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  • Lockdown will have to be extended if people don’t stay home, warns deputy police minister

    Lockdown will have to be extended if people don’t stay home, warns deputy police minister

    Deputy Minister of Police Cassel Mathale has warned the national lockdown will have to be extended if people do not remain inside their homes.

    Deputy Minister of Police Cassel Mathale has warned the national lockdown will have to be extended if people do not remain inside their homes, for the remainder of the 21-day restriction period.  He was addressing SAPS members, military police and members of the South African National Defense Force on Wednesday morning. Mathale explained that if the country did not manage to “flatten the curve” of the Covid-19 pandemic, there would be “no other option” but to extend the lockdown. “The regulations are non-negotiable. The virus spreads quickly when people move up and down. South Africans must self-isolate for the remainder of the 21 days, in order to fight the virus.”

    He stated the categories of business allowed to work over the lockdown period were obliged to operate within the framework and stipulated times. “Taxis and public transport services must only transport commuters at the designated times in the morning and evening and not at any other time.”  Mathale told SAPS and SANDF members to “make their presence felt” and to tighten controls to ensure that the public adhered to the regulations.

    If you think you have been exposed to the Covid-19 virus, please call the government’s 24-hour hotline on 0800 029 999 or go to SA Coronavirus for more information.

  • Two women killed in separate accidents

    Two women killed in separate accidents

    Help police find murder suspects of two women killed in KwaNdebele

    According to the report, police received information about a woman who was lying motionless by a drain next to the Road near Sokapho Secondary School in Kwaggafontein. Upon arrival, police found the woman half-naked and she was certified dead by paramedics at the scene. Police opened a murder case and immediately launched a manhunt. A preliminary investigation suggests that the woman might have been raped. Anyone with information that can assist the police in locating and apprehending the suspect(s) can contact Lieutenant Colonel Johannes Kgomo on 082 923 1736. Meanwhile, in Kwamhlanga, police received information about a stabbing incident on Monday at a local Funeral Parlor where a 32-year-old woman was allegedly stabbed by a man believed to be her friend. It is reported that the man went to the said Funeral Parlor where the woman was working and moments later her colleagues heard the woman screaming. When they rushed to her office to investigate, the suspect sped off and upon entering they found the woman, heavily bleeding from visible stab wounds. Police as well as paramedics were summoned to the scene where the woman was certified dead. A murder case was immediately opened and police and an investigation into the matter commenced. Preliminary investigations into the murder revealed that the woman had a Protection Order against the suspect and the two were supposed to attend Court on the matter today, Monday 30 March 2020. The suspect is still at large and the police make an appeal to anyone with information that can assist locate the suspect to contact Colonel Nompumelelo Manzini on 0823189651.

  • Health Unions threaten to go on strike amidst virus crisis in hospital

    Health Unions threaten to go on strike amidst virus crisis in hospital

    Health workers have threatened to strike if they don’t get proper protective clothing – including masks and gloves

    Some health workers have demanded personal protective equipment and danger pay, failing which, they will go on strike. Health workers have threatened to strike if they don’t get proper protective clothing – including masks and gloves – for working in coronavirus-threatened health facilities … and some want danger pay for working during the pandemic. Health workers belonging to the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) demanded protective material, while the Democratic Nursing Organisation of SA (Denosa) added a demand for danger pay for nurses working in a Covid-19 environment. Denosa general secretary Cassim Lekhoathi said they raised the issue of payment of danger allowance with government representatives at the national bargaining council. He said they wanted it considered because their members who were nurses were exposed to dangers due to the Covid -19. “We are asking for a danger allowance. We have not specific an amount, but we told the employer that they must be open to talks,” Lekhoathi said. He said government negotiators told unions that they had no mandate to discuss the matter. Last week Nehawu threatened mass action to demand government should pay outstanding increases from the 2018 bargaining agreement.

  • Military Ombudsman ready to take up public complaints against Skop and Donor soldiers

    Military Ombudsman ready to take up public complaints against Skop and Donor soldiers

    In the statement the Minister of Defense and Military Veterans denounces any type or form of abuse committed by deployed soldiers against members of the public during the 21-days lockdown period.
    In the statement the Minister of Defense and Military Veterans denounces any type or form of abuse committed by deployed soldiers against members of the public during the 21-days lockdown period.

    The office of the Military Ombud has advised citizens to approach the office should they feel upset by the conduct of the soldiers involved in the policing of the current lockdown and general conduct of the South African National Defense Force (SANDF) members beyond the period. The office was established as a watchdog to oversee the conduct of the SANDF in the official execution of its duties. The public and even retired or former members of the force with complaints about it can bring their grievances to the office, which is in Pretoria. The Ombud in a statement on Wednesday assured citizens it remained accessible to assist those who feel aggrieved by the official conduct of soldiers. The call came after complaints against SANDF members who assaulted and kicked people found walking or enjoying themselves in the streets during the shutdown.

    “We note that the Department of Defense (DoD) released a statement yesterday taking note of various allegations of abuse by deployed members of the SANDF who are supporting Government efforts to contain the coronavirus pandemic. In the statement the Minister of Defense and Military Veterans denounces any type or form of abuse committed by deployed soldiers against members of the public during the 21-days lockdown period,” the Ombud said in a statement.

    Those who want to lodge a complaint with the Military Ombud Office were advised to provide a description of the incident including: date, time and place of incident. The office said the names of the soldier or soldiers involved should be visible on their name tags on their uniform and those must be submitted in the complaint. The public was also asked to supply the names and contact particulars of witnesses to the incident and the recordings of any incident if available – video or voice. Members of the public have 90 days to lodge a complaint with the office from the date of the incident. If they had lodged a complaint with law enforcement agencies and the matter is before court or the court has ruled, the office won’t have jurisdiction. Complaint forms could be downloaded from the Ombud’s website www.milombud.org. Complainants could complete it and forward it via email to intake@milombud.org or fax it to 086 523 2296.

  • Lawbreakers during lockdown nabbed

    Lawbreakers during lockdown nabbed

    Among those people who we have been arrested during the random roadblocks between SAPS and SANDF are those people who do not want to stay in their residences.
    Among those people who we have been arrested during the random roadblocks between SAPS and SANDF are those people who do not want to stay in their residences.

    More than 70 people mostly taxi operators were arrested for breaking lockdown regulations in our town. The police have arrested the culprits since the announcement of the lockdown.  Among those people who we have been arrested during the random roadblocks between SAPS and SANDF are those people who do not want to stay in their residences. They gather along the street, they drink liquor. They just continue as if life is normal. Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Leonard Hlathi, said that communities do understand the message of the lockdown as some residents were notifying police of transgressions. “The majority of our people, they know, they are aware, they know about this thing. But there are individuals who decided they are going to disregard the regulations”.

    He warned residents that law enforcement will have a “no-nonsense” approach in enforcing the regulations, and appealed to them to stay home. Police have also issued warnings to residents who failed to adhere to lockdown regulations. According to lockdown regulations, people may only leave their homes for essential business, such as buying groceries and seeking medical attention.

  • 911 Response24 launches a free app to assist during Covid-19 crisis

    911 Response24 launches a free app to assist during Covid-19 crisis

    911 Response24 has launched new functionality and a Free App version to assist with emergencies during the Covid-19 – Coronavirus crisis.
    911 Response24 has launched new functionality and a Free App version to assist with emergencies during the Covid-19 – Coronavirus crisis.

    Corona virus has continued to wreak havoc in the community which has led to an increased need for information and emergency services. 911 Response24 has launched new functionality and a Free App version to assist with emergencies during the Covid-19 – Coronavirus crisis. The App has been launched amid mounting fake news, and news not relevant to our shores which is being mixed with relevant information. Kerry Hodgkinson, communications manager for 911 Response24 – a service that links users to emergency services using their smartphones – says that during the current crisis the public have increasingly been using incorrect channels such as emergency services for non-life threatening requests, such as for transport to testing Centre’s, or to find the address of their nearest hospital handling the crisis. The 911 Response24 NOC has direct access to official information such as testing centre’s, hospitals and government support centre’s. The app is freely available to download via the Apple and Google Play stores and gives users free access to the new Medical Support SA functionality.

  • Welcome!

    Welcome!

    Thirteen years ago research carried out by us, indicated that Middelburg and surrounding areas had room for another newspaper. Studies throughout the world suggest that mass communication must have a simple and clear message and project its mission with clarity. Middelburg needed such a communication tool, to reach out and revolutionize the mind-set of the people. It needed a paper that is unafraid to expose lies and deception, and remain committed to free and democratic reporting. This led to the founding of The Herald in Middelburg.

    As technology progresses, so do we. Welcome to our online newspaper!

  • Taxi noise nightmare for Muslim worshipers at the Mosque

    Taxi noise nightmare for Muslim worshipers at the Mosque

    The Muslim community is battling to congregate at the Mosque due to the loud music played by young scholar transport drivers.  Some of these drivers who mostly drive Avanza’s play their music at such deafening levels that they disturb the peace in the Eastdene Area, as prayers are held daily at the Mosque. To add to the woes, the Muslims community is currently observing the month of Ramadan, which is a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community. This annual observance is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Members of the Islamic community appealed to Steve Tshwete Local Municipality to put up sign boards of no hooting or loud music around the mosque and school areas.

    A concerned congregant told The Herald that it is very disappointing that the people who support businesses like the buses and taxis are treated in such a vile and disgusting way. Not only is the music loud, but the tracks are also laced with offensive and explicit lyrics as well. “Children aren’t being transported to a disco, they are being transported to a school.” Concerns around the loud music, late coming and over -crowded taxis were raised by parents. It is alleged that younger drivers also take them to parties and transport liquor for pupils.

    The decibel levels in some taxis exceed 160 decibels. Imagine sitting in that taxi for two hours every day of your working life. Authorities said they had addressed the problem with taxi owners and will take further steps regarding the matter.

  • Eight people survive horror crash

    Eight people survive horror crash

    The Easter season is over but road crashes are here to stay. It was reported that at least two vehicles were involved in an accident on Thursday evening on the N11 (Loskop Road) heading towards Middelburg. An Audi Q7 was about to turn towards the Middelburg Airfield when a Hyundai Elantra struck the Audi from behind. The BMW sedan was amongst the three vehicles that collided on Saturday morning. Irritated family members had an argument with a firefighter when they were told not to take pictures of the man, who was driving the Hyundai Elantra, inside an ambulance. Two people were rushed to hospital for treatment. In an unrelated incident, three vehicles were also involved in an accident on Saturday morning. The incident occurred on the corner of Walter Sisulu and Protea Street.

  • Accident forces cop to give birth before dying

    Accident forces cop to give birth before dying

    Police are in mourning following the death of an officer, Constable Jane Ntuli, who was eight months pregnant, after a horrific car crash at the weekend.  The good news is that Ntuli’s baby survived.

    “Ntuli, 36, was driving home from work on Saturday evening on the R42 Bronkhorstspruit road when an unknown vehicle struck hers at the back after the driver apparently skipped a stop sign,” Mpumalanga police spokesperson Mtsholi Bhembe said. “Ntuli was airlifted to hospital with what seemed like life-threatening injuries. Doctors managed to deliver the baby on Saturday evening but, sadly, she succumbed to her injuries on Sunday morning,” Bhembe added. Ntuli was based at the Delmas police station. A case of culpable homicide had since been opened. No arrests have been made so far.