Major Showdown in Court Over African Penguin’s Future
Conservation groups challenge minister’s decision on no-fishing zones around penguin colonies
Pretoria
High Commission of Sri Lanka in Pretoria Celebrates 77th Independence Day
The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Pretoria commemorated the 77th anniversary of the Independence of Sri Lanka on 08 February 2025. The event, held at the High Commission premises, was attended by approximately 150 Sri Lankans from South Africa and other accredited countries including Lesotho, along with South African friends of Sri Lanka and well-wishers.
The program commenced with the singing of the Sri Lankan National Anthem, followed by the National Anthem of the Republic of South Africa. A two-minute silence was observed in honor of those who sacrificed their lives for the motherland.
Religious observances representing Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic, and Christian faiths were conducted to invoke blessings for peace and prosperity in Sri Lanka. These observances were led by Suratsawadi Mart, representing the Johannesburg Buddhist Temple; Guru Ratnasabapathy Vengatraman from the Adhi Lingeswarar Hindu Temple in Benoni; Moulana Obeidullah Bhoja from Jamiatul Ulama, South Africa and Pastor Keshia Van Rooyen from the Christian Revival Church in Johannesburg. Symbolizing the passing of Sri Lankan traditional values to the next generation, an open invitation was extended to children and young Sri Lankans present at the event to take part in lighting of the traditional oil lamp.
During the welcome remarks, the Independence Day theme for this year, “Towards a National Renaissance,” along with other key national policies such as “Thriving Nation – Beautiful Life”, “Clean Sri Lanka”, alleviation of rural poverty, and implementing a digital economy were explained to the gathering. In particular, the recently launched digital platforms and the benefits of the e-BMD system were introduced to the Sri Lankan community in South Africa.
Following the welcome remarks, the Independence Day messages of the President, the Prime Minister, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism of Sri Lanka were read out by the members of the staff of the High Commission. Promotional materials were also shared with the attendees.
All attendees were served with traditional Sri Lankan cuisine and Ceylon tea.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Sri Lanka.
SAPD busts online drug syndicate selling illegal steroids and stimulants
SAPD busts online drug syndicate selling illegal steroids and stimulants
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has uncovered a drug syndicate selling steroids, scheduled medicine, stimulants and other performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) online.
Six suspects, three men and three women, have been arrested at various locations in Pretoria.
They face multiple charges related to the contravention of the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act, Medicines and Related Substances Act and the Counterfeit Goods Act.
The takedown operation took place on Tuesday following extensive investigations by the SAPS National Organised Crime Investigations (OCI) Narcotics Unit, supported by the SAPS' Transnational Vehicle Crime Investigation (VCI) Unit, Gauteng Provincial Narcotics Unit, Crime Intelligence, SAPS K9 Search and Rescue, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport and the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC).
The suspects were reportedly operating an online website to trade and distribute counterfeit and illicit performance-enhancing drugs, scheduled medicines, steroids and stimulants.
Investigations, which included a forensic analysis, revealed that the products contained prohibited substances.
One of the products sold online as a "fat burner" contained Dimethylphenethylamine, an isomer of methamphetamine (commonly known as crystal meth or Tik).
During the arrests, the team seized a substantial quantity of counterfeit and illicit performance-enhancing drugs, steroids, scheduled medicine and stimulants as well as electronic devices.
The suspects are expected to appear before a magistrate's court later this week as investigations continue. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 02/13/2025 - 12:52
234 views
SAPS addresses queries on new police trainee recruitment
SAPS addresses queries on new police trainee recruitment
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has responded to queries on new police trainee recruitment for 2024/2025.
This follows a number of enquiries regarding the finalisation of the 2024/2025 recruitment and selection process.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the South African Police Service said the arrival of trainees at various SAPS academies, commenced last week Monday, with 3 359 trainees currently undergoing training.
A second group of successful candidates will be notified in writing to report for training.
The SAPS also confirmed that the remaining 2 186 trainees will commence training before the end of February 2025.
“Due to the high number of trainees, the SAPS has adopted a staggered approach to accommodate their arrival at SAPS academies nationwide. The SAPS advises all applicants who have undergone the recruitment and selection process to remain patient as they await further communication," SAPS said.
Earlier this month, SAPS said it has successfully trained and deployed over 20 000 new constables in various units across the country in the past three years, as it aiming to boost policing efforts and enhance public safety.
Providing an update on the SAPS Nationwide Safer Festive Season Operations during a media briefing in Pretoria, on Sunday, National Commissioner for the South African Police Service, General Sehlahle Fannie Masemola, highlighted in mid-December last year, 2 699 newly trained constables joined the ranks.
Masemola said the police officers joined the service during a significantly busy period for the SAPS, and contributed to the crime combatting operations aimed at ensuring the safety and security of communities, holidaymakers, and tourists alike.
“We were able to heighten police visibility and boost our crime combatting efforts at areas identified as hotspots across the country, including malls, beaches and along our country’s key strategic routes,” Masemola said.
During the festive season, the police arrested 244 951 people for various crimes, including among others, murder, rape, assault, illegal possession of firearms, drug dealing, driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, and entering the country illegally.
The SAPS safer festive season operations commenced on 11 October 2024 and ended on Friday, 31 January 2025. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 02/13/2025 - 12:42
15 views
No Water From the City of Tshwane, so Families Turn to Illegal Suppliers
The 12,000 households in Azania informal settlement have no official supply of water
Denel to show off wares at UAE exhibition
Denel to show off wares at UAE exhibition
Denel is set to strengthen its global presence at IDEX25, one of the world’s largest defence and technology exhibitions, next week.
The exhibition will take place in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Denel’s Group CEO, Tsepo Monaheng, stated that IDEX25 provides an excellent platform for the company to reintroduce its products, which are consistently recognised as cost-effective solutions for defence and security needs.
“We want to say to current and future clients, Denel is back, and we can still deliver quality products and new innovations in a rapidly changing defence industry,” he said.
The organisers anticipate nearly 1 400 exhibitors from 65 countries and expect to attract around 135 000 visitors, including defence decision-makers, industry leaders, and analysts from around the globe.
“It will provide us with a new platform to display the quality of our defence systems and to reach new markets in the Far East, and Eastern Europe, which have been identified as growth markets by Denel,” Monaheng added.
According to the State-owned arms company, the display at the international show will be the top range of its guided weapons and landward products, including the Inkunzi PAW-20.
Inkunzi PAW-20 is a stand-alone system with innovative characteristics that adds real combat value, such as an operational range of up to 1000m, semi-automatic, quick reload time, magazine-fed, and non–degrading suppressive fire effect over the full range.
The weapon is produced by Denel Pretoria Metal Pressings (PMP), which is Africa’s leading manufacturer of small and medium calibre ammunition.
The PAW-20 which is a well-known weapon, is designed to fire a 20x42mm round from the shoulder.
It can be effectively used in infantry combat situations, including engagements with smaller buildings, as well as soft-skinned vehicles or boats.
Also, on display will be Denel’s range of guided weapons, including the Marlin air-to-air missile, the Ingwe Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM), and the Umkhonto-IR surface-to-air system.
According to Monaheng, the global interest in Denel has not waned in recent years, but its reputation remains intact despite the difficulties the State-owned company has experienced.
“The quality of our products, services, and people remain known in the defence and technology sectors.”
IDEX has been the premier exhibition of its kind in the Middle East region for more than 30 years and will be a significant platform for Denel to market its capabilities and interact with decision-makers who will be in Abu Dhabi in mid-February.
The CEO stated that they are going to use its presence at IDEX25 to build stronger relationships with customers and stakeholders, explore options for smart partnerships, and reconfirm the Denel brand in the global defence and technology environments.
“Denel remains a valuable asset for the country. We are still open for business, and we can still leverage from the superior quality of our product range and the quality of our services,” he added. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 02/12/2025 - 08:47
262 views
Elderly People March in Pretoria, Demanding Houses
Some have been waiting since 1996
Tshwane Power Station Plans Stall
Dear Editor Since the Democratic Alliance (DA) and our coalition partners were removed from office in the City of Tshwane, plans to reactivate the city’s mothballed power stations have stalled. It would seem that the city’s new ANC-led coalition has other plans. A year ago the city council resolved to lease Rooiwal and Pretoria West …
Tshwane Must Explain Backsliding on Hammanskraal Water Project
Dear Editor Yesterday, I visited several households who form part of the first phase of the Hammanskraal clean water project launched earlier this year, and found that many have no water at all. I have asked to meet the city manager and his team to understand what is happening. This is the project conceived under …
Eviction of Khoi-San at Union Buildings an order of the High Court
Eviction of Khoi-San at Union Buildings an order of the High Court
The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure says it has complied with all the orders of the High Court regarding the eviction of the Khoi-San occupation at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
“Following an eviction order granted by the Pretoria High Court on 11 December 2024, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure can confirm that the order was enforced by law enforcement officials on Monday morning. It should be noted that no appeal or opposition has been received against this court order by any interested parties,” said the department in a statement.
It said that while it expresses its sympathy with the serious grievances of the Khoi-San community, no single person has the right to claim or occupy public space intended to be used and enjoyed by all South Africans.
“South Africa is a society based on the rule of law, and legitimate concerns should therefore be addressed through the proper legislated channels,” the department said.
The department worked and consulted with all stakeholders, including other government departments and the City of Tshwane, before the order was enforced to assist all individuals who were willing to return home.
In this regard, the department said it has complied with all the orders of the High Court. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Mon, 02/10/2025 - 15:17
134 views
Pretoria Could Lose 120 Beds for People in Desperate Need of Care
Business rescue plan for social housing company will sell off state-funded special needs facilities
Inaugural SunBet Padel Invitational
Chery South Africa is proud to announce its role as the Official Vehicle Partner of the Sunbet Padel Invitational, set to debut in February 2025. Chery will provide VIP transportation as part of the partnership, ensuring celebrity guests and VIPs travel in style and comfort in the Tiggo 7 Pro and Tiggo 8 Pro. Founded …
Stilfontein Protesters Demand Commission of Inquiry Into Police Conduct
They also demanded that mining minister Gwede Mantashe resign
Coetzee Ruled Out Of Tri-Nation ODI Series
PRETORIA: Proteas fast bowler Gerald Coetzee has been ruled out of the upcoming tri-nation One-Day International (ODI) series against Pakistan and...
Continued Gains for Bok Women
Their second alignment camp ticked a couple of boxes for the Springbok Women coaching staff and players, with assistant coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt emphasising some good outcomes from the planned objectives at the conclusion of the three-day camp in Pretoria. A squad of 33 players assembled on Sunday and attention to set pieces, general play and …
Tshwane Mayor Dodges Council Question on Salary Overpayments
Dear Editor Today the Executive Mayor of Tshwane, Nasiphi Moya, refused to answer a question tabled in the municipal council on the overpayment of historical salaries paid to senior officials. The rules and orders of Tshwane’s municipal council are clear. If a councillor directs questions to the mayor on notice, those questions must be answered. …
Brooklyn Peltz Beckham Joins Forces With Formula E Teams’ World Champions
Pretoria, South Africa, 3 February 2025: Brooklyn Peltz Beckham joins forces with Formula E Teams’ World Champions, Jaguar TCS Racing, for Formula E’s exhilarating new event – Evo Sessions. A new, social media-first project – Formula E Evo Sessions is an exclusive, never-been-done-before motorsport experience for some of the world’s most high-profile personalities to see …
“All I Want Is a Job” Pleads Unemployed Doctor
Unemployed health graduates march in Pretoria, demanding urgent action from Treasury
Springbok Women Assemble in Pretoria
A group of 34 players will assemble in Pretoria on Sunday for the Springbok Women’s second alignment camp of the year, as the national team’s preparations for the Rugby World Cup in England in Augustus picks up pace. Bok Women performance coach Swys de Bruin and assistant coaches Laurian Johannes-Haupt, Franzel September and Bafana Nhleko, …
Over 20 000 new police officers deployed to enhance crime fighting
Over 20 000 new police officers deployed to enhance crime fighting
In a bid to strengthen its crime-fighting capabilities, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has successfully trained and deployed over 20 000 new constables in various units across the country in the past three years, aiming to boost policing efforts and enhance public safety.
Providing an update on the SAPS Nationwide Safer Festive Season Operations during a media briefing in Pretoria, on Sunday, National Commissioner for the South African Police Service, General Sehlahle Fannie Masemola, said in mid-December last year, 2 699 newly trained constables joined the ranks.
Masemola, said the police officers joined the service during a significantly busy period for the SAPS, and contributed to the crime combatting operations that were aimed at ensuring the safety and security of communities, holidaymakers, and tourists alike.
“We were able to heighten police visibility and boost our crime combatting efforts at areas identified as hotspots across the country, including malls, beaches and along our country’s key strategic routes,” Masemola said.
During the festive season, the police arrested 244 951 people for various crimes, including among others, murder, rape, assault, illegal possession of firearms, drug dealing, driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, and entering the country illegally.
The SAPS safer festive season operations commenced on 11 October 2024 and ended on Friday, 31 January 2025.
“In keeping with our promise to increase personnel and ensure more boots on the ground to keep our communities safe, I’m pleased to announce that this week, we will be welcoming an additional 5 500 new police trainees into our academies.
“These recruits will undergo the Basic Police Learning Development Programme and those who are in possession of a matric certificate or a National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level 5 qualification will undergo the nine-month training programme and those that are in possession of a NQF 6 qualification or higher will undergo the six-month training programme,” the National Commissioner said.
Police killings
Masemola also noted that nine on-duty police officers and 12 off-duty police officers, were killed, as of October last year to date.
“The ongoing attacks and killing of our men and women in blue cannot continue. This is a crime that requires all of us to stand against and prevent it from happening. What is encouraging to note is that we have categorised the killing of police officers as a national priority offence which is investigated by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), also known as HAWKS.
“It is thus reassuring to note that during the festive period, thirty police killers were arrested with seven convicted to 22 life and additional 725 years imprisonment sentences,” Masemola said.
He said government continue to ensure members are always operationally ready by taking them through relevant training and acquiring the necessary resources needed for them to fight crime.
They are provided with the necessary protective gear to shield themselves from criminals.
“We would ultimately like to see a situation where we don’t lose any member in the hands of criminals. We therefore request South Africans to work with us and not against us in this fight to rid of our country off callous criminals,” the National Commissioner said. -SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 02/02/2025 - 12:31
79 views
Operation Vala Umgodi nets 18 000 in major crime crackdown
Operation Vala Umgodi nets 18 000 in major crime crackdown
In a bold move to dismantle illegal mining operations, the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) crackdown has resulted in over 18 000 arrests, predominantly targeting illegal immigrants, as part of efforts to cut off supplies and force miners out of the country’s dangerous shafts.
“Operation Vala Umgodi continues to register commendable progress where members are hard at work in preventing and combatting illicit mining activities across the country. Our members are still conducting patrols and standing static at disused and abandoned mine shafts in Stilfontein and in other hotspot areas,” National Commissioner for the South African Police Service, General Sehlahle Fannie Masemola, said on Sunday in Pretoria,
Operation Vala Umgodi started in December 2023. As a result of this initiative, 458 firearms and 12 000 rounds of ammunition have been seized during operations across the country
In addition, 283 trucks, 303 vehicles, and 84 big machinery are amongst the items that were confiscated from illegal mining operations.
More than R5 million in cash and uncut diamonds worth R32 million have been seized.
Providing an update on the SAPS Nationwide Safer Festive Season Operations, Masemola said more than 1 700 illegal miners that were arrested from August 2024 in Stilfontein ,are still in police custody.
Masemola said a total of 121 people have already been deported, which include 80 Mozambicans, 30 Basotho nationals, 10 Zimbabweans as well as one Congolese and Malawian.
“The Department of health forensic pathologists are busy with the autopsies with assistance of the SAPS victim identification centre (VIC), where fingerprints and sample for DNA analysis are being collected and sent to laboratory for analysis.
“Our teams have collected DNA [s a small amount of biological material, such as saliva, blood, hair, or skin cells, that contains genetic information] samples from the human remains, fingerprints and buccal samples from some family members who came forward. The process to identify who the deceased persons are / is still underway.
“On the issue surrounding the escape of Neo James Tshwaeli (Tiger) – a dedicated team of seasoned detectives and crime intelligence operatives have been piecing together information and this has so far resulted in four of our own members being arrested. The members have been removed from this operation and internal departmental proceedings are currently underway,” the National Commissioner said. -SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 02/02/2025 - 12:50
0 views
Final Four Teams for Playoffs Confirmed
Betway SA20 exploded with an avalanche of runs in the contest between Pretoria Capitals and MI Cape Town at a sold-out Centurion on Friday night. Despite lighting and some thundershowers interrupting MI Cape Town’s innings, it did nothing to dim the excitement with the capacity crowd being treated to a batting exhibition of the highest …
Hawks make significant progress in combatting serious crime
Hawks make significant progress in combatting serious crime
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) has made significant strides in tackling high-profile criminal cases, resulting in the arrest of over 1 400 suspects, who have since appeared in various courts across the country.
This achievement was highlighted during a media briefing in Pretoria on Friday, where the DPCI (the Hawks) National Head, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya, gave an update on the progress made in the third quarter of the 2024/25 financial year.
In the reporting period, a total of 1 452 suspects had been secured before various courts in the country, including 1 409 individuals and 43 corporate entities. Of these arrests, 451 were South Africans, while 958 were foreign nationals.
“These arrests targeted people involved in serious corruption, serious organised crime, serious commercial crime, including fraud, theft, money laundering, cybercrime, police killings, cash-in-transit robberies, other armed robberies, kidnapping for ransom, State capture, illegal mining, counterfeit goods, tax-related offences, COVID-19-related offences, drug trafficking and trafficking in persons,” Lebeya said.
He said out of the 1 452 suspects, 1 172 were secured by the Serious Organised Crime Investigation (SOCI), while the Serious Commercial Crime Investigation (SCCI) secured 234, and the Serious Corruption Investigation (SCI) secured 46 suspects.
Lebeya shared the geographical distribution of arrests, which showed the highest number of the arrests were made in the North West, where 919 suspects were apprehended, followed by Gauteng with 116 arrests, KwaZulu-Natal with 106, Mpumalanga with 67, and the Western Cape with 57 suspects arrested.
Lebeya noted that the North West figures include 854 illegal mining cases that were allocated from Operation Vala Umgodi at Stilfontein, which added to 21 arrests from organised crime projects, known as Tarantula and Grumpyface operations.
“During these arrests, 86 firearms and 3 617 rounds of ammunition were seized. Three clandestine drug laboratories, involving R37 713 500, were dismantled with four arrests,” Lebeya said.
The DPCI had secured 202 convictions during the same period, including 186 individuals and 16 corporate entities. Furthermore, 222 individuals (204 South Africans and 18 corporate entities), including those who were convicted before this quarter but not sentenced, were also sentenced.
Of the 204 convicts, 153 were South Africans, while 51 were foreign nationals.
“Most of these convictions and sentences were secured in the Gauteng province. Of these 222 sentenced convicts, the Serious Organised Crime Investigation secured 106, Serious Commercial Crime Investigation secured 86 and Serious Corruption Investigation secured 30.
"Let me hasten to say that the Directorate has secured 32 life imprisonment sentences during this quarter,” Lebeya said.
Freezing and forfeiture orders issued
To ensure that crime does not pay, the Priority Crime Specialised Investigation (PCSI) has contributed towards the issuing of a combined 96 freezing and forfeiture orders, amounting to R55 210 753-43.
In addition, Lebeya said an amount of R2 022 773-09 has been deposited into the Criminal Assets Recovery Account (CARA).
Digital forensics and ongoing investigations
Lebeya announced that the DPCI’s Digital Forensic Investigation Section has finalised the extraction and analysis of data evidence from 315 electronic devices.
The Priority Crime Management Centre (PCMC) has also received a total of 362 reports from telephone service providers for analysis in support of investigations.
Lebeya said at the beginning of the third quarter, the Directorate was handling 18 264 dockets with a monetary value of R1 026 817 012 597-38.
Of these, 5 616 dockets worth R111 332 466 767-03 and involving 12 607 accused, were still pending in the courts, with 1 836 under investigation, awaiting decisions from the National Prosecuting Authority on whether to prosecute or otherwise.
The Lieutenant General highlighted that the total success achieved by the DPCI on arrests, convictions and attachment of assets stood at 1 770. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 01/31/2025 - 15:25
125 views
Former Lottery Boss Is Fighting to Keep the Proceeds of His Crime, Says SIU
Alfred Nevhutanda is trying to overturn a presidential proclamation that authorises the SIU to investigate corruption at the Lottery