Latest news with #VanAswegen
The Citizen
14-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Bekker bags two medals at Southern African Youth Games
After middle-distance athlete Michael Bekker clocked an incredible 14:51 at his first parkrun at Carnival City on May 24, the 16-year-old's stunning performance dominated the discourse on a Boksburg Athletic Club (BAC) group chat. Members of the club showered the youngster with praise, with some calling him 'a serious talent'. Attracting the attention of some experienced BAC runners underlined the Hoërskool Kempton Park learner's hard work over the past two years, which culminated in some explosive performances for his school and country. Following his silver medal in the 3 000m and bronze in the 1 500m at the ASA U16, U18, U20 and U23 track and field championships in Cape Town in March, the youngster was selected to represent the country in the AUSC Region Five Youth Games in Namibia. Speaking to the publication just before leaving for Namibia, Bekker pledged to help the country win medals, and he delivered on his promise. In his first international race, the Central Gauteng Athletics athlete dominated the youth men's 3 000m, winning the gold medal in a lifetime best of 08:36.96. Bekker was so dominant in this race he covered the last lap in 62 seconds and also bettered his previous best of 08:38.76 from the age-group nationals by 1.82 seconds. The runner added a silver in the metric mile after finishing behind the exceptional De Villiers Lamprecht from the Free State in 03:57. 'I'm excited. It's a dream to represent my country,' he said. 'I want to participate in events like this every year. And maybe one day run in the Wanda Diamond League and Olympics.' Bekker's coach, Michael van Aswegen, said this performance was due to the athlete's consistency and hard work. 'He has worked relentlessly over the last year to become one of the big names in his age group. Earning an opportunity like this was a fair reward for all the hard work he puts in,' said Van Aswegen. Initially, Bekker was scheduled to participate in the 3 000m, but after the team managers asked if he would like to run in the 1 500m, Van Aswegen gave him the go-ahead. 'I said he should give it a bash and enjoy it. He did exactly that. We couldn't have asked for a better result in the 3 000m specifically. Running a PB in your first outing in SA colours almost four months after our national championships shows that Micheal is on track to keep improving and developing as an athlete.' Also Read: Bekker bags double podium at nationals Also Read: Brooks victorious in first league of the season At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
23-06-2025
- The Citizen
Pretoria woman and dog missing
The search is intensifying for Celeste van Aswegen, a Pretoria woman who went missing on Saturday after last being seen in Garsfontein. Pretoria Rekord reports that, according to information shared by Renegades Search and Rescue and concerned community members, Van Aswegen was on her way to Lanseria after visiting her ex-husband. She was driving a 2014 sea grey VW Amarok double cab bakkie, with the registration number DD8 6HX GP. Her black dog, Shadow, was reportedly in the vehicle with her at the time of her disappearance. Van Aswegen was last seen wearing pale casual pants and a short-sleeved shirt. A missing person case has been opened with the Garsfontein police. The circumstances surrounding her disappearance remain unclear, and authorities are urging the public to assist with any information that could help trace her whereabouts. Anyone who may have seen Van Aswegen, her vehicle or her dog is urged to contact Garsfontein SAPS on 012 472 0144. 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!
eNCA
30-04-2025
- eNCA
What to do when a child goes missing: MCSA urges immediate action
JOHANNESBURG - As the search for Mojalefa Savhuli continues in Roodepoort, Missing Children South Africa (MCSA) is urging the public to act quickly and responsibly when a child goes missing. "We are assisting the police in following up on any leads that come in and doing everything possible to make sure Mojalefa is found safely and reunited with his family," said Bianca van Aswegen from MCSA. 'We urge the media and public to share Mojalefa's flyer to help bring him home,' the spokesperson adds. Van Aswegen said there is absolutely no waiting period to report a child missing She said the first 24 to 48 hours are critical to a successful recovery. "The quicker a case gets reported, the quicker action can be taken," Van Aswegen said. Parents or caregivers should immediately open a missing persons case at their nearest police station and contact MCSA for support. What you'll need: Key information for the police When opening a case, a SAPS 55 form is completed. The most important information to provide includes: • Full name and age of the child • Date and place last seen • Circumstances around the disappearance • Last known clothing • Medical conditions • Places the child may frequent • A recent, clear photograph This information also helps MCSA create a flyer that is quickly distributed online and to key partners. What happens in the first 48 hours? Once reported, police begin searching the child's last known location and follow any leads. MCSA then publishes a digital flyer with verified information and contact details, helping raise awareness quickly through social media and media partners. In many cases, special SAPS units are also brought in depending on the circumstances. One of the biggest challenges in cases involving young children is their natural curiosity. "The main challenge with young children is that they are left by themselves to play without adult supervision, and then we sit with a young child who has gone missing,' Van Aswegen said. "Young children are also very vulnerable, and trust easily and therefore can easily fall victim to different types of crimes against children." How communities can help MCSA encourages community involvement, but with caution. "It is of utmost importance that when neighbourhood groups or communities would like to assist with searches, they do so under the authority of SAPS," she said. "It is wonderful that people get together to assist, but it is important that they do so with instruction and guidance from SAPS, especially if there might be a crime involved." Protecting children: What parents can do To help protect children from going missing: • Never leave them unsupervised , even briefly. • Download and complete an Interim ID Kit from which contains all vital information in case of emergency. • Educate children about their full name, address, and how to ask for help. • Monitor your child's use of social media, as many perpetrators groom children online.
