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Diepsloot
The Reality That Johannesburg Residents Face
Speech by Matthew Cook, GOOD National Chairperson and PR Councillor in the City of Johannesburg. *Note to Editor: This Speech was given during the 2026 State of the City Address (SOCA) Debate.
The post BEYOND THE SPEECH: THE REALITY JOHANNESBURG RESIDENTS FACE appeared first on For Good.
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Operation Shanela nets more than 14 000 suspects
Operation Shanela nets more than 14 000 suspects
Through its high-density operation, commonly known as Operation Shanela, the South African Police Service (SAPS) arrested 14 165 suspects between Monday, 03 March 2025, and Sunday, 09 March 2025.
“Through Operation Shanela, the SAPS continues to take a bold and decisive approach in dealing with crime in the country. These crime fighting activities include tracking operations, roadblocks, high visibility patrols, stop and searches as well as tracing of wanted suspects,” the SAPS said in a statement.
All Shanela operations are led by the Provincial Commissioner of each province.
During the period, the following arrests were made:
- A total of 1 870 wanted suspects were arrested. These suspects were wanted for various serious and violent crimes such as murder, attempted murder, rape, carjacking, business and house robberies.
- A total of 185 suspects were arrested for murder, the majority of these suspects were arrested in KwaZulu-Natal (37).
- A total of 154 suspects were arrested for attempted murder, 72 more arrests than the previous week.
- A total of 235 suspects were arrested for rape, 96 of these arrests were made in KwaZulu-Natal.
- A total of 1 513 suspects were arrested for assault GBH during this period.
- A total of 166 drug dealers were arrested, the majority of these suspects were arrested in the Eastern Cape (43).
- A total of 2 176 suspects were arrested for being in possession of drugs, 650 more arrests than the previous week. The majority of these suspects were arrested in Western Cape (1 237).
- A total of 105 suspects were arrested for being in the illegal possession of firearms.
- Four suspects were arrested for human trafficking during this period.
- A total of 525 drivers were arrested for drunk and driving in the past week.
Under recoveries and confiscations, police registered the following successes:
- A total of 155 firearms were confiscated in the past week, 48 more firearms confiscated than the previous week.
- A total of 3 627 rounds of ammunition were confiscated; and
- 50 hijacked and stolen vehicles were also recovered during this week’s operations.
On Friday, 07 March 2025, the National Commissioner for SAPS, General Fannie Masemola presided over a drug destruction process in which R340 million worth of drugs were destroyed, this included cocaine worth R220 million seized during police operations.
General Masemola commended the vigilance and commitment of the Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) and Crime Intelligence officers in the Western Cape following the arrest of two suspects at a storage facility in Bellville, Cape Town.
The arrest of the duo, a man and a woman, followed the discovery of 50 000 mandrax tablets and an arms cache including three AK47 rifles and twelve 9mm pistols amongst other firearms
Also, a shipment of cocaine worth R6 million was detected and seized at OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday, 04 March 2025. The drugs were concealed in boxes disguised as hair products.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the shipment was en route to France from Brazil via South Africa.
Police arrested a 37-year-old suspect for theft and tampering with essential infrastructure; the suspect illegally connected electricity. The team also seized 41 Eskom transformers worth millions in lost revenue during multiple operations carried out in Winterveldt, Erasmia and Diepsloot, last week.
“The police will continue with their operations by asserting the authority of the state to ensure the safety and security of all South Africans and visitors to the country,” the police said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 03/11/2025 - 14:37
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Police raid meth lab worth R100 million
Police raid meth lab worth R100 million
Police on Wednesday uncovered a crystal meth drug laboratory worth an estimated R100 million in Rietfontein, in Gauteng.
During the operation the police arrested a 39-year-old Mexican national.
“Following extensive surveillance conducted on the premises, a multi-disciplinary team comprising the National and Provincial Organised Crime Investigations (Narcotics units), National Counter Narcotics, Diepsloot and Westrand Tactical Response Teams (TRT) and West Rand K9 unit obtained a search and seizure warrant.
“The takedown led the team to seize various chemicals, drug manufacturing equipment and final product which was confirmed to be Methamphetamine commonly known as Crystal Meth or Tik,” said the police in a statement.
The team also seized cash, believed to be the proceeds of crime.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Atteridgeville Magistrate’s Court on charges of dealing in and manufacturing of drugs as well as for the contravention of the Immigration Act. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 11/29/2024 - 13:28
236 views
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Eskom removes illegally connected transformers in Gauteng
Eskom removes illegally connected transformers in Gauteng
Eskom, in collaboration with various law enforcement agencies, has removed over 35 illegally connected transformers in Gauteng’s Diepsloot Extension 6.
“This joint operation is part of Eskom’s ongoing efforts to reclaim its network and alleviate the strain caused by unauthorised and illegal electricity connections,” the State-owned power utility said of Tuesday’s removal.
In the 2022/23 financial year, Eskom said it suffered non-technical losses of around R5 billion due to illegal connections, meter bypasses, and other electricity-related criminal activities within its supply area.
The utility has lamented that these unauthorised practices undermine its financial health and its ability to provide a reliable electricity supply to lawful customers.
Meanwhile, according to Eskom, illegally connected transformers not only destabilise the network, causing frequent supply interruptions, extended outages and substandard service for paying customers, but it also poses significant safety risks to their technicians working on the system.
Eskom’s Group Executive for Distribution, Monde Bala, expressed deep appreciation for the collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS), Joburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), Red Ants, Eskom Protective Services, and the private security companies in ensuring the success of this operation.
“These efforts are crucial in safeguarding Eskom’s assets, ensuring public safety, and mitigating the severe energy losses caused by illegal connections, meter bypasses, and acts of theft and vandalism,” Bala added.
While most employees are dedicated and committed to delivering their daily job outputs and striving to enhance Eskom’s performance, the organisation stated that it maintains a clear stance of zero tolerance towards crime and corruption.
“Consequently, we are currently investigating allegations from community leaders that some Eskom employees are allegedly involved in the sale of illegal transformers. We will update community leaders on the outcomes of these investigations once they are concluded.”
Eskom has since called on all communities to refrain from engaging in any illegal activities related to electricity.
Members of the public are encouraged to report illegal connections, meter bypasses, and any suspicious activities to the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 11 27 22 or via WhatsApp at 081 333 3323.
Additionally, anyone with information regarding the involvement of Eskom employees in illegal activities is urged to report anonymously for further investigation. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 08/21/2024 - 10:44
6 views
Power restored to Diepsloot welfare organisations at last
Lawyers against Abuse director says they are now able to provide counselling sessions without the constant noise of the generator
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Discover nature’s luxury at Century HomeShow 2024: A harmonious blend of living and ecology
A connection to nature in the city is not easy to make. Finding a residential estate just 15kms from the centre of Sandton CBD seems like an impossible find. Yet Helderfontein Residential Estate in Fourways (opposite Dainfern Shopping Centre) offers a unique living experience that harmonises luxurious living with a carefully considered connection to nature. …
Part of Gauteng’s Winnie Mandela drive reopened
Part of Gauteng’s Winnie Mandela drive reopened
Gauteng MEC for Transport and Logistics, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, has officially reopened the southbound section of the road connecting the N1 and N14 highways as the comprehensive upgrade of the entire seven kilometre Winnie Mandela Drive nears completion.
The reopening of the ongoing reconstruction project of Winnie Mandela Drive (K46) in Diepsloot, located in the Fourways area, north of Johannesburg is expected to alleviate congestion in the area.
On Thursday, the MEC highlighted the road's crucial role in linking Gauteng, underscoring its social significance, economic impact, and facilitation of traffic flow from Pretoria to Sandton via Diepsloot.
"Upon completion, this artery will enable commuters to travel directly from Fourways to Pretoria via the Winnie Mandela Drive route,” she said.
The road that is nearing completion has already catalysed several planned developments, including mixed-use activities within Steyn City, expected to spur job creation and bolster Gauteng's economy.
Key contributor Steyn City Properties (Pty) Ltd is investing 30%, as per the Implementing Agency Agreement, ensuring active participation of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) contractors, empowering emerging contractors, and promoting job creation.
"This initiative aligns with our vision of bringing essential services closer to residents and demonstrating improved service delivery. The K46 Phase 2 project stands as a testament to our commitment to enhancing the quality of life of the people of Gauteng," the MEC said. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 05/10/2024 - 09:12
956 views
Parents try to force Gauteng high school to admit their kids
About 30 parents from a neighbouring suburb insist their children be allowed to attend Florida Park High
Global Conflict Threatens Local War On Hunger Warns Development Group
Agripreneurship: a solution to enhance food security as global conflict proves a recurring threat to SA’s vulnerable food supply chain. 19 October 2023: Recent global conflicts such as the Ukraine-Russia War continue to send shockwaves throughout the world. Their impact has laid bare the critical need for developing African markets, such as South Africa (SA), …
Condolences for traffic officer
Condolences for traffic officer
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has expressed deep sorrow over a brutal attack that left one of its National Traffic Police officers dead and another recovering in hospital.
The attack took place in the early hours of Sunday morning when the officers, who were on duty near Diepsloot in Johannesburg, went to get food at a nearby filling station.
“It is believed that a crime was in progress when the officers unknowingly drove into the filling station. They came under fire from the criminals, and one [officer] was fatally wounded and died at the scene,” the RTMC said.
Another officer suffered severe injuries and was airlifted to hospital, where he is in critical condition.
“The RTMC is deeply saddened by the tragic event and sends its sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased officer.
“We pray for the speedy and full recovery of the injured officer. The RTMC will provide psychosocial support to the affected families. Counselling will also be extended to other NTP officers as well,” the RTMC said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 09/04/2023 - 09:44
160 views
The Houghton Hotel and Afrika Tikkun empower youth through YES Hospitality Programme
The Houghton Hotel, a 5-star urban resort in Johannesburg renowned for its commitment to excellence in hospitality, proudly continues its ongoing partnership with Afrika Tikkun to offer the Youth Employment Services (YES) Hospitality programme. Since its inception in 2019, the initiative has provided invaluable opportunities for 88 young individuals to gain hands-on experience in the …
Call for increase in affordable rental housing stock
Call for increase in affordable rental housing stock
Human Settlements Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has called on the City of Johannesburg to increase the delivery of social housing units.
This is in response to the ever-increasing public demand, further exacerbated by in-migration to the economic hub of Gauteng.
Kubayi made the call during a community engagement and the launch of the Riverside View Social Housing Project in Diepsloot, Johannesburg, on Friday. The launch included the handover of the completed 180 units to beneficiaries.
The Minister was accompanied by Gauteng Human Settlements MEC, Lebohang Maile and Johannesburg Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda.
The Minister also led the sod turning ceremony to mark the commencement of construction of Phase 3 of the project, a Ward 96 mixed-income development. The development is meant to address social, economic, and spatial integration and substantially contribute to providing affordable rental accommodation in Johannesburg.
During an on-site briefing, Kubayi was encouraged to learn that since July, over 9 000 applications for housing were received by the Johannesburg Social Housing Company (JOSHCO), which is an entity of the City of Johannesburg.
While substantial, the figure is not unique to the city noted the Minister, as the Housing Company Tshwane had in 2022, also revealed that it had received over 7 000 applications from potential tenants who had shown interest in the Townlands Social Housing Project.
“The demand for social housing is huge. As the government, mainly the City of Johannesburg and the Provincial Department of Human Settlements, working alongside the private sector, we must strengthen working relations to increase social housing units in the city and other areas to benefit communities,” she said.
The construction of Phase 3 is expected to commence in September 2023, and the Minister said it must be launched as soon as in January 2024.
Overall, the project is expected to deliver 1108 units on completion. It will cater for low-income families and individuals from various backgrounds, while also providing adequate and affordable, safe, and comfortable homes to qualifying applicants.
The Minister underscored that most people living in informal settlements do not qualify for fully subsidised government houses, as they fall outside the qualifying income bracket of R0-R3500.
“Thus, a need to provide them with decent and affordable accommodation, through a social housing programme that offers rental stock for those earning between R3501 and R22 000,” she said.
She added that “we have a Constitutional obligation to provide housing for all” while also calling on renters to pay their rent.
“This is a rental stock, not a rent-to-buy. By doing so, you will be assisting the government in working with the private sector to deliver more affordable rental units.”
Land identified for social amenities
Meanwhile, responding to community concerns about the lack of facilities in Diepsloot and surrounding areas, MEC Maile indicated that there are pieces of land that have been identified to provide social amenities, including schools and clinics.
Maile also outlined plans to further expand the scope to cater for more people, amidst an increasingly high number of people flocking into the province to seek better opportunities.
“Those people inevitably need a convenient and comfortable place to live, thus making it more urgent for private sector partners to come on board,” Maile said.
Government remains committed to delivering 18 000 units between 2019 and 2024. To date, over 11 000 units have been handed over to the rightful beneficiaries.
“The Department of Human Settlements is working with the Banking Association of South Africa (BASA) to de-risk potential beneficiaries who find themselves not qualifying for various housing opportunities because of their credit ratings,” Kubayi said.
The Social Housing Regulatory Authority (SHRA), an entity of the department and delivery agent for the Riverside View Social Housing Project, indicated that 14 projects in total have been completed and are ready to be handed over by the end of 2023. These account for 4700 units across the country. -SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 08/28/2023 - 12:40
658 views
This school was made from eco-bricks
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