Carletonville Weekly News: Residents Demand Change, Police Clamp Down, and Communities Keep Giving
- Karen Scheepers
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Carletonville and the greater Merafong region experienced a turbulent yet inspiring week marked by civic activism, serious crime incidents, and meaningful acts of compassion. While residents took to the streets demanding accountability from local government, others united for charity, sportsmanship, and community outreach. Law enforcement operations also brought breakthroughs, underscoring both the region’s challenges and resilience.
Public Safety and Crime Reports
Elderly Woman Assaulted in Violent Home Invasion
A shocking home invasion on October 21 left an 85-year-old Carletonville resident traumatised after five suspects forced their way into her Vaal Street home near Laerskool Jongspan. The intruders blindfolded the woman with a blanket before ransacking the property and escaping with jewelry and clothing in a silver Hyundai. Police investigations are underway as community members call for stronger neighborhood vigilance to protect vulnerable residents.
Driver Kidnapped in Broad Daylight
On October 22, a 56-year-old driver was hijacked and kidnapped while driving his employer’s white Isuzu D-Max along the P111 near Agnew Road. The victim was trapped between two vehicles before being forced into one of them by armed suspects who spoke isiZulu. He was later released unharmed between Randfontein and Protea Glen. No arrests have been made at this stage.
SAPS Reports Major Arrests During Operation Shanela
The South African Police Service announced nationwide successes through Operation Shanela, an ongoing crime crackdown running parallel to the Safer Festive Season operations. Between October 20 and 26, police arrested over 16,000 suspects, including 2,700 wanted individuals linked to serious crimes such as murder, rape, and armed robbery.In Gauteng, several kidnapping suspects were neutralized in a Parktown shootout, while illegal mining raids near Merafong led to six arrests and the seizure of rifles, explosives, and industrial tools. The results highlight intensified policing ahead of the year-end holidays.
Civic Action and Service Delivery Protests
Merafong Residents March Against Collapsing Services and Corruption
Hundreds of residents from Kokosi, Khutsong, Fochville, Welverdiend, and Carletonville marched on October 24 to the Merafong City Local Municipality offices. Protesters demanded a forensic audit, municipal reform, and immediate intervention by both provincial and national authorities.
Led by attorney Ramafala Ramatshosa, memorandums were handed to representatives from the Hawks, CoGTA, and the Department of Water and Sanitation. Protesters accused the municipality of financial mismanagement, alleged irregular expenditure, including R34 million in overpayments, and excessive spending on events.
Their demands included the removal of the municipal manager, SIU investigations, and urgent solutions to ongoing sewage pollution and water supply disruptions. Organisers, including Buti Mthembu, confirmed that follow-up meetings with law enforcement are scheduled in the coming week.
Khutsong Hostel Residents Still Await Promised Upgrades
Despite years of pledges to improve living conditions at the Khutsong Hostel, Gauteng MEC for Human Settlements Tasneem Motara confirmed that no upgrade or relocation plans are currently in place. The project, initially prioritised in 2020, stalled due to delays in township proclamations and unappointed contractors. Residents continue to live amid deteriorating buildings, sewage leaks, and inadequate facilities while awaiting government action.
Sewage Leaks Return to Khutsong Extension 3
Residents of Khutsong Extension 3 again face raw sewage spilling into streets, including near Hlanganani Primary School. Despite previous repairs earlier this year, the leaks have resurfaced, raising fears of renewed sinkhole activity. Locals attribute the problem to poor workmanship and insufficient municipal oversight.
Community and Social Development
Fochville Police Lead Outreach in Kokosi Informal Settlement
In a display of solidarity, the Fochville SAPS, alongside the Door of Hope Church, CPF members, and A Re Ageng Social Services, hosted an outreach programme on October 25 in Kokosi Extension 99. Officers and volunteers cooked and served warm meals while distributing clothing and food parcels to around 80 residents. The initiative aimed to strengthen community-police relationships and provide relief to struggling households.
President Hyper Charity Golf Day Supports Local Schools
The 15th Annual President Hyper Charity Golf Day once again proved a success, raising funds for local education initiatives. Fochville Secondary School and Losberg Primary School were this year’s beneficiaries, receiving donations to improve learning facilities. CEO Basil Synodinos reaffirmed the company’s commitment to long-term community investment, with millions raised since the event’s inception.
Carleton Jones Learners Champion Recycling for a Cause
Carleton Jones High School’s Grade 11 learners concluded a five-month recycling project supporting Rotara School’s upcoming Christmas Market. The materials collected will be repurposed by Rotara learners to create handmade items, promoting sustainability and inclusion. The initiative highlighted the importance of youth-driven community engagement and environmental awareness.
Sports and Recreation
Strong Winds and High Spirits at Boskop Yacht Club Regatta
The annual Boskop Yacht Club Open Regatta, held at Boskop Dam near Welverdiend, drew more than 40 participants across various sailing classes, including Lasers, Dabchicks, and Flying Dutchman. Despite challenging gusts, sailors displayed skill and teamwork, turning the event into a weekend of camaraderie, sport, and celebration of outdoor life.
Carletonville Fighters Triumph at Battle of the East
Young athletes from Carletonville’s Fight St Kickboxing Club returned from Brakpan victorious after competing at the Battle of the East tournament on October 25. The team collected numerous medals across categories, earning praise for their dedication, sportsmanship, and growth under the guidance of coach Shihan Chimmy van Winkel.
Community Engagement and Lifestyle
SPCA Seeks Loving Homes for Abandoned Animals
The Carletonville SPCA is appealing to the public to adopt dogs and cats currently in their care. With kennels full of playful puppies and kittens, the organisation encourages visits during weekday and Saturday hours. Residents are reminded to report missing pets promptly, as many strays are brought to the facility.
Weekly Reflection
The final days of October highlighted the dual reality of life in Carletonville, a community simultaneously confronting serious governance and safety challenges while showcasing compassion, creativity, and perseverance. As civic frustration mounts over service failures and infrastructure decay, acts of generosity, youth initiative, and sporting excellence continue to remind residents of the strength found in unity and resilience.
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