Stroke5 News

25/02/2025

MEDIA STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE OFFICE OF THE PROVINCIAL COMMISSIONER OF THE EASTERN CAPE:JOE GQABI DISTRICT

KIDNAPPING VICTIM SAFELY RETURN HOME

Sterkspruit, 21 February 2025: Sterkspruit SAPS is investigating a Kidnapping case after a shop owner reported that three of his employees were kidnapped on the 19 February 2025 at 10:00 at Tienbank Village.

It is alleged that the three Bungladesh men were busy putting up advertisements posters when they were approached by two masked men .The men kidnapped them at gunpoint took their bakkie with a canopy and drove to the direction of Manxeba area.

The SAPS were contacted and members from visible policing as well as specialized units followed up all leads and found the bakkie with canopy abandoned in an open space in Hlomendlini area with two males locked at the back .

The suspects left the scene with the third male that were in front with them in the bakkie .

After timeless intens police investigation continued by specialized units and hostage negotiators it led to the safe return of the 34 year old victim at midnight on the 20 February 2025 when he was released on the gravel road at Manxeba area and found by the SAPS and his family . He was treated for mild injuries.

The investigation will continue.

The Joe Gqabi District Commissioner Major General Lindelwa Vellem commended and thanked the multidisciplinary team that worked tirelessly that led to the safe return of the victim .

Enquiries Capt Ursula Roelofse 082 7797109

18/02/2025

MEDIA STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE OFFICE OF THE PROVINCIAL COMMISSIONER OF THE EASTERN CAPE:JOE GQABI DISTRICT

SUCCESSFUL OUTCOME DURING INTER - DISTRICT STOCK THEFT OPERATION

Joe Gqabi District, 17 February 2025 -
The ongoing prevalence of stock theft in the hotpot areas in the three districts of Alfred Nzo,Joe Gqabi and the OR Tambo Districts remains a significant challenge for livestock farmers and a priority concern to the SAPS.

A very successful Inter - District three day stock theft operation were held from the 12 - 14 February 2025 in the areas of Sulenkama,Nqanqaru,Ngqayi and Qumbo under the umbrella of "Operation Shanela".

Stock Theft and Endangered Species members as well as POPS,Crime Intelligence and K9 unit participated in the operation working day and night shifts including activities of vehicle check points and tracing of stock.

The following successes were reached during the three day operation :
319 Vehicles and persons checked
J534 fines issued to the value of R 4250-00
for the contravention of the animal identification act fail to brand live stock .

208 Cattle to the value of R1,980 000-00
5 horses to the value of R60 000-00
15 Sheep to the value of R 22 500-00 and 25 goats were collected .

Most of the stock were found straying and were impounded at Qumbu pound for safe keeping .

During the operation in two separate incidents in Qumbu a 32 year old suspect was arrested for the possession of and unlicensed firearm and 20 live ammunition and a 27 year old suspect arrested with 18 live ammunition.

If any person can assist with the possible identification of the stock they can contact Col Sanka at the Maluti Stock Theft unit at 072 580 24 96.

The Joe Gqabi District Commissioner Major General Lindelwa Vellem commended the teamwork and dedication that led to the success of the operation .

The operation demonstrates the commitment of the SAPS to address the scourge of stock theft and by working together we can combat stock theft and ensure a safer,more secure environment for all.

Enquiries Capt Ursula Roelofse 082 7797109

13/02/2025

MEDIA STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE OFFICE OF THE PROVINCIAL COMMISSIONER OF THE EASTERN CAPE: JOE GQABI DISTRICT

*COMMUNITIES ASSISTANCE NEEDED IN THE CONCEALMENT OF BIRTH CASES*

Maletswai ,13 February 2025 - The Aliwal North Detectives need the communities assistance in the investigation of the following three unrelated concealment of birth cases .

In the first case on the 12 September 2024 an unidentified human fetus was discovered partially burnt at the Aliwal North dumping site . The case is being investigated as a possible concealment of birth .

If any person can assist with information they must please contact the investigating officer ,Cst Sephula at 051- 633 2570 .
Cell number 081 270 30 62

In the second incident on the 12 June 2024 an unidentified human fetus was found at the Aliwal North dumping site . The circumstances of this discovery are being treated as a concealment of birth .

If any person can assist with information they must please contact the investigating officer, Sgt L Brewis at 051- 6332570 or
Cell number 072 843 33 83

In the last case on the 7 September 2024 an unidentified human fetus was located at the sewerage substation site in Phola Park near the abattoir in Aliwal North . The incident is currently under investigation as concealment of birth .

If you can assist with any information please contact the investigating officer ,Sgt Ntsoetsanyane at
051- 633 2570 or
Cell number 071 352 07 42

Members of the public with any relevant details are encouraged to please assist with this investigation all information will be treated confidentially .

Enquiries Capt Ursula Roelofse 082 7797109

24/01/2025

Send your cv to this email address: [email protected]

24/01/2025

Big shout out to my newest top fans! Vuyelwa N Lange, Busisiwe Matsha, Noyanga Noya, Sipho Ngcobo, Steve Future Ancestor Majola, Buga Lav Buga Lav, Stilion Biliatodino, Bokang Scaut, Relebohile Kefilwe Olerato Mothobi, Phumeza Asalinto Maphosile, Vuyo Supermega, Vuyo Supermega, Lubabalo Kwangoko Mvimbi, Pitso Lehlohonolo Elias, Tumelo Aaron, Pat Olifant, Aphiwe Ntsizakala, Kim Matroos, Ajay Saptoe, Amohelang Gift, Innocent Rets, Simni Nikiwe Grootboom, Bulie Lelo Njena, Zamazondi Mhlaluka, Tasmin Taylor, Cecil Saunders, Son Ret, Thobeka Memani, Tie Rise, Rasthabza Tawana, Helen Mabataung Potlaki

24/01/2025

New drug in Schools...
Please pass this on even if you do not have kids in school. Parents should know about this drug.This is a new drug known as 'strawberry quick '.There is a very scary thing going on in the schools right now that we all need to be aware of.There is a type of crystal m**h going around that looks like strawberry pop rocks (the candy that sizzles and 'pops' in your mouth). It also smells like strawberry and it is being handed out to kids in school yards. They are calling it strawberry m**h or strawberry quick.Kids are ingesting this thinking that it is candy and being rushed off to the hospital in dire condition. It also comes in chocolate, peanut butter, cola, cherry, grape and orange.Please instruct your children not to accept candy from strangers and even not to accept candy that looks like this from a friend (who may have been given it and believed it is candy) and to take any that they may have to a teacher, principal, etc. immediately.Pass this email on to as many people as you can (even if they don't have kids) so that we can raise awareness and hopefully prevent any tragedies from occurring..!!

Please Share To MaXimum to create awareness as it is realy helpful.

N P Dlamini
Circuit Manager
Durban West

15/12/2024

SPORTS NEWS

SONDELA YOUTH ARTS FESTIVAL SOCCER TOURNAMENT

Sondela youth arts festival soccer tournament

The tournament was suppose to commence at 9am but was delayed by late arrival ot teams and official uniforms, the tournament started at 10am with the first match between Burgersdorp in Red and Lady Grey in Grey n orange

Lady grey taking the lead 3 minutes into the game with a failed offside trap from Burgersdorp, it was a high tempo match with Lady Grey taking the share of the ball possession and more chances, but Burgersdorp also counter attacked but not using their chances, 30 minutes into the match a water break was taken due to the heat in Maletswai. The first half ended 1-0 in favour of Lady Grey u23, a 1st Half match which should have produced more goals with missed chances

The second half started with the same high tempo which saw the first yellow card of the game for Burgersdorp. Lady grey didnt remove the feet of the paddle but couldn't convert their chances and taking shots from rage. The 2nd Half also saw Lady Grey making three changes this was the great strategy as Lady added another goal to make it 2-0 which is how it ended

The second match saw Maletswai take on James Calata/ formerly known as Jamestown with Malestwai in their sky blue and James calata in navy blue; this was a high tempo game with both teams raking their chances. 30 minutes into the game a water break was taken as the heat was sowing high the game was still 0-0 which thats how it ended in the 1st Half. The second half saw 3 yellow cards with the coach from Maletswai also receiving one, James Calata broke the dead lock with a wonderful freekick a blunder made by the keeper to take the score 1-0. 15 min to full time another water break was taken with James Calata leading 1-0. After the water break there was a bad head collision between James Calata players which had to put the game on pause with one player remaining lying on the ground and the other player leaving the ground nursing his pain. The game came alive Maletswai receiving a penalty and converting to make it 1-1 which is how it ended and straight to penalties with James Calata winning 6-5

The final was between James Calata and Maletswai which started at 3pm. It was a slow tempo game with lot of fatigue but on stroke of half time lady grey made it count with a goal from a corner kick which was not cleared 1-0 lead which didnt last as James Calata pulled 1 after few minutes. The game ended 1-1 on full time and James Calata went to win the tournament on Penalties

Article by Lazola Bottoman

13/12/2024

CIVIC NEWS

MALETSWAI PATROLLERS LAUNCH

The launch was opened in prayer by Mr Totso follwing that Miss Makotoko CPF malestwai Police Station, did the welcoming after her introduction of stateholders was done by sid Bulelwa Nqaza

Safety and Liason
Colonel Dlabantu (Station Commander)
Captain Mam Putumani Ncumisa
Maletswai Peoples Voice
Spiritual Crime Prevention
Community Patrollers

Purpose of the day was done by Mama from Maletswai People Voice Deda Mhlangani, who gave a background about killings in Aliwal North, "so we sat down as the community to assist SAPS and work with them to fight crime and we therefore set this Maletswai Peoples Voice, crime is committed but no arrests it was not nice"

The community needs to know how patrollers dress after they were inducted and it needs team work and working together between the patrollers and the community, they will be identifiable as the reflectors have official logos on both sides of the vests

Safety and Liason conducted the induction and handing over of the new reflectors.

THE station commander Collonen Dlabantu asked patrollers who went to the induction, to come infront and addressed them which manner they need to conduct themselves, and he will dress them so the community can know, also no patroller needs to ask money from the community , how many patrollers and how they will work, also misconduct from patrollers need to be addressed. He also mentioned that the reflectors is the property of Safety and Liason not for personal use, so all wrong doing should be reported.

Colonel said 25 reflectors for Maletswai were given by safety and Liason but its not enough for all the patrollers we have, no one owns a reflector vest, they will be stationed at the police station they will be a register for collecting and bringing back the vest

You need to be screened and have an induction and im sure you have better understanding and more information on your conducts, we will sign code of conduct, on how to conduct yourselves through the cause of your work, you need to be an example to the community, we will wear these vest so the community feels safe, you will sign indemnity forms so if you are find doing criminal activities we will charge you, no asking of money from the community, we want to know how many patrollers per ward also to have leaders and commanders those who are responsible, we will visit to hear your reports please community support these patrollers, the community said they dont trust the police now they community can liase via the patrollers who are trained in such matter. We still need more patrollers, selling alcohol without license wont be tolerated, Selling ginger wont be tolerated,

Theres no law that says a person suppose to be home by 8pm, our bylaws dont say that, and no patrollers has the right to beat up a person, patrollers dont close traverns, they only monitor if there are no crimes committed when traverns are closing and people going home, they only report if the Taverns is not closed after a closing time, on the issue of noise making patrollers report to the saps personnel in charge, the patroller has no right to go and close down the music in that house as your are tresspassing.

Captain Putumani did a vote of thanks, Thanking the community, if beningekho we wouldn't be here we thank you and we dont take it for granted, she thanked the organisers, and thanked Malestwai People's Voices, department of Safety and also thanked the Station commander and her self

There were no remarks or questions from the community

The gathering was closed by Prayer by Mr Totso who also thanked Stroke 5 News for being part of this gathering , also showed a whistled when you pull a string it makes an alarming sound which alerts patrollers which side a crime is committed

Article by Lazola Bottoman

27/11/2024

CIVIC NEWS

WARD 10 GBV March and Dialogue

27 November 2024, Joe Gqabi Community led by the ward Cllr Mr Matlotlo hosted a March amd Dialogue in commemoration of 16 Days of activism against Gender Based Violence.

The event started at 10am at the community hall where the community and government departments gathered

Mr Matlotlo announced that a march will start amd go around Joe Gqabi, and asked the eldery to stay in the venue.

The 16 days Activism against GBV started on the 25th November. The community held plakcards with messages such as " Dont Keep quite" there was singing of struggle songs and chanting as the march continued till were it started. Upon Arrival the ward cllr asked Mrs Khiba to open with prayer and then we were given the Purpose of the day.

Miss Tlotlisang Kwena from GCIS introduced Some of the departments that were present which are:

SAPS
TRAFFIC DEPARTMENT
Department of Social Development
Community Safety
Transport
PSH
WSLM

The community came out in numbers in support the event which also saw children as they are also victims of the GBV

The departments shared ways in which the community should do to break the chain of GBV, also to report these matters to the Authorities

It was mentioned that The Eastern premier will be at Saur Park to officially launch the 16 days of Activism which started on the 25th November. "Wish it can be a 365 days not only 16 says said the member from Safety Liason, also mentioned that some of the things people dont report its because of lack of money or not wanting to lose the benefits but the silence must be broken. People should speak out and speak up

After a short dialogue the Cllr Thanked the community and reminded them about the event to attend at Saur Park

Article by Lazola Bottoman

27/11/2024

Big shout out to our newest top fans! 💎 Vuyelwa N Lange, Cecil Saunders, Busisiwe Matsha, Noyanga Noya, Sipho Ngcobo, Steve Future Ancestor Majola, Buga Lav Buga Lav, Stilion Biliatodino, Bokang Scaut, Jack Styles, Phumeza Asalinto Maphosile, Vuyo Supermega, Vuyo Supermega, Pat Olifant, Aphiwe Ntsizakala, Amohelang Gift, Innocent Rets, Simni Nikiwe Grootboom, Anoyolo Amavundle Njena, Zamazondi Mhlaluka, Tasmin Taylor, Thobeka Memani, Rasthabza Tawana, Helen Mabataung Potlaki

Drop a comment to welcome them to our community,

27/11/2024

CIVIC NEWS

Joe Gqabi Economic Development Agency SMME and Investment Summit

JoGeda with their respective partners hosted their Annual Summit for SMMEs from around the JOE GQABI District Municipality with the main ceremony being the Graduation of the SMMEs from a 9 month incubation programme with Stellenbosch University

The programme started at 9am at Limakatso Hotel in Dukathole, with the welcoming of Guests by The Executive Mayor of WSLM amd JGDM Cllr V Davids and Executive Mayor Mposelwa

Sponsors like ABSA, DEDEAT and Stellenbosch University also shared their excitement about being part of such a programme which seeks to develop and empower businesses around Joe Gqabi District some focuses of Finance, Business plan and Marketing

After all speeches and presentations were done, it was lunch and after lunch it was the official Graduation with certification to all students for completing the programme with Mr Mzu Peter from Joheda doing the handing over of the Certificates and one of our own Mr Mzwandile Kenneth Mbenenge was one of recipients for completing the 9 month programme. Awards were awarded to best students according to each subject and overall top Students. Absa also awarded the Top 3 students with no 1 taking home R20 000

JoGeda representative did vote of thanks and thanked all the sponsors and called upon private sectors for more funding in order to make more impact of local business.

The sad part or disappointing was the lack of local Cllrs from WSLM supporting such initiative as there were Businesses from the municipality who were awarded

Article by Lazola Bottoman

25/11/2024

There is to violence against women

21/11/2024

21/11/2024

BREAKING NEWS

MEDIA STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE OFFICE OF THE PROVINCIAL COMMISSIONER EASTERN CAPE*: *JOE GQABI* *DISTRICT*

POLICE SEEK MISSING LITTLE GIRL: STERKSPRUIT

Sterkspruit, 20 November 2024 - SAPS Sterkspruit together with the FCS (Family violence, child protection and sexual offences unit ) at Aliwal North are seeking the community’s assistance in tracing a one year and 11 months old girl who went missing on the 19 November 2024.

It is alleged that on the 19 November 2024, Naledi Mohlabola was in the premises of the yard at her home when she got missing in the Mokhesi administration area .She was reported missing on the 19 November 2024 by her family.

At the time she was wearing the same attire as on the picture .

Police are appealing to anyone who can assist in the tracing of Naledi Mohlabola to please contact the investigating officer from the FCS ,D/Cst Vathiswa Rapuleng at 071 609 4113 or Crime Stop 08600 10111 or their nearest police station. All information is strictly confidential and callers may remain anonymous.

Enquiries : Capt Ursula Roelofse 082 7797109

14/11/2024

CIVIC NEWS

Pelomosa Primary School Grade R Graduation


13th of November 2024, Pelomosa Primary School held a graduation ceremony for Grade Rs at Joe Slovo Community Hall. The ceremony began at 10:00 a.m. in the morning and it began with an opening prayer.

It was a short simple and exciting ceremony. We had our MC and program director ma'am Tsotetsi. Everyone sang a national anthem as they were welcoming Mr Rantho who welcomeed everyone who attended. During the event there was some activities that were performed by grade RS and also a school choir.

Mr Sengali addressed the purpose of the day. He turned and appreciated everyone who made it to the ceremony and mostly parents because the event was never gonna be a success without them.

We also had our guest speaker Maditshewana Dibuseng Ponto also known as ma'am Ponto. She encouraged parents to support and motivate their children to like school and encouraged learners to go to school in love school because education is the key to success.

The graduation ceremony began as the grade R's were handed their certificates for doing well and married to the next grade

Mrs Tamanyana made a vote of thanks to everyone who attended and the ceremony was closed with a prayer everyone was given refreshments.

THUTO KE LESEDI

Article by Tharollo Hopolang Khakheni Pilo Hopolang Khakheni Pilo

11/11/2024

CIVIC NEWS

Vulamazibuko Primary School 7 Graduations

8 November Vulamazibuko Primary School hosted their 2024 Grade 7 farewell at Hot Springs In the BlueHall.

The program started 9:00am with the program director Mrs PG Samuel. The ceremony started with a opening prayer with Mrs AM Loni welcoming the parents and the guests In attendance. The & purpose of the day was addressed by the Deputy principal

"We just want to thank every parent for this day without you we wouldn't be here program director Mrs PG Samuel gave parents advice about don't forget to compliment your your child and tell her/him stories about your life so he/she can open heart to feel safe when she / he next to you after her words she welcomed the principal of the school to make a speech

"what we've taught you as the school and parents don't forget it now you gonna find new friends when they show you the wrong things remember your parents words this is our last year with you, motivating you beautiful parents don't forget to support them they need guidance they also need your love don't forget to go to church don't forget God.

The Principal announced the award for top archiver only , and he said " Nike nizibone inkwenkwezi ebsuku kubakho le igqamileyo kunezinye my job is to announce that star that is brighter than others, the child who didn't get a certificate that doesn't mean you lose hope it doesn't mean that don't read your books , it doesn't mean is the end of the road the grade 7 top archiver for 2024 over 125 grade 7 learners is Lilitha Walaza

You are always a student never a master. You have to keep forward

Goodbye and good luck

Article by Stilion Biliatodino