Delving into the past

This week we look at the Advertiser’s November 5, 1993, edition.
• Storm wreaks havoc
Hail driven by a strong wind caused thousands of rands in damage to at least two homes when a storm lashed the area on Wednesday afternoon.
One home owner, Hannie Erasmus, said he noticed the heavy rainfall when he walked into his kitchen and saw a section of the roof was missing.
“Water was pouring in everywhere and when we looked outside, we saw the roof lying about 20m from the house.
“We didn’t even hear it go and we started carrying all our possessions out of harm’s way.”
Other affected home owners, Willie and Pattie Gericke, weren’t at home, but their neigbours stepped in to help.
They quickly started cleaning up the home that had been devastated by the storm.
They also helped hang up the wet carpets.
“This is going to cost us a lot of money.
“But we are grateful that no one was injured during the incident.
“My husband estimates the damage to the zinc and wood alone is R15 000,” said Pattie.
Alfred Sauter, a friend of the Gericke family, also has to reach deep into his pockets after his garage roof blew off during the storm.
Minimal damage to other homes and businesses were reported in the area.
• “Fountain” wins an award
Leonard Neil, the former editor of the Springs and Brakpan Advertiser, won a merit award for his column, “when the fountain flows”, at the 1993 Sanlam Local Press Award.
Neil’s award was accepted on his behalf by the Advertiser’s managing director, Martin Dannesheir, at the function held at Club Mykonos, Langebaan, on October 29.
No newcomer to the award, Neil is working as a sports consultant with Sun International, having spent decades in the South African newspaper industry, including stints at the Rand Daily Mail and Natal Witness.
• Body found in quarry
Fishermen made a gruesome discovery at the Brakpan Dam on Friday when they found a body of man floating in the quarry.
The dead man was identified as Frikkie Coetzee (38), a Boksburg resident.
According to police, a post mortem revealed Coetzee had drowned.
Roelof Coetzee, the deceased’s father, said he last saw his son on Thursday night.
Roelof said he suspects foul play because his son’s clothing was allegedly blood-soaked and torn.
The deceased was divorced and leaves behind three sisters and his father.