Latest news with #AlbertonRecord
The Citizen
11 hours ago
- The Citizen
Alleged gun-running syndicate caught in Meyersdal with 30 unlicensed firearms
As gun violence, hijackings and organised crime continue to plague South African communities, police have made a significant breakthrough in Meyersdal in Ekurhuleni, busting an alleged firearm trafficking syndicate operating across provinces. Alberton Record reports that two men believed to be part of the syndicate were arrested following an intelligence-driven police operation in Meyersdal last night. The operation, led by the SAPS anti-kidnapping task team, involved several specialised units, including SAPS Crime Intelligence, the Gauteng Provincial Investigating Unit, Johannesburg K9, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department and private security companies. According to national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the arrests followed days of surveillance and information gathering across multiple provinces. Officers moved in after the suspects were seen collecting firearms. 'During the takedown in Meyersdal, officers recovered 30 unlicensed 9mm firearms from the suspects, aged 34 and 45,' says Mathe. Police believe the firearms were destined for the Western Cape and that the suspects had planned to transport the weapons themselves. Both suspects have been linked to various other criminal cases in Gauteng and the Western Cape. They remain in custody and are facing multiple charges, including the illegal possession and trafficking of firearms. Investigations are underway to trace other syndicate members. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on
![[Video] Rape, murder of Joburg toddler: Amber Lee Hughes admits to drowning Nada-Jane](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.caxton.co.za%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F110%2F2025%2F07%2FAmber-Lee-Hughes.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
The Citizen
5 days ago
- The Citizen
[Video] Rape, murder of Joburg toddler: Amber Lee Hughes admits to drowning Nada-Jane
For the first time in more than two years, Amber Lee Hughes admitted that she drowned four-year-old Nada-Jane Therese Challita on January 23, 2023 by sitting on her, which caused the child to be submerged in water. According to Alberton Record, these revelations were made in the Johannesburg High Court today. Her defence team, led by Marius Bouwer, read her additional admissions in terms of Section 220 of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977. Warning: The following details may upset sensitive readers Key admissions Hughes stated that she acknowledges her actions were unlawful and that she intended to drown the deceased. 'I admit that I suffered from borderline personality disorder at the time of the incident but was aware of what I was doing on that day. The event was triggered by the argument I had with the deceased's father concerning his infidelity, and the final trigger was when he told me that I should stop bombarding him. 'I admit that after the deceased became unresponsive, I left her in the bathtub with the cold water tap still running. I then attempted to commit suicide by cutting my wrist with a glass bottle, which had been run over and broken by the dog. 'I made further suicide attempts by hanging myself, which was unsuccessful, and again by cutting my wrists with a knife, causing a deep laceration. I then went outside and tried to hang myself again, but could not find a suitable rope. 'I went back into the house, ran around hysterically, and then went to the lounge, where I sat next to the couch until Marwan Fallah entered the house. He administered CPR on the table in my presence. The deceased reacted and expelled fluid on the table. I was admitted to South Rand Hospital on the day of the incident, where I was classified as parasuicidal. The diagnosis made at the hospital was borderline personality disorder. 'I admit that I pleaded not guilty to the rape charges and maintain my denial that I raped the deceased by inserting any object into her anus or vagina. At all material times, I denied that, on the day in question or at any previous time, I sexually assaulted or sexually abused the deceased,' she said. @ In a dramatic turn at the Johannesburg High Court, Hughes confessed to the 2023 killing, revealing chilling details of the incident and prompting mixed reactions from both families. Read full story on ♬ original sound – Southern Courier Father of deceased responds Elie Challita, the father of Nada-Jane, expressed a sense of relief after the court proceedings. He said had Amber said in court before what she admitted now, the case could have been resolved a long time ago. 'I feel better because some of the truth is starting to come out. I'm a bit relieved, as I've been waiting for this moment for a very long time. It didn't come as a big shock, because everyone knows, and it's very clear,' he said. He mentioned that Amber had been pleading innocent for nearly three years, and something changed today. 'The first thing I said when I came out of the court was that we could have started here from the first session, and this could have been over a long time ago. But some people don't want to believe what they've done and don't want to take responsibility. Sooner or later, it catches up with them. 'Now I know, legally, she killed my child. I'm now waiting to find out how long she tortured her before she killed her,' he said. Elie Challita welcomes Amber's admission Elie Challita, the father of the deceased, Nada-Jane, expressed a sense of relief after the court proceedings. He said that had Amber, said in court before, what she said now, the case could have been resolved a long time ago. Read full story on ♬ original sound – Southern Courier Amber's father speaks out Alberton Record also spoke to Amber's father, Howard Duncan Clyde, after the court proceedings. 'This could have been sorted out a long time ago if things had been handled properly. 'I feel sorry for the other girls who still have to go through what my daughter is going through, because the state doesn't have enough attorneys to handle the workload. 'Each attorney ends up dealing with over 300 cases, and this delays the process for at least three to four years. If Legal Aid had enough attorneys to consult with inmates, this would have been resolved already.' Judge Richard Mkhabela postponed the case to August 7 for closing arguments. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on
The Citizen
21-07-2025
- General
- The Citizen
City urges residents to log detailed reports when reporting chemical odour
Following ongoing complaints from residents about a recurring chemical odour in parts of Alberton, the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) has responded by confirming its awareness of the issue and its intention to investigate further. Zweli Dlamini, CoE spokesperson, said: 'The city has taken note of the media enquiry from Alberton Record regarding ongoing concerns from residents about a persistent chemical odour in parts of Alberton over the past two years. We acknowledge and appreciate the community's vigilance in reporting environmental concerns that may affect public health and well-being.' Dlamini explained, chemical odours can come from various sources, such as manufacturing or processing industries, sewer system spillages, industrial or household effluents entering wetlands or water bodies, and improper storage or disposal of chemicals. 'Because of the undefined nature of the reported odour and the broad range of possible sources, it is difficult to conclusively identify the origin of the smell without more specific information,' Dlamini added. The city is urging residents to assist by logging complaints with as much detail as possible. Complaints should include: • A description of the odour (sulfur-like, sweet, burning plastic) • The exact date, time, and location of detection • How long the smell lasts and how frequently it occurs • Weather conditions at the time (hot, windy, rainy) • Any visible or unusual activity (spills, smoke, drainage) Complaints can be logged through the city's call centre at 08 605 43000 or the MyEkurhuleni app, where each report receives a unique reference number and is directed to the relevant departments for follow-up and inspection. 'We also encourage industries operating in the area to ensure full compliance with environmental regulations and implement appropriate odour management systems,' said Dlamini. 'The city takes all environmental complaints seriously and remains committed to protecting the health of our residents.' To support transparency and ensure proper tracking, residents are asked to forward their complaint reference numbers to the Alberton Record at [email protected] after logging a report with the city. The Alberton Record will monitor developments and engage with city officials to track investigation outcomes and patterns related to the ongoing odour complaints. ALSO READ: Stench in Alberton suburbs sparks health concerns, residents demand action At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
10-07-2025
- The Citizen
3 arrested after armed altercation at Ekurhuleni shopping centre
An incident involving a firearm at Brackenhurst Square in Alberton, Ekurhuleni, led to the arrest of three suspects yesterday. Alberton Record reports that, according to CPS Security Director Tyrone, their team responded to an altercation at one of the shops following a complaint of intimidation with a firearm. 'Upon arrival, we called in support from Brackendowns SAPS, the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department, and other law enforcement agencies,' says Van der Merwe. Two suspects were arrested on the scene, while a third later handed himself over at the Brackendowns Police Station. All suspects are in police custody. No injuries were reported during the incident. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
21-06-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Man rescued from Grey Avenue bridge in dramatic N3 incident in Ekurhuleni
A dramatic incident brought traffic to a standstill on the N3 after a man threatened to jump from the Grey Avenue bridge into oncoming traffic on Wednesday. Alberton Record reports that shortly before 17:00, motorists reported seeing an individual perched on the edge of the bridge, poised to hurl himself into the fast-moving N3 lanes. Traffic police immediately halted vehicle flow and diverted motorists to alternative routes. The disruption left commuters stranded for hours as authorities worked to secure the scene. Emergency responders, including negotiators and mental health-trained paramedics, quickly attended and initiated a sensitive and professional negotiation process. After several tense minutes, they successfully convinced the man to step back and escorted him to safety. Community and expert reaction Alberton Record spoke to Dr Frans Korb, psychiatrist, clinical psychologist and South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) board member, about the critical importance of recognising and addressing suicidal thoughts, especially among men, while aligning his insights with SADAG's mission and June's designation as Men's Health Month. Korb emphasised that when suicidal ideation emerges, no matter how justified or overwhelming one's situation feels, seeking professional support promptly can be life-saving. He explained that men often interpret these thoughts as a personal failure or weakness, but intervention can halt escalation and open pathways to recovery. 'Stigma is the principal obstacle. Men are taught to be the strongest, to never show vulnerability. This societal expectation frequently leads to denial and isolation. Other factors include fear of being perceived as weak, lack of awareness about mental health resources, and difficulties navigating the support system,' Korb said. He urged normalising mental health conversations and increasing visibility of male-friendly support channels, such as SADAG's helplines and support groups. Campaigns highlighting role models who have sought help can also dismantle harmful stereotypes. Immediate steps in acute crises When a loved one or bystander confronts someone in crisis, Dr Korb recommends: Approaching calmly and avoiding confrontation Listening empathetically, acknowledging their pain without judgement Reassuring them that help is available and staying with them until professionals arrive Contacting emergency services immediately After the acute incident, encourage them to connect with support services like SADAG. SADAG's role and ethical mission SADAG's vision is a South Africa where mental illness is acknowledged and accessible help is available when needed. Its services include: Running 24/7 helplines (SMS: 31393, WhatsApp: 087 163 2030) Facilitating over 170 free support groups, including specialised male-only spaces to encourage openness and healing Developing stigma-busting campaigns and community outreach to normalise help-seeking behaviour During June's focus on men's health, SADAG advocates targeted messaging underscoring that asking for help is not weakness but courage. The bigger picture: Statistics and stigma South Africa ranks 10th globally for suicide rates, with men being five times more likely to die by suicide than women. Korb emphasised that stigma is the silent killer. 'What kills most men is the stigma that they should always be the strongest,' he said. Breaking this narrative and encouraging empathy can reduce barriers to help-seeking. Tips for those having suicidal thoughts Reach out immediately to a friend, counsellor or helpline, no matter how small the risk feels. Remind yourself that thoughts are not facts; help is real and effective. Understand that vulnerability is human, not shameful. Keep helpline numbers where you can see them, including SADAG's Lifeline or your family doctor. If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact: 24/7 Suicide Crisis Line: 080 056 7567 SADAG SMS Helpline: 31393 WhatsApp: 087 163 2030 'Your life matters. Please talk,' Korb concluded. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
