Delving into the past
The excessive use of fireworks over New Year's made the East Rand sound like a war zone.
This week we look at the Advertiser’s January 13, 2006, edition.
• Nightmare in Eastvale
A 55-year-old woman from Eastvale was shot and killed in her Platberg Street driveway on December 30.
Ken and Joyce Brown had just returned from a quiet evening out to conclude their holiday and were about to leave for Mpumalanga the next day to celebrate New Year’s Eve.
However, things changed when a group of about five robbers confronted them at their front gate at 9.30pm.
“It all happened so quickly,” Ken related.
“Joyce went to open the gate. The next thing I knew someone pulled me out of the car and forced me to the ground. I heard a shot; they had shot Joyce.
“I think she must have put up a struggle for her bag.”
Joyce died on the scene and Ken was unhurt.
The robbers took the couple’s cellphones, house keys, wallets and sped away in their Mercedes-Benz C200.
The vehicle was later recovered in Katlehong.
Joyce’s funeral was held on January 6 at the Doves chapel in Geduld.
More than 200 people attended the services, indicating how many friends she had made since moving to Springs in 1973.
Ken wants people to be alert entering their premises. His home was burgled during Easter last year.
Also read: Delving into the past
• Fireworks anarchy blasted
The excessive use of fireworks over New Year’s made the East Rand sound like a war zone.
Many animals were so afraid of the loud bangs of fireworks that they ran away from the sound and their homes.
People like DA councillor Jackie Reilly have been actively involved in spreading awareness about the unlawful and dangerous use of fireworks in an attempt to stop people from using them.
“This endless battle has been raging far too long because it seems that people do not care about negative results surrounding their use,” said Reilly.
“Animals are lost and often hurt themselves in their attempt to flee from the sound of fireworks and people, including children, have been injured and even killed by them.”
Reilly pointed out fireworks will be used as long as there is confusion regarding the laws and who is to enforce them.
“The police can only act upon complaints if the noise nuisance is obvious.
“They can give a written warning and if a transgressor fails to comply, a fine of R2 000 will be imposed.
“Both the SAPS and the metro police services have jurisdictions when it comes to policing and enforcing the law. However, like many other laws and by-laws as approved by government, this looks good on paper, but it is unenforceable,” said Reilly.
Also read: Delving into the past
• “Now that’s what I call service”
May I congratulate the Springsgate Pick ‘n Pay?
What a service!
I have been shopping there from the first day it opened and have not once had a complaint, but the cherry on top was Christmas Eve when I had needed something that was sold out.
No problem, the manager arranged to get it from Heidelberg Pick n Pay within an hour.
Better still, it was delivered to my home and for that, I was so grateful. The staff there are always smiling, no matter how busy they are.
Thank you, Springsgate Pick n Pay – Charmaine Jacobson
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