Rand Water implements final stage of maintenance programme

Rand Water has informed Gauteng municipalities that the upcoming and concluding phase of its maintenance project will commence on 15 July 2024. 

This comprehensive infrastructure maintenance initiative began on 22 June, with the initial phase concluding on 30 June and the second phase scheduled from 1 to 13 July.

During the final phase, attention will be directed towards the Palmiet and Mapleton stations, where residents can expect service interruptions and reduced water pressure from 15 to 29 July.

Residents in Thembisa, Kempton Park, Germiston, Alberton, Katlehong, Bedfordview, Edenvale and Boksburg may experience water supply interruption.

Local residents are encouraged to monitor their municipalities’ social media platforms and news outlets for updates regarding the implemented measures.

To view the schedule, click here.

"We have been progressing quite well."

-  Makenosi Maroo, Spokesperson – Rand Water 

ALSO IN THE MIDDAY REPORT:

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu outlines plans to combat use of illegal firearms

The newly appointed Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu, has unveiled plans to revise and fortify the nation's firearm control regulations in response to the increasing prevalence of unlicensed and stolen guns. 

In a media briefing held today in Pretoria, Mchunu outlined his top priorities, emphasising the allocation of additional resources to combat the use of illegal firearms.

He stressed the importance of targeted resource deployment by law enforcement to identify and apprehend those involved in the distribution and utilisation of illegal firearms, thereby enhancing efforts to remove these weapons from our streets effectively.

"He's still trying to find his feet in the police ministry."

- Alpha Ramushwana, EWN Reporter

Joshlin Smith's case postponed

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has stated that investigators are currently awaiting forensic results based on new evidence obtained in the case concerning the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith.

Today, Joshlin's mother, Kelly Smith, along with her three co-accused, appeared once again in the Vredenburg Magistrates Court.

They face charges of kidnapping and human trafficking following Joshlin's disappearance from her family home in Middelpos nearly five months ago.

The court has postponed the case until 16 September.

"In the community there are a small group of people still searching for Joshlin."

- Carlo Petersen, EWN Reporter

Lily Mine Tragedy: ActionSA requests Parliament to investigate abuse of justice

ActionSA has written to National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza and Deputy Speaker Dr. Annelie Lotriet, urging Parliament to investigate and ensure accountability for the Lily Mine Tragedy of 5 February 2016, which claimed the lives of miners Pretty Nkambule, Yvonne Mnisi, and Solomon Nyirenda.

They argue that it is a violation of human rights that, more than eight years since the tragedy, the families have not moved closer to finding closure.

"For ActionSA, it's one of those measures that they need to keep people accountable."

- Nokukhanya Mntambo, EWN Reporter

KZN wildfires death toll climbs to 13

The number of fatalities resulting from the out-of-control fire in Boston, located in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, has risen to six.

Yesterday, three volunteer firefighters lost their lives at the scene while battling the fire. 

Additionally, three more individuals succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. 

Currently, two firefighters remain hospitalised for treatment. 

This brings the total death toll from recent wildfires in the province to 13 over the past week.

"The fire started last Sunday and went on the whole week."

- Nhlanhla Mabaso, EWN Reporter

Wimbledon win for South Africa

Kgothatso Montjane and Yui Kamiji clinched the top honors in tennis, triumphing as straight sets winners of the 2024 Wimbledon women's doubles final with a score of 6-4, 6-4.

"It was quite the thing to witness her [Kgothatso Montjane] just soaking in the applause that she got."

- Mawande Mateza, EWN Sports Reporter

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