Latest news with #Grobler
The Citizen
21-07-2025
- General
- The Citizen
WATCH: Caxton shows its heart on Mandela Day
Staff of Caxton Local Media Joburg East as well as the Benoni City Times slapped on some hairnets and slipped on gloves as we endeavoured to make 1 000 sandwiches in celebration of Mandela Day on July 18. Loaves of bread were stacked high as staff members abandoned their desks to prepare delectable sarmies, which were donated to various charity organisations within each publication's footprint. Moved to tears, Antonette Grobler, of the Salvation Army Benoni Goodwill Centre, received the City Times' contribution. 'I cannot remember when last anyone did anything for our organisation for Mandela Day,' she said. 'Knowing that each individually packed sandwich was not only prepared with us in mind, but that our local community newspaper identified us as worthy beneficiaries, is truly heart-warming.' Casting her eyes on a further donation of packets of soup, which were donated by Caxton staff, Grobler said that the initiative will assist greatly in keeping bellies full and hearts filled with hope. 'I cannot wait to start handing these treats out at our weekly Friday soup kitchen,' continued Grobler. 'We are incredibly grateful to Caxton and the Benoni City Times. You are always willing to assist local charity organisations' tell their stories to garner ongoing support.' ALSO READ: Help Salvation Army keep those on our streets warm ALSO READ: WATCH: Show some love for the city's charity shops At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
09-07-2025
- The Citizen
Hawks arrest two more in Charl Cilliers or selling expired food
Hawks arrest two more in Charl Cilliers or selling expired food CHARL CILLIERS – Mark Lombard (29) and Sonnet Lombard (46) were arrested on July 1 by the Hawks' Secunda-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation team. The arrests were carried out with the assistance of the Tactical Response Team, Secunda K9 Unit, Charl Cilliers Police and the Secunda Local Criminal Record Centre. The duo joined their family member, Pieter Grobler (41), who was arrested on February 5 for allegedly repackaging and selling expired and rotten food to members of the public. The trio reportedly operated from a farm near Charl Cilliers. Grobler was released on R8 000 bail, while the Lombards were released following a brief appearance in the Secunda Magistrate's Court on July 1. ALSO CHECK: eMbalenhle Chris Hani section RDP housing project turns into a nightmare for residents The Lombards are accused of conspiring with Grobler to commit fraud and money laundering. All three are expected to appear in court together on August 1. During Grobler's arrest in February, several items were seized at the scene, including a truck, two light delivery vehicles, seven refrigerators and other goods, which are now part of an ongoing investigation. Brigadier Danie Hall, the Acting Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Mpumalanga, praised the investigative and support teams for their efforts in apprehending the additional suspects. 'We, as the Hawks, will do our best to protect the community from falling prey to this inhumane act,' said Brigadier Hall. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
TimesLIVE
02-07-2025
- TimesLIVE
Two family members of 'rotten food farmer' arrested by Hawks
Two family members will join Mpumalanga farmer Pieter Grobler, who is accused of repackaging and selling expired and rotten food for human consumption, in court after they were arrested by the Hawks this week. 'Mark Lombard, 29, and Sonnet Lombard, 46, have joined Pieter Grobler, 41, who was released on R8,000 bail after he was arrested for repackaging and selling expired and rotten food for human consumption at a farm in Charl Cilliers [in Mpumalanga] in February,' Hawks spokesperson Magonseni Nkosi told TimesLIVE on Wednesday. 'The two suspects, believed to be Grobler's relatives, were arrested by the Hawks' Secunda serious organised crime investigation-led team, including tactical response team, Secunda K9, Charl Cillier SAPS and Secunda criminal records centre officers [and] brand owners on Tuesday.' The Lombards were released on warning after their brief court appearance in Secunda magistrate's court on Tuesday. 'The two suspects allegedly conspired with Grobler to commit fraudulent activities and money laundering. They were warned by the court to appear with Grobler on August 1.' According to the Hawks, during Grobler's arrest several assets were found on the scene and are subject to further investigation.
IOL News
02-07-2025
- IOL News
More suspects arrested for allegedly repackaging and selling rotten, expired food
Mpumalanga farmer, Pieter Johannes Grobler was released on R8,000 bail by the Secunda Magistrate's Court after he was arrested for repackaging and selling rotten, expired food. Image: Supplied/SAPS Family members, Mark Lombard, 29, and Sonnet Lombard, 46, have joined Mpumalanga farmer Pieter Grobler, 41, who was previously arrested for repackaging and selling expired and rotten food for human consumption. Grobler was arrested when law enforcement agencies raided a farm in Charl Cilliers, Mpumalanga, in February. He was subsequently released on R8,000 bail. In the latest developments, Hawks spokesperson in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi said Mark Lombard and Sonnet Lombard, believed to be Grobler's relatives, were on Tuesday arrested as additional suspects. 'The Lombards were released on warning after their brief court appearance in Secunda Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, 01 July 2025,' said Nkosi. 'The two suspects allegedly conspired with Grobler to commit fraudulent activities and money laundering.' The Lombards were warned by the court to appear alongside Grobler on 1 August. During Grobler's arrest, a number of items, including a truck, two light delivery vehicles, and seven refrigerators were found on the scene. The farmer allegedly collected expired food from chain stores and other distributors under the auspices of feeding such food to his domestic animals. When the team comprising the Hawks and Govan Mbeki Local Municipality's health inspectors visited the farm in February, they were shocked when two warehouses were found packed with food which they described as 'not fit for human consumption'. Nkosi previously said four cold rooms on the farm were filled with expired canned products, rotten red meat, and chicken. 'About 1,000 crates were found fully loaded with expired dairy products, including cheese products. A truck, fitted with a cold room, two light delivery vehicles, one loaded with meat, and an empty LDV (light delivery vehicle) were also found,' said Nkosi. The Hawks said an intense investigation will be conducted on the vehicles. 'A total of seven freezers were found in the warehouses, with repackaged wheat, flour, and maize meal. Equipment used for vacuuming, scales, and plastic sealers was found on the scene,' said Nkosi. He added that the recovered items include stickers and pricing machines, which are believed to be used during the repackaging of the expired and rotten food. Mpumalanga farmer, Pieter Johannes Grobler was released on R8,000 bail by the Secunda Magistrate's Court after he was arrested for repackaging and selling rotten, expired food. Image: Supplied
The Citizen
22-06-2025
- General
- The Citizen
New wheels make life easier for learners in the north
In a heartwarming act of community upliftment, the DT Foundation donated three brand-new 16-seater Quantum Ses'fikile minibuses to the Gracia Child and Youth Care Centre in Pretoria North recently. The donations are bringing renewed hope and opportunity to the children who call the centre home. The donation, made in response to the children's urgent need for safe and reliable transport to school and activities, has been hailed as life-changing by the staff and board of the Gracia Centre. 'The children's home had a serious need for safe transport,' said Jaco van Tonder, chairperson of the Gracia Board. 'These three buses will allow us to safely get the children to and from school. Everyone is excited about what this means for the children and what more we can now offer them. We are incredibly grateful to the DT Foundation and to our Heavenly Father who brought them across our path.' Van Tonder also extended his heartfelt thanks to house mother Trudie Henderson and her dedicated staff, emphasising that Gracia could not survive without their tireless work and the support of the public. 'Gracia cannot exist without people like you and the generosity of our donors. The DT Foundation has supported us for years, and they always show up when we need it most.' The foundation has indeed played a pivotal role in Gracia's growth. Early in 2023, they successfully handed over a renovated 20-room hostel to the centre, shortly after which they paved a large section of the front yard, turning it into a clean and welcoming space. 'We started House Gracia in 2009 with one goal: to create a haven for children from underprivileged or broken homes,' explained Annelize Grobler, spokesperson for Gracia. 'We want to give these kids more than just a place to stay. We want to teach them values, help them heal, and provide them with proper education. At Gracia, we want them to feel like they are home.' With over 80 children currently residing across two premises, Gracia is a lifeline for kids sent by welfare organisations after being referred by the courts for care, many of whom arrive after experiencing neglect or abuse. 'When these children come to us, they are in desperate need of love and attention. We help them find themselves again after the trauma they have endured and teach them to be part of a community and our Gracia family,' Grobler said. The children are now thriving, currently preparing for exams at schools like Laerskool Danie Malan, Hoërskool Gerrit Maritz, and Hoërskool Pretoria-Noord. Gracia receives no provincial or national funding, and the community continues to step in to fill this funding gap. The foundation's support goes beyond transport: recent contributions include a power inverter and batteries to keep the kitchen operational and ensure hot water remains available for the children. 'We dream of giving every child a second chance at life,' Grobler shared. Gracia is currently running a campaign to raise funds to take the children to Port Shepstone at the end of the year for a beach holiday, something many of them have never experienced. The cost is R4 500 per child, and they are appealing to the public to help make this dream a reality. Their upcoming fundraising Golf Day on June 20 at the Akasia Golf Club is another opportunity for the public to get involved and show support for the cause. For more information, call 076 412 5150. Gracia Child and Youth Care Centre is situated at 367 Burger Street in Pretoria North and can be contacted on 012 546 6681. ALSO READ: System shutdown blamed on clinic's unpaid bills 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
