Delving into the past
He got up and gave chase after one culprit, while my daughter fought off the second and got her bike back.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2021/04/IMG_3223_02857-e1620029951333-600x470.jpg)
This week we look at the Advertiser’s February 14, 2003, edition.
• Teens arrested for arson
Three youths were released into their parents’ care in court on charges of arson and housebreaking.
The teenagers, aged 14, 15 and 16, are alleged to have started a fire on the first floor of an office block in Voortrekker Road, Brakpan, at about 1pm on Sunday.
Police say the teenagers apparently used a fire hose in an attempt to stop the blaze from spreading before they left the building.
Authorities raced to the scene and arrested the trio, who were said to be watching the fire department extinguish the blaze on the roof of an adjoining building.
“The extent of the damage to the building has not been determined,” said police spokesperson Supt Andy Pieke.
However, it is estimated smoke and water damage caused several hundred thousands of rands in damage to shops situated on the ground floor of the building.
The youths appeared in the Brakpan courts on Monday and the case was postponed for further investigation.
Also read: Delving into the past
• Open your home to German youth
Since 1996, the Friends of South Africa Youth Exchange Programme has organised exchanges between South African and German learners.
If you have a South African family with school-going children between 14 and 19 years and are interested in international contact and eager to learn more about European countries and cultures, then you are the ideal family to help with this exchange programme.
Last year, 262 German learners visited South Africa; this year approximately 290 learners from Germany are expected.
German learners visit South Africa during July/August and December/January for only four weeks.
It does not matter whether the host family lives in a city or in the countryside.
Learners all speak English and are between 14 and 19 years of age.
• Middle East preacher to open doors
Open Doors International speaker Paul Estabrooks will be speaking at the NG Kerk in Selection Park on March 2.
The church is situated at 16 Yvonne Road and the address will begin at 6pm.
Eastbrooks has served the church in the Middle East for many years and is ablaze for Christians in places like China, Russia, Vietnam, Cambodia, India and Burma.
He will be speaking about his contact with persecuted Christians. The event promises to build faith and encourage you in your walk with the Lord.
Also read: Delving into the past
• God bless these heroes
My heartfelt gratitude goes to members of the public who, without reservation and regardless of race, creed, gender and safety, came to the assistance of my daughter and her 13-year-old son on February 7.
My daughter and grandson were pushed off their bicycles and threatened with knives by two robbers who rode off with my grandson’s bike in Tuin Street, Geduld, opposite the Spoornet workshop.
He got up and gave chase after one culprit, while my daughter fought off the second and got her bike back.
Schoolchildren, two residents who occupy the residential property and a motorist driving a white 1400 bakkie chased the thug who took off with my grandson’s bike but with no success.
To all these unnamed Springs residents, a very sincere thank you and God Bless
WHT van Rensburg.