Top stories that made headlines in the north in 2023
We have compiled a list of the top stories which made headlines in and around the north of Pretoria this year.
As we reach the end of 2023, here are the highlights of the stories that rocked and shocked the north.
– Heroic lawyer shot at while chasing down hijackers in Orchards
Mpho Nefuri’s courage in chasing after hijackers in The Orchards, north of Pretoria tugged at the heartstrings of social media users.
Nefuri chased after four men who had hijacked a white Volkswagen Polo and its driver, risking her safety in pursuit, and was hailed a hero.
Her windscreen was damaged by the flying bullets in the process, but she persisted until the hijackers abandoned the VW and fled on foot, leaving the victim safely behind.
The victim said the effects of the hijacking went far beyond the loss of material possessions and had an impact on his mental health.
The hijacking left a lasting impression on him, making him feel unsafe and fearful when attending to clients in the townships.
Read more here: https://www.citizen.co.za/network-news/lnn/article/watch-pretoria-woman-shot-at-while-trying-to-save-hijacked-motorist/
– R80 highway a hotspot for robbery and violent crime
The R80 highway came under the spotlight again, as rising crime left communities frustrated, afraid and feeling helpless.
A string of armed robberies, car hijackings, kidnappings, rape, car tyre spikings and violent attacks on the highway has taken a toll on motorists and community members.
Gauteng police have since waged war against the spiking gang on the R80.
Gauteng police commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela mobilised extra resources to crack down on the robberies, and increased police visibility in the area.
Read more here: https://www.citizen.co.za/rekord/news-headlines/local-news/2023/10/12/r80-highway-a-hotspot-for-robbery-and-violent-crime/
– Seven years of neglect shutters historic Pretoria North Town hall
The historic Club Rendezvous town hall in Pretoria North has been left to deteriorate for more than seven years.
The metro claimed this was due to a lack of revenue and an insufficient budget for renovation.
This once-thriving facility was a pillar of the community, offering sporting, community and entertainment activities for all however, due to safety concerns and lack of maintenance it was forced to shut its doors.
Resident Annatjie Pieters said without the hall, the community was missing a vital resource that connected people and served their needs.
Metro spokesperson Selby Bokaba said priority has been given to service delivery.
“With the shrinking revenue collection, priority has skewed in favour of service delivery operations.”
Bokaba said when city finances improve, the facility and many others that have not received adequate budget would be prioritised.
Read more here: https://www.citizen.co.za/rekord/news-headlines/2023/08/18/seven-years-of-neglect-shutters-historic-pretoria-north-hall/
– Pipe leak in Rosslyn industrial area finally repaired after two years
The metro finally repaired a pipe leak in the Rosslyn industrial area – after two years.
This leak meant that thousands of litres of clean water were going to waste for the past two years.
A sinkhole also formed close to the gate.
“We believe the sinkhole was caused by the continuous water leak,” said facility supervisor, Petros Thabethe.
He told Rekord the leak had cost the company a lot of money.
“While collecting the water and using it has reduced our water bill, our company has however incurred other costs that we did not budget for.”
Read more here: https://www.citizen.co.za/rekord/news-headlines/2023/06/12/update-pipe-leak-in-rosslyn-industrial-area-finally-repaired-after-two-years/
– Animal Ambulance founder steps down
Founder of the Animal Ambulance Maria Conradie has stepped down and handed over the reins to her daughter Katia and son-in-law Barend Van Dyk.
Conradie had suffered a mental breakdown and rushed to hospital.
The shelter north of Pretoria has been around for 21 years.
It has been in dire need of funding for the past few months, which pushed Conradie’s mental state over the edge as the stress became overwhelming.
While the organisation is left to deal with the change of power, raising funds is still one of its biggest challenges.
Read more here: https://www.citizen.co.za/rekord/news-headlines/2023/05/11/animal-ambulance-founder-steps-down-due-to-stress/
– North residents resort to illegal dumping to keep their own yards clean
Pretoria North residents continue to face challenges with refuse collection, feeling compelled to dump their waste at municipal grounds along Daan De Wet Nel Drive.
“The municipality is failing us, where must we dump?” they ask.
Refuse collection in the city had halted months earlier due to the illegal municipal workers’ strike.
A resident said he had stopped paying for refuse removal services and then received messages and emails from the metro, demanding he pays for a service not received.
“I am tired of the city council. Daan de Wet Nel Drive has been a mess for four months and people are starting to litter again, I don’t blame them,” he said.
– Heroic metro cop laid to rest with parade of honour
Heroic TMPD Sergeant Peter-Thomas Duvenage was laid to rest in a heartfelt send-off.
His funeral service was held at Lewende Lig church in Montana, and was attended by many who loved and respected him.
Hundreds of people, including biking club members and fellow officers, gave Duvenage his final send-off in style.
He passed away after his motorcycle crashed into a tree on Sefako Makgatho Drive.
Duvenage was known for his sense of humour, kind heart, outgoing personality and will be greatly missed.
People described him as a true hero, and his absence will be felt deeply by all who knew him.
Above and beyond his professional duties, Duvenage touched countless lives through his selflessness and genuine care for others.
Read more here: https://www.citizen.co.za/rekord/news-headlines/2023/09/19/watch-heroic-metro-cop-laid-to-rest-with-a-parade-of-honor/
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