Motorists in South Africa are warned of rising spike attacks on roads. The Gauteng Health Department promises better services at Helen Joseph Hospital after a critical report. The trial for missing child Joshlin Smith features new witnesses, revealing complex narratives surrounding her disappearance.
Motorists in South Africa are advised to remain particularly vigilant due to a notable rise in spike-related incidents on the nation’s roads. Reports from IOL suggest that Eugene Herbert, CEO of MasterDrive, has emphasized the difficulty in detecting such spikes, often hidden underneath items like plastic bags or clothing, making them hazardous at any time of day or night. Major routes, including N1, N12, N14, N4, R566, and R80, have reported spikes, necessitating precautions. To mitigate risks, drivers should maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, reduce their speed, and avoid suspicious objects. If a spike is struck, drivers are advised to reduce their speed to 40km/h, continue to a safe location, and refrain from stopping until then. In rural settings, careful route planning is essential; options such as reducing speed or utilizing alternative lanes or grass verges can help avoid potential spike encounters. Immediate notification to authorities after passing incidents is crucial to prevent further occurrences.
The Gauteng Department of Health has committed to enhancing services at Helen Joseph Hospital by implementing recommendations from a recent report. This report, which highlighted deficiencies in service delivery, stemmed from an inquiry initiated by a 2024 video released by broadcaster Thomas Holmes, showcasing the hospital’s deteriorating conditions, according to EWN. Although only two claims from Holmes’ video were substantiated by the Health Ombud, several issues, including long emergency ward stays and ignored infrastructure problems, were validated. Department spokesperson Motaletale Modiba stated that prioritization will be given to the report’s recommendations in governance, human resources, finance, supply chain, and infrastructure to ameliorate the identified challenges at the facility.
The trial regarding the disappearance of six-year-old Joshlin Smith, who has been missing since February 19, 2024, has entered its seventh day, introducing new witnesses from Saldanha Bay. Key individuals, including Joshlin’s mother, Racquel ‘Kelly’ Smith, her boyfriend Jacquen ‘Boeta’ Appollis, and their friend Steveno ‘Steffie’ van Rhyn, face charges of kidnapping and human trafficking, as reported by IOL. Constable Refilwe Sekhobe testified about her role in the investigation, revealing that state witness Laurentia Lombaard was reportedly using drugs with the accused on the day Joshlin disappeared. Initially, Van Rhyn stated that Lombaard left with Joshlin but later recanted, implying the possibility that Joshlin may have been sold to a sangoma. Additional witnesses, including a neighbor, former employer, and family friends of Kelly, provided varying testimonies regarding her parenting and the events surrounding Joshlin’s disappearance, as the trial progresses with expectations of further testimonies shedding light on the case.
In summary, awareness regarding spike-related incidents is critical for South African motorists, as a troubling increase has been reported on major roads. The Gauteng Department of Health’s commitment to improving services at Helen Joseph Hospital follows serious concerns raised about infrastructure and service delivery. Furthermore, the ongoing trial for Joshlin Smith’s disappearance continues to reveal complex narratives through witness testimonies, demanding close attention to the evolving details of this alarming case.
Original Source: allafrica.com
