SAPS

22 January 2025

Lenasia Magistrate Court shooting condemned

Location: News

Lenasia Magistrate Court shooting condemned

Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mamoloko Kubayi has strongly condemned a shooting outside the Lenasia Magistrate Court, which claimed the life of one person.

The victim was a 27-year-old man awaiting to testify as a witness in an ongoing murder case being heard in the court.

“The safety of all court users is of the utmost priority. The security breach violates the core of the court administration system. We expect courts to be the custodians of justice and a safe place for our citizens,” Kubayi said.

The Minister said the department has immediately moved to beef up security for “high risk” matters.

“I can confirm that in less than 24 hours, the department, in collaboration with the National Prosecuting Authority and the South African Police Service, is implementing enhanced security measures for high risk cases. This includes an integrated security plan and a comprehensive threat and risk assessment to protect witnesses and court officials.

“These measures will ensure that Lenasia Magistrate Court public safety and security is urgently restored,” Kubayi said.

The department said operations at the court are continuing with arrangements made to “provide psychological support to affected court staff to address the trauma arising from this incident”.

“The department strongly condemns this heinous and deplorable act perpetrated on a witness who sought to assist the court to find justice. The department emphasises the importance of respect and upholding the rule of law, which is a cornerstone of our democracy.

“The Constitution remains the ultimate guide for the peaceful and lawful resolution of disputes, and any attempts to destabilize the justice system will not be tolerated,” the department said.

Furthermore, the public is encouraged to report any information they may have related to the shooting.

“The department calls on members of the public to assist SAPS with any information that could aid the investigation and ultimately lead to a successful prosecution.

“Protecting and strengthening our justice system is a collective responsibility, and together, we must uphold the rule of law and resolve disputes within the framework of the Constitution,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 01/22/2025 - 12:48

49 views

21 January 2025

Twenty suspects nabbed during Vala Umgodi operations in Limpopo

Location: News

Twenty suspects nabbed during Vala Umgodi operations in Limpopo

The prompt response from Limpopo Vala Umgodi multidisciplinary forces has led to the arrest of 20 suspects involved in illegal mining, drug dealing and violations of immigration laws.

In a statement on Tuesday, Limpopo Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, said chrome worth over R1 million was also seized during an operation conducted on Sunday, following credible information from the community.

In Sekhukhune District, the task team acted on a tip-off regarding a drug dealer operating at the Groblersdal taxi rank.

Hadebe said the team’s swift response led to the arrest of a 31-year-old suspect, who was found in possession of 34 sachets of rock drugs, including 36 sachets of nyaope, 31 sachets of dagga, one plastic bag containing dagga and R656 in cash believed to be proceeds from drug sales.

A 53-year-old male suspect was also arrested at the same taxi rank for possession of four packs of illicit Remington Gold cigarettes.

“Further investigations led the team to a farm in Dithamaga village, Burgersfort, where illegal mining activities were taking place. Two male suspects, aged 38 and 58, were apprehended for illegally mining chrome with an excavator,” Hadebe said.

A total of 13 loads of chrome, with an estimated value of R1 058 560, and an excavator were also confiscated.

“In separate operations across the Capricorn, Mopani and Vhembe Districts, 15 individuals, aged between 22 and 41 years, were arrested for contravening the Immigration Act. The suspects were found to be in the country without the necessary documentation,” Hadebe said.

Hadebe has commended the joint efforts of the police and the community in combatting crime in the province.

She said the suspects are expected to appear before the respective magistrate’s courts in due course.

Twelve arrested for illicit mining in Northern Cape

Meanwhile, the continuous intelligence-driven disruptive operations conducted by the multidisciplinary teams of Operation Vala Umgodi, with a focus on illicit mining and other related crimes, has led to the arrest of 12 suspects in the Frances Baard and Namakwa Districts, Northern Cape.

Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane, said police received information about suspected illegal mining activities taking place at a mining hotspot in Kleinzee, in the west coast of the Northern Cape.

Further investigation led to the arrest of four suspects, aged between 35 and 57, for alleged illegal mining and trespassing on Saturday.

“The police seized equipment suspected to be used in the commission of illicit mining, and bags containing possible suspected diamond bearing material,” Shemane said.

In Frances Baard District, the police also received information about illegal activities taking place at identified locations in Barkly West.

Shemane said the police arrested five undocumented persons between the ages of 26 and 47, as well as the seizure of ammunition.

“Furthermore, members received information regarding the sale of drugs in Windsorton and upon arrival, a male suspect was searched, and suspected drugs were found in his possession. The 65-year-old suspect was subsequently arrested,” Shemane said.

During a search in another location in Kimberley, drugs were found and confiscated. A 50-year-old man was arrested for possession of drugs.

In an unrelated matter, a 36-year-old male was apprehended on Sunday in Galeshewe for dealing in drugs.

“Drugs with an estimated value of R3 000 were confiscated with a substantial amount of money believed to be the proceeds of criminal activities,” Shemane said.

Shemane has reassured that the police will continue with their concerted efforts in addressing illicit mining activities, as well as other related crimes.

The public is reminded to report any criminal activities to SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111, or use the MySAPS App. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Tue, 01/21/2025 - 12:26

167 views

20 January 2025

Celebrating 30 years of policing in a democratic SA

Location: News

Celebrating 30 years of policing in a democratic SA

Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) work under the most daunting working environments as the country struggles with high rates of violent crime, including homicide and sexual assault.

When police officers leave their families every day to perform their duties, the brave men and women in blue are putting their lives on the line and risk returning home in a coffin.

Through the commemoration of National Police Day, which takes place annually on 27 January, government recognises the hard work and sacrifices that the country’s police officers make and continue to make to provide a safe South Africa for all.

Speaking to SAnews, KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla MKhwanazi, said this year’s celebrations coincides with 30 years of policing in a democratic South Africa.

“We know that in 1995 there was an amalgamation of different policing agencies that we had in the country that established the SAPS…[now] we are all one in policing in the country as mandated by the Constitution of the Republic,” MKhwanazi said.

When South Africa attained independence in 1994, the new democratic order brought about many changes and had a substantial impact on policing.

Last year, South Africa celebrated the 30th anniversary of the country’s democratic dispensation and commemorated the nation’s first democratic election on 27 April 1994.

This historic milestone coincided with the 28th anniversary of the enactment of the South African Constitution as the supreme law of the land.

“We are going to be celebrating 30 years of policing in a democratic South Africa. We will be displaying all our capabilities as the SAPS. The National Police Day is one of the activities on the SAPS calendar that has been gazetted by government and authorised for us to have a celebration.

“This year’s event will be celebrated in KwaZulu-Natal, specifically in eThekwini. We want to give confidence that Durban remains a place of interest for hosting big events,” the provincial police commissioner said.

Since its establishment in April 2024, the Presidential eThekwini Working Group (PeWG) has been working hard to address critical service delivery, infrastructure, and socio-economic challenges within the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality with the goal of positioning the city as an investment and tourism hub.

The Working Group operates across three spheres of government and includes representatives from the private sector and labour.

Call for donations for the SAPS education trust fund

Prior to National Police Day, the SAPS will host a fundraising event, which will be in the form of a golf day on 25 January 2025.

The SAPS has established the South African Police Service Education Trust (SAPSET) to raise funds for the provisioning of financial or any other form of assistance to a child or children of members in the service that died in the execution of official duties or on duty, by financing the costs of such child’s or children’s educational needs.

“This allows us to assist these children to go through school until the obtain their first tertiary qualification to make life better for them because those men and women would have died saving society and therefore their children should not be forgotten.

“Of course, government will pay their insurance, but on top of that, we felt that it is important that we find a way of augmenting the resources they have in order to be able to go to school without any struggles.

“We are doing the fundraising and we rely heavily on business to come on board and help us finance the educational trust fund,” Mkhwanazi said.

Last year, the provincial fundraising event in KwaZulu Natal managed to raise about R1.2 million.

“This is the national event so we expect businesses from all over the country to contribute and donate to this fund. We are hoping that if KZN can pull more than R1 million alone, with nine provinces that will raise more funds to assist the children of the departed members.

“These are members that we normally celebrate every September in Pretoria at the Union Buildings, that would have died in the line of duty,” he said.

National Police Commemoration Day takes place on the first Sunday in September in memory of police officers who died in the line of duty in the last twelve months.

The education trust is comprised of members that are independent of the SAPS and meets all the legal requirements for donations.

“On the 26 January 2025, we are going to have the Excellence Awards where we recognise outstanding dedication, service, and excellence across various categories within the SAPS.

“We are going to be recognising those who have gone beyond the call of duty, including the committee members that have played the role in helping us fight crime in their role as the Community Policing Forums (CPF)

“If a police officer is off duty and places themselves in a position to prevent crime or becomes a rescuer of people that are trapped in dams or pit toilets, and you sacrifice yourself by taking them out, that is beyond your duties. It is such individuals that we want to recognize,” Mkhwanazi said. -SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Mon, 01/20/2025 - 12:48

236 views

20 January 2025

NPA seizes R52.5m in cross border strike against illegal mining

Location: News

NPA seizes R52.5m in cross border strike against illegal mining

The National Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) – working in collaboration with the South African Financial Intelligence Centre (SA-FIC), the Namibian Financial Intelligence Centre (Nam-FIC) and the Namibian Prosecutor-General (Nam PG) office has seized some R52.5 million held in eight Namibian bank accounts.

NPA Mpumalanga Regional spokesperson Monica Nyuswa said the money is allegedly linked to intentions to commit or proceeds from “massive alleged illegal coal mining” in the province’s Carolina area.

“On 2 December 2024 the SA-FIC, in collaboration with their Nam-FIC counterparts, obtained a Namibian FIC temporary freeze upon the funds of Jacobus Hosea Jordaan and his wife Elza Jordaan… to the value of R50 205 872.

“On 30 December 2024 the Nam PG’s office managed to obtain a Preservation of Property order in the Namibian High Court, Windhoek in respect of the abovementioned R50 205 872 on the basis that the money… represents the proceeds of, and/or was used as instrumentalities, to commit the abovementioned massive alleged illegal coal mining and other offences, including money laundering in the Carolina area,” she said.

Nyuswa added that last week, a second preservation of property order was granted to the value of R2 285 500 in the Namibian High Court “in respect of two further Namibian bank accounts in the name of Reinet Binneman," the sister of Elza Jordaan.

“Jacobus Jordaan and his wife Elza Jordaan are among the main accused in the Carolina illegal coal mining case that was transferred to the Mbombela High Court on 6 December 2024 to November 2025 for trial.

“The illegal financial benefit obtained by the accused from the illegal coal mining and other offences in Mpumalanga allegedly amounts to at least R2 billion,” Nyuswa explained.

She described cooperation between the two countries’ law enforcement officials as “remarkable”.

“There was remarkable cooperation and hard work during the December festive season between the abovementioned Namibian and the South African law enforcement agencies to obtain the abovementioned Namibian High Court seizure orders.

“Both Namibia and South Africa were grey listed a few years ago by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for, amongst others, failing to sufficiently combat money laundering. The abovementioned two Namibian seizure orders will assist enormously in getting both countries off the FATF grey list,” she said.

The dedication, enthusiasm and commitment of the abovementioned law enforcement agencies also make a huge difference in combating transnational crime in the two countries.

Digging in

Nyuswa said that as early as November 2023, police and law enforcement had already pounced on alleged illegal mining activities in the Carolina – leading to arrests and seizures of property.

“On 15 November 2023 the NPA AFU in Mpumalanga, in collaboration with a special illegal mining unit in the [SAPS], obtained provisional preservation of property order in the Mbombela High Court upon, amongst others, a farm in the Carolina district, stockpiles/heaps of coal in two separate areas, heavy duty mining machinery, equipment and motor vehicles as well as the washing plant machinery and all movable buildings, machines, equipment and motor vehicles used at Droog Valley farm Barrel Coal Processing and Washing Plant near Carolina, Mpumalanga area.

“The assets were seized on the basis that it was, on reasonable grounds, believed to be, used as instrumentalities to commit various illegal large-scale coal mining and environmental offences at the farm in the Carolina area, and/or that the assets are reasonable grounds to believe the proceeds of unlawful activities, and/or represents the proceeds of unlawful activities, namely the large-scale illegal coal mining and environmental offences.

“It was the largest seizure of its kind ever in South Africa,” Nyuswa said.

A further provisional restraint of property order was granted to law enforcement against assets to the value of some R1 billion.

“Jacobus and his wife, Elza Jordaan, and 15 other persons and companies are currently standing trial in the Mbombela High Court for multiple offences, Including illegal coal mining, environmental offences, theft, corruption, money laundering etc.

“Their criminal trial was postponed to the Middelburg High Court for trial from 3 to 28 November 2025,” she added.

The spokesperson said the prosecutorial body remains committed to supporting the work of law enforcement agencies in rooting out criminality.

“Illegal mining activities, coupled with money laundering, in South Africa, are a huge concern for the government, as also pronounced by the State President who last year deployed the South African Defence Force to assist the SAPS in eradicating the illegal mining activities and syndicates.

“Illegal mining amounts to the plundering of the most valuable natural resources of South Africa to the detriment of the fiscus and the broader public. It also destroys the beautiful South African natural environment and bona fide farming activities.

“The NPA is committed to assisting the SAPS, the South African government, and governments of foreign jurisdictions to eradicate this scourge of illegal mining and money laundering activities,” Nyuswa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Mon, 01/20/2025 - 13:39

290 views

17 January 2025

Strides being made to reposition eThekwini

Location: News

Strides being made to reposition eThekwini

Stakeholders in the Presidential eThekwini Working Group (PeWG) have been working hard to rebuild eThekwini as well as reposition the city as an investment and tourism attraction.

Since its establishment in April 2024, the Working Group has recorded significant developments in service delivery, business confidence, addressing infrastructure and socio-economic challenges.

According to the Working Group’s progress report, business confidence in the city increased from 38.42% in the first quarter of 2024 to 63.01% in the third quarter of the same year.

To respond to the challenges of the municipality, President Cyril Ramaphosa established the eThekwini Presidential Working Group (PeWG) in April 2024. The Working Group was established to accelerate support from national and provincial government to rebuild the municipality.

The Working Group operates across three spheres of government and includes representatives from the private sector and labour.

While recently on a visit around the coastal city to assess the progress of the work by the Working Group, acting Government Spokesperson and Director-General of the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), Nomonde Mnukwa, noted an improvement in cleanliness and the high visibility of law enforcement in the metro.

With the recent opening of the Durban Beach Café by the eThekwini Municipality, Mnukwa visited the beachfront, which is a tourist attraction.

“As government, we are working together with the private sector. We want to make sure that eThekwini is an area that attracts tourists, given that tourism is a major contributor to the economy and creates jobs for the locals.

“We are pleased with the renewal of the lease for the Southern Sun Hotel Group as it will see the redevelopment of the Elangeni and Maharani hotels for a period of 50 years. The redevelopment will enable the municipality to enhance the beachfront as a key tourism asset,” she said.

The redevelopment entails an estimated capital investment of R1 billion, including the refurbishment of the Elangeni and Maharani hotels, as well as the Garden Court South Beach and The Edward hotels which are also owned by Southern Sun.

In addition, a fund of R5 million will be made available to restore and maintain the Sunken Gardens, a historically significant park owned by the municipality on the beachfront, in front of the hotels.

“These interventions will ensure that eThekwini is a vibrant city,” she said.

The eThekwini Municipality has also appointed a developer for the long-term leasing and redevelopment of the Joe Cool’s building to further enhance the aesthetics of the beachfront.

With crime being one of the challenges that act as a deterrent to holidaymakers and drive away investors, the Metro Police is working with all law enforcement agencies, including the South African Police Service, Road Traffic Inspectorate, and private security companies, to maintain high visibility at all tourism sites and areas that have been identified as crime hotspots.

The Metro Police procured an additional 146 vehicles last October to bolster the municipality’s crime fighting and prevention efforts.

In addition, last December, 2 699 newly trained Constables graduated and were deployed to stations and units to bolster the South African Police Service (SAPS) crime combatting efforts.

“The recent recruitment of new police officers and the work being done as part of Operation Shanela are contributing to efforts to keep citizens safe,” Mnukwa said.

Operation Shanela consists of regular stop and searches, roadblocks, vehicle check points, high visibility patrols including foot patrols, the tracing of wanted suspects with a focus on murder and rape suspects, compliance inspections at liquor outlets and second-hand goods dealers.

Upgrading dilapidated infrastructure

During her visit to the city, Mnukwa visited the Durban Textile and Leather Incubator (DTLI), which was previously an unused building by the state. It has now been refurbished.

“The city is reviving a number of dilapidated buildings to ensure that the inner city is fully functional, safe and vibrant,” she said.

DTLI Executive Director, Dr Poppet Pillay, said the building was very old and needed extensive renovation but it was perfectly located in the city centre close to public transport, making it accessible to Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) from anywhere in the province.

“The centre has 12 high-end sewing machines. Entrepreneurs have access to these machines at nominal charge. Seven entrepreneurs were sponsored to participate in the Manufacturing Indaba in July 2023 and 14 entrepreneurs were sponsored to attend the Durban Business Fair in September 2023, thus linking them to the market.

“One of the businesses, Eagle Eye, won the Best Youth SMME award valued at R50 000. Eagle Eye is currently selling branded products at the Edgars store in Gateway Umhlanga. Some of the entrepreneurs are already exporting their clothing brands internationally and one entrepreneur was invited to join the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) programme for leather production,” Pillay said.

Furthermore, two entrepreneurs were sponsored by the Pietermaritzburg Chamber of Commerce to attend the Bharath Textile Fair in India, last year April.

“We are so thrilled to see how our entrepreneurs have grown - not only as a business but also in terms of confidence and ability to market themselves,” she said.

The Incubator is the result of a partnership between the Small Enterprise Development Agency - Science and Technology Programme (SEDA STP) and eThekwini Municipality.

The business incubator supports and grows SMMEs within the Clothing, Textile, Footwear and Leather Sector in eThekwini and surrounding areas by nurturing a business from idea generation to start-up companies through a comprehensive business support programme.

“Besides the normal incubation programme, DTLI has partnered with the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Textile Science and Apparel Technology Dept to run a six-week Ideation Programme for their post-grad students,” Pillay said.

It has also collaborated with the Fibre Processing and Manufacturing Sector Education and Training Authority (FP&M SETA) to run a virtual workshop on Entrepreneurship and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) for 152 SMMEs in the sector.

The incubator has a cohort of 54 SMMEs and provides a range of services that includes technology transfer and access to specialized machines, access to markets, access to funding and financial management, compliance and legal, productivity and business processes. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Fri, 01/17/2025 - 13:54

73 views

17 January 2025

Suspect arrested in connection with matric results leak

Location: News

Suspect arrested in connection with matric results leak

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) has made strides in the case involving the alleged leaking of the class of 2024 matric results on the internet, which were allegedly being sold.

In a statement on Thursday, Hawks spokesperson, Colonel Katlego Mogale, said a 21-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the alleged leaking of the results online, marking a significant progress by the Hawks in their investigation into the case.

The investigation follows a formal complaint by the Department of Education lodged at the Pretoria Central SAPS on Sunday, 12 January 2025, prompting an immediate transfer of the case to the Hawks for further investigation.

Mogale, said that acting on a search-and-seizure warrant, the Hawks' Serious Economic Offences Unit of the Serious Commercial Crime Investigation, including Cybercrime Investigation Head Office, raided a house in Hillcrest, north of Johannesburg, in the early hours of Thursday.

"The Hawks proceeded to the identified premises where a 21-year-old young man and his parents are residing.

"During the search, various electronic gadgets and an unlicensed shotgun with live ammunition were found. The 21-year-old suspect will be detained for the unlawful possession of a firearm and further investigation into the matric result leakage will continue,” Mogale said. - SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Fri, 01/17/2025 - 09:52

165 views

16 January 2025

Call to help police track down suspect in hit-and-run incident

Location: News

Call to help police track down suspect in hit-and-run incident

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Welkom is urgently appealing to the public for assistance in locating the driver of a vehicle involved in a fatal hit-and-run incident.

In a statement, the police said that on 21 December 2024, an unknown African male, believed to be in his 50s, was struck by a motor vehicle on a road in Bedelia.

Tragically, the pedestrian sustained fatal injuries, and the driver fled the scene.

At the time of the accident in the Free State, the deceased was wearing black trousers, a blue T-shirt with white and red stripes and navy-blue sneakers.

“The police are appealing to anyone with information that could lead to the identification or location of the suspect to come forward. Detective Warrant Officer Tshediso Nthaba of the Welkom Detective Services can be contacted at 083 525 3771 or 057 391 6235/6. Alternatively, information can be shared anonymously through the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or by making use of the MySAPS App,” the SAPS said.

In a separate incident in the same province, the Ladybrand K9 Unit arrested a wanted suspect. The police found an unlicensed firearm and ammunition hidden underneath his vehicle at his house.

“On 15 January 2025 at approximately 18:05, the police at Ladybrand stopped a taxi driver targeting the suspect for discharging a firearm in a public place who was inside a taxi. He was found and taken to his house, where the police searched further.

“They found a 9mm pistol with nine rounds of ammunition hidden underneath the passenger seat of his bakkie. The firearm will be circulated to establish the lawful owner and further ballistic analysis,” the SAPS explained.

The suspect is expected to appear before the Ladybrand Magistrate Court on Friday facing a charge of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Thu, 01/16/2025 - 11:57

44 views

16 January 2025

Protesters Block N2 for Hours at Grabouw

Location: News

They demanded sanitation and water

15 January 2025

Transforming eThekwini into a safer city

Location: News

Transforming eThekwini into a safer city

The city of eThekwini is famous for its year round warm weather; its pristine beaches; its rich Zulu heritage and its friendly people.

These attractions make the coastal city an ideal place for investors to do business in Durban.

However, in recent years, the economic powerhouse of KwaZulu-Natal has lost some of its appeal due to among other things, contamination at its beaches, a decline in tourism, water supply challenges, an increase in crime, dilapidated infrastructure and challenges with maintaining cleanliness.

To return the city to its former glory, President Cyril Ramaphosa established the eThekwini Working Group (PeWG) in April 2024.

The PeWG is a multi-stakeholder mechanism crafted to address critical service delivery, infrastructure and socio-economic challenges within the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality with the goal of positioning the city as an investment and tourism hub.

It operates across three spheres of government and includes representatives from the private sector and labour.

With crime being one of the challenges that act as a deterrent to holidaymakers and drive away investors in the city, the South African Police Service (SAPS) working together with the city, has increased crime combating operations and deployed more boots on the ground to ensure visibility.

In the lead up to the festive season, between 1 October and 15 November 2024, over 31 491 law enforcement officers from SAPS and 1538 metro police officers were deployed in eThekwini to enhance community safety through high-density operations. These operations are ongoing and continued throughout the festive season.

Speaking exclusively to SAnews about law enforcement operations in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, said the collaboration with the Metro Police and other law enforcement agencies was producing great results.

“As the SAPS, working together with the Metro Police and other law enforcement agencies, we have been able to push back on crime. We have been able to increase patrols, intelligence collection and crime combating operations.

“We have also been able to create an environment that enables business to operate. Our mission is to create a conducive environment for business to operate and function so that our citizens can get employment," Mkhwanazi said.

According to the progress report by the Working Group, business confidence in 2024 increased by 24.59%. In the first quarter, business confidence stood at 38.42% and increased to 63.01% in the third quarter.

“We must appreciate the intervention from national government through the Working Group. With the collaborative efforts of working with other government departments that are driving tourism and the security cluster, we have seen an increase in the recruitment of metro police officers that joined the service to ensure that we have more officers on the ground.

“As the SAPS, we have also received new Constables that were recruited and deployed in this area to ensure visibility on the ground. We are deploying strategically in key areas that are a hotspot for crime, and we have been able to reduce criminal activities in those areas,” he said.

As a result, residents can enjoy going for a jog at the beach front as early as 4am in the morning, as law enforcement operations are being implemented around the clock.

“We have maximum visibility by using blue light patrols which enables people to see our presence when the sun goes down. Anyone witnessing crime can easily reach out to law enforcement officials.

“We have increased the foot patrols to ensure that we can reach places that we would ordinarily not see when we are driving in the vehicles. We have procured motorbikes and deployed bicycles in the beachfront as well as in the city.

“We are confident with the operations that we are running in the city. We are seeing an increase in tourists visiting the city and business confidence. We are also partnering with the private sector’s security companies that are looking after business establishments in the city,” Mkhwanazi said.

Last November, the city announced that it was transferring its Closed-Circuit Television Cameras (CCTV) to the Metro Police Unit and Fire and Emergency Unit for management to enhance crime fighting and public safety while ensuring coordinated efforts to respond effectively to disasters.

The transfer included the Emergency Mobilising and Communication Centre (EMACC) and the technical services functions, which are being transferred to the Information Management Unit under the Office of the City Manager.

“In the past, these cameras were being controlled by Disaster Management, which was a challenge for law enforcement to utilise and operate them. With the transfer, the police have easy access to the cameras and as a result the response time to crime is shorter.

“Law enforcement can respond with speed because we have police officers monitoring the cameras and guide the members on the ground to respond to criminal activities. These are some of the results that we are seeing due to the work of the Working Group. Technology play a big role in in our crime fighting efforts,” the provincial Police Commissioner said.

Between 1 October and 15 November 2024, operations by SAPS officers and metro police officers saw 1 500 arrests, 150 undocumented persons were arrested, 322 suspects were arrested for the illegal possession of firearms and 58 949 drugs were recovered. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Wed, 01/15/2025 - 14:53

6 views

14 January 2025

Police arrest 16 718 suspects during nationwide Operation Shanela

Location: News

Police arrest 16 718 suspects during nationwide Operation Shanela

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested 16 718 suspects during its Operation Shanela crime crackdown, which ran from 6 - 12 January 2025, targeting criminal activities across the country.

“Through Operation Shanela, 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,” SAPS said in a statement.

All Shanela operations are led by the Provincial Commissioner of each province.

Just this week alone, the following arrests were made:

2 907 wanted suspects were arrested. These suspects were wanted for various serious and violent crimes such as murder, attempted murder, rape, business and house robberies.
122 suspects were arrested for murder. The majority of these suspects (36) were arrested in Gauteng, followed by the Eastern Cape (29).
112 suspects were arrested for attempted murder.
223 suspects were arrested for rape. The majority (80) were arrested KwaZulu-Natal.
1 845 suspects were arrested for assault grievous bodily harm.
835 drug dealers were arrested.
2 282 suspects were arrested for being in possession of drugs, with the majority (1 088) of these suspects arrested in the Western Cape.
129 suspects were arrested for being in the illegal possession of firearms, and the majority of these suspects were arrested in KZN (36).
1 341 illegal foreign nationals were also arrested during this period
419 drivers were arrested for drunken driving, with the majority of arrests in Gauteng (114).

Police registered the following successes:

129 firearms were confiscated in the past week.
1 129 rounds of ammunition were also confiscated.
65 hijacked and stolen vehicles were also recovered during this week’s operations.

The police also highlighted major successes, which include the arrest of a 39-year-old man by police in Mpumalanga following a shooting incident where eight people were shot and killed outside a tavern in Pienaar on Saturday.

The team confiscated a pistol and ammunition during his arrest and the suspect is expected to appear in court soon.

Police in Limpopo also apprehended eight suspects, including a councillor, on allegations of extortion at a construction site along the R555 road in Roossenekal, on 9 January 2025.

In a separate incident, a joint operation conducted by Sandringham SAPS, Gauteng Serious Organised Crime Investigation of the Hawks, Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department and a private security company led to the arrest of three Ethiopian foreign nationals suspected of trafficking in persons, kidnapping, extortion and contravention of the Immigration Act.

The team acted on a tip-off from neighbours about suspicious activities at a house in Sandringham and found 26 Ethiopian nationals who were held captive inside the house. A pistol and one magazine were also seized.

Operation Vala Umgodi task teams continue to record commendable successes in the country.

Just last week alone, police arrested 62 suspects for illegal mining, and the majority of these suspects were arrested in the Free State.

A joint operation by Northern Cape Crime Intelligence, Organised Crime, North West Organised Crime, and Potchefstroom Public Order Police led to the arrest of a 36-year-old man suspected of business robbery in Potchefstroom. The team seized a pistol with its serial number filed off.

Meanwhile, police in Mpumalanga arrested three men who allegedly shot and killed three men in an incident related to taxi conflict in Piet Retief on 9 January 2025.

Four firearms, including a rifle and three pistols with ammunition, were seized in the incident. The three suspects are facing three counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder.

“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 SAPS said. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Tue, 01/14/2025 - 10:23

429 views

14 January 2025

Police seize counterfeit goods in Musina

Location: News

Police seize counterfeit goods in Musina

Counterfeit and illicit goods valued at over R5 million have been seized in a police operation in Musina, Limpopo.

The South African Police Service (SAPS), in collaboration with its crime-fighting partners, conducted an operation that was spearheaded by the National Counterfeit Goods Unit, with support from the SAPS Gauteng Drone Team, including the Bloemfontein K9 Unit, South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs, and brand protectors on Sunday.

A roving team comprising SAPS members from specialised units deployed in Limpopo, as part of Operation Vala Umgodi, also participated in the operation.

The team executed a search-and-seizure warrant at a shopping mall in Musina's central business district.

Police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk, said more than 2 000 counterfeit and illicit items, including sneakers, clothing, cellphone accessories, perfume and consumables, were confiscated during the operation.

She said two Eritrean nationals and one Bangladeshi national, all asylum seekers, were arrested for dealing in counterfeit goods.

The Bangladeshi national faces an additional charge for bribery after attempting to bribe officers at the scene to evade arrest.

“On the same day, the team stopped and searched vehicles in the area, which led them to arrest a suspect for possession of a stolen vehicle. The members also seized dagga and drugs found abandoned in a taxi after the driver and commuters fled the scene on foot,” Van Wyk said in a statement.

Van Wyk noted that while primarily tasked with addressing crimes associated with illicit mining, the members contribute to combating a broader range of criminal activities in the province.

She said SAPS, together with its partners, remains steadfast in its efforts to eliminate the illegal trade of counterfeit and illicit goods, which poses risks to consumers, harm legitimate businesses, and undermine the economy of the country. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Tue, 01/14/2025 - 10:38

153 views

12 January 2025

Gauteng legislature welcomes arrests in human trafficking case

Location: News

Gauteng legislature welcomes arrests in human trafficking case

The Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL) has welcomed the arrest of three suspects allegedly linked to a human trafficking ring in Johannesburg.

“The Gauteng Provincial Legislature commends the successful joint operation led by the Gauteng Hawks, Sandringham Police, Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department, and a private security company, which resulted in the rescue of 26 men believed to be Ethiopian nationals and the arrest of three suspects allegedly linked to human trafficking in Johannesburg,” it said in a statement on Friday.

According to the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (Hawks), authorities responded to a tip-off from neighbours about suspicious activities at a residence in the area. Upon their arrival on Thursday, they found 15 naked individuals, suspected to be Ethiopian nationals held captive inside the house.

Eleven others were transported to the hospital for medical treatment.

The Hawks said the three suspects, who were allegedly involved in human trafficking and illegal possession of a firearm, were found with a 9mm P Tokarev pistol, one magazine and no ammunition.

The provincial legislature said that human trafficking is a heinous crime and a gross violation of human rights, affecting millions of vulnerable individuals globally.

“The legislature is deeply concerned about the increasing prevalence of human trafficking in our province, where incidents have alarmingly risen four-fold over recent years. The Gauteng Provincial Legislature urges law enforcement agencies to intensify their efforts to bring all perpetrators of these crimes to justice. As a law-making institution, we firmly support ongoing investigations and look forward to seeing further arrests and prosecutions in this matter,” said the GPL.

In September 2024, the GPL launched a province-wide campaign to raise awareness in communities of the scourge of human trafficking.

“This work is ongoing as we embark on roadshows across the five regions in Gauteng focusing, primarily on hotspot areas. This initiative has fostered greater collaboration among NGOs [non-government organisations], government departments, and other like-minded organisations to strengthen efforts to eradicate human trafficking in Gauteng.”

The legislature added that while it does not directly handle individual cases, it has taken proactive measures to address the issue including working closely with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and participating in the Provincial Task Team, which brings together key government stakeholders to tackle this growing challenge.

“The GPL remains committed to the protection of vulnerable individuals and [to] uphold the dignity and rights of all people. Together, through collective action and enhanced cooperation, we can bring an end to human trafficking and make Gauteng a safer place for everyone,” it said.

Additional charges

Meanwhile, the Hawks said that the suspects will also face additional charges for
their alleged involvement in trafficking in persons, kidnapping, extortion and contravention of the Immigration Act.

“Further investigation revealed that one of the victims was identified as a victim of a kidnapping case reported in Benoni in November 2024. The suspects allegedly demanded a ransom of R180 000.

“Three more victims were interviewed with the assistance of an Ethiopian interpreter and it was established that they reportedly came to the country willingly. The interpreter will be aided by three additional interpreters from the Ethiopian Embassy to complete the statement-taking process on Monday, 13 January 2025,” said the Hawks.

The suspects will appear in the Johannesburg Magistrates Court on Monday, 13 January 2025, to face charges related to the Benoni kidnapping case.

“Additional charges of human trafficking or smuggling will be finalised after all victims have been interviewed.”

In addition, the Provincial Head of the Hawks in Gauteng, Major General Ebrahim Kadwa welcomed the developments and said the breakthrough on this case is a testament to the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders in combating trafficking and smuggling of migrants and related crimes. -SAnews.gov.za

Neo
Sun, 01/12/2025 - 11:26

250 views

12 January 2025

Mpumalanga shooting claims the lives of eight

Location: News

Mpumalanga shooting claims the lives of eight

A team of experts has been put together to investigate the killing of eight people at a liquor outlet in Pienaar in Mpumalanga.

This follows Saturday morning’s shooting incident where six people died at the scene and two other victims (a man and woman) succumbed to their injuries later in hospital.

“Three other victims (two males and a female) are still receiving medical treatment after sustaining some injuries during the incident,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga said.

The motive for the shooting is still unknown and two VW Polo's were also found at the scene with bullet holes with one of the victims found dead inside one of the vehicles.

“There is a team of experts in the investigation field that has been assembled to investigate this incident. A 72-hour plan has been activated subsequent to the incident. No one has been arrested so far and police are still in pursuit of the perpetrators,” said the police.

Additionally, the SAPS is appealing to anyone with information that may assist in apprehending the suspects to call the Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or send information via MySAPS App.

All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi has strongly condemned the incident.

"We are very much concerned about these shooting incidents that have occurred recently in our province however we are working around the clock to ensure that perpetrators thereof are swiftly brought to book, " said the Major General. -SAnews.gov.za

Neo
Sun, 01/12/2025 - 12:37

74 views

9 January 2025

Police Chairperson Condemns the Handling of Khayelitsha Resident by VIP South African Police Service (SAPS) Officers

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Mr Ian Cameron, has strongly condemned the mishandling and maltreatment of a Khayelitsha man in his own home by the South African Police Service VIP protection unit members. While the Chairperson acknowledges that ensuring the security of the protectee is paramount, it should be done within reason and the confines of the law. The incident is worrying in the context that eight officers of the same unit have been on suspension for over a year for assaulting members of the public on the N1 in Gauteng.

"It is untoward that the VIP protection unit members acted irrationally and outside the limit of their power. Also, the incident puts into question the security protocols around a VIP and whether those protocols are followed," Mr Cameron said.

While the incident highlights the need for effective and enhanced training for VIP SAPS officers, especially as it relates to the abuse of power, it also highlights the irrationality of the SAPS's continued focus on budget allocation for VIP protection.

"It is undeniable that the SAPS spends an inordinate amount of money protecting a few politicians despite the rampant crime in areas like Khayelitsha, Nyanga and Langa. Ordinary citizens are then prevented access to their elected representatives by these security officials. This then puts into question who the public representatives are really representing," Mr Cameron said.

The committee has highlighted the need for accountability within the SAPS in its previous engagement, especially considering the number of incidents involving SAPS members and their abuse of power.

Also, increased funding for the Independent Police Investigative Directorate is needed to ensure accountability at all times. The committee will schedule a meeting to find out progress on the disciplinary proceedings against the eight SAPS VIP officers who assaulted a civilian on the N1. The committee will use that meeting to get an update on any cases against the SAPS VIP unit to ensure accountability.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

9 January 2025

Mayor mourns five-year-old killed in Manenberg gang shooting

Location: News

Mayor mourns five-year-old killed in Manenberg gang shooting

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis says the city mourns five-year-old Ameer Abrahams, who was shot and killed during a gang-related shooting in Manenberg, while on the way to a local tuckshop with his father on Monday.

“The city is today in mourning, together with the Abrahams family, following the passing of five-year-old Ameer. We feel the extreme pain as parents ourselves, and we stand with the family in demanding justice for this young life lost in such horrific circumstances,” Hill-Lewis said in a statement on Thursday.

Two other women reportedly sustained injuries in the same shooting.

Hill-Lewis has commended the swift action of the police, which led to the arrest of three suspects.

The Mayor said the city continues to offer its full support in the pursuit of justice for these shootings.

Member of Mayoral Committee for Safety and Security, JP Smith said the city would continue to assist the South African Police Service (SAPS) and its Safety and Security Investigation Unit (SSIU) has passed on information received from Manenberg residents.

“The city stands ready to assist SAPS whenever requested for investigations into gang, gun, and drug crime through our investments in safety technologies, such as gunshot detection in the Manenberg area and others, CCTV, Automatic Number Plate Recognition, and eye-in-the-sky aerial surveillance,” Smith said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 01/09/2025 - 12:30

18 views

7 January 2025

Deputy Ministers engage communities affected by crime

Location: News

Deputy Ministers engage communities affected by crime

The Police Ministry, led by the Deputy Ministers of Police Cassel Mathale and Polly Boshielo, will lead a crime prevention imbizo in communities affected by high levels of crime on Tuesday.

According to police, the purpose of the community engagements is to find lasting solutions to communities affected by gun and gang violence.

The engagements will start at Avondale Primary School in Atlantis on Tuesday and proceed to Sophumelela Secondary School in Samora Machel on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, through its high-density operations, commonly known as Operation Shanela, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested 13 105 suspects from the period starting on Monday, 30 December 2024, and ending on Sunday, 5 January 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.

“All Shanela operations are led by the Provincial Commissioner of each province,” said the police in a statement.

In this period, the following arrests were made:

1 743 wanted suspects were arrested. These suspects were wanted for various serious and violent crimes such as murder, attempted murder, rape, business and house robberies.
142 suspects were arrested for murder, majority of these suspects were arrested in Eastern Cape (36).
81 suspects were arrested for attempted murder.
241 suspects were arrested for rape. KwaZulu-Natal arrested majority of these suspects with 119 arrests.
1 646 suspects were arrested for assault grievous bodily harm during this period.
473 drug dealers were arrested in the past week.
1 337 suspects were arrested for being in possession of drugs, majority of these suspects were arrested in Western Cape (635).
126 suspects were arrested for being in the illegal possession of firearms, majority of these suspects were arrested in KZN (37).
1 166 illegal foreign nationals were arrested during this period.
873 drivers were arrested for drunk and driving in the past week. The majority of arrests were in Eastern Cape (181).

Police registered the following successes:

125 firearms were confiscated in the past week.
752 rounds of ammunition were also confiscated.
51 hijacked and stolen vehicles were also recovered during this week’s operations.

Police in Mpumalanga arrested two suspects, who shot and killed two men while sitting inside a Toyota Avanza in Ermelo. The suspects then fled the scene after the incident.

Police said they managed to trace and arrest the suspects and they are facing two counts of murder.

A multidisciplinary team comprising the SAPS Sekhukhune Task Team, Operation Vala Umgodi members and private security, rearrested Zimbabwean fugitive, Lovemore Musoyi, after escaping from police custody.

The 32-year-old is facing more than 10 criminal cases, including murder, attempted murder, armed robberies, house robberies, business robberies, kidnapping, assaults, stock theft, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition that occurred in Elandskraal, Motetema, Dennilton and Rakgoadi policing areas in Sekhukhune District.

A joint operation conducted by the Gauteng Counterfeit Unit, Vispol, Commercial Crime, Brand Protectors, and Reservist units resulted in the seizure of counterfeit and illicit goods worth R 627 290 in Midrand, Johannesburg.

Members of the Anti-Gang Unit in the Western Cape arrested a 35-year-old man after found him in possession of an AK47 assault rifle and ammunition.

On 5 January 2025, police in the North West apprehended five suspects in connection with the kidnapping and murder of 26-year-old Lesego Klaas Makaku in Hartbeespoort Dam. The suspects dragged the victim outside a tavern to the street, where they allegedly assaulted him to death.

Police arrested suspects and they are facing charges of kidnapping and murder.

“Operation Vala Umgodi task teams continue to record commendable successes in the country.

“Just last week alone, police arrested 54 suspects for illegal mining, and the majority of these suspects were arrested in the Mpumalanga province. Again, the team deployed in the North West is still monitoring ongoing operations in Stilfontein,” said the police.

A suspect was fatally shot in a shootout with police and one was arrested after a house robbery in Barberton, Mpumalanga.

“The armed suspects held the family, including a nine-month-old baby, hostage and robbed them of an undisclosed amount of cash before they drove away with them with their Ford Ranger. Police spotted the vehicle, and the suspects fired at the police who also returned fire. A pistol with ammunition as well as a magazine were seized in the incident.”

The police said they 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”. – SAnews.gov.za

Janine
Tue, 01/07/2025 - 09:45

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6 January 2025

Suspect in Ayabonga Mjilo murder case appears in court

Location: News

Suspect in Ayabonga Mjilo murder case appears in court

The case against restaurant manager, Mfanafuthi Kunene, who is accused of murdering 23-year-old former employee, Ayabonga Mjilo, has been postponed to 26 February 2025.

Kunene appeared before the Durban Magistrate’s Court for the first time on Monday.

The accused allegedly strangled Mjilo and buried her in a shallow grave in his yard in Inanda, Durban.

According to reports, Mjilo was last seen leaving a restaurant in Umhlanga in the early hours of Christmas morning with a male companion. After she failed to return home, a case of kidnapping was opened.

Kunene is facing charges of kidnapping, murder and defeating the ends of justice.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli praised the South African Police Service (SAPS) for swiftly arresting the suspect.

“Through meticulous police investigations, the suspect, identified as Mjilo’s manager, was apprehended.

“Evidence revealed that Mjilo had been taken to the suspect’s home in Amaotana, Inanda, where her lifeless body was discovered during the investigation.”

Ntuli expressed his heartfelt condolences to Mjilo’s family and friends during this tragic time.

“On behalf of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government, I extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Ayabonga Mjilo.

“Losing a young woman in such a brutal manner is a devastating tragedy. We stand in solidarity with the family as they mourn this heartbreaking loss, and we will continue to support them as they seek justice for Ayabonga.”

The Premier also emphasised the need for justice to prevail, as the ongoing scourge of violence against women and children continues to rear its ugly head in the province.

“The brutal killing of Ayabonga Mjilo is a stark reminder of the work that lies ahead in our mission to end gender-based violence (GBV).

“I commend the SAPS for their tireless efforts and urge the judiciary to impose the harshest possible punishment for such heinous crimes. KwaZulu-Natal has no place for individuals who commit these atrocities.”

The Premier called on communities, traditional authorities, izinduna (headmen), and amabutho (Zulu regiments) to partner with government in addressing the senseless killing of women and children in the province.

”Violence against women is an affront to our values of Ubuntu and humanity. This scourge demands collective action. I call on our community leaders, traditional authorities, and every citizen to unite in rejecting these barbaric acts.”

Ntuli stressed the critical role of traditional leadership and community structures in fostering a culture of respect, safety and protection for women and children.

He also highlighted the need for collaboration between government, civil society, and communities to create sustainable solutions and ensure perpetrators face justice.

”We must stand as one, with a united voice, to condemn these acts of violence and reaffirm our commitment to building safe, inclusive communities. This fight is not just for the government; it is for every one of us.”

The Premier urged the public to remain calm and allow the judicial process to unfold while reiterating the government’s commitment to ensuring justice for victims of GBV. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Mon, 01/06/2025 - 11:35

309 views

6 January 2025

14 undocumented foreign nationals nabbed for illegal mining in Limpopo

Location: News

14 undocumented foreign nationals nabbed for illegal mining in Limpopo

The Vala Umgodi multidisciplinary task teams have conducted operations in Limpopo, resulting in the arrest of 14 undocumented foreign nationals and three individuals engaged in illegal sand mining between 4 and 5 January 2025.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), 14 suspects, aged between 19 and 45, were arrested for violating the Immigration Act.

Four were apprehended in Thohoyandou, in the Vhembe District, and 10 in Westernburg, in the Capricorn District.

In addition, three suspects, aged between 30 and 45, were nabbed in Apel, in the Sekhukhune District, for loading sand illegally.

“These disruptive operations, conducted in collaboration with the South African National Defence Force, targeted illegal mining sites linked to gold-bearing minerals, chrome, and sand extraction,” SAPS said in a statement.

In addition, seven individuals were each issued fines for selling expired food in Tynmine, in the Waterberg District.

The arrested suspects are set to appear before the respective magistrate's courts soon.

SAnews reported that ongoing Vala Umgodi operations in the Bojanala Platinum and Dr Kenneth Kaunda Districts continue to bear fruit after police arrested six male suspects in Hartbeespoortdam in the North West on Wednesday last week.

Between 30 December 2024 and 3 January 2025, 12 illegal miners were arrested for illegal mining, trespassing, and contravention of the Immigration Act in Stilfontein.

In the last three months, over 1 000 illegal miners or zama zamas have emerged from an abandoned Stilfontein mine, where it is believed that hundreds more are still underground. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Mon, 01/06/2025 - 12:09

131 views

6 January 2025

SAPS condemns killing of on-duty officers in Free State

Location: News

SAPS condemns killing of on-duty officers in Free State

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has condemned the brutal killing of two police officers, who lost their lives in the line of duty on Saturday, 4 January 2025, in Namahadi, in the Free State.

Preliminary reports indicate that at around 10pm, two officers from the Namahadi Community Service Centre (CSC) responded to a complaint about a house robbery in Mangaung village.

They were supported by a crime prevention vehicle, which had three additional members on board.

“Upon arriving at the scene, two suspects fled the house, prompting a chase by the crime prevention team. Meanwhile, the CSC members approached the house, where one suspect emerged and opened fire. One member was fatally shot, and his service pistol was taken by the suspect.

“As the pursuit continued, another suspect ambushed the driver of the backup vehicle while he was reversing the police vehicle. He was shot in the neck and succumbed to his injuries. The other police officers in the vehicle were unharmed.”

According to the SAPS, the suspects, whose faces were covered with balaclavas, also stole two cellphones and an undisclosed amount of cash from the victim of the house robbery.

The police said the suspects remain at large, and the investigation is ongoing.

The details of the deceased members will be shared as soon as their loved ones are formally informed.

“On behalf of SAPS, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, colleagues, and loved ones of the two constables.

“Their sacrifice in service to their community will never be forgotten,” said the Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane.

For any information regarding this incident, please contact the SAPS Crime Stop hotline at 08600 10111. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Mon, 01/06/2025 - 12:37

38 views

3 January 2025

Border Management Authority ready for influx of travellers returning to SA

Location: News

Border Management Authority ready for influx of travellers returning to SA

Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato, has assured stakeholders and the public that the Beitbridge port of entry is fully prepared for the return of holidaymakers.

Speaking at the border on Friday, Masiapato confirmed that preparations are in place to manage the influx of travellers returning to South Africa from other parts of the continent.

“As the BMA and the rest of the stakeholders that are here at the Beitbridge port of entry, we are very much ready to implement the return leg of… our plan for the festive season. On that basis, we can indicate that we did conclude the exit leg on the 31 December 2024 and from 01 January 2025, we are fairly ready to start receiving people that will be returning to South Africa coming from the rest of the continent through the Beitbridge border,” Masiapato said.

The Commissioner is at the Beitbridge port of entry from 2 to 4 January 2025 to conduct port operations. Masiapato is supported by Deputy Commissioner Jane Thupana.

The Beitbridge port of entry is the biggest land port and has seen increased numbers of movement, and more are expected for the return leg.

Masiapato started the operations on Thursday by chairing a Port Management Committee meeting attended by various stakeholders, such as the South African Police Service (SAPS), South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and South African Revenue Service (SARS), to consolidate and receive update reports on the return leg of the festive period plan.

The port has implemented clear demarcations for streamlined processing. Separate areas have been designated for small vehicles, public transport (buses and taxis) and trucks, with the latter handled under the leadership of SARS.

“I can indicate that inside the port, we have very clear demarcations that we have done, we have demarcated the areas where we are going to be processing all the small vehicles, people coming through public transport like buses and taxis, and we have also demarcated areas where we are going to be processing the trucks under the leadership of the colleagues from SARS,” the Commissioner said.

Masiapato reported that traffic has been light so far, with fewer than 2 000 travellers processed since New Year's Day. However, he expects a significant increase in traffic starting this afternoon and continuing tomorrow.

The Commissioner reaffirmed the BMA's readiness to manage the anticipated surge in traffic, and maintain secure and efficient border operations during this busy travel period.

“We are ready to receive the numbers that will be coming through into the port. [From] yesterday and [up until now], the numbers are still very low. We have just been processing below 2 000, therefore, we are expecting the numbers to start escalating during the course of this afternoon, as well as tomorrow,” the Commissioner said.

High alert for vehicle interceptions

In collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS), the BMA is on high alert for stolen or unauthorised vehicles attempting to cross the border.

Masiapato outlined the strict verification processes in place, which are as follows:

Financed vehicles must have authorisation letters from their financial institutions permitting their exit from the country.
All vehicles are checked against SAPS databases to identify stolen or flagged vehicles using licence plate information.
SAPS officers stationed along the corridor to the port are actively monitoring vehicles for compliance and verifying their status.

"We are committed to ensuring that only legitimate vehicles are allowed to cross. As we speak, now on the corridor towards the port, members of the SAPS are alert to make sure that all of those vehicles are assessed,” Masiapato said. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Fri, 01/03/2025 - 13:22

244 views

3 January 2025

Limpopo police leave no stone unturned to arrest murder suspects

Location: News

Limpopo police leave no stone unturned to arrest murder suspects

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has ordered investigating teams across all districts to mobilise all resources at their disposal to track down and apprehend the suspects involved in various murder cases.

The province has experienced about 11 murders from 31 December 2024 to date.

“These murder cases were reported in the main Capricorn district (three cases), Mopani (three cases), Waterberg (three cases) and Vhembe (two cases). The majority of these murders are believed to be emanating from domestic-related disputes. Out of these murders, seven suspects have been apprehended by the police,” the SAPS said in a statement.

In one of the cases, a wife was hacked to death by her husband in Bolobedu in the Mopani District on New Year’s Day. In another incident, a woman fatally stabbed her boyfriend after a physical altercation.

In another case, a 48-year-old male victim was allegedly killed by a 45-year-old male suspect believed to be his biological brother in Shongoane 1 on Wednesday night. According to information at police disposal, the two brothers were fighting when a 45-year-old suspect stabbed the victim, which is his brother, with a sharp object. The suspect has since been apprehended and is currently in police custody.

Furthermore, a 26-year-old female victim was murdered by her boyfriend on Thursday at about 02:30 in Marobala in the Capricorn District. The deceased was fatally stabbed with a sharp object by her 31-year-old boyfriend at his residence. The suspect fled the scene following the incident.

“We have... observed that the majority of these cases are a result of domestic violence. We call upon communities to seek professional assistance from social workers, pastors and traditional authorities in case they have disputes in their relationships.

“Multidisciplinary teams have been assigned and maximum resources mobilised to ensure that investigations are expedited to ultimately bring the remaining suspects to book in order to face the full might of law,” Hadebe said.

Hadebe has also extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.

The police have urged anyone with information that can assist in the apprehension of the suspects to call Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or contact the nearest police station. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Fri, 01/03/2025 - 14:13

136 views

3 January 2025

Police arrest 18 suspects during Vala Umgodi operations

Location: News

Police arrest 18 suspects during Vala Umgodi operations

The ongoing “Vala Umgodi” operations in the Bojanala Platinum and Dr Kenneth Kaunda Districts continue to bear fruit after police arrested six male suspects on Wednesday in Hartbeespoortdam in the North West.

The suspects were arrested for illegal mining and contravening of Section 49(1)(a) of the Immigration Act, Act 13 of 2002.

“The males, between the ages of 28 and 55, are from Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Malawi. During the operation, items such as jack hammers, shovels, generators, gold bearing material and explosives were seized.

“From Monday, 30 December 2024, until today, 12 illegal miners have been placed under arrest for illegal mining, trespassing, and contravention of the Immigration Act in Stilfontein,” the SAPS said in a statement.

On Monday, six illegal miners resurfaced in Stilfontein at the Margaret shaft and on Thursday, four more resurfaced at Margaret Shaft and two at Buffelsfontein Shaft number 10.

The police said that all mentioned suspects will appear in the Brits and Stilfontein Magistrate’s Courts today.

The Acting Provincial Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng, commended the team members for their persistent efforts in the fight against illicit mining. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Fri, 01/03/2025 - 14:16

123 views

3 January 2025

Police detain suspect for murder, illegal possession of firearm

Location: News

Police detain suspect for murder, illegal possession of firearm

Police have arrested two 31-year-old male suspects in connection with a shooting incident in the Overberg District between taxi associations, in which two people were killed.

Following the incident, the case was handed over to the Provincial Serious Violent Crime Taxi Violence Unit, who started an investigation into the circumstances which led to the shooting.

“They gathered information and evidence at their disposal and built a strong case in order to arrest the suspects who were responsible for the shooting.

“On Friday, 3 January 2025, an intelligence-driven operation between the Taxi Violence Unit and the Overberg Operational Team was conducted at identified addresses in the Zwelitsha, Hermanus area, where the members arrested two 31-year-old male suspects in connection with these murders,” the SAPS said in a statement.

The suspects will appear in the Hermanus Magistrate’s Court in the Western Cape on Monday, 6 January 2025, on murder charges.

In a separate matter, members of the Anti-Gang Unit were busy with stop and search operations in the Bishop Lavis area on Thursday night, when they received information about firearms at a premises in Vygie Road.

“They operationalised the information and searched the identified premises. The members found a 9mm Norinco pistol, with five rounds of ammunition hidden in the house.

“A 20-year-old suspect was arrested for the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. He will appear in the Bishop Lavis Magistrate’s Court on Monday,” the SAPS said. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Fri, 01/03/2025 - 14:19

76 views

3 January 2025

Woman arrested for alleged murder of husband

Location: News

Woman arrested for alleged murder of husband

Detectives in the Free State have arrested a 37-year-old woman for the alleged murder of her husband after he was shot and killed in the Naledi section of Bohlokong on 1 January 2025.

According to information at police’s disposal, on 1 January 2025 at about 20:20, the Bohlokong police were patrolling the Naledi section for crime prevention purposes when they came across the body of a man lying in the street with bullet wounds to his face.

“He was identified by family. The motive behind the murder is not known yet, but a case of murder is being investigated. The suspect has been charged and will appear before the Bethlehem Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 6 January 2025, on a charge of conspiracy to murder,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a statement.

In a separate incident in the same province, Phuthaditjhaba police have arrested a 28-year-old man from Kudumane Village in Qwaqwa for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition following a tip-off from community members.

It is alleged that on 1 January 2025 at about 19:30, police attended to a complaint at Thaba di Mmele Initiation School based at Kudumane Village of a person who was in possession of an unlicensed firearm.

“The police responded on 2 January 2025 at about 01:00 with a surprise visit to the initiation school. They found a group of men seated on a rock. When approached, one person amongst the group ran away carrying a bag and threw it on the ground. He was pursued by police and later caught by some of the men from the same group.

“The bag was searched, and a rusty shotgun with no serial number and bullet was found and seized by police as an exhibit. A case of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition is being investigated,” the SAPS said.

The 28-year-old suspect is expected to appear before the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrate’s Court on Friday facing charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. – SAnews.gov.za

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Fri, 01/03/2025 - 14:22

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