• JANUARIE:
Hoping the best for CJ with a heart problem
Christo (CJ) Kotze, a six-year-old from Randfontein, who collapsed while playing on a slippery slide on 1 January, has made miraculous progress since the incident, which happened at a family gathering in Kempton Park. That day, while playing with the other children, CJ suddenly collapsed. When he stopped breathing, his dad tried to resuscitate him, but they could not find a pulse. His parents rushed him to a private hospital in the area where he was declared dead on arrival. Doctors worked hard to resuscitate him, applying electric shocks to his heart (defibrillation). Eventually a faint heartbeat was detected. CJ spent eight days in the ICU before he was moved to a general ward. The next day he went home. The doctors advised his parents that he had some degree of brain damage. His mother, Charlene told the Herald the recovery time could be between three and six months. Then it came to light that CJ also has a heart problem.
Parents killed, kids injured in crash
A mother and father were killed while their two children sustained critical injuries in a car crash on the N12 near Zuurbekom outside Carletonville, two days after Christmas Day, 2016. ER24 confirmed shortly before 6am that morning, that their paramedics had arrived on the scene where they found two vehicles which had overturned. The parents of the 18-month-old and 9-year-old children in the vehicle were found with fatal injuries near an overturned bakkie. The children had sustained serious injuries. Both were treated and stabilised on the scene before they were rushed to a nearby hospital. The driver of the other vehicle sustained minor injuries and later declined to be transported to hospital.
Held wat destyds ‘n ramp voorkom het, sterf
Jac Theunisz, 77, ‘n vername voormalige besigheidsman en held wat destyds lewens gered het tydens ‘n ontploffing in Westonaria is op Vrydag, 6 Januarie oorlede. Op 27 Junie 1973 in Westonaria het hy ‘n ramp voorkom toe ‘n elektriese fout in ‘n dinamietvragmotor ontstaan het en ‘n vonk aan die agterkant gevorm het. Jac het dit raakgesien toe hy verbygery het. Hy het die bestuurder en die medebestuurder gewaarsku en het so hul lewens gered. Hy kon ook ‘n vrou met kleuters in haar voertuig waarsku. Terwyl sy teëgestribbel het, het die trok ontplof. Die ontploffing is tot in Randfontein gehoor en was so groot dat die krukas van die vragmotor vyf kilometer verder gevind is. Een van Jac se wense was om die kleuters te ontmoet wat daardie dag in die voertuig was. Sy begrafnis was privaat gehou.
Nuwe era se Graad 1’s verwelkom
Dit was ‘n emosionele Woensdag-oggend, 15 Januarie toe die nuwe groep Graad 1’s oral by laerskole in Randfontein aangesluit het. Alhoewel dit ‘n groot dag vir die leerders was, was party van die ouers meer gespanne as hul kinders. Oor die algemeen het almal se eerste skooldag glad verloop en mens kon sien almal was opgewonde oor die nuwe skooljaar.
Farm murder upon farm murder
The call for a a specialised police unit has until now (December) fallen on deaf ears in government. A 70-year-old couple – a disabled woman and her husband – were found murdered after a farm attack in Poortjie, Jachtfontein on Friday, 13 January. Local police confirmed that their bodies were discovered at about 3.30pm by their workers. It is alleged by workers that 13 January was their pay-day and the possible motive was that of robbery. The victims were identified as Hannes and Ester Kidson. The DA released a statement about the shocking murder, saying police have noted 49 farm murders during the past year (2016) while according to TAU SA, the number is as high as 72. On 30 October 2017, the Herald reported that thousands of people on the West Rand took a stand against farm murders. Locals got together at Uncle Harry’s Roadhouse and the Finsbury intersection and travelled in a convoy past the Pardekraal Monument to the Pinehaven crossing and back. This was linked with the national call by South Africans to stop farm attacks, which was dubbed ‘Black Monday’. The week before Black Monday, 11 farm attacks, in which four people were killed, were reported. Ernst Roets of AfriForum said since the beginning of 2017, 347 farm attacks occurred, resulting in the deaths of 68 people.
In March 2016, a family of four, Monty McCormack, 73, his son Kennith, 42, Kennith’s fiancée Marietjie Meyer, 46, and her daughter Kayla, 9, were brutally murdered between Wednesday, 9 and Thursday, 10 March on a Randfontein farm in Rodora, Doornfontein in what was called the#RodoraMassacre. In September 2017, justice was finally served for the victims, when four life sentences each were handed down to the perpetrators, Elvis Gobodwana and Eric Baliki, in the South Gauteng High Court.
• FEBRUARIE:
Skoolhoof van Jannas groet na 17 jaar
“Labore ad lucem – deur arbeid na lig sal steeds my leuse bly.” Dit was Julius Katzke, hoof van Hoërskool Jan Viljoen se finale afskeidswoorde toe hy op Vrydag 3 Februarie die skool gegroet het waar hy baie jare van sy lewe deurgebring het. Die skool het ‘n spesiale saalopening aangebied waartydens emosionele leerders vir hom kerse aangesteek het. Selfs die ouers wat die saalopening bygewoon het, het hul oë uitgehuil. Julius het as skoolhoof 17 jaar van sy lewe vir die skool gegee. Hy het op Maandag, 6 Februarie met ‘n nuwe fase in sy lewe begin toe hy by Hoërskool Florida in Roodepoort vir diens aangemeld het.
The top police stations in the cluster are …
Major General Anna Mateisi, the West Rand Cluster commander, awarded numerous certificates to her officers and stations for putting their lives on the line to protect the citizenry. The Westonaria Police took home an award for achieving 100 per cent for their human and physical resource efficiency and ranked 5th on the West Rand Cluster station rankings. Kagiso Police Station was ranked number one followed by Khutsong and Tarlton.
Old-age home targeted by armed robbers
On 10 February, the Sascha Old-age Home in Elandsvlei was targeted by armed robbers. According to an official police statement, it is alleged that five suspects in a red BMW entered the premises at about 7.30pm, . They allegedly pointed at the employees with firearms and demanded cash. Some of the employees were tied up and the suspects took electronic appliances, jewellery and a number of cellphones. The suspects then fled the scene. No serious injuries were reported. André Benadie, owner of the home, told the Herald everything returned to normal and the residents of the home were not injured. He also confirmed that the suspects stole the possessions of some of the residents and the home itself. One resident, Lena Heystek, 76, told the Herald her experience during the crime in an article that was published in our 24 February 2017 edition.
West Rand gets bright red fire engines for Valentine’s Day
Boyce Maneli, Executive Mayor of the West Rand District Municipality kept his word and delivered five more fire engines to his district. Whether or not it was planned that way, the bright red fire engines were handed over just in time for Valentine’s Day.
Government’s plans for West Rand and Gauteng revealed
David Makhura, the Gauteng Premier, revealed government’s plans for the West Rand as well as the province during the State of the Province Address held at the Greenhills Stadium in Randfontein on Monday, 19 February. The Esidimeni saga was the first point in his speech. He took no responsibility for the matter, but put forward ways in which to rebuild the Gauteng Department of Health’s reputation and remedy the situation. The West Rand area is one of five economic development doorways which he will be working with. He promised housing for various areas within the West Rand and reported that the N14 upgrades have been completed. Furthermore, repairs to other roads are high priority. He then announced that a bicycle assembly factory would soon be built in Mohlakeng. In addition to this, he announced the success of two AgriParks in the region, and mentioned that others still needed to be completed. Lastly, Makhura announced that 178 farmers on smallholdings are currently being supported by provincial government, with more expected in future. On the subject of land, Makhura came closer to home, stating that both Mogale City and the Rand West municipality will have mega settlements within two decades. As far as education was concerned, Makhura congratulated the West Rand for taking centre stage by achieving the top spot in the province for 2016, and for the area’s consistent academic success. Visit our website (www.randfonteinherald.co.za), and search for ‘Government’s plans for the West Rand, Gauteng revealed’ for other notable parts of his address.
• MARCH:
Nog ‘n bielie van ‘n Randfontein Skou
Duisende mense van so ver as die Vrystaat en Kaapstad het op Greenhills Stadion toegesak vir vanjaar se Randfontein Skou. Die Skou het van Donderdag, 2 tot Sondag, 5 Maart plaasgevind. Besoek ons gallery (www.randfonteinherald.co.za) indien jy dit heeltemal misgeloop het. Randfontein Hoërskool is ook as die splinternuwe pom-pom kampioene gekroon, nogal indrukwekkend nadat Jannas die kompetisie vir vyf jaar agtereenvolgend gewen het. Randfontein Laerskool (Rappies) het die junior titel gewen.
R’fontein girl makes boxing history
A 16-year-old female boxer participated in the 2017 Commonwealth Games for the first time in SA history and … she’s from Randfontein! Amorie Gonsalves, 16, was hand-picked by the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) to represent the country at the 2017 Commonwealth Games in Nassau, Bahamas.
• APRIL:
Sun City-like town proposed by Mayor
Proposing a Sun City-like Westonaria for the future was one of the major shocks announced during this year’s State of the City Address (Soca) held in the council chambers on Friday, 24 March. According to Mzi Khumalo, the Rand West City Local Municipality Executive Mayor, the vision is to create an investor-friendly city with constant economic growth through rural, agricultural and enterprise development, and supporting business retention, expansion and attraction. As Khumalo put it to council, he “will bring Sun City to Westonaria” with a number of proposed projects and facilities which include an action mini-golf course, balloon safaris, botanical gardens, a business centre, conference facilities catering for 1 000 people, a cultural village and museum (to be known as Amampondo), a four-star hotel with gym, a superdome for entertainment, para-sailing, restaurants, a jazz club, a theatre and a ‘valley of waves’. Read the full speech on our website (www.randfonteinherald.co.za) by searching for the headline above.
The Herald has a big fan
It all started with Maggie Johnson collecting newspapers for household purposes, and ended in a collection of 414 editions – and counting. Maggie seems to be the Herald’s biggest fan and has been collecting the paper for years. In this, her 18th year, she can collect a paper she is part of. She said it all started with collecting newspapers in case she needed to make a fire or cut up vegetables, but she only ever used the advertisement inserts in the papers.
Two schoolboys die in tragic car crash
The tragic deaths of two youngsters on Tuesday, 4 April, has shaken Randfontein and its schools to the very core. MC Prinsloo, 11, and Damian McKeith, 16, were on their way to watch MC’s eldest brother play rugby in Naboomspruit when they were involved in an accident. They were in a car driven by MC’s mother and accompanied by MC’s other older brother. MC’s eldest brother unknowingly drove past the crash in the school bus on his way to his rugby match and only learned of his brother’s death later. Apparently, he played the match after dedicating it to his late brother. His team, the Hoërskool Riebeeckrand First Team, subsequently achieved a landslide victory, with a score of 73–0 against Wolmaransstad. Leon Haupt, the principal of Laerskool Randfontein, has since spoken to the Herald about MC and Damian and said they will be greatly missed by staff members and learners of the school.
Jannas-leerder verloor albei ouers in ongeluk
Familie en vriende is saam met Veronique Rossouw in rou gedompel nadat sy eers haar ma en toe dae daarna haar pa aan die dood moes afstaan. Retha Rossouw, ‘n bekende inwoner van Randfontein asook onderwyser aan Hoerskool Jan Viljoen is op Maandag 10 April in ‘n motorongeluk in die Ekurhuleni-gebied dood. Johan Rossouw, haar man, was dae na die ongeluk nog in die Natalspruit Hospitaal maar kort daarna het die Herald die tragiese nuus by André Rossouw gekry dat sy broer ook gesterf het. Veronique, ‘n voormalige Jannas-leerder en Retha en Johan se dogter, het aan die Herald bevestig dat sy, haar ma en pa in die motor was toe die ongeluk gebeur het en dat hulle op pad was Ballito toe in KwaZulu-Natal om daar vakansie te hou. Veronique het vertel dat sy ten tye van die ongeluk geslaap het. Retha en Johan se dood het skokgolwe deur die gemeenskap gestuur. ‘n Roudiens van byna drie uur lank is op Donderdag, 20 April by die NG Kerk Helikonpark gehou vir die geliefde egpaar. Sien foto’s en nog berigte op ons webwerf (www.randfonteinherald.co.za).
Baby boy dies in tragic house fire
Tragedy struck a family from Zenzele when their 17-month-old baby boy succumbed to the burns sustained in a fire at their home on 22 April. It is said the shack the family was living in burnt down at about 6pm and the baby sadly died in hospital two days later. Police confirmed that the father of the baby alleged that the shack was on fire when he realised the boy was still inside. He ran in and rescued the boy, who had already sustained burn wounds on the face and body. During the rescue, the father also sustained burn wounds. They were both transported to a local hospital for medical treatment.
Man killed in explosion
On Friday, 21 April, 33-year-old Brandon Heylen lost his life in an explosion at Wilmar South Africa. He was employed as a Solvent Operator. Leon Niemand, General Manager of Wilmar SA, said, “We confirm that we had an explosion in one of our production facilities on Friday evening at about 6pm. One of our employees was fatally injured while five other employees were hospitalised for minor injuries.” Benny Mohlabeng, the Randfontein Fire Department chief, confirmed that they arrived on the scene and found that one of the plants had exploded.
• MAY:
Ma, dogter en twee ander sterf ná Buchan-byeenkoms
Skaars twee weke na die dood van ‘n bekende egpaar het die Herald in Mei die hartverkseurende nuus gedeel dat ‘n ma en haar dogter, ‘n Graad 3-leerder van Laerskool Rapportryer in ‘n gru-botsing dood is. Die skool het bevestig dat hulle op pad terug Randfontein toe was na die It’s Time-gebedsbyeenkoms naby Bloemfontein wat deur Angus Buchan gelei is. Volgens Russel Meiring, ER24-woordvoerder, was twee ligte motorvoertuie in ‘n botsing op die N12 tussen Klerksdorp en Potchefstroom betrokke. Ses ander persone is beseer en nog twee is oorlede. Meiring het vertel dat hul paramadeci die twee voertuigwrakke in die middel van die pad ‘n entjie uit mekaar aangetref het. Hulle het die lyke van drie volwassenes en die dogtertjie in een voertuig gekry.
Stamselbehandeling gee outistiese-seun weer hoop
De Wet Ralph, ‘n sesjarige seun met klassieke outisme het wonderbaarlike vordering getoon nadat hy stamselbehandeling op 17 Januarie vanjaar in Indië ontvang het. Die prosedure is deur dokter Alok Sharma in Indië uitgevoer. Voor De Wet se behandeling kon hy en sy ouers glad nie kommunikeer nie. Na die eerste behandeling kan hulle al vingertaal gebruik om te kommunikeer. De Wet kan nou byvoorbeeld die bad se prop uittrek, sy klere in die wasmasjien gooi en speel – iets wat outistiese kinder gewoonlik nie kan doen nie. Hy gaan verdere stamselbehandeling ontvang en volgens die dokter sal hy op die ouderdom van 12 behoorlik kan kommunikeer.
When, by law, can you shoot a suspect?
In May, Johan Krogh, General Manager of EPR West Rand, addressed the important matter of when you are allowed to use your gun for protection. In the case of using your gun in self-defence, there are several elements that need to be present for the act to be lawful, namely: the suspect must be committing an unlawful act against you or a third party; the offence must be incomplete, i.e. still in progress; you can only use your gun for self-defence in certain cases, such as assault with a dangerous weapon, rape etcetera. The self-defence action must be directed at the attacker and the action must only be intended to protect your interest (for instance, your life, bodily integrity and dignity). Read the full article by searching for the above headline online.
Randgate Clinic finally open!
After many postponements and nine long years, the Randgate Clinic was officially opened for business on Wednesday, 17 May. The Herald was there to witness this momentous occasion. Also in attendance were the Gauteng MEC for Infrastructure, Jacob Mamabolo, the newly appointed Gauteng MEC for Health, Gwen Ramokgopa, DA Councillors Sina Erasmus, Peter Dick and Ellik de Lange, and a number of eager residents. It’s said the clinic looks like a miniature version of a private hospital, complete with the latest technology. Watch a video of the new clinic online by searching for the above headline.
Mayor’s budget speech: What you must know
Mzi Khumalo, Executive Mayor of the Rand West City Local Municipality (RWCLM) delivered his official 2017/ 18 Medium Term Revenue and Expenditure Budget speech to council and the community on Tuesday, 30 May. He pointed out that the reality we are faced with consists of massive development backlogs and increasing levels of unemployment and poverty in our communities. New tariff increases for the new financial year were mentioned, as well as rates for new graves and fees for reopening graves. He also mentioned a number of projects that are to be implemented in the 2017/ 18 financial year and beyond. Read the full article by searching the above headline on our website.
• JUNIE:
Egpaar is 60 jaar getroud
‘n Paartjie van Ooster-plotte is sedert 1957 getroud. Salie, 78, en Alwyn van Zyl, 85, is na 60 jaar saam steeds smoorverlief. Die Herald het by hulle ‘n draai gaan maak om te hoor hoe hulle ontmoet het en wat hul resep en geheim vir ‘n suksesvolle huwelik is. Hulle het vyf kinders waarvan die jongste 16 jaar gelede oorlede is. Hulle het ook ses kleinkinders en ses agterkleinkinders.
Shallow grave murder shock
The news that human remains were dug up on a plot in Pelzvale sent shockwaves through the community. Forensic experts spent numerous hours exhuming the body, which was transported to the Roodepoort Government Mortuary for the postmortem. Evidence found on the scene suggested that the body was that of a 63-year-old man who was reported missing in that area on 28 April. DNA test results received by Investigating Officer Rupert van Zyl confirmed that the body was indeed that of the missing man, Gert Kotze. Two people related to Kotze have since been arrested, one a 34-year-old man and the other a woman of unknown age. She was granted R10 000 bail in October, but certain conditions applied. The case is still being heard in court.
2017 Comrades: Frans – Rand West City’s best finisher
Athletes from Toekomsrus, Mohlakeng and Westonaria joined the masses at this year’s Comrades Marathon, with Frans Mola from Simunye representing South Deep Athletics Club in Westonaria. He was the first Rand West City athlete to finish the race in a time of 6:17:06 and 39th place overall.
#KnysnaFireVictims: Thank you R’fontein for your support
There was overwhelming support from Randfonteiners as they rallied behind relief efforts for fire-ravaged Knysna. The Herald was overwhelmed by residents, even schoolchildren, donating clothes, food and much more for the victims of the devastating Knysna fire disaster. By the last day of donations, the Herald had already received more than four bakkie-loads of goods. These were sorted and packed into boxes to be sent to Knysna.
18-year-old found brutally murdered
The body of 18-year-old Kenny Tredrea was found in the veld near Hillshaven in Westonaria. Police say the deceased’s hands were tied and he had injuries to his upper body. It is further alleged that his throat was slit and that he was tortured. The murder case is still ongoing.
W’aria’s horse lover – now Mrs Grand SA 2017
Rosa van Niekerk, 40, a Westonaria resident and lawyer won the title of Mrs Grand South Africa 2017 in June at a function held at the Roodepoort Theatre. She also won the Public Choice Award. She has been married for 12 years and has two children. The Herald heard through the grapevine in December that Rosa will represent South Africa at a major competition in Belgium next year.
West Rand Police’s finest are rewarded
This year’s West Rand Cluster Police Prestige Awards 2017 took place at Usambara on 30 June. The purpose of the Prestige Awards is to give recognition to service excellence and hard work in line with the police’s strategic objectives. Randfontein and Westonaria winners were as follows: Special award by Cluster Commander: Best HRM – Westonaria and Best detectives – Carletonville; Administrative Group of the year award – Westonaria HRM (first place) and Vispol Group of the Year – Randfontein Echo Relief (third place).
• JULIE:
Spookhuisraaisel in Homelake: Die Herald kom agter die kap van die byl
Die Herald kon vasstel dat die huis by Godfreystraat 1 in Homelake die einste huis is waar ‘n familie aangeval en die man tragies voor sy sesjarige dogter vermoor is. Marius Smit, wat glo ‘n private speurder was, is op 3 Julie 2015 doodgeskiet en sy pa gewond toe gewapende aanvallers die huis binnegestorm het. Fritz Smit, wyle Marius se pa, het intussen tydens ‘n eksklusiewe onderhoud met die Herald vertel hoe hy dit vermy om verby die huis te ry omdat dit ou wonde oopkrap. Die familie voel ook dat hulle nie vrede in hul harte sal vind voor die huis nie gesloop of verkoop is nie. Op 29 Augustus het die Herald en DA-raadslid Ellik de Lange die einste moordhuis besoek wat tans skoongemaak en opgeknap word. Volgens Shaun de Klerk, is hy besig om die huis uit die boedel te koop.
Paralympic athlete, 16, gets big donation towards his Mexican dream
Mzi Khumalo, Randfontein’s Executive Mayor, and a generous sponsor recently presented a cheque for R100 000 to David Mcklopper, a 16-year-old Paralympic athlete and swimming star from Toekies. David, who was born in the Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital in Johannesburg with a condition called Roberts Phocomelia, has been invited to compete in the International Paralympics World championships (IPC) in Mexico City, Mexico.
• AUGUSTUS:
New technology, new hope to fight crime
There is a new sheriff in town fighting crime in Randfontein and its surrounding areas. His name is Red Eye. It has become clear that the police, security companies and Community Policing Forums (CPF) in Randfontein are working hand in hand and have taken a big step towards curbing crime. The Red Eye poles are strategically placed at shopping centres, in residential areas and/ or on commercial properties. Four to eight CCTV cameras are fitted per pole. This is apparently a community project, as the Red Eye is not specifically focused on one property. For instance, it keeps a watchful eye on a residential area. The success of the Red Eye depends on the cooperation of role-players – residents, the relevant CPFs, local municipality, police and local security service providers – to combat crime in Randfontein and its surrounds.
Rammies vier 80e verjaarsdag
Laerskool Randfontein het op Woensdag, 3 Augustus hul 80e verjaarsdag gevier. Nagenoeg 1 400 leerders en 78 onderwysers het die dag op die veld bymekaar gekom waar 80 ballonne losgelaat is. Die leerders het ook die syfer 80 op die veld gevorm en elkeen het ‘n stukkie koek gekry. Ram het in 1937 as die eerste Afrikaans-medium skool in Randfontein sy eerste leerders verwelkom. Die skool het deur die jare baie hoogtepunte beleef. Volgens die hoof, Leon Haupt, is die leerders, die onderwysers, die ouers en vorige hoofde dié wat die geskiedenis gevorm het.
Caregiver slain: Murder at home of famous sportsman
On Wednesday morning, 16 August, one woman was found dead and another was transported to hospital after three male suspects targeted a home in Elaine Street, Homelake. The woman killed in the home invasion is said to be a caregiver who was looking after a famous Randfontein sportsman. Captain Appel Ernst, Randfontein Police spokesperson, confirmed that there was a third victim, namely famous sportsman, Ken Wittstock, 76, who is bedridden. Shihan Ken Wittstock is a famous karate teacher. He has lived his entire life in Randfontein. The case is still not closed.
‘Abused’ little primate rescued by NSPCA
The NSPCA’s Wildlife Protection Unit had to step in after a young female Chacma Baboon was found in the illegal care of human owners at a home in Randfontein. According to Arno de Klerk, Wildlife Protection Unit National inspector, the owner did not know how to adequately care for the animal. He added that the initial complaint received was that the animal was being abused, but due to their quick intervention, the animal did not suffer sufficiently for them to have to have to lay charges of animal cruelty. The baboon was later moved to a baboon rehabilitation centre in Limpopo province.
Brave Nienaber dies
Marius Nienaber, the security reaction officer who was wounded in the line of duty in November 2016 sadly passed away on Wednesday 16 August. His wife confirmed his death. Nienaber, a husband and father, was gunned down on Kiewiet Street when he responded to a carjacking. When he confronted the robbers, they shot him. Nienaber’s death is deeply mourned by the Randfontein Community.
• SEPTEMBER:
2016 Mexican restaurant robbery concluded: Criminal will serve 18 years
Bonkinkosi Mpetsheni, 35, one of the armed robbers who targeted a Mexican restaurant in the Randfontein CBD in February last year, was sentenced to a total of 58 years’ imprisonment on eight charges. The sentences will, however, run concurrently and he will effectively be imprisoned for 18 years. On 13 February 2016, the owner of the Mochachos restaurant situated on Main Reef Road was the target of a group of armed robbers. The case of the foiled business robbery which occurred in the restaurant was finalised in the Johannesburg High Court. One of the suspects, an adult male, was fatally wounded during the crossfire and another suspect was arrested approximately 200 metres from the scene by a passing security vehicle. Two firearms belonging to the suspects were recovered on the scene. A Randfontein Police vehicle was damaged during the incident but no injuries were sustained by the police members.
Hoërskole kroon hul mooistes
Albei Hoerskool Jan Viljoen en Hoerskool Riebeeckrand het so opmekaar hul Menere en Mejuffroue gekroon; Jannas op Lentedag (1 September) en Riebeeckrand op 25 Augustus. Mej Riebeeckrand Senior is Megan Erasmus, met Neelandri Nel as eerste prinses en Kyrsha McDonald as tweede prinses. Mej Riebeeckrand Junior is Caitlin Buitendag, met Christelle Vosloo as eerste prinses en Wjanik Beneke as tweede prinses. Mnr Riebeeckrand is Brandon Badenhorst, met Peet van Jaarsveld as eerste prins. Mnr Jan Viljoen Junior is Calvin Smith, met Vincenzo Visagie as eerste prins, en Thiaan van Niekerk as tweede prins. Mej Jan Viljoen Junior is Reuchine van der Walt, met Chandré du Plooy as eerste prinses, en Zuricka van Heerden as tweede prinses. Mej Jan Viljoen Senior is Paula-Jade Lisher, met Melani Botes as eerste prinses, en Leruchka de Villiers as tweede prinses.
Elandsvlei heist: Up to 50 pistols stolen
During the early hours of the morning of Monday, 4 September, an agricultural business in Elandsvlei was targeted by an unknown number of criminals who fled with up to 50 handguns. Captain Appel Ernst, Randfontein Police spokesperson, confirmed that the burglary took place some time between midnight and 4am. Appel added that the suspects had gained access to one safe, but not to the second. The robbers also took other equipment, clothes and products from the store.
Boy, 3, killed by electric shock
The community of Toekomsrus was shocked by the death of a 3-year-old boy. The boy, identified as Tyler Julius, died after being electrocuted one Thursday afternoon. An inquest regarding the incident is still under investigation. According to Captain Appel Ernst, Randfontein Police spokesperson, it is alleged the boy was with a group of children playing soccer in Stormrivier Street. They allegedly kicked the ball over a fence. The boy went to retrieve the ball and touched an electrical wire at an open electrical box. He was certified dead on the scene. The matter of the open electricity boxes in the Toekomsrus area has been brought to the attention of local government. Representatives of the municipality visited the heartbroken family to express their condolences personally and made a contribution to the boy’s funeral.
More than 2 000 at Color Run™ fun
All the colours of the rainbow were seen in the streets of Randfontein during the Go West! 5km Color Run™. The race is said to be the happiest 5km run of one’s life during which free-spirited people roam the streets. Young and old and even a number of dogs made it through the colour stations just to be covered in coloured powder from head to toe. This year’s theme was ‘Superhero Tour’ and more than 2 200 people participated. The mission of the run is to bring people together and make the world a happier, healthier place by creating an experience that’s more about the memories you make than your mile per minute.
• OCTOBER:
Killers jailed for life after murder of Marius du Toit
Two men have been sentenced to life in prison for killing beloved father and husband, Marius du Toit, two years ago. Du Toit, 48, was shot and killed in his home in Culemborg Park early on Easter Sunday, 5 April, in 2015. On Thursday, 5 October 2017, judgment was handed down. Only two of the men were found guilty of murdering Du Toit and were sentenced to life imprisonment. The two other accused did, however, receive jail terms for numerous offences. They four accused are Andile Nongudlumana, Bheki Jali, Vela Mantengu and Thokozani Nsibande.
Sungate Farms’ 22nd birthday rocked!
On Saturday, 30 September, crowds of residents and friends went to Sungate Farms to join the festivities and celebrate their Spring Adventure Run for their 22nd birthday. The morning started off with the 10km run, followed by a 5km run. There was also action-packed wrestling, and 19-year-old Refentse Morake with his band, the Cupcakes 4 Kids with Cancer organisation raising funds for their cause, entertainment for the children in the form of jumping castles, and big balls they could climb into in the water, exotic animals from the company Scar, walks through the Sungates gardens to see how vegetables grow, and many stalls selling a wide variety of food and drinks.
Woman who set herself alight reveals what she looks like after ordeal
Susan van Rooyen, 53, who set herself alight is finally back home after being in hospital for more than three months. The incident happened on Monday afternoon, 10 July, in Union Street, Randgate. The Herald saw CCTV footage of her pouring approximately two litres of petrol over herself and rubbing it into her hair and face. Van Rooyen had skin surgery and received various treatments during the time she was hospitalised. She now has to visit her doctor every two weeks, is on a special diet and receives special care. She is currently living with her daughter, Susan Cloete, and keeps herself busy with knitting and colouring-in. She explained to the Herald in an exclusive interview that she got a second chance at life and is going to use it. She also revealed what she looked like.
2017 Festa Portuegesa better than ever
This year’s Festa Portuegesa, which took place at the Saint Eugene de Mazenod Centre on Sunday, 29 October, was bigger and better than ever. This major annual event started at 11am with a large group of visitors eager to enjoy themselves. The spirit in the air was festive – fires were going and the people were enjoying caipirinhas, the drink of choice. Everywhere you looked, you saw espetadas on skewers, delicious prego rolls and more. “We sold 21 barrels of caipirinha at the festival and by 7.30pm, all the food was sold out,” said Sandra Nascimento Avelar, one of the organisers.
• NOVEMBER:
Saga of assault at mall
Police said an assault case is still being investigated after a video showing a man being assaulted at Tambotie Mall went viral on social media. Two men were arrested after the incident on a charge of assault but the case was not brought to court as the prosecutor still wanted investigations to be conducted and witness statements are still outstanding. Mzi Khumalo, the Executive Mayor of the Rand West City Local Municipality said the assault on the man could easily be construed to be a racial attack. The African National Congress in the West Rand Region urged those who witnessed the incident to come forward and assist law enforcement agencies to speedily bring justice and closure to the matter.
‘n Rolprent oor ons eie Toekies
Op Saterdag, 11 November is die onafhanklike rolprent, Toekomsrus Ons Erfenis die eerste keer in Randfontein vertoon. Die ATKV-tak Toekomsrus was die gasheer vir die vertoning wat by Da’side Venue in Aureus aangebied is. Die dialoog van die rolprent, wat deur Jacelyn Xenia Kok vervaardig is, is in Afrikaans met Engelse onderskrifte. Toekomsrus Ons Erfenis is die verhaal van ontworteling in die 1970’s na aanleiding van die Wet op Groepsgebiede 41 van 1950. ’n Getroude paartjie word neergegooi op vervloekte grond in ’n lokasie met die naam van Toekomsrus. Die rolprent is geïnspireer deur ware gebeure. Alhoewel die rolprent nie in teaters vertoon gaan word nie, sal dit iewers aanstaande jaar op Kofifi TV verskyn.
Murdered Toekies mom: Ex-husband found guilty
Ray Leslie, 37, was sentenced to 13 years’ imprisonment by the Johannesburg High Court for murdering his ex-wife Candice Fritz (also 37) on the night of 13 to 14 November. The family and community are outraged by this sentence. Rashida Abrahams from Westview Clinic, a Kemajo coach, youth activist, chairperson for the Randfontein Youth Crime Prevention and part of the Justice for Candice group, said, “Justice was not served. Justice failed us. Five women have been murdered in Toekomsrus. The killing of women is not taken seriously.”
• DECEMBER:
Mother and stepfather found guilty of 3-year-old Poppie’s murder
The mother and stepfather of blue-eyed little Poppie van der Merwe, 3, were found guilty of her murder. Both her biological mother, Louisa Koekemoer, 47, and stepfather Kobus Koekemoer, 44, were found guilty of murder, assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm and child abuse in the Pretoria High Court on Wednesday, 8 December. Sentencing will take place on 28 February 2018. On 25 October 2016, Poppie died in hospital after the last abusive attack on her in Brits. Pathology reports indicate that she died of blunt force trauma to her head and that her injuries were consistent with those of extensive child abuse. She was laid to rest in Westonaria.
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