A list of the top three stories for the month of June has been compiled for our readers:
Bloody attack on young businessman – by Daleen Naudé.
The violent assault of young businessman Franco van der Merwe emphasises the ongoing plague of bar fights at Middelburg’s watering holes.
Mr Van der Merwe had to undergo reconstructive surgery to his face after the bloody assault.
He had been pounced on by eight men and was beaten until he lost consciousness. After coming to, he went home only for three shots to be fired at him.
He was bleeding so much from the wound to his head that he was convinced one of the bullets struck him.
This is one of many violent fights that have broken out at local pubs or bars over the years. The fights are so extreme that one victim was beaten to death, while several have lost eyes and even someone’s throat was slit.
Read more here:
Habitat of bullfrogs destroyed – by Sjani Campher.
The threatened African Bullfrog faces a silent battle against extinction as mines continue to destroy their breeding grounds and natural habitats throughout the province.
On a local scale, the multiple coal washing plants, which shoot up like toadstools along the R555 (Witbank), are to thank for the destruction of a natural fountain and pan that was situated on a former farm belonging to property tycoon, the late Barry Viviers.
While the national red list, UCIN list and even our local scholars advocate for the preservation of the threatened species, the mining sector throws caution to the wind.
The DA Shadow Minister for Environmental Affairs, Annerie Weber, went as far as saying that a mining licence should never have been issued by the relevant departments for Mr Viviers’ property.
Councillor and security officers hailed heroes – three arrested after armed robbery – by Gerhard Rheeder.
DA Councillor Damien Klopper, his wife, and their 12-year-old daughter, got caught in the thick of an armed robbery which transpired in broad daylight at Ackermans, Midwater.
Cllr Klopper drew the unfortunate attention of the robbers by carrying a weapon himself, which sparked a scuffle with the dangerous gang, resulting in him being assaulted, his weapon wrestled from him and one of the robbers getting shot.
As this all happens, his daughter runs to the salon next door and calls for help.
The speedy response by CSC Tactical’s reaction officers resulted in the imminent arrest of three of the robbers who were intercepted at the Tarries MTB course.
Read more here:
