Latest news with #VanRensburg
The Citizen
14 hours ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Upper Highway swimmers head to world championships
UPPER Highway residents Aaron Putz and Cornelia Fowler are among the 11 swimmers who will represent SA at the Virtus World Championships in Bangkok, Thailand, from August 19-30. The team comprises five men and six women, ranging in age from 18 to 40 years old. The athletes have been selected from across the country through a rigorous qualification process, beginning with provincial trials. To qualify, swimmers had to meet specific times at their respective provincial galas. Successful athletes were selected to compete at nationals in Johannesburg in April 2025, where a shadow squad was identified for possible international selection. From this group, the final team for the Virtus World Championships was announced. The team includes swimmers with intellectual disabilities, including some competing under the Down Syndrome classification. Also read: Watch: Local artist stitches recycling into fashion success Aaron's mother Debbie Putz said the team features both seasoned and up-and-coming athletes. 'The experienced athletes are simply incredible. They encourage and motivate their teammates, giving them confidence and the will to be the best they can be,' she said. Aaron, from Kloof, trains under coach Petro van Rensburg of the Westville Swimming Club, while Cornelia is coached by Nic Grey of the Kloof Swimming Club. Van Rensburg said this journey is about far more than just swimming. 'It's about inclusion, courage, and possibility. It's a powerful reminder that people with intellectual disabilities can and do achieve incredible things,' she said. However, the coach also highlighted a major challenge of funding. Due to the short notice of the World Championships, each province is now working urgently to raise funds for its athletes. 'Fundraising includes selling raffle tickets, hosting dance evenings, and launching Back-a-Buddy campaigns,' Van Rensburg explained. The public is encouraged to support the athletes through donations. 'Every donation, no matter how big or small, helps these athletes get one step closer to their dreams. Whether it's through donating or simply sharing their stories, it all makes a difference,' she added. For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook , X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
The Citizen
09-07-2025
- The Citizen
Eastern Cape businessman denied bail in girlfriend's murder case
Robert Evans faces charges of premeditated murder, murder, kidnapping, and defeating or obstructing the course of justice. A prominent Gqeberha businessman charged with the premeditated murder of his girlfriend has been denied bail. Appearing in the Humansdorp Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, the prosecution successfully opposed Robert Evans' bail bid following several proceedings. Evans is also facing charges of murder, kidnapping, and defeating or obstructing the course of justice, following the alleged killing of 36-year-old Vanessa van Rensburg. Van Rensburg's body was discovered in Evans' holiday home in Oyster Bay in the early hours of Easter Sunday on 20 April. According to the South African Police Service (Saps), she had succumbed to multiple injuries. Saps and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation – also known as Hawks – arrested the 53-year-old at his business premises in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, on 9 May. National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said Van Rensburg – a mother of two minor children and an employee at the business co-owned by Evans – had reportedly started dating him in May 2023. ALSO READ: WATCH: Gqeberha duo remain in custody for daylight murder of taxi operator Bail proceedings 'During the bail proceedings in the Humansdorp Magistrate's Court, Prosecutor Bianca Burger argued strongly against Evans's release,' Tyali said. 'She submitted that the accused, due to his financial means, posed a significant flight risk, and pointed to material contradictions and inconsistencies in his version of events,' he added. He said Burger also highlighted attempts by Evans to exaggerate his role in the company's operations and misled the court about the potential collapse of the business should he remain in custody. Case resumes in August 'The court agreed with the prosecution's submissions and found that the accused had failed to demonstrate exceptional circumstances warranting his release on bail.' The court further acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations in the context of the country's ongoing struggle with gender-based violence. Evans' case has been remanded to 18 August for further investigations. NOW READ: KZN man, girlfriend, and toddler found dead in double-murder suicide case
The Citizen
16-06-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Swine flu hits Middelburg
Local physician Dr Redge van Rensburg acknowledged that swine flu made its arrival in Middelburg two weeks ago, attesting to seeing several cases and severe illness in patients. He assured residents that there is no cause for panic as far as the new SARS-CoV-2 subvariant N.B1.8.1 is concerned. According to Van Rensburg, no cases of the new subvariant have been reported locally, as well as the fact that the new variant will likely present itself similarly to the average flu, as far as symptoms are concerned. According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, the new variant has not been detected in South Africa, although testing throughout the country is limited. N.B1.8.1 was first detected in Asia in January, and has been designated as a variant under monitoring by the World Health Organisation. It has since spread to 22 countries, but the public health risk associated with the new variant is considered low. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
The Citizen
11-06-2025
- Climate
- The Citizen
Parts of Zululand region remain without electricity
Parts of Zululand region remain without electricity Following Tuesday's severe weather across KZN, which led to a widespread power outage, Eskom technicians continue to work diligently to repair the damage. According to Eskom's KZN industry support and stakeholder management Stefanie Jansen van Rensburg, while some areas have been restored, the persistent weather conditions, as well as the extent of the damage coupled with access challenges, have hampered restoration efforts. ALSO READ: Severe weather causes widespread power outages across KZN 'Eskom apologises for the inconvenience, and appreciates customers' patience and understanding during this time,' said Van Rensburg. Outstanding areas being attended to in the Zululand region include Empangeni, Melmoth, Mtubatuba, Ulundi, Hluhluwe, Jozini, Nongoma and eShowe. Customers who are still experiencing power outages are encouraged to log a fault using any of Eskom's available self-service channels, such as: • MyEskom customer app: available for download on Google Play and Apple Store • Alfred the Chatbot: Also available on WhatsApp: 08600 37566 • USSD platform: dial *120*37566# and follow the prompts • Eskom Contact Centre: 08600 ESKOM (37566) Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
10-06-2025
- The Citizen
Rape of 11-year-old: Closing arguments presented in bail hearing
The bail hearing of a 28-year-old man accused of raping and impregnating an 11-year-old Boksburg girl was again postponed at the Boksburg Magistrate's Court yesterday (June 9). The matter will resume on June 12. This follows the defence and the State presenting their closing arguments for the bail application. The accused's lawyer, Frik van Rensburg, said the investigating officer's statement contains no supporting evidence and should not be relied upon. He pointed out that the child initially denied the alleged rape when questioned by her mother, raising the question of how the court could then accept her version of events. ALSO READ: State opposes bail as officer testifies in child rape case 'The prompting of the victim could, with all due respect, be indicative of an ulterior motive,' he said. Van Rensburg said the child was only assisted by her mother when the statement was taken — in English, not her mother tongue. State prosecutor Kagiso Ralethata argued that the State's case is not weak. 'The only thing outstanding is the DNA results, which could take about nine months. The victim was assessed by a doctor and no independent evidence was handed in to show that the applicant would be acquitted,' he said. 'The contentious point was the circumstantial evidence in the form of a statement from the victim's sister. 'It was highlighted that the witness is out of the country and that the investigating officer has not yet obtained her statement. 'We cannot say whether we will be able to obtain the statement. I will argue that, although the statement is important to a certain degree, it is not a crucial piece of evidence. The State can proceed without it.' The suspect, who cannot be named to protect the child complainant, was arrested on April 22. ALSO READ: Rape of 11-year-old: Investigating officer unsure when sibling will return to SA At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
