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SAPS makes strides in crime fighting operations
SAPS makes strides in crime fighting operations
Police Minister Bheki Cele says combating crime through decisive police action and robust community involvement remains at the heart of policing in the country.
“We all can agree that crime is [at unacceptable] levels and communities have called on the SAPS [South African Police Service] to respond to their crime concerns,” Cele said.
Addressing media on the Police Take Down Successes of Police Counter Operations in Pretoria on Sunday, Cele said in the past few of days, SAPS has intercepted armed and dangerous gangs, who have left a reign of terror and fear in their wake.
“A group of 11 youngsters terrorising the community of Mariannhill in KwaZulu- Natal was intercepted, and nine were shot and killed during the arrest,” Cele said.
Cele said over 20 would-be cash-in-transit (CIT) robbers in Witbank, Mpumalanga, were also stopped in their tracks through coordinated responses by the police and private security.
“Five of the suspects were killed during gunfire exchange with police in their attempt to evade arrest. Eight of CIT robbers were arrested and another nine managed to escape.
“There is no doubt that these criminals and many others are ruthless and arrogant. Their actions demonstrate that they will eliminate anything and anyone that stands in their way.
“Criminals have waged a war on communities and are so brazen, they are testing the authority of the State by attacking police officers,” Cele said.
Cele said police remain unapologetic in their aggressive and decisive response to crime.
“This Ministry remains in full support of police work that results in safer communities. We will forever welcome the arrest of criminals and for them to have their day in court.
“But criminals are warned that if they engage the police instead of surrendering themselves; they will come out short.
“We are clear police will continue to protect communities and push back hard on criminality. Not on our watch will we allow criminals to walk all over communities and certainly not the country’s law enforcement,” Cele said.
Cele said the SAPS Crime Intelligence Division has been rejuvenated and bolstered to identify and infiltrate syndicates.
He said intervention units and tactical response teams of the SAPS continue to be capacitated.
“The Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigations and overall detection of organised crime is sharper than ever. The combination of all these policing services is decisively responding to crime especially to violent and serious crime.
“Without an ounce of hesitation, officers on the ground will protect their lives and preserve the lives of innocent community members when the need arises,” Cele said.
He said takedowns by the police are not isolated and are not coincidental.
“They are as a direct result of reliable and strong intelligence coupled by sharp tactical readiness of police units who are trained to neutralise any threat and protect lives,” he said.
According to Cele, from April 2023 to date, 1 171 intelligence-led takedowns were conducted by the SAPS.
To date, 3 749 suspects have been apprehended during intelligence-led takedowns. These include 173 for murder, 57 for extortion and kidnapping, 164 for property-related crimes and 269 for vehicle-related crimes.
Cele said 768 suspects have been arrested for possession of illegal firearms.
“Four hundred and eighty-eight and 79 suspects were arrested for robberies and CIT robberies, respectively; 1 510 drug-related and 214 illicit mining arrests were made from April to date during intelligence-led takedowns,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sun, 04/07/2024 - 11:16
642 views
Operation Shanela nets over 500 000 suspects
Operation Shanela nets over 500 000 suspects
Police Minister Bheki Cele says 551 506 suspects have been arrested for various crimes across the country since May 2023 when Operation Shanela was introduced.
“Over 500 000 suspected criminals have been removed from society and brought before the courts to answer for their alleged crimes,” Cele said.
Addressing media in Pretoria on Sunday on the Police Take Down Successes of Police Counter Operations , Cele said police on the ground are each week pushing back on crime through high density operations in identified high crime areas across the country through Operation Shanela.
“Officers in all nine provinces, led by the respective Provincial Commissioners, have conducted almost 70 000 (69 468) high density crime prevention and combating operations in the last 11 months,” Cele said.
The countrywide high-density operations have resulted in the arrest of 8 563 suspected rapists and 6 045 murder suspects.
“[A total of] 4 410 suspects have been arrested for attempted murder. Police officers have arrested 63 573 assault GBH [grievous bodily harm] suspects and 37 333 suspects accused of common assault.
“[A total of] 41 191 suspects have been arrested for the Contravention of the Immigration Act and were found to be in the country illegally, [while] 16 073 drunk drivers were taken off our roads and arrested through various roadblocks and stop-and-searches during simultaneous countrywide operations.
“[A total of] 2 819 illegal miners involved in illicit mining were also caught and taken through the court processes,” Cele said.
Under operation ‘Vala umgodi’, a multidisciplinary operation involving various government departments such as the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, 3 298 illegal miners were arrested.
Cele said 1 028 hijacking suspects have been arrested over the past 11 months and 3 670 suspects were nabbed and face business burglary charges, while a further 10 743 suspects were arrested for breaking and entering into houses.
“Working jointly with local, provincial and national traffic police and other sister departments, the focus of Operation Shanela remains the prevention of crime,” the Minister said.
Over 150 suspects shot and killed by police
Cele said over 150 suspects were shot and killed from April 2023 to date.
This figure, according to Cele, includes the September 2023 fatal shooting of 19 cash-in-transit (CIT) suspects in Makhado, Limpopo, who engaged in a gun battle with police instead of surrendering.
Cele said while it is the aim of the police to arrest suspects, some heavily armed suspected criminals choose to engage the police in a gun battle and police respond accordingly.
“Police have and will come out on top during these takedowns. In April 2023, 10 heavily armed CIT-related robbers were shot and killed during a confrontation with police in Sebokeng in Gauteng province,” Cele said.
He noted that the kidnapping of members of the public and influential individuals, as well as businesspersons, remains a concern.
“The responses by the police to this crime is, however, encouraging and sizable inroads are being made,” he said.
The Minister said the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) has arrested 62 suspects involved in kidnappings for ransom from April to date.
“Police operations have also led to the arrest of 55 suspects for the kidnapping of Chinese nationals in the country. Five suspects have been arrested for their role in the kidnapping of Mozambican nationals.
“The DPCI has also undertaken significant takedown operations targeting various criminal syndicates in the past 11 months.
“These operations have resulted in the interception of 14 identified targets across a range of illicit activities including theft, fraud, drug trafficking, money laundering and contraventions of financial regulations.”
Assets, with an estimated value of R6.2 million, were seized from April 2023 to date. Sixteen drug labs, with drugs valued over R161 million, were also shut down during this time.
Additionally, 20 suspects were apprehended in connection with drug-related offences.
Cele said in separate operations targeting narcotics, led by the DPCI, drugs valued at over R506 million were taken out of circulation and 148 suspects were apprehended through policing operations.
“Added to the work of the DPCI, the Organised Crime Unit -- within the Detectives of the SAPS -- conducted numerous multi-disciplinary takedown operations focusing on drugs. Illicit substances such as mandrax, cocaine, heroin and magic mushrooms, with an estimated street value of R121 700 000, were seized,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sun, 04/07/2024 - 12:16
108 views
KPMG bursary specialist arrested for theft, fraud and money laundering
KPMG bursary specialist arrested for theft, fraud and money laundering
The court case of KPMG bursary specialist, Fidelis Moema, has been postponed to 9 April 2024 for formal bail application.
This after Moema, who faces charges of theft, fraud, and money laundering, appeared at the Palm Ridge Commercial Crimes Court on Tuesday, 2 April 2024 after he handed over himself to the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crimes Investigation team in Johannesburg.
According to a statement from the South African Police Service (SAPS), Moema is accused of misdirecting funds intended for bursary recipients between 2021 and 2022.
“Instead of paying university fees on behalf of students, the accused would pay the money into the bank accounts belonging to friends and individuals who own companies. The money would then be paid back into his personal bank account,” police said in a statement.
As per the SAPS statement, Moema's fraudulent actions led to the audit firm suffering a loss of R16.5 million. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 04/05/2024 - 11:13
138 views
Police and soldiers deployed to tiny West Coast fishing village
Controversial boat quotas to be reconsidered after meeting with Hondeklip Bay fishers, says fisheries department
Police arrest more suspects in UFH murder case
Police arrest more suspects in UFH murder case
The South African Police Service (SAPS) National Task Team, which is assigned with the responsibility of investigating and arresting those responsible for the murder and attempted murder cases at the University of Fort Hare (UFH), has effected 15 more arrests.
This brings the number of those arrested in this case to 25 suspects.
The suspects were arrested in various provinces over the Easter weekend, including in Gauteng, the Eastern and the Western Cape, as well as KwaZulu-Natal.
The 15 suspects face a string of charges ranging from fraud, corruption, kidnapping, murder and attempted murder.
They are expected to make their first court appearance today at the Dimbaza Magistrate’s Court in the Eastern Cape.
The National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, said the task team will continue to do their work without fear or favour.
“The team has been hard at work in getting to the bottom of who is behind fraud, corruption and the murders at the university. They will continue to investigate and hunt down those who are found to have had a hand in any wrongdoing.
“Our focus is to bring before court a case that will be able to stand in court with all the evidence that has been collected by the team,” said Masemola.
Police Minister General Bheki Cele and Masemola are expected to attend court proceedings today. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 04/02/2024 - 10:01
483 views
Damning report on “state of disrepair” of many police stations
The committee recommended that SAPS finds a way to be less dependent on Public Works
Heightened police visibility this Easter weekend
Heightened police visibility this Easter weekend
Law enforcement and border security measures are in place to ensure the safety of all this Easter holiday period, Cabinet said on Thursday.
“There will be heightened police visibility across the country aimed at preventing, combating and at the same time, countering serious and violent crime during the holiday period and beyond,” said Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.
Ntshavheni addressed the media on Thursday the outcomes of the last official Cabinet meeting of the sixth administration held yesterday.
She also took the time to extend Cabinet’s best wishes to the Christian and Jewish communities as they observe the religious Easter and Passover holidays this weekend.
“During this time, many South Africans will travel around the country to visit their families and friends, resulting in increased traffic volumes,” said Ntshavheni.
She used the platform to appeal to those travelling during this holiday period to exercise caution on the road, adhere to traffic rules, and respect other road users.
“Law enforcement has adopted a zero tolerance for road users who drive recklessly and are negligent and those who use excessive speeds.”
She also reminded parents and caregivers to always be aware of their children’s whereabouts and ensure that their children are only left with responsible adults.
The Minister also advised them to be extra vigilant while supervising children around swimming pools or anywhere near water.
Shifting her focus to border security management, she said the Executive further welcomed the Border Management Authority’s (BMA) efforts to increase security control measures and reducing congestion.
She also announced that the BMA would extend the operating hours at critical ports of entry and deploy an additional 400 border guards to deal with the expected increase of travellers this Easter weekend.
The South African Police Service (SAPS), South African Revenue Service (SARS), South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and Cross-Border Road Transport Agency (C-BRTA) are supporting this Easter operational plan.
The Executive applauded the work of the BMA, which will on 1 April 2024, mark one year since it was established.
The agency has intercepted over 270 000 people who tried to enter South Africa illegally and helped curb illegal migration, human smuggling, trafficking and cross-border crime.
Gaza conflict
Cabinet has also welcomed the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution that calls for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip for the Holy month of Ramadan and the unconditional release of all hostages.
The resolution also notes the urgent need to expand the flow of humanitarian assistance.
“This resolution is the affirmation of the correctness of South Africa’s position on the need to prevent genocide and the violation of human rights of the people of Palestine and the release of hostages by Hamas.”
According to the Minister, she said these resolutions are binding and that the UNSC should ensure compliance.
“Therefore, adoption of this resolution is a critical step to also enable the flow of humanitarian assistance to the Gaza area,” she said.
READ | President welcomes UNSC resolution on Gaza ceasefire
Gender-based violence (GBV) prevention, corruption, and municipality officials arrested for corruption were some of the issues discussed by Cabinet.
30 Years of Freedom
Meanwhile, on 5 April 2024, South Africa will launch the 30 Years of Freedom commemoration which also coincides with Freedom Month in April.
“The occasion forever reverberates in the history of our nation as a month that gave birth to our freedom and constitutional democracy. The commemoration of 30 Years of Freedom is an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable journey we have traversed to create a vibrant democracy where the lives of all people are valued and people treated with respect,” said the Minister.
Other matters
Meanwhile, Cabinet said the signing of the agreement between South Africa and Zimbabwe to transfer treated water from Beitbridge Water Treatment Works in Zimbabwe to Musina, Limpopo, will alleviate water supply challenges in Musina.
“There will be further socio-economic benefits from the construction of a 20km pipeline and pump stations to transfer this 41 mega litres of water per/day to ensure Musina has sufficient water supply for the medium term.”
In addition, she said South Africa aims to promote industrialisation, competition, and job creation through seven master plans in different sectors.
The seven master plans are being implemented through the deployment of industrial policy tools, to develop capacity, increase investment and localisation, expand exports, and preserve and grow jobs.
In addition, she stated that Cabinet received an update on progress towards digital migration, with the final analogue switch set for December 2024. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 03/28/2024 - 11:55
71 views
PRASA committed to protecting commuters
PRASA committed to protecting commuters
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all individuals visiting its stations following a disturbing incident of a woman that was parked outside Park Station in Johannesburg.
“In light of a troubling viral video featuring a female motorist recounting a distressing experience outside Park Station while awaiting her family inside her vehicle, we urge everyone visiting our stations to park in designated areas within our station premises,” PRASA said on Wednesday.
PRASA said adequate security measures are in place to safeguard everyone visiting its stations.
The premises outside of Park Station falls under the jurisdiction of the municipality, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD).
The agency said these entities will be engaged further to strengthen security outside the station premises.
“We would also like to clarify that the designated parking inside Park Station, we do not make use of car guards. Additionally, we have Protection Services Personnel who wear distinct security apparel and not reflector jackets.
“Our Protection Services Personnel have been briefed to remain on high alert and take immediate action in response to any suspicious activity, following our established security protocols. Ensuring the safety and security of our passengers, employees, and patrons are of outmost importance to us,” PRASA said on Wednesday. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 03/27/2024 - 14:22
270 views
Increased deployments at the country’s borders this Easter weekend
Increased deployments at the country's borders this Easter weekend
More Border Management Authority (BMA) resources are going to be deployed and operating times will be increased at the country’s ports of entry in anticipation of an increase in movements during the Easter long weekend.
“The BMA is compelled to properly plan and execute a deliberate plan in order to ensure smooth and secure border operations during this period,” BMA Commissioner Michael Masiapato said on Monday.
Briefing the media in Pretoria, Masiapato said there was a critical need for the authority to increase its deployment of resources in anticipation of increased movements at the borders, as this presents unique challenges.
“As a reminder to all the stakeholders, the BMA is mandated to facilitate and manage the legitimate movements of persons and goods across all our 52 land ports of entry, 10 international airports and nine seaports,” he said.
The facilitation of movement at the ports of entry is done across five key functional areas of immigration, port health, environmental and agricultural biosecurity, including access control and general law enforcement at the ports of entry and border law enforcement areas.
“During these facilitations, the BMA officials have to secure the ports environment against threats of illegal migration, smuggling, as well as trafficking of persons and goods.
“With this in mind, we have formulated comprehensive strategies and an operational plan to ensure that our deployments are responsive and ensure efficient port operations, with the requisite capability to deal with any security threats and/or risks, which may arise during the upcoming Easter period,” he said.
The Easter operational plan is supported by various law enforcement structure,s such as the South African Police Service (SAPS), South African Revenue Service (SARS), South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Cross Border Road Transport Agency and various traffic authorities.
“Since our establishment, the BMA has intensified its working relationship with the Immigration Inspectorate, which has the mandate to identify illegal migrants who are already in the country and ensure their processing for deportation to their respective countries,” Masiapato said.
He said in this Easter period, they anticipate about one million people moving through the country’s ports.
“The numbers for this year’s Easter period could escalate further as members of the Zion Christian Church (ZCC), one of our biggest churches in the region, is opening for the annual Easter pilgrimage to Moria for the first time since COVID-19.”
Masiapato said the BMA has engaged their counterparts in Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini and Botswana, and they have agreed to extending operating hours at certain critical ports, which do not usually operate on a 24-hours basis.
The chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Consultative Committee on Border Management, who is also the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has approved the request to extend operating hours for selected ports.
Statistics for the 2023 Easter period showed that ports of entry, which facilitated the majority of the people were Beitbridge to Zimbabwe, Lebombo to Mozambique, Groblers Bridge to Botswana, Maseru Bridge and Ficksburg to Lesotho, OR Tambo International Airport, Cape Town International Airport, Oshoek to Eswatini, Kopfontein to Botswana and Caledonspoort to Lesotho. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 03/25/2024 - 14:47
244 views
KZN Premier inspects SA-Mozambique border
KZN Premier inspects SA-Mozambique border
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government has requested the Department of Transport to fast-track the raising of a concrete barrier wall along the South Africa and Mozambique border to curb the theft of vehicles and movement of illicit goods.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, conducted an oversight visit to the border between Mozambique and South Africa in Manguzi, in the Umkhanyakude District Municipality, under the auspices of Operation Siyahlola, to assess progress on the construction of jersey barrier walls.
The project, which covers about 25km of the vulnerable border line, was initiated by the KwaZulu-Natal government in 2018 as part of a basket of interventions to fight crime in the area.
The project was mainly conceived to prevent an easy egress for stolen vehicles and livestock and is being implemented in three phases.
Speaking during the site inspection on Thursday, Dube-Ncube noted good progress in the construction of the phase that cuts through Gate 6 - one of the hotspot segments of the border line.
“The concrete slab foundation to conclude this phase has been laid and we are confident that the construction will move quicker. We have directed the Department of Transport to fast track the raising of the walls,” Dube-Ncube said.
The Premier, who was accompanied by Umkhanyakude District Municipality Mayor, Siphile Mdaka, police and senior government officials, said the provincial government is working with its social partners to break the back of criminal syndicates that terrorise the communities along the borderline.
“As we announced during the State of the Province Address, government is also pursuing diplomatic channels to coordinate strategic efforts to fight cross border crime. We are working closely with the newly established Border Management Authority, the SAPS [South African Police Service] Specialized KZN Stabilising Team, Amakhosi and other crime fighting structures to address issues of criminality in the area.”
Dube-Ncube noted that interventions are already yielding positive results as several high-profile criminals have been arrested and are facing prosecution.
“Already several cars have been found stuck and abandoned, some hanging on the jersey barriers because syndicates could not take them across to Mozambique because of the high border walls,” the Premier said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 03/22/2024 - 10:47
160 views
Dagga worth over R600 000 seized at the border
Dagga worth over R600 000 seized at the border
Members of the South African Police Service’s border policing unit have arrested a 43-year-old truck driver from the Kingdom of Eswatini for allegedly attempting to smuggle dagga into South Africa.
In a statement on Friday, the SAPS said the male suspect was apprehended at the Oshoek Port of Entry in the early hours of Thursday morning.
According to police, at around 00:30am, the suspect was searched by members of the SAPS on the arrivals side of the port of entry.
“It was during this search that the astute members discovered the dagga concealed under a load of timber. As a result, the driver was detained and charged accordingly,” the statement said.
A total of 150kgs of dagga with an estimated street value of R630 840 was seized.
The truck, with number plates from the Kingdom of Eswatini, was confiscated together with the seized dagga for further investigation.
The suspect is expected to appear at the Elukwatini Magistrate's Court today.
Mpumalanga Provincial Commissioner of the Police, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, has applauded the members for their dedication.
"The continuous arrests and successes witnessed at the borders prove that indeed the members are working with diligence. They are doing an excellent work on daily basis,” General Manamela said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 03/22/2024 - 10:20
232 views
Parliament calls for intensified training on domestic violence among officers
Parliament calls for intensified training on domestic violence among officers
The Portfolio Committee on Police has directed South African Police Service (SAPS) senior managers to increase and enhance training for SAPS members to ensure compliance with the Domestic Violence Act (DVA).
This comes after the committee received a report on compliance with the Act and complaints against SAPS members, as contemplated in Section 18(4)(a) of the Act.
The committee said non-compliance with the Act undermines the fight against gender-based violence, and that increased training will equip police officers with the tools necessary to ensure proper reporting and investigation of domestic violence.
“It is unacceptable that in a country like South Africa, with abnormally high cases of domestic violence, there are still some members of the SAPS that are not compliant with the Act. While there is a general improvement in the number of complaints received, complete compliance is non-negotiable, according to the committee,” the chairperson of the committee, Nocks Seabi, said.
SAPS and the Civilian Secretariat for Police Service informed the committee that from 1 April to 30 September 2023, 60 complaints were reported. Fifty of those cases involved failure to complete a SAPS 508(a) form (a domestic violence form used to descriptively register the incident of domestic violence received) and the Domestic Violence Register (SAPS 508(b)).
Seven cases involved the failure to record domestic violence incidents in the occurrence pocketbook, and two cases concern failure to assist a complainant to open a case.
While the committee acknowledged that various actions have been taken, including the issuing of verbal warning and final written warnings, the committee believes continuous training will assist police officers to properly handle cases of domestic violence and comply with legislation.
The committee has also urged departmental investigations to be speedily concluded to ensure that members are held accountable.
The committee was also critical of the high number of police officers accused of perpetrating domestic violence in the period under review.
“It is alarming that 165 members of SAPS are accused of being perpetrators of domestic violence. How can we expect perpetrators to assist and protect the most vulnerable? This is unacceptable and urgent strategies must be developed and implemented to remedy this concern,” Seabi emphasised.
The committee has also called for enhanced psycho-social support for members to help them cope with the violent environment in which they operate.
Another concern for the committee is that 116 police stations are still without victim-friendly rooms. While the committee acknowledges that there are measures to mitigate this gap, it emphasised the need for more focus on capital projects to develop such rooms.
Meanwhile, the committee also received a report on the outcomes of Safer Festive Season operations. It said it is "generally pleased" with the police visibility and operations during the festive season.
While the committee acknowledged that budgetary constraints hinder the continued roll-out of similar operations, it requested a budgetary estimation on the costs involved for Parliament to consider. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Sun, 03/17/2024 - 15:01
221 views
Clarity: No, Nkandla’s Most Famous Resident is NOT the One Sought!
KWAZULU-NATAL – Nkandla police are appealing to members of the community to assist them in locating Mr Zwane nkosiyemali Jim (91). He was last seen at his residence at Mbizwe area Nkandla on 12 March 2024 at 09:00. He was wearing a blue jacket, Maroon trouser, a white and red T-shirt and brown tekkies. Anyone …
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Minister Sihle Zikalala has promised the Vuwani police station will be completed in 2025. Work on it started in 2012.
Police Committee Emphasises Need for Increased Member Training to Ensure Compliance with Domestic Violence Act
The Portfolio Committee on Police has directed South African Police Service (SAPS) senior managers to increase and enhance training for SAPS members to ensure compliance with the Domestic Violence Act (DVA). The committee yesterday received a report on compliance with the Act and complaints against SAPS members, as contemplated in Section 18(4)(a) of the Act.
The committee said non-compliance with the Act undermines the fight against gender-based violence, which increased training will equip police officers with the tools necessary to ensure proper reporting and investigation of domestic violence. “It is unacceptable that in a country like South Africa, with abnormally high cases of domestic violence, there are still some members of the SAPS that are not complaint with the Act. While there is a general improvement in the number of complaints received, complete compliance is non-negotiable according to the committee,” said Mr Nocks Seabi, the Chairperson of the committee.
The SAPS and the Civilian Secretariat for Police Service informed the committee that from 1 April to 30 September 2023, 60 complaints were reported. Fifty of those cases involved failure to complete a SAPS 508(a) form (a domestic violence form used to descriptively register the incidence of domestic violence received) and the Domestic Violence Register (SAPS 508(b)). Seven cases involved the failure to record DV incidents in the occurrence pocket book and two cases concern a failure to assist a complainant to open a case.
While the committee acknowledged that various actions have been taken, including the issuing of verbal warning and final written warnings, the committee believes continuous training will assist police officers to properly handle cases of domestic violence and comply with legislation. The committee has also urged departmental investigations to be speedily concluded to ensure that members are held accountable.
The committee was also critical of the high number of police officers accused of perpetrating domestic violence in the period under review. “It is alarming that 165 members of SAPS are accused to be perpetrators of domestic violence. How can we expect perpetrators to assist and protect the most vulnerable. This is unacceptable and urgent strategies must be developed and implemented to remedy this concern,” Mr Seabi emphasised. The committee has also called for enhanced psycho-social support for members to help them cope with the violent environment in which they operate.
Another concern for the committee is that 116 police stations are still without victim-friendly rooms. While the committee acknowledges that there are measures to mitigate this gap, it emphasised the need for more focus on capital projects to develop such rooms.
Meanwhile, the committee also received a report on the outcomes of Safer Festive Season operations and is generally pleased with the police visibility and operations during the festive season. While the committee acknowledged that budgetary constraints hinder the continued roll-out of similar operations, it requested a budgetary estimation on the costs involved for Parliament to consider.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
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Construction of new Western Cape police station on track
Construction of new Western Cape police station on track
It is all systems go in the construction of more police stations in areas experiencing high crime volumes in the Western Cape.
The Ministry of Police says it is encouraged by the progress made by contractors who are currently building two police stations which are set to bolster policing and increase the footprint of the police in communities grappling with violent crime and gangsterism in Cape Town.
On Tuesday, the management of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Ministry of Police led by Minister General Bheki Cele, conducted monitoring and evaluation visits to the Makhaza and Tafelsig police stations which are currently under construction.
Progress is being made in the clearing of the site earmarked for the construction of the Tafelsig station which will bring police services closer to residents of Michelle’s Plain.
While there have been some delays in the commencement of construction at the Tafelsig police station due to the community’s demands to form part of the construction project, this has been resolved and contractors have agreed to source labour from the local community.
Meanwhile, the Ministry has welcomed the quick turn-around time in the building of the Makhaza police station which is now 97% complete. Upon completion, the station will better service the community of Khayelitsha.
“It has taken six months to complete the Makhaza police station and this is commendable and encourages us to do more to ensure policing services are not a ‘nice to have’ but are accessible to all.”
“We have been assured by contractors that the outstanding electricity and water connections on the site will be completed with[in] the coming weeks and the station can fully operate and service the community,” he said.
The Tafelsig and Makhaza stations alongside stations in Browns Farm and in Samora Machel, also in the Cape Flats of the Cape Town metropole, are expected to be completed and service communities by 2026. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 03/13/2024 - 10:59
1674 views
Inspection blitz nabs non-compliant employers
Inspection blitz nabs non-compliant employers
The Department of Employment and Labour, working with other law enforcement agencies, have issued over 50 contravention notices and compliance orders against non-compliant employers in Rustenburg in the North West.
Nine undocumented foreign nationals were also arrested during a joint blitz inspection by the department and other law enforcement agencies.
The three-day blitz inspection that started in Rustenburg on Monday was led by the Inspection and Enforcement Services unit of the Department of Employment and Labour in the North West in partnership with the Department of Home Affairs, the Liquor Board and the South African Police Services (SAPS).
“The first blitz inspection has led to 18 contravention notices, three prohibition notices, three improvement notices, and 31 compliance orders being issued to non-complying employers and to the arrest of nine undocumented foreign national workers,” the department said in a statement.
The inspections are part of an ongoing national programme by the department with the aim to gather all relevant law-enforcing government institutions to conduct inspections around major towns and cities in the country.
Its main purpose is to test the level of compliance in terms of the labour laws such as the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS), Compensation of Occupational Injuries and Diseases (COIDA), Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), Unemployment Insurance Act (UIA), Unemployment Insurance Contribution Act (UICA) and the Employment Act.
It also focuses on other consumer-related legislations in the wholesale and retail sector and the employment of undocumented foreign nationals.
According to the provincial chief inspector for the North West Province, Chris Sithole, the blitz inspections are unannounced visits.
“We (were) in the Bojanala District on an unannounced visit, and… on day one we managed to issue so many notices and orders to non-complying employers … we are not here to intimidate anyone; we are here to ensure that labour laws are upheld as it is our mandate to ensure that the country’s workforce is protected,” Sithole said.
The department said the undocumented foreign nationals who are working without the relevant work permits will be handled by the Department of Home Affairs and the SAPS.
“The employer will also be charged accordingly for contravening the Employment Services Act of the Department of Employment and Labour, which demands an employer to make sure that a person employed in South Africa from a foreign country should have the relevant work permit and a certain skill that is not found in the country,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 03/13/2024 - 11:16
489 views
KZN police officers commended for tracking down police killer
KZN police officers commended for tracking down police killer
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, has commended the multi-disciplinary team of police that tracked down a suspected police killer at Clermont informal settlement in Durban.
The suspect, who was wanted for the killing of an off-duty police officer over the weekend, died during a shootout with the police officers in Clermont on Monday afternoon.
KZN police spokesperson, Brigadier Jay Naicker, said the police officer from Durban Central SAPS and his colleague from KwaDabeka SAPS who were off duty, were visiting a private residence in Clermont in the early hours of Sunday when they were attacked in their vehicle.
“The deceased constable (34), who was the driver, was killed before he was robbed of his firearm, while his colleague (35), who was also robbed of his firearm, was left unharmed. The two suspects fled the scene with both policemen’s firearms, as well as a wallet and cellphone,” Naicker said.
Naicker said that following an around the clock investigation that began after the shooting, police received information that one of the killers was at an informal settlement in Clermont.
“As police officers approached the suspect’s residence, they were met with gunfire. The suspect, who is in his 30s, sustained fatal injuries following the shootout. Two firearms were recovered from the suspect’s possession.
“Investigations are ongoing to trace his accomplice. Detectives are also working on information that the deceased suspect is linked to a string of murders, robberies and carjackings,” Naicker said.
The Provincial Commissioner has thanked the team who left no stone unturned after they heard that their colleague was killed and commended them for their bravery when they came under fire from the same person who had killed him. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 03/12/2024 - 14:17
410 views
Malmesbury communities march against high water and electricity tariffs
“If you don’t have money to pay for water, the municipality blocks electricity” says protestor
Government, private sector partnership yields positive results
Government, private sector partnership yields positive results
Over the last nine months, the partnership between government and business has made significant strides in addressing the electricity supply crisis, the severe challenges in freight rail and port operations, and crime and corruption.
“Since the partnership began, the private sector has contributed more than R170 million of direct support and has mobilised over 350 technical experts. More than 130 CEOs of the country’s leading companies have pledged their support,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Monday in his weekly newsletter.
The partnership was established in June last year to tackle challenges that were an obstacle to faster growth and job creation.
“Since November 2023, load shedding is 61% lower than the same period a year ago. Among other things, this has been made possible by the return of units at Kusile power station and the impact of new generation capacity from rooftop solar and private sector investment.
“Under the leadership of its new Group CEO, Eskom is finalising an agreement with business to deploy additional independent skilled experts to support Eskom.
“Business is supporting a number of the workstreams of the National Logistics Crisis Committee (NLCC), providing technical, security and operational expertise to Transnet’s efforts to improve the performance of ports and freight rail,” the President said.
With all stakeholders working together, Transnet has achieved a 45% reduction in vessels anchored outside the Port of Durban and a 36% reduction in the waiting time to anchor for container vessels.
“A major success has been the provision of security by business on the rail network, which has resulted in a 65% reduction in criminal incidents on the Northern Corridor, reducing the number of trains cancelled. Work is currently underway to ramp up the deployment of South African Police Service (SAPS) resources to secure network infrastructure in the longer term.
“Steady progress has been made in the crime and corruption focal area. Through the Joint Initiative on Crime and Corruption (JICC), the private sector is providing business information and resources to assist with the fight against infrastructure crime,” the President said.
Support has also been provided to modernise the 10111 helpline, with a pilot project initiated at the main call centre in Midrand, and the establishment with the Hawks of a forensics analysis centre.
“Building on this progress, government and business are now focused on actions that will make a considerable and lasting difference over the course of the next few months.
“Among other things, we are working to increase electricity generation capacity from different sources by up to 10 600 MW, which will enable a significant reduction in the severity of load shedding by the end of this year.
“This includes improved Eskom plant performance, additional private investment in rooftop solar and large-scale power projects, and connecting projects from previous renewable energy bid windows to the grid,” the President said.
Following the recent appointment of permanent executive leadership, Transnet is focused on rebuilding internal capacity and drawing on private sector technical resources to restore the operational performance of strategic rail corridors.
“An important part of the work to tackle crime and corruption will be the passage of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Amendment Bill, which will strengthen the independence and investigating capacity of the NPA.
“It will also enable the establishment of additional infrastructure to support the Investigating Directorate as a permanent entity, including a dedicated forensics laboratory. A key focus of the partnership is to secure South Africa’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force grey list by at least June 2025,” Ramaphosa said.
While this partnership between government and business has been focused on specific immediate actions, the President said the broader work to grow the economy and create jobs draws on the contributions and capabilities of all social partners and stakeholders.
“As we work to rebuild our economy, we will strive to deepen these partnerships and to reach out to all South Africans to be involved in these efforts. By broadening the involvement of all social partners in this work, we will continue to build durable social compacts that make a real difference in people’s lives.
“We have long believed that it is only by working together that we can make progress. The partnership between government and business has shown what is possible when we are focused and committed towards the achievement of a common goal,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 03/11/2024 - 09:34
195 views
Police seize over R30 million worth of fake goods
Police seize over R30 million worth of fake goods
The South African Police Service (SAPS) says it remains relentless in its efforts to uproot the illicit trade in counterfeit goods, as it has a detrimental impact on the economic growth of the country.
The police services’ National Counterfeit Unit led another integrated takedown operation in the Johannesburg CBD on Friday, which resulted in the seizure of counterfeit goods worth over R9 million.
The team comprised of SAPS members, officials from the South African Revenue Services (SARS), Gauteng Traffic, Brand Protectors, Crime Prevention Wardens and security companies.
During the operation, the team seized over 11 000 counterfeit items such as clothing apparel, shoes, watches, handbags and sunglasses.
“This was the third takedown operation in Gauteng province in the last four weeks,” the SAPS said in a statement.
In addition, the team also seized over R8 million worth of counterfeit goods during a takedown operation in Rustenburg, in the North West province last week.
“This brings the total value of counterfeit goods seized for the past four weeks to over R30 million.”
Illicit drugs
Meanwhile, in Bela-Bela, Limpopo, three male suspects aged between 38 and 43 years were arrested for the unlawful possession and dealing in illicit drugs in the early hours of Friday.
Acting on intelligence regarding illicit drug activities in Bela-Bela, the Waterberg District Illicit Mining Task Team conducted a swift and intelligence-driven operation resulting in the apprehension of these suspects.
During the operation, the SAPS said a 38-year-old South African male suspect was apprehended at his residence, where the police discovered 2 900 sachets of nyaope and about six 25 litres of diesel suspected to be stolen.
Meanwhile, two foreign nationals aged 43 and 34 years were intercepted in separate locations in Bela-Bela.
“They were found in possession of illicit drugs, including ninety sachets of crystal meth and nyaope.”
In Musina, the border policing team made significant arrests as part of Disruptive Operation Vala Umgodi at the Beitbridge port of entry.
“Five Zimbabwean nationals were apprehended and subsequently processed for direct deportation by Immigration Officers from the Department of Home Affairs.”
In a separate operation, members of the Mopani District Illicit Mining Task Team conducted thorough searches during Operation Vala Umgodi on the same day, leading to the seizure of multiple mining equipment in Myakayaka village.
This equipment are believed to be linked to illegal mining activities in the Maake policing area.
Furthermore, the SAPS confiscated drugs with an estimated street value of R90 000 during an intelligence-driven operation in Bela-Bela.
The arrested suspects are to appear before the Bela-Bela Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 11 March 2024.
“The South African Police Service is committed to combatting illegal activities and ensuring the safety and security of our communities.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Sun, 03/10/2024 - 14:21
33 views