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Contingency plans in plot ahead of Lebombo border protest

Location: News

Contingency plans in place ahead of Lebombo border protest

The Border Management Authority (BMA) says it has taken note of the planned strike action at the Lebombo border by the community of Nkomazi.

The BMA has been requested to receive a memorandum from the community which highlights challenges, including criminal acts at and along the Lebombo port of entry.

“The BMA is concerned that these criminal acts, if not addressed, will culminate in massive loss of trade revenue. Reports received indicates that the strike action emanates from criminal actions taking place during congestions and delays experienced during clearing of vehicles at the border.

“The BMA calls for the challenges to be resolved in order to continue harnessing the economic opportunity in the Maputo corridor. The BMA calls for smooth facilitation. An engagement process has already been initiated between the Department of Transport, the BMA, South African National Road Agency Limited (SANRAL) and the Mozambique government to foster a positive border management control system,” said the authority in a statement on Wednesday.

BMA Commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato, assured the public that operations at the Lebombo Border will proceed as normal.

“We have put in a contingency plan that will allow the march to unfold in a peaceful manner. This has been done in conjunction with all the stakeholders that are charged with border control, including the SAPS and Traffic Management.

“Deployments have been enforced on the ground to ensure adherence to normal border control processes. A communique has also been communicated to the Mozambican government on the situation,” he said.

The Lebombo border has been earmarked for future re-development as an initiative to ensure efficient cross-border management of movement of people, goods and services.

This will also guarantee improved revenue collection and prevent harmful imports and exports. The strike action for today will be closely monitored to ensure that there is no disruption of services at the Lebombo border. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

Edwin
Wed, 10/18/2023 - 13:42

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Read moreContingency plans in plot ahead of Lebombo border protest

Illegal mining suspects to appear before Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court

Location: News

Illegal mining suspects to appear before Rustenburg Magistrates' Court

Eleven suspects, who were arrested on Sunday by the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit and members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Boitekong, are expected to make their first appearance before the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court today.

The Flying Squad, Bafokeng Public Order Policing and the Rustenburg Local Criminal Record Centre also formed part of the team that made the arrests. The suspects' ages range between 19 and 39.

The team was following up on information regarding illegal mining activities, which were allegedly taking place at a house in Boitekong. 

"Upon arrival, the house was searched and bags containing platinum material were found. Illegal mining equipment including compressors, gas bottles, cutting torches, hammers, iron balls, cutting discs, a welding machine, a grinder and a generator were seized.

"The owner of the house was arrested and charged with illegal possession of platinum, while the other 10 suspects were arrested and charged for contravention of the Immigration Act," SAPS said in a statement. - SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Tue, 10/17/2023 - 10:06

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Read moreIllegal mining suspects to appear before Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court

Fidelity ADT’s Quick Response Stops Potential Break-In

Location: MyPR

Knowing your neighbours’ routines and being aware of their movements significantly increases the chances of noticing when something is amiss. On 12 October at approximately 15:00 Fidelity ADT successfully apprehended a suspect in Kimberley. The incident unfolded when a neighbour spotted an unfamiliar individual inside a customer’s yard. The neighbour promptly alerted the homeowner, who …

Read moreFidelity ADT’s Quick Response Stops Potential Break-In

Fidelity ADT Aids in Apprehension of Armed Robbery Suspects

Location: MyPR

In a quick response, Fidelity ADT’s community operations managers, played a crucial role in the apprehension of suspects involved in a series of armed robberies in Kempton Park. On the afternoon of October 11th, Fidelity ADT Community Operations Managers received a tip-off about suspects fleeing from Centurion towards the Moot Region, Pretoria. Without wasting any …

Read moreFidelity ADT Aids in Apprehension of Armed Robbery Suspects

National Safer Festive Season campaign yields positive results

Location: News

National Safer Festive Season campaign yields positive results

National Safer Festive Season operations have started on a high note with police in the Western Cape seizing R75 million worth of counterfeit goods and R200 000 in cash from a shopping centre in Bellville, Cape Town.

The counterfeit goods raid, led by the South African Police Service (SAPS), took place on Saturday as SAPS rolled out its nationwide Safer Festive Season operations.

Through heightened visibility, police are intensifying operations to deal decisively with crime. Regular roadblocks, stop and searches, as well as the tracing of wanted suspects are being intensified as the SAPS ushers in the busy festive period.

In the Western Cape, the Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele, handed over 36 vehicles to assist police to bolster their crime combatting efforts and heighten visibility in gang-ridden areas, where murders are prevalent.

The SAPS Safer Festive Season operational plan was rolled out on Saturday in all the provinces. The plan will see heightened focus on seven areas, which include gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), combatting of serious and violent crimes such as aggravated robberies, border security, strengthening by-laws, road safety, as well as illegal mining.

“We are not going to co-govern with criminals. We are going toe-to-toe with them. Our priority is the safety and security of all the inhabitants of this country and their property. Police officers are instructed to also sharpen their responses to the most vulnerable in society during the holiday period and beyond,” Cele said.

SAPS has also launched a service rating platform, where members of the public will now be able to rate the service they receive from all police stations across the country.

This online rating platform will allow everyone in South Africa to rate the service they receive at their local police station.

“We encourage all people to rate every single service they receive from us, so that we can have a clear picture of our performance in an effort to enhance our service offering.

“We want to win back the trust of our communities and we can only do so if we deliver and intervene if there are gaps,” said National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola.

The Rate My Service online platform will give an opportunity to members of the public to respond to a predefined questionnaire to rate the SAPS service.

This can be done as and when they interact with SAPS services or at a later stage.

SAPS hopes this project will encourage members of the public to sponsor suggestions for improved service delivery through participating in the online survey.

SAPS management is also encouraging all SAPS members to put more effort in rendering a professional, effective and efficient service at all times that the public deserves. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 10/16/2023 - 09:29

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Read moreNational Safer Festive Season campaign yields positive results

Police seek public assistance to trace missing doctor

Location: News

Police seek public assistance to trace missing doctor

Maitland police are seeking the assistance of members of the public to help them trace 29-year-old Stefano Corso who was last seen by his colleagues on Wednesday afternoon.

He was a visiting doctor from Malta who was attending a medical seminar in Paarden Island at the time of his disappearance.

Reports suggest that he stepped out of the conference to attend to a phone call, but never returned.

Video footage available to SAPS shows him leaving the seminar. Attempts by his colleagues to reach him telephonically were unsuccessful. He has not been seen nor heard from since then. They then alerted the SAPS.

At the time of his disappearance he was wearing beige pants, a white t-shirt and a black jacket.

Anyone with any information on the whereabouts of Stefano or who can assist the investigating officer to trace him is requested to contact the investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Melvyn Matthews, on 079 894 0092 or contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Fri, 10/13/2023 - 10:04

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Read morePolice seek public assistance to trace missing doctor

Launch of BMA a step in the factual direction in securing South Africa’s borders

Location: News

Launch of BMA a step in the right direction in securing South Africa’s borders

By Dr Michael Masiapato, PhD.

The Musina heat of 37°C gathered thousands of attendees to witness the historic launch of the Border Management Authority (BMA).

The Border Management Authority aims to ensure that South African borders are less porous and more efficient in facilitation of trade as well as ensuring the legitimate movement of goods and people.  South Africa has 72 ports of entry comprising of 53 land ports, 10 aviation or international airports and 9 marine (sea) ports. Over and above managing the 72 ports of entry, we are managing the vulnerable segments of our border lines and community crossing points.

The initial multi-departmental approach we had for the past 29 years was a major challenge, where a number of Departments were operating at the borders.  You had the Department of Home Affairs doing immigration; the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment doing biosecurity functions, the Department of Agriculture doing agriculture functions and also the Department of Health responsible for port health functions. In the previous years we had independent managers of those four departments operating at the ports and reporting back to their various departments. This was over and above the operations of the South African Revenue Services (SARS) facilitating port customs, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) responsible for border policing functions.

There was a necessity to bring a border management model where these port functions of the four Departments are integrated. The model involved the port related functions exiting those Departments and reporting to the Border Management Authority under one command. The need for an integrated and co-ordinated border management was in accordance with the Constitution, international and domestic law, in order to contribute to the socio-economic development of the Republic.

In order to empower the BMA to be effective, it was then created as a law enforcement authority, which became the third armed service in South Africa after SANDF and SAPS. The mandate of the BMA is clear in ensuring the prevention of smuggling and trafficking of human beings and goods; preventing illegal cross-border movement; contributing to the protection of the Republic’s environmental and natural resources; and protecting the Republic from harmful and infectious diseases, pests and substances. In July 2022, the first 221 officers were deployed as BMA Border Guards at vulnerable segments of the border line, including the informal community crossing points. Its formal establishment and assumption of its status as an autonomous schedule 3 (A) public entity was conferred on 1 April 2023. This being one of the most important authorities, it was necessary for President Cyril Ramaphosa, as Commander-in-Chief of the South Africa’s armed forces to preside over the launch of the Border Management Authority.

Subsequent to that, and additional 400 BMA Border Guards including 50 Coast guards are being recruited to ensure that the entity is effective and efficient at all border posts. In order to maintain the BMA integrity and based on the many corruption challenges that were faced in the past, section 13 of the BMA Act requires that all border management officials be fully vetted and regular lifestyle audits to be conducted.

To assist with technological support on Border Management operations, the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi recently announced the issuing of the Request for Proposal to the market for the redesigning and redevelopment of our top six busiest ports of entry. The primary intention is to ensure the realisation of regional economic integration in the SADC region, while facilitating the realisation of African Continental Free Trade Area. The re-developed ports of entry will result in the efficient cross-border management of movement of people, goods and services, improved revenue collection and preventing harmful imports and exports.

The six earmarked ports of entry are:

  • Beitbridge - Zimbabwe
  • Lebombo - Mozambique
  • Maseru Bridge – Lesotho
  • Ficksburg - Lesotho
  • Kopfontein - Botswana
  • Oshoek - Eswatini

These ports were earmarked in order to address the congestion, based on being the largest and busiest by traffic volume.

The re-designing project is expected to create an estimated 38 000 jobs in areas around the six designated ports of entry.

The BMA is a vital link in our efforts to harness the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area. Despite serious challenges faced before, the BMA will provide a sustainable solution to the structural challenges of border security, control and coordination. It is intended that this new approach will adapt and respond effectively to the challenges, threats and opportunities that exist in the Border environment whilst safe-guarding South Africa’s borders and meeting the country’s national, regional and global development responsibilities and human rights imperatives.
* Dr Michael Masiapato is the Commissioner and CEO of the Border Management Authority.

Matona
Thu, 10/12/2023 - 13:44

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Read moreLaunch of BMA a step in the factual direction in securing South Africa’s borders

Manhunt launched for escaped inmates

Location: News

Manhunt launched for escaped inmates

The Department of Correctional Services together with the South African Police Service (SAPS) have launched a manhunt for two escaped inmates in KwaZulu-Natal.

According to the department, the two were based at the Nkandla and Vryheid Correctional facilities in that province.

“The escapees are 34-year-old Siyabonga Sikhakhane, serving 16 years imprisonment of which 8 years is suspended for housebreaking and theft. He has been incarcerated at the Nkandla Correctional Centre since 23 March 2022.

“The second escapee is 29-year-old Siphamandla Gift Simelane, serving two years for similar offences of housebreaking and theft. He was admitted at the Vryheid Correctional Centre on 03 October 2023.

“The Emergency Support Team of Correctional Services is working together with the South African Police Service in an effort to rearrest the two. The circumstances under which the two inmates escaped are being investigated as they were both out with the spans (work teams],” the department said.

The department has urged the public to report any sighting of the two to the police. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Wed, 10/11/2023 - 10:15

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New Border Management Authority a boost for SA’s security and development

Location: News

New Border Management Authority a boost for SA’s security and development

President Cyril Ramaphosa has used his weekly newsletter to the nation to highlight the importance of the New Border Management Authority (BMA) in boosting the country’s security and development.

The President said that the establishment of the BMA is a significant step towards safer communities, better law enforcement and the growth of the economy through greater trade with the country's neighbours.
 
President Ramaphosa emphasised that ensuring the borders are well-managed and well-protected is key to the security and development of the country. 

“Maintaining the integrity of our country’s borders is key if we are to realise the aspiration of every South African to live in peace and harmony with ourselves and our neighbours.
 
“It is a daunting undertaking. Our land border is over 4 800 km long and is shared with six countries. We have 53 land ports of entry, 11 international airports and eight sea ports.
 
“The launch last week of the country’s first integrated, unified Border Management Authority (BMA) is therefore a milestone in the necessary effort to secure our borders,” the President said. 
   
Turning to the challenges faced on our borders, the President said that they are both historical and contemporary.
 
He highlighted that the apartheid regime flagrantly disregarded the sovereignty of neighbouring countries to conduct illegal cross-border raids.

He added that “it abused immigration measures to harass its opponents, and enforced hated policies like influx control and the exploitation of labour from the region.”
 
President Ramaphosa told the nation that it then became the priority of the democratic government elected in 1994 to progressively reform the border management and migration regime, not just in the interests of economic growth and development, but also so that these reforms should reflect the broader values of the new state.
 
“The democratic government has worked to uphold the right of citizens to freedom of movement and residence, as well as the rights of refugees and asylum-seekers under international conventions. 

“It also sought to deepen trade and investment between South Africa and other Southern African countries, and contribute to the political and economic integration of the African continent,” he said. 
 
Over time, however, he said, the complexities of border management have resulted in an uncoordinated approach by the various authorities.

He highlighted that one of the challenges has been the sheer number of government departments and entities involved in this work. This includes the absence of a central authority which led to fragmentation of efforts and made it difficult to enforce accountability. This in turn rendered the country’s borders vulnerable. 
 
The UN Office on Drugs and Crime has noted that South Africa has become an important transit route for organised criminal networks involved in human trafficking, drugs and small arms smuggling and various other forms of cross-border crime.
 
It has also noted that as the economic powerhouse of the region, South Africa continues to attract economic migrants who are undocumented, especially from the SADC region.
 
The President said that the proliferation of cross-border crime, illicit trade and illegal migration as a result of porous borders presents a serious threat to national security and  the economy. He added that it also places strain on already stretched resources and public services, and fuels social instability. 

“We have in recent times seen anti-foreigner sentiment resulting in acts of violence and harassment. As a country, we must condemn without reservation all acts of violence against foreign nationals, regardless of their immigration status, and work together to prevent such acts.
 
“At the same time, we must recognise that South Africans are justifiably concerned about illegal migration. Like any sovereign nation, we have the right to guarantee the integrity of our borders and provide that all who reside in our borders have a legal right to be here. 

“Those who have sought refuge in South Africa or wish to live and work here are subject to immigration regulations and must adhere to the country’s laws,” the President said. 
 
The Border Management Authority is tasked with ensuring that the country’s immigration laws are enforced, and that the borders are well-protected and ports of entry well-managed.
 
The new authority is now the third armed service in South Africa after the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
 
The first officers of the new BMA border guard were deployed in July this year at vulnerable segments of the border, including at informal crossings. 

Although they will be conducting border law enforcement functions, including access control, the SANDF remains responsible for border protection and safeguarding.
 
With this new structure in place, President Ramaphosa said the country will also be able to better prevent the illegal importation and exit of goods, curb illegal migration and human smuggling, and combat cross-border crime. 
 
The BMA will take on the work of several other departments and agencies and is already working with the South African Revenue Service, SAPS and SANDF to integrate border management functions. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Mon, 10/09/2023 - 10:14

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Read moreNew Border Management Authority a boost for SA’s security and development

Police dealing decisively with crime ahead of festive season: Masemola

Location: News

Police dealing decisively with crime ahead of festive season: Masemola

The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, has reassured that police will continue to deal decisively with criminals ahead of the busy festive season.

Through Operation Shanela, police continue to “dislodge and disrupt activities of organised crime syndicates” linked to serious and violent crimes, especially aggravated armed robberies such as cash-in-transit (CIT) heists.

Masemola said police remain on course to sniff out more syndicates. He said police “will not negotiate with criminals”.

“We are tailoring our operations to ensure that a strong presence of police is felt on the ground. We are investing in our police to ensure they are operationally ready and have the required resources,” Masemola said.

In the latest takedown operation, Gauteng police arrested four suspects linked to a CIT robbery, which took place in Kaalfontein, near Tembisa.

The suspects were traced to various addresses in Tembisa. In their possession, police found a Mercedes Benz alleged to be used as a getaway vehicle, dye stained money, explosives and an AK47.

In their preliminary investigation, the police have established that the Mercedes Benz that has been recovered was hijacked in Springs earlier this year. The owner of the vehicle will be traced and informed accordingly.

In KwaZulu-Natal, four suspects were shot and killed during a confrontation with police at a home utilised as a safe haven for the syndicate in KwaMashu on Friday morning.

In their possession, police found four firearms including an AK47, explosives and false vehicle number plates.

The Hawks also arrested a 38-year-old Zimbabwean national, who was found with explosives on Friday morning. The team was following up on information when a bus from Zimbabwe, heading to Johannesburg, was pulled over on the N14.

The team is investigating the possibility of such explosives being utilised in the spate of CITs in the country. Investigations continue to trace the origin of the explosives and where they were destined.

The police are also appealing to communities not to pick up money at CIT crime scenes, as this amounts to theft and defeating the ends of justice.

According to the police, CIT crime scenes are dangerous and can also pose a risk for the loss of life.

High-density operations are being intensified through regular roadblocks, stop and searches and the tracing of wanted suspects across the country to ensure the safety and security of all people living in South Africa.

“Day in and day out, we are taking down these criminals one by one! These takedowns must serve as a deterrent to those involved in these aggravated robberies. We are ushering in the festive season and we are prepared to deal decisively with crime and criminals in all forms and shape,” Masemola said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 10/09/2023 - 11:33

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Read morePolice dealing decisively with crime ahead of festive season: Masemola

Operation Shanela continues to disrupt criminal activities

Location: News

Operation Shanela continues to disrupt criminal activities

Through the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Operation Shanela, at least 124 suspects and 137 daily wanted suspects were arrested for committing various crimes over the past weekend.

Operation Shanela's disruptive actions were executed in hotspot areas across the Northern Cape province which included vehicle checkpoints, stop and searches, blue light and foot patrols, compliance inspections and tracing of wanted suspects by detectives across the province.

The outstanding success includes the arrest of two males, age 28 and 36, for possession of stolen property valued at R43 000 after the Kimberley Crime Prevention Unit received information of a tuckshop selling branded goods in bulk belonging to a local supermarket.

The police in Delportshoop recovered and confiscated a stolen vehicle and arrested a 62-year-old male for theft of a motor vehicle after the police were alerted by a tracking company about a stolen vehicle that was stationary around Ulco mine.

Another two male suspects, aged 37 and 40, were arrested and charged under the Northern Cape Nature Conservation Act 9/2009 sec 50 & 51 for alleged illegal possession of endangered plants on the R382 road between Steinkopf and Port Nolloth.

A white Isuzu Double Cab bakkie was stopped and searched and police confiscated ten 50kg bags containing 4485 Conophytum Bilobum plants.

Police also confiscated the Isuzu bakkie as it was allegedly utilized in the commission of a crime.

During the operation, the following items, such as alcoholic beverages, dangerous weapons, drugs including crystal meth, dagga mandrax and tik were confiscated.

A total of 56 compliance inspections at second-hand dealers, liquor outlets and premises, formal and informal businesses, farms and mines were executed.

Numerous roadblocks were conducted across the province during which 25 vehicle checkpoints and eight roadblocks were conducted which resulted in 1631 vehicles stopped and searched and 4637 persons searched.

Police across the province also conducted routine visits at ATM's, business premises, National Key Points, Post Offices and tuckshops.

The Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, congratulated all SAPS personnel and other law enforcement agencies for ensuring that those who violated the laws are confronted and dealt with decisively.

She also appreciated community structures for their role and assistance in the fight against crime. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 10/09/2023 - 11:17

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Read moreOperation Shanela continues to disrupt criminal activities

Condolences for Eswatini top cop

Location: News

Condolences for Eswatini top cop

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has announced the passing of Eswatini Police Commissioner William Dlamini, who passed away on Saturday morning at OR Tambo International Airport. 

The top cop, according to a SAPS statement, was in transit to Eswatini from Angola where he attended the 26th Interpol African Regional Conference. 

“The Commissioner collapsed and died at the airport. Both the family and the delegation that accompanied the late Commissioner on his official trip have received psychosocial services from psychologists attached to the SAPS Employee Health and Wellness unit,” the statement read. 

National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, has since on behalf of the SAPS sent his condolences to the Royal Eswatini Police Service as well as the family of Dlamini.

Masemola described Dlamini as a soft-spoken and committed senior police officer who was dedicated to enhancing cooperation to counter transnational organised crime in the region.

“Our sincerest condolences to the Royal Eswatini Police Service and the family of the late Commissioner. Commissioner Dlamini was humble and dedicated to the cause of serving. 

“He was always available to discuss collaboration in preventing and combating cross-border crime in the SADC region. The SAPS is providing the necessary support in line with its expertise through its Interpol office,” said Masemola.

Police at the airport have also registered an inquest docket to determine the cause of death. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Sun, 10/08/2023 - 12:06

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Police Deputy Minister sends condolences to slain officer’s family

Location: News

Police Deputy Minister sends condolences to slain officer's family

The Deputy Minister of Police, Cassel Mathale has sent his condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of his close protector, Warrant Officer Lindela Mraqisa.

Mraqisa is among the five people that were shot and killed on Saturday evening in Gugulethu.

The member was attached to the Western Cape’s Protection and Security Service (PSS) Division and served as a close protector to Mathale since 2019.

Police have since mobilised maximum resources to trace and apprehend those behind the attack and killing of four men and a woman.

Mathale has described the late member as dedicated, humble and hardworking.

“The number of police officers killed on and off duty remains a concern for the leadership of the SAPS. We need the whole of society and government to fight this scourge.

“Mraqisa was a soft spoken, dedicated and focused police officer who was always punctual and professional in his conduct. We hope police will find and bring to book those responsible for his death. My condolences go to his family,” he said.

Police Minister General Bheki Cele and the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola will lead a delegation of senior police officers to Cape Town today where they will interact with the investigating team and also visit the bereaved family.

They will thereafter proceed to the family of another off-duty member who was found killed in Mfuleni on Sunday morning.

The 29-year-old policewoman was attached to the Samora Machel Police Station. The circumstances surrounding her death are a subject of a police investigation. One suspect has been arrested in connection with her death.

The SAPS appeals to members of the public to assist with information that will lead to the arrest of the perpetrators of mass shooting behind bars. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 10/02/2023 - 10:49

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Read morePolice Deputy Minister sends condolences to slain officer’s family

BMA to safeguard SA’s borders

Location: News

BMA to safeguard SA’s borders

The newly established Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner, Dr Mike Masiapata, has assured South Africans that the entity will get rid of corruption and ensure that the country’s borders are safe.

The BMA came into effect on 1 April 2023, and it is expected to be officially launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa in Musina, Limpopo, next week.

Masiapata explained that the BMA was established to ensure that the country is protected.

Speaking at the National Press Club media briefing in Pretoria on Thursday, Masiapata said legislative frameworks had to be looked at prior to the establishment of the BMA.

“Since 1994, South Africa has been using a multi-agency approach in its border management. It was therefore decided that a single agency was needed to manage the country’s borders,” Masiapata said.

Masiapata said the previous multi-agency included seven departments and agencies, including the Departments of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development; Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment; Health; Home Affairs; the South African National Defence Force (SANDF); the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the South African Revenue Service (SARS), which all have a physical presence in the border environment.

Masiapata said managing the country’s borders has been a challenge, especially with the old system.

He explained that the aim of establishing the new agency was to deal with the challenges that the country faces.

“For almost 15 years, there have been some discussions to try and have the Border Management Authority established to deal with the challenges the country is faced with. There was a lot of corruption brought by the old system,” Masiapata said.

Masiapata said BMA officials will be thoroughly vetted.

The BMA has, since its inception, recorded successes, amongst them intercepting stolen vehicles.

In June 2013, Cabinet made the decision to establish a Border Management Agency under the guidance of the DHA.

The decision was taken in recognition of the National Intelligence Co-ordinating Committee  (NICOC) 2012 Feasibility Study, which had highlighted weaknesses in border management.

The authority will be responsible for the execution of frontline border law enforcement functions related to, inter alia, port health, immigration control, access control, biosecurity, food safety and phyto-sanitary control, land border infrastructure development and maintenance, and border information and risk management.

It is intended that the new agency, the BMA, will adapt and respond effectively to the challenges, threats and opportunities that exist in the border environment whilst safe-guarding South Africa’s borders and meeting the country’s national, regional and global developmental responsibilities and human rights imperatives. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Thu, 09/28/2023 - 15:29

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Read moreBMA to safeguard SA’s borders

Work continues between government and business to tackle SA’s immediate challenges

Location: News

Work continues between government and business to tackle SA’s immediate challenges

President Cyril Ramaphosa has met with members of Cabinet and senior business leaders to receive an update on progress made in the collaboration between government and business. 

This collaboration was initiated in June 2023, with the aim of significantly growing South Africa’s economy, and restoring public and investor confidence through critical interventions to address the key challenges of energy, logistics, and crime and corruption. 

Highlighting the meaningful progress made since the start of the initiative in a joint statement, President Ramaphosa said they have established an effective working relationship between government and business to tackle the most immediate challenges facing the economy. 

“While we have identified key milestones and set out the processes to achieve these, the real test of our success will be in the results felt by ordinary citizens. 

“We are confident that by working together and marshalling the significant resources and expertise that exist in our country, we will end load shedding, fix our logistics system, and tackle crime and corruption,” the President said. 

Adrian Gore, co-convenor of the business delegation, said while it’s early in the partnership, the collective work rate has been excellent and "there are clear areas of progress", which he believes they can build upon to achieve real change.

 
“Putting in place a viable, critical path per focal area, with clear short-term deliverables against which we collectively measure our progress, is crucial for building confidence in our ability to deliver,” Gore said. 

The joint statement sated that good traction has been achieved within the energy focal area, through the National Energy Crisis Committee (NECOM), which has been established to ensure delivery of the Energy Action Plan (EAP).

Business and government reaffirmed the importance of the EAP as the country’s blueprint for reducing the severity and frequency of load shedding in the short term and ending it altogether in the long term. 

“Full implementation of the plan across three core priorities – improving the performance of Eskom’s existing power stations; adding new generation capacity, and reforming the energy sector – will result in over 12GW of generation capacity being recovered or added to the system from Eskom and the private sector by the end of 2024,” the statement read. 

As part of this collaboration, CEO of Business Unity South Africa (BUSA), Cas Coovadia, and chair of the Steering Committee of Business for South Africa (B4SA), Martin Kingston noted that business is mobilising additional capacity and skills to support the implementation of the EAP. 

This includes nearly 130 volunteers from the private sector who are being coordinated through the Energy Council of South Africa to work in partnership with Eskom and government. The deployment of technical support teams to five power stations – Kendal, Kriel, Majuba, Matla, and Tutuka – is on track, in addition to ongoing support for the return of Kusile Units 1 to 3. 

Energy stabilty

The joint statement highlighted that the Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill has been tabled in Parliament, and the public comment period is underway. Government is engaging closely with Parliament to prioritise the passage of this Bill, given its crucial importance for the reform of the energy sector. 

Encouraging progress has been made in the establishment of the National Transmission Company of South Africa (NTCSA), with all three licenses approved by the National Energy Regulator of SA (NERSA), and the appointment of an independent board is in process. 

The One Stop Shop for energy projects has been established, and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed with the Energy Council to support enhancement of its capacity and systems to further streamline regulatory processes and facilitate private investment in energy generation.

In the logistics focal area, the collaboration is centered on ensuring implementation of immediate operational interventions, which have already been defined, alongside the development of the Freight Logistics Roadmap. 

Government has committed to finalise the roadmap, which will outline a sequenced set of actions to fundamentally reform the logistics system, by the end of October 2023. Business emphasized the urgency of this roadmap in the context of the ongoing challenges in the logistics system.

 
“Six of the eight work streams of the National Logistics Crisis Committee (NLCC) are now fully operational, while the remaining two will transition from Operation Vulindlela. Interventions to improve the operational performance of the multimodal bulk freight rail network and port system are well underway through the NLCC”. 

Corridor Recovery Teams have been established for five strategic corridors, comprising Transnet managing executives, industry representatives and independent experts, and a delivery plan has been developed with specific actions and timeframes to achieve the targeted increase in freight volumes. 

Business and government further emphasized the need to support the Board of Transnet in its turnaround plan in order to drive operational improvement and sustainability. 

“A multi-disciplinary team has been formed to address congestion challenges at the Lebombo border crossing, resulting in a reduction in the border processing time, while a dedicated work stream has been established to expedite the restoration of passenger rail services. Law enforcement agencies are working to protect rail infrastructure through a range of interventions, including aerial surveillance on the North and Central Corridors as well as the Majuba rail line,” government and business said. 

In the crime and corruption focal area, current engagements centre on building capacity within the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), along with the modernisation of the 10111 emergency response centre and collaboration between industry and the SAPS to address crimes targeting infrastructure. 

The NPA Amendment Bill has been tabled to establish the Investigating Directorate as a permanent entity with investigative powers. 

This Bill responds to a key recommendation of the State Capture Commission of Inquiry, and will strengthen the capacity and independence of the NPA to tackle corruption-related crimes. A further meeting will be held in six weeks’ time to assess progress on these commitments. 

“During this period, the immediate focus will be on ensuring the passage of critical reform legislation such as the ERA Bill and the NPA Amendment Bill; scaling up technical support for power station performance recovery; finalizing and adopting the Freight Logistics Roadmap; and establishing a joint delivery mechanism to coordinate agreed interventions to tackle crime and corruption,” the joint statement said. 

Both government and business continue to engage with other social partners in parallel, as part of their respective commitments to advance collaboration on shared national objectives. – SAnews.gov.za 

DikelediM
Wed, 09/27/2023 - 13:42

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Read moreWork continues between government and business to tackle SA’s immediate challenges

Police record successes in dealing with criminal syndicates

Location: News

Police record successes in dealing with criminal syndicates

Police Minister Bheki Cele says the police are pushing back against crime in the country, and flushing out ruthless and greedy organised criminal syndicates.

“The work of the South African Police Service (SAPS) has, through intelligence-led operations and weekly high density operations, resulted in the arrest of thousands of criminals, especially dangerous and hardened criminals,” Cele said at a briefing in Pretoria on Tuesday.

The Minister outlined some of the successes achieved by the police in dealing with crime in the country.

He said assets worth millions of rands have been recovered and firearms have been removed off the streets.

“These covert operations have also resulted in multiple deaths of suspects who violently resisted arrest,” Cele said.

Cele said some of the meticulously conducted take-downs should renew hope in the country, that the men and women in blue are gaining ground against crime and continue to flush out criminality in both affluent and impoverished areas of society.

“South Africans on various platforms have welcomed the bolstered and decisive policing efforts by the SAPS, who are going toe-to-toe with criminals.

“But in the same breath, we are also aware that the SAPS triumph over crime is a bitter pill to swallow by some,” the minister said.

Cele said crime intelligence information remains central in the take-down of armed and ruthless gangs.

Cele said in the past week alone, police have registered a number of successes, including the latest take down of cash-in-transit heist suspects in Hoedspruit, Limpopo, where four suspects were killed and three suspects arrested.

“We would like to take this opportunity to appreciate the working relationship with the Hoedspruit Farmwatchers, who worked closely with the SAPS in taking down this syndicate.

“Among those arrested was a most wanted suspect, a Mozambican national, linked to the murder of a police officer, a spate of car hijackings, house and business robberies and fraud cases. Police seized one pistol, a rifle and some of the stolen money,” the Minister said.

Provincial overview

Among the successes achieved by the police include, in Gauteng, a multidisciplinary team led by the Anti-Kidnapping Task Team, rescued an 18-year-old Wits University student from a kidnapping syndicate last Wednesday.

The syndicate had been targeting the LGBTQI+ community through a popular dating app. Police have broken the back of this particular kidnapping syndicate, which has so far been linked to over 50 kidnappings, where ransom demands were being made.

In KwaZulu-Natal, following a shooting incident which resulted in the fatal shooting of five men at a parking lot in a shopping centre in Richards Bay on the 19th September 2023, police - 24 hours later - acted on information and traced two suspects to an upmarket estate in Ballito, where a shootout ensued.

The pair were shot and killed during a take-down operation, which involved specialised units of the SAPS, including the National Intervention Unit (NIU).

One of the suspects was on the police’s wanted list and being investigated in a number of cases. One suspect is being sought by the police.

In the Eastern Cape, police arrested a gang that had robbed a store of R1 million worth of jewellery.

Just hours later, police followed up on information and tracked down and arrested all 10 suspects, following a crime intelligence-driven operation. All the stolen jewellery was recovered, as well as four firearms. The syndicate is linked to numerous other similar heists across the country.

In Carolina, Mpumalanga, the illicit mining task team shutdown an illegally operated coal mine and seized mining equipment worth over R60 million, as well as coal worth R12 million.

A mine manager was arrested and a manhunt is underway for the mine owner.

In Khutsong, Gauteng province, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) - under Operation Gillette - arrested nine suspects for illegal mining and they attached, through a preservation order, 58 properties (51 vehicles, including luxury vehicles and seven houses) to the value of over R17 million. They will be appearing in court on 29 September 2023.

In the Northern Cape, 867 illegal miners were arrested during an intelligence driven operation in the Namakwa region on Tuesday, 19 September 2023. The area, which is a hotspot for illegal mining activities, is being closely monitored, and police are working closely with other relevant departments to combat illegal mining activities. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Tue, 09/26/2023 - 12:21

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Read morePolice record successes in dealing with criminal syndicates

Illegal miners to appear before Sabie Magistrate’s Court

Location: News

Illegal miners to appear before Sabie Magistrate's Court

More than 60 suspects arrested over the weekend are expected to appear before the Sabie Magistrate's Court today on charges of illegal mining, among other things.

In total, 68 male suspects, aged between 19 and 54, were arrested in connection with illegal mining activities in Mpumalanga.

Amongst them, two were nabbed for human trafficking, meanwhile two others were charged for possession of unlicensed firearms with ammunition, while eight were nabbed for alleged kidnapping.

The successes are part of Operation Shanela in the province, which was carried out at Sabie on Saturday. All arrested suspects are facing charges relating to the contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa.

According to the police report, the operation was conducted by a team consisting of members of the police from Provincial Organised Crime, members from Sabie Vispol, members from the Local Criminal Record Centre in Lydenburg, Lydenburg K-9 Unit, Department of Home Affairs, Department of Minerals and Resources, personnel from the Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and guards from Phoenix Security and Amandla Security.

An operation was carried out after a victim from Lesotho came to the Sabie police station last month to report a case of kidnapping.

An investigation was thoroughly conducted and information was gathered. The investigating team coordinated and executed a sting operation in the early hours on Saturday.

When members arrived at the site, they managed to arrest the alleged illegal miners, well known as 'zama zamas', where two firearms with ammunition were found amongst the suspects.

The members also nabbed eight individuals, who are suspected to have been behind the kidnapping of the Lesotho national.

A preliminary investigation by the police revealed that two of the suspects are allegedly involved in the human trafficking of people from Lesotho, who were used for illegal mining in Sabie.

Two suspects face charges of human trafficking and more charges could possibly be added against them as the investigation continues.

The investigators are adamant that there could be more criminal activities that these men might be involved in. A probe is underway, where other stakeholders are assisting to ensure that the law take its course.

The confiscated firearms will be taken for ballistic testing to determine whether they were used previously in the commission of crime.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, has commended the outstanding work that has been done by the collaborative team.

"We are very glad that not only was a huge number of suspects arrested, but two firearms were discovered.

“The issue of illegal mining is a concern in our country and we are happy that the public can see that the state, in conjunction with the private sector, is working hard to address the challenge, hence this success," she said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 09/18/2023 - 09:24

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Read moreIllegal miners to appear before Sabie Magistrate’s Court

Police appeal for cooperation in apprehending suspects

Location: News

Police appeal for cooperation in apprehending suspects

Police in Mpumalanga are appealing to members of the public to assist by providing information that can lead to the arrest of suspects involved in the shooting of patrons at a tavern in Kanyamazane on Sunday.  

Two people died and scores others were injured as a result of the shooting.

One patron died at the scene, while another died in hospital later in the day. Two other people are said to be in a serious condition in hospital.

All the deceased have not yet been identified.

According to police, two armed men wearing balaclavas stormed into the tavern just after midnight and opened fire indiscriminately. After the shooting, the suspects fled the scene.

A team of investigators has been assembled under the leadership of the provincial commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela.

Manamela has strongly condemned the incident.

“We are very concerned about crimes that are being committed at liquor outlets, including crimes that are carried out near these liquor outlets.

“We trust that our communities will come on board and share information that will assist in this investigation,” she said.

A case of murder and attempted murder has been opened. The motive for the shooting is still unknown.

The investigation continues, and police have urged members of the public to come forward with information that may assist in the arrest of the perpetrators. The public is urged to use the Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or send information via MYSAPSAPP.

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

Edwin
Mon, 09/18/2023 - 11:59

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Read morePolice appeal for cooperation in apprehending suspects