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Investigation launched after skull found next to graveyard

Location: News

Investigation launched after skull found next to graveyard

Police in Mbuzini, Mpumalanga, have opened an investigation following the discovery of a human skull next to a graveyard and railway line on 13 February 2024.

While performing their duties, police received information from the community about a human skull found at Hhoyi Trust next to Mbuzini.

The police responded and upon arrival found the skull on the ground. Other relevant stakeholders were summoned to the scene. An inquest has been opened.

“Currently, police are working hard to get the identity of the person whose skull belongs to, hence any member of the public with information that may assist in achieving this goal may go to the nearest Police Station or call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111,” said the police in the statement.

Alternatively, members of the public can send information via My SAPS App.

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

Edwin
Thu, 02/15/2024 - 09:55

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Read moreInvestigation launched after skull found next to graveyard

Sixth administration cracking down on crime – Lamola

Location: News

Sixth administration cracking down on crime - Lamola

Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola says the sixth administration is steadily rebuilding law enforcement agencies like the National Prosecuting Authority to fight crime.

Lamola was speaking during the debate of the State of the Nation Address held in Cape Town.

“[It] is the sixth administration that strengthened the work of law enforcement agencies like the NPA [National Prosecuting Authority] by appointing permanent leadership in the upper echelons of the NPA and the SAPS [South African Police Service] and increased the operational budget resulting in visible institutional growth and stability.

“Organized crime verdicts have increased by 21% from 193 to 234 at a conviction rate that is above 80%. Gang leaders are behind bars or in court, whether it is Jerome Booysen, Nafik Modak, Ralph Stanfield, Mark Lifman and Vusi Khekhe, all are behind bars.

“The conviction rate in gender-based violence and femicide matters is at 74.6%. When it comes to successful prosecutions for cable theft matters, the NPA has exceeded some of the targets, the conviction rate is well above 85%, 299 convictions have been obtained from 347 cable theft verdicts,” Lamola said.

The Minister added that R3.2 billion from the criminal assets recovery funds has been allocated to fighting illegal mining and organised crime.

Furthermore, 2 996 arrests have been executed related to illegal mining activities as at December last year.

“SAPS is implementing Operation Shanela, a comprehensive plan to combat crime throughout the country. The plan includes clamping down on illegal mining areas.

“At the end of last year, the Asset Forfeiture Unit, Special Investigation Units and the Hawks have secured preservation orders to freeze assets which are proceeds of unlawful activities of a syndicate dealing in unwrought gold in Gauteng province.

“The frozen assets include 51 properties with a value of more than R16 million. In Mpumalanga, they secured a preservation order of assets worth more than one billion rands. The message is clear, crime does not pay and the tide against crime is turning,” Lamola said.

‘I am Tintswalo’

Harking back to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s SONA last week in which he described the life of Tintswalo, Lamola described how he himself is a product of progressive government policies.

He recalled how he benefitted from the Tertiary Education Fund of South Africa (TEFSA), now known as the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), after his parents who were both farmworkers could not afford his tertiary education.

“I can stand here in this house [and say] with great conviction that had it not been for …government’s expansion of TEFSA and my sister paying for my university registration and monthly stipend, I would not be standing here today.

“I would not have been an Attorney of the High Court of South Africa having appeared in the highest Court in the world, the ICJ, on global affairs. My life was predestined as a farm worker [by] design by the apartheid government and not by choice.

“The village where I come from, Cunningmore B in Mpumalanga, had no electricity nor running water. Today there is electricity, running water and tarred roads, so are many villages across the country.

“[NSFAS]…results are tangible. You can touch them with your bare hands,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Thu, 02/15/2024 - 09:59

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Read moreSixth administration cracking down on crime – Lamola

Northern Cape man sentenced for child pornography

Location: News

Northern Cape man sentenced for child pornography

The South African Police Service (SAPS) Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola has welcomed the eight year sentence handed down to a 45-year-old for possession of child pornographic material.

This as the De Aar Regional Court sentenced John Henry Meiring on Wednesday.

Lieutenant-General Otola commended Lieutenant Colonel Marli Strydom for her relentless efforts that led to the arrest of the accused on 22 February 2022 and for the conviction and sentencing.

The South African Police Service, Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations (SECI), a specialised unit within Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) in the Northern Cape, discovered that the accused was in possession of pornographic images of children.

The accused's cell phone and hard drives were seized for investigation purposes. During the analysis of the exhibits, 773 pornographic images of children were found on the devices.

Addressing crimes against women, children and vulnerable persons remains a top priority for the SAPS in the province. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Thu, 02/15/2024 - 09:34

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Read moreNorthern Cape man sentenced for child pornography

SAPS to promote fitness and wellness on National Police Day

Location: News

SAPS to promote fitness and wellness on National Police Day

The South African Police Service (SAPS) will on Thursday celebrate its annual National Police Day by promoting fitness and wellness within its ranks.

The day will entail sporting codes and fitness activities to encourage members’ participation in sport and to institutionalise health and wellness culture in the organisation.

Last year, the SAPS signed a memorandum of understating (MOU) with Virgin Active and Planet Fitness to ensure that members remain physically fit and healthy.

The day’s festivities will start with a fun run at 05:30 and as well as an aerobics session. Members will participate in various sporting activities such as netball and soccer.

Police Minister Police General Bheki Cele, the Deputy Minister of Police Cassel Mathale and the National Commissioner of SAPS, General Fannie Masemola will take part in exercise activities.

Cabinet approved 27 January as National Police Day in 2005.

On National Police Day, the South African Police Service (SAPS) remembers the sacrifices that the men and women in blue have made and continue to make as they provide safety for all who live in South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

Edwin
Wed, 02/14/2024 - 10:27

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Read moreSAPS to promote fitness and wellness on National Police Day

Gauteng receives CCTV cameras to battle crime

Location: News

Gauteng receives CCTV cameras to fight crime

Efforts to fight crime in Gauteng have received a much-needed boost through a partnership with Vuma Cam, which will allow the province to have access to an additional 6 000 CCTV cameras to keep an eye on the province’s streets.

CCTV cameras are part of the Gauteng Provincial Government’s strategy to utilise technology in the fight against crime. The CCTV cameras are being placed in townships, business districts, areas with high crime, roads, schools and other public places.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lusufi said at the launch event held on Tuesday that this was a big milestone for the campaign and that the cameras will go a long way to realising a crime-free Gauteng.

“I am excited that this partnership finally took place. It has been a long time coming. I am tired of crime. We cannot be held hostage by criminals. We cannot be scared and be scared even of our own shadows because of criminals.

“Crime is a big problem and it is even halting investment interests in our province. We are signing this agreement to protect our people,” he said.

The campaign to fight crime using technology is an intergovernmental collaboration between the Department of e-Government, Community Safety and the South African Police Services (SAPS).

The collaboration is meant to boost all other available crime-fighting initiatives, through providing CCTV cameras, high-quality drones for surveillance, issuing of panic buttons to improve access to help from law enforcement officers during distress, and installation of tracking devises on cars.

The MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) and e-Government, Mzi Khumalo, said government collaboration with the policing, security and technology sectors resulted in this agreement coming to fruition.

“Today’s occasion also marks the coming to fruition of a partnership with Vuma Cam to building safer communities. This partnership strengthens the collaboration between the private and public sector, using technology to fight crime and build safer communities.

“The signing of this agreement is a demonstration of commitment by Vuma Cam,” he said.

Vuma Cam have committed to extending camera coverage to underserved areas, particularly within the TISH (townships, informal settlements and hostels) areas.

Vuma Cam CEO Ricky Croock said through the agreement, Vuma Cam is also offering an additional 5 000 partner cameras across South Africa, which would ensure that any known vehicle, involved in a criminal activity in another province, would trigger an immediate alert if seen by the cameras within Gauteng.

“We believe that the alerts from our extensive network, delivered through our world-class software platform and verified by expertly trained operators, will result in a 'new normal' in the fight against crime in South Africa’s economic heartland,” Crook said.

“The launch of our partnership with the Gauteng Provincial Government builds on the success of Vuma Cam’s partnerships with public entities, as we deploy our advanced technology to make the people of Gauteng safer,” he said.

Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Gauteng, Major General Tommy Mthombeni, said that this programme is a step closer to the realisation of e-policing, and it is important to also look after this infrastructure.

“We are collaborating with the Department of Community Safety on several initiatives, one of which includes the involvement of our communities. They will also be critical in this campaign as they will ensure that these cameras are safe,” Mthombeni said.”

In continuing with its mission of combatting crime using technology, the Gauteng Provincial Government will be launching 6 000 additional CCTV cameras in due course. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 02/14/2024 - 10:53

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Read moreGauteng receives CCTV cameras to battle crime

Limpopo police investigate fatal crash

Location: News

Limpopo police investigate fatal crash

The Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General, Thembi Hadebe, has ordered an immediate probe into the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash that claimed seven lives on the R101 between Mookgophong and Mokopane in the Waterberg District in the early hours of Sunday.

The accident involves members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and a sedan motor vehicle.

According to reports, a Renault sedan collided head-on with a Toyota light delivery van, which was traveling from Mookgophong towards Mokopane.

All five people in the Renault sedan and two passengers from the SAPS Toyota light delivery van (a police officer and an inmate) died on the scene.

The driver of the SAPS vehicle, a sergeant, was rushed to the hospital and is currently receiving medical attention.

The cause of the horific accident is still unknown and is currently being investigated.

Hadebe has sent messages of condolences to the bereaved families and wished the driver a speedy recovery.

The passenger in the SAPS vehicle, who died on the scene, was identified as Constable M.M. Makwela, who was attached to SAPS Naboomspruit.

The identity of the inmate, who also died at the scene, as well as the five deceased from the other vehicle, will be released as soon as the next of kin are notified. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 02/12/2024 - 14:38

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Read moreLimpopo police investigate fatal crash

Your “hot date” may be a hotline to becoming a scam victim

Location: MyPR

Your “hot date” may be a hotline to becoming a scam victim: Technology has disrupted many aspects of traditional life. When you are sitting at dinner and seeing a couple going out on a “first date”, consider that this may be their first in-person date and that they have been interacting (dating) online for months. According …

Read moreYour “hot date” may be a hotline to becoming a scam victim

Government strengthens crime fighting measures

Location: News

Government strengthens crime fighting measures

Government has strengthened the ranks of the South African Police Service (SAPS) through the recruitment of 20 000 police officers over the last two years, and another 10 000 in the year to come.

This as part of the country’s achievements highlighted by President Cyril Ramaphosa, delivering his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday evening, in a year the country marks 30 years of democracy.

President Ramaphosa was firm that South Africans deserve to be safe and to feel safe, to walk freely and without fear in their neighbourhoods and public spaces.

The President highlighted that during this administration, government has focused on equipping the law enforcement agencies, which had been systematically weakened, to do their work effectively.

“An extra 5 000 police officers have been deployed to Public Order Policing. The SAPS has launched Operation Shanela as a new approach to target crime hotspots, which resulted in over 285 000 arrests since May last year.

“The Economic Infrastructure Task Teams that are operational in all provinces have had important successes in combatting cable theft, damage to critical infrastructure and illegal mining,” the President said.

Through close collaboration with the private sector, South Africa has seen a reduction in security incidents on the rail network.

“We launched the new Border Management Authority last year to improve the security of our borders and have already stopped over 100 000 people who tried to enter our country illegally.

“Together with civil society, we developed the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence,  as a society wide response to this pandemic. Around R21 billion was dedicated over the medium term to the implementation of the six pillars of the plan, including the economic empowerment of women.”

The President also noted other achievements, including the introduction of new laws to strengthen the response of the criminal justice system to gender-based violence, as well as the provision of better support to survivors of such violence.

He emphasised that the government’s ultimate goal is to end gender-based violence altogether by mobilising all of society. 

“As part of this, we support the call for a pledge that men in South Africa are invited to take to demonstrate their personal commitment to ending this scourge. Women are also in the process of developing their own pledge.

“We still have a long way to go to build safer communities, prevent violent crime, and protect our infrastructure. But there is no doubt that a professional, well-trained, and properly resourced police force, working closely with communities, will make our country a safer place,” the President said.– SAnews.gov.za 

GabiK
Thu, 02/08/2024 - 21:43

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Read moreGovernment strengthens crime fighting measures

Six suspects arrested for human trafficking

Location: News

Six suspects arrested for human trafficking

A multi-disciplinary team consisting of various units within the South African Police Service (SAPS), led by the Anti-Kidnapping Task Team, has arrested six suspects on suspicion of human trafficking and kidnapping in Mayfair.

The six men are expected to face charges of human trafficking, sex trafficking, kidnapping and extortion. They are expected to appear before court today.

Two Indian women, aged between 20 and 24 years, have since been rescued.

The team, consisting of private security, received intelligence on a Johannesburg-based human trafficking network preying on Indian women.

The women were allegedly enticed to the country with false promises of employment. Upon arrival, they were kept against their will, offered to clients leading to sexual encounters.

On Wednesday, members operationalised information and pounced on an identified address and a commercial site.

The members seized an array of cellphones, numerous documents, including passports and cash, for further investigation. Investigations are continuing. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Fri, 02/02/2024 - 10:09

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Read moreSix suspects arrested for human trafficking

Foreign nationals to appear in court for contravention of Immigration Act

Location: News

Foreign nationals to appear in court for contravention of Immigration Act

About 23 foreign nationals and two South Africans are expected to appear before the Mankweng Magistrate's Court today for contravention of the Immigration Act and bribery.

This after the South African Police Service arrested them on Saturday in Solomondale near Polokwane.

It is reported that members of the SAPS Limpopo Provincial Tracking Team, in conjunction with two private security companies, SPS High Risk and Tshimollo Security, operationalised information gathered regarding a white Toyota Quantum that was driving along the R81 in Solomondale, from the Beitbridge border.

It is reported that the operational team successfully spotted the said Quantum at a filling station along the R81 road in Sebayeng and upon checking, they discovered that 23 Ethiopian male nationals, aged between 20 and 38 years, were ferried in a 15-seater passenger mini bus by the driver, a 44-year-old male South African citizen.

Preliminary investigations revealed that all the passengers in the Quantum were illegally smuggled into South Africa from Ethiopia through Zimbabwe.

It is reported that while in the process of searching the Quantum and the passengers, a white Toyota Fortuner, being driven by a male foreign national, pulled up at the scene.

It is reported that the driver of the Quantum was found in possession of a licensed firearm and it was confiscated for investigation purposes.

Meanwhile, the driver of the Fortuner reportedly tried to bribe the police with R5 000 to let the Quantum and the passengers go free. The man was charged with bribery.

The two drivers were also arrested and are facing charges of human trafficking, bribery and contravention of Immigration Act.

The Acting Limpopo Commissioner, Major General Jan Scheepers, hailed the involved teams for their commitment and alertness in ridding the province of criminality. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 01/29/2024 - 10:31

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Read moreForeign nationals to appear in court for contravention of Immigration Act

SAPS notes report on July unrest

Location: News

SAPS notes report on July unrest

The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, together with the management of the police service, has noted the report released on The National Investigative Hearing into the July Unrest by the South African Human Rights Commisson (SAHRC) and Cultural, Religious and Linguistic (CRL) Commission.

The report is a detailed look into the July 2021 unrest that unfolded in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), during which some 350 people lost their lives. The full report can be found on https://www.sahrc.org.za/home/21/files/JULY%20UNREST%20REPORT%20FINAL_29%20JAN%202024.pdf.

The report contains various recommendations and findings on the events that took place in July 2021, including the policing of the unrest, the gathering of intelligence and the response of the SAPS.

SAPS said in a statement on Monday that while it will study the report in detail, "it is important to highlight notable progress made where key milestones were achieved to ensure the SAPS is better prepared to respond to such incidents".

READ | SAHRC releases July 2021 unrest report

Crime intelligence

SAPS said the filling of critical and key vacancies within the crime intelligence environment has been addressed, such as the appointment of a permanent Divisional Commissioner and a Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection.

All structures within the Crime Intelligence environment are being reviewed to enhance service delivery in all provinces.

"It is also important to note that the Crime Intelligence environment has greatly improved its mandate of detecting and collecting of information on crime, which informs and assists in the coordination and planning of joint multidisciplinary operations with other key role players in the fight against crime," the statement read.

Human and physical resources

Through Project 10 000, the SAPS trained and deployed 20 000 police officers in the last two years to capacitate frontline policing services, as well as specialised units with a key focus on the Public Order Police (POP) unit.

Seventy-nine police officers have been trained and deployed as drone pilots to assist in crime prevention and policing operations.

Public Order Police

In the past year, 5 000 police officers have been trained in crowd management and deployed to serve in the POP unit.

R150 million was also allocated to procure resources to bolster crowd management equipment for the unit.

Training has also been enhanced for members and now includes crowd psychology to improve the management and policing of crowds and gatherings.

The SAPS has also benchmarked and compared with other police organisations, in terms of use of the minimum force to disperse large crowds and found that its current equipment and techniques, such as the use of water canons, rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse violent crowd situations, is in line with international standards.

However, the SAPS is continuously researching and updating training material in respect of techniques and equipment in use during crowd management to minimise the risk of human rights violation and prevent the excessive use of force.

Rebuilding trust between SAPS and communities

The Ministry of Police is continuously taking part in community participation programmes through community engagements during izimbizo, walkabouts and policing operations such as roadblocks.

Various community policing concepts are being implemented by the SAPS.

"Through the Community Police Forum (CPF) and sector crime forums, SAPS is able to forge and promote a shared responsibility on crime prevention and community safety.

"All 1 163 police stations currently have fully functional CPF forums. R70million was allocated in this financial year to resource and capacitate these CPF structures," SAPS said.

Case management

SAPS arrested 5 341 suspects, with 505 of those arrested being found guilty of various charges ranging from murder, attempted murder, arson, possession of stolen property, and malicious damage to property.

A total of 394 cases are still in court

Incitement to commit violence cases

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) is currently investigating eight cases of incitement to commit violence.

The DPCI has arrested 68 suspects, 65 of them were charged for contravening the Protection of Constitutional Democracy against Terrorist and Related Activities Act 33 of 2004 (POCDATARA).

One accused has already been sentenced to 12 years direct imprisonment for incitement to commit public violence and conspiracy to commit public violence.

"The SAPS respects the work done by the two Commissions, especially as they are Chapter 9 institutions and will respond accordingly in terms of the timeframes reflected in the report," said SAPS. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 01/29/2024 - 15:06

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Read moreSAPS notes report on July unrest

Over R6 million pledged for kids of slain police officers 

Location: News

Over R6 million pledged for children of slain police officers 

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has observed this year’s National Police Day by raising funds for the children of police officers who died in the line of duty.

“On National Police Day, the SAPS remembers the sacrifices that our men and women in blue have made and continue to make as they provide safety for all who live in South Africa,” the police statement read. 

Cabinet approved 27 January as National Police Day in 2005.

The latest data shows that the SAPS lost 140 police officers in the last four years. These, according to the police, are men and women in blue who died in the line of duty, serving and protecting all people living in South Africa. 

“The majority of them were breadwinners in their families.”

On Thursday, 25 January 2024, more than 100 golf players from various corporate companies across the country came together to pledge and raise funds for the South African Police Education Trust Fund (SAPSET).

According to SAPS, R6.6 million rand was raised and will go towards the educational needs of the children.

SAPSET currently funds children from Grade RR to the tertiary level.

To date, the fund has assisted 1 078 children, of which 54 have graduated and 146 of them have passed matric and have a National Senior Certificate (NSC). 

The management of the SAPS, led by Police Minister General Bheki Cele, expressed gratitude to all the sponsors and donors for their support.

“These funds go a long way in making a meaningful difference in the lives of these children left behind. The least we can do is to ensure these children don’t carry the extra burden of stressing about school fees, books, and school uniforms knowing their educational needs have been taken care of.

“We hope more corporates and the overall business fraternity will in future come on board to support this cause,” said Cele. 

The National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, thanked all the men and women in blue for risking their lives daily to keep all people in South Africa safe.

“On this day, we pay gratitude to you, our men and women in blue, who work tirelessly to hunt down dangerous criminals, remove illegal and unlicensed firearms, remove drugs off our streets and work hard to ensure successful convictions in court for perpetrators of crime.”

He encouraged the police members to continue to work hard to rid the country of criminality. 

“We urge communities to embrace our police officers and work together with them to stop the killing of our own. From January 2023 to date, 33 police officers were killed on duty and today we are laying a Constable to rest who was run over by a truck while assisting at an accident scene in KwaZulu-Natal. These killings have to stop, and they can only stop if communities take a stand against them,” Masemola added. 

SAPSSET is managed by a board of trustees under the leadership of Vuyani Jarana whose responsibility it is to ensure they source and raise funds to keep children in school. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Sun, 01/28/2024 - 07:39

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Read moreOver R6 million pledged for kids of slain police officers 

Gauteng Health commends police’s swift response in hijacked State vehicle case

Location: News

Gauteng Health commends police's swift response in hijacked State vehicle case

The Gauteng Department of Health has commended the South African Police Service (SAPS) for its swift response following a State vehicle hijacking incident in Mamelodi.

The incident took place on Wednesday morning when the Ward-Based Primary Healthcare Outreach Team (WBPHCOT) from the Stanza Bopape Community Health Centre was conducting regular household visits at Section 14 in Mamelodi. It is then when the State vehicle was hijacked at gunpoint.

According to the department, the officials were approached by two perpetrators who hijacked the State vehicle and robbed them of their belongings, including cell phones and cash.

Department spokesperson Motalatale Modiba said the attack happened at a time when the department was strengthening its outreach programme to communities in townships, informal settlements and hostels (TISH), which is meant to improve access to health services to previously disadvantaged areas.

“To push back on attacks on healthcare workers requires a collective effort where communities work closely with law enforcement agencies, given that the attacks are taking place in the very communities where we are trying to expand services to,” Modiba said.

Modiba said the police managed to recover the white VW Polo sedan, which had already been fitted with fake number plates at Extension 11 in Mamelodi, later in the day. 

“The department has since opened a case of robbery and theft at Mamelodi East Police Station. Counselling has been arranged for the affected staff members.”

The department has also strongly condemned the attacks on staff and called on society to take a stand against such crimes, warning this has a dire impact on sustaining health services in communities. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 01/26/2024 - 13:09

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Read moreGauteng Health commends police’s swift response in hijacked State vehicle case

Decline of 2.3% in fatal road crashes during 2023/24 festive season

Location: News

Decline of 2.3% in fatal road crashes during 2023/24 festive season

While the preliminary results for the 2023/24 festive season road traffic statistics show a 2.3% decline in the number of fatal crashes when compared to the same period last year, the data indicates that the majority of those who died were between the ages of 25 and 44.

Releasing the 2023/24 festive season road traffic statistics, Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga said during the period under review 1 184 fatal crashes were recorded compared to 2022/23 where 1 212 crashes were recorded.

“The period shows that human factors contributed 80.8% of the crashes, environmental factors contributed 10.4% as a result of heavy rainfall and storms, while vehicle factors contributed about 8.8%.

“According to the statistics, 40.9% of those who died were pedestrians, passengers accounted for 33.6%, drivers accounted for 24.6% and cyclists accounted for 0.8%,” Chikunga said on Wednesday in Johannesburg at the N1 Grasmere Toll Gate.

She accredited the decline in fatal crashes to the intensified law enforcement operations conducted and the high police visibility throughout the country.

More than 1.4 million vehicles were stopped and checked during these operations with 7 820 drivers arrested for, among other things, driving under the influence of alcohol, reckless driving, producing false documentation and excessive speeding.

The Minister noted that the festive period was marked by heavy rain and storms, which created challenges on the road.

“Unfortunately, some drivers did not modify their speed in slippery and wet conditions. That resulted in avoidable crashes. Most of the crashes occurred in the first week from 1 December to 5 December, again from 15 December – 21 December and from 22 December to 28 December. The first week incorporated the payday weekend when people had received bonuses and were having end of year parties.

“The third week incorporated the long weekend, industry closure and the people had started travelling while the fourth week incorporated the Christmas long weekend and saw a massive increase in traffic volumes and festivities.

“Most crashes took place in the evening between 7pm and 10pm with the peak between 8pm and 9pm. Most fatalities were also recorded on Sundays, which is a new trend,” Chikunga said.

Five provinces - including the Free State, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Limpopo and North West - recorded fewer fatalities while other provinces recorded increases.

The provincial breakdown for provinces is as follows:

  • Free State recorded a 27.4% decline.
  • Eastern Cape recorded a 21.5% decline.
  • Northern Cape recorded a 15.7% decline.
  • Limpopo recorded an 8.4% decline.
  • North West recorded a 2.1% decline.
  • Gauteng recorded a 7.6% increase.
  • KwaZulu-Natal recorded a 4.2% increase.
  • Mpumalanga recorded a 9.7% increase.
  • Western Cape recorded a 22.6% increase

“The Eastern Cape is the only province that managed to surpass the target set for it to reduce fatalities by at least 18.6%. In light of this, we will have serious engagements with authorities in the provinces and possibly redefine the targets informed by objective dynamics and available resources on the ground in the provinces,” the Minister said.

She said the number of registered vehicles at the start of the festive season campaign on 1 December 2023, stood at 13 133 035, which was significantly higher than the 12 964 430 registered on 1 December 2022 and thus bringing more 168 000 registered vehicles on to the road.

“I wish to commend our traffic officers, members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and emergency medical services for their sterling work, commitment, and dedication during this period. They sacrificed their family time and pleasure as they committedly enforced the law,” Chikunga said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Wed, 01/24/2024 - 14:18

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Read moreDecline of 2.3% in fatal road crashes during 2023/24 festive season

Decrease in number of schools affected by burglary and vandalism

Location: News

Republic Of South Africa: Western Cape Provincial Government
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Despite our department providing holiday security to 486 schools over the December holidays, we recorded 26 incidents of burglary and vandalism at 24 schools over the holiday period.

While this is a significant decrease compared to the same holiday period last year, when 48 incidents were reported at 42 schools, we are nonetheless disappointed that once again our schools must pick up the pieces after criminal damage and theft.

Items stolen or damaged ranged from gas cylinders and food to computers and cameras. Damaged property included electrical boxes, windows, ceilings, doors and security equipment.

It is unacceptable that funding has to be diverted from educational purposes each year to replace items that have been stolen, or repair infrastructure damaged for no reason, especially in a significantly stressed financial environment.

Damaging and stealing from schools sabotages our children's futures, and we appeal to the public to come forward if they notice anyone attempting to sell goods that have been stolen from our schools. Someone, somewhere knows these perpetrators, and we appeal to them to do the right thing so that our schools cease to be a target of crime.

Reporting any suspicious activity in the vicinity of our schools to South African Police Services (SAPS) or the Safe Schools hotline (0800 45 46 47) immediately can make all the difference in apprehending the perpetrators and recovering stolen property.

Help us to protect our schools and the future of our learners in the Western Cape!

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic Of South Africa: Western Cape Provincial Government.

Read moreDecrease in number of schools affected by burglary and vandalism

Man arrested for child pornography

Location: News

Man arrested for child pornography

A man who posed as a teenager to lure under-age girls to a chat group where child pornography was distributed and shared, is amongst three Child Online Sexual predators arrested in a joint operation by the SAPS Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations (SECI) unit.

The USA Department of Homelands Security was also involved in the arrest in the past week.

This brings to total the number of Child Online Sexual Predators that have been arrested since November to seven.

The other four were arrested in November last year. Three were arrested in Gauteng and one in KwaZulu-Natal.

These arrests form part of an international operation to trace manufacturers, users and distributors of child pornography.

The three suspects were arrested in Worcester, Kraaifontein and Mitchell’s Plain.

A 53-year-old man from Worcester was the first to be arrested on Wednesday, 17 January 2024. He has so far been found with 95 000 images and 6 000 videos of child pornogrpahy. He faces a charge of accessing, distributing and possession of child pornography.

The second suspect, a 40-year-old man was arrested in Kraaifontein on Thursday.

In his possession, he was found with more than 149 000 pictures of child pornography as well as more than 5 000 videos.

He was found in possession of two unlicensed firearms and various calibre of ammunition, as well as nine snakes of which three did not have a permit. He is facing charges of possession of illegal firearms and ammunition, possession, distribution and accessing of child pornography.

A 32-year-old man from Mitchell’s Plan was the third suspect to be arrested on Friday.

He was found to be chatting and luring under-age girls on a chat group where nude pictures where exchanged.

All suspects appeared before various courts such as Worcester, Kraaifontein and Mitchells Plain Magistrate’s Court where their cases were postponed for further investigation.

This operation would not have been a successful without the following role players, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) of WC, NPA, Cape Nature, and SPCA.

Below are a few tips for parents:

▶️Monitor the devices and social media accounts of your children to ensure they don’t fall prey to such crimes.

▶️Install parental control software and apps that can identify and block harmful content in chats, forms and other internet communication tools.

▶️ Advise children not to respond to messages or emails from strangers.

▶️ Never upload sexually suggestive images of yourself to the internet.

▶️ Never reveal personal information about yourself, including where you stay or which school you go to, to an online friend.

▶️Never agree to meet a stranger in private.

▶️ Inform an adult or call 0860010111 to report any incident that makes you feel uncomfortable. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Tue, 01/23/2024 - 15:25

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Read moreMan arrested for child pornography

Suspect to appear in court for possession of unlicensed firearms, ammunitions

Location: News

Suspect to appear in court for possession of unlicensed firearms, ammunitions

A man is due to appear in the Chief Albert Luthuli Magistrate's Court today following his arrest for possession of unlicensed firearms with ammunition, as well as for contravention of the Firearm Control Act of South Africa.

A multi-disciplinary team consisting of members from the Mpumalanga Provincial Organised Crime, Criminal Record Centre, Provincial Designated Firearms Officers, Elukwatini Detectives, VISPOL, as well as officials from the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) played a major role in the breakthrough.

According to a report, information was received by law enforcement agencies regarding a firearms cache stored by an old man inside a house at Elukwatini.

Further information indicated that the man, 67, was in some way part of a certain security company but was suspected to be non-compliant.

The team coordinated their resources to establish if he was compliant to the PSIRA regulations. As a result, the team paid him a visit at Elukwatini on Thursday afternoon.

A search warrant was obtained and upon arrival at the premises as per information provided, the law enforcement agencies conducted a search.

The members discovered a total of about 106 firearms as well as 1704 various assorted live rounds of ammunition.

Among the weapons found in the house are 14 rifles, eight shot guns, 84 pistols with ammunition, 718 9mm pistols, about 921 live rounds of ammunition for a rifle and 65 live rounds of ammunition for a shotgun.

It is further reported that the firearms were not kept inside a safe but rather stored underneath a bed while some were kept inside the wardrobe.

The members discovered that licences for some of the firearms, owned by a certain security company had already expired. The male suspect could not account for about 20 firearms.

In addition, the members established that he did not have licences for four pistols, which had ammunition hence he was arrested and charged accordingly. Part of the probe is to determine how he got hold of the firearms. Police investigations are continuing.

The firearms as well as the ammunition were confiscated for further investigation.

As a norm in the police, the confiscated firearms will undergo ballistic testing to determine any linkages to crimes committed in the country. 

At this stage, police cannot rule out the possibility of adding more charges against the suspect as the investigation continues, in relation to contravention of the Firearms Control Act.

Meanwhile the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, has welcomed the arrest of the suspect as well as the recovery of the firearms with ammunition.

"Indeed the proliferation of firearms remains a thorn in the flesh in our endeavour to win the battle against crime.

“Therefore when we succeed in recovering these firearms as well as arresting suspects, it gives us courage that we are really moving towards the right direction whilst removing firearms from the wrong hands. We commend the whistle blowers and members for the job well done," said the General. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Fri, 01/19/2024 - 09:54

325 views
Read moreSuspect to appear in court for possession of unlicensed firearms, ammunitions