Latest news with #WITBANKNEWS
The Citizen
9 hours ago
- The Citizen
When duty meets sympathy – officers spot a gap and step in
Living the spirit of Mandela Month, members of the Witbank SAPS added to their daily duties a dustpan last Thursday, launching a cleanup initiative at the home of an elderly woman living in unsafe conditions with her grandchildren. The cleanup, held on July 24 in Klarinet, was led by Sergeant Fanishwa Matsabitsa, Captain Tshepo Kopano Paledi, and Lieutenant Colonel Linda Phungwayo, whose concern was first sparked during a duty call. 'We were on duty when we saw the house. We offered to help and not only because it's Mandela Month, but because as officers of the law, we understood safety risks that were posed by those broken windows,' Sergeant Matsabitsa said. 'We don't want criminals to have access to the house, whereas we can offer just a little to make a change,' she added. The officers took it upon themselves to organise a restoration effort. What began as a moment of concern soon turned into a determined act of service. Armed with cleaning tools and window panes, the team replaced shattered glass, mowed the unruly grass, and gave the home a deep clean from the inside out. The leading duo emphasised the hidden meaning of their efforts. 'Mandela Month isn't just about praising Madiba – It's about exercising what he stood for – Dignity, compassion, and action. We wanted this family to feel protected, not exposed,' they said. The SAPS team praised the granny's neighbors, specifically Elizabeth Dlamini, for their unwavering support throughout the initiative. They further emphasised that if it wasn't for the neighbors, they wouldn't achieve it. According to the SAPS team, the cleanup formed a part of their duty to promote safety within the community. Breaking news at your fingertips … Follow WITBANK NEWS on our website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or TikTok Chat to us: [email protected]
The Citizen
a day ago
- The Citizen
2 women in critical condition after man burns them
Two women, a girlfriend and an alleged perpetrator's sister, endured brutal suffering allegedly in the hands of the man who was supposed to love and protect them, a few days before Women's Month. On July 23, the man from Kwa-Guqa allegedly burned his girlfriend, Nompumelelo Gumede, over heated arguments spotted on the 21-year-old's phone, together with his sister, who tried to stop him from harming her. According to Vinolia Mashiane from Kwanele Mama Foundation, the suspect allegedly poured petrol in the room with the two beautiful ladies and set it alight, leaving them locked in the room to burn, while he continued to sit in another room. 'They burned until the neighbours came, and that was when he also attempted to help in rescuing them,' Mashiane said. The ladies were thereafter rushed to the clinic, where they managed to explain what had happened, revealing the person responsible, as they were still conscious. They were transported to the hospital and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. The suspect was apprehended by the police last week. Breaking news at your fingertips … Follow WITBANK NEWS on our website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or TikTok Chat to us: [email protected]
The Citizen
3 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
It is time for Santa's Shoebox project
You did it last year, you did it the year before, and we know you are ready to make a difference in the lives of children again this year. Witbank Ladies Circle 26 is getting ready to facilitate the Santa's Shoebox project in eMalahleni. But what is it about, you ask? The Santa Shoebox project is a non-profit organisation that facilitates the donation and distribution of gifts, packaged in individual shoeboxes, to underprivileged children across South Africa and Namibia at Christmastime every year. Founded 19 years ago, it has grown substantially, with 1 301 508 shoeboxes distributed to date. To ensure every child receives items of a similar nature, there's an essential list of eight items. You can add extras, provided they fit the criteria in terms of size and description. But the following must be packed inside each shoebox: • toothpaste • toothbrush • bar of soap • washcloth • an outfit of clothing • educational supplies • sweets • a toy Please read the requirements and conditions for shoebox contents and packing instructions carefully to ensure each child's health, happiness, and safety – avoid boxes bigger than the medium size of 20x34x11cm. All items are to be new, unused, and age-appropriate. For more on this amazing project, click here: Santa's Shoebox For more information on how you can get involved locally, contact Amy Gallagher at 082 494 3002. Group pledges for 20 boxes or more are open. Breaking news at your fingertips … Follow WITBANK NEWS on our website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or TikTok Chat to us: [email protected]
The Citizen
6 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Car theft pandemic hits eMalahleni malls
A wave of car thefts has hit local shoppers after three vehicles were stolen and more than four others were targeted at shopping centre parking lots over the past week. The incidents have taken place at three different malls in eMalahleni. In one of the incidents, a man told the police that he had arrived at a certain mall's parking lot and locked his car properly before going to the bank. He further alleged that when he returned from the bank, his car, a Ford Ranger was no longer there. Police investigations are still underway regarding the incident. In the second incident, a man told the police that he arrived at a different mall in the city, parked his car at the parking lot, and then left for a restaurant there. He further alleged that upon his return to the parking lot, his car, a Toyota Fortuner was no longer where he left it. Another incident where criminals could not succeed with the car theft in a different mall, raised more official concerns about vehicle safety. The man told the police that he parked his car to go shopping. Upon return, he found that someone was forcefully trying to open his car. According to a local security company, the suspects appear to be working in groups, using remote jamming devices and other tools to break into vehicles while they are parked. Witbank Police are urging motorists to take extra precautions when parking at public places. Spokesperson, Sergeant David Ratau, advised motorists to use steering locks, vehicle alarms, and secure tracking devices. 'Drivers should make sure their vehicles are parked in safe spaces and avoid leaving valuables in plain sight. Being alert and parking in well-monitored areas can make a big difference,' he added. Local security companies are advising shoppers to double-check that their cars are locked and to report any suspicious behaviour to mall security or the police. Breaking news at your fingertips … Follow WITBANK NEWS on our website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or TikTok Chat to us: [email protected]
The Citizen
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Legendary in fists journey – the life of White Buffalo
Francois Botha (56), well-known as 'The White Buffalo', a South African fighter from the streets of the City of Coal, is back, not in the ring, but deeply involved in the sport he loves so much. He started doing wonders in the ring in 1990. He secured two titles that led to his international recognition. He stepped out of South Africa to enter the bigger arenas around the world. He had bigger dreams that led him to leave for the United States, knowing there were fewer rules on fights and much more prize money to be won. His biggest moment came in 1995, when he faced Axel Schulz for the IBF Heavyweight World Title. The White Buffalo fought with everything he had. When the final bell rang, he was the new world champion. It was a dream come true, a huge moment for him and South African boxing. But this great victory also brought a tough challenge. Soon after, he lost the title because of a failed drug test, which was a very difficult time in his career. But if there's one thing you know about The White Buffalo, it's that he never gives up. Even after losing his title, he proved his courage by stepping into the ring with some of the biggest names in boxing history. His total professional record shows just how much he fought – 63 fights, winning 48 of them, with 29 of those wins coming by knockout. He battled other fighters and former champions like Michael Moorer in 2000, including the living legend Evander Holyfield in 2002. He also battled Lennox Lewis in 2000 for the unified heavyweight title. But perhaps his highly remarkable fight was in 1999, when he faced off against Mike Tyson. In his 40s, The White Buffalo jumped into the world of kickboxing, and he had a kickboxing match against the 27-year-old All Black rugby star, Sonny Bill Williams, at 44. 'It was not easy, but the rewards the world can see! God is great! This all started as a young boy from eMalahleni at the Blesbok Park boxing gym,' The White Buffalo said. 'Buffalo is semi-retired as I'm in negotiations for one more, to become the oldest Heavyweight Champion in history,' Botha added. The legendary boxer is now back in South Africa. The White Buffalo's journey in the boxing ring, and later in other combat sports, is a wild ride full of powerful punches, big wins, unforgettable moments, and a spirit that just never gives up. Breaking news at your fingertips … Follow WITBANK NEWS on our website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or TikTok Chat to us: [email protected] At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
