No sign of accountability for Thabo Bester’s escape
Eight months since the highly publicised Parliamentary hearing, little action has been taken by Parliament or Correctional Services
SAPS
10 000 current police officers to boost festive season safety position
10 000 new police officers to boost festive season safety plan
Police Minister, General Bheki Cele, has assured the nation that it will be all hands on deck by law enforcement officials this festive season, to ensure a safe holiday period in the country.
“The holiday season is a time where criminals sharpen and refine their operations, taking advantage of the festive mood,” Cele said, addressing the media in Pretoria on Sunday on the festive season safety plan by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Cele said the festive season is a period largely characterised by festivities and increased migration of people within and across the borders.
“We as the country’s law enforcement have and will continue to upscale our responses to crime this holiday season and beyond,” Cele said.
Through bold efforts and a decisive policing approach to fighting crime, police operations will continue to ensure that the police get a grip on serious and violent crime in the country.
“In the coming days, the bite of the SAPS will be stronger, as we welcome in the police service's 10 000 new officers.
“The 2023 Project 10K police recruitment drive is a direct response to the call from His Excellency, President Cyril Ramaphosa, to strengthen our policing capacity and enhance police visibility. The SAPS recruitment office successfully processed 600 000 of these applications and embarked on a rigorous recruitment drive.
“We are now in the second phase of enlisting 10 000 police officers, who will be graduating from various police academies throughout the country in the coming week. This means there will be 10 000 more boots on the ground come the 15th of December, when the last passing out parade takes place in Tshwane,” the Minister said.
The police trainees have been stationed at police academies across the country for the past months.
“They have been hard at work in perfecting street survival courses, firearm, law and physical training during their completion of the Basic Police Development Learning Program. We have no doubt, the new members will provide a much needed boost to the current policing numbers and amplify our law enforcing efforts.
“These officers will be deployed to sanitise the streets and increase the footprint of the police in all nine provinces,” Cele said.
Their deployment will be prioritised in high crowd zones and areas of entertainment and leisure this holiday season.
With regard to Operation Shanela, Cele said the men and women in blue are doubling their efforts to tackle and squash the enemy of crime lurking in the streets and in communities.
“Police in all provinces are gaining ground on crime and organised criminality and this has been reflected in our last released crime statistics.
“The chunk of the arrests took place in the provinces of the Western Cape with 64 171 arrested suspects, followed by Gauteng with 48 917 arrests while SAPS in KZN arrested a total of 37 769 in the past six months,” he said.
Over 3 200 firearms including 2 500 handguns and 300 rifles have been taken off the streets through Operation Shanela.
“Through Operation Shanela, over 1 717 hijacked or stolen vehicles have been recovered from May to date,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 12/11/2023 - 09:51
34 views
Gender-based violence statistics highlight failures of plans to address the scourge
As South Africa engages in the last week of the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign, a R1.6 billion budget allocation has done little to stem the tide of violent crimes against women and children. Commitments at presidential summits on gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in 2018 and 2022, including the budget …
Hundreds of women farm workers march to Paarl police station
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Transgender woman who says she was raped in police custody has waited four years for justice
High Court judge critical of the Minister of Police’s “lackadaisical approach” to dealing with the matter
Home Affairs Minister welcomes BMA’s sting operation at Beitbridge
Home Affairs Minister welcomes BMA’s sting operation at Beitbridge
Home Affairs Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has welcomed the commendable management of South Africa’s borders by the Border Management Authority (BMA).
This follows a successful sting operation at the Beitbridge port of entry on Saturday.
The BMA border guards, the Counter Corruption and Security Services Branch of the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) and members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) conducted a sting operation at the port of entry wherein 42 buses from Zimbabwe were stopped and searched.
During the search, 443 unaccompanied minors under the age of eight were found in the buses being brought into South Africa with no consent of parents or guardians.
“The hard work of the Border Management Authority is commendable, showing we’re pulling out all stops to prevent acts of crime and illegal entry into the country. Clearly the BMA is hard at work and is making inroads in effective border law enforcement,” Minister Motsoaledi said in a statement.
All persons in the 42 buses were refused entry into South Africa, and after engaging with the Zimbabwean Authorities, they were all taken back to Zimbabwe, including the children.
All the children who were found, were handed over to the Zimbabwean authorities for processing.
“We condemn in the strongest possible terms these acts of criminality especially where the interest of the child is at stake. It’s unacceptable that these minors were not with their parents or guardians throughout this ordeal.
“Protecting children, especially in this period of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign, is paramount,” Minister Motsoaledi said.
In the same night, 150 adult Zimbabwean nationals were also apprehended and prevented from entering the country.
“The BMA, Home Affairs officials and members of the SAPS are on the ground establishing all relevant details of the incident,” BMA Commissioner, Dr Mike Masiapato said.
“Further work is being done and will continue to be done to ensure detection of all perpetrators in order to bring all of them to book,” he said.
“The entire episode at Beitbridge shows great achievements of the BMA and in a very short space of time. It’s a good sign in tackling sharply the outcry on porous borders.
“We’ll continue relentlessly to act swiftly in enforcing immigration and other laws in the interest of national security and safety of all persons in the country, especially during this peak period, the festive season, and beyond,” Minister Motsoaledi said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 12/05/2023 - 08:46
552 views
16 Days campaign: Spotlight on Captain Dhawrajh
16 Days campaign: Spotlight on Captain Dhawrajh
The South African Police Service (SAPS) continues to highlight the work of its men and women in blue, who work tirelessly to put ruthless rapists and gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) perpetrators behind bars.
One such officer committed to the fight against GBV is Captain Michelle Dhawrajh, who is attached to the KwaZulu-Natal Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Investigations (FCS) Unit.
With more than 20 years in the field, Dhawrajh still leads and conducts evening raid operations to trace wanted suspects in GBVF related cases.
To date, she has secured 20 life sentences and a collective 70 years imprisonment for rapists and GBVF perpetrators in and around Durban.
In total, 25 suspects are doing time in prison, thanks to her meticulous investigative prowess.
Dhawrajh is also passionate about raising awareness and sensitising communities to reporting rape and other sexual offences.
Amongst her many assignments, Dhawrajh secured the sentencing of a 35-year-old man to life in prison for raping his eight-month-old niece.
In light of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign, Dhawrajh has urged communities to stop alcohol and drug abuse, as they are major contributors to most crimes committed against women and children.
She further encouraged communities to get more involved and report cases to stop the scourge of GBVF. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 12/05/2023 - 09:01
320 views
No sensitive information taken during NPA offices crash in
No sensitive information taken during NPA offices break in
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has moved to assure the country that no sensitive information, dockets or files were taken during a break in at the Director of Public Prosecution’s office in the Free State.
According to NPA Northern Cape regional spokesperson, Mojalefa Senokoatsane, the break-in occurred during the early hours of Monday morning at the prosecutorial body’s Bloemfontein office.
“These criminals managed to break into the Office of the DPP, offices of Deputy Directors of Public Prosecutions (DDPP), the office of the PA (Personal Assistant) in the office of the DPP, as well as other offices of the other PA within the Office of the DPP. One [thing] the NPA can confirm is that during this break-in, four laptops and voice recorders were taken.
“Even though these criminals managed to break into this Central Nerve of Prosecutions in the province, the citizenry of the Republic and the Free State Province can rest assured that no sensitive information, dockets or files were taken, as they are not stored in these offices but have a secure area where they are safely secured and kept safe,” he said.
Senokoatsane emphasised that the break-in will not discourage the NPA from doing its work.
“The National Prosecuting Authority, even though shocked, disturbed, and disdained by these cowardly acts, will not be discouraged to continue prosecuting all cases without fear, favour, or prejudice.
“The security at the NPA Offices is taken seriously as these offices always have 24-hour security warm bodies, seven days a week. This break-in, which is an isolated case, does not render the security at these important prosecutorial offices as not being taken seriously,” he said.
A case has been opened with the South African Police Service.
“The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in the Free State would like to send a heartfelt appreciation to the South African Police Service, who promptly reacted to this emergency state and began their investigations.
“The crime scene was closed off and specialised units of the SAPS including the Forensic, Intelligence, and Investigations were on the scene in no time, DNA and fingerprints were collected at the scene and sent to the SAPS Forensic Laboratory.
“Investigations that are led by the South African Police Service are continuing in this matter. Members of the community who might have information regarding this matter are encouraged to provide the information to their nearest police stations or HAWKS Offices in Bloemfontein,” Senokoatsane concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 12/05/2023 - 09:24
143 views
Third qualified audit in a row for National Lotteries Commission
But there is a silver lining as the findings mostly deal with legacy grants made under the watch of the previous board and management
SAPS 16 Days campaign: Spotlight on Sergeant Peter’s outstanding work
SAPS 16 Days campaign: Spotlight on Sergeant Peter's outstanding work
As the country observes the annual 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has undertaken to profile the work of its outstanding members.
Today the spotlight is on Sergeant Nombi Peter, a detective attached to the Mangaung Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit in the Free State. She also forms part of the Mangaung District’s serial rape task team.
Peter’s childhood dream of becoming a police officer came true when she was enlisted in the service 14 years ago as a student constable.
She holds a degree in Forensic Investigation (2022), a diploma in policing (2016) and has completed various internal courses.
To date, Peter's sterling investigations have led to a collective number of five life terms and 305 years in prison for 31 rapists, who are now behind bars.
Peter joined the Mangaung FCS in 2018. Her recent career highlights include the sentencing of a 28-year-old convicted rapist to 20 years imprisonment by the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court on 18 October 2023 for the rape of a 13-year-old girl.
The accused was found guilty of rape, kidnapping and assault to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH). The accused attacked the victim at Phase Six informal settlement, Mangaung, in March 2021. He forcefully dragged the victim into his shack where he repeatedly raped her until he let her go the following day.
The accused threatened the victim by saying he would kill her if she discloses the incident to anyone.
A month later, the victim fell ill at school, which led to the discovery of her being pregnant following a visit to the hospital.
The victim then told her mother what had happened and the police were alerted. The case was assigned to Peter, who immediately commenced with her investigation.
The accused was arrested the same day and appeared before court where he was granted bail.
The accused, a Lesotho national, contravened his bail conditions and failed to appear in court. Peter left no stone unturned and through information she obtained, she re-arrested the accused in Phomolong earlier this year.
The accused remained in custody until he was sentenced. Peter says she resonates with victims of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) and along with her team, they continuously conduct campaigns within the communities they serve to create awareness on topics such as domestic violence, different forms of abuse, how to apply for a protection order and what to do when you are a victim of rape.
"Being a FCS investigator is my calling, therefore, I go beyond my desk and office hours to catch rapists. I urge community members to report crime to their nearest police station for investigations to commence immediately,” Peter said.
Peter flies the South African Police Service’s flag high as she continues to put more rapists behind bars. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 12/04/2023 - 08:59
510 views
Police watchdog is investigating torture charges against CCTV cops
Juma Igiranieza was assaulted on 7 November by police officers conducting a raid at his workplace
SAPS proud of its men and women in blue
SAPS proud of its men and women in blue
As the country observes the 25th anniversary of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign (25 November to 10 December), the South African Police Service (SAPS) has embarked on profiling a series of untold stories of its men and women in blue.
This is to celebrate the men and women who go beyond the call of duty to protect women, children and other vulnerable groups.
Today, the spotlight is on Captain Karin Botha, a forensic social worker attached to the Germiston Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Investigations (FCS) unit.
Forensic Social Work is a specialised field of Social Work practice within the FCS environment, which is characterised by the social worker's primary function of providing expert testimony in courts of law.
Moreover, a forensic social worker’s core function is to conduct forensic interviews in the investigation of child abuse cases using age appropriate techniques in order to obtain accurate information from child victims to assist courts to make just and fair decisions.
Botha holds a degree in Social Work and a Master’s degree in Forensic Practice.
Some of her career highlights include when the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria sentenced a 42-year-old father to four life terms and an additional 73 years direct imprisonment on multiple counts of rape, statutory rape, sexual grooming, incest, possession of child pornography and sexual abuse, earlier this year.
The father pleaded guilty to all the charges levelled against him for raping and sexually abusing five child victims - two of whom are his biological daughters, between 2019 and 2020. The victims were aged between nine and 13 around the time of the abuse.
Botha was assigned to obtain these victims' statements and compiled their competency assessment reports, which assisted the court to hand down an appropriate sentence.
She was also assigned to compile a victim impact report and testified in court as an expert witness in the sentencing of Nicholas Ninow, dubbed the ‘Silverton Dros rapist’.
The North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria sentenced Ninow to life in prison and an additional 10 years imprisonment in 2019 on charges of rape, possession of drugs and defeating the ends of justice.
Ninow attacked and raped a 7-year-old girl in the restroom of the DROS restaurant in Silverton, Pretoria, in September 2018.
In 2020, Botha was awarded with a Certificate of Commendation by the Minister of Police for the instrumental role she played in the sentencing of a paedophile to life in prison and an additional 100 years imprisonment for multiple counts of possession, manufacturing and distribution of child pornography, as well as child abuse.
Botha said she assesses over 100 sexually abused child victims a year, who fondly refer to her as ‘tannie Karin'. Botha feels humbled by her profession that allows her to make a difference in abused children’s lives.
“Parents, caregivers, teachers or any other adult should never doubt or dismiss a child when they are disclosing the possibility of sexual abuse. Contact your nearest police station, open a case and act in the best interest of our children,” Botha said.
Captain Botha is the personification of ‘real heroes do not wear capes’, as she continues to be a voice for ‘voiceless’ child victims. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 11/29/2023 - 09:29
652 views
Call for better funding for women’s shelters
Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu says the private sector should fund and support shelters
Men in blue set their sights on perpetrators
Men in blue set their sights on perpetrators
As the country marks the 16 Days of Activism of No Violence Against Women and Children campaign, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has highlighted the work of its men and women in blue who work tirelessly to put behind bars those involved in the abuse of women, children and vulnerable groups.
One such example is Warrant Officer Alistair Rezant who is attached to the Western Cape SAPS’s Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Investigations (FCS) unit.
With an overwhelming success rate, W/O Rezant has managed to secure a total of 1 105 years imprisonment sentence for rapists.
This year, the investigator secured a lengthy conviction for Riegard David Myburgh who was found guilty for numerous counts of rape and sexual assault charges. Myburgh is a paedophile who targeted young boys between 8 and 11 years of age between 2014 and 2019.
Because of Warrant Officer Rezant’s meticulous investigation, Myburgh’s name has been entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO) which records the names of persons who have been convicted of charges of sexual offences committed against a child or a mentally disabled person.
The member was also instrumental in securing the conviction of Mark Labuschagne who was a handyman at a retirement village in the Western Cape.
Labuschagne was sentenced to 15 years direct imprisonment for sexually assaulting an elderly women at the retirement village and for performing acts of self-masturbation in front of the elderly. His victims were aged between 70 and 96 years of age.
Labuschagne’s name was also recorded in both the Sexual Offences Register and the Abuse of Elderly Persons Register. In addition, he was declared unfit to possess a firearm and also unfit to work with children
The member has vowed to put more of such offenders behind bars.
“Cases related to GBV and sexual offences remains a priority for me. I always oppose bail applications for GBV perpetrators and ensure that all cases relating to rape and abuse are watertight so that they are not withdrawn at the court of law,” said W/O Rezant.
“These hefty sentences meted against sexual offenders should serve as a deterrent to would be offenders,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 11/28/2023 - 10:31
345 views
Kirsten Kluyts Murder Suspect Arrested
Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela has commended Sandton’s team of detectives which managed to crack the murder case of Kirsten Kluyts. Her alleged murderer was arrested on Sunday in Parkmore. This follows a thorough investigation by detectives and the cooperation by 24/7 Security Management. The suspect, a 21-year-old student at a Sandton tertiary …
Government committed to ending GBV
Government committed to ending GBV
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has reiterated that government remains committed to work aimed at eradicating the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
“We will not rest until our communities are safe for all, especially women and girls. We must report and condemn the perpetrators who reside within our communities,” the Deputy President said on Saturday.
Mashatile presided over the launch of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign for 2023 at Nsikazi Stadium in Gutshwa, Mpumalanga.
The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign this year will be commemorated under the theme: “Accelerating Actions to end Gender-Based Violence and Femicide: Leaving No One Behind”.
This is a call to action to raise awareness about the devastating impact that gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) has on women, children and the entire social fabric.
“Since the dawn of democracy, this government has consistently shown commitment to addressing GBV by implementing legislative, policy and other measures to advance equality and empowerment for women, children, and people with disabilities.
“Recently, we passed six pieces of legislation related to gender-based violence and femicide, and the ongoing implementation costing exercise underscores our commitment to ending GBVF,” Mashatile said.
He mentioned that one significant milestone is the recent assent of President Cyril Ramaphosa to crucial legislative reforms, which include the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act Amendment Bill, the Criminal and Related Matters Amendment Bill, and the Domestic Violence Amendment Bill.
“This month marks a historic milestone with the passing of the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Bill by the National Assembly. The establishment of the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, underpinned by this robust legislative framework, is an urgent and critical task.
“In addition, we have established and capacitated the Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) at provincial and local levels to end the pandemic. This includes the development of the Comprehensive National Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Prevention and the Integrated Femicide Strategic Frameworks, which signal a holistic approach to turning the gender-based violence tide,” Mashatile said.
The Deputy President noted the National School of Government's effort to impart knowledge through a dedicated online course covering gender mainstreaming and gender-responsive planning and budgeting, which exemplifies government's commitment to mainstreaming women's and girls’ priorities.
“The existence of the Intersectional Shelter Policy, the Psycho-Social Support Services (PSSS) Policy, and the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre, which is a 24-hour helpline, demonstrates our resolve to provide essential services and support to survivors.
“Provinces are identifying and refurbishing underutilised buildings for shelters and interim housing. The Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs) are being expanded, with three new centres established. Our initiatives primarily focus on bolstering women’s economic empowerment across diverse sectors,” Mashatile said.
He recognised efforts by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in combatting GBV and femicide.
“The recent identification and takedown of 27 sexual predators in the country and the recent sentencing of Mario Giusti to 6 400 years in jail after being found guilty of more than 1 000 charges of child pornography is a step in the right direction.
“Witnessing such law enforcement actions is encouraging, and we hope to observe further arrests of this nature in the future,” Mashatile said.
He called on government, communities and civil society to act on the widespread prejudice against the LGBTQIA+ community and the apathy that allows the victims to be "invisible" and denied basic human rights.
“Moreover, we must understand that sexual violence is not only about sexism. A woman can perpetrate against a man, a man can perpetrate against a woman, and it can happen between same-sex couples as well.
“Today, we must recommit ourselves to ending violence against women and children. We have the ability to shape a future in which women and children are safe and their rights are respected.
“I urge men in our communities to be role models to young boys. Remember, boys are born, and men are made. As men, we can help develop men in our society who respect women; men who do not see women as objects; men who recognise the equality of women,” he said.
The Deputy President also urged traditional leaders to intensify their role as community leaders against unfair inheritance practices and GBVF.
“As custodians of our culture, customs and origin, you must say no to cultural practices that are harmful to women and children, such as ukuthwala, child muthi killings, witchcraft burning, and many other practices.
“Let us join together, leaving no one behind, as a community to accelerate actions to end gender-based violence and femicide,” Mashatile said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 11/26/2023 - 09:02
104 views
PRASA employee dismissed for fraud
PRASA employee dismissed for fraud
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has reiterated its commitment to dealing with fraud after the dismissal of an employee that was allegedly involved in fraudulent activities.
“During routine financial review processes, irregular payments were detected, prompting escalation to senior leadership. With the assistance of PRASA Internal Audit department, management engaged an existing independent supplier to conduct a forensic investigation,” the agency said on Friday.
The investigation revealed three fraudulent transactions executed by a PRASA employee totalling R9,547,000.
On being interrogated by the investigators, the employee admitted to committing the fraud and subsequently returned the stolen funds.
PRASA immediately suspended the employee and reported the matter to the South African Police Services (SAPS).
The agency continued the internal investigation and unearthed additional fraudulent transactions by the same individual amounting to R24,976,747.30.
Upon interrogation, the same employee also confessed to these additional unauthorised transactions.
“As an outcome of the process, the employee was dismissed, and a fraud case against him is pending. The investigation helped pinpoint internal control deficiencies that enabled the fraud. PRASA has introduced enhanced measures to bolster internal controls and prevent future fraud.
“PRASA's management remains committed to upholding integrity, transparency, and accountability. Going forward, the organisation will remain vigilant against potential financial irregularities,” the agency said. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 11/24/2023 - 10:36
627 views
Consumers urged to exercise caution when buying food products on Black Friday
Consumers urged to exercise caution when buying food products on Black Friday
The Department of Health has urged consumers to exercise extra caution when buying goods, especially food products, during the Black Friday frenzy by prioritising quality and safety over quantity and savings to mitigate buying counterfeit and expired foodstuffs.
“It is indisputable that Black Friday deals provide consumers with discounts and savings on a variety of goods. Therefore, it is important for consumers to guard against purchasing counterfeit and expired foodstuffs by thoroughly checking food labelling and expiry dates on food items to prevent ongoing sporadic cases of life-threatening food poisoning.”
The department has reminded consumers to be on the lookout and report any suspicious goods sold by outlets and retailers to environmental health practitioners or food inspectors at their nearest municipal offices or Consumer Goods Council of South Africa.
“Consumption of expired and counterfeit foods can pose serious health risks, including food poisoning, allergic reactions and long-term health complications.”
The department said through its food control and environmental health sections, it has been working closely with other stakeholders to raise public awareness about the dangers of consuming counterfeit and expired food products to keep the public safe.
The country, according to the statement, has 1 712 environmental health practitioners, known as health inspectors, spread across 44 districts and eight metropolitan municipalities, serving 62 million South Africans. This translates to one health inspector for every 36 000 people.
“This means the efforts to prevent production and selling of counterfeit and expired foodstuffs detrimental to human health cannot be left solely in the hands of food inspectors, but it should be everyone’s business,” the department said.
People are advised to not buy or consume highly perishable products with damaged packaging or lapsed expiry dates, even if they smell and look good.
Meanwhile, the department said the South African Police Service (SAPS) is empowered to investigate and is also authorised, under the Foodstuffs Act, as inspectors and has powers to collect food samples for analysis as part of their investigation, especially where there is a case of unnatural death.
“Members of the public are not allowed, in terms of this legislation, to take the law into their own hands to conduct any food inspection blitz in food outlets, but they should report any outlet to the relevant authorities,” the department explained.
Tips to identify possible illicit food products:
- Colour would normally differ from the original because incorrect additives were used to manufacture the fake products.
- Inconsistency in the texture, smell and colour of the product.
- Check if manufacturing and expiry date are not adulterated with or damaged, or not clearly visible.
- Check the nutrition label on supplements and food items because in most cases, fake goods contain some discrepancy in listing the ingredients.
- Carefully look at the packaging if it is not suspicious because counterfeiters produce close replicas, but mostly cannot perfect it. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 11/24/2023 - 10:11
71 views
Enjoy a safe day outdoors by keeping personal safety top of mind
Summer is a beautiful time to relish the numerous outdoor activities Gauteng has to offer with family and friends. If you’re planning a trip to somewhere like the picturesque Hartbeespoort Dam for a braai or picnic, with the warm sun overhead and the gentle summer breeze rustling through the trees, Fidelity ADT encourages you to …
Asset Forfeiture Unit scores R1.5bn seizure order
Asset Forfeiture Unit scores R1.5bn seizure order
The National Prosecuting Authority's Asset Forfeiture Unit, in collaboration with a special illegal mining unit in the South African Police Service, has obtained a provisional preservation of property order for the seizure of assets to the estimated value of more than R1.5 billion.
The frozen assets include a farm in Carolina, coal, cars and heavy duty machinery used at an alleged illegal mine in Mpumalanga.
National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson Monica Nyuswa said an estimated 270 000 tons of coal was allegedly mined illegally at on two portions of the farm over a two year period by a company named GNJ Mining.
“At a minimum estimated market value price of R980 per ton, the estimated 270 000 tons that were illegally mined amounted to about R264 million worth of coal, that was illegally mined at the farm during the 2 years.
“GNJ Mining never had lawful authorisation/permit from the DMRE [Department of Mineral Resources] and/or the DARDLEA [Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs] to mine coal at the farm. The illicit coal that was mined at the farm was taken to Droogvalley Barrel Plant (Droogvalley) in the Carolina area, where the coal was processed and “washed” to prepare it for sale to GNJ Mining’s coal-using clients,” she said.
Nyuswa explained that the seizure comes after a man was arrested following a raid on a farm.
“Following credible information, the SAPS held an operation at the farm on Tuesday 19 September 2023, where they saw the magnitude of the illegal coal mining operation at the farm and Droogvalley. On the day, the SAPS arrested the illegal Mine Manager Paul Boshoff (Boshoff) and seized most of the mentioned assets at the farm and Droogvalley.
“Boshoff was arrested on 19 September 2023 and appeared in court the following day,” she said.
The criminal case is expected to be heard on 16 February 2024 in the Carolina Magistrates’ Court. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 11/21/2023 - 10:09
128 views
Cabinet approves Just Energy Transition Implementation Location
Cabinet approves Just Energy Transition Implementation Plan
Cabinet has approved the Just Energy Transition Implementation Plan (JET IP), which will guide South Africa’s transition to a low carbon economy through the scaling up of renewable energy sources.
The JET IP sets out a number of interventions South Africa needs and investments required for the country to transition to a low carbon and climate resilient economy in line with the National Determined Contributions presented to the United Nations.
Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said on Monday Cabinet is of the view that the JET IP demonstrates South Africa’s commitment to a just transition in line with the country’s energy needs.
She said the JET IP will be driven by a combination of reforms in the energy sector, including the Mpumalanga Just Transition, new energy vehicles and green hydrogen, among others.
“The plan further responds to South Africa’s commitments under the Paris Agreement and United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change as well as NDP [National Development Plan] commitments.
“The Jet IP will enable South Africa to gradually meet its carbon emissions reduction commitments while at same time, it will ensure inclusive economic growth, energy security and employment,” Ntshavheni said during a post-Cabinet media briefing.
Criminal Assets Recovery Account
Cabinet has also approved the use of monies in the Criminal Asset Recovery Account to fight against illegal mining and other crimes.
Ntshavheni said R2 172 359 is allocated to fight illicit mining which continues to be a threat to the South African economy.
“The money is allocated to the SAPS [South African Police Service], SANDF [South African National Defence Force], Department of Home Affairs and Border Management Agency. The SAPS will use the funding to buy vehicles, helicopters, nyalas and will deploy more than 4000 officers for 18 months,” Ntshavheni explained.
Illegal mining and other organised crimes cost South Africa billions of rands each year and it affects the country’s position as an investment destination, the Minister said.
National Petroleum Company Bill
Cabinet has also approved the publication of the South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC) Bill for public comment.
The Bill gives effect to the Cabinet decision to merge PetroSA, South African Gas Development Company (iGas) and the Strategic Fuel Fund.
Ntshavheni noted that the Bill makes provisions for the establishment of a state-owned company that will ensure South Africa participates meaningfully in oil and gas development.
“It will also guarantee the country’s security of energy supply to support economic development and growth. The SANPC will oversee strategic planning, coordination and governance of the country’s petroleum resources and this will contribute to development and job creation,” the Minister explained.
Draft National Public Transport Subsidy Policy
Cabinet also approved the Gazetting of the draft National Public Transport Subsidy Policy for public comment.
The policy proposes that South Africa’s public transport funding should move from subsidising a particular mode of transport to a user-subsidy model.
“Government recognises that the transport sector is at the heart of the country’s development with most households completely reliant on public transport for mobility.”
African Peer Review Mechanism celebrations
Meanwhile, Cabinet has considered and supported the request for South Africa to host the 20th anniversary celebrations of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APMR) from 23 to 30 November 2023.
The Minister said South Africa supports the APRM mission to promote the African Union’s shared values of democratic governance and inclusive development on the continent.
The 20th anniversary celebrations will include the participation of current and former Heads of State and government, and the African Union Commission. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 11/20/2023 - 13:50
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EC police commended for the arrest of robbery suspects
EC police commended for the arrest of robbery suspects
Eastern Cape South African Police Service (SAPS) Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene, has commended the efforts of a dedicated police task team who over the weekend found and arrested five robbery suspects linked to a series of cases committed in the Joe Gqabi District.
This as once the threat of house/business robberies were identified, the Acting District Commissioner of Joe Gqabi district, Brigadier Asogran Naidoo established a task team to hunt down the suspects involved.
On Saturday night and on Sunday night, the task team in Sterkspruit followed up on information received of Lesotho nationals at a house at Makhetheng who had robbed a house/shop at Thaba Lesoba (Cathberg).
The information was operationalised and as the team swooped in on them, they found five men entering the house carrying bags. Three of the five men were found to be armed with firearms. They were arrested.
On searching the bags, groceries and tobacco were found. Members also found other groceries hidden under the bed, inside cupboards and in the wardrobes.
The suspects aged between 23 and 37 are expected to be charged for various crimes, including illegal possession of firearms, possession of suspected stolen property, illegal possession of ammunition and possession of dagga.
Another suspect, linked to this group was arrested on Monday, 13 November 2023, after a shootout with a security guard during a business robbery in Sterkspruit.
The suspects are wanted on a number of cases for house/business robberies, murder and attempted murder in Palmietfontein and Sterkspruit.
Detectives are busy probing other cases where they may also possibly link these suspects. Meanwhile, the three firearms confiscated will be sent to ballistics for analysis.
Lieutenant General Mene on Sunday commended the task team for their unwavering commitment to public safety.
“Through their meticulous investigation, excellent informer network and collaboration, the team worked swiftly and tirelessly to arrest these suspects. Not only have these suspects been arrested, three firearms and suspected stolen goods were also confiscated.
“This achievement underscores our commitment to ensuring that the reign of criminals are halted while making sure that our communities are safe,” said Mene. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 11/20/2023 - 10:45
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