two kittens. Apparently the cats drowned in a fountain while chasing after birds. The home owner said that there was a kitten that got away, but she doesn’t know where to. She also does not know who the cats belonged to. A friend of the owner is currently looking after the residence and is the one who put the cats in the bag. The owner was not aware of how or where the cats were dumped. We weren’t able to contact the friend who looks after the residence. If it was your cats, contact The Bulletin with information. - Gwendie Venter
Maggots are having a feast on the carcasses of three cats that was dumped in garbage bag.
15 December 2017
Other cases: - A patient, who wants to stay anonymous, told The Bulletin in November that she fell from her stretcher while being transferred with a broken neck to another hospital after an Evander hospital employee forgot to lock the wheels of her bed and it collapsed. - A mother sustained burn wounds when she went for a sonar - A patient who had a suspected mental breakdown, got booked into the surgical ward for observation and is not being communicated with.** - Nadia Nadz Smit said that she almost lost her 2 month old daughter whose fever was 40 degrees. She stated that she waited for five hours to get someone to help her. All they gave her baby was Panado and Allergex and she had to drive to Steve Biko for assistance. - Evander Clinic refuses to refer a toddler that is currently living with a burst eardrum, to see a doctor at the hospital. According to the child’s guardian, the clinic doesn’t want to say why. - Bianca Burger stated that she had to go to Evander Clinic for three consecutive days to see a doctor, but her appointment was postponed every time. When she finally saw a doctor, she was refused assistance and the doctor told her that she will only help who she wants. Bianca located from Pretoria a year ago and said the doctor also told her that she should go the F*&^ back to where she came from.
Important Note: The Bulletin was told by Matron Masondu of Evander hospital that we are not allowed to speak to anyone and must ask our questions to the CEO. During our visit, we were told that the CEO was in a meeting. By the time of going to print, nobody had responded to messages and the hospital was still not willing to tell their side of the story.
Footnotes: *It was originally thought that Stephan’s back was broken in two places but after arriving at Steve Biko, Elsabe reported that his back was broken in 5 places. **The patient got booked into Evander hospital after social workers intervened when he had a suspected emotional breakdown. Last Monday, a manager of a complex in ext. 22, phoned Secunda SAPS for the second time in two weeks out of fear. The patient threw his flatscreen TV on the pavement, spray painted his flat and washing machine, trashed his place, broke memorabilia, ripped up photo’s and caused lots of other damages. With the Bulletin’s visit to the scene, the patient said that voices told him to do it and that people are trying to kill him. He also said people are talking to him through HD (High definition) and spying on him through Wi-Fi. After talking to him, we found out that he and his wife had recently split up and he got retrenched last year. The complex managers first thought he was high on drugs. The reason why he was booked into the surgical ward last Monday is unclear. Read the full story in Afrikaans on page 6.
NEWS
15 December 2017
Calvin has been found Calvin, the pet of Paul English, that was missing since Saturday December 2 has been found. The plight of Calvin that survived a horrific car accident on the N17 on last Saturday, touched the hearts of thousands of people. Facebook buzzed at everybody wanted to know about Calvin. And rightly so, Calvin could have been badly hurt and might have suffered severely. Friday, December 8 saw a small group of volunteers launch a search party to go and look for Calvin. Riaan Kamffer made a small aircraft available that was piloted by Roland van Staden. Eastvaal Motors Secunda, made a vehicle available to help with the search. The search party came back empty handed but did manage to spot Calvin and also managed to confirm with a farmer that Calvin was seen in the area. Sunday saw a smaller party continue with the search, this time including the dog’s owner, Paul English. After a lengthy search, they decided to give it one more chance. “I left Paul at the top of a field while I went around” says Garth Calitz. “only to be phoned a short time later, and be told that Calvin has been found” “Calvin was overwhelmed with joy” says Paul “and so was I” as tears wells up in his eyes. It has been a tremendous trying time for everyone involved. Chantel Swanepoel broke both her ankles and received braces to try and help repair the broken bones.
Wouter, her son, was badly injured in the accidents as he sustained serious head injuries and had to be airlifted to hospital. He since had surgery but is still in an induced coma. Dirk Swanepoel (Wouter’s father) said that Wouter opened his eyes when they reduced the sedation. “Unfortunately Wouter’s brain is still too swollen and the Doctors decided to keep him sedated.” Says Dirk. Apart from minor cuts and bruises, the only other injury to Wouter is a broken collar bone. Both are showing improvement but it is still a long road ahead before full recovery can be expected. “Never give up. There are so many people and animals out there that need our help. We are all God’s creations
and remember Jesus said ‘ I bring you another commandment, love.’ The 10 commandments are all condensed into this love. We will never find the stone commandments as they are no longer on earth,” says Garth, “We all need to start helping the needy. If you cannot then you need to do it with finances. There are two rehab instances in Secunda. Kruik has Siloam recovery Clinic and Lighthouse has one too. We need donations to send people away to get help. Help us to help them. God bless.” The Bulletin would like to thank everyone involved for their prayers, messages, help and support. It only shows that in our modern world we can still have real life heroes.
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Readers’ view on this
Jana Engelbrecht - Dis hartseer wat gebeur het- met so mooi verhaal met almal wat gehelp het... en ons almal aan die ander kant van die foon wat saam bly is. Ons het verby die ongeluk toneel gery - en was my gebed dat Die Here asb moet intree. Sharon Lloyd - Ahhhhhh answer to prayer .I am SO SO happy for this family. CALVIN we are so happy you have been found. Thank you Oom and the other people who helped and never gave up. Chantel Swanepoel - Thank you with all my heart, Guys! Hero’s is what you are xxxxx Garth Calitz - We found him just in time. It is pouring with rain there Mariaan Chamberlain - Fantastiese nuus... dankie vir die ‘span’ wat nie opgegee het en dr Bosch wat sy magic touch uitgevoer het Trudi De Klerk - Dit is uitstekende nuus. Mense soos jul en Dr Bosch is die mense wat ‘n verskil maak en my weer vertroue gee in” humons”. Aan hou soek sonder opgee. Wow jul is heros Venessa Erasmus - So so glad for happy ending, thank you for not quitting Magda Joubert Nel - Dankie, dankie, dankie, duisend maal dankie. So bly julle het vir Calvin gekry. Dankie dr Bosh vir jou hulp. Prys die Here vir sy guns! Helen Dos Santos - Another happy ending thank u .. Sharon Filmalter - You guys are so awesome. True Heros. Job well done to all involved. Arnolds Jem Jose - Im crying big tears of Joy. Sue Caldecott - So happy that he has been found safe and back home. A happy Christmas Esther Hartley - Dankie ... Dankbaar vir die goeie nuus oor Calvin hoop ook so vir mamma en seuntjie!! View more comments on our Facebook page
WHAT’S UP/News
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So is die lewe
• 017 631 1903 • 017 631 1845 Wie is ons / Who are we: Redaksie / Editorial 017 631 1903
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Ds Marius Britz Dis diep Desembermaand. Mnr Swart loop in die hoofstraat van sy dorp. Hy weet nie waarheen hy loop nie, hy loop sommer maar net. Loer hier by ‘n winkelvenster in, tel daar ‘n item van ‘n rak af op, bekyk dit, en sit dit weer terug. Sy gedagtes is besig, maar hy weet nie eintlik waaraan hy dink nie. Een versie uit Van Wyk Louw se digbundel herhaal in sy kop, soos ‘n mantra: en op die helder dag weet ek dat die Gryse by my bly/ ek hoor sy draffie en ek voel sy wit oë agter my. Mnr Swart besef hy het moeilikheid: hy sal met iemand moet praat oor die Groot Gryse wat op sy spoor loop, soos ‘n Strandjutwolf. Maar met wie? Hy gaan sit op ‘n bankie en haal sy selfoon uit. Emergency calls only.
WHAT’S Distribution: We pride ourselves in delivering a Bulletin to businesses in Secunda, Trichardt, Evander and Bethal and Kriel. We also distribute additional copies to several points of business in Kinross and eMbalenhle. Should you have a delivery enquiry or complaint, send us an email containing your name, contact details and home address to admin@thebulletin. co.za. COPYRIGHT All rights of reproduction of all reports, photographs, drawings and other materials are hereby expressively reserved in terms of section 12 (7) of the Copyright Act No 96 of 1978 and any amendments thereof. Banking details: The Bulletin Absa RBB Commercial Secunda Branch code: 637256 Account number: 408 499 2285 Checque /Current account
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
John 3:17
15 December 2017
UP
En hy onthou dat hy uit lugtyd geraak het. Net soos wat hy huidig uit hoop en moed geraak het. Die goeters van sy lewe wat opgeraak het. Hoop, moed, lugtyd. En meteens sien hy ‘n baie eienaardige ding, iets wat vroeër jare baie bekend was: ‘n outydse rooi telefoonhokkie, met glaskante en ‘n glasdeur. Mnr Swart skud sy sak, en voel ‘n paar los oulap daar. Nou sal hy kan bel, sal hy vir iemand kan vertel van die Groot Gryse wat sy keel toedruk, wat sy glimlag smoor, wat sy siel vermoor. Hy sal kan vra dat iemand hom kom help. Hy gaan in die telefoonhokkie in, en maak die deur agter hom toe. Hy skakel die eerste nommer waaraan hy kan dink: sy vrou s’n. Maar die telefoon sê dadelik: The subscriber you have dialed, is not available. Please try again later. Hy probeer die volgende nommer wat in sy gedagtes opkom: sy dogter. Maar die koue, genadelose handstuk van die telefoon herhaal weer sy rympie: The subscriber you have dialed, is not available. Please try again later. Mnr Swart wonder of hy hom verbeel, en of daar dalk so tikkie spot in die blikstemtoon was. Hy probeer nog een nommer: sy dominee s’n. Mnr Swart is ‘n getroue kerkganger en ouderling, hy praat dikwels met die dominee oor kerksake, en ken sy nommer uiit sy kop. Die blikstem reageer, asof leedvermakerig: Hierdie is die antwoordmasjien van ds Human. Ek is tans met verlof, en sal eers weer in Januarie beskikbaar wees. Geniet jou
14 Desember - 16 Desember. – Geloftefees, Grootfontein. Terrein geleë net buite Charl Cilliers. Kontak Carel Hancke by 083 384 6771 of besoek hul Facebook blad vir meer inligting 16 Desember. - Gesamentlike Geloftediens. NG Gemeente Secunda-Oos om 09:00 vm. Hoek van Lateganstraat en Stanfordstraat. Kontak Werner Ernst by 082 663 9408. Webwerf: www.secundagelofte.wordpress. com
dag en geseënde kersfees. Die koue sweet slaan regoor mnr Swart se lyf uit. Hierdie telefoonhokkie raak skielik vir hom te klein, te benoud. Op daardie oomblik sien hy sy vrou op die sypaadjie aangestap kom, reg by die telefoonhokkie verby. Golwe van verligting en blydskap spoel deur hom. Hy druk aan die deur om uit te gaan, maar die hokkie se deur sit vas, verseg om oop te gaan, asof dit gesweis is aan die raam. Mnr Swart slaan teen die ruite, eers met die plathand, en toe met sy vuiste. Hy skreeu so hard as wat hy kan. Maar sy vrou loop ‘n meter vêr by hom verby, en is glad nie bewus van sy paniek nie. Spoedig sien hy net haar rugkant soos wat sy tussen die skare op die sypaadjie in verdwyn. Nou raak mnr Swart heeltemal beserk. Hy slaan, skreeu, skop. Hy gooi sy lyf heen en weer teen die kante van die telefoonhokkie. Maar niemand hoor hom nie, niemand sien hom nie. Al hy herken baie gesigte van die mense wat teen die hokkie verbyloop. Sy kinders, sy kollegas, sy bure, mede-kerkraadslede. En hulle is almal salig onbewus van mnr Swart se geweldige beure en geroep. Sy enigste geselskap in die geslote telefoonhokkie is die Groot Gryse. Later is hy moeg. Sielsmoeg. En hy hou op skreeu. Hy gaan sit op die vloer van die telefoonhokkie, met sy hande wat sy gesig bedek. Tussen sy vingers deur loer hy hoe strome mense by die telefoonhokkie verbyloop. En niemand lyk of hulle eers bewus is dat daar ‘n telefoonhokkie tussen hulle, op die besige sypaadjie
van die hoofstraat, is nie. Vaag, asof dit nie gebeur nie, begin die telefoonhokkie ratel en beef. Mnr Swart word bewus daarvan dat die hokkie besig is om in die grond weg te sak. Hy sien hoe die mense op die sypaadjie hoër en hoër by sy gesigsveld verbyloop. En skielik is dit donker, hy is slegs bewus van die beweging van die telefoonhokkie na een of ander onbekende bestemming doer diep onder. Amper soos ‘n hysbak wat na die kelderverdieping toe gaan. Ná wat soos ‘n ewigheid gevoel het, kom die telefoonhokkie tot stilstand. En mnr Swart sien dat hy in ‘n diep, onderaardse grot is. In die lig van die enkele flou gloeilamp, sien hy dat daar honderde, indien nie duisende, rooi telefoonhokkies rondom hom is. Die mense wat in die hokkies naby hom is, se gesigte is ook vertrek van vrees, en diep pyn, net soos mnr Swart se gesig. Maar verder weg sien hy dat hulle gelaatstrekke nie meer sigbaar is nie, dat dit net grynsende skelette is wat gevoelloos met leë oogkaste die verte instaar. Op ‘n manier is almal se agterkante na mekaar toe gedraai, almal geisoleerd in hulle ontsaglike verlatenheid. Dis net die Groot Gryse wat in elke telefoonhokkie meewarig sit en grynslag. En interessant, merk mnr Swart vir oulaas op, soveel van die telefoonhokkiegevangenes dra kersvaderhoedjies op hulle koppe. Party sit selfs met verweerde kersaankope in hulle geraamtehande. Vir hulle is dit nie ‘n geseënde kersfees nie.
Kinderhuis geseën met passievolle huismoeder Die lewe het vreemde draaie geloop met Thea van Rooyen, die nuwe huismoeder van Janelle kinderhuis in Evander. Haar passie vir die kinders in haar sorg is duidelik sigbaar in haar houding teenoor die kinders vir wie sy sedert begin November ma speel. Thea is in Pongola gebore en kan Zulu ten volle verstaan en ook kommunikeer in dié taal. Sy het aan Hoërskool Grootfontein
in Namibië gematrikuleer, maar toe dinge in dié land warm raak, het sy die trein na Kleinmoes gevat en dis by dié stasie waar haar lewe verander het. Sy het haar tasse deur die treinvenster aan die stasiebevelvoerder, Rian van Wyk gegee. Die twee is later getroud en drie kinders is uit die huwelik gebore. Sy het haar verpleegberoep by Kleinmoes hospitaal begin, maar het later vir 17 jaar as kraandrywer vir Yskor gewerk. Thea is afbetaal en het in 20012 haar eie babahuis met 21 HIV+ babas begin. Thea, wat intussen geskei is, is nes haar ma, gediagnoseer met borskanker en het in 2004 ‘n dubbel mastektomie ondergaan, maar ‘n week later was sy weer op haar pos. Vir 6 maande daarna het sy bestraling en chemoterapie ontvang. Die verkeerde chemo is aan haar gegee en sy het 100% gehoor en 30% sig aan haar linkerkant verloor. “Met die Here se genade, is ek vandag ten volle genees,” het Thea gesê. Sy het haar babahuis oorgegee aan AFM
kinderhuis en het sedertien as huismoeder van verskeie ander kinderhuise gedien. Sy was ook betrokke by die Salvation Army in Pretoria waar sy met kinderhandel en mishandelde vroue gewerk het. Thea het ‘n kinderhuis in Vrede, wat haar dogter tans behartig en het na Evander gekom om haar liefde hier te kom uitdeel en die liefde in dié huis is omtrent aansteeklik. - Gwendie Venter
Thea van Rooyen het reeds geskenke vir die kinders onder hul kersboom gesit.
15 December 2017
SPORT
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NEWS
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Secunda Hawks Best Team and Project 2017 The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DCPI) held their Appreciation Awards in White River on Friday night. The black-tie event that was held at the Bundu Inn, White River, was a first for the Mpumalanga Hawks. The Bulletin was also the only Media representative that attended the prestigious event. The Mpumalanga Police band entertained guests with excellent music and Praise and Worship artist Paul Gama provided some vocal entertainment. Provincial Head, Major General Zodwa Mokoena welcomed all the guests and explained the purpose of the awards. “DCPI have taken a decision towards those individuals that performed above their duty” said Zodwa. “Through the efforts of all our members DCPI were able to achieve magnificent results in Mpumalanga.” Zodwa continued to list all the achievements throughout the province. The DCPI performed very well! Here is some highlights, The life imprisonment of Lenox Royane for killing police officers, The arrest of Emalahleni former speaker and others for fraud and corruption, the arrest of Traffic officials that is still at the courts, the successful termination of project 24 and convictions focusing on drugs in the Secunda area, the arrest and conviction of a Mozambican woman that conspired to kill her husband, the arrest of a former magistrate for fraud and corruption, the arrest of 22 suspects that included a few police
officers for a cash centre robbery and is currently in court, the arrest of 9 cash in transit (CIT) suspects regarding a case in Kinross that also include police officials and is currently in the High Courts as well as a further 12 CIT suspects that is also heading for High Court. “South Africa is a beautiful country that we need to preserve” says Provincial Head, Major General Mokoena and quoted Dr Myles Munroe, “everything we tolerate will never change”. The MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Mr Pat Ngomane delivered a keynote address that was lost to a number of guests as he chose to deliver the address in his mother tongue. The Bulletin was not able to obtain a translation of his address in time for publication. The local Hawks unit won a number of prizes, The Bulletin lead with their story about their National award in our issue dated 1 December. This time the local unit won Best Unit of the year, Best Component of the year and Best Unit Commander of the year. Best Unit commander is Warrant Officer George Makgamatha. The primary investigating officer for Project 24 was Warrant Officer Ras. The drug trade declined in Secunda as a direct result of the successes of this project. The Mpumalanga DCPI spokesperson Captain Dineo Lucy Sekgotodi won “Star of the year”. The Bulletin would like to congratulate the DCPI on their outstanding achievements during 2017.
15 December 2017
Warning issued after hijacking A man, who pulled of the N17 just outside of Trichardt, was hijacked by two men last Monday afternoon. The victim pulled of the road at around 14:00 to urinate when two men in a silver BMW 1-series stopped and kidnapped him. He was later dropped on a farm road and the hijackers took his VW Citi Golf. Police are warning drivers to avoid
stopping in unsafe places and to rather stop at the filling station or in a busy area. A case of hijacking has been opened at Trichardt Police Station, who are investigating the case and anyone with information can please contact Detective Sergeant Harry Fakude on 017 638 0241. Please be on the lookout for a maroon VW Citi Golf, reg.no. DKJ 031 MP
Taxi driver faces charges A case of culpable homicide against a taxi driver who lost control of his taxi on 5 December was opened at Trichardt police station. This follows after a 43-year old man died and 10 others sustained serious
injuries when the Toyota Quantum lost control and overturned at a curve on the Syferfontein road. It is not clear in which direction the vehicle was travelling. Police are urging drivers to be vigilant while driving during the rainy season.
Man wat “kop verloor” in chirurgiese saal opgeneem Inwoners van ‘n woonstelkompleks in Secunda, dreig om te verhuis omdat hulle nie meer veilig voel met hul buurman in die omtrek nie. Die Secunda polisie is verlede Maandagmiddag wéér ontbied na klagtes oor ‘n inwoner van dié kompleks. Ander inwoners voel dat die betrokke persoon ‘n lewensgevaar is na ‘n reeks voorvalle waarin hy ‘n werker van die kompleks geskop het en ‘n ander een in die kompleks rondgejaag het. Hy is ook bekend daarvoor dat hy saans in die kompleks rondloop en teen ander woonstelle se vensters klap. Met die nuutste voorval het die betrokkene, wie se naam aan die Bulletin bekend is, sy platskerm TV op die plaveisel stukkend gegooi. Hy het ook sy wasmasjien en woonstel met swart spuitverf gespuit, sy yskas se deur afgeruk, spieëls en ornamente stukkend geslaan en selfs sy vrou wat hom onlangs verlaat het se gesig uit ‘n foto geskeur. Daar is ook nie krag in sy woonstel nie want hy het die kragboks uitgeruk. Die betrokkene het selfs so ver gegaan om ‘n mop se steel te breek en die mopkop in die grond gesteek. Daar
was ook gereedskap soos skroewedraaiers in die grond gesteek en ‘n hamer, wat vermoedelik in die verwoesting gebruik is, is op die toneel gevind. Die betrokkene en sy vrou en kind het vroeër vanjaar in dié kompleks ingetrek. Hy het toe reeds sy werk by SASOL verloor. Daar is aanvanklik vermoed dat hy op dwelms is nadat hy goed kwytgeraak het soos: “Ek hoor geluide oor die HD (hoë definisie)-netwerk”, “ mense loer my af deur die Wi-Fi” en selfs “ander inwoners maak my kwaad, hulle kyk saam met my tv en verander heeltyd die kanale met hulle afstandbeheerders”. Hy het ook aan die Bulletin gesê dat hy die TV stukkend gegooi het omdat die sekuriteitswag hom beveel het om dit te doen. “Hy het my met die dood gedreig. Ek het geruik hy wil my doodmaak, hy het die reuk van eMba af gebring,” het die betrokkene gesê. Die Secunda polisie is ‘n week vantevore ook uitgeroep om hulp te ontbied en hom te verwyder, maar het blykbaar gesê dat hul niks kan doen
totdat hy nie sy huur betaal nie. “Ons moet twee maande wag vir ‘n hofbevel om hom uitgesit te kry en ons kan nie langer wag nie, hy is besig om die ander inwoners te ontstel,” het Stephan Jonker, Finansiële bestuurder van die kompleks gesê. Hulle is ook bevrees dat hy nie aan die einde van die maand sy huur kan betaal nie. Die bestuur van die kompleks is bang dat hy eendag so kop kan verloor en in die voetspore van *Attie Muller kan volg. Die betrokkene is in Evander hospitaal se Chirurgiese saal opgeneem. Dit is onduidelik waarom hy in dié saal opgeneem is. Die betrokkene het Donderdag gesê dat die hospitaalpersoneel nie met hom kommunikeer nie. “Ek weet nie wat soek ek in dié saal nie, hulle wil seker my brein opereer,” het hy gesê. Nota: *Die Bulletin het in 2015 en 2016 berig van Attie wat in April 2015 in Secunda strate ingevaar en met ‘n hamer op vreemde mense losgetrek het. Lourens de Lange (23) en Themba Tshabalala (40) is dood en 3 ander beseer. - Gwendie Venter
Die betrokkene het sy TV stukkend gegooi nadat die sekuriteitswag hom glo aangesê het om dit te doen.
Die betrokkene het sy woonstel verwoes.
15 December 2017
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15 December 2017
Vodacom data, airtime & reception woes Numerous complaints have been received about cell phone airtime and data vanishing. There are also lots of complaints about Vodacom reception in Secunda area. The Bulletin contacted Vodacom with your complaints. Bongo Futuse, Vodaworld Media Spokesperson, explained to us why data gets depleted so fast. Here are his answers to our questions. Why does Secunda area have problems with Vodacom reception? We are aware of the connectivity problems in Secunda and are working on resolving them. As part of our ongoing upgrades on our 3G network in the area, the
network experienced a technical fault and this triggered connectivity issues on the network. Our engineers are working around the clock to resolve the problem and we won’t rest until it has been successfully resolved. We would like to apologise to affected customers for inconvenience caused. Why are so many people complaining about airtime and data vanishing? The reality is that data isn’t disappearing; we are just using more data, faster. Smart phones are getting more data-hungry and consumers are spending more time on social media. How much data is your phone using? • A 2G device uses less data than a 3G or 4G device. When switching from a 3G device to a 4G device, your data usage can, on average, increases approximately three times. • Watching a 10 minute YouTube video can use up to 150MB of data. An older 3G phone on the 3G network selects an SD YouTube video while a 4G Smartphone on the 4G network views the video in HD. • If you upload a 1 minute video, it can cost you 120MB of data, while photos
are approximately 5MB. • Social Media apps (Facebook etc) all have default settings that are set to use data when your phone is set on mobile data. • Auto play of video in the above mentioned apps are a big contributor to data usage. • Cloud Backup services such as iCloud, Samsung Cloud, Google Drive, MS OneDrive or Dropbox automatically backs up every photo or video you take without you realising it. • Smart phones have the ability to automatically switch between Wi-Fi and Data mode. When you have poor Wi-Fi signal, your mobile can automatically switch to Data Mode to insure your signal stays stable. Can you automatically be subscribed to WASP (Wireless Application Service Providers) services? (This is the subscriptions that can cost you e.g. R10/day etc.) Vodacom has a double opt-in solution which gives customers the option to subscribe to or unsubscribe from any service. No subscription activation can take place without the customer
clicking on the subscribe button or replying to an opt-in SMS. We continue to perform daily service monitoring and testing to ensure the double opt-in functionality works as expected. In fact we can confirm that further security features have been added to enhance the double-opt in solution. TIP: If you want to track and manage your data usage, Vodacom provides a range of tools to do so, from automatic SMS notifications on data usage to data balance queries you can perform via SMS, USSD or the My Vodacom app. The latest versions of Android and IOS will also help you monitor and manage your data usage or you can install one of many available data monitoring apps on your phone. To see if you are subscribed to any WASP services, do the following: Vodacom - SMS “stop all” to 31050 MTN – Dial *141*5# Cell C – Dial *133*1# Telkom Mobile – Dial 081 180
Fotografie klub sluit af op hoë noot Vacancies
Die Sasol Hoeveld Fotografie klub se jaareind funksie is onlangs by Sasol Klub gehou. Die aand is deur lede en hulle gades bygewoon. Tydens die jaareindfunksie is verskeie toekenings
gemaak. Die volgende lede is bekroon: Sussa Pelser as beste junior fotograaf, Danie Smith – wenner monochrome Afdeling, Gerrit Myburg – Wenner Piktorale Afdeling, Leon Pelser – Senior
Wenner van die jaar Die photografie klub begin reeds in Januarie met sy klub aktiwiteite. Hou die Bulletin se Facebook blad dop vir datums
vakatures
Our Place bied “Country show” aan PROPERTIES eiendomme TO ADVERTISE CALL 017 631 1903 • 017 631 1845
Our Place het Saterdag aand ‘n “Country show” aangebied net buitekant Trichardt. Daar was verskeie kunstenaars wat opgetree het met Kurt Darren as die hoof kunstenaar. Ongeveer 200 kaartjies aws verkoop vir die geleentheid. Die weer het aanvanklik saamgespeel endie weer was heerlik gedurende die dag, dit het egter gedurende die aand gereen.
“Ons het meer mense verwag, maar het dit nietemin geniet,” het Sara Turpen, bestuurder van Our Place, gesê. ‘n Meganiese bul het vir hope pret gesorg terwyl die ruiters hulle bes probeer het om bo op te bly. Daar was ook n kontant kroeg beskikbaar vir die droe kele. Daar was springkastele vir die kinders om op te speel. Die “Country Show” was nogtans ‘n reuse sukses, ten spyte van die reen.
Sally Vaughn was een van die kunstenaars wat Saterdag tydens Our Place se Countryshow opgetree het. Ongeveer 200 kaartjies is vir dié geleentheid verkoop en hoewel die weer heerlik was gedurende die dag, het dit in die aand gereën. “Ons het meer mense verwag, maar het dit nietemin geniet,” het Sara Turpen, bestuurder van Our Place, gesê.
SPORT
15 December 2017
NEWS
Trails and Tails en Kersmark by Eendedam lok vele Die Eendedammetjie het gewoel van mense uit alle oorde tydens die Secunda Steamers Eendedam Kersmark wat Saterdag gehou is. Daar was bykans 60 stalletjies wat alles van kos en juwele tot bykomstighede vir jou troeteldiere aangebied het. Oosie Oosthuizen, bekende slangvanger van Secunda en Nadia van Wildpets het ‘n skare ingelig oor die belangrikheid van slange en hoekom hulle nie doodgemaak moet word nie. Die kinders was nuuskierig en mens kon skaars die slange van naderby bekyk. Dit was tot een losgekom en jy net kinders sien spaander het. MCR se kerskar het ook besoek afgelê en kinders bederf met lekkergoed. Peraldi se perde en ponies het
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SERVICES
dorpskinders die geleentheid gebied om op die besonderse diere te ry. Little Paws Big Hearts het die Rails en Tails behartig waar mense met hul honde om die dam kon stap. Elke stalletjie het ‘n kosbydrae aan dié niewinsgewende organisasie gemaak. Die geld is om hul veeartsrekening te dek. Die Bulletin het borde geskenk om die roete uit te merk. Secunda Steamers het pretritte met hul stoomtrein aangebied. Daar was ook nagritte. Die mark was die gulde geleentheid vir hulle om geld in te samel vir die onderhouding van dié trein wat vir vele glimlagte gesorg het. Die mark is laasjaar vir die eerste keer gehou en inwoners het drie keer ‘n jaar die geleentheid om dit by te woon.
To Advertise Call 017 631 1903 • 017 631 1845
Hannelie: 082 789 2529 The Little Paws Big Hearts team
Gemeenskap gee terug deur kosprojek Die gemeenskap het uit hul pad gegaan om die Bulletin en Boxes to Go se Food Bank Project te ondersteun. ‘n Een ton vragmotor moes twee keer ry om al die bokse kos wat ingesamel is by Laerskool Trichardt se koshuis af te lewer. Die kos wat die skool ingesamel het was reeds in die spens met ons aankoms. Die projek is geloods om
‘n insameling te hou vir die koshuis wat minder bevoorregte kinders gratis huisves en ook van skoolonderrig voorsien. Van dié kinders se ouers is nie finansieël in staat om vir hulle te sorg nie en ander is deur die welsyn in die sorg van die skool geplaas. Baie dankie aan elkeen wat so baie moeite gedoen het om hulle te ondersteun.
VLNR: Henk Louw (laerskool Trichardt) Elmarie van Huyssteen, Hannelie de Jager, Kerry Bird en voor Gwendie Venter en Encee van Huyssteen
To advertise call: 017 631 1903 017 631 1845 or Hannelie 082 789 2529
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15 December 2017
Sasol Hydra Arc sluit jaar af Sasol Hydra Arc Rugby Klub het hulle jaar afgesluit met n funksie by Sasol klub met ‘n terugblik op groot prestasies vir 2017. Die lys van prestasies is nogal lank met die klub wat deurgedring het tot by die kwarteind stryd van die Klub Kampioenskappe. Hier is n kort oorsig, Kampioene van 6 Mpumalanga bekers naamlik: Mpumalanga Hoeveld 7’s wenners, Mpumalanga 7’s wenners, Mpumalanga Hoeveld Reserwe Liga wenners (Sasol 3), Mpumalanga Reserwe Liga wenners (Sasol 3), Mpumalanga Premier Reserwe Liga wenners (Sasol 2), Mpumalanga Premier Liga Wenners (Sasol 1), en eindig hulle Boonop in die SARU GOLD CUP “7th Overall” Tydens die jaareindfunksie vir
die spelers is die Algemene Jaar Vergadering gehou waarin die nuwe bestuurspan vir 2018 verkies is; NUWE BESTUUR VIR SASOL HYDRAARC RUGBY KLUB 2018 President - Attie Kruger, Voorsitter - Willie Green, Onder Voorsitter - Sebastian Breytenbach, Tesourier - Mariette Kruger, Sekretaris - Lucia Greeff, Klub Kaptein - Theuns Kruger, Hoof Afrigter - Jannie vd Merwe, Addisionele Lede - Gershwin Gamba en Nico Joubert. Sebastian Breytenbach verhuis en het dan bedank as ondervoorsitter. Indien daar enige belangstellendes is kan hulle gerus Sasol klub kontak. Speler van die jaar het aan Willa Martin gegaan. Die volledige lys van toekennings sal op ons webwerf beskikbaar wees.
Willa Martin, Players Player 2017 Oorhandig deur Nico Joubert (regs)
Jannie vd Merwe - Meeste Punte vir 2017 (223) oohandig deur Sebastian
Yané van der Merwe, een van Hoërskool Secunda se Gr11 leerders neem tans deel aan die IWAS Wêreldspele 2017 in Portugal. Yané het ongelooflik presteer: 1ste plek Spiesgooi o/18; 3de plek Gewigstoot o/18 en 4de plek Diskus Vroue.
Lara du Toit (Regs) is gekies as nasionale leier en Nico Nel (Links) as onderleier by die Nasionale kamp te Margate. Hulle was altwee in Kruinpark in gr 7
Piksteel loses Fight Paul “Piksteel” Ronge lost his fight to his opponent with a split decition on December 2. He fought at the Baradale Hall in Germiston. Paul is very unlucky to loose this fight as the split decision could have gone either way. There is still a lot of work to be done before the next fight. A number of fighters partook in Grapple Submission wrestling. Only Paul fought in the cage. There is normally one cage for fighting and two mats for wrestling. A fight night normally attracts between 500 and 600 spectators during the night. A lot of medals were won during the night by all fighters from Ultimate Fight Club
Paul “Piksteel” Ronge practice for his next fight wil Cedric “the Dominator” Doyle
TP Stratten appointed their leaders for 2018. From left to right is Choene Ramara (academics), Dintle Tshambo (Headgirl), Reabetwe Motsoeweng (sport), Tumelo Molepo (academics), Thandwa Madonsela (head boy) and Liphiwe Tsheke (sport)
15 December 2017
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Graceland hosts Senior Pro-am Graceland Casino and Country club hosted a Senior Golf Pro-am tournament played on Friday 8 and Saturday 9 December. The tournament was played in the format of a better ball alliance with the two best scores of the four players to count. Each team consisted of one senior professional golfer and three amateurs. A senior professional golfer would be a professional golfer over the age of fifty. The same amateur players will play as a team on both days but with different professionals. On Thursday evening a welcoming function was held in the Augusta lounge where professionals could meet their amateur team mates. Tee off times, playing format and rules for the tournament were discussed. Friday morning greeted the golfers with a hazy atmosphere with the sun never really appearing. The course was very wet in some places but still playable although playing very long because of the soft conditions. The dreaded wind, which Graceland is known for, luckily stayed away on Friday. The first day belonged to professional golfer Norman Mashaba and his amateur partners Hugh Crofford, Dave Uren and Terrence Cole.
Saturday was a bit warmer with much more sun. The course was still wet with patches of water still present on some of the holes. Later during the day a fresh breeze started which influenced play, for most golfers, on the last few holes to play. Saturday saw the same amateur team taking the laurels but this time with another professional namely Paul van Biljon, the local professional playing from Graceland. The amateur team consisting of Hugh Crofford, Dave Uren and Terrence Cole were also the overall winners of the tournament. The overall winning professional was Steve van Vuuren who played his last tournament in South Africa before leaving for Ireland. Prize giving took place in the Augusta and the winners of each day and overall winners all received gaming vouchers sponsored by Graceland Casino. Novelty prizes were also awarded to the players who could manage to hit the ball closest to the pin on the four short par three holes. Senior professional Derrick Landman and his wife celebrated their 59th anniversary at this function. Proceedings came to an end with a dinner enjoyed by all. - Jan Ferreira
Willem van Rooyen (left) and Steve van Vuuren (right)
FLTR: Willem van Rooyen, Hugh Crofford, Paul van Biljon, Dave Uren en Terrence Cole
Day two winning team on the green
Professional Golfer Laurison Mahlangu
Die Leeus kom wéér Die Leeus se Super span kom weer begin Feb (4 tot 7 Feb 2018) na Lake Umuzi en gaan ‘n oefen wedstryd op Sasol se velde speel. Die teenstanders is nog nie finaal bevestig nie. Daar is weer n lekker geleentheid Maandag aand die 5de Februarie by Boesies waar daar saam met die spelers gekuier kan word. ‘n Tafel vir 8, spelers uitgesluit, kos R2800 wat n spitbraai ete en vermaak insluit. Daar sal
spelers aan elke tafel sit sodat mense hulle beter kan leer ken. Verlede jaar het dis tafels binne 2 dae uitverkoop. Meestal deur Bloubul ondersteuners wat die Leeus van nader wou leer ken. Leeus ondersteuners sal moet gou spring om die Blou Bul ondersteuners te klop vir kaartjies. Kaartjies by Lake Umuzi Box office te koop. Kontak asb vir Elmarie by 0824613821