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The Citizen
05-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Illegally refilled gas cylinders put you at risk
Many South Africans rely on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for heating and cooking, particularly in winter. LPG is a cleaner and safer energy source when used correctly. However, discounted cylinder refills can pose serious risks to health, property and financial security. Jeremie Tromp of Easigas said the danger lies not in the gas, but in how some cylinders are refilled. Only trained and certified professionals are legally permitted to refill gas cylinders and must follow strict safety protocols while doing so. But Tromp said illegal operators bypass these standards, offering cheap refills by cutting corners and tampering with the cylinder contents. 'Overfilled cylinders build dangerous pressure and become unstable. Even small impacts, heat or rough handling can lead to gas leaks or explosions,' Tromp said. Another concern is contamination, Tromp warned. 'Illegal operators often add water, paraffin or other substances to increase cylinder weight. These mixtures burn inefficiently, damage appliances and compromise seals, creating hidden leaks that might go undetected until it's too late,' he said. In some cases, cylinders are underfilled to appear like a bargain, but consumers end up paying more due to frequent refills. 'Contaminated gas can also destroy appliances worth thousands of rands, and insurance claims might be denied if an investigation reveals illegal refilling.' Tromp said the danger extends beyond individual homes because illegal operators transport improperly secured cylinders on vehicles without adequate safety measures. 'A pothole or sudden turn could damage a valve, creating a mobile hazard on public roads,' he says. 'These operators also store hundreds of cylinders in cramped garages or makeshift workshops. One accident could devastate an entire neighbourhood. 'Additionally, illegal operators avoid paying taxes, depriving the country of millions in revenue that could support essential infrastructure like roads, hospitals, and schools.' Note these red flags: • Prices significantly below market rates; • No receipts, documentation or certification proof; • Seals that don't match the cylinder brand; • Blank or generic neck rings (legitimate cylinders display the company name, weight, serial number and country of origin); • Multiple brands delivered from the same vehicle. 'If something looks questionable, it likely is,' said Tomp. What to do if you think your cylinder was illegally refilled: • Do not ignite the gas or roughly handle the cylinder; • Contact a licensed gas supplier to safely remove and replace the cylinder or return it to the purchase point; • Report the seller to your municipality or the LP Gas Safety Association; • Alert your community through appropriate channels. 'When family safety is at stake, shortcuts can prove far more costly than any savings,' Tromp concluded. 'Choose licensed suppliers and pay fair market prices. When protecting those you care about, the only acceptable option is the legitimate one.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Sunlit shelter stroll brightens dogs' lifes
On a brilliantly sunny day on June 21 in Aristea Park, Pretoria North, the soccer field adjacent to Wollies Animal Shelter's kennels and cattery buzzed with laughter, wagging tails, and some hearty barking. Families, groups of friends and dog lovers, some coming as far as Lenasia, turned out for Wollies' much-anticipated annual Dog Walk, covering almost 3km of sunlit trails near Rooikat Street. The driving force behind Wollies, Cilla Trexler, greeted the crowd. She also shared a heartfelt appeal: 'We would appreciate some food. The food goes so fast as we have 700 dogs and 400 cats.' Wollies also supports the pets of more than 50 local families monthly and sends volunteers to Soshanguve with food donations for families who cannot afford to feed their pets. Trexler added: 'We always welcome financial donations, but we also appreciate it if people donate time just to come and play with the dogs in the kennels and give them love and attention.' She emphasised the therapeutic benefits of volunteering at animal shelters: 'It takes away stress. When people are among animals, they relax, even if they are a little bit sad when they depart because they have to leave the animals behind.' Founded 13 years ago, Wollies began as a sterilisation project and grew into a full-scale shelter. Today, it welcomes nearly 1 100 animals (700 dogs and 400 cats) until they find forever homes. Regular visitor during dog walks, Theresa Klopper, who lives in a flat and cannot keep a dog full-time, said she enjoys getting out for a day and walking a dog. 'It is good to be out in the sun doing something good,' said Klopper. The event also featured a silent art auction, showcasing donated works by local artists and exhibited by Stephan Cronjé and Laurette Williams. A wine tasting provided a festive atmosphere. All proceeds will directly benefit Wollies' care efforts. Calling the community to pitch in, Trexler said Wollies is seeking: – Donated food (dry or wet for dogs and cats) – Unused kennels – Building materials: wire and wood to maintain or build new enclosures. – Rekord's sales team would also like to make a call for donations from the community for Wollies. The sales team plans to visit Wollies on August 8 and would like to take food to the shelter for dogs and cats – tinned as well as dry food. The final day for drop-offs from readers is August 6 in the foyer of the Capital Media building on Orpen Avenue 32, Brummeria. More info from Sajedah Ameer on sajedaha@ ALSO READ: Rekord readers' generosity brings relief to Tshwane SPCA Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. 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
