Latest news with #BrakpanHerald
The Citizen
15-07-2025
- The Citizen
EMPD nabs trio in Brakpan for alleged drug dealing and illegal immigration
Less than a minute Brakpan Herald Less than a minute EMPD nabs trio in Brakpan for alleged drug dealing and illegal immigration Three foreign nationals found in possession of illicit substances were apprehended on July 9 in Brakpan. The trio, believed to be Nigerian nationals, were found in possession of crystal meth and mandrax tablets with an estimated street value of R1 600. The EMPD Drug Enforcement Unit effected the arrests following a tip-off about suspicious activities on Kingsway Avenue. The suspects are facing charges of dealing in drugs and being illegal immigrants. They were detained at the Brakpan Police station and were expected to appear in the Brakpan Magistrate's Court within 48 hours. ALSO READ: 44-Year-old arrested in Benoni for armed robbery at Brakpan salon ALSO READ: East Rand Palliative Care walks the journey with patients and families At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Love in print: Heartfelt newspaper proposal surprises partner
In a show of commitment, Angela Skinner recently placed an advert in the Brakpan Herald to pop the question to partner Twanet Venter. The ad featured on page three of the Herald's June 27 edition, with the wording: 'Twanet Venter, will you do me the honour of being my wife?', along with an image of the engagement ring. Angela (40) proposed through the paper because she believes romance still exists, and every opportunity to prove it should be explored. Twanet (50) noticed the ad, and while taken aback, she appreciated the romantic gesture. 'I was especially shocked because I am an extremely shy person,' she explained. She said 'yes' and the couple now look forward to a small beach wedding in December. Twanet and Angela met briefly at an event and made contact. They started chatting, met up for a braai, and according to Angela, the sparks flew between them. They started dating on June 3 and live together in Brenthurst. What Angela loves most about Twanet is how she makes her laugh and her generous heart, while Twanet appreciates Angela's care, confidence and ability to light up a room with her presence. They share three dogs, an African grey parrot and three rats, which, according to them, are close enough to children to keep them adequately entertained and busy. The plan for the ceremony is to wear summer suits and matching sneakers. After the wedding, everything will proceed as usual in the household, with Twanet working from home and doing most household chores. When Angela gets home in the evenings, she'll help out to achieve a balance. Twanet has a passion for resin art and various crafts, while Angela has a passion for poetry and the arts. They enjoy discovering new music together and expect a long together life filled with music and magic. ALSO CHECK: Electricity tariffs unpacked: What Brakpan homeowners need to know ALSO CHECK: Training programme equips women to build stronger communities At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
22-06-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Ignoring the warning signs: Men's health risks you shouldn't overlook
June is recognised as Men's Health Month, yet many South African men still avoid visiting healthcare facilities. Professional nurse Nhlanhla Mofokeng spoke to the Brakpan Herald about the reasons why so many men delay seeking medical attention or avoid regular health screenings. Mofokeng cited a combination of social, psychological, and systemic factors—including societal norms around masculinity, perceived inconvenience, denial and fear, unfamiliarity with the health system, lack of awareness, and broader cultural and socioeconomic challenges. 'Many men ignore or delay treatment for health issues until the condition has advanced,' she said. 'In my unit alone, we see numerous cases of young men who have attempted to take their own lives.' Changing this pattern, Mofokeng said, requires breaking through cultural, emotional, and systemic barriers. Strategies include changing the narrative around masculinity, involving loved ones in healthcare decisions, making clinics more accessible and less intimidating, using relatable male role models, and empowering male healthcare workers to lead by example. 'I believe recognising warning signs early is one of the best ways to prevent serious illness or death,' she said. 'Many men downplay symptoms, but certain red flags should never be ignored—regardless of age or lifestyle.' Mofokeng listed the following symptoms men should take seriously: • Chest pain or discomfort • Shortness of breath • Sudden confusion, difficulty speaking, or facial drooping • Unexplained weight loss • Constant fatigue • Changes in bowel or bladder habits • Erectile dysfunction • Lumps or swelling in the testicles • Persistent cough or hoarseness • Mood changes or withdrawal She also emphasised the severity of South Africa's TB crisis. 'Unexplained weight loss, coughing for more than two weeks, night sweats, and loss of appetite could be signs of TB. Clinics offer TB testing and treatment, but men often don't know these services exist,' she said. Mofokeng stressed that many men are unaware of the wide range of services available at public health facilities, contributing to low utilisation. 'Men can access general medical services, male-specific health checks, cancer screenings, mental health support, sexual and reproductive healthcare, diagnostic tests, preventative care, and emergency services,' she explained. She also highlighted several commonly overlooked or ignored health concerns among men: Commonly overlooked men's health issues: • Cardiovascular disease: Men often dismiss chest pain or shortness of breath. High blood pressure—known as the 'silent killer'—is frequently undiagnosed. • Mental health issues: Depression, anxiety, and stress are heavily stigmatised. Men may express emotional distress through anger, substance use, or withdrawal. Suicide rates are notably high among older and middle-aged men. • Diabetes: Symptoms such as fatigue, frequent urination, and slow-healing wounds are often attributed to aging. Type 2 diabetes can go undiagnosed for years without regular screening. • Obesity and poor nutrition: Many men overlook gradual weight gain and poor dietary habits. Obesity increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. • Prostate issues: Urinary problems like frequent urination or weak flow are often ignored. Conditions such as prostate cancer and BPH are common, yet screenings are neglected. • Testicular issues: Testicular cancer mainly affects younger men, but self-exams are rare. Many avoid discussing lumps or swelling due to embarrassment. • Erectile dysfunction: ED is often seen as a threat to masculinity, but it can be a warning sign of heart disease, diabetes, or hormonal issues. • Substance abuse: Men are more likely to engage in high-risk alcohol or drug use and less likely to seek help. These behaviours are often coping mechanisms. • Colon cancer: Fear or embarrassment about colonoscopies prevents many from getting screened. Yet colon cancer is highly treatable if caught early. • Injuries and risky behaviour: Younger men, in particular, are more prone to reckless behaviour and often ignore injuries that may lead to chronic health problems. 'Improving men's health starts with awareness and support. If we can create safe spaces for men to speak, get informed, and seek help without shame, we can save lives,' Mofokeng concluded. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
20-06-2025
- The Citizen
Brakpan cops rescue boy (4) abandoned in cold after hijacking
A tense search for a four-year-old boy kidnapped during a hijacking on Wednesday evening ended in a happy reunion. Brakpan Herald reports that with help from local security teams and CPF patrollers, Brakpan police officers found the child unharmed. Local SAPS rural safety and sector managers Sergeant Phatudi Mashifane and Constable Zunaid Rustoff were patrolling along the R23 (Heidelberg Road), a notorious hijacking hotspot, when at around 23:00, they came across a family that had been hijacked and kidnapped by three armed men in Kempton Park. The couple had been left stranded in their vehicle. 'They told the SAPS members that the men left them inside their hijacked VW Polo GTI after the vehicle ran out of petrol on the R23 towards Tsakani, not far from a petrol station,' says Constable Audrey Buthelezi, Brakpan SAPS Sector 1 manager and communications officer. 'The couple was frantic. They informed the officers that one of the hijackers had left with their four-year-old boy. 'The two SAPS members called for backup and started searching the area for the missing child and suspects. 'While searching, the SAPS members and personnel from private security companies were calling out for the child with hope that the child would respond if he heard them. 'The boy responded to one officer's voice, and he was found in the wet and icy bushes alone and unharmed.' The child was reunited with his parents, and the search continued for the suspects. With the assistance of a drone, the suspect who left with the child was located in the bushes near Dalpark Ext 1. 'The victims positively identified the suspect as the one who left with the boy. The 28-year-old was immediately arrested and detained at the Brakpan Police Station, charged with hijacking and kidnapping.' He was expected to appear in court within 48 hours. Brakpan SAPS Vispol commander Colonel Robert Makopo applauded the outstanding rescue efforts of the police members, the CPF patrollers and private security companies. He further commended the officers for their dedication and vigilance, and their efforts to combat crime. The security companies involved were Secure Tech Security, CP Security and Graphite Security. 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
10-06-2025
- The Citizen
Call for calm as 12-year-old appears in court after fatal Brakpan crash
Call for calm as 12-year-old appears in court after fatal Brakpan crash A 12-year-old boy accused of driving the car that killed 14-year-old Malcolm Booysen on Saturday has appeared in the Brakpan Magistrate's Court. Brakpan Herald reports that local police are calling for community restraint as investigations continue. According to Brakpan SAPS communications officer Constable Audrey Buthelezi, a case of culpable homicide and driving without a driver's licence was registered at the local police station. Buthelezi told the Brakpan Herald the suspect's parents confirmed having no knowledge that he drove off with the vehicle from their home. 'The suspect appeared in the Brakpan Magistrate's Court on Monday (yesterday) and was released into the custody of his parents. The case was postponed to August as the court ordered an assessment of the minor's criminal capacity,' she said. 'The families of both the deceased victim and the minor suspect are currently receiving counselling and the support needed.' Brakpan SAPS station commander Brigadier Johanna Ngoma said the unfortunate death of Booysen has left law enforcement and community members devastated and in shock. She added that as heartbreaking as the situation is, it should also be an eye-opener to every parent to firmly instil discipline in their children and to always know where their children are and what they are doing, even while at home. The brigadier further requested that community members allow the law to take its course and not, in any form, torment the involved minor suspect and his family. 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!
