#RidgeTimesRewind: Top stories for 2018
Animal issues divided this community, but then there were also lighter moments when the community worked together for the greater good of all, such as the massive project to send water to drought-stricken areas.
HIGHVELD – Violence is the word that sums up the majority of news that made headlines in 2018.
There were violent protests where buildings were torched, a mayor accused of slapping a municipal employee, children murdered, missing people who were found murdered, and violent carnage on the road that led to many deaths.
Animal issues divided this community, but then there were also lighter moments when the community worked together for the greater good of all, such as the massive project to send water to drought-stricken areas.
The stories that we believe mattered most to you, are the following:
* Baboon Saga
The killing of a baboon in town sparked a huge uproar in the community. The animal was shot dead in Tugela Street, Secunda on 5 April.
* Accidents on R546
Many believe the road between Evander and eMbalenhle is cursed – especially at the turn off towards Adullam and Brendan Village.
More than 10 people died within two months at this turn-off.
* Murder in the butchery
Mr Mervin van Heerden’s body was found in an industrial pipe behind an abandoned mine shaft in August. Police arrested his ex-wife and business partner, Ms Karen van Heerden, and an employee, Mr Darello Soetmelk in connection with the concealment of the murder.
* Police catch an alleged murderer
The Ridge Times reported on the murder of Mr Mile Veljkovic seven years ago and this year, in September, a man was finally arrested for the murder of Mr Veljkovic. Mr Nebjsa Jestic was arrested in the Cape after he was involved in an accident and the vehicle he was travelling in, was connected with Mr Veljkovic.
* White Sasol employees strike
Solidarity made history in September when white people went on strike about Sasol’s Khanyisa scheme that only includes black employees. It was a peaceful gathering in front of Sasol’s main gate. Sasol and Solidarity have not yet reached an agreement.
* “Skole samel 150 000L water in”
Schools in Secunda, Bethal, Trichardt and Evander, and businesses collected 150 000L of water to send to the drought-stricken Cape in February. Sasol sponsored trucks that left for Beaufort-Wes and Prins Albert and the water that was left over, was sent to Hendrina.
* Farmer discovers mass slaughter
Mr Daan Malan, a Bethal farmer discovered 16 of his cattle were slaughtered on his farm next to the N17, on 13 December.
The criminals cut the cattle’s hocks so that they could not walk anymore and began hacking out chunks of meat while the animals were still alive.
* Protesters loot and burn down Mall@eMba
Service delivery protests escalated into violence and crime and left the Mall@eMba burnt down on Monday, 25 June.
The residents were calling on the municipality to relinquish the electricity back to Eskom and called on the removal of the then acting municipal manager, Mr Thisha Mhlanga.
* Protesters in custody for public violence at Murray and Roberts
Disgruntled members of the Govan Mbeki Community Forum set the offices of Murray and Roberts alight during a protest in which they demanded jobs Wednesday, 13 June. Some leaders of the forum were arrested.
* 14-year-old girl found murdered in eMbalenhle
The eMbalenhle community was saddened by Rato Nkutha’s murder. She was reported missing on Monday, 7 May. She was found raped, murdered and mutilated on 9 May, in Ext 17.
* Executive mayor of GMM in court
Ms Thandi Ngoxonono, executive mayor of GMM, appeared before the Secunda Magistrate’s Court after she was accused of assaulting a municipal official.
This resulted in the opposition parties calling for her removal from office.
