Another year of news that connects us all!
RUSTENBURG POLICE RESPOND TO VIDEO CIRCULATING ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Rustenburg – The Rustenburg police have addressed a viral video circulating widely on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, which accuses them of inaction regarding alleged drug peddling at a block of flats near the police station. The flats are reportedly occupied predominantly by Nigerian foreign nationals.
Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone expressed concern over the allegations, emphasising that while the police are constitutionally tasked with preventing, combating, and investigating crime, they cannot achieve this alone. He stated, “There’s nothing wrong with exposing criminal activities, but it is vital to share such information with the police so appropriate action can be taken. This applies not only in Rustenburg but across all communities.”
Brigadier Mokgwabone highlighted that numerous drug-related operations have been conducted at the flats and nearby streets, leading to arrests of suspects, including foreign nationals, and the confiscation of drugs. Many of these operations were intelligence-driven, demonstrating the police's commitment to tackling drug-related crimes.
Community members are encouraged to engage with relevant authorities regarding issues like property acquisition, payment of rates and services, and the legal status of tenants. Police are addressing violations of the Immigration Act and drug dealing weekly through high-density operations like Operation Shanela.
The police urge anyone with information about criminal activities to contact the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or share tip-offs via the MySAPS App.
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Warning: A circulating video highlights how criminals use road spikes to target unsuspecting motorists. While the origin of the video is unclear, it serves as a critical reminder to stay alert and protect yourself against these dangerous tactics.
Stay Alert: Road Spiking Incidents on the Rise in Pretoria
“Motorists in Pretoria are being urged to exercise increased caution this festive season due to a rise in road spiking incidents. Criminals are using spikes, stones, and other dangerous obstructions to force vehicles to stop, leading to robberies, hijackings, and even assaults, according to Mike Bolhuis, Specialist Investigators into Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes and Serious Cybercrimes. He shared more detail.
What is Road Spiking and Why is it Dangerous?
Road spiking involves placing sharp objects, like spikes, on roadways to cause tyre blowouts. This forces drivers to stop, leaving them vulnerable to attacks. Once the vehicle is immobilised, criminals take advantage of the situation to rob, hijack, or harm the occupants.
Hotspots and Criminal Tactics
This year, numerous cases have been reported where spikes, stones, or other obstacles have been placed on public roads to target motorists. Incidents are particularly common in Pretoria, including major routes like the N1, N4, N12, N14, R566, and R80.
Criminals often operate in groups of two to ten individuals and are frequently armed with weapons, ranging from sharp objects to firearms. While these crimes can occur at any time, they are more prevalent in the evenings and late at night. Specific tactics include:
• Placing spikes or physical barriers to damage vehicle tyres.
• Throwing stones at vehicles to cause accidents or force drivers off the road.
• Blocking highways with objects, such as along the R80/R566 Rosslyn exit.
PREVENTATIVE SAFETY MEASURES
Avoid Isolated Roads
Steer clear of deserted routes, especially at night or in areas known for criminal activity.
Stay Alert
Pay close att
Fire Devastates Kosmos Village
A fierce fire swept through Kosmos Village in Hartbeespoort on Sunday, 20 October 2024, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Emergency services rushed to the scene around midday, and by 14:30, a helicopter had joined the firefighting efforts to battle the remaining flames.
Approximately eight homes have been destroyed so far, with firefighters and emergency personnel still working tirelessly to control the blaze. The helicopter has been water-bombing hot spots to prevent further spread.
The full extent of the damage is yet to be determined, and updates will follow as the situation unfolds. In this devastating time, our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected.
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Baby "Moses" update, mother arrested
Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor for ward 43, Luan Snyders comments
DreamCatcher Photography SA
Rustenburg Skool vir Buitengewone Onderwys
50STE VERJAARSDAGVIERING
Bernice West tree op. Kontak gerus vir Retha op 014 597 0491 vir kaartjieverkope.
Slicing through the green for a safer commute
Rustenburg – Every morning, as the sun rises over Rustenburg, the N4 serves as the main artery for people entering Rustenburg from various locations. One of the secondary arteries is Waterberg Avenue, which intersects with the R24, stretching from the Waterfall Mall to Mike's Kitchen.
Here, pedestrians, many unable to afford other means of transport, sometimes face a perilous journey. When the grass next to Waterberg Avenue remains uncut, the tall, overgrown bushes push them closer, and in some places, directly into the road — into the path of oncoming traffic — a recipe for disaster.
Determined to make a difference, Platinum Weekly rallied the community. Our mission: clear the grass, pave the way for safety. Keystone Milling stepped up, donating sturdy bags for the cleanup and Trailer Tech contributed by providing a trailer to haul away the debris.
Together, we cut back the overgrowth on Saturday morning, 11 May 2024, clearing a safe walkway beside this busy avenue. Each step we took working our way up the steep hill brought us closer to our goal. This effort was not about making a political statement. It was about recognising a need and addressing it, focusing on road safety.
Thanks to the spirit of other local businesses and community members who joined us, we have made a difference for the pedestrians and motorists using this busy road. If each of us contributes to our surroundings, on our own or by joining hands with others, we can uplift our communities in various ways and become more invested in this place we call home.
Together, we make a difference.
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Fatal Pitbull attack sparks outrage and grief
Fatal Pitbull attack sparks outrage and grief
Rustenburg – The community of Rustenburg is reeling from a tragic incident that claimed the life of 40-year-old Moeletsi Moses Sedi, who was fatally mauled by two pit bulls on Saturday 6 April 2024. The attack occurred around 8:00 at his workplace, where he also resided.
Moses Sedi, who had helped raise the dogs since they were puppies, was performing his duties as a gardener and handyman at a company based in Waterval, just outside Rustenburg. "He loved those dogs, and it's heartbreaking that they turned on him," said Sello Sedi, Moses’ uncle.
For the full article: https://web.facebook.com/photo?fbid=972504978212062&set=a.532390462223518
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Myrtle
HIPPO ALERT
REPORT SIGHTINGS TO 083 761 7497
Rustenburg – A remarkable sight unfolded on Monday morning, 4 March 2024, as motorists near the Kroondal offramp on the N4 were greeted by an unusual pedestrian – a hippopotamus.
To ensure the safety of both our community and the wandering hippo, the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism (DEDECT) has launched an urgent search. They seek the community’s assistance in tracking the animal’s whereabouts.
Damage Causing Animal (DCA) official Vasti Botha, in an interview with Platinum Weekly, shared insights into the ongoing search. “We believe the hippo may have ventured into the Hexriver area or its vicinity. Despite following its tracks for as long as possible, we’ve reached a standstill. Given hippos’ nocturnal tendencies, we urge locals to exercise extra caution during evening and early morning hours,” Botha explained.
Residents who encounter the hippo are urged to immediately contact Vasti Botha at 083 761 7497.
The community is strongly advised against attempting to engage with the animal directly. Recognised as one of the most aggressive and dangerous land mammals, hippos are responsible for approximately 500 fatalities annually in Africa. Their considerable size, weight, and surprisingly sharp teeth contribute to their formidable nature.
DEDECT communications director Jeremia Matebesi provided some context on the hippo’s unexpected appearance. “The origins of this particular hippo remain unclear. However, it’s not uncommon for young bulls to be expelled from their groups, prompting them to search for new territories and potential mates. Hippos are known to inhabit areas around the Elands, Hex, and Crocodile rivers,” Matebesi noted.
Echoing a stern warning, DEDECT’s deputy director of external communications, Baabua Thukubi, highlighted the gravity of the situation in a conversation with Platinum Weekly. “Hippos are responsible for the highest numbe
Daylight robbery:
women attacked at knife-point for cellphone
Rustenburg – In a breach of security, a man scaled the razor-wire-topped palisade wall of a local residence last week, gaining entry into the garden.
“The intruder’s intentions were clear: he was scouting for a place to burglarise. Alerted by the disturbance, my mom spotted the trespasser and let out a scream, prompting the man to hastily retreat. After this incident, we made the part of their garden that the trespasser used stronger and more secure,” said the resident.
The situation escalated alarmingly on Monday, 22 January 2024.
“Our neighbour had come over to visit my mother. Around 12:40, in broad daylight, she was just stepping out to return, which is merely a stone’s throw away,” he added.
As they reached the corner of Willow Avenue (our house on this corner, neighbour’s house on the opposite corner), two men made their disturbing approach. They cornered my mother and our neighbour.”
He continued, describing the ordeal, “Using a knife, the assailants overpowered them. Their demand was clear and chilling: they wanted their cellphones.” The son, who witnessed the tail end of the confrontation, expressed his frustration and concern. “I heard the desperate cries of my mother and our neighbour. I rushed outside to help, but the culprits were already gone. Thankfully, my mother and our neighbour survived the attack with relatively minor injuries. My mother sustained a slight injury to her shoulder, while our neighbour wasn’t as fortunate; her hand was cut during the struggle, and her cellphone was forcibly taken.”
The community remains on high alert, and the local authorities are urging residents to exercise increased vigilance and report any suspicious activities.
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