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Police crackdown nets 13 and seizes firearms

Location: News

Police crackdown nets 13 and seizes firearms

Police have seized 18 firearms and ammunition following a shootout between two alleged security companies in Kagiso.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Gauteng said that 13 suspects were also arrested in Wednesday’s incident.

It is reported that, the police members from West Rand District attended to a shooting incident whereby upon arrival they found two groups of what is believed to be security companies affiliated to two different taxi associations shooting at each other.

“When the police approached, the occupants from the armoured vehicle started jumping out and fleeing on foot. Thirteen suspects were cornered and arrested while 13 riffles, four pistols including scores of ammunition and magazines were seized from the scene and one firearm was found hidden at a nearby filling station,” said the SAPS on Thursday.

Two people from one of the groups where injured during the shootout and were taken to hospital.

All seized firearms will be subjected to further investigations and ballistic testing to ascertain if they were not used in the commission of other serious and violent crimes.

The suspects are expected to appear before court soon on charges of attempted murder and the discharging of firearms in a municipal area. Police investigations continue. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Thu, 11/09/2023 - 15:06

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Police foil planned cash in transit robbery

Location: News

Police foil planned cash in transit robbery

National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, has commended the police officers who foiled and intercepted a gang that was about to commit a cash in transit (CIT) robbery in KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday.

The heavily armed gang was intercepted in Vrede, Free State.

According to police, officials were following up on intelligence received of a planned CIT when a shootout ensued between police and members of a private security company.

A 40-year-old security officer was shot and killed when the suspects who were travelling in a Dodge sedan opened fire. A shootout ensued and the Dodge overturned. It was later discovered that it was hijacked in Wierdabrug, Centurion.

At the scene, two suspects were injured and arrested. Police recovered an AK47 and an R5 with more than 240 rounds of high calibre ammunition.

Another group of suspects were intercepted in Memela about 52km from Vrede. Three suspects were arrested however some got away. A manhunt has since been launched for those who fled the scene. At this scene, two Mercedes Benz sedans were recovered and one has already been detected as stolen.

General Masemola said safer festive season operations are in full swing.

“Our members are on high alert to prevent and combat incidents of serious and violent crime especially aggravated robberies. We will continue to trace these wanted criminals, it’s them and us and this is a fight we are not willing to lose.

“We have heightened our operations and are intensifying them throughout the country,” said General Masemola. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Wed, 11/08/2023 - 15:24

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Transport Minister safe after robbery incident

Location: News

Transport Minister safe after robbery incident

The Department of Transport has confirmed reports of an unfortunate incident involving Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga between the N3 Vosloorus and Heidelberg.

“The tyres of the Minister’s car were punctured by spikes, bringing the car to a stop, enabling the criminals to rob the occupants of valuables,” the department said on Tuesday.

This incident took place in the early hours of Monday morning when the Minister was en route to Pretoria. 

“Both the Minister and her dedicated South African Police Service (SAPS) protection team emerged from this incident unharmed and safe.  Minister Chikunga remains committed to fulfilling her government responsibilities and is deeply grateful for the overwhelming support she has received from her fellow government colleagues and the people of South Africa,” the department said.

The department is unable to provide further details as this is an ongoing police investigation. – SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Tue, 11/07/2023 - 12:50

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Cabinet concerned about food poisoning of kids

Location: News

Cabinet concerned about food poisoning of children

Cabinet has raised concern on the spate of food poisoning of children from eating expired and contaminated foodstuff from spaza shops and street vendors.

This follows the recent death of children after allegedly consuming poisonous food items bought from spaza shops, which were reported in Gauteng and North West provinces.

“Cabinet is encouraged by the law enforcement efforts to enforce food safety compliance,” Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said at a post Cabinet briefing on Monday.

Ntshavheni reported that during the recent International Migration Workshop, some of the key outcomes included the introduction of omnibus by-laws to address challenges relating to the enforcement of business by-laws by municipalities and traditional authorities. 

The workshop was hosted by the Home Affairs Department and joined by the Departments of Small Business Development, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, and Human Settlements, as well as traditional leaders and mayors from metropolitans and district municipalities. It focused on curbing the effects of illegal immigration, including the operations of spaza shops.

“There will be immediate joint inspections of businesses, in particular spaza shops, by the Departments of Labour, Health, Small Business Development and Home Affairs immigration inspectorate teams to enforce compliance with applicable laws,” Ntshavheni said.

The workshop also decided that an audit of spaza shops in villages and townships, and mechanisms to register them by both traditional leaders and municipalities, will be undertaken. 

The Minister said there are also efforts to support traditional authorities to keep a record of foreign nationals in their communities.

“Business licensing legislation is being amended to support all those who wish to trade in the informal sector.”

Police commended for dealing with international drug syndicates

Meanwhile, Cabinet has commended the South African Police Service (SAPS) for dealing a massive blow to international drug syndicates.

This follows the discovery of cocaine valued at R80 million, which was seized at a warehouse at Dube Trade Port, within the King Shaka International Airport, on 20 October 2023.

Two days prior to the seizure, another R70 million worth of cocaine was seized from a container at the Durban Harbour.

“Cabinet applauds the SAPS for their work in disrupting and dismantling transnational organised crime that poses a significant threat to our communities and the nation. Operation Safer Festive Season is already yielding results, with police arresting over 140 suspects, including an alleged illegal mining kingpin, and seizing unlicensed firearms,” Ntshavheni said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 11/06/2023 - 15:05

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Measures in space to ensure safe and secure AGOA

Location: News

Measures in place to ensure safe and secure AGOA

The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NatJOINTS) has put measures in place to ensure the 20th African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum takes place in a safe and secure environment.

NatJOINTS includes various government departments led by the South African Police Service (SAPS), South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the State Security Agency (SSA).

Police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, said a safety and security operational plan is already being enforced, with all critical role players already on the ground to execute their various responsibilities, as per their mandate.

Mathe said police visibility has been heightened in and around the Johannesburg Expo Centre, with the aim of preventing and combating any form of opportunistic crime, before, during and post the event.

She emphasised that only those in possession of accreditation to attend will be allowed near the venue and restricted areas. 

“Those found with fraudulent accreditation will face the full might of the law. Lost cards must be immediately reported to the South African Police Service. It is a serious offence to exchange cards amongst colleagues.
 
“Residents of Johannesburg and those who are operating businesses within the vicinity of the Johannesburg Expo Centre are advised about road closures for the duration of the event,” Mathe explained. 

The affected intersections in the Nasrec precinct as reported by Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) include: 
•    Nasrec Road and Recreation Road;
•    Nasrec Road and Randshow Road;
•    Randshow Road and Commerce Street;
•    Nasrec Road and Landbou Road; 
•    Golden Highway Road and Randshow Road;
•    Ring 1 and Ring 2;
•    Golden Highway and Stadium Road and
•    Nasrec Road and Stadium Road.

NATJOINTS assured all dignitaries, attendees and spectators that multidisciplinary and integrated teams are already on the ground and are ready to deliver a safe and secure event. – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK
Thu, 11/02/2023 - 09:49

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Government addressing deficiencies that led to grey listing

Location: News

Government addressing deficiencies that led to grey listing

Government is working hard to address deficiencies in the fight against organised crime and illegal financial flows, says Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana.

“Since February, when South Africa was grey listed by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a large number of government departments and agencies – including the police and the Hawks, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Special Investigating Unit (SIU), State Security Agency (SSA), the Reserve Bank, Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) and South African Revenue Service (SARS) – have been working hard to address these deficiencies,” the Minister said.

Delivering the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement on Wednesday in Parliament, he said last week the FATF noted at its plenary meeting that such work is showing positive results.

South Africa has addressed 15 of the 20 technical deficiencies in its legal framework and has made good progress on 17 of the 22 effectiveness action items, including two that are now deemed to be largely addressed.

“However, there is also a significant amount of work that must still be done, particularly with regard to the investigation and prosecution of complex money laundering cases and terror financing, the identification of informal mechanisms for remitting money around the world, and the recovery of the proceeds from crime and corruption,” the Minister said.

Government expects to address all the deficiencies identified by the FATF by early 2025.

“We are also devising ways to make better and more targeted use of the Criminal Asset Recovery Account (CARA) to address crime. Among these efforts, and emanating from the Presidential project on illicit mining strategy, a recommendation has been made for Cabinet to consider using money from the fund to combat illegal mining.

“The South African Police Service, The Defence Force, the Financial Intelligence Centre, the Department of Home Affairs and the Border Management Authority have all received allocations from this fund,” the Minister said.

Improving efficiencies

He said over the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) period, the focus is on improving efficiency and reprioritising funds towards key programmes.

The SAPS will contain costs and streamline operations as headcounts decline due to natural attrition.

“It will foster partnerships with communities and implement reforms to optimise resource allocation, training and technology. Government will continue to fill critical posts in the Border Management Agency and verify assets transferred from departments to the agency.

“To reduce employee compensation pressure, the Department of Defence will implement human resource reforms and review commuted overtime and allowance policies. Furthermore, funds will be reallocated in the Department of Defence to provide for day-to-day maintenance and emergency repairs,” the Minister said.

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development will reallocate funds over the MTEF period to capacitate the Office of the Legal Services Ombud.

“Funding will also be shifted from the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development to Legal Aid South Africa to improve its capacity to provide legal representation in land rights matters.

“To strengthen its independence, the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services will become a government component in 2024/25. Concomitant resources, currently in the baseline of the Department of Correctional Services, will be transferred with the inspectorate,” the Minister said.

Government will continue to fill critical posts in the Border Management Agency and verify assets transferred from departments to the agency. –SAnews.gov.za

 

 

nosihle
Wed, 11/01/2023 - 14:04

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Operation Shanela nets 597 suspects in the North West

Location: News

Operation Shanela nets 597 suspects in the North West

The South African Police Service (SAPS) conducted various high-density operations in the North West province last week, which resulted in 597 suspects being arrested for various crimes.

The suspects were arrested during an Operation Shanela initiative which was held from Monday, 23 October 2023, to Sunday, 29 October 2023.

According to a statement by the police, among others, four arrests were made for drug-related offences, 11 for dealing in liquor, 21 for driving under the influence of liquor, three for possession of firearms and ammunition and 66 were undocumented persons who were handed over to the Department of Home Affairs for further processing.

The following arrests were made for serious and violent crimes: six for murder, four for attempted murder, five for armed robbery, 149 for assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm, three for business robbery, 41 for burglary, 30 for malicious damage to property, 13 for rape and 104 for common assault.

During the operations, two firearms with ammunition, eight cellular phones as well as a variety of drugs and precious metals were confiscated.

Some of the suspects have already appeared before court while others are expected to make their respective court appearances this week in various courts in the province.

During the operations, 93 premises were searched, 12 road blocks were held and 11 unlicensed liquor premises were closed down.

In one of the incidents, a 45-year-old police officer was attacked with a sjambok in Extension 4, in Lebaleng location, Makwassie, by an alleged tuck shop owner while a law enforcement team was conducting consumer inspections.

The suspect attacked the police officer from behind, while he was removing expired products from the tuck shop. The officer was taken to a local clinic for medical treatment.

Investigations are underway and an arrest is imminent, said police.

The Provincial police Commissioner in the North West, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, said an attack on a police officer is an attack against the state and it will not be tolerated.

He warned that consumption of expired goods could cause people to fall ill and even die, therefore the police will continue to work hard together with other government departments to ensure the safety of the community. – SAnews.gov.za 

 

Edwin
Tue, 10/31/2023 - 09:50

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Four CIT robbers killed on N4 during shootout with police

Location: News

Four CIT robbers killed on N4 during shootout with police

Four cash in transit (CIT) robbers were fatally wounded in a shootout with law enforcement agencies in Mmakau in the North West province on Monday afternoon.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), a multi-disciplinary team received intelligence about a group of suspects planning to commit a cash in transit robbery between the North West and Gauteng.

“The information was operationalised and led the team to the N4 highway where the identified suspects' vehicle was observed. 

“The suspects' vehicle was spotted as it turned towards Mmakau. A high-speed chase and shootout ensued as soon as the suspects realised they were about to be captured. 

“The suspects lost control of their vehicle and collided with a fence. Four of the suspects were fatally wounded and three unlicensed firearms, two handguns as well as a rifle were recovered from the scene,” said the police.

The suspects are aged between 30 and 45-years-old.

The multi-disciplinary team - comprising the Hawks Tactical Operations Management Section (TOMS), Gauteng Traffic Saturation Unit, Gauteng Traffic Police Chopper, Badboyz Security, Tracker Connect, CAP Specialised Operations, FRS-Falcon Risk Solutions, SAPS PHO Crime Intelligence, SAPS Anti-Gang Unit and SAPS Gauteng Tactical Response Team – have been applauded for foiling the would-be cash in transit heist.

Police said further investigations are ongoing. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Tue, 10/31/2023 - 11:46

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Operation Shanela efforts pay off

Location: News

Operation Shanela efforts pay off

Efforts by various law enforcement agencies to curb various crimes in communities continue to yield successful outcomes with over 300 suspects having been arrested over the weekend in Gauteng.

The joint efforts comprised members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD), Gauteng Traffic,  the Community Policing Forum, the Department of Home Affairs and other law enforcement agencies.

During the integrated Operation Shanela on Saturday, law enforcement agencies arrested two suspects for possession of three unlicensed firearms and ammunition while executing their duties at Moleleki Extension 2.  The two were arrested after law enforcement officers went to a car wash and noticed a man hiding something in one of the cars. The police immediately approached the car and upon searching it, discovered two AK47 rifles, a pistol and ammunition.

“Among the suspects arrested this weekend, 277 suspects were nabbed by detectives who were tracing suspects in the District Policing precincts during their Shanela operations conducted on Saturday, whereby 129 [suspects] were arrested for contact crime, 21 for contact related crime, five for property crime, two for tempering with essential infrastructure, five for crimes depending on police action and 34 for gender-based violence,” said police on Sunday.

Ekurhuleni District Commissioner Major General Anna Sithole commended the efforts by the teams to reduce crime.

Meanwhile, in KwaZulu-Natal, 62 suspects were arrested for various crimes in KwaDukuza on Friday following an Operation Shanela initiative in the central business district.

Various disciplines from the KwaZulu-Natal police joined forces with multiple stakeholders to remove criminals from the streets.

The suspects were arrested for various offences such as possession of drugs, dangerous weapons, illicit cigarettes, illegal medicines as well as  counterfeit goods.

A total of 36 illegal immigrants were also detained for contravention of the Immigration Act.

The police also recovered 60 heroine capsules as well as dagga and counterfeit goods with a street value of R140 000. A number of scrapyards were also searched and the police seized scaffolding equipment and a bakkie.

The arrested suspects are expected to appear in the KwaDukuza Magistrate’s Court today. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Mon, 10/30/2023 - 10:00

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Enjoy rugby safely, urges SAPS

Location: News

Enjoy rugby safely, urges SAPS

The South African Police Service (SAPS) says it will monitor places of leisure such as fan parks and public gatherings ahead of, during and post the 2023 Rugby World Cup final match.

The National Crime Combatting Forum (NCCF) consisting of all Provincial Commissioners has met under the command of National Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, to discuss the operational plans in place to ensure the safety and security of these gatherings and that police are on hand to enforce the law at all times.

The SAPS said in a statement on Saturday that General Masemola was satisfied with the plans to monitor tonight’s festivities, as part of Operation Shanela, which includes regular roadblocks, stop and searches as well as the tracing of wanted suspects.

“It is on this note that the SAPS takes this opportunity to call for the cooperation of members of the public, who will be at these public viewing venues to conduct themselves responsibly.

“The SAPS also cautions citizens to be extra vigilant of their surroundings while celebrating and most importantly not to drink and drive as such action will be dealt with accordingly,” said the police.

The Springboks will play against New Zealand at the Stade de France in France, where the team hopes to retain the Webb Ellis Rugby World Cup.

Kickoff is set for 21:00 this evening and will be broadcast on sports channels and SABC. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Janine
Sat, 10/28/2023 - 10:23

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Drugs worth R800 million destroyed in Gauteng police operation

Location: News

Drugs worth R800 million destroyed in Gauteng police operation

The police have destroyed drugs worth R800 million during policing operations in Johannesburg, on Thursday.

National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola presided over the destruction of drugs, which included cocaine, heroin, mandrax and marijuana.

National police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said, this is the third drug destruction process in this financial year, with the most recent destruction having taken place in Cape Town in September.

 “In the 2022/2023 financial year, 20.8 of tons of drugs with a street value of 2 billion rand was also destroyed,” Mathe said.

Mathe noted that the drugs destroyed were linked to a number of high-profile cases, including the Maydon Wharf case where more than one tonne of cocaine worth a street value of R400 million was seized. 

“This drug bust happened in August 2022 when Ebrahim Kara, Elias Radebe and Meshack Ngobese were arrested in Cape Town after a truck transporting more than 600 blocks of cocaine was stopped by police and the drugs were discovered hidden in false wooden boards. 

“This matter was finalised and Kara was handed down an eight-year sentence while Radebe and Ngobese were handed down one year and six years imprisonment sentences respectively,” Mathe said.

She added that 1.3 tons in which illegal pharmaceuticals drugs/medicines in the form of tablets and capsules, including non-registered Viagra, were confiscated in operations throughout the country.
 
Mathe also noted that all drugs confiscated by SAPS during operations are subjected to forensic testing on a regular basis by the SAPS Forensic Science Laboratory: Chemistry Section. 

“These drug exhibit materials that were destroyed today were done so after a thorough process which followed the conclusion of a court order, confirming the finalisation of cases. It is also worth noting that all drugs exhibit materials that were destructed were audited to ensure compliance to the set standard,” Mathe explained.
 
Masemola said through the organisation’s high-density operations, police are making inroads in clamping down on the drug trade in the country and beyond.  
 
He said it is also encouraging that through Operation Shanela, 15 400 suspects were arrested by police officers for being in possession of drugs to date, with another 7 000 arrested for dealing in drugs. 

“The recent drug confiscation of R150 million [worth] of cocaine in KwaZulu-Natal also illustrates the cooperation between law enforcement agencies across the world in clamping down on transnational organised crime. Indeed, our intelligence structures are hard at work in preventing and putting a stop to the drug trade in the country and beyond.  

“This is also a clear demonstration that all stakeholders involved in border security are working together to tighten the control measures of cargo entering and departing our country,” said the Commissioner. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

GabiK
Thu, 10/26/2023 - 15:22

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Over 100 suspects netted in Gauteng police operation

Location: News

Over 100 suspects netted in Gauteng police operation

Gauteng police started Operation Safer Festive Season on a high note when they recorded arrests of more than 140 suspects and recovered rifles, including an AK-47, from a man suspected to be a kingpin of illegal mining in the West Rand.

“Police received information about a suspect who is in possession of unlicensed firearms in Bekkersdal, West Rand District. The information was operationalised on the day of Operation Safer Festive Season, 21 October 2023. Upon searching the premises, police from Crime intelligence and Bekkersdal Visible Policing found two unlicensed firearms (R5 rifle and AK47 rifle) and dagga,” said the Gauteng South African Police Service (SAPS) in a statement on Sunday.

The incident saw a 36-year-old suspect being arrested for unlawful possession of firearms and dealing in dagga.

Furthermore, detectives went on to trace wanted suspects and arrested 56 of them for crimes ranging from rape to fraud.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Police General Bheki Cele, the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service General Fannie Masemola and Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela joined the police at a roadblock and illegal mining disruptive operation in Roodepoort.

The operation resulted in more than 85 suspects being arrested for offences that include possession of suspected stolen goods and contravening the Immigration Act.

Generators and drilling machines used by the illegal miners were seized as the police dismantled and disrupted their operation. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Mon, 10/23/2023 - 08:46

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Inter-faith community called on to encourage crime afflicted communities

Location: News

Inter-faith community called on to help crime afflicted communities

KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, has reiterated the call to the inter-faith community to continue praying for all communities afflicted by crime, gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), rape and murder.

“It is my view that crime prevention cannot be left to be the responsibility of government alone. Let us all hold hands and work together,” Dube-Ncube said.

Dube-Ncube made the call during the Provincial Youth Committee Gospel Arts and Culture Competition, held in Mthwalume, South Coast on Sunday. Participants in the competition showcased their talents and competitive spirit in gospel music, arts and culture.

The Premier said violence meted out against women in particular, is a shame and is a threat to all social cohesion and nation-building efforts.

“Today’s event reminds us that our communities are plagued by the scourge of GBVF and Crime in general. Crime here in the Mthwalume area in recent years and GBVF in particular has been a major worry. 

“While the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele has assured me that the crimes of murder especially GBVF are being attended to, I urge the community to work closely with the SAPS [South African Police Service] to do everything to address all the sources of crime in this area and in the rest of the province,” she said.

The Premier said the advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), places power in the hands of artists.

“With access to technology artists can now interact directly with their audience, create songs and post to all streaming platforms without the help of a manager or record label. This can take place whether you are Johannesburg or New York or even in a backroom here in Mthwalume.

“While the labels and record companies still do have a place, artists are now positioned better to attract success before labels get to them. Today’s event is therefore more than just entertainment or competition, but is an opportunity to minister, and also to provide economic empowerment opportunities in music and the performing arts to artists from all over our province,” the Premier said.

She added that bringing a gospel competition to Mthwalume is a demonstration that gospel music, which is one of the most popular genres in South Africa, belongs to the people. She said it underlines her belief that development of rural areas is as important as addressing the issue of services in rural areas. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Mon, 10/23/2023 - 09:51

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