A blast from the past. 25 years ago in the SUN 1994.
Cobra causes a stir at the Toti Fire Station
A SPITTING cobra got more than it bargained for after it slithered into a car engine at Umbumbulu College, for a noon-time nap on Wednesday.
When the owners of the car heard the serpent had taken up residence in the car, they headed for Toti Fire and Rescue Service headquarters. Apprehensive firemen found the situation ‘too hot to handle’ and called in the experts from Fitzsimons Snake Park to retrieve the erring reptile.
NPA cop killed on duty
A WINKLESPRUIT traffic officer was killed on Friday, when he was struck by a taxi at 11.30am.
Kirk Naude, 27, who announced his engagement to Leane Coetsee on 4 November, was on duty with officer Pat Fagan at the time of the accident. Sid Jones, station commander, NPA, Winklespruit, said Kirk’s death had been a traumatic incident for all at the base. “We are heavily involved with the SAP on Operation Crime Buster,” explained Sid. He said Kirk and Pat had received a radio message that an LDV had been hijacked and were asked to be on the look-out for the vehicle.
Robbery at Prospecton bank
A MAN was held up by armed robbers outside the Standard Bank in Prospecton on Monday this week, and robbed of cheques to the value of R232 000 and R1 000 in cash.
Mr D Coetzee, 57, was approached by three men, armed with a gun, while entering the bank at 2pm. The men made off with the cash and cheques in a cash box. The men fled along Jeffels Road in a white BMW. No-one was injured in the robbery. No arrests have been made.
Burglary arrests
LOCAL detectives have dealt a blow to housebreakers in the area.
Three alleged housebreakers have been arrested over the past week in connection with burglaries in the Toti area. Cyril Dube appeared in court on Friday, 4 November, following a burglary in the Entombeni Road area on 1 November. He was arrested by Const Helleweege of Toti CID after a burglary was reported at 10am. The second suspect escaped.
Phone booths for park
TOTI Council agreed, at its meeting on Tuesday, to the installation of telephone booths at Rogies Park.
The booths have been agreed to on condition the installation abides by all conditions laid down by the Department of Physical Environment and Civil Services.
George recovers after crash
THE manager of the Kingsburgh Centre in Winklespruit was seriously injured in a car crash late on Tuesday night.
George Smith was driving on the N2 over the Seadoone Road bridge when the accident happened at about 10.30pm. Anita, George’s wife, said “It is possible he fell asleep behind the wheel. He had had a long day and says he doesn’t remember seeing the truck”. George collided with the back of a truck.
