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NKANGALA DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY BIDS FAREWELL AND BEST WISHES TO THE MUNICIPAL MANAGER, MRS MAGGIE SKOSANA
By MP Staff Reporter
On the 26 February 2025, The Nkangala District Municipality (NDM) gathered to bid a fond farewell to its outgoing Municipal Manager (MM), Mrs. Maggie Skosana, at a prestigious event held at the Mayor's Parlour. The program was expertly directed by Council Speaker, Cllr Kabelo Boshomane.
Tributes poured in from various stakeholders, including IMATU and SAMWU, who appreciated the MM's exceptional leadership, wisdom, and commitment to maintaining labour peace.
Representatives from the Top Management Committee (TOPMANCO), led by Ms. Alice Stander praised the MM's outstanding leadership, saying: "Mrs. Skosana was the youngest member of TOPMANCO, but her zeal, wisdom, and respect earned her the admiration of her peers. Her leadership has been instrumental in maintaining a peaceful and productive work environment."
Mr. Dumisani 'DJD' Mahlangu, speaking on behalf of the Municipal Manager's Forum, highlighted the importance of fairness, accountability, responsibility, and transparency in governance. He emphasized the significance of Ubuntu as a framework that underpins transparency and good governance, saying: Great administration is built on four pillars: fairness, accountability, responsibility, and transparency. Ubuntu is the glue that holds these pillars together, promoting a culture of transparency, accountability, and respect.
The Executive Mayor, Cllr Thomas Ngwenya, thanked the MM for her outstanding leadership, which led to the municipality achieving eight consecutive clean audit opinions. He praised her dedication, hard work, and commitment to fostering a culture of transparency and accountability within the municipality.
In her farewell speech, the MM expressed her gratitude to TOPMANCO, the Council, and NDM employees for their support and commitment. She reflected on her journey at NDM, which began in 2014, saying: "I am honoured to have served this great municipality. I am proud of what we have achieved together, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with such a dedicated and talented team."
The MM concluded by quoting Professor PLO Lumumba, who once said, "No matter how good you are, if you stay too long, you will ruin it. A good dancer knows when to leave the stage." She added, "It is time for me to leave, and I do so with a sense of pride and accomplishment."
Finally, she left the audience with a lasting message, quoting Maya Angelou's inspiring poem, "Still I Rise". Her parting words left a lasting impression on the audience, inspiring them to continue striving for excellence.
As NDM bids farewell to Mrs. Skosana, we also celebrate her remarkable legacy and the impact she has had on the municipality. Her dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence have left an indelible mark on NDM, and she will be deeply missed.
THE MEC FOR COMMYNITY SAFETY, SECURITY AND LIAISON, AND SAPS MPUMALANGA RELEASE OF CRIME STATISTICS FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF 2024/2025 IN MPUMALANGA
By MP Staff Reporter
MPUMALANGA - The MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison in Mpumalanga, Honourable Jackie Macie, and the Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr.) Zeph Mkhwanazi, released the Crime Statistics for the third quarter of 2024/2025.
The CPF Board Chairperson, Mr Mbongeni Lushaba, as well as a representative from Business Against Crime SA and Senior Management of the SAPS, representatives from labour unions and members of the media were some of the dignitaries that formed part of the occasion.
The MEC commended the efforts of law enforcement agencies in reducing crime in most categories, while expressing concerns over the persistence of Sexual Offences. He highlighted the importance of public awareness in combating Gender-Based-Violence and Femicide (GBVF) emphasizing the need for community collaboration.
Major General (Dr.) Mkhwanazi reiterated the Police's commitment to reducing crimes such as rapes, sexual offences, burglaries, stock theft, and theft-out of motor vehicles. The General further emphasized the importance of proactive policing and urged commanders to strive for a significant reduction in crime rates in the upcoming last quarter.
The community of Mpumalanga were appreciated for their support in tackling crime and the media was acknowledged for their role in fostering dialogue between the authorities and the public on crime-related issues.
RESULTS IN KABOKWENI
By MP Staff Reporter
Recently, the School Safety Programme of the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison has yet again led to the arrest of five dagga dealers in the area of Kabokweni.
The arrested include four females and a male.
A team that consist of officials from the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Department of Education, Department of Correctional Services (EST Unit), SAPS and Mbombela Law Enforcement, Community Police Forum members and Crime Prevention Wardens did random searches today (25 February 2025) at Phatfwa and Hlanganani secondary schools in Kabokweni policing precinct. The two schools are in Mbonisweni and Dwaleni areas respectively.
During the random searches, learners from Phatfwa Secondary School who were found with dagga led the team to four different houses and a spaza shop which they confessed belonged to those who supplied them with the dagga. Bags of dagga found hidden in the houses and the spaza shop were confiscated by the police, and the five suspects were arrested.
The searches in schools is one of several programmes of government to ensure safe teaching and learning environments in schools.
ONE SUSPECT FATALLY SHOT DURING A SHOOTOUT WITH POLICE, ONE TAKEN IN FOR QUESTIONING
By MP Staff Reporter
KWAMHLANGA - Members of the Police from Crime Intelligence, in conjunction with their counterparts from VISPOL in the neighbouring Police Stations, successfully conducted Operation Sethunya, which led to a confrontation with a group of suspects planning ATM bombings in various places, including Phola Mall near KwaMhlanga. The operation involved various units, including KwaMhlanga Crime Intelligence, VISPOL members from Tweefontein, Kwaggafontein, and KwaMhlanga.
In the early hours of Wednesday, 26 February 2025, SAPS members came across a grey VW Polo and a grey sedan Opel Corsa believed to be linked to the planned ATM bombings. When the Police tried to stop the vehicles, the occupants are said to have opened fire on the members. In self-defense, the Police reportedly retaliated, resulting in one suspect being fatally shot.
The body of the alleged suspect was found next to VW Polo, where a pistol with live ammunition and a magazine were recovered. Additional items, including a banknote and cell phones, were also found at the scene.
While some suspects managed to flee, the SAPS is actively searching for them. No one has been arrested so far though one man was taken in by the Police for questioning.
We urge the public to provide any information that could aid in their understanding by contacting the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or using MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
Meanwhile the Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr.) Zeph Mkhwanazi, reassured the community that the Police will continue to combat crime and ensure the safety of all residents in the province.
HELP POLICE TO UNITE BEN MOTHWA 45YRS WITH HIS FAMILY
By MP Staff Reporter
The police in Mmametlhake are appealing to the public for assistance in locating Ben Mothwa (45), who has been missing since 19 January 2025.
According to information received from his mother after receiving a call from the employer, he enquired about his whereabouts as he did not report back to his workplace.
The mother alleged that she went and cleaned his room and found the car keys and the housekeys belonging to Ben missing from his room in Mmametlhake.
The family then became suspicious and went to check him at his house in Mamelodi, and he was not found. When the neighbours asked, they alleged that he was last seen in January when he went home.in Mmametlhake.
He was last seen wearing blue jeans, a blue T-shirt, a blue jacket and light brown short boots and his cellphone is still off
Police therefore urge anyone with information that may assist in finding the missing person to contact Investigating Officer Detective Captain Solomon Moshime on 082 065 1355
Alternatively, community members call crime stop numbers at 08600 10111.
Or submit information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential, and callers may opt to be anonymous
PASTOR ARRESTED FOR POSSESSION OF GOLD BEARING MATERIAL AND OTHERS FOR CONTRAVENTION OF IMMIGRATION ACT
By MP Staff Reporter
A 40-year-old Pastor based in Barberton, together with a 37-year-old male were arrested on Tuesday, 18 February 2025 at Barberton after being found in possession of Gold Bearing Material (GBM).
Members of the SAPS working on Operation Vala Umgoli in Mpumalanga followed up on information received regarding individuals who were transporting GBM along the R38 Road. Members commenced with a waylay on the alleged information and spotted a silver vehicle matching the description given. The men and women in Blue then intercepted the said vehicle, and upon searching it, they found about 60 grams of GBM with an estimated street value of about R60,000 as well as cash of R200 notes amounting to R9200. The items as well as the vehicle were confiscated for further investigation.
The two suspects were charged for possession of gold bearing materials.
Meanwhile earlier that day, members conducted some patrol duties along the R40 Road in Barberton as well as on the R38 Road at Sheba. It was during this time when the astute members apprehended two Zimbabwean nationals, aged 25 and 27 for alleged contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa after discovering that they did not have valid documentation to be in the country.
Members also went to Verulam Village to conduct further disruptive operations, and it was in this are where they seized two gas cylinders that were found abandoned.
The four suspects are expected to appear at Barberton Magistrate Court soon for possession of GBM as well as Contravention of Immigration Act.
R270 000 TOYOTA HILUX FORFEITED TO THE STATE
By MP Staff Reporter
•MPUMALANGA: The vehicle used in the commission of crime valued at R270 000 was forfeited to the State.
The vehicle was seized in March 2018 when 30 plastic rolls containing 56 kg of heroine were found in a false compartment on the vehicle's base after passing Nkomazi Toll Plaza in Kaapmuiden, en route to Nelspruit.
Two suspects, a Malawian and a South African national, were arrested by Kaapmuiden police after reacting on information received from a whistleblower.
The case was referred to the Hawks Nelspruit based Serious Organised Crime Investigation for further handling. During the Covid-19 era, both were released on bail. The Malawian national never set his foot in court again as he had absconded.
The case against the South African national was temporarily withdrawn, pending the rearrest of his partner in crime. The vehicle used was registered under a false address, and the owner could not be located.
"We commend the speedy reaction from members who received information and appreciate the role played by the whistleblower. We are also happy that the suspects have lost their tool of trade. We commit our resolve to deprive criminals of their proceeds and instrumentalities of crime. You cannot profit from crime, " said the Mpumalanga Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Nico Gerber.
ATHLETICS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
By Saai Mahlangu
Thembisile Hani Local Municipality in collaboration with Special Olympics South Africa hosted Athletics for people with disabilities at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium, KwaMhlanga.
The participating centres were Kwathando Care Centre, Qedusizi stimulation centre, Kwafene stimulation centre, Bambanani protective workshop, Tholulwazi protective workshop and Egodeni care centre.
OBJECTIVES
SALGA
By MP Staff Reporter
South African Local Government Association (SALGA) recognized the Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality’s Communications Division as the National winner for the exceptional achievement and performance in the crisis communications category (local municipalities) at 8th NCF 10-11 February 2025 at Jeffreys Bay, Eastern Cape.
