Heidelberg Correctional Facility raided by EST and SAPS

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GAUTENG - On Monday, 8 December 2025, the Anti-Gang Unit (AGU), under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Arends, conducted a search operation at the Heidelberg Correctional Facility. This initiative was executed in collaboration with facility management, including the Communications Department, the Emergency Support Team (EST), and various units of the South African Police Service (SAPS). The operation involved the search of over 100 inmates, resulting in the confiscation of numerous illegal items, including cellphones, chargers, earphones, a laptop, cash, dagga, tattoo machines, and various grocery items. On Wednesday, 10 December 2025, the #AGU returned to the Boksburg Correctional Facility for another search of approximately 150 inmates, resulting in the seizure of contraband such as multiple cellphones, a mini hi-fi, chargers, a knife, various grocery items, dagga, and cash. Further charges were imposed on the inmates found in possession of these contraband items. Lt ...
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Umzimkhulu River Bridge to officially close for six months rehabilitation

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KWAZULU-NATAL - Umzimkhulu River Bridge will close officially at 15h00 today (Monday,17 March) – marking the beginning of the emergency repairs and rehabilitation of the bridge built in 1958, says the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport.

 The MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma in conjuction with Inkosi Mhlabunzima Maphumulo House conducted an oversight of UMzimkhulu River before the commencent of repair work yesterday.

"This marks the beginning of the emergency repairs and rehabilitation of this bridge, which was built in 1958—using the old caisson construction system.

"The repairs of the bridge will reinstate its durability for around 25 years and more," said MEC Duma.

STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY COMPROMISED

According to the Departmet, prolonged rainfall and floods undermined the piers of the bridge. The flow of water caused the bridge piers to rotate, making the bridge unstable and dangerous to the motorists. 

"This necessitated the closure to ensure the safety of the public.
"We postponed the closure as we wanted to engage with key stakeholders. We all acknowledge that the closure will affect all residents—rich and poor. It is for these reasons that we agreed to hold hands and pull behind a common goal of Inspiring Hope for a Better Future," said Duma.

ANNOUNCEMENTS OF THE PROJECT

1. P464 will be used as an alternative route for now as we await the National Minister Babra Creecy’s approval to waive toll fees at the Oribi Toll Gates Ramps North and South.

2. If the toll waiver for the N2 is granted, there would be concurrent repair of P464 alongside the bridge, ensuring a safer and more efficient travel route for all users.

3. R190 million has been allocated for this project which will take 6 months.

4. About 121 local community members will be employed and will work 528 days with combined salaries of around R11, 7 million.

5. By 28th March 2025, a public liaison committee shall be appointed through the municipality and the department of transport with nominated members representing various community organizations.

6. The recruitment and selection of the Community Liaison Committee shall take place from the 11 April 2025

7. The commencement of work on site shall begin on the 11 May 2025 after the approval of work permit.

8. The estimated value of contracts to be allocated to emerging contractors is approximately R 7 632 000 (R7, 6 million)

9. South African Police Service, who were present in the meeting, will act firmly against aby rogue elements or construction mafias attempting to extort money or to stop the repairs.

Location: Umzimkulu, 3297, South Africa

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