CSS Tactical advises residents to be cautious about wearing expensive jewellery when going to restaurants and shopping centres. Criminals will target these residents and there have been cases where residents have even been followed home.

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This communication is to inform you of three vehicles you need to be aware of, namely a grey VW Polo, a white Corsa Sedan, and White Quantum. These vehicles are driving around Johannesburg suburbs and the occupants are pretending to be from Johannesburg Water to gain access into your premises and rob you.

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Greetings Melville, Auckland Park and Richmond residents
The Winter chill seems to be passing and we find ourselves moving closer to Spring. With the changing season, the Melville Crime Sector Forum has a few updates and safety reminders to keep you informed of community issues around the safety of our homes and streets.

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• Police emergency: 10111
• Melville Sector Patrol vans: 071 675 7385, 071 675 7406
• Brixton Duty Officer: 082 414 1618 - use this number for complaints, police not arriving timeously, etc.
• Crime Line SMS 32221

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There have been numerous reported incidents where vehicles have been targeted with the use of vehicle central-locking jamming devices. These devices can look like your ordinary gate or garage remote. The jamming device sends out a transmitter to interfere with the central-locking signal from the car-owner’s central-locking button.

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Although contact crime has been down lately, Melville residents should still be very cautious when arriving home. The driveway is the most targeted area for robberies and hi-jackings. On arriving home, make sure that no one has followed you, and that the vicinity is free of activity.

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A suspect was arrested on October 3, 2012, after attempting to steal a white VW Golf in 4th Avenue in Melville. CSS Tactical Officers noticed that a suspicious vehicle was towing the white Golf and went to investigate.
One suspect who was steering the Golf was arrested; however the other two suspects managed to escape.

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The most recent crime statistics April 2011- March 2012 for the Brixton Police precinct have been released, Melville falls under the Brixton precinct and The Melville Sector Crime Forum have some noteworthy statics to share with the community. The former CSF Chair has kindly condensed the information into the graphs featured below to show the progress in various crime categories as well as a few areas of concern.

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Concerned resident writes:
I am a teacher at Hoerskool Vorentoe in Rossmore, across the road there are the abandoned properties of Helen Joseph hospital! Today we had to announce to the learners that there have been reported rapes and robberies at the properties and the children should avoid that walking there.

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MyMelville reader writes:
MyMelville published an article on the Melville fraudsters in 2009 - Be on the lookout for the Melville Fraudster: http://www.mymelville.co.za/nightlife/be-look-out-melville-fraudster
I wish to inform that Gregory Derek Wiggill and John Pettigrew have been arrested in East London.

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Overall crime decreases during the winter months, reports ADT Central Region Managing Director Roy Rawlins. “We believe this is due to more people being at home for longer periods during the colder months,” he says.
Rawlins adds that ADT has noticed a decrease in serious crime throughout Johannesburg during the winter months so far and predicts a decrease both year on year (winter 2011 versus winter 2012) as well as summer months 2012 compared to winter months 2012.

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After conducting a successful Charity Drive to Assist Ark Animal Centre the Luckie Entertainment team (an up and coming online radio station and media platform) stopped by the Centre to deliver their collections on the 16^th November 2013. Adult and Puppy food; dog bowls; blankets; dog treats and dog shampoo were collected and delivered.

“We are thrilled by this new partnership between Ark Animal Centre and Luckie Entertainment”, Tray Otto, founder of Ark Animal Centre said.

The Luckie Entertainment team spent the day giving a helping hand at the shelter and getting to know the pups a little better. Overall it was a fun day had by all with members of the public stopping by to adopt pups throughout the day.

URGENT LOOKOUT for this vehicle. 3 B/M came rushing out of a house in Conrad Drive earlier today with a flat screen TV, got into this car and sped off. If you spot this vehicle contact the Sector 1 SAPS vehicle on 071-675-6044/46 and 10111.

BE AWARE AND STAY ALERT – CONTACT LINDEN SAPS SECTOR 1 VEHICLE FOR ANY SUSPICIOUS PERSONS/VEHICLES:

071 675 6044 – 071 675 6046

Police in Dawn Park have arrested a man (33) who is suspected to have shot and killed a police constable, Harry Ngoepe (29), while he and a colleague were attending a domestic violence complaint yesterday at about 19:00 in Windmill Park. His service pistol was taken and has not yet been recovered.

It is alleged that two policemen attended a domestic violence complaint involving a man and his mother-in-law. At the scene, police confronted the man but he fled the scene on foot. A police constable followed him into a nearby open veld and the other member (driver of the van) followed them with a van. As the driver of the van could not locate them in an open veld, he summoned other members to the scene. As they were searching, a constable was found with a bullet wound in the head. He died at the scene. His service pistol had been stolen. On investigation, it was suspected that he was shot by a man he was chasing through an open veld and suspect had disappeared.

A manhunt was launched last night and he was later arrested in the same area of Windmill Park. He has been charged with murder. He will appear in the Alberton Magistrate Court within 48 hours.

Growthpoint Properties and Tiber Group today announced that Growthpoint will acquire the entire Tiber Group portfolio of properties and management business. The R6,6 billion transaction, Growthpoint’s largest single acquisition to date, will see it gaining one of the most exclusive property portfolios in South Africa.

The portfolio developed under the vision of the late Francesco Rivera spans 320,000sqm of mainly P- and A-grade office space concentrated in Sandton and its surrounds, including multiple multinational head offices such as Nestlé, PPC, AngloGold Ashanti, Norton Rose, Merrill Lynch, Barclays and Absa Capital. It comprises 28 prime properties and a 50% stake in a further 9 properties. It also incorporates 48,000sqm of undeveloped bulk.

Securing continuity of management and expertise in the transaction, Growthpoint will internalise the asset management and property management business from Tiber Projects, gaining the skills of 55 full-time employees. Growthpoint has also secured an initial three-year strategic agreement with the Tiber Projects executive team of Stephen Scott, Germano Cardoso and Artur Carrazedo.

For Growthpoint, the transaction is a significant boost to its office portfolio and enhances its underlying income streams. The acquisition lengthens Growthpoint’s average office lease length and, with a 95% occupancy rate, improves its overall office vacancy levels. It will also make Growthpoint the country’s biggest office property owner, with a portfolio of 1,5 million square metres of office space across South Africa, valued at nearly R25 billion.

Norbert Sasse, CEO of Growthpoint Properties says: “A portfolio of this quality and size, centred in arguably the best investment property location in South Africa, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and beneficial for Growthpoint’s shareholders. Moreover, Growthpoint will gain the core competencies, skills and long-standing relationships with tenants of the Tiber portfolio, and have access to the executive team who conceptualised, built and managed the properties.”

For Tiber, the transaction meets two important goals: creating liquidity for Tiber shareholders and unlocking the next phase of its business which will continue to deliver exceptional property development, investment and management to the South African property sector.

Tiber’s Stephen Scott says: “While achieving these goals, we wanted to find an excellent home for our people and our property portfolio, and believe we have done this with Growthpoint. Tiber considered several alternatives and ultimately Growthpoint enabled us to realise an enhanced value for our shareholders and it has the ability to readily access and implement large transactions of this kind.”

It isn’t only Tiber’s shareholders that benefit from the transaction. At a 7.41% property yield on income-producing properties, the deal will also enhance Growthpoint’s distribution per share, based on the mix of funding Growthpoint is planning to use to pay for the acquisition which includes the bulk of the cash it raised in May this year, when it issued 90 million shares at R28 per share thereby raising R2.5 billion in new equity

Sasse explains: “The acquisition will become effective when the portfolio transfers, which should be in Q1:2014. But the real benefits will come through in FY2015 when shareholders will enjoy the full 12-month impact of the transaction.”

The portfolio holds even more upside potential in undeveloped bulk attached to the acquired properties. As part of the agreement, Growthpoint will enjoy continued access to Tiber Bonvec Construction’s development and construction expertise for this bulk and when exploring other development and redevelopment opportunities for its growth pipeline.

Growthpoint will settle the acquisition with a combination of cash and shares. It will issue 93.3 million new Growthpoint shares at R27.00 per share to raise approximately R2.5 billion. The remaining consideration will be paid by accessing the cash resources from Growthpoint’s successful capital raise in May 2013 and its existing debt facilities.

Growthpoint is the largest South African REIT and a JSE ALSI Top 40 Index company. Growthpoint owns and manages 393 properties in South Africa, 47 properties in Australia through its investment in GOZ and a 50% interest in the properties at V&A Waterfront, Cape Town.

Tiber Group is one of the most successful, privately-owned property development and construction groups in South Africa. With associate Tiber Bonvec Construction, it has an outstanding reputation for delivering high-quality services across all aspects of building construction and property development, investment and management.

The transaction is conditional on Competition Authorities approval and the adoption of certain resolutions by the respective Sellers.

The “Praying Mary”  - Stalactite and stalagmite formations in the Wonder Cave

The Wonder Cave, in Kromdraai, Gauteng, South Africa, is the third-largest cave chamber in the country, and is believed to be about 2.2 billion years old. The single chamber has an area of 46000 square meters, and is 125 meters long and 154 meters wide.

It was discovered in the late 19th century by miners who dynamited and excavated limestone for the making of cement. Mining stopped during the Second Boer War, and never resumed.

The cave has about 14 stalactite and stalagmite formations up to 15 meters high, 85% of which are still growing. The 60 meter deep cave is accessible to visitors by elevator, and is located within the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve, in the Cradle of Humankind, a World Heritage Site.

You can click links for further information.

On Saturday November 9, 2013 the performance by the Joburg Ballet at the National Zoo proved to be a hit with visitors, with the young and the young-at-heart enjoying the show.

And as can be seen by these photos a good time was had by all!

National Zoological Gardens of South Africa

232 Boom Street, Pretoria

012-339-2700

Ocean Basket – South Africa’s leading seafood brand – is angling for global domination with its fresh approach to food on the move. The much-anticipated grand opening of Ocean Basket’s innovative quick service restaurant located in the brand new format Shell Ultra City in Middelburg is the first of many to come. The 24-hour restaurant, set on 100 square metres, forms part of Ocean Basket’s new business format – a four-year plan to establish 40 fast-food outlets at various relevant sites countrywide, planned for roll out by 2017.

Ocean Basket Middelburg forms part of a food court environment with four other brands. Driven by a mission of offering healthy and flavourful food, warm and friendly service and an inviting atmosphere, Ocean Basket aims to lure transumers (customers in transit) with a distinct style and passion for great food. “Take-away continues to be a hot trend among transumers but in many cases they’re limited to the option of choosing either a burger, fries or a pizza, which leaves a gap when it comes to enjoying a variety of restaurant-quality food that’s not only freshly prepared, but made in the quickest time,” says Nana Lloyd, Head of Marketing for Ocean Basket.

“We felt there was a niche for a new type of convenience restaurant for people who are looking for something special and varied. From the transumers? point of view, one of the major appeals of the new Ocean Basket take-aways will be their ability to guarantee freshness and offer a menu that goes far beyond your typical seafood takeaway fare.? Ocean Basket’s strong Mediterranean and South African heritage, intertwined with their belief in always giving their customers more, is the basis to their take-away menu, which offers a range of different courses (with choice of sides), food on the move (wraps and seafood sandwiches designed for eating on-the-go) and a Halaal option.

Following global trends, arguably one of the biggest attractions will be freshly prepared, packaged and ready-to-eat sushi. Combining Asian flavours with Mediterranean generosity, Ocean Basket Middelburg offers everything from Salmon California Rolls, Tuna Fashion Sandwiches, Nigiri and Crab Stick Maki to sushi platters “We are applying the same quality control philosophies as our normal store with a further focus on our sushi take-away. All sushi is manufactured on site and is dated and timed for quality purposes.

All product is checked and monitored with time sheets and rotated to ensure consistent standard,” says Lloyd. In addition to Ocean Basket’s signature sushi, their main course menu includes their world-famous Fish & Chips, calamari, Kingklip, prawns and Linefish, to mention just a few. “Ocean Basket’s new business format allows penetration of the brand into areas where it is unsustainable for a full line sit down restaurant, but also open doors to investors who are unable to afford a full line store,” adds Lloyd. “Large and middle market restaurant companies have ready access to capital, but franchisees are finding it more challenging to secure debt financing.

Ocean Basket’s new format provides more opportunity for entrepreneurs, at a lower level of investment. It has now become more accessible to franchisees that do not have unencumbered funds of over R1-million. Set up costs are a little less than half of a normal store.” Lloyd explains the franchise model – which will remain the same as for all Ocean Basket restaurants – with the launch exclusive to Shell Ultra City in Middelburg, with proactive selling of this model into other sites starting in January 2014.

“We have 40 stores planned by 2017. The roll out of
these stores into the Shell sites will take place with most Ultra City upgrades. We have had a large request by owners of normal Shell outlets to have a ‘take-away’ attached to their retail portion. We are currently reviewing the model now that it is active and will be perfecting the operating model so we can sell the concept to all our Franchisees and landlords from the new year.”

Named for its unique location, the newly developed Cradlestone Mall in the heart of Mogale City in Johannesburg’s West Rand – near the world heritage site of the Cradle of Humankind – officially opens its doors on 20 November 2013.

But, its name isn’t the only way this new 76,000sqm mall considers its environment. Its setting-inspired design, upgrade of surrounding roads and 200 specially selected stores that bring fresh shopping and entertainment options to the node are all geared to connect Cradlestone Mall flawlessly with its surroundings and its customers.

Owned and developed by Sasol Pension Fund, Pivotal Property Fund and Retail Africa, an excellent location and easy access were top priorities for developing this super-regional mall.

Cradlestone Mall is ideally situated at the highly accessible intersection of the N14 and R28 highways and the busy Hendrik Potgieter Road.

Andries Schaap, General Manager Investment for Sasol Pension Fund explains that this makes it easy for shoppers from neighbouring Krugersdorp, Roodepoort and Randpark Ridge to get to the mall. It is also well placed for visitors from North-West Province and even cross-border shoppers from Botswana.

To ensure maximum accessibility for shoppers and to benefit residents of the immediate areas, its owners have invested R60 million in improving roads surrounding Cradlestone Mall.

These road improvements include widening Hendrik Potgieter Road leading to the intersection, as well as upgrading the interchange at the corner of Hendrik Potgieter Road and the R28 highway. In addition, a new slip road has been built coming off the N14 from Randburg, which will bring shoppers directly to the lower entrances of the mall.

“Cradlestone Mall enjoys exceptional visibility from these major roads and highways, and we have also worked hard to ensure the mall is easily accessible to shoppers and surrounding traffic flows are good,” says Schaap. The mall offers 4,500 convenient parking bays.

With easy commute times from the north and north-west suburbs, Cradlestone Mall also aims to offer a fresh mix of the latest retail has to offer in a wide variety of shops, restaurants and services.

Serving up food shopping never before seen in South Africa, its anchor tenants include the latest offering from Woolworths, Pick n Pay, Checkers and Game which includes a FoodCo. Food Lovers Market will join this impressive line up in early 2014, as will Dischem.

Anchor retailer Dion Wired will head an unparalleled mix of gadgets, goodies and appliances focused on meeting the needs of the trendy tech-savvy shoppers that define today’s connected consumer with everything from cell phones, computers, gaming, audio-visual and repairs on offer. A full house of major bank branches will also feature at Cradlestone Mall and SterKinekor will offer state-of-the-art movie viewing at its cutting-edge cinemas.

Edcon is also an anchor tenant with a bouquet of its popular brands available throughout the mall. It leads an exciting fashion mix that includes a strong commitment from Cotton On as well as many national fashion retailers, boutiques and independent labels.

Besides reflecting the diverse retail needs of an upmarket and aspirant shopper market, Cradlestone Mall’s design also reflects its unique location. The Cradle of Humankind was the starting point for architects Bentel Associates International to create a sense of place for the mall.

The themes of evolutionary discoveries and stratum from different prehistoric eras are subtly incorporated in the contemporary elements that make up the mall’s facade, floors and roofscapes. This creates a stand-out design that also optimises proven retail flows. A highlight of Cradlestone Mall is its bright, airy food court and entertainment zones, which connect with the outdoors, spilling out onto a vibrant public square and garden.

“Cradlestone Mall is designed to be accessible and connect elegantly on multiple levels: to the region’s

This morning EMER-G-MED paramedics and other services responded to a serious incident on William Nicol between Kingfisher and Lesley in Fourways.

On arrival they found a man trapped beneath a crane, it is alleged that while he was working with the gearbox, the mobile crane ran over the technician, he was trapped under the crane and had sustained serious injuries.

The Fire Department were called to the scene, it took paramedics and firemen 45 minutes working as quickly and efficiently as possible to free the man.

ALS Paramedic Wayne Broodryk of EMR-G-MED said, “Due to the severity of his injures, Advanced Live Support interventions were needed”

He sustained chest injuries, bi-lateral lung contusions, a broken right shoulder as well as a compound fracture to his left ankle. He was rushed to Sunninghill Hospital, in a critical but stable condition, by EMER-G-MED’s A01, with ALS Paramedic Wayne Broodryk, for urgent medical care.

“He is currently in a stable condition”, added Broodryk.

RV03, A01 and M07 were all on scene and helped free and treat the patient.