A recap of news of 2018: A look at May to August 2018
Did the second four months of 2018 go down smoother?
The first four months of 2018 started off rough for Krugersdorpers, but what did May to August look like? Let’s take a look …
To read January to April’s recap, click here
May:
• The local Economic Freedom Fighters marched to Dr Yusuf Dadoo Hospital after negligence claims came to light, especially after a mother had to give birth to her dead baby without any assistance.
• The residents of Munsieville and Pango Camp got tired of waiting for their promised houses to be finished, so they decided to protest and build their own houses on the demarcated spots.
• Marinda Steyn, mother of Marcel and Leroux, all of whom are among the five accused of the #KrugersdorpMurders, was sentenced to 11 life sentences for the 11 murders committed as well as 115 years for the remainder of the crimes she committed. Her son was also sentenced to 35 years’ imprisonment. Mother and son had both signed plea deals with the state, and will never see each other again.
June:
• A great random act of kindness by a local police officer was the good news we all needed. Captain Hendrik Mohale was moved to tears when he witnessed Gerrie Marais and his wife Joha, strolling through Key West Shopping Centre hand in hand while cooing like a pair of love-struck turtle doves. The pair joined Mohale for coffee and soon became great friends.
• The News caught up with Simon Makgobela, a 32-year-old disabled cyclist with a passion for sports. This was not the first time we reported on Simon. He lost his legs in a train accident when he was 16 and used to roam around town on crutches and soon started racing with his wheelchair. Not long after winning his first race, he saw a person with a custom-made bicycle and realised he’d found his calling.
• Hundreds of Tarlton residents made it clear that they were against the building of 6 000 RDP houses in an open field in the area and decided to gather near the construction site to make themselves heard.
July:
• The teachers who were stranded in China for more than three months after they were lured there for potential teaching jobs, finally returned home.
• World-renowned author, researcher and educator, Dr John Demartini, visited Krugersdorp Correctional Services as part of a nation-wide tour.
• On 5 July, the heartbroken Clayton family bade farewell to their seven-year-old son after he died in a car crash which left his mother, grandmother and two sisters injured. They were on their way to a holiday destination when the accident occurred near Bloemfontein.
• The beneficiaries of the RDP houses in Tarlton decided to voice their concerns about the objections against the development from the white residents of the area, citing racism for the initial denial of the development. They were adamant – they want their houses.
August:
• Kagiso resident Palesa Tau, who was a contestant on Survivor SA: Philippines, was voted off while still having a immunity idol in her pocket. The News had an exclusive interview with the castaway.
• Politicians gathered at Maropeng, the official visitor centre at the Cradle of Humankind, as part of the 10th annual Brics Summit. The event was described as a logistical nightmare by various stakeholders.
• On Saturday, 11 August, Jon-Jon Pietersen was driving through the Cradle of Humankind in search of new hiking spots when he heard someone calling. When he pulled over to investigate, he discovered a 51-year-old cyclist who had been shot in the leg and back during a robbery. Jon-Jon stayed with the man, plugging his gunshot wounds until paramedics arrived. Soon after, he became an internet sensation and was dubbed a real-life hero.
• The News girls took part in a triple challenge fitness endurance charity drive all in aid of the 9th Day Animal Rescue Shelter. It was a rip-roaring success with almost R10 000 being raised.
Visit the News tomorrow to read the last recap of the year 2018.
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