Off topic, but essential: a great man has died

http://frank-heydenrych.blogspot.com/2011/05/impossibly-sad-jonathan-rands-dead.html

Midvaal: an example of what the ANC and DA deliver

Whenever I cycle through the area, I see the contrast. Midvaal is brilliant, orderly and clean. A kilometre away it is squalour, filth and poverty.

The DA runs Midvaal. The ANC everything around it. The contrast could not be greater.

Rubbish stands for years in the same spot in ANC territory. I know, as I cycle there frequently. The DA removes all its rubbish. Litter is cleared, verges are repaired, grass is cut, there are no potholes.

The ANC renames streets and facilities. The DA leaves Corrie Pypers' and HF Verwoerd's names in place and focuses on services. The place is relatively crime-free, peaceful and just works. Heineken and Ferrero-Rocher have invested vast amounts of money and created hundreds of jobs.

Midvaal collects its rates and delivers its services. The ANC around Midvaal fails to collect either its rates or deliver services.

Down the road the monster that is Sharpeville - ANC country - is precisely the same as it was in 1960.

I know which way I'll vote come 18 May.

http://mg.co.za/article/2011-04-03-midvaal-prepares-for-bitter-election-battle

Happy dog

We produce a lot of wood. My good friend Duncan McLeod is a brilliant meteorologist and forecast the early winter that has hit us. He always tells us exactly what is going to come, and is more accurate than even Simon Gear. He came to collect a ton of Linbro's best wood and this was the consequence, out Northwold way. One happy British bulldog.

Water issues

Tony Torrente has suggested I open this post re water problems. He cannot get anywhere with Joburg Water after more than a year of trying. As of today, I am embarking on a crusade to solve our over-billing. Our water bills are outrageous. So here's the offer: anyone who wants to let me know re their water problems, please do so.

I am going to photograph the clear and visible water problems, such as our clear leak, and that of Tony, and posting them, then inviting the media to come and have a look. I will make this available to Hellopeter, and through this process of pressure, try and get uniform resolution.

So, all are invited to work through me to obtain a long-term solution.

A novel approach to solving our problems

Do it bottom up rather than top down. Well worth a read. Thanks to Michelle Nel for bringing this to my attention:

http://www.sacsis.org.za/site/news/detail.asp?idata=650&iChannel=1&nChannel=news&iCat=1415

Dog food killing dogs: warning

Update: 40 dogs killed so far, and many more are dying. Note the brands that are reported to kill animals are Legends, Hi-Pro and Buddies.


http://www.ewn.co.za/articleprog.aspx?id=65527


Vets worried public doesn’t know enough about deadly dog food
Camilla Bath

The South African Veterinary Association has reported that over 40 dogs have now died after eating poisonous dog food.

The contaminated brands, Legends, Hi-Pro and Buddies, are believed to include afla-toxins produced by fungus.

The association’s president, Anthea Fleming, said pet owners must be more responsible and feed their dogs properly.

“It’s actually even worse, so it’s quite clear the public isn’t aware of the food which is contaminated. More dogs are dying so it’s really important that people look at the food they are feeding,” she said.


Update: As far as I can determine, the only way to spell this term is "aflatoxicosis". Do not accept any other spelling, as they are all based on ignorance. I have done my research closely, and this is the only way to spell the word. It is a nasty, lethal fungus.

Two years ago, Royal Canin's dog food killed hundreds of dogs. We are now in a similar crisis. I would strongly recommend chatting to Silke Kaiser re this.

Original post: Jenny Nel has forwarded this warning. Apparently 16 dogs have died so far.

A problem with aflatoxicosis in dog food causing liver failure has been observed in 12 dogs. The foods that were used and reported were Hi-Pro and Pick + Pay No Name Brand. Usually only certain batches are affected when this happens, but advise people to be on the safe side until we get a press release from Onderstepoort.

Regards
Derek
The Hopeful Foundation

Hopeful Federation, P O Box 17366, Norkem Park, Gauteng 1631, South Africa

The article is confirmed here:

http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Tainted-food-kills-16-dogs-20110426

and here


http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/gauteng/tainted-dog-food-behind-12-deaths-1.1061038

Explanation: Aflatoxicosis is caused by a fungus on the dog food.The toxin attacks the liver and breaks it down. All the dogs admitted for the poisoning died. The toxin can cause vomiting and bleeding and is usually fatal.

Following the DA's Darren Bergman

It is well worthwhile to follow the DA's Darren Bergman on Facebook.


http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_166959896688917

For anyone considering which way to vote, consider that the DA never stops making itself unapproachable and mucks out all over our ward.

We cannot even get a call, e-mail or SMS returned from the opaque entity that is the ANC.

Vandalism/theft at 87 Hilton Road

Update: I have spent the better part of four hours today trying to find the correct connecting pipes. I have had to give up, as specialist suppliers are not available over Easter. Shaune Reid may have to come in tomorrow or send one of his contractors. The cost to me will be well over R1 000. The loss of time, over a working day. All because of casual theft, which netted the thieves a few rand in scrap metal.

It is exceptionally frustrating to be in the midst of this kind of nonsense. And, quite honestly, we have not even begun.


Original post: Unfortunately, as we all know, once construction/earthworks start, theft and vandalism are the order of the day.

So our one section of electric fence has been totally destroyed, shredded to ribbons. I am off to buy ferrules and fix.

All of our taps were stolen and the pipes left protruding from the ground like Cyclops.

And our borehole, which we share with Intaprop, was vandalised, the connecting pipe ripped out presumably for scrap metal and the compression tank thrown to one side.

Sarel of Intaprop/Elphick has committed to replacing the taps, but this is such a waste of time and effort, and it will carry on for as long as there is construction.

The fact is that while we know it does and will happen, there's sweet buggerall we can do about it.

The importance of recycling garbage

Update: Bev Cooke has very kindly provided these details to help you recycle garbage:

http://www.ecoassist.co.za/ / http://www.ecomonkey.co.za/

Karen and I have been in Linbro for five years (me five, Karen just under four). In this time we have committed to separating and recycling. This means strikes such as the current one do not affect us.

In the last three weeks alone I have recycled 105 bags of garbage. We have kept over 50kg of batteries and light bulbs out of landfill.

Anyone who wants to know what to do and how to do it, or needing assistance, please feel free to drop me a note.

These two dogs need a home

Steff Dembo is leaving Linbro as she cannot cope with the ongoing development and destruction of a lifestyle she and many others cherished. She has found a home for two of her dogs, but these two beautiful pooches need a home. Anyone who can help, please contact me or Steff.

This is the missing cat which is at LEAP School in Clulee Road

Jeanette Long advises it is very much domesticated and misses human contact when the children leave. Someone somewhere must know whose cat it is. I am going to extend my net to include such people as Renee Conradie, a cat lover of note, who can either adopt the cat or point us in the right direction for adoption.

Road damage: Pse report all incidences to me ...

Sheryl-Ann and I will work to ensure that our road damage is prioritised, as a community service.

Each e-mail report of road damage I receive will be posted here. Sheryl-Ann will check it every day, obtain a reference number, and I will update the blog, and progress towards repairs.

When reporting road damage, it is vital that you list the two corners closest to where the damage has occurred.

Here is a starting point:

* Over 100 potholes in Hilton Road between Clifford and Ronald. Despite the presence of construction trucks, the road needs to be repaired or it will collapse beyond repair
 
Sheryl-Ann will now report this to JRA, and obtain a reference number, which I will attach to this report. When resolved, I will advise, and will cascade the report to the bottom of this post. This will ensure full transparency. If it takes until the end of winter, we will fix the roads.

Knysna Heads a few minutes ago (something to dream about)

My friend Ivo Vegter relocated to Knysna a few years (and many beers later) ago, just because he could. As we contemplate the filth and disruption around us, a moment of inspiration and jealousy. Pic sent to him by a fellow Tweeter,

Oh, yes, together we can spread more rubbish

This as Tweeted by the DA's Ryan Coetzee and retweeted by Ivo Vegter

http://plixi.com/p/92976500

Dog soon to be reunited with its owner

Update: The blog has reunited its third lost animal with owner. Morne Grobbelaar and Andre Nel are on their way to Jenny Rose right now.

This is the pic Morne posted:

Jenny Rose writes: "It seems that the dogs know whose gate to knock on when they are lost.

This little one was barking desperately at our gate in the pouring rain this evening, so he has been dried off, fed and been given a bone to play with.

He is a cross bull terrier and staffie.

Seems to be very young still as he is boisterous and very friendly

Please give me a call on 082 889 2806 if he belongs to you."

Missing white cat

Jeanette Long at LEAP School writes: "There is a very affectionate and very sad pure white cat at Number 82 Clulee.  It is clearly someone's pet for it craves human contact and is yowling in a most unhappy way each evening as soon as the property clears of children. When I approach, it is desperate for attention, purrs loudly and rubs itself against me. I gave it food last night which it wolfed ravenously. Is anyone missing this cat?"


Frank notes: If in any doubt as to how to contact Jeanette, get hold of me so we can reunite this cat with its owner.

Eskom - repeated power failures.

Update: We again lost two thirds of our power yesterday AM. The Eskom box had either been fiddled with or rainwater had got into the unprotected box. I reset the fuses and covered the box with my own plastic containers, and will work with Eskom to resolve in the long term. Eskom's boxes in Hilton, and maybe elsewhere, are a crying shame. Pics to follow when the sun rises.

Update: Intaprop's contractor Marius popped around this evening to check why some wires were live at the back, the remnant which Intaprop owns.

In the pursuit of finding why these wires were live, Marius helped me troubleshoot my Eskom problem.

We found after about an hour of troubleshooting that the Eskom distribution box across the road had been fiddled with, causing the casing to rest against one of our phases' tripswitches and repeatedly trip one of our three phases, knocking half our power out.

He worked with me until deep into the dark to resolve the issue. A ware Suidwester, he would not leave until we had tested every circuit and ensured the power would not trip again.

This is service beyond anything anyone can imagine, well beyond his call of duty.

A huge thank you to Marius. All at Intaprop, please give the man a big cheer from us. Our power is working again.

Update: Half of our three-phase is also gone. We have no borehole power, but the oven and swimming pool pump work. After spending so much money, Eskom's poor workmanship means we are back to square one, as the power collapses across our property.

Last post for this morning: Half of our property is again without power. This means Eskom has to come out and dig up the cables again, at phenomenal cost, or we will forever be without power in this part of our house. Is anyone else experiencing Eskom problems? Can we or should we mount some kind of group action? Or is it only us?

Please advise, so I can move forward by Monday to apply the appropriate pressure.

Linbro water leak, fixed for now

The water cascading down First Road would seem to have been the consequence of damage or other issues arising from Elphick Earthworks' work on the corner of Clifford and Hilton. See the pic. Also see the attempt to close the leak. I took this pic on the way to taking my son to the Spur. When we returned, the water was no longer gushing, and Joburg Water was on site. I have no idea who pays for the wasted water, but collateral damage is a byproduct of construction, unfortunately. It was, I have to say, a most unpleasant experience driving around the southern quadrant of Linbro yesterday, roads were significantly damaged, and all of us would hope this is a one-off. I will ensure Intaprop sees this post.

Final lesson: lean on Intaprop, Elphick and Joburg Water. Everyone affected, call repeatedly. When I drove out to the Spur, the water was pouring out and there was only one worker, sitting on an earth mound, looking at the water. The more we call, the more strident we become, the more we follow processes and work within structures, the faster issues are resolved. Yesterday it took 12 hours, which is a lot of wasted water and damage to roads.

3 horses rescued

At 9am I got a call from Ruth Panis that three horses were running loose in the street, among them a white pony. I called Joan Harmsen at Byerley, who immediately dispatched four of her folk, but the horses made their way up Ronald and down Hilton. We managed to corral them, then lure them with carrots and halter them. They seemed to have escaped from Drakes, whence they were returned. Beautiful animals. All's well that end's well, and thanks to Byerley for the most amazingly swift response. From reporting to capture, 10 minutes. That's Linbro for you!

Road closure meeting

Update: It is my duty as the owner of this blog to advise that only one person in the neighbhourhood was prepared to attend Nic's meeting. He asked me to post the original notice, which I did, so I close the loop by advising there will be no meeting, as he has cancelled it due to lack of interest.

Given the state of flux in the area with the construction, I for one do not believe we can consider road closures for the next two years at least.

Update: This will be the last post for Nic, due to his ongoing abuse of this and other forums. He asked for it to be posted, I assented, as one should, and within minutes the relentless abuse surfaced. He is barred from this blog and the CPF mailing list, which is as he wants it anyway, as he says they reach no one.

This posted, as per Nic's request

He writes:

Our previous Road Closure Application for Linbro Park has been either rejected or been permitted to lie fallow due to lack of response from the Johannesburg Metro and follow up on our parts. Either Jimmy Telle or Roger Price should have a copy of this Application and we need it to submit it to Dukes Attorneys with our Mandate to act on our behalf in the application to the Public Protector.


I have contacted Dukes Attorneys and they are sending me the Form of Mandate they require. The Mandate has to come from as many persons as possible over the age of 18 who either work, live or own property in Linbro Park.

A Public Meeting for the purposes of discussing the issue will be held at the Linbro Park Tennis Club on Monday 18th April at 6pm for 6.30pm and to obtain signatures from as many persons eligible as possible.

For a mere R1,000 we can become part of the process and almost certainly get our application approval rubber-stamped.

I shall make a start with obtaining signatures for the Mandate by addressing the matter with our Domestics on Wednesday 13th April. Please would all employers make attendance at Domestic Watch a full house and assist by encouraging their domestics to sign the Mandate.

The invitation to the Public Meeting on Monday 18th is extended to all persons over the age of 18 years living, working or owning property in Linbro Park.

The Linbro Association will sponsor the R1,000 fee involved.

All we need is as many signatures to the Mandate as humanly possible, please. Please would somebody please also post this message as a forwarded email to the Linbro-CPF list so that we get it to everybody possible.

Tina Kroll recalls a fire at 47 Oak last August ... great pics

ADVERT: Shadecloth needed

Pat Cremonte is looking for shadecloth, green or black, reasonably sizes.

Pat writes: "I am looking to purchase shadecloth that is not wanted or needed. Quite a tall order, but you never know! I prefer to 'reduce, reuse, recycle' before I purchase new!"

Contact Pat: 082 875 6186

Missing Jack Russell ... to be home tomorrow

Update: The dog and its home are soon to be reunited. Steff writes:

Hi Jenny..


I tried calling you earlier this evening, no answer so left a message.

This IS Bubbles, who belongs to Simon's nurse, Alice.

He is from 81 Clulee Road.... I will come and fetch him tomorrow morning.

Thanks for letting us know... however, how he got lost this time is beyond us ... as he is quite used to walking to Marlboro Drive or to Alex - when he follows the ladies who leave 81 Clulee, to go on their daily businesses. Very strange.

We are so glad that he is safe and sound... thank you very much for posting this.

Regards,

STEFF

This dog walked into Jenny Rose-Meckler's life a few minutes ago. Please contact me or her if it is yours.

The new business initiative coming out of Linbro Park

We are launching as I write. This is a brand-new business which will in a few years rival the world's leading sports communication services:

http://www.sportscentral.co.za/bulls-decline-a-bad-omen-for-world-cup/146/

Been building for four months, and we are now finalising content and design. This is a test site, but most of the content is real and accurate.

Please check back every day if you are interested in sport.

702 has swept the boards at the annual MTN radio station awards

This radio station has taken a particular interest in Linbro Park. It is in the top 1% of radio stations worldwide. Irrespective of what issue we bring to them, they follow it through to resolution with us.

I am proud to be involved with these people, and would urge all to drop them a line at news@702.co.za or news@ewn.co.za to congratulate them.

A truly great service, and it's free.

Mario Cremonte forwarded this hoax e-mail

Please do not forward it to anyone. It is a hoax. 100% guaranteed. It is advisable never to forward mails like this. If in any doubt, please contact me.

HUGE VIRUS COMING ! PLEASE READ & FORWARD !

This has been checked with Norton Anti-Virus, and they are gearing up for this virus!  and also checked Snopes, and it is for real. Get this E-mail message sent around to all your contacts ASAP.

PLEASE FORWARD THIS WARNING AMONG YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY AND CONTACTS!

You should be alert during the next few days. Do not open any message with an attachment entitled 'POSTCARD FROM HALLMARK,'regardless of who sent it to you. It is a virus which opens A POSTCARD IMAGE, which 'burns' the whole hard disc C drive of your computer.

Crime hits everyone

No one in South Africa works harder to make a difference than Yusuf Abramjee of Primedia. He Tweets: "This damn crime!!! They cut my electric fence at home in the early hours of this morning, smashed the car's window and stole laptop, etc."

Chubb cars

Joan Harmsen returned home at 2.30am to find three Chubb cars parked outside the post office. There were no guards in evidence and the vehicles were switched off and without lights. Joan found this very strange and asked me to report it on her behalf. If anyone can shed any insight, I will post it as an update.

Strange behaviour, to say the least.

Tuesday update on robbers/rapists roaming our streets

Update: Debbie Swarts called me just after 5pm to advise there were four men probably fitting the description of our robbers. Dean Swarts and I barreled down and apprehended a short man fitting the description of one of them. Silke Kaiser arrived, as did Sandringham SAPS. Frustratingly, Shadrack of Byerley confirmed it was not our man and we let him go. But word is spreading that we are closing the net on the scum. The man we detained was Axel, a Malawian.

Update: Steff Dembo reports (unfortunately while I was napping ahead of my broadcast): "There is a vehicle parked on the verge near the Gordon and Clulee corner ... opposite LEAP. I think it's an old BMW... maroon in colour ... 3 or 4 males in and out of it. Just thought I'd let you know, in case it's one of the vehicles reported as behaving suspiciously. Sorry, couldn't get the number plate."

Update: This fits the overall description. Neville Ross writes: "Four gentlemen walking down Clulee between Ronald and Oak heading north. Two of them walking together. 1 shortish wearing a white cap and yellow cap. The second taller wearing white pants. Both were very dark-skinned. They were followed (about 30 metres behind). Both about average height and wearing blue overalls.

Update: Nic Nel advises on Sunday evening: "On Saturday night, 4 armed robbers entered 66 3^rd Road (Contract Truck Hire) from the unkempt property on the corner of 3^rd  Road and 3^rd Avenue, held up the guard, and broke into the offices, stealing several computers. The MO was very much the same as previous incidents of this kind – point of entry onto the property and even the same window forced.

"Continue to get reports of prostitution from Morgan Brown’s 16 Clulee Road. (Some content excised as it is potentially libelous.)

"At about 10am today received an alert on 4 men walking in Gordon Road. Rushed out but nowhere to be found. ADT sent 3 cars in support."

Update: If this blog serves one purpose in retrospect, it will be to have put these monsters behind bars.

A summary of yesterday's activity:


1 These guys speak Zulu, but someone claims they are Zimbabwean.
2 The commonality is that one of them is short and typically dressed in a white top.
3 They are definitely armed and extremely dangerous.
4 They have definitely robbed and may have raped.
5 They seem to come from outside of Linbro through the broken palisade fencing and through Intaprop's construction site. Our first priority, as of today, is to fix this gaptooth fence. It is not Intaprop's obligation, but I will ask them to assist.
6 They seem to enter late afternoon/early evening, and then exit after sunset.
7 The entire neighbourhood is preparing to mobilise to take out the trash. The Swarts are exemplary here. It is important to note that they do not walk four abreast, but often two at a time.
8 Sandringham SAPS is with us, with a range of inspectors and plain-clothes police ready to assist us, but we must drive communication to them. If anyone needs to know who is in charge at any one time, contact me, please, and I will pass on the details.

I would ask Theo to coordinate this effort, as it is beyond my scope of experience, and I cannot find the time today.


I will, however, take pics today to show where they are coming in.

Update: Steff Dembo writes: "I was leaving 81 Clulee last night to go to a friend in Ronald/Hilton ... this was 6.40pm.

A group of 4 very suspicious BM's were walking up Clulee from cnr Gordon in a very determined, hurried way ... I slowed down next to them and gave them a good look.

One was shorter than the rest and had on a white t-shirt with stripes ... but as I was alone, I couldn't do anymore than that. They seemed anxious to get to the gaping hole in the wall which leads from Clifford/Clulee to the outside world of Linbro.

I am wondering if this isn't their entrance/exit point...???

Think about it...

There are no people whatsoever around the area from corner Gordon/Clulee to Clifford, so very little chance of getting reported once they have entered the demolition site ... and a very quick and easy escape out of LP once they are through that gaping hole.

I suggest a stake-out somewhere near there, at around 6.30 to 8pm...

but don't be visible ... they are very slippery.

Frank: Working with Sandringham right now.

Update: Inspector Mike Mamabolo and I have committed to taking out the trash. He and I will start working from Thursday to gather evidence. It is his job, but I will assist. We need every bit of evidence, every clue, every possible shred that can point us in the right direction.

These swine are operating in a triangulated area that is quite easy to shut down and check. That is our starting point, but we need everyone to cooperate.


I am not an aggressive person, I am not a vigilante, but I will simply not allow us to be terrorised by filth like this. As of tonight, we are operating within the structures. Anyone who wants to assist, please fall in with me. If someone has more experience, please lead me. But these people are operating around me, and could take me, my wife and my children out any time. They are hurting my friends. Let's all pull together.


The rules: Me, or someone better than me, to pull the neighbourhood together, from Thursday, and take out the trash. Only me, if no one else steps forward. I have tons on my plate, believe me, and more every day, but I will fill a vacuum if no one else takes control, and I will do so with Insp Mamabolo. I am green at this stuff, so maybe someone else can work with Insp Mamabolo in terms of information gathering and closing in on these buggers. Otherwise I will.


This is not about egos: it's about taking out the trash. So far, no more.



Update: Have escalated to Sandringham SAPS and 702. Sandringham will radically upgrade its patrols. Hopefully 702 will come to the party, as it always does. I will coordinate SAPS, ADT, Chubb and all to find these trash, for once and for all. Anyone who's in with me, let's do it in the next few days under the auspices of SAPS. I think Joan's involvement is crucial.

Update: I was busy with a braai dinner with my son when Joan called to say, at around 6pm, that the four robbers/rapists were heading towards John O'Connor's property down 3rd Ave. Dropping everything, bundling my two-year-old into the car and allowing my braai onions to burn (!), I raced down, but they were gone.

I will continue aggregating content on this case for the neighbourhood's reference. Please pass on all clues.

Update: Silke Kaiser writes, Just to let you know that the cops feel that the four men who robbed Byerley are the same group who raped our resident. On Monday I will be at the police station and get them to link the cases. I will let everyone know once I have done this.

What is very clear is that we need to mobilise as a neighbourhood to catch these guys, who will strike again and again. They will subject us to a rein of terror unless we mobilise all our forces. I am available throughout the weekend as a communication hub.

Secondly, Silke reports that the Elphick Earthworks gate down Clifford was open. I have no doubt whatsoever that these four would use that as one of their routes to move around. Here at 87 Hilton we feel there is a time bomb ticking, until these guys are caught. The fence in our undeveloped piece of 87 was fearfully vandalised a few days ago, and my Sunday morning will be spent repairing it. We are connecting this vandalism to the attempted burglary of last week. This is easily the 30th attempt on our property in five years.

Update: Nic Nel writes: A Gang of 4 were arrested in January this year and released by the Police. I wonder whether the Police ever noted their details at the time as these may well be the guys who committed the rape last month, and maybe the robberies of late.

On 2 January Nic wrote: 

Subject: Gang of 4 Arrested 

My informers had told me these chaps were frequenting 16 Clulee.  At about 2.30pm Ndlovu of ADT observed them and blocked them on the corner of 2nd Avenue and Hilton Road.  He called the police and they are now in custody - all 4 of them.Some of the gang have been living at 125 Hilton Road

Update: Robbers not found after 30 minutes of hunting. No evidence of ADT or SAPS in Clulee. SAPS patrolling the area religiously. Contactable on (011) 675 6129, or you can let me know.

These are the four men who struck at Byerley. One is short and wearing a white jersey and black cap.

Whoever is on Blockwatch tonight should keep their eyes peeled and be extremely careful. These men will kill.

Earlier post: Observed walking towards Clifford. Seem to have turned down Ronald and struck in Clulee.

Details to follow.

Tina Kroll chronicles how quickly nature takes over a neglected property

Tina is a truly fine photographer. She has chronicled how quickly 47 Oak returned to nature. This is Part 1 of a two-part record of how a property descends into chaos, helped by the best of Alex. Part 2 to come tomorrow.

Note: The long grass and the processed electrical cables.

My new business partner earned a fabulous award yesterday

My good friend Duncan McLeod comes here frequently. We are creating a new business. He was named ICT Journalist of the Year for the third time yesterday.

This is his current online business, which won him the award.

www.techcentral.co.za

Congratulations to a fine businessman and journalist.

Our neighbour Mario Cremonte has sent this urgent update from Libya

     نور اگر رفت سايه پيدا نيست نقش ديوار و چشم خيره ما نقش سايه دگر نمي دانديوار و چشم خيره ما نقش سايه دگر نمي دان نور اگر رفت سايه پيدا نيست نقش ديوار و چشم خيره ما نور اگر رفت سايه. ر رفت سايه پيدا نيست نقش ديوار و چشم خيره ما نقش سايه دگر نمي دان نور اگر رفتدا نيست نقش ديوار و چشم خيره ما

       گر رفت سايه پيدا نيست نقش ديوار و چشم خيره ما نور اگر رفت سايه. ر رفت سايه پيدا نيست نقش ديوار و چشم خيره  اگر ر سايه پيدا نيست نقش ديوار و چشم خيره ما نقش سايه دگر نمي دانديوار و چشم خيره ما نقش سايه دگر نمي دان نور  سايه دگر نمي دان نور اگر رفتدا نيست نقش ديوار و چشم خيره ما

He notes: "If I hear anything else, I'll let you know ..."

Cottage to rent

Quaint little garden cottage (newly renovated) available for rent at 51 Oak Ave, Linbro Park.
2 bedrooms, 1 full bathroom, small kitchen, lounge, partially covered porch.
Burglar bars all round. Undercover carport for 2 cars. Fenced-in garden.
Suitable for single person, young couple or single parent.
Friendly animals welcome. Available from last week of April (pro-rata).
Rent: R4 000 inclusive of water and electricity.
Requirement: R4 000 security deposit. One calendar month notice both ways.

Contact Tina Kroll
Home & Office: +27 11 458 6902
Mobile: +27 82 828 6202
http://tinakroll.jimdo.com
tinak2009@gmail.com

Robbery at 111 Hilton Road

Gunshot update: Steff Dembo writes:"Being at the highest point of residence in Linbro, I heard the gunshots loud and clear.

"I had just gotten into bed and switched off the light ...  it was 12.20am. There were a total of 18 shots all in all ... I counted them. It sounded more like they were coming from Lakeside area of Modderfontein, or else from the Douglas Road area [but I think more like Modderfontein, as I have heard them like this a few times before].

"Never heard the 8pm shots at all, and certainly not the 11pm ones, even though I was still up and about at that hour ... quietly working on my computer.Hope this offers some help to resolve ..."

 

STEFF
Update: I got home to my wife Karen some time after 9. She had heard gunshots, but could not confirm their direction or origin. Melody and Owen Williams heard gunshots around 11pm from the northern end of Linbro. Thursday morning, Mario Cremonte confirmed the gunshots - at least eight of them.

Owen and Melody could not have prevented the attack on 111 Hilton, as it occurred so early (around 7pm). Secondly, these guys move like lightning and had Shadrack inside in seconds. All would have appeared normal. As Melody says, there are funny things happening at night.

Update from Silke Kaiser, a trained criminologist, who was there:

(Note, totally unedited, as Silke sent it)

Hi all

An armed robbery occurred at Byerley Stables tonight -  but thanks to a pit bull and to a quick thinking tenant (and owner of the pit bull) no-one was hurt and they only got away with two Blackberries and a Samsung.  Of course that is far too much, but they would have managed to achieve a lot more if they had not been thwarted.

At about 8pm, the guard walked up the driveway of Byerley Park to get the feeding bowls for the horses.  He was accosted by four men who walked through the open gate - the guard had left the gate open as he was waiting for two more employees to arrive.   One of the men held a gun and all spoke Zulu.  (the same as the ones who raped our lady in Clulee Road - but I do not think its the same gang as their MO is a bit different.)

They asked the guard for his panic button, which they removed.  He told them it is a remote for the gate.   They then told him that they want money, which he said he does not have, as he sends his money home.   They then told him to take them to his room, which he did.   By this stage they had tied his hands together.  His wife was in their room and they tied her up also.   They threatened to rape her if they were not given money - this is very typical in an armed robbery as it is a means to control the victims.     They then left the two of them tied up.

In the meantime, Darryl and Karen, a couple who live on Joan's property in one of her cottages,  were at home.   Karen had just let out their very young (but large) pit bull into the back garden to do his business.   Once he was finished, she walked back in, (with the dog)  and sat down in the lounge.   The back door leads off the bedroom, and she did  not realise that she had been followed in. by an armed man.    Lincoln (the pit bull)  did realise though, and he immediately attacked the guy who was holding a gun.    He fell to his knees, and in that second, Darryl realised what was happening, and jumped up and pushed a cupboard in front of the guy, who started pushing back.   The man then decided the better of it, and fled, taking the two Blackberries (bought brand new on Friday) and a Samsung phone.

It is suspected that this is an inside job, even though Darryl did tell me that about three days ago, he heard people at his wall (Byerley is right next to Pharouh's new place at 110 Hilton) and that it is evident that some people had been there as the grass is flattened.   I do know however, that Pharouh runs an extremely tight ship, and that if he even suspected anyone, he would report it immediately.

Off the topic, I am in total awe of the pit bull.   Anyone who tells me that dogs do not get it, and anyone who uses animals only to make money, does not get it.        The pit bull sees grooms every single day of his life, and does not show any of them aggression, how did he know within one milli second that this man meant harm?    It could not be the body language from his owners, as they were not aware of anything until the dog had brought the guy down to his knees.   That dog deserves a purple heart award.    When I got there the dog was locked up, but was like putty in my hands, a very soft and gentle animal. 

In my armed robbery, my dogs also immediatley knew that the guys meant me harm, and when the one guy brought a towel and a dish cloth to my bed, and then asked me if I was scared of being raped, his answer was one dog bite, from the dog who I got from the SPCA, who is terrified of any overhead shadows.  That dog just knew.

I am going to contact the captain tomorrow for the rape case, as I said I would contact her on 7th April, and I will also follow up this case with the police.

Even though this does not lessen the trauma for those involved, thank G-d that no-one was raped, or shot, and also that the dog was not shot.  

Whew.  What a night. 

Silke  - gonna kiss all my dogs now  - no tongue  :)

At about 7pm four Zulu-speaking men, at least one armed with a pistol, gained access to Byerley Park Stables at 111 Hilton Road. They first held up the night guard, Shadrack, tied him up and gagged him, and forced him to take them to his room at the back. They took his cellphone and demanded cash or they would rape his wife. He had no cash of note as he repatriates his earnings.

They knew what they were doing and gained access to one of the main properties, where six young folk were watching TV. They quietly forced a back door, which seemed to have been left unlocked, indicating it could have been an inside job.

As the gun came around a corner, preceding the robber, one young man, Darrel (spelling presumed), acted quickly and pulled down a cupboard, blocking access. Their young pitbull, Lincoln, leapt at the men, who fled, taking cellphones and cash.

This is the mess caused by the cupboard crashing down: it probably saved them from a far worse fate:

SAPS was there in five minutes, ADT in 10, and Silke and Theo de Groot arrived within minutes of me. Everyone traumatised, but OK. The four men are on the run and the Flying Squad are hunting for them.

Lessons:

* It seems to be an inside job
* These men had clearly been monitoring Byerley Park's movements for a long time - they knew exactly what they wanted
* There is much long grass at the back: I have made my gardener William available to clear it starting tomorrow
* It was the first such attack in three decades at 111 Hilton Road
* Despite the fact that the place is so busy and has high levels of traffic, these guys got in undetected

I will update as news becomes available.

I need content, please

Hi all

As you can see, tons on my mind, so I'm up early. Will try and get some sleep, otherwise I will be a zombie.

If my blog has served *one* purpose, it is to apply unrelenting pressure on authorities to do the right thing. No names right now, no packdrill, but there is absolutely no doubt that the visibility of our issues is leading to enhanced service delivery.

A particular person with an interest in our neighbourhood would have decked me yesterday, if he could have. He had to be pulled/pushed away from me.

As I wear glasses, and I know the law, I do not fight. This person had no such compunctions. He knows who he is.

But within 48 hours of my posting some pictures on the blog, I had resolution.

The blog is now your window to the world. It has critical mass. It has gone over the inflection point, and now draws tons of traffic locally and from around the world.

Tell me everything that ails you. Send me pics. Show me your damaged roads. Your dumping. The filth at the entrance at Marlboro.

Send me pics of your dogs, your cats, your pigeons, your children, your owls.

Everyone is interested.

This is not Frank's blog. I have another one for that. It is your blog. It is a free online newspaper, with thousands and thousands of people around the world following us.

If I leave one legacy for Linbro, this is it, and please use it.

There are no restrictions, save my time and my news filtering capability. And seeing I was Journalist of the Year two decades ago, that is reasonable.

I am building some truly wonderful things here in Linbro Park, and the world will know all about them in time, but suffice it to say, it all began with the blog.

So let's going, folks! We have our own online newspaper. I need content!

Cheers

Frank