Looking back on South Coast history, 1991 to 2000: March 12 to 18

South Coasters were shocked to learn the identity of the murdered man.

March 12

1993
“Wednesday this week police confirmed that the charred body found in the boot of a burnt-out car in a Port Edward canefield two weeks ago was that of renowned artist Titta Fasciotti (64).”

In happier news… “Two castaways were plucked from the sea by a Port Edward commercial fisherman last week, after they had spent three days afloat in rough seas, clinging to their tiny oil drum raft.”

But… “Violence has flared again on the Lower South Coast after a few weeks of brief peace.”

“Twenty-five drug dealers have been arrested and several ‘dagga lands’ identified on the Lower South Coast by the police narcotics unit during a ‘clampdown operation’ over the last three weeks.”

“The R10-million Emoyeni Centre in Margate, which incorporates the new bus and taxi rank, could become a major tourist attraction for all races, the mayor of Margate said last Friday.”

1999
“The reregistration of pensioners at Margate Town Hall turned into a fiasco when upset pensioners and frustrated staff hurled abuse at each other.”

A new sports stadium opened in Gamalakhe.

And locals were surprised to learn… “Viagra fails to arouse South Coast men.” They just weren’t buying any!

March 13

1992
“The South Coast will be saying ‘yes’ on Referendum day, according to an extensive opinion poll the Herald conducted this week.”

And… “Marine Drive was awash with Amstel, Lion, Castle, Ohlssons, cans, dumpies, pints and quarts when ab SAB truck lost its load on a corner.”

1998
“The Hibiscus Coast is set to lure tourists with the launch of the Southern Explorer guide this week.”

March 15

1991
The area was in turmoil. “Many Lower South Coast families have opened their homes to their domestic servants and families who have fled unrest areas, where the official death toll rose to 21 this week. Local residents who have given refuge to their staff since the violence flared on March 1, told the Herald that their servants were sending their children away from this area in order to continue their schooling.”

But there was some good news. “The completion of the Andhra Hall, which was started 20 years ago and which now stands as a cultural symbol of the Andhra in the Port Shepstone area, was celebrated last Sunday.”

1996
“A large number of firearms were seized by the SAPS in the crime sweep currently being carried out in southern KwaZulu-Natal.”

March 17

1995
“Sixteen people died and 28 were injured in 11 accidents during the past 10 days.”

March 18

1994
“Toll booths at the Izotsha interchange on the South Coast toll road will start operating on April 7. The charge will be R2 per car.”

“On Monday this week a man was arrested for being in possession of 13 microdots of LSD, with a street value of about R40 each.”

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