ISSUE 213 - FREE
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MARCH 2019
COMMUNITY NEWS. ORIGINAL - ACCURATE - FIRST
017 631 1903 / 017 631 1845 • admin@thebulletin.co.za • 1 Kiewiet Street, Secunda (Lake Umuzi)
A senseless murder
A 63-year-old woman was found murdered in her flat at 18 Hodgson Street Secunda on Saturday, 23 February. The call for help came through on the Zello channel: Secunda 911 Assist 24/7. The operator dispatched the Trauma Chaplain Brad Blake and Langamed to the scene. Chaplain Brad arrived at the residence first and accompanied the family friend to the flat at the back of the house. The friend merely showed the Chaplain the entrance to the flat and was too shocked to enter. The Chaplain also asked the friend to remain at the door outside of the flat and not to enter at all. After a short search he found the body of, later identified as, Corrienne Tesner on the floor and the body was covered by a duvet. Chaplain Brad noticed that the scene was covered in the victim’s blood and a large puddle of blood was seeping from underneath the duvet. The Chaplain, a trained first aider, could not find any sign of life by checking airway, breathing and circulation (pulse). Langamed arrived and declared her deceased at the scene of the alleged crime after additional examining for proof of life. The Chaplain, family of the deceased and a member of one of the supporting services contacted the police to come and secure the scene. It is alleged that the SAPS members arrived approximately 45 minutes after the calls were made from different cell phones and did not have any cordon tape. The cordon tape was bought and brought to the scene by one of the Secunda 911 Assist 24/7 operators. The body was found with numerous stab wounds. It was observed at the scene that it seemed as if Corrienne’s throat had been slashed, but it is not clear whether this was the cause of death. The rest of the body was properly covered with the duvet in a manner that suggests respect for the deceased. A complete autopsy still has to be conducted to determine the exact cause of death as well as whether she was sexually assaulted or not. It is unknown at what time during Saturday, February 23, the actual murder took place and with going to print; no arrests have been made nor have any suspects been identified as yet. Controversy surrounds the incident
as police officers screamed at the Bulletin personnel and threatened them with removal from the scene. It was also said that Encee van Huyssteen, editor, was chased off the scene, which was not the case and was threatened that he will never be able to come onto a crime scene again. The Bulletin placed a photograph on Facebook depicting the alleged scene. No identifiable items that could possibly link the photograph to the scene or could jeopardise the investigation were published. The Bulletin is flabbergasted by the attitude of some police officers on the scene that tried to misuse their authority and threatened the Bulletin in a number of ways. The Bulletin’s reporter, Ané Prinsloo, also had to bear the brunt of an officer suffering the uncalled-for verbal abuse at the scene. This type of behaviour towards the media and their role in bringing news to the public and their right to publish certain articles and photographs as guaranteed in the Republic’s Constitution is unacceptable. Standing Order (General) 156 Media Communication in the South African Police Service states: 10. Conduct in public and towards a media representative: (1) Courtesy, dignity and respect. A member must treat all media representatives with courtesy, dignity and respect, even when provoked and promote ethical communication with the media. In the event where it is needed to refer a media representative to another party for comment, the particulars of that media representative must be noted and the media representative must be contacted within a reasonable period of time to determine whether his or her request was attended to. (2) Crime scenes. A member at a crime scene or performing duties in public, must conduct himself or herself with dignity in keeping with the seriousness of the occasion, incident or investigation. A member must never loose sight of the possibility that a sound or visual recording could be taking place. (3) Interference by a media representative. (a) Although the media may be prohibited from publishing sketches, a media representative may not be prohibited from taking photographs or making visual
recordings. (b) A media representative who conducts himself or herself in a manner that may disturb evidence on a crime scene or may hinder or obstruct a member in the exercise of his or her powers or the performance of his or her duties or functions in a cordonedoff area, must be courteously requested to leave the crime scene or cordoned-off area. If the media representative refuses, he or she must be escorted out of the restricted area. (c) A media representative may under no circumstances be verbally or physically abused and cameras or other equipment may not be seized unless such camera or equipment may be seized as an exhibit in terms of any law. Under no circumstances whatsoever, may a member wilfully damage the camera, film, recording
or other equipment of a media representative. (4) Ill-considered, irresponsible,discriminatory statements or comments and foul language. Whenever a member performs a function of the Service in public, such member represents the Service and he or she must conduct himself or herself in a manner that he or she promotes the image of the Service as a professional Service. Such member must therefore refrain from making ill-considered, irresponsible, discriminatory statements or comments or use foul language. The Bulletin has been and still is on the forefront of bringing news that is Accurate and Original to its readers. Even despite the apparent hostilities described above.
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possession of a firearm
Crime snippets Stepfather sentenced to two life sentences for raping stepdaughters
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This week, the Nelspruit Regional Court sentenced a 50-year-old man to two life sentences after he was convicted of raping his two stepdaughters in Ngodwana. The accused person cannot be named to protect the identity of the victims. The accused raped the victims between 2013 and 2014 when they were 9 and 10 years during the time of the rapes. He would rape the victims and threaten them not to report the abuse to anyone. The matter was reported to the police after the victims were interviewed and the accused was arrested. During trial, the accused pleaded not guilty but the state prosecutor, Thulani Msibi, led testimonies of the victims who told the court that the accused used to rape them on separate occasions. Msibi further led evidence of a medical doctor who examined the victims which confirmed the version of the victims and the accused was found guilty after the court rejected his version. In aggravation of sentence, the state asked the court to impose a harsh sentence as the accused was in a position of trust and was supposed to protect the victims. The presiding officer found no reason to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence and the accused was sentenced to life imprisonment on each count of rape and his name was entered into the Sexual Offences Register. The NPA welcomes the sentence with the hope that it will serve as a deterrent to those who think of committing similar offences. “Follow home” suspects to appear for armed robbery and illegal
Two men aged between 28 and 30 appeared before the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 25 February 2019, on charges of armed robbery and illegal possession of a firearm. Their appearance follows after an incident that occurred on Friday, 23 February, where the suspects allegedly robbed a man of an undisclosed amount of cash. The victim, accompanied by his friends had apparently just withdrawn money when the suspects who were a group of four at the time, driving a black Audi sedan with a false registration number, followed him to his residence. Upon arrival, they were ambushed and threatened with firearms by the suspects who then carried out the robbery before fleeing. The victim called the police, who responded swiftly, chased the suspects with the assistance of private security guards and eventually caught up with them (suspects) at Nelspruit Crossing Shopping Centre. They then arrested the two whilst the other two managed to escape and further recovered some cash, a 9mm pistol, 50 live ammunition and a toy gun. The Provincial Commissioner of the police in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Mondli Zuma, is thrilled with the sterling work done by the members as well as private security officers who are always available to fight crime, he urged them to continue removing bad elements from society. Anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the outstanding suspects should please contact Colonel Ernest Maoka at 082 318 9843, or the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111. Five Hundred and Thirty Thousand Five Hundred Rand worth of livestock stolen between October 2018 to February 2019 Bethal SAPS Stock Theft Unit is concerned about the number of stock theft cases reported recently. Over the past four months, livestock worth over five hundred thousand Rand was reported stolen at the farms. It is alleged that perpetrators entered the farms and stole livestock including cattle and sheep and others from the grazing field. Though some of the suspects were arrested, the police investigation revealed that after stealing the livestock, suspects slaughter the animals and do business with local hawkers who specialise in selling food at Emzinoni township and Bethal taxi rank. Some of the stolen livestock is being taken to the nearby auctioneers. “Our investigating officers are facing a challenge with regards to unmarked or unbranded livestock which makes it difficult to identify when recovered and therefore encourage owners to brand their stock.” Said Constable Thomas Mogadime, the Social Crime Prevention and Communication officer at Bethal SAPS. “It is the duty and responsibility of all owners of cattle, sheep, goats and pigs to register an identification mark at the office of the registrar of animal identification and each owner must mark his/her animal in the prescribed manner.” added Constable Mogadime. Police also urge the community to refrain from buying stolen good. Constable Mogadime further said that if anyone is found in possession of suspected or stolen property they will be arrested and face the consequences in a court of law. Furthermore, police shared the safety hints to livestockowners: - Livestock-owners should keep all fences and gates in a proper condition
1 March 2019 to protect their livestock. - Prevent stolen animals from being hidden on your property. Stock-posts serve as ideal overnight stopovers to hide stolen livestock. Unknown livestock found at such posts should immediately be reported to the police. - Livestock at stock post should be counted by the Livestock-owner him/ herself at least once a week. - Be particularly watchful during full moon, weekends and at the end or beginning of a month or during periods that you know from your own experience when stock theft (slaughtering for the pot) occur. -Report unknown animals among your animals immediately to the police. Investigating officers from the stock theft unit are also concerned about many court cases which are lost because of disputes regarding the proper identification of the animals. “If an animal is marked with a registered brand mark or tattoo, disputes will be avoided.” Constable Mogadime commended. Owners should properly mark their livestock according to the Animal Identification Act 2002 (Act no 6 of 2002) preferably by branding them. For further information on how to apply for brand marks for identification or to report suspicious stock-theft activities or incidents to the police on 017 647 9929/30 or alternatively contact the following Stock-Theft Unit Detectives: -Captain Louis Fourie : 082 579 0297 - Detective Sergeant James Mthimunye : 082 829 2405 - Detective Sergeant Nodumo Madonsela: 073 132 5087 - Detective Constable Mandla Motaung: 076 429 6173 A 22-year old man arrested for possession of drugs A 22-year old man was arrested recently by Bethal police members from the Crime Prevention Unit. This came after members stopped and requested to conduct a search on the man during the execution of crime prevention in and around Bethal CBD. Upon searching, police found a plastic packet containing seven pieces of the rock drug. The police then arrested the suspect for possession of suspected drugs. The suspect was then detained at Bethal SAPS for further investigation and will appear at Bethal Magistrate’s court facing charges of possession of drugs. “Bethal public streets, residential areas and places of entertainment have become the target market for drugs and as police, we will work tirelessly in ensuring that we create a drug free area for the society.” said Constable Thomas Mogadime, the Social Crime Prevention and Communication officer at Bethal SAPS. The community is urged to report any illegal activity or criminal activity to the police on 017 647 9929/30.
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1 March 2019
To gun or not to gun?
The gun conversation has been a controversial conversation, neé argument, for many years and most probably will be for many years to come. The division between pro-gun ownership and anti-gun ownership has torn societies apart, not just in our town, but worldwide. The misconceptions and the lack of education around this matter have parties jumping to conclusions and making all kinds of assumptions. Instead of listening to each other’s opinions and talking about it to find solutions, people and parties attack each other instead of tackling the issues at hand. To say that the country would be safer with gun control is like saying to some people you cannot breathe. On the one hand the antigun parties are trying to rid society of guns because of how dangerous guns are and the fact that maybe they have had bad experiences with guns. These parties are in the right to think so, but forget that there is a difference between legal and illegal gun ownership and responsible and irresponsible gun owners. There is a thin blue line… In order to receive a gun licence in South Africa, one has to complete 11 steps (Found on SAPS website: https:// www.saps.gov.za/services/flash/ firearms/faq_applying.php ): 1. You must successfully pass the prescribed test to prove your knowledge of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 as well as the prescribed training and practical test regarding the safe and efficient handling of a firearm at an accredited training provider. 2. On receipt of the training certificate from an accredited training provider or the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority (Sasseta), you must apply to the SAPS for a competency certificate. 3. Submit the application together with the following supporting documentation to the designated firearms officer (DFO) situated in the area where you ordinarily reside: - Your official identity document - Your original training certificate issued by an accredited training provider (Sasseta) - Two unobscured passport-size colour photographs (with a neutral background) that are not older that three months. - Any other supporting documents. After you have obtained a competency certificate, you must complete the relevant sections of the SAPS 271 form (Application for a licence to possess a firearm).
4. Submit the completed SAPS 271 form to the DFO in the area where you ordinarily reside. 5. Take the following documents with you to the DFO: - Your original, official identity document - Your original competency certificate - Letter of appointment as executor, if the firearm was inherited - Two unobscured passport-size colour photographs, not older that three months. 6. You must fully motivate your application and submit documents in support of your application. 7. The DFO will - Take a full set of your fingerprints on the SAPS 91(a) form (only for a competency certificate) - Issue you with a remittance advice SAPS 523(a) and direct you to the financial office at the police station to pay the prescribed fee. The payment must be made by means of cash or a bank-guaranteed cheque. You will be issued with a receipt (Z263) as proof of the payment, which you
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must submit to the DFO to ensure that the processing of the application will continue. 8. You will receive a signed acknowledgement of receipt (SAPS 523) as proof that you have submitted an application for a licence to possess a firearm. 9. After the successful consideration of your application, the DFO will ask you to within 14 days, obtain and install a firearm safe that meets the standards set by the South African Bureau of Standards. 10. The DFO will carry out an inspection of your premises to ascertain that you have met the requirements for a safe. Reading the requirements also brings perspective to the many steps and prerequisites to owning a firearm. South Africa as a society teaches its children that guns are bad and unsafe, but in the same breath take their sons hunting (a big part of South African culture). This is a double standard. Little boys grow up with their fathers cleaning guns and fathers teaching
them how to ensure that the gun is safe. What happened to teaching and sharing that same knowledge with little girls? That is where irresponsible gun ownership comes in. These children grow up in the same house, yet only one gets taught because little girls are made of glass and little boys of steel. Responsible gun ownership would be to pass on the knowledge that one has, regardless if it is the mother or father, to everyone in the house.
Continued on pg 5
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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
Encee van Huyssteen 082 554 7589 encee@thebulletin.co.za admin@thebulletin.co.za Ané Prinsloo 082 576 8279 ane@thebulletin.co.za news@thebulletin.co.za
BEMARKING / ADVERTISING 017 631 1845 Mariëtte Prinsloo 083 476 2860 mariette@thebulletin.co.za
PRODUKSIE / PRODUCTION Kerry Bird 017 631 1903 / 017 631 1845 artwork@thebulletin.co.za
FINANSIES / FINANCES Elmarie van Huyssteen 017 634 8312 elmarie.vh@telkomsa.net Bulletin word deur Paarl Coldset Printers gedruk in Johannesburg. Bulletin is printed by Paarl Coldset Printers in Johannesburg
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
COMMUNITY NEWS ORIGINAL ACCURATE FIRST WE SET THE TREND OTHERS FOLLOW
1 March 2019
Ds Marius Britz Paternoster is ‘n idilliese plekkie hier aan die weskus, waarheen duisende mense jaarliks stroom om iets van die ongerepte vissersdorpie te kom ervaar. Die dorp se naam kom van Katolieke Portugese seevaarders wat hier gestrand het, en die plek Paternoster (“Onse Vader” in Afrikaans) genoem het. Dit het ‘n ouwêreldse bekoring, met sy “Oep-vi-koep” winkel, sy kreeffeeste (mens moet maar versigtig wees om goedkoop kreef langs die strate uit Checkerssakke te koop), en die vissers wat elke dag met kleurryke skuite uitgaan om ‘n bestaan te maak. Ook die bekende akteur At Botha se kunsgalery lok baie besoekers. Dan is daar natuurlik die beroemde Paternosterhotel, met sy ewe beroemde “panty-bar” waar vele wittebroodspaartjies hulle baldadigheid teen die kroeg se dak kom vasspyker het. Volgens die eienaar was daar op ‘n stadium 769 broekies. Hy is seker oor die getal, want ‘n sekere dominee het ‘n klag van openbare onsedelikheid teen die hotel gaan lê in Vredenburg, en na gelang van die aantal bewysstukke, is 769 sake van onsedelikheid teen die hotel ondersoek. Die saak is toe uit die hof gegooi, en die sensitiewe kledingstukke is dadelik weer teruggehang op hulle plek, waar menigte kroegvlieë dit steeds grootoog beloer. Die wye, wit strande strek kilometers vêr weerskante toe, en jy kan stap tot in St Helenabaai, of na die ander kant tot in Tietiesbaai. Paternoster was die afgelope week weer in die nuus: een van die kleinste restaurante aan die weskus is aangewys as die beste in die wêreld. Wolfgat is ‘n unieke en intieme aardse restaurant bo-op die Wolfgatgrot in die skilderagtige strand van Paternoster. Dit het nie net in die kategorie “Restaurante langs jou reispad” louere ingeoes nie, maar het ook stof in die oë geskop van gewilde restaurante
in Amerika, Europa en Asië, en die groot prys as nommer een op al die kontinente verower. Die gebou is geleë op ondergrondse gange wat kilometers die binneland instrek, waar keramiek, volstruiseierdoppe, krale en klipartefakte ontdek is. Die 130 jaar oue gebou huisves sowat 20 gaste. Die spyskaart is uniek; dit sluit seekos, plaaslike skaap- en wildsvleis, aangevul met wilde kruie, seewiere uit plaaslike poele en kruie uit die tuin in. Die unieke styl by Wolfgat stel plaaslike geure aan besoekers voor. Behalwe vir die feit dat daar ‘n lang waglys is om daar te gaan eet, is die disse gerig op fynproewers. Kos, en alles wat daarmee gepaardgaan, soos die voorbereiding, geselskap en stories, het ‘n vermoë om mense saam te bind. Om vriende deur ervaringe te sit wat vir altyd ingeëts bly in hulle geheue. Interessant hoeveel kookprogramme juis op die televisie is. Laat die potte prut, Kom ons braai, ensomeer. Dit skep ‘n gees van geselligheid, van betekenis, van vreugde, vir sowel die deelnemers as die kykers. As ek, synde ‘n Hoëveldmannetjie en Karoobewoner, nou ‘n restaurant moes oopmaak, wonder ek toe, wat sou ek aanbied wat die geure van my vroeëre lewe moet verteenwoordig? Ek het nie regtig al ‘n smaak aangeleer vir gekookte seebamboes en geroosterde seekat-tentakels nie. En die kronkels wat my lewe geloop het deur koshuise en die menasies van die SAW het my ongesofistikeerde kossmaak gepoleer en gevestig. Ratpacks laat my bek water, wat seewiersop nie regtig vir my doen nie. Daardie blikkies groente en boeliebief op ‘n esbitstofie in die bos gaargemaak, en daardie plastieksakkies met melkskommel. Of die vrugteenergiestafies. Praat met my oor Trichardt se hoekkafee se Portugese tjips, olierig en sterk, en jy het onmiddelik my aandag. Sê vir my ons eet stywe pap en wors en bone in tamatiesous, en ek is nou daar. Of lok my in ‘n wip in met ‘n bord basaarkerrie en rys. In Trichardt het ek een jaar tydens die kerkbasaar manalleen groot potte kerrie en rys gemaak, aangesien ek en die
basaarkommissie verskillende uitgangspunte gehad het oor die behoefte in ons dag en tyd na kerrie en rys op ‘n basaar. En ek het, triomfanklik, die laaste skeppie kerrie en rys verkoop. Ik heb gezegd. Jy kan die man uit Springs uit kry, maar nooit Springs uit die man uit nie. En daardie heerlike aardse kosse is deel daarvan. Gerolde pannekoeke met kaneelsuiker. Dan sal ek natuurlik op my spyskaart sit: “Gereg van die dag”: skilpadjies en pofadder. Oftewel lewer in netvet en lewerwors. Saam met mieliepap en vleissous, onverbeterlik. En ook: kerrieafval en skaapkop. Mooi bruin gebak in ‘n oond met spierwit tande en blou oë wat jou verwytend aankyk. So uit die hartjie van die karoo. En, soms, as ‘n toegif, waterblommetjiebredie met skaapstertjies. Net vir so ‘n Kaapse geurtjie. Ek sou my restaurant oopmaak in ‘n ou, ongebruikte fabriek of winkel.
(Darem deeglik skoongemaak en afgewit!) Kris Kristofferson, Leonard Cohen, Pink Floyd, Piet Botha, Koos Doep en Coenie de Villiers sou heeltyd op die agtergrond speel. Ek sou van tyd tot tyd uitroep: “Bly gou stil!”, en dan Highland Cathedral of Pavarotti kliphard speel. Terwyl die trane oor my wange rol oor al die goeie gisters van my lewe. En wee die een wat roer of fluister! Ons sou op pandjieswinkelstoele sit, by ou greinhouttafels wat ek oral opgetel en gerestoureer het, oorgetrek met plastiektafelkleedjies. Ons sou dooswyn gedrink het uit goedkoop PEP-glase, geskink uit glasbekers wat ek met ‘n gesofistikeerde pruilbek “kraffies” noem. Ons sou stories vertel het van tafel tot tafel, en uit ons mage uit lag. Tussendeur sou ons mondevol boerewors en lewer en lamskerrie en afval eet. Wat is daai gat in Paternoster se naam nou weer?
Tannie Poppie se: Geroomde Sampioentert 15 ml botter of margarien 15 ml koekmeelblom 250 ml warm melk 2,5 ml sout 2 eiers, geklits 1 ui, gekap 1 blik (405g) geroomde sampioene 375 ml gerasperde cheddarkaas Peper na smaak 1 gaar tertkors Voorbereiding: 1. Voorverhit die oond tot 180 °C (350 °F)
2.
3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
Smelt die botter of margarien en roer die koekmeelblom by. Roer tot glad. Roer die melk by en daarna die sout Kook tot die witsous begin verdik Voeg die eiers by die witsous Roer die ui, sampioene en kaas by en geur met peper. Meng goed Skep in die tertkors Bak 20-30 minute lank
Die boek word deur Human & Rousseau uitgegee
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1 March 2019
SPORT NEWS
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Bek en Klou situasie - nie nodig vir paniek Nasionale voorsitter, Guillau du Toit sê gegewe die situasie met Bek en Klou uitbraak in die Limpopo provinsie van SA, word produsente gemaan om nie paniekerig te raak nie. Die probleem is kleiner as die van die 2011 uitbraak in KZN aangesien die uitbraak nog verder van wolproduserende gebiede gediagnoseer is as destyds. Daar is nie ‘n oorskot van wol nie en die aanvraag is steeds goed. Suid Afrikaanse produsente produseer uitstekende gehalte wol. Hoewel daar op hierdie stadium twyfel is oor die verhandeling van wol met Sjina, koop Europa wel. Die bedryf doen alles in sy vermoë om die situasie te beredder en word op die hoogste vlak aangespreek. “Ons maan produsente om steeds Australië se markaanwyser te gebruik en
oordeelkundige reserwes op hul wol te plaas”, sê Du Toit. Guillau du Toit kan geskakel word op 083-5616325 vir verdere navrae. Foot & Mouth – No Reason For Panic! Given the situation regarding the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease in the Limpopo province of South Africa, National Chairman Guillau du Toit, cautioned farmers not to get panic stricken. The problem is much smaller than the outbreak in 2011 in KZN as the current outbreak have been diagnosed even further from wool producing areas than during the previous outbreak. There is no surplus of wool and the demand for wool is still evident. South African producers produce exceptional quality wool.
Although there is doubt over wool trading with China at this stage, Europe is still buying. The industry is doing all in its power to manage the situation and is it addressed at the highest level. “The NWGA advises producers to keep track of the Australian wool market indicator, which will allow them to value their reserve prices objectively”, said Du Toit. Guillau du Toit can be contacted on 083-5616325 for further information. NWKV van SA / NWGA of SA (Reg.No. 043-242-NPO) Posbus / PO Box 34291, Newton Park, Port Elizabeth, 6055 Pickeringstraat 41a Pickering Street, Port Elizabeth, 6045 Tel: 041 - 3655030; Fax: 041 3655035; email: nwga@nwga.co.za
Guillau du Toit, Nasionale Voorsitter / National Chairman
To gun or not to gun Continued from pg 3 weapons.” It is also used to describe
Teaching children and spouses the huge responsibility a firearm carries with it, is rudimental for them to make an educated decision whether or not to be anti- or pro-gun ownership. Saying that, the law also requires that all guns are locked up in SABS approved safes, firmly mounted to a wall. It is also the responsibility of the gun owner to ensure that she/he is the only one with access to the safe. Again responsibility. In an American article: Raging Against Self Defence: A psychiatrist Examines The Anti-Gun Mentality by Sarah Thompson, MD, the author talks about Hoplophobia to describe anti-gun beliefs. (“Hoplophobia is a political neologism coined by retired military officer, Colonel Jeff Cooper, as a pejorative to describe an “irrational aversion to
the “fear of firearms” or the “fear of armed citizens.”) The article explains the defence mechanisms people use that are anti-gun. Furthermore, the article makes one aware that the media, politics and other sources play a huge role in the mental state of any human being, which could lead to the misconception of owning a firearm. It also says that people who legally carry firearms are less prone to criminal activity and also less violent. The article later on states that it is not very easy to victimise a person who is trained to use a firearm and knows how to use it. This brings the conversation back to educating children and women. “In an attempted high jacking, if a male and female are in the car, the male would be an immediate threat. The high jackers would not suspect the
You are expired!
The Police and Gert Sibande Health and Safety practitioners and Govan Mbeki Municipal Law Enforcement have inspected and searched more than 5 premises in Evander on Tuesday, 19 February. The joint operation was to take away counterfeit and expired goods, including goods which didn’t have expiry dates on them.
female to carry a firearm, nor would they think she would know how to use it.” Said Paul Oxley, Chairman, Gun Owners of South Africa (GOSA). GOSA recently hosted the I Am Every Woman campaign for women of any age, no matter the background. This campaign “aims to empower women emotionally, mentally and physically by showing them an alternative to victimhood by providing them with a way to legally defend themselves, their children and their families against the rampant crime in South Africa.” This brings the anti- and pro-gun conversation back to education. A study at one of Cape Town’s busiest “gunshot” trauma hospitals has shown that driving a car is more dangerous than owning a gun. The highest incidents that enter this trauma unit are firstly, patients assaulted by sharp
objects (1932 (20.9%)), secondly traffic collisions (1736 (18.8%)) and thirdly falling (1699 (18.4%)). Firearms are only 442 (4.8%) and no. 6 on the list of 10 trauma types. Does this not make one think that one is misinformed about firearms? Being anti- or progun is a choice that one has to make by oneself. It is like deciding whether you like blue or green… Only YOU can make that decision. Keep in mind that being more educated on this subject will assist in making an informed decision. - Ané Prinsloo (Gun Free South Africa did not respond at time of publishing) Sources: http://gosaonline.co.za/ http://www.gfsa.org.za/ http://jpfo.org/filegen-n-z/ ragingagainstselfdefense.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ http://paratus.info
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1 March 2019
Alcoholism. The Do-not-want-to-know-truth Jimmy 11 years It started long ago. I can’t remember anything other than my father falling asleep every night on the couch. I was a child, I thought: “Daddy is tired.” And I thought: “all the dads fall asleep on the couch in the evening.” As I got older, I realised that it might not be normal, but I also learned immediately that I was not allowed to talk about it. It took a couple of years before I linked the sleep to the litres of wine my father turned back every night. I kept my mouth shut. I was ashamed of him. No one knew what went on in our home. Meanwhile, that made me incredibly angry: why didn’t anyone get it? It cannot be that no one knew what was happening. I’m sure people have seen things - but I’ve never been asked. I wanted so much that someone would see how much pain this caused, because it did, but nobody mentioned it. Edward 25 years My father has never been known to say no to a drink, but it remained within the limits when he was still working. He has not been working for many years now. Partly due to physical complaints, partly because he has let the company down. Meanwhile, he is physically no longer able to work. But my father is currently just an alcoholic. He is lying in bed until late in the afternoon and when I speak to him in the evening, I hear he has been drinking. At night I hear him in the kitchen secretly opening a bottle to pour another drink. The many drinks, combined with nonhealthy eating, lots of smoking etc, of course demands its toll. Last year I
hardly talked to my father, so I do not know exactly what the situation is now. I do know that the internist told him that examinations of his organs had no good results at all. The plan of action or the prognosis, however, I do not know. Kyra 11 years “It’s about Dad. He finds it very difficult not to drink. He drinks all day. He is also drunk a lot. I know that because he is going to talk hard and cannot walk. He is also quickly angry and we must ensure that we do not make him angry. Sometimes he gets angry and then people from the street can hear him screaming. It has happened a few times that the police came to the door to ask what was going on. Sometimes I think many people are afraid of dad. That’s crazy, because he just screams. He has never beaten us, or anything. Sometimes I fear that Mom and Dad will get divorced. Mom cries a lot lately. She has been staying with Grandma. Mama says she can no longer take it when Dad gets angry so often. She wants dad to go back to the hospital. There they can help him stop drinking. But Dad doesn’t want that. The last time he did not like it at all. I made an appointment with Mommy, if I want to, I can also stay with Grandma. With grandma it is always cozy! I can watch television there and they bake pancakes for me ... “ These are just some of the heartrendering real life, or as per todays nomenclature “real time” accounts of alcoholism. What about all the other dependent forming drugs? Occurring day to day, hour to hour, in
the illegal and or legally obtained with a doctor’s prescription? Is there any difference between alcohol and other drugs, you may ask? Both are mind-altering chemicals. Both are highly addictive. Both can be dangerous. They only differ in their legal status and social acceptability: alcohol and prescription medicine are legal and street drugs aren’t. Because of this, alcohol is everywhere. It’s not only for sale at bars but also at restaurants, gas stations, convenience stores, grocery stores and professional sport venues. You can’t watch television nowadays without seeing at least one soapy star using beer, wine or liquor when coming home from work or at work with colleagues. Subsequently in a subtle way installing the notion that alcohol will make you the most popular and desirable man or woman. Drug dealers would kill (probably literally) for the opportunity to advertise their product so publicly. The availability of alcohol is so common most people don’t realise it’s a real drug. Alcohol has become the socially acceptable way to relax after work. I mean, it’s just a harmless stress-reliever, right? Wrong. Alcohol kills more people than all other drugs combined. Alcohol is the third leading preventable cause of death in the Republic of South Africa. Alcohol is not only harmful to the individual, but it’s also harmful to society. Its negative effects are wideranging and can result in injuries, car accidents, violence and sexual assault. Even with knowing this, alcohol is still
more common than other drugs and alcohol distributors and bartenders are not looked at like drug dealers who sell heroin and cocaine. Alcohol is different than other illicit substances that we know can cause overdose deaths because alcohol can also kill people slowly by deteriorating the body. Alcohol is three times as harmful as cocaine or tobacco. The truth is alcohol is the deadliest drug and the research and statistics prove this. In a country that is focusing solely on the current opioid epidemic, these facts are a good reminder that alcohol is deadlier and more socially acceptable than other drugs. Next time someone tries to justify drinking alcohol, remember it causes cancer and other diseases, it’s three times as harmful as cocaine or tobacco and it causes more deaths than all other drugs combined. We shouldn’t just accept alcohol as a part of life; we should talk about just how deadly it is. This means that Big Alcohol must sell to heavy, problematic drinkers. Their target market is a group of people who are sick and suffering. This is no different from regular drug dealers who depend on consumers to buy their products. “[I]t is the wine that leads me on, the wild wine that sets the wisest man to sing at the top of his lungs, laugh like a fool — it drives the man to dancing... it even tempts him to blurt out stories better never told.” — Homer, The Odyssey Alcoholism and drug abuse are killers of mental and physical health. Alcoholic and drug addicts are killing themselves slowly (Dr T P Chia). - Aart Reedijk
AfriForum se Standertonbuurtwag help om dorp te beveilig AfriForum se Standerton-buurtwag het op 15 Februarie 2019 aan ’n sigbaarheidsoperasie van die SuidAfrikaanse Polisiediens (SAPD) deelgeneem waartydens vyf arrestasies gemaak is. Dié arrestasies was onder meer vir die besit van dwelms, dronkbestuur en die misbruik van alkohol in die openbaar. ’n Onwettige kroeg is ook tydens dié sigbaarheidsoperasie toegemaak. Die sigbaarheidsoperasie het ’n gesamentlike deelname van agttien AfriForum-lede, ses APlede, een beampte van Kasselman Veiligheid en agt lede van die gemeenskappolisiëringsforum (GPF) ingesluit. “Ons besef dat dit belangrik is om
saam met die plaaslike rolspelers in die gemeenskap te werk. Saam kan ons groter take aanpak en Standerton weer ’n veilige omgewing maak,” sê Gerhard Moll, voorsitter van AfriForum se Standerton-buurtwag. Dié buurtwag het ook in Februarie taktiese opleiding in die hantering van vuurwapens ontvang. Die opleiding is deur Hendrik Mills aangebied en 15 lede van dié AfriForum-buurtwag het dit bygewoon. Tydens die opleiding het buurtwaglede ook geleer hoe om vuurwapenaanvalle af te weer. “Lede wat die opleiding ontvang het voel dat die tegnieke wat hulle geleer het werklik sinvol was en dat dit verder tot die beveiliging van hul omgewing kan bydra,” sluit Moll af.
AfriForum Jeug help bejaardes in Secunda Die jeugvleuel van AfriForum se Secunda-tak het op 16 Februarie 2019 ’n bejaarde van Davieshof-aftreeoord in Secunda gehelp om haar vertrekke oor te verf. Die plaaslike jeug het self besluit om ook ander bejaardes in die oord te help deur te verf, gate in mure te vul en ander klein restourasies en herstelwerk aan te pak. “Ons het gedink ons doen eenvoudig ons goeie daad vir die dag, maar is totaal oorweldig deur die goeie terugvoer wat ons gekry het. Die
waardering vir ons klein bydraes het ons werklik bemoedig,” sê Ricardo Jonker, die jeugverteenwoordiger by AfriForum se Secunda-tak. Ondernemings wat by hierdie projek betrokke wil raak kan gerus vir Bronwen Pretorius by bronwen.pretorius@ afriforum.co.za kontak. Raak vandag nog by dié tak se jeug betrokke en help om ’n verskil te maak: Stuur ’n e-pos na bernard.pieters@ afriforum.co.za of SMS “Secunda” na 32687 (R1).
1 March 2019
SPORT NEWS
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Cooper's forever home and happy ending There is a stigma around adopting a pet and also a lot of different views around this particular subject. Is the dog well trained enough? Why and how did the dog end up being up for adoption? And many, many more questions. In December the Bulletin posted a photo on Facebook of a Cocker Spaniel named Cooper. Cooper was at the Bethal SPCA looking for a new home. The post was barely up on the Facebook page and the Bulletin phone lines were ringing nonstop with requests and questions about Cooper. There was only one person who would get to take him to his forever home: Leamarie Gouws. Like many others, Leamarie saw the post of Cooper and immediately phoned the SPCA and told them that she wanted to adopt Cooper. The process of adopting Cooper started before 20 December 2018. The SPCA inspectors came to her house for an inspection and Leamarie picked Cooper up at the veterinarian in Bethal on 2 January. The day she picked him up, he did not leave her lap once on the drive from Bethal to Secunda. If she tried to put him in the passenger seat, he would just get back on her lap. To this day, if Leamarie goes anywhere, Cooper is in the passenger seat with her while her son is in the backseat. Cooper shares a bed with her and he also looks after his Grandma that had a back operation by keeping her company and ensuring she is warm
enough by snuggling up against her. Cooper was never abused nor neglected before he ended up at the SPCA. He was well taken care of but due to unfortunate circumstances, he had to be given up. There are so many dogs like Cooper that have amazing personalities, are lovable and ask for nothing but love in return. It is sad to think what would have happened to him had Leamarie not fallen in love with him and adopted him. They are truly a match made in heaven! – Ané Prinsloo
Cooper is camera shy to pose for a photo when he can rather snuggle with mum
Cansa relay for life The annual Relay for Life takes place this Saturday, 2 March, at Laerskool Goedehoop. This year’s theme is Carnival and was released at the launch on Monday, 25 February. It will not take place over 12 Hours as in the past but 6 hours. Teams are encouraged to engage in a fundraising exercise to raise R1000 for Cansa. The relay promises to be a highlight as it is every year. There will be live entertainment throughout the event and prizes galore. The “biker” fraternity will be doing the salute at the beginning when the survivors join everybody at the track. There will be a special lunch for the survivors and caregivers. The participants around the track will have a lot of fun with a lot of spot prizes up for grabs. At the heart of CANSA Relay For Life is the opportunity to celebrate cancer survivors, to remember those who have left us and create awareness about cancer.
The day will end with the Luminaria Ceremony. This is to honour and reflect on those that are no longer with us. Candles are lit inside paper bags and are placed around the relay track as glowing tributes to remember and honour loved ones who have passed or who are still fighting the disease. These candles remain lit throughout the Relay for Life until the closing ceremony.
Leamarie Gouws and Cooper
NEWS
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1 March 2019
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Boxes2Go in partnership with SADFA Suikerbekkie Project (South African Defence Force) and The Bulletin collected food for Laerskool Trichardt hostel and was delivered on 19 February by The Bulletin. Thank you to every company and every person that donated food for this project.
Sewer opened by walker club Evander has been plagued by sewer leaks for a very long time. Some of the discharge lines to the Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTW) runs through Walker Park Golf Club grounds. “Some of the blockages causes the sewer to overflow in areas where the golfers play,” says MJ van Rensburg, Club manager, “Something had to be done.” MJ spoke to Govan Mbeki Municipality, only to be told that a high pressure cleaner is needed and that the municipality do not have the funds to hire one at the moment.MJ approached Lourens de Beer from Averda, they specialise in cleaning pipelines and had the necessary equipment to help with the sewer problem. Averda started at the taxi rank and also tackled the big culprit behind the single quarters. It took a few days to clean 8 lines but the lines are flowing properly again. “We would like to express our sincere appreciation to Averda for all their help,” says MJ, “it would not have been possible without their help.”
Kamp Oase, the upmarket camping site at Lake Umuzi, received accreditation from CCSA (KSA), the Caravan Club of South Africa. A signboard was presented to Johan Rosslee, owner of Kamp Oase, by Johan van der Westhuizen, Chairman of the South East Region on Sunday, 24 February, during the Chairman’s Tea. This board will be displayed at the entrance to show the accreditation.
SPORT SCHOOL
1 March 2019
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Stimulus Maksima by L/S Secunda Laerskool Secunda spog met ‘n splinternuwe leessentrum wat daagliks benut word deur graad 1 tot graad 6. Na die reuse sukses van hul beesloop fondsinsameling verlede jaar, kon hul die leessentrum toerus met 30 splinternuwe rekenaars sowel as ‘n uitstekende gerekenaardiseerde leesprogram. Stimulus Maksima is ʼn unieke leesprogram wat elke individu se leesvermoë toets en van daar af ontwikkel en bevorder. Aletta Mans is aan die stuur van hierdie nuwe leessentrum en is opgelei om hierdie program ten volle te kan benut.
“Ons is bevoorreg om een van die beste leesprogramme in Suid Afrika te kan gebruik en ek is opgewonde om die leerlinge te help om hulle volle potensiaal te kan bereik,” het Aletta gesê. Lees is belangrik want dit bevorder ook taalvaardigheid, akademiese prestasie en beter begrip, spraak en die herkenning van klanke, beter kommunikasievaardighede, logiese denke, beter konsentrasie, dissipline en geheue, empatie sowel as respek. Aletta glo dat met hierdie wonderlike leesprogram wennerlesers by Laerskool Secunda gekweek kan word. Leerders in die nuwe leessentrum
Juf. Aletta Mans Die eerste dansliga, met 116 van Goedehoop se dansers, het Saterdag, 23 Februarie 2019 by Laerskool Goedehoop plaasgevind.
Die Graad 1 tot 3 maatjies het Vrydag, 22 Feb en Saterdag, 23 Feb hul netbal vaardighede opgeskerp. Martie Morey en haar span het die 68 dogtertjies onder andere touwys gemaak hoe om ‘n doel te gooi, hoe om te draai wanneer jy die bal het, te verdedig en hoe om die bal reg te vang. Martie Morey is ‘n oud-onderwyseres en bied al vir +- 25 jaar netbalafrigtingskursusse aan. Sy is ‘n NSA Vlak 2 afrigter en is al vir ‘n paar jaar betrokke by Hoër Meisieskool as afrigter. Aneret Bester was ‘n voormalige speler van die Protea Netbalspan.
Die volgende atlete het tydens die MUSSA Atletiek-byeenkoms wat plaasgeind het op 23 Februarie 2019 op Secunda stadion, deurgedring na die SA’s wat plaasvind op 15 & 16 Maart te Pretoria. Voor: Danankia Lesch, Luan Greyling, Minay Campher. Agter: Roxy-Lee Fick, Danika Burger, Elri Kruger
Lourens van Niekerk het Saterdag, 16 Februarie, aan die Mpumalanga Gholf Junior Ope deelgeneem te Walker Park. Hy is aangewys as die wenner vir die B-afdeling. Die junior afdeling is vanaf ouderdoms-groep 9 tot 12 jaar, seuns en dogters neem afsonderlik deel.
SCHOOL/SPORT
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Kruinpark is dertig Laerskool Kruinpark is vanjaar dertig jaar oud! Die 30 jaar Feesdiens was Sondag in die skoolsaal gehou. Daar was oorsang en ‘n kort diens deur Ds Kobus Swart. Juf Lida Kamfer het bietjie meer vertel van die beginjare. Sy vertel dat daar niks om die geboue was nie. Die skool het sy deure geopen op 11 Januarie 1989 as die 4de Afrikaanse laerskool. Juf Lida het die eerste skoolhoof, Mr Dirk Laubcher, geskakel en gera wat sy boorskap vir die skool
PROPERTIES EIENDOMME
was. Hy het gese: “Groete en beste wense aan die Kruinpark familie.” Mr Danie Heese, huidige skoolhoof, het weer in sy boodskap gesê “Oë boontoe, Vasberade vorentoe.” Dit is ook die skool se leuse. Die skool was ook bevoorreg om die eerste hoofdogter, Sonja Joubert (neé Greef), asook een van die eerste graad eens, Juanita du Plessis (neé Erasmus), by die feesdiens te hê. Die geleentheid is afgesluit met die loslaat van duiwe.
Op 23 Februarie neem 9 van Laerskool Trichardt se atlete deel aan die Mpumalanga kampioenskappe wat by Secunda Stadion plaasgevind het. Tatijana Kruger, Henno Coetzee en Nicole Parrott word gekies om Mpumalanga by die S.A kampioenskappe wat 14 tot 16 Maart plaasvind te verteenwoordig.
VACANCIES VAKATURES
Laerskool Hoëveld het 2 leerlinge wat SA’s toe gaan met atletiek. Toriq Schambreel -100m, 150m en verspring en Nkanyiso Mashiteng 200m.
Laerskool Kruinpark atlete het 23 Februarie deelgeneem aan MUSSA. Die volgende atlete het deurgedring na SA’s. Van links na regs: JC Oosthuizen, Luzelke van Wyk en Franswa Janse van Rensburg.
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Phillip and Logan Strydom won the overall Golfer and non-Golfer competition on 23 February at Walker Park. Standing by is Fienie Siebrits and JP Gouws
Saterdag 23 Februarie het die Tuks Challenge in Pretoria plaasgevind. Die 3 Kruinparkers het deelgeneem en die volgende plekke behaal. Van links na regs: Rick Robertson – 3de, Zak Manaia – 7de en Jordan Web – 2de
1 March 2019
SPORT
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Titans lose out on CSA week Saturday, 23 February, saw the Mpumalanga Titans Women’s first cricket team take on the Kwa-Zulu Natal Dolphins Coastal Open Women’s first team. This one-day match was to ensure a place at the South African National Women’s (CSA) week in April and was played at Sasol Recreation Club. The hot morning on the pitch did not deter the women who were all in high spirits. The Dolphins’ and the Titans’ spirits and positivity was sky high as both teams warmed up for the game to come. The spectators were cheering the teams on from the clubhouse under the shade. First to bat were the Titans’ Angelique Botha and Linda Ngwetsi. Unfortunately, Angelique stepped into it and was given out by way of an lbw (leg before wicket). Linda was run out. Secunda’s own Nicolene Janse van Rensburg was bowled and caught by
Jade de Figueredo. The ladies had to field and defend their spot for the CSA week with only 50 runs on the scoreboard. The ladies of the Dolphins came in to bat. Nikita Sole and Nomdumiso Shangase opened for the Dolphins. Nikita was bowled by Cynthia Naidoo and Nomdumiso was bowled by Angel Ngwenya. Dinesha Devnarian and Chloe Tryon took it home for the Dolphins to end the match with 52/2 in only 7 overs. On Sunday, 24 February, the ladies took to the field again for a T20 match. The morale was low on the Titans’ side but the Dolphins ladies were upbeat and ready for the day. The Titans lost the T20 match with one run only, hitting 81/8. The Dolphins’ high spirits pulled through and they reached the Titans’ score in 16 overs, ending the match with 82/4. – Ané Prinsloo
Night Golf laughter Night golf is always so much fun. Playing at night with a glow in the dark ball (green, red, blue, orange and purple) lighting up the sky made for some amazing views while following the lights to the next tee is challenging to all your senses. About 80 players played on Friday night, 22 February, at Graceland Hotel, Casino and Coun-try Club. The 18-hole links course was turned into a par three 9-hole course for the night. Mr Heinrich Britz and his team did a great job of laying out the course within a course with white and blue lights on the tees, blue lights showing the fairway
to the immaculate greens, red lights for bunkers and white on the green indicating where the hole is. Except for enjoying the golf game, some teams went the extra mile and painted their faces, colour coded their outfits and most importantly, everyone wore their laughing shoes! Laugh-ter could be heard through the darkness and lit up the atmosphere. Prizes available were R 250.00 vouchers for petrol/diesel and a year’s free membership at Graceland. These prizes were sponsored by Secunda Toyota and Graceland Hotel, Casino and Country Club. - Ané Prinsloo
Kobus Reinecke
Photo archive
Stefan “The Bezerker” Diedericks took part in the EWC Fight Night 11, 8-man Elimination Tournament. He did extremely well, but unfortunately lost his fight in the third round. This upcoming weekend will see fighters from Dominator’s Den compete at Fightstar 38.
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1 MARCH
2019
Bulletin
Sasol DigiMag rugby is back on track!
Raiders Rugby Club visited Secunda and played against Sasol DigiMag Rugby Club on Saturday. All three visiting teams lost against the hosts. The final scores were: 3rd Teams Sasol 45 - 12 Raiders. 2nd Teams 35 – 33 Raiders and the 1st Teams Sasol DigiMag 39 – 31 Raiders Rugby Club. The games were all tough as the scores indicate. Let us acknowledge the Raiders teams for their discipline. The Bulletin has on several occasions reported on the lack of discipline and sportsmanship of some of the opponents of Sasol DigiMag Rugby Club, especially if the opposing teams are losing, but Saturday was not the case. The Raiders, as well as Sasol, played with discipline and an eagerness to play rugby. Both teams played the ball and not the man. The ball was passed on most occasions and in a game so early in the year it could easily have been a kicking game. Mistakes aside it was a good game to watch. It was also nice to stand at the side of the field and not be overwhelmed with foul language. Sasol do not make themselves guilty of this but a lot of opposing teams did. Raiders did not. Let us then raise our glasses in a toast to the Raiders. May the friendships with Sasol grow and may they have a successful year. Sasol played a good running game
but as usual a few things need to be discussed. Lineouts. The lineouts were a mixed affair. The start of the match saw Sasol losing a few of their own throw-ins but they managed to improve and even started winning some of the Raiders’ balls. The ball did not always reach the scrumhalf and that put him under a lot of unnecessary pressure. The binding in lineouts were also scrappy at times. There are good points to speak of as well. The throw-ins from the hooker were close to target and that is promising. Scrums. The scrums were struggling with the front row being scrummed upwards. This created pressure on the locks. The scrummaging has to be worked on as there is one game left before the start of the Gold Cup. Behind the scrums. The passes to the fly half were on target. Clearances behind the rucks and mauls could improve. The ball should be cleared quickly and passed to the backline. Backline. The backline showed a lot of promise. Berty Visser scored a hattrick. The ball was passed quickly and little kicking was done. The tackling was good. The problem was that while there are a lot of good things to say it is worrying that the Raiders could penetrate the backline so easily. Sasol’s backline created opportunities for their opponents and there were regular
gaps in their defence. This allowed the Raiders to run with the ball for a number of meters before being tackled by the Sasol defence. Summary. The game was played in a positive manner and it showed an eagerness to play the ball by both teams. The areas that seriously need work is firstly Sasol’s passes. A number of balls were passed off target. If it was not too low, it was totally off target. Sasol could have scored more tries if the passes were on target. It would appear that the forwards are not yet playing as one team. It seems that they are still not sure what the commands are and that they are unsure of exactly where they
Berty Visser running to score his first try
should support. Too many balls were wrestled from Sasol’s hands in the tackles. The big concern should be that there is only one friendly game left before the Gold Cup begins. The next few practices will be tough on the players as we are sure that the coaches will address these issues. The Bulletin calls on every rugby lover to come and support the team. The talent is there and the team is really playing their hearts out. I’m sure that the team will not disappoint us and will continue to grow as they have done over the past few years.