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Three suspects arrested for kidnapping

Location: News

Three suspects arrested for kidnapping

An intelligence-driven operation has led to the arrest of three suspects aged between 34 and 57 for kidnapping and robbery in Tshwane District.

A collaborative effort between the police from Akasia and Ga-Rankuwa, including the Crime Intelligence Unit, Tshwane Flying Squad, Bank Forensic Investigation and TMPD K9, resulted in the successful rescue of a 50-year-old woman kidnapped in Ga-Rankuwa on 31 March 2025.

The victim's son reported her missing and it was later discovered that funds were withdrawn from the victim's bank account.

Police investigations led to two suspects at a house in Karen Park, where the victim was also kept. She was rescued and provided medical treatment before being reunited with her family. Police further recovered a white Polo vehicle that was allegedly used in the kidnapping. Police investigations continue.

The three suspects are expected to appear before the Ga-Rankuwa Magistrates Court soon.

Gauteng police management has commended the swift response of the members, which led to the successful rescue of the victim and the arrest of the suspects. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Sun, 04/06/2025 - 09:54
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Work continues to solve Matatiela rape case 

Location: News

Work continues to solve Matatiela rape case 

No effort will be spared in bringing the responsible parties to account in the case of the alleged sexual assault of a seven-year-old child in Matatiele, says Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.

“What I can promise, on behalf of the Ministry of Police and the SAPS [South African Police Service] is that we are committed to upholding the law and ensuring that justice is served,” Mchunu said.

The Minister was addressing a media briefing in Pretoria on Friday.

“This is a matter that transcends individual tragedy, and we acknowledge the deep emotional impact it has had on our communities,” said the Minister, adding that the Eastern Cape matter is a sensitive one that police are handling and dealing with, with great sensitivity.

“When the matter first came to our attention earlier this year, we sent a warrant officer to investigate the matter, interact with the complainant and the investigating officer, whilst looking at other related matters.

“In the initial report we received from the warrant officer, we came to learn that the incident occurred in October last year, and a case was formally opened on the 16th of October 2024, following [the] medical examination of the minor and session with a social worker.”

The Minister said from the report provided by the warrant officer, police concluded that the matter could have been handled better and still needed intervention.

“We then realised that we needed to reinforce the team and have a dedicated officer on the matter. After the handling of the matter by the various offices, one critical aspect which has continued to present a serious challenge is the matter around DNA. DNA testing was done on the victim, with no foreign DNA having been found,” he explained.

Three persons of interest have since emerged and following that, further DNA processing is underway as the investigation continues.

“A thorough investigation is now fully underway, and I can assure you that we are consulting with all relevant role players to ensure that every aspect of this matter is examined carefully and comprehensively.”

Additionally, he said the track record of the Family Violence, Child Protection (FCS) Unit remains commendable with more than 35 500 gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) suspects arrested in the last two years.

READ | FCS unit deployed to boost Matatiele case 

“During the same period, 4500 accused were convicted to time in prison for GBVF related crimes and notably, 660 of them were sentenced to life in prison. This indeed, must illustrate the seriousness at which the SAPS treats victims of GBVF related crimes especially those involving young children,” Mchunu said.

Citing police success in dealing with gender-based violence cases, Mchunu said in the past week alone, 259 rape suspects were arrested.

“This week, we have also welcomed the arrest of a 58-year-old male educator on Monday afternoon, 31 March 2025, for an alleged rape incident of a 13-year-old female learner in the Capricorn District of Limpopo. The Educator has appeared before the Mankweng Magistrates Court and is facing a charge of rape.”

Police will continue to support the family and the victim through the Employee Health and Wellness unit, including any other aspects related to the case. 

“We assure the affected family of our full support and commitment to this case,” he said.

On Saturday, the Ministry of Police assured members of the public that law enforcement is actively investigating two incidences involving the rape of minors in the Eastern Cape.

This was after the Ministry took note of calls on various social media platforms regarding the tragic violation of the two minors in two separate incidences in October and November last year.

In both incidences, the suspects have been identified and were arrested. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Fri, 04/04/2025 - 14:54
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Read moreWork continues to solve Matatiela rape case 

KwaZulu-Natal police operations bear fruit

Location: News

KwaZulu-Natal police operations bear fruit

Police in KwaZulu-Natal have arrested 11 780 suspects for various crimes while also recovering 341 firearms and 3 562 rounds of ammunition.

“The highest number of arrests was for contact crimes where 3 872 suspects were nabbed, with 219 of them arrested for murder, 222 for attempted murder and 160 for robberies including robbery with aggravating circumstances, house and business robbery, carjacking and cash in transit robbery,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said of the arrests made in March.

In its statement on Thursday, the SAPS said the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) detectives arrested 248 suspects for rape while 49 suspects were also arrested for sexual assault.

Additionally, 1 817 suspects were arrested for cases of assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm, whilst 891 more suspects were nabbed for common assault. On property related crimes, 268 suspects were arrested for burglary at residential premises and 55 suspects were arrested for stock theft with 33 cattle and 80 goats recovered in the process. 

Seventeen suspects were also arrested for theft of motor vehicles.

On drug related crimes, 1 599 suspects were arrested. 

“Police visibility on the roads was maintained and 512 suspects were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and 41 people were arrested for reckless and negligent driving.

“Stop and search operations resulted in the recovery of 791dangerous weapons, of which 716 were knives. These operations will be amplified during the month of April and high police visibility will be maintained, especially during the Easter weekend,” said the police. -SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Fri, 04/04/2025 - 09:28
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Cost containment should not undermine service delivery – PSC

Location: News

Cost containment should not undermine service delivery - PSC

The Public Service Commission (PSC) says that while cost containment measures demonstrate fiscal discipline and prudent financial management, their implementation must be closely monitored to avoid inadvertently undermining service delivery.

“This is particularly crucial in essential sectors such as healthcare and education, where cuts to resources or funding could have far-reaching consequences for public well-being and long-term development,” said PSC Commissioner, Anele Gxoyiya.

Addressing the media during the release of the commission’s Quarterly Bulletin titled: The Pulse of the Public Service for the period: 01 January to 31 March 2025, Gxoyiya said effective cost containment requires a balanced approach. This approach prioritises efficiency and savings without compromising the quality or accessibility of essential services.

“The PSC recognises the advantages of fiscal consolidation and cost containment, which include reduced waste in public finances and enhanced accountability,” the Commissioner said at Thursday’s briefing in Pretoria.

In addition, he said that excessive budget cuts could undermine the government's ability to fulfil its constitutional obligations.

“The PSC advocates for a balanced approach that combines financial prudence with investments in key areas essential for long-term growth and effective service delivery.

“The PSC remains committed to promoting constitutional values, advocating for equity and accountability, and ensuring that public resources are used efficiently and effectively for the benefit of all South Africans.”

Whistleblowers 

Regarding strengthening whistleblower protection, Gxoyiya said a resolution was made for the establishment of the Whistleblower Protection House.

This hosting of the Whistleblowers’ Symposium emanated from the 2022 International Anti-Corruption Day celebrations which highlighted the challenges regarding the protection of whistleblowers and their families.

During the symposium, a resolution was made for the establishment of the protection house to support whistleblowers and to facilitate access to support, creation of awareness of whistleblowers’ plight, provide financial assistance, legal counsel and psychological support.

The protection of whistleblowers was identified as one of the high priority areas in the national anti-corruption agenda.

Gxoyiya said this initiative will require the amendment of the current legislation, adding that the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development is at an advanced stage in reviewing the Protected Disclosure Act. The Act provides procedures in terms of which any employee may disclose information relating to an offence or a malpractice in the workplace by his or her employer or fellow employees. The Act also provides for the protection of an employee, who made a disclosure in accordance with the procedures provided for by the Act, against any reprisals as a result of such a disclosure.

“The advent of democracy in South Africa promised a society that will be built on a human rights-based culture to ensure that the lives of ordinary South Africans are improved and protected.

“Section 195 of the Constitution outlines the basic Values and Principles governing public administration. These values should be the cornerstone upon which to build a public service that is ethical, responsible, responsive and accountable. 

“Government and other role players agreed that corruption in South Africa and the killing of whistleblowers needs to be addressed collaboratively by all sectors of society as the efforts of whistleblowers contribute to building a capable, ethical and developmental Public Service that is responsive to the needs of the people,” Gxoyiya explained.

He added that the commission supports the initiatives of establishing the whistleblowers protection regime as it will enable the citizenry to report wrongdoing without fear of reprisal.

“Fighting corruption is every one’s responsibility in the country. Active citizenship must take its rightful place in fighting against corruption and expose theft, fraud and maladministration through whistleblowing,” he said.

The commission has encouraged South Africans to report acts of corruption and maladministration anonymously through the National Anti-Corruption hotline on 0800 701 701 and by email at (complaints@opsc.gov.za).

Citizens can also do walk-ins at PSC offices nationwide where complainants can interact with professionals equipped to safeguard anonymous reporting. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Thu, 04/03/2025 - 13:41
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Read moreCost containment should not undermine service delivery – PSC

Better collaboration aids in deportation of illegal immigrants 

Location: News

Better collaboration aids in deportation of illegal immigrants 

Improved collaboration between stakeholders, among others, has led to the increased deportation of illegal immigrants in the 2024/25 financial year that ended on 31 March 2025, the Department of Home Affairs said.

“The Department of Home Affairs increased the number of illegal immigrants it deported to 46 898 in the 2024/25 financial year that ended on 31 March 2025,” said the department, adding that the figure has risen by 18 % compared to the previous year’s 39 672.

“This marked increase in the effectiveness of enforcement operations demonstrates our commitment to upholding the rule of law. It also flows from improved collaboration between the Department of Home Affairs, the Border Management Authority, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and local law enforcement. It further reflects the impact of joint initiatives like Operation Vala Umgodi,” Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber, said in a statement on Wednesday.

According to the department, “this is the highest number of deportations carried out in at least five years.”

Last month, the department announced a comprehensive upgrade to its digital verification system, a crucial component of national security, as well as both public and private sector services in South Africa.

The verification system enables government departments, including National Treasury and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), as well as financial sector businesses, to confirm client identities using biometric features, such as fingerprints and facial recognition, against the National Population Register.

READ | Home Affairs upgrades digital verification system

“This improved performance, coupled with our digital transformation reforms that will automate entry-and-exit to prevent people from entering the country illegally through our ports of entry, is contributing to enhanced national security and trade facilitation,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

Edwin
Thu, 04/03/2025 - 09:40
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Read moreBetter collaboration aids in deportation of illegal immigrants 

Parliament adopts 2025 budget framework

Location: News

Parliament adopts 2025 budget framework

Parliament has voted to adopt the 2025 Fiscal Framework and Revenue Proposals, following a debate in the house.

Parliament also debated on and adopted the report of the Standing Committee on Finance related to the national budget, on Wednesday afternoon.

Members of Parliament voted as follows:
•    182 members voted against
•    194 voted in favour
•    there were no abstentions.

“The question that the 2025 Fiscal Framework and Revenue Proposals and the report of the Standing Committee is thus adopted,” Presiding officer Cedric Frolick said after the votes were counted.

Earlier in the debate, Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Finance Mkhacani Maswanganyi outlined the steps taken since Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana delivered the Budget Speech in March.

“The Minister, together with the commissioner of SARS [South African Revenue Service], briefed the committee on the 14th of March. On 18 March…the committees of Finance, both in the NCOP [National Council of Provinces] and the NA [National Assembly] received the post-budget input from the Parliamentary budget office and the financial and fiscal commission.

“The committee issued adverts for public hearings…on websites, social channels and print media. The committees held public hearings on 25 March 2025 [and] we received 51 submissions – 29 written and 22 orally.

“National Treasury and SARS responded to the issues raised during the public hearings and engaged with the committees and stakeholders on the 28th of March 2025,” he said.

Following that, the committee secretariat sent out a draft report and set an agenda meeting for both the Standing and Select committees on Finance to consider and adopt the report.

“The report…is a result of an extensive process,” Maswangayi explained. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Wed, 04/02/2025 - 18:33

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Men as Allies: Youth Dialogue Tackles Patriarchal Masculinities for Gender Equality

Location: News

UN Women - Africa
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On 27 March 2025, UN Women South Africa Multi-Country Office, in partnership with the Tshwane University of Technology, and the Departments of Women, Youth, and People with Disabilities, hosted a dialogue on ‘Transforming Patriarchal Masculinities for a Gender-Equal World' for 150 young people. The dialogue, which took place in Pretoria, brought together students from universities, Technical and Vocational Education and Training Institutions (TVETs), and high schools from South Africa's Gauteng Province.

The dialogue, supported by the Embassy of Ireland in South Africa, was convened to compile youth recommendations for the upcoming Women Empowerment Ministerial Working Group (W20) meeting to be held later this year as part of the support to South Africa's G20 Presidency in 2025.

One of the pillars of South Africa's National Strategic Plan (NSP) on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) served as the basis for the dialogue. Pillar 2 of the NSP on GBVF focuses on unlearning toxic masculinities and embracing alternative positive forms of masculinity. This was seen as a key strategy in a country where more than one-third of women have been subjected to violence at least once in their lifetime.

"Engaging young men and boys as allies in gender equality is critical for addressing the root causes of gender-based violence and patriarchy in our society," said Aleta Miller, UN Women Representative for the South Africa Multi-Country Office. "The dialogue creates a valuable platform to amplify the voices of young people to influence global policy discussions on gender equality through South Africa's G20 Presidency."

Civil society organizations, government stakeholders, youth representatives, women's movements, academic institutions, and the private sector discussed how positive, respectful, and inclusive behaviors that promote accountability can help to transform harmful social norms and prevent violence.

The dialogue began with reflections UN South Africa Resident Coordinator Nelson Muffuh and Advocate Joyce Maluleke who provided opening remarks before the keynote presentations. Two impactful presentations were delivered by Professor Langa Malose from Wits University and Rahul Gandhi from the Southern Centre for Inequality Studies. Both shared their experiences to explain how their views about masculinity and its effects on society were shaped.

These were followed by two engaging panel discussions that explored ways for men and boys to serve as successful allies in gender equality promotion and gender-based violence prevention. Sibulele Poswayo from W20 South Africa and Nkere Skosana from the Department of Social Development, along with Precious Banda from Young Women of Africa, Kabelo Chabala of Primestars, Thabo Limema from Absa, and Andiswa Mthembu ofYoung Women for Life, participated in direct discussions with youth participants to create open dialogue about these essential matters.

For Gomolemo Mokemane, a TUT student, the workshop was “very enlightening” because it allowed him to hear different opinions from different stakeholders on gender-based violence. “From attending this dialogue, I walk away with the firm belief that women should be treated as equals and not as competitors or subordinates, that we are all human beings first and foremost and not men and women, and that if we embraced Ubuntu (our shared humanity and interconnectedness), many of our problems would be solved,”

Nhlanhla Ditire also gave his view on gender equality: “To make the world gender equal, men must learn that they have to respect and protect women from a young age. I was nine years old when I lost both my parents, but I told myself that I would never raise my hand on a woman.” Nhlanhla also emphasized the importance of emotional health and saying, ‘When men get angry, it's good to cry it out; crying does not mean that you are weak. Get help, get therapy. Don't break the law."

The discussions concluded with selected representative reading out commitments to gender equality that they believe leaders should consider and adopt in their policies for action towards a gender-equal world.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN Women - Africa.

Read moreMen as Allies: Youth Dialogue Tackles Patriarchal Masculinities for Gender Equality

Critical services continue amid budget consideration

Location: News

Critical services continue amid budget consideration

National Treasury has moved to assure the public that critical government services will not be affected as Parliament continues to consider the 2025 budget.

This year, the budget was tabled on 12 March, instead of the customary February – eliciting questions and comments on government’s ability to deliver services while budget approval is still being considered.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, National Treasury referred to Section 29 of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), which allows funds to be withdrawn from the National Revenue Fund if the national annual budget is not passed before the start of the financial year. 

“The funds withdrawn from the Revenue Fund may be utilised only for services for which funds were appropriated in the previous annual budget or adjustments budget. Up to 45 percent of the total amount appropriated in the previous annual budget, may be withdrawn from the Revenue Fund.

“During each month thereafter, up to 10 percent of the total amount appropriated in the previous annual budget, may be withdrawn. In aggregate, the amount withdrawn may not exceed the total amount appropriated in the previous annual budget," the department explained. 

It added that these funds are not additional to funds appropriated for the relevant financial year, and "any funds withdrawn must be regarded as forming part of the funds appropriated in the annual budget for that financial year.”

Although the financial year starts on 1 April, the department noted that the Appropriation Bill is always passed later.

“This situation means that every year, departments incur spending before the Appropriation Act takes effect. Therefore, as in previous years, government departments will continue to spend as normal because funds may be withdrawn from the National Revenue Fund for the requirements of departments, from 1 April 2025 until the Appropriation Bill for the 2025/26 financial year is passed by Parliament,” the department said.

"Although expenditure may be incurred, it may not be for new requirements. [This means] requirements not funded in the 2024/25 financial year. Any new spending programmes, projects or policy adjustments may only commence after the Appropriation Act is enacted," the department said.

The department emphasised that the public should not be concerned about the delivery of critical government services, including among others, the payment of social grants, while the Parliamentary process for the 2025 Budget is ongoing. 

“Despite the flexibility allowed by the Public Finance Management Act, the National Treasury is committed to supporting Parliament in its consideration and timely passage of the 2025 Budget,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 04/02/2025 - 10:40

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Read moreCritical services continue amid budget consideration

Courtesy Call on Parliamentary Vice-Minister MS. Eri Arfiya by MS. Annelize Schroeder, Chargé D’Affaires a.i., Embassy of the Republic of South Africa in Japan

Location: News

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
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On April 2, commencing at 10:10 a.m. for approximately 20 minutes, Ms. ERI Arfiya, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, received a courtesy call from Ms. Annelize Schroeder, Chargé d'Affaires a.i., Embassy of the Republic of South Africa in Japan. The overview is as follows:

  1. At the outset, Parliamentary Vice-Minister Eri welcomed the successful working visit to Japan in March by the Honourable Mr. Paul Mashatile, Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, as well as the fact that on this occasion, the two countries confirmed their broad cooperative relations in a wide range of areas including economy and shared the views to continue to work together toward the solution of international challenges via platforms such as the G20 and TICAD. In response, Ms. Schroeder reiterate the success of the visit of Deputy President Mashatire to Japan, and expressed her appreciation for the hospitality extended by Japanese side to the Deputy President and his delegation and stated that she would like to take this opportunity to further develop bilateral relations.
  2. Both sides concurred that the visit of Deputy President Mashatire, following the Japan-South Africa Foreign Ministers' Meeting in February, will further increase the momentum for deepening bilateral relations and they will further strengthen bilateral cooperation and collaboration in the international arena toward the success of TICAD 9 in August and the G20 Summit in November this year.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

Read moreCourtesy Call on Parliamentary Vice-Minister MS. Eri Arfiya by MS. Annelize Schroeder, Chargé D’Affaires a.i., Embassy of the Republic of South Africa in Japan