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Cabinet welcomes release of 2nd quarter crime stats

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Cabinet welcomes release of 2nd quarter crime stats

Cabinet has welcomed the release of the 2nd quarter crime statistics, which show that law enforcement agencies' efforts to turn the tide in the fight against crime are starting to yield results, with a decrease in both murder and violent crimes. 

Addressing the post-Cabinet media briefing held in Cape Town on Thursday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the murder rate in South Africa has decreased by 5.8%, while sexual offences decreased by 2.5%, and robbery with aggravating circumstances decreased by 8.8%. 

“Additionally, rape decreased by 3.1%, while robbery at residential premises and non-residential premises decreased by 1.3% and 21.1% respectively,” Ntshavheni said.

Cabinet also welcomed the arrest of a 39-year-old Mexican national for dealing in and manufacturing drugs, as well as contravening the Immigration Act after a multi-disciplinary operation guided by police led to the discovery of a drug laboratory in Rietfontein, Johannesburg, valued at approximately R100 million. 

“In addition, the South African Police Service (SAPS), through an intelligence-driven operation, confiscated a container carrying cocaine with an estimated street value of around R86.5 million, which came in from Brazil through the Durban Harbour. 

“[Additionally], five suspected ATM bombers were killed in a shootout with police in eMalahleni, Mpumalanga. The suspects opened fire on the police after they were cornered at a safe house in Schoongezicht in Emalahleni,” Ntshavheni said.

Cabinet has called on all sectors of society to partner with the police to strengthen the fight against crime. 

“By working together, we can create safer communities and public spaces, while ensuring criminals have no place to hide,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Thu, 12/05/2024 - 13:51

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Dr Bongi Owusu calls for unity and action in dealing with GBVF

Location: News

Dr Bongi Owusu calls for unity and action in dealing with GBVF

As the country observes the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign, the Director of the Department of Social Development, Dr Bongi Owusu, has called for unity and action in dealing with this scourge. 

South Africa faces a dire gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) crisis, with alarming statistics highlighting the urgent need for collective action to address this “second pandemic.”

Owusu, the Director of Gender and Women Empowerment at the department, said when President Cyril Ramaphosa described GBV as South Africa’s “second pandemic" at the time of the COVID-19 outbreak, he emphasised the severity of this national crisis.

“He called on everyone to unite in eradicating the scourge of GBV, a plague that transcends gender, sexual orientation and social status, demanding a concerted response from all sectors of society,” Owusu said. 

She highlighted the importance of reflecting on what solidarity truly means in this struggle.

“True solidarity involves everyone -- men, women, children and marginalised communities, standing together against GBV,” she asserted.

Owusu further stressed the need to dismantle harmful gender stereotypes that perpetuate violence and marginalisation. In many communities, she said, women are still treated as minors, with their voices dismissed solely because of their gender.

While women remain the primary victims of GBV, Owusu advocated for an inclusive approach to tackling GBVF. In the same breath, she underscored the importance of recognising that violence is not confined to one gender. 

“We must acknowledge that there are women who perpetrate violence and men who are survivors. Comprehensive interventions must reflect this reality, recognising the diverse forms and experiences of GBV,” she said. 

A critical step in combating GBV lies in dismantling toxic masculinity. Owusu noted that society often reinforces harmful ideals by discouraging men from expressing vulnerability.

“When boys are told, ‘men don’t cry’, it fosters emotional repression and disconnection, which can manifest in harmful behaviours. Women - whether as mothers, sisters or partners - can help by affirming that it is okay for men to express their emotions. This simple shift can break cycles of violence and foster healthier, more empathetic relationships,” she emphasised.

South Africa’s GBV statistics remain deeply troubling. According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), over 120 women were raped daily between April and June 2023, and a woman is murdered every three hours in the country. These figures are grim reminders that the majority of GBV victims are still women and children.

Owusu highlighted the importance of engaging men as allies in the fight against GBV. 

“It is crucial to involve men as positive partners in this battle. This approach not only challenges the narrative that all men are perpetrators but also encourages men to take a stand and say, ‘Not in my name’. Engaging men as active participants can inspire a new generation of boys to value respect, empathy and non-violence,” she said. 

Owusu emphasised the role of the community and its leaders, including religious and traditional figures, as gatekeepers of societal norms. However, she lamented that some perpetuate harmful ideologies. 

“Faith-based organisations must challenge practices that victimise women and condone abuse. Traditional leaders and their spouses... have a unique role in shaping young minds. For example, boys can learn respectful masculinity, while girls are guided towards self-empowerment,” Owusu explained.

The fight against GBV demands courage, collaboration and a commitment to challenging harmful norms. It calls for a society that rejects stereotypes, promotes inclusivity, and holds perpetrators accountable. 

Owusu’s plea is straightforward: a collective commitment to eradicating GBV must begin in homes, workplaces and communities.

“Ending GBV is not the responsibility of a few but the duty of all. By fostering partnerships across gender, faith, and cultural lines, South Africa can become a beacon of hope -- a society where no one suffers in silence, and everyone is empowered to thrive,” Owusu said as the 16 Days of Activism campaign continues. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Wed, 12/04/2024 - 11:05

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Celebrating Colonel Celeste van der Klashorst

Location: News

Celebrating Colonel Celeste van der Klashorst

The South African Police Service (SAPS) is observing the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign by highlighting the work of its men and women in blue who go beyond the call of duty to protect women and children in South Africa.

Colonel Celeste van der Klashorst is among those who go beyond the call of duty.

Van der Klashorst is the Section Commander of the National Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations (SECI) Unit. The unit is a specialised investigation team that deals with the investigation of serial rape cases and sexual crimes committed through electronic mediums, such as child pornography.

Her duties as the Section Commander include monitoring and evaluating SECI units within the nine provinces, leading and guiding major child pornography takedown operations and investigating high profile cases.

Van der Klashorst’s illustrious career commenced in 1991 when she joined the SAPS as a student constable.

In 1993, the SAPS established Child Protection Units which are now known as the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit. 

Van der Klashorst played an instrumental role when the foundations were laid and again when SECI units were established in 2017 on national level and within all nine provinces.

A recent career highlight includes the execution of a major takedown operation named BAD VIBES. 

International operations led to 27 South Africans being identified who are involved in the possession, distribution, manufacturing, accessing and downloading of child pornography.

National and provincial SECI Units formed part of this particular takedown which led to 12 sexual predators being arrested in different parts of the country since January 2023. 

Four child victims were also positively identified while millions of images and videos classified as child pornography were seized during these operations.

Under van der Klashorst’s leadership, the SECI teams on national and provincial level continue with investigations under OPERATION BAD VIBES to trace and arrest more suspects linked to this international child pornography ring.
As a subject matter expert, van der Klashorst also presents key topics at SECI workshops and FCS courses. She says sharing her knowledge and expertise with members in the field allows her to plough back into the organisation. 

“This ultimately leads to quality investigations and water-tight cases being presented in court,” van der Klashorst said.

Just last week, the National SECI team was awarded FCS Team of the Year during the Division for Forensic and Detective Service’s annual Excellence Awards. 

“Being at the forefront of fighting crimes against women and children is my passion. I always tell my team that it needs all hands on deck to prevent, combat and investigate sexual offences, gender-based violence and online child exploitation," said van der Klashorst. 

Colonel Celeste van der Klashorst remains relentless in her pursuit to trace and arrest more online sexual predators.

The 16 Days campaign forms part of government’s comprehensive 365 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children.

This year’s campaign is being held under the theme: “30 Years of Advancing Collective Action to End Violence against Women and Children".

The campaign is held from 25 November to 10 December every year. -SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 12/04/2024 - 10:12

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Five suspected ATM bombers killed in shootout with police in Emalahleni

Location: News

Five suspected ATM bombers killed in shootout with police in Emalahleni

Five suspected ATM bombers have been killed and one arrested during a shootout with police in Emalahleni, in Mpumalanga.

The suspects were shot and fatally wounded in a shootout with the Tactical Management Operational Section (TOMS) of the Hawks, the South Africa Police Services (SAPS) Special Task Force (STF), and Falcon Risk Security in the early hours of Monday.

National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya, said the team was following up on information received regarding a potential ATM bombing in the Witbank area.

“Information was operationalised leading the team to Schoongezicht in Emalahleni where the group was reported to be converging at an alleged safe house. The multi-disciplinary team were strategically posted to be on the lookout for the white Toyota Hilux received in the intelligence information.

“The identified vehicle was spotted driving out from the area and when the team attempted to stop the vehicle, suspects opened fire, and a shootout ensued. Five suspects were fatally wounded and one injured,” Lebeya said.

Lebeya said a R5 rifle, a hunting rifle with a scope, and three 9mm pistols, as well as explosives, were recovered on the scene.

The bakkie in which the suspects were travelling in, was subject to further investigation.

Lebeya has commended the work of the law enforcement agencies.

“A call is made to potential robbers to withdraw from such activities as this always attracts dire consequences. The team shall always be on alert," Lebeya said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 12/02/2024 - 09:57

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SAPS recognises work of men and women in blue

Location: News

SAPS recognises work of men and women in blue

The South African Police Service (SAPS) is observing this year’s 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children by highlighting the work of its men and women in blue, who work tirelessly to put behind bars those who abuse women, children and vulnerable groups.

Today, the SAPS introduces Sergeant Pule Morake (47), who is attached to the Wolmaransstad Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Investigations (FCS) unit.

Morake, having joined the FCS unit in 2010, has secured 12 life terms and an additional 500 years in prison for rapists.

His recent career highlights include the sentencing of Johannes Ontsheketse Tshabile to 11 life terms and an additional 363 years in prison.

Tshabile targeted young girls and women in the small town of Wolmaraanstad in the North West.

He would cover his face with a balaclava and drag these young women into a nearby veld, rape and then rob them at knife point.

“As a detective assigned to his cases, I used investigative tactics to gather all evidence in order to present a watertight case to the High Court,” he said.

Tshabile was linked to these offences through DNA specimens.

Morake ensured that Tshabile was put behind bars for life after the High Court of South Africa, sitting at the Klerksdorp Regional Court on 21 February 2024, found him guilty on all 65 charges, ranging from rape and sexual assault, to assault and robbery with aggravating circumstances.

He was sentenced to 11 life terms and an additional  363 years imprisonment.

Morake is appealing to all victims of gender-based violence and community members to report crime to their nearest police station for investigations to commence immediately.

“I urge all victims of gender-based violence to speak up and not to be shy to report any incidents of gender based violence to the authorities. 

“Let’s work together to create a safer society for all. I have a passion to ensure that victims of sexual crimes find closure and justice in the court of law,” said Morake.

The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign commenced on 25 November and will conclude on 10 December under the theme: “30 Years of Advancing Collective Action to End Violence Against Women and Children.” This year, the campaign emphasises prevention, economic empowerment, gender equity, positive masculinity, and accountability to address the root causes of gender-based violence and foster resilience within communities. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Fri, 11/29/2024 - 13:09

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Brazilian drug mule arrested at OR Tambo International Airport

Location: News

Brazilian drug mule arrested at OR Tambo International Airport

A 44-year-old female Brazilian drug mule has been arrested at OR Tambo International Airport.

The drug trafficker was arrested after landing from Sao Paulo on Thursday.

She was intercepted by the South African Police Service (SAPS) intelligence and found with cocaine wrapped around her upper body.

She faces a charge of drug trafficking and will appear before the Kempton Park Magistrate's Court soon.

This is the second drug trafficker to be arrested with cocaine wrapped around their torso this week. 

On Sunday, another Brazilian male drug trafficker was arrested and found in possession of cocaine worth R1.8 million.

"OR Tambo International Airport police continue to sniff out drug traffickers as they land, sending out a strong message that SA is not a playground for drug peddlers," SAPS said in a statement. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Fri, 11/29/2024 - 12:53

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eThekwini Municipality launches compliance campaign for spaza shops

Location: News

eThekwini Municipality launches compliance campaign for spaza shops

In response to the rising public health concerns and recent fatalities linked to contaminated food, eThekwini Municipality’s Health Unit is set to implement a comprehensive multidisciplinary operational campaign targeting compliance monitoring and enforcement in spaza and tuck shops across the city.

This comes amid the growing need for government to regulate the informal food outlets.

City’s Health Unit Head, Rose Van Heerden, emphasised the need for both enforcement and public education as part of the campaign, which will take place over the next two months.

Van Heerden said the unit’s campaign aims not only to enforce compliance but also educate business owners and the public about safe food practices, thereby safeguarding community health and well-being.

“Before we can enforce regulations, we must educate tuck shop owners about health standards. The continued sale of unsafe food items poses a risk, especially to vulnerable children in our communities.

“We need to engage with those who sell to schools, be it tuck shops or individuals, about practicing good safety standards and basic food hygiene,” Van Heerden said.

She said the campaign will cover various areas, including KwaNyuswa, Embo, Molweni, KwaDabeka, Wybank, Hillcrest, Waterfall, and uMlazi, with teams from Environmental Health Services, Metro Police, SAPS, and the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development.

Van Heerden noted that from January to September 2024, the Health Unit conducted over 600 inspections, and more than 700 enforcement actions across its three sub-districts.

During a similar operation conducted in November last year, authorities condemned hundreds of food items from over 80 tuck shops in Pinetown and surrounding areas.

To protect public health, Van Heerden said the teams will check food expiry dates to prevent the sale of expired goods.

She said the municipality had closed shops that had no legal documents to operate a shop and they were also going to do the same during the campaign.

“Our law enforcement partners will arrest undocumented individuals who do not present required business permits, the shutdown of illegal establishments, and the issuance of compliance notices and fines for any by-law violations,” Van Heerden said.

Van Heerden has encouraged residents to remain vigilant when purchasing food from informal vendors and to report any concerns regarding product safety to the appropriate authorities.

Complaints can be directed to the city on 031 311 3555 or via WhatsApp on 083 560 3974. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 11/28/2024 - 11:46

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Help desks ensure priority attention for GBV cases

Location: News

Help desks ensure priority attention for GBV cases

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has Gender-Based Violence Desks at every police station to ensure such cases receive priority attention and are speedily attended and responded to.

This is according to a statement by the police as the country marks the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) campaign.

There are currently 1 161 designated Victim Friendly Rooms (VFRs) at police facilities which include police stations, contact points, satellite police stations, two international airports and at Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offences Units.

“The VFR is a dedicated room within a police station to provide a space for victims of intimate violence (gender-based violence, child abuse, sexual offences and domestic violence) to ensure their statements are taken in private within a non-threatening environment,” said the police.

This year marks the 26th anniversary of South Africa’s participation in the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign, was launched on 25 November 2024 in Rustenburg, in the North West.

This supports the global campaign which runs from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day).

President Cyril Ramaphosa has identified GBV as a “silent pandemic” that erodes the country’s social fabric and hinders progress. He has called on society to confront patriarchal power structures that perpetuate violence and inequality. 

Parliament echoes this call, emphasising the need for men to participate in the fight against GBV actively and to challenge harmful norms and behaviours.

As custodians of the rights and well-being of all South Africans, Parliament said it would intensify its oversight to ensure that the relevant departments and regulatory bodies enforce food safety standards and take decisive action against those who endanger public health. 

Government’s efforts towards creating safer spaces for women and children are also evident through the expansion of Thuthuzela and Khuseleka Care Centres. These centres provide a place of refuge for those who have endured GBVF and serve as an access point for support and counselling. 

These and other initiatives are aimed at encouraging men to tackle GBVF head-on. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Wed, 11/27/2024 - 11:42

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Police foil kidnapping attempt, arrest nine suspects

Location: News

Police foil kidnapping attempt, arrest nine suspects

Police have foiled a kidnapping attempt and arrested nine suspects in Ivory Park on Tuesday.

Three firearms and a vehicle used during the commission of the crime were also seized.

Another suspect was fatally wounded during a shootout with the police.

According to a preliminary report, a team comprising members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Anti-Kidnapping Unit, various law enforcement units and private security companies, operationalised information on an attempt to kidnap a businessman based in Benoni, Gauteng.

The syndicate was successfully intercepted. 

One suspect attempted to evade arrest. He fired gunshots at the SAPS members, who retaliated and fatally wounded the suspect. Nine suspects were ultimately apprehended.

Further investigation revealed that the three seized firearms and the suspects' vehicle are positively linked to other criminal cases.

The deceased suspect had recently been released from prison. – SAnewa.gov.za

 

Edwin
Wed, 11/27/2024 - 09:51

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Reduction in some crime categories

Location: News

Reduction in some crime categories

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has recorded a downward trend in some categories of crime, including murder, robbery and carjacking.

From 1 July to 30 September 2024, the 17 community-reported serious crimes showed an overall decline of 5.1%. Specifically, contact crime decreased by 3%, property-related crime saw a reduction of 9.9%, and other serious crime decreased by 3.4%. 

“Focusing on contact crime, the statistics indicate that murder decreased by 5.8%, sexual offenses by 2.5%, and robbery with aggravating circumstances by 8,8%.

“Additionally, rape decreased by 3.1%, while robbery at residential premises and non-residential premises decreased by 1.3% and 21.1%, respectively. 

“Among the 17 community-reported crime categories monitored, the only increases were observed in attempted murder, assault GBH [grievous bodily harm] and commercial crime, which rose by 2.2%, 1% and 18.5% respectively,” said Police Minister Senzo Mchunu during the release of the Quarterly Crime Statistics and Reflection on 100 Days in office at the SAPS Gauteng head office on Monday.

The Minister said Operation Shanela has proven highly successful, leading to 262 396 arrests, 7 549 high-density operations, and over eight million actions executed. 

Public Order Policing achievements in the second quarter of 2024/25 include 2 756 arrests, with seizures of counterfeit goods worth R22.2 million, 93 firearms, and 846 rounds of ammunition. 

Border Policing efforts resulted in 6 610 arrests and significant confiscations, including drugs worth R498 million, firearms, explosives, and stolen vehicles valued at R66.9 million. 

Mchunu said there is a need for close collaboration between the SAPS, the Justice cluster, National Prosecuting Authority and Home Affairs to make Operation Shanela more effective in relation to different crimes and criminals. 

“We are also currently consolidating Operation Shanela and will make our plans known in due course,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

Matona
Tue, 11/26/2024 - 13:24

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Brazilian nabbed for drug trafficking

Location: News

Brazilian nabbed for drug trafficking

A 25-year-old Brazilian national has been arrested at OR Tambo International Airport for drug trafficking.

He was found in possession of over three kilograms of drugs wrapped around his body, which was later confirmed to be cocaine with an estimated value of R1.8 million.

The suspect had just landed from São Paulo, Brazil, when he was arrested. The suspect is expected to appear in court soon.

In the past two months, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested at least 14 drug mules at OR Tambo International Airport.

Every week in the last two months, SAPS has arrested at least one drug mule at OR Tambo.

Among those arrested was a 21-year-old South African woman, who became the 11th person arrested for drug trafficking at the airport.

At the time, the police said she was intercepted as she was arriving on a flight from São Paulo.

She was taken to a local hospital where an X-ray confirmed that she had foreign objects in her stomach. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 11/25/2024 - 15:00

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Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality assures of safe festive season

Location: News

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality assures of safe festive season

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has committed to collaborating with all law enforcement agencies to keep residents and visitors safe during the festive season.

The municipality and South African Police Service (SAPS) this week unveiled the 2024 Safer Festive Season Programme with a zero-tolerance approach towards crime at an event held in Feather Market Hall.

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Mayor, Babalwa Lobishe, led the operation together with the SAPS Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Major-General Vuyisile Ncata and Mayoral Committee Members.

Speaking at the launch, Lobishe said the cooperation agreement includes all spheres of government and civil society in creating a safe and secure environment; development of programmes, plans, interventions and infrastructure that will seek to reduce the levels of crime; and alignment of strategies and coordination of implementation.

"Certainly, we would like to see a clean and safe city. That is why I applaud the EDTA's [Economic Development Tourism and Agriculture] initiative of internal collaboration with public health as well as with the SAPS, businesses, and the tourism industry to ensure that these conditions for a successful season are addressed in preparation for the 2024/25 summer season.

“We wish to welcome back home those who work in other towns and the thousands of tourists who will be enjoying our ‘Friendly City’ and assure them that we are ready to delivery yet another memorable festive season," Lobishe said.

The Mayor added that the Departments of Home Affairs and Correctional Services have been integrated into the festive season operation.

The launch was held in conjunction with a successful road safety roadblock on the N2 Neptune Bridge.

A total of 454 vehicles were stopped while 225 were searched. Traffic fines for unlicenced and unregistered vehicles were issued, including two arrests, one for unlicenced firearm and one for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Ncata said criminals were operating in an organised fashion, and due to this, the law enforcement agencies have jacked up their operations.

He said he was happy with the police readiness, saying whether it be the traffic services, police, or metro police, “we are going to intensify our operations”.

The Major-General warned that the police will not tolerate lawlessness in the city.

“We want to hit the [ground] running, we want to be in the hot spot areas and roadblocks and address our crime generators especially in our taverns [and] check their compliance as well. Criminals are brazen, while we have our own plans, they also have their own plans."

Ncata highlighted that since the signing of the cooperation agreement, the district has seen a reduction in crime statistics, especially in house robberies, car and truck jackings, and street robberies where firearms are used. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

GabiK
Fri, 11/22/2024 - 11:22

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Suspected serial house robbers arrested in Pretoria

Location: News

Suspected serial house robbers arrested in Pretoria

South African Police Service (SAPS) members have apprehended four suspects believed to be responsible for multiple house robberies in Rietgat and Jukulyn in Pretoria.

The police members from Rietgat conducted a successful track-and-trace operation, following an intensive investigation on Wednesday, at approximately 02:00.

“The operation commenced after the verification of intelligence, confirming the suspects' location. The team executed a takedown at the identified property, apprehending the startled suspects without any resistance or incidents.

“A thorough search of the premises resulted in the recovery of an unlicensed firearm, which was subsequently confiscated. Additionally, a white BMW believed to have been used in the commission of the robberies was seized,” said the police.

The suspects have been linked to at least nine known cases of house robberies. Investigations are ongoing to determine if they may be connected to other criminal activities.

The confiscated firearm will undergo ballistic testing to establish whether it has been used in other crimes.

District Commissioner of Tshwane, Major-General Samuel Thine, has commended the team for their dedication and swift action in securing these arrests, contributing to the safety and security of the community.  – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Fri, 11/22/2024 - 09:31

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SAPS: We expect everyone to cooperate in compliance inspections

Location: News

SAPS: We expect everyone to cooperate in compliance inspections

National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, has warned that the police will, through the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS), monitor adherence to the law.

This comes as integrated multidisciplinary teams undertake compliance inspections of food handling facilities, manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers. This includes spaza shops and general dealers.

The President last week announced that a massive campaign of door-to-door inspections of all spaza shops, tuck shops and other informal traders will be undertaken, starting with Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. 

This will be undertaken by teams consisting of the South African Military Health Services, environmental health practitioners, the South African Police Service, the National Consumer Council, labour inspectors and others.

The initial phase of inspections is expected to be completed within a month.

“As the police we expect everyone to cooperate. We will continue to visit warehouses countrywide to ensure that we know what is contained there, to ensure that we know what is being transported and to ensure that there is no illegal stuff that proliferate in the country,” General Masemola said.  

He was briefing media in Pretoria on Thursday, along with various Ministers who are leading the multidisciplinary teams in government, responsible for the national response to instances of food borne illnesses.

General Masemola warned that the police would not hesitate to take action if people are not cooperating or where there is non-compliance. 

The NATJOINTS has further encouraged communities to register their businesses and be responsible citizens.

“Government appeals to members of the public not to disturb the process of registration by blocking certain shop owners from participating in the process, this includes conducting unlawful inspections by members of the public and other unauthorised bodies,” NATJOINTS said.

Last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa called for all spaza shops and food-handling facilities to register with their respective municipalities within 21 days. 

Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau emphasised the importance of registering businesses and ensuring compliance.

“If you continue to trade while unregistered, you are operating outside the framework that allows government to execute its responsibility to the necessary standard that has been set. We need to ensure that there is compliance. This is to protect our people,” Tau said.

He said unregistered enterprises in the townships and in the rural areas are not able to get support from government.

“When you are registered, it is possible for us to provide the necessary support. Our laws are clear on who qualifies to register a business, including a spaza shop,” the Minister said.

The Minister of Small Business Development Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams stressed that only individuals and businesses that meet the legal requirements and regulations stipulated by South African laws will be permitted to operate businesses in the country. 

Ndabeni-Abrahams said all must be onboard to address the crisis the country is faced with.

“We need to think bigger and look at the broader picture if we want to deal with the challenge and not only target one aspect of the challenge,” the Minister said.

She said the law stipulates who can do business, whether you are South African or non-South African. “Our laws don’t change because we are faced with a crisis. If you don’t meet the requirements, you won’t be able to trade,” the Minister said.

Minister Ndabeni-Abrahams said municipalities on their own cannot verify the authenticity of all businesses and individuals.

She said they do not have the capacity to conduct identity authentication and hence they were bringing in other departments, like the Department of Home Affairs.

“Everybody running a business in the township, in the village, whether it’s a butchery or a wholesale, you have a responsibility to go and register your business. We appeal to South Africans not to take the law into their own hands,” the Minister said. - SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Thu, 11/21/2024 - 12:50

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Government, stakeholders sign declaration to work together against “construction mafia”

Location: News

Government, stakeholders sign declaration to work together against "construction mafia"

The signing of the Durban Declaration between the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure and stakeholders involved in the fight against “construction mafias”, has been welcomed by Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson

The department and the South African Police Service (SAPS), the National Treasury and the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) have agreed to work together to bring an end to criminal disruption at construction sites.

The Durban Declaration was signed by the Minister, Deputy Minister of Police Cassel Mathale, Deputy Minister of Finance Ashor Sarupen and CIDB chairperson Khulile Nzo, at the end of the National Construction Summit on Crime-Free Construction at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre on Tuesday afternoon.

“The Durban Declaration marks a historic partnership and commitment between different sectors of society to work together to bring an end to the so-called construction mafia and ensure that infrastructure projects continue uninterrupted. 

“It binds sectors to implement certain interventions to discourage criminality at construction sites, reduce opportunities for disruptions to occur, and hold the guilty accountable,” Macpherson said.

“From the moment I was appointed as Public Works and Infrastructure Minister, it was clear to me that unless we bring an end to these stoppages at infrastructure projects, we would never be able to attract additional investment which will grow our economy and create jobs. 

“As job creation is the Government of National Unity’s key priority, it was therefore imperative to address the issue head-on, and the signing of the declaration today is a fulfilment of this commitment,” he said.

The Durban Declaration proposes a series of interventions to end the disruptions at construction sites to be implemented over the course of the next year, including:

• Strengthening the legislation governing the construction industry

• Implementing appropriate policies for the development of the construction industry

• Improving the data and reporting systems

• Enhancing the rapid response to lead to arrests for extortion on construction sites and prosecutions

• Developing standard frameworks and guidelines for embedding social facilitation in project planning and implementation

• Providing for the systematic and structured development of emerging enterprises and skills development

• Establishing collaborative platforms for industry stakeholders to share best practices

• Collaborate on solutions to the problems faced by the construction industry

“By the time the next National Construction Summit takes place next year, I look forward to reporting that meaningful progress was achieved in these focus areas and that there has been a significant decline in the number of construction disruptions reported. 

“I have no doubt that by working together, we will be able to bring an end to the construction mafia and build a better South Africa. Together, let’s build South Africa,” Macpherson said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 11/20/2024 - 10:32

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Read moreGovernment, stakeholders sign declaration to work together against “construction mafia”

Over 11 000 suspects arrested through Operation Shanela

Location: News

Over 11 000 suspects arrested through Operation Shanela

The South African Police Service (SAPS), through Operation Shanela, has arrested 11 059 suspects between 11 and 17 November 2024.

Operation Shanela 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.

Just this week alone, the following arrests were made:

  • 2 086 wanted suspects were arrested. These suspects were wanted for various serious and violent crimes such as murder, attempted murder, rape, business and house robberies.
  • 125 suspects were arrested for murder, majority of these suspects were arrested in Gauteng (40), followed by Western Cape (35) and Eastern Cape (17).
  • 115 suspects were arrested for attempted murder.
  • 191 suspects were arrested for rape. KwaZulu-Natal arrested the majority of these suspects with 86 arrests.
  • 1 395 suspects were arrested for assault GBH [grievous bodily harm] during this period.
  • 329 drug dealers were arrested --101 more drug dealers behind bars than the previous week
  • 1 355 suspects were arrested for being in possession of drugs, and the majority of these suspects were arrested in the Western Cape (446).
  • 128 suspects were arrested for being in the illegal possession of firearms, with the majority of these suspects arrested in Western Cape (47).
  • 1 364 illegal foreign nationals were also arrested during this period. 
  • 405 drivers were arrested for drunken driving in the past week.

Under recoveries and confiscations, police registered the following successes:

  • 137 firearms were confiscated in the past week.
  • 2 003 rounds of ammunition were also confiscated.
  • 61 hijacked and stolen vehicles were also recovered during this week’s operations.

Highlights of major takedowns and other successes include the following:

  •  In an effort to combat extortion, on 15 November 2024, Limpopo Provincial Organised Crime Unit arrested 11 suspects following allegations of extortion at one of the mines in the Sekhukhune District. The suspects also threatened to close the mine if they did not receive tenders.
  • SAPS members in the Northern Cape conducted an intelligence-driven operation last week, which resulted in the arrest of three suspects for unlawful possession of rhino horns and protected plants on the R355 road between Springbok and Gamoep. Police confiscated protected plants with an estimated value of R45 400 and rhino horns worth R449 000.
  • Five suspects linked to spiking incidents on the N1 in the Bela-Bela area in Limpopo were arrested and were positively identified during an identity parade.
  • Limpopo police arrested two Zimbabwean nationals aged between 25 and 31 the for possession of illicit cigarettes worth more than R1 million in Limpopo. Police intercepted a truck suspected to be smuggling cigarettes from Zimbabwe en-route to Gauteng via Northam. 170 boxes of illicit cigarettes, Remington Gold, with an estimated street value of R1.1 million were seized.

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. – SAnews.gov.za 

Edwin
Tue, 11/19/2024 - 10:15

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Read moreOver 11 000 suspects arrested through Operation Shanela