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Emalahleni Residents Left Without Water

Location: News

Residents of Jackaroo Park in the Emalahleni Local Municipality (Kriel, Ogies, Phola, eMalahleni/Witbank) have been without water since Wednesday, 22 April 2026, due to a major pipe fracture in a bulk water supply line. Even though an entire week has gone by, the Municipality still has not found a sustainable solution. The leak is located […]

The post Poor infrastructure maintenance leaves Emalahleni residents without water appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.

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Mpumalanga’s Healthcare Services at Breaking Point

Location: News

Mpumalanga’s healthcare services are at a critical tipping point. The Department of Health’s latest quarterly report for 2025/26 paints a picture of decay and maladministration, placing healthcare on the brink of collapse. With billions either squandered or underspent, the Department is clearly letting the people of the province down. Hospitals are deteriorating, doctors remain jobless […]

The post Mpumalanga’s healthcare services at breaking point appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.

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Witbank and Doornpoort’s Electricity Network on the Brink of Collapse

Location: News

The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) is justifiably concerned about the extremely vulnerable state of the Witbank and Doornpoort electricity network. Even though it is a critical situation and the Municipal Manager of the Emalahleni Local Municipality, Sizwe Mayisela, has repeatedly been contacted for clarity and urgent action, no satisfactory feedback or plan of action […]

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Water and Sanitation on Mpumalanga Dam Levels

Location: News

South African Government
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Water levels in the Mpumalanga Province remain stable, consistently above 99%, with slight improvements recorded in key reservoirs. According to the latest Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) weekly state of reservoirs report, the average dam levels in the province increased marginally from 99.2% to 99.3%.

The Water Management Areas (WMAs) showed notable improvements in water levels. The Limpopo-Olifants WMA experienced a slight increase, rising from 95.8% to 96.1%. Similarly, the Inkomati-Usuthu WMA saw a marginal increase, moving from 97.6% to 96.8%. Overall, the average water levels and volumes across the water management areas are higher compared to the same period last year.

In terms of district water levels, Ehlanzeni and Gert Sibande recorded slight improvements, while Nkangala experienced a minor decline. Ehlanzeni increased from 95.0% to 95.2%, and Gert Sibande rose from 100.2% to 100.3%. Meanwhile, Nkangala dropped slightly from 101.6% to 101.3%.

Most listed dams in the Lowveld and Ehlanzeni District maintained stable water levels. Longmere Dam remained unchanged at 101.1%, Klipkopjes Dam at 100.0%, Witklip Dam at 100.4%, Primkop Dam at 100.4%, and Da Gama Dam at 100.3%. Dams that showed improvements include Driekoppies, which increased from 91.6% to 91.8%, and Inyaka, which rose from 92.7% to 93.6%. On the other hand, Kwena Dam saw a slight decline, dropping from 101.3% to 101.0%.

In Gert Sibande District, most listed dams continued to show improvements in water levels, with the exception of Grootdraai Dam, which remained steady at 102.4%. Dams on an upward trend include Nooitgedacht, which increased from 100.0% to 100.4%, Jericho Dam from 92.0% to 92.5%, Westoe Dam from 99.8% to 99.9%, Morgenstond Dam from 93.8% to 95.3%, and Heyshope Dam from 100.9% to 101.1%. However, Vygeboom Dam experienced a decline, dropping from 100.9% to 100.3%.

In Nkangala District, Witbank Dam was the only dam to record an improvement, rising from 98.4% to 99.4%. Rhenosterkop / Mkhombo Dam remained unchanged at 102.2%. On the downside, Middelburg Dam dropped from 99.4% to 98.6%, and Loskop Dam declined from 102.5% to 101.6%.

The Department reminds the public that South Africa is a water-scarce country, urging everyone to use water wisely and sparingly. Despite current water levels remaining stable and higher than last year's, the DWS emphasises the need to intensify water conservation efforts, particularly as the country approaches the dry winter season in most regions.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.

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Two sentenced for crimes at Duvha Power Station

Location: News

Two sentenced for crimes at Duvha Power Station

Two people have been sentenced to five and 15 years imprisonment, respectively, for crimes targeting critical infrastructure at Duvha Power Station in Mpumalanga.

The two were sentenced in relation to separate incidents at the power station.

In a statement, Eskom said the two sentences “underscore the severe consequences of actions that threaten the nation’s energy supply”.

“On 8 October 2024, the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court sentenced Tseliso Ramosebetsi to 15 years in prison. Ramosebetsi was caught cutting and removing copper cables from the coal conveyor belt, a vital component of Duvha Power Station operations. Ramosebetsi and his accomplice, Mpho Johannes Machekela, were apprehended on 26 March 2024 after being detected through drone surveillance. 

“While Ramosebetsi has been brought to justice, Machekela absconded from trial, and a warrant for his arrest has been issued.

“In a separate case, the Witbank Magistrate’s Court sentenced Frederick Jacobs Van Wyk to five years in prison on 23 October 2024 for the theft of aluminium cables near the Horticulture site outside Duvha Power Station,” the statement read.

Eskom said the two sentences should serve as a deterrent to other would-be criminals.

“Eskom commends the South African Police Service for their dedication to securing these convictions, and thanks its security teams for their vigilance and collaboration in protecting the nation’s assets.

“Tampering with or damaging critical infrastructure is a criminal offence under the Criminal Matters Amendment Act, with penalties of up to 30 years’ imprisonment. Such activities disrupt essential services, pose serious safety risks, and undermine the sustainability of the electricity network, impacting communities and the economy.

“Eskom is committed to safeguarding the security and integrity of its critical infrastructure. The ongoing collaboration between Eskom’s internal security investigations team and law enforcement agencies, coordinated by the National Energy Crisis Committee’s Safety and Security Priority Committee, is yielding positive results in our efforts to combat crime and corruption,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 12/11/2024 - 10:16

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Five suspected ATM bombers killed in shootout with police in Emalahleni

Location: News

Five suspected ATM bombers killed in shootout with police in Emalahleni

Five suspected ATM bombers have been killed and one arrested during a shootout with police in Emalahleni, in Mpumalanga.

The suspects were shot and fatally wounded in a shootout with the Tactical Management Operational Section (TOMS) of the Hawks, the South Africa Police Services (SAPS) Special Task Force (STF), and Falcon Risk Security in the early hours of Monday.

National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya, said the team was following up on information received regarding a potential ATM bombing in the Witbank area.

“Information was operationalised leading the team to Schoongezicht in Emalahleni where the group was reported to be converging at an alleged safe house. The multi-disciplinary team were strategically posted to be on the lookout for the white Toyota Hilux received in the intelligence information.

“The identified vehicle was spotted driving out from the area and when the team attempted to stop the vehicle, suspects opened fire, and a shootout ensued. Five suspects were fatally wounded and one injured,” Lebeya said.

Lebeya said a R5 rifle, a hunting rifle with a scope, and three 9mm pistols, as well as explosives, were recovered on the scene.

The bakkie in which the suspects were travelling in, was subject to further investigation.

Lebeya has commended the work of the law enforcement agencies.

“A call is made to potential robbers to withdraw from such activities as this always attracts dire consequences. The team shall always be on alert," Lebeya said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 12/02/2024 - 09:57

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Mpumalanga residents urged to use water sparingly

Location: News

Mpumalanga residents urged to use water sparingly

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has called on Mpumalanga residents to use the available water the province has, wisely and sparingly, as dam levels record a marginal decrease from last week’s 86.0% to 85.1% in the current week. 

In a statement on Thursday, the department urged residents to fix and report water leaks.

A weekly status of dam levels report issued by the department also shows a decrease in the Water Management Areas (WMA). 

The Olifants WMA dropped from 78.0% to 77.0% and the Inkomati-Usuthu WMA dropped from 87.5% to 87.0%.

In terms of the districts, Ehlanzeni dropped from 86.5% to 85.4%, Gert Sibande dropped from 83.9% to 83.4%, and Nkangala dropped from 89.1% to 87.7%.

The department noted that there are no improvements recorded in most dams across the province, with only a few dams remaining unchanged and the majority recording declines.

The listed dams which recorded declines in water levels in Ehlanzeni District and the Lowveld include Blyderivierpoort from 79.0% to 76.6%, Buffelskloof from 66.7% to 63.6%, Witklip from 83.8% to 82.1%, Kwena from 82.1% to 79.9%, Da Gama from 89.6% to 87.8%, Inyaka from 89.9% to 88.7%, and Ohrigstad from 35.0% to 29.9%.

The dams that remained unchanged in the Lowveld include Driekoppies Dam at 92.7%, Longmere at 91.1%, Klipkopjes at 85.4%, and Primkop at 50.8%.

In Gert Sibande District, Grootdraai Dam dropped from 77.1% to 76.0%, Nooitgedacht from 79.8% to 79.2%, Vygeboom from 98.1% to 96.9%, and Westoe from 36.4% to 36.0%. 

All the listed dams in the Nkangala District continue to decrease in water volumes with Witbank Dam further dropping from 92.5% to 91.0%, Middelburg Dam from 85.4% to 84.3%, Loskop Dam from 90.2% to 88.5%, and Rhenosterkop Dam from 86.1% to 85.5%. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Thu, 09/26/2024 - 09:42

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Mpumalanga police make headway in the fight against crime

Location: News

Mpumalanga police make headway in the fight against crime

Mpumalanga’s Acting Police Commissioner, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, has expressed delight at a breakthrough made in the fight against cash-in-transit robberies that led to the arrest of four suspects.

This is after four suspects, aged between 30 and 49 were arrested in Vosman, Witbank on Saturday, 17 August.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) stated that the success of this operation was made possible by the proactive efforts of crime intelligence, which provided crucial information about the suspects’ plans.

“This information enabled a joint team to operationalise and strategically position themselves along the R545 Road, heading to Ogies. Upon spotting the suspects attempting to carry out the robbery in a white Mercedes Benz sedan, of which they failed, the members were able to intervene and prevent the attack on the security cash truck.”

The suspects then fled the scene in several other vehicles including a blue BMW 330i sedan and a charcoal Kia SUV. 

“A high-speed chase ensued, with law enforcement agencies successfully intercepting the suspects in the Vosman policing area,” the statement read. 

During the arrest, the SAPS said the suspects were found in possession of three AK-47 rifles with six magazines as well as 134 live rounds of ammunition, one 9 mm pistol with two magazines and 27 live ammunition.

“Additionally, hand gloves as well as balaclavas were confiscated during the arrest.”

The vehicles used in the attempted robbery were also seized for further investigation with preliminary findings revealing that the Mercedes Benz was reported stolen in Kabokweni last month. 

Several officials were involved in this breakthrough, including the tracking team from Limpopo in conjunction with the one from Mpumalanga, and crime prevention members from Vosman and Fidelity Special Service.

The suspects will face multiple charges, including possession of prohibited firearms and stolen vehicles, and conspiracy to commit a robbery.

The suspects are due to appear at Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) taking over the investigation.

“The confiscated firearms will be subjected to ballistic testing to determine whether these weapons were not previously used in the commission of crime elsewhere hence police cannot rule out the possibility of adding more charges against the suspects as the investigation continues,” the police added.

Mkhwanazi said this operation, once again highlights the dedication and expertise of local law enforcement officers in combating violent crimes and ensuring the safety of communities. 

“Firstly, we would like to appreciate the collaboration displayed by the team from Limpopo as well as our team from Mpumalanga and not forgetting the Fidelity Special Service which culminated in this magnificent achievement. 

“We encourage the public to remain vigilant and continue cooperating with police to fight against criminal activities,” the Major General added. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile
Sun, 08/18/2024 - 12:30

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Water and Sanitation calls for wise water use as water levels drop in Mpumalanga

Location: News

South African Government
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The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) calls on the public to use water wisely and sparingly as water levels drop in the Mpumalanga Province. 

According to the latest DWS weekly state of reservoirs report of 29 April 2024, the Mpumalanga Province recorded a 0.7% drop from 98.2% to 97.5% on average water levels over the past week. In the Water Management Areas (WMAs), the Olifants WMA dropped from 87.2% to 87.0% and the Inkomati-Usuthu WMA dropped from 98.4% to 97.3%. 

In terms of water levels per district, Ehlanzeni remained unchanged at 99.7%, Gert Sibande dropped from 97.1% to 95.7% and Nkangala dropped from 98.6% to 98.4%.
Ehlanzeni District and the Lowveld recorded mixed results with slightly more listed dams dropping in water while the rest recorded some improvements. On the positive, the listed dams that recorded improvements in water levels include Blyderivierspoort Dam increasing from 100.4% to 100.5%, Driekoppies from 100.3% to 100.5%, Klipkopjes from 99.6% to 99.8%, Primkop from 100.6% to 101.1%, and Da Gama from 99.8% to 100.3%.

Dropping in water levels in the Lowveld include Buffelskloof from 100.2% to 100.1%, Longmere from 100.2% to 99.8%, Witklip from 100.4% to 100.3%, Kwena from 100.4% to 100.3%, Inyaka from 100.4% to 100.3%, and Ohrigstad from 69.1% to 68.2%.

The majority of listed dams in Gert Sibande District recorded declines in water levels except for Westoe Dam which recorded an improvement from 70.5% to 70.8%.

On the decline in Gert Sibande District, Grootdraai Dam dropped from 97.1% to 96.9%, Nooitgedacht from 96.9% to 95.8%, Vygeboom from 100.6% to 100.5%, Jericho from 69.5% to 68.5%, Morgenstond from 100.5% to 90.0%, and Heyshope from 103.0% to 102.2 

In Nkangala District, Witbank Dam remained unchanged at 99.0% with the rest of the listed dams recording declines in water levels.

The listed dams that recorded drops in water levels in Nkangala District include Middelburg Dam dropping from 96.5% to 96.2%, Loskop from 100.3% to 100.2%, and Rhenosterkop / Mkhombo dropping from 95.8% to 95.5%. 

The Department of Water and Sanitation encourages the public to be more responsible and conservative in their water use as we enter the dry winter season taking into consideration that water has no substitute and South Africa is a water scarce country.

For more information, contact Wisane Mavasa, Spokesperson for the Department of Water and Sanitation on 060 561 8935 or Themba Khoza on 066 301 6962

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.

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SAPS makes strides in crime fighting operations

Location: News

SAPS makes strides in crime fighting operations

Police Minister Bheki Cele says combating crime through decisive police action and robust community involvement remains at the heart of policing in the country.

“We all can agree that crime is [at unacceptable] levels and communities have called on the SAPS [South African Police Service] to respond to their crime concerns,” Cele said.

Addressing media on the Police Take Down Successes of Police Counter Operations in Pretoria on Sunday, Cele said in the past few of days, SAPS has intercepted armed and dangerous gangs, who have left a reign of terror and fear in their wake.

“A group of 11 youngsters terrorising the community of Mariannhill in KwaZulu- Natal was intercepted, and nine were shot and killed during the arrest,” Cele said.

Cele said over 20 would-be cash-in-transit (CIT) robbers in Witbank, Mpumalanga, were also stopped in their tracks through coordinated responses by the police and private security.

“Five of the suspects were killed during gunfire exchange with police in their attempt to evade arrest. Eight of CIT robbers were arrested and another nine managed to escape.

“There is no doubt that these criminals and many others are ruthless and arrogant. Their actions demonstrate that they will eliminate anything and anyone that stands in their way.

“Criminals have waged a war on communities and are so brazen, they are testing the authority of the State by attacking police officers,” Cele said.

Cele said police remain unapologetic in their aggressive and decisive response to crime.

“This Ministry remains in full support of police work that results in safer communities. We will forever welcome the arrest of criminals and for them to have their day in court.

“But criminals are warned that if they engage the police instead of surrendering themselves; they will come out short.

“We are clear police will continue to protect communities and push back hard on criminality. Not on our watch will we allow criminals to walk all over communities and certainly not the country’s law enforcement,” Cele said.

Cele said the SAPS Crime Intelligence Division has been rejuvenated and bolstered to identify and infiltrate syndicates.

He said intervention units and tactical response teams of the SAPS continue to be capacitated.

“The Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigations and overall detection of organised crime is sharper than ever. The combination of all these policing services is decisively responding to crime especially to violent and serious crime.

“Without an ounce of hesitation, officers on the ground will protect their lives and preserve the lives of innocent community members when the need arises,” Cele said.

He said takedowns by the police are not isolated and are not coincidental.

“They are as a direct result of reliable and strong intelligence coupled by sharp tactical readiness of police units who are trained to neutralise any threat and protect lives,” he said.

According to Cele, from April 2023 to date, 1 171 intelligence-led takedowns were conducted by the SAPS.

To date, 3 749 suspects have been apprehended during intelligence-led takedowns. These include 173 for murder, 57 for extortion and kidnapping, 164 for property-related crimes and 269 for vehicle-related crimes.

Cele said 768 suspects have been arrested for possession of illegal firearms.

“Four hundred and eighty-eight and 79 suspects were arrested for robberies and CIT robberies, respectively; 1 510 drug-related and 214 illicit mining arrests were made from April to date during intelligence-led takedowns,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Sun, 04/07/2024 - 11:16

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Gauteng Blinds on Sale at Blinds4u.co.za

Location: MyPR

Looking for affordable blinds in Gauteng? Look no further than Blinds4u.co.za, the best blinds store in the region. As a trusted supplier of blinds, Blinds4u.co.za offers a wide range of high-quality blinds for sale. Whether you’re in Centurion, Pretoria, Midrand, Johannesburg, or any other location in Gauteng, Blinds4u.co.za has you covered. At Blinds4u.co.za, you’ll find …

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