Looking back on South Coast history, 1991 to 2000: March 5 to 11
Floods, road accidents, political unrest, rape, murder and overflowing prisons... the only bright spot was a visit by Madiba.
Some things haven’t changed much in 20 years.
March 5
1999
“Holding cells at Margate Police Station are overflowing and other local police stations and prisons are facing the same problem.”
And… “A man found guilty on 10 charges of sexual offences against children was sentenced to three years’ correctional supervision in Port Shepstone Regional Court last Friday.”
“Three people were killed in an accident on the N2 after a pedestrian apparently ran across the road.”
March 6
1998
Justice could sometimes be swift. “Just four days after an attempted armed robbery, three people were this week sentenced to serve time in prison.”
But violent crime continued. “Margate’s mayor, Thami Nzama, was hijacked at gunpoint by four men while travelling between Paddock and Izingolweni last Thursday.”
Traffic accidents were common. “Several Margate Primary pupils were injured when a taxi overturned in Margate on Monday morning.”
“The Umzumbe Farmers’ Association celebrated a milestone when its hall was officially opened last Friday.”March 7
1997
“Art in all its exciting forms will set the South Coast alight next month when the first ever Hibiscus Arts Festival takes place.”
Meanwhile… “The rape and murder of the 13-year-old girl has shocked and outraged the community. The child’s stepfather was arrested on Tuesday.”
And the old story comes up again… “Plans unveiled for small craft harbour.”
March 8
1991
“Hundreds of people fled their homes this week in the Murchison/Bhobhoyi area, which has once again become the scene of unrest between Inkatha ‘impis’ and ANC ‘comrades’. According to Dr Terry Gilpin, medical superintendent of Murchison Hospital, about 250 people sought refuge in the hospital on Monday night and another 40 on Tuesday night.”
1996
“Notice has been given by the Port Shepstone Transitional Local Council to lease a site in Settler’s Park to the Port Shepstone Street Children’s Committee.”
And the weather caused chaos. “A steep bank behind a house in Croton Road, Marburg, collapsed due to rain, causing a water main to burst and flood the home on Monday at 4am.”
March 10
1995
“The community is reeling from shock following the tragic car accident which claimed the lives of five young South Coasters, including a three-year-old toddler, last Saturday morning.”
“A large quantity of arms and ammunition were seized by the police in Izingolweni on Tuesday night.”
But the damage was already done. “Political unrest, which flared in Izingolweni last weekend, claimed the lives of three young people and four others were shot and injured.”
On a happier note… “Herald scoops Caxton awards.”
2000
“Hundreds of schoolchildren were stranded and three people drowned when Tuesday’s flash floods turned rivers into raging torrents.”
Madiba magic brought R2,5-million to a local school. “Mkhoba Seconday School is to be upgraded, electrified and fully equipped, thanks to Nelson Mandela and Eskom.”
March 11
1994
“More than 5 000 Zulus gathered in Port Shepstone and marched through the town on Wednesday in support of King Goodwill Zwelethini’s demands for a Zulu Kingdom.”
And… “A man was hacked to death and six houses and 10 huts were burned down in Bhobhoyi when more than 1 000 people barricaded the N2 freeway near Murchison Hospital for eight hours on Monday.”
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
For news straight to your phone, add us on WhatsApp 082 421 6033
