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Police Minister to address officers deployed at the BRICS Summit

Location: News

Police Minister to address officers deployed at the BRICS Summit

Police Minister General Bheki Cele will on Monday address all the forces deployed at the 15th Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) Summit, which will be held at the Sandton Convention Centre from 22 to 24 August.

This follows numerous security engagements and briefings by security role-players responsible for safeguarding the upcoming BRICS Summit.

The summit is expected to be attended by over 30 Heads of State and Government from across Africa, scores of government representatives, as well as local and international dignitaries and summit delegates.

The security forces parade will comprise officers from across various disciplines of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and supporting security agencies deployed to safeguard the event.

Last week, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) affirmed South Africa’s ability to successfully host the 15th BRICS summit.

Together, BRICS has more than 40% of the world's population; makes up a quarter of the global economy and accounts for a fifth of global trade. 

BRICS leaders are also expected to discuss the issue of membership expansion. Over 30 African Heads of State and Government are expected to attend the summit, with over 20 countries having formally applied to join BRICS.

In his address to the nation on Sunday, President Ramaphosa said South Africa supports the expansion of the membership of BRICS.

“The value of BRICS extends beyond the interests of its current members. For its efforts to be more effective, BRICS needs to build partnerships with other countries that share its aspirations and perspectives,” President Ramaphosa said.

He said BRICS plays an important role in the world due to its economic power, market potential, political influence and development cooperation.

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. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Sun, 08/20/2023 - 21:59

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Read morePolice Minister to address officers deployed at the BRICS Summit

Operation Shanela helps to drive crime down

Location: News

Operation Shanela helps to drive crime down

The police’s intensive campaign, Operation Shanela, continues to make a positive contribution to the decline of crime in the country, the latest crime stats have revealed. 

According to crime statistics released by Police Minister Bheki Cele on Friday, Operation Shanela has netted 99 754 suspects for various crimes, including murder, rape, assault and other serious charges.

The quarterly crime statistics reflecting on crimes reported and detected by the South African Police Service (SAPS) from 1 April to 30 June 2023, showed that for the first time since COVID-19 reached the country’s shores in 2020, the murder rate of the country has declined in a single quarter.

Between April and June this year, police recorded 6 228 counts of murder, a 196 decrease compared to the same time last year.

Out of the 6 228 people killed between April and June, 1 188 were women and children.

Cele said apart from Mpumalanga and the Northern Cape, all provinces recorded decreases for murder in this quarter.

“While the Northern Cape recorded a 11.1% increase in murder, much welcomed double-digit percentage declines were noted in Limpopo and North West. Murder (from April to June 2023) in those two provinces dropped by 10.0% and 11.5%, respectively,” Cele said.

The Minister said the aggressive policing approach has also been bolstered through Operation Shanela, which was launched on 8 May 2023.

While it’s still early days, the Minister said the effectiveness of the high-density operations is showing in the decline of crime figures.

“While the declines cannot all be attributable to Operation Shanela, its value and impact to the overall policing strategy is noticeable. Communities have so far welcomed the aggressive approach to crime and it is on this score that the policing strategies that are leading us in the right direction will be intensified for more favourable results.”

Cele assured that Operation Shanela is here to stay, and urged the provincial commissioners to continue to lead from the front.

“Work with your members on the ground and sweep clean all crime-ridden areas in your provinces.”

Cele also commended police officers for their dedication, determination and hard work, noting that the decreases in many of the crime categories would not have been achieved without them.

Police killings

However, Cele noted that keeping South Africa safe and going toe-to-toe with criminals is also coming at a high cost for the police service.

He said the Ministry remains very concerned about the rate at which police officers are being killed in the line of duty.

“It cannot be normal that 31 police officers are killed in three months,” Cele said. 

He said the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) continues to arrest those who choose to undermine the State by targeting the police for their criminal gains.

“Through the diligent investigative work of the directorate, nine convicted police killers were handed nine life imprisonment sentences, and sum total of 158 years imprisonment. Far too many of our officers are also dying off duty.”

Addressing the National Police Commissioner, Cele said: “This must push you and your management team to double up your efforts in the improvement of the wellness of officers. Police are assets of this nation and must be taken care of physically, mentally and psychologically so they can serve their communities better,” Cele said.

The Minister also commended ordinary South Africans in fighting crime together with the police and all law enforcement agencies.

“We also salute structures in communities, such as Community Police Forums, for their conviction and their participation in the battle against criminality. We have long ago realised that fighting crime is not only the business of the police.

“This government is continually working to make our streets, communities and cities safer places. It is work in progress and we believe that it is not something we will be able to achieve overnight, but it can and it will be done,” Cele said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 08/18/2023 - 13:30

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Read moreOperation Shanela helps to drive crime down

Illegal guns removed from Gauteng streets

Location: News

Illegal guns removed from Gauteng streets

Efforts against the proliferation of illegal and unlicensed firearms, are paying off with Gauteng police having recovered over 400 firearms and other ammunition in the past two weeks.

The recoveries said the South African Police Service (SAPS), are as a result of daily crime prevention actions conducted by police members and intelligence driven operations including the weekly Operation Shanela.

On Wednesday last week, members of the Ekurhuleni District Crime Intelligence, Ekurhuleni District Trio Task Team, Bad Boys Security and Blue Hawk Tactical, operationalised information regarding illegal miners who were allegedly in possession of an unlicensed firearm in the Primrose area.

The information led the team to four suspects who were found in possession of a rifle with ammunition and 13 bags of gold bearing soil.

All four suspects were arrested and charged with the possession of unlicensed firearms and possession of gold bearing material, including bribery as one of them tried to bribe the police for his freedom.

In another incident, still in the Ekurhuleni district, members of Putfontein recovered a firearm with a filed off serial number after they followed up on information. Two suspects were arrested and charged with the possession of an unlicensed firearm.

In the Johannesburg District, a team consisting of the Soweto Crime Intelligence and Soweto Flying Squad operationalised information about individuals planning a business robbery in the Diepkloof area.

The identified vehicle to be used by the suspects was spotted and stopped. Three occupants were inside and when searched, police discovered a revolver with a filed off serial number and ammunition.

The suspects were all arrested for the possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition and the police also seized the vehicle which is suspected to have been used in the commission of crime.

The SAPS said most of the firearms are recovered during routine patrols, vehicle check points and during crime prevention operations conducted throughout the province.

Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela applauded the law enforcement members and private security companies through the Eyes and Ears E(2) project for their prompt response to tip-offs and intelligence information given to them by community members.

"Recoveries of these firearms and ammunition is ascribed to partnership policing and these proves that together we can fight against crime and make our province a safe place to be," said Mawela. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Wed, 08/16/2023 - 09:08

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Read moreIllegal guns removed from Gauteng streets

Three suspects arrested for illegal mining in Limpopo

Location: News

Three suspects arrested for illegal mining in Limpopo

Police in Driekop, in the Sekhukhune District -- in collaboration with Mecklenburg, Burgersfort, Tubatse SAPS, as well as Public Order Policing (POPS) in Limpopo -- have apprehended three suspects, aged between 21 and 35, for alleged illegal mining.

The trio were nabbed on Tuesday morning at about 09:30am.

Police followed up on information about the suspects, who were conducting illegal mining activities on top of the mountain at Ga-Maroga village, under the Driekop policing precinct. They immediately rushed to the scene.

On their arrival, the police found a large number of people mining chrome. They then started to run in different directions, trying to evade being arrested.

Three males, consisting of two South Africans and one illegal immigrant, whose nationality will still going to be confirmed, were cornered and nabbed at the scene.

During the operation, the team managed to seize mining equipment. These include 12 wheelbarrows, 11 generators,  six jack hammers,  two grease pumps, a bundle of cables and a Bell TLB machine, with an estimated value of over R200 000.

The trio are expected to appear before the Mecklenburg Magistrate's Court soon on charges of illegal mining and contravention of the Immigration Act.

The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has vowed that the fight against illegal mining in the province will be strengthened to bring the perpetrators to book.

Police investigations are continuing. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 08/16/2023 - 09:39

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Read moreThree suspects arrested for illegal mining in Limpopo

Marikana anniversary a time to reflect

Location: News

Marikana anniversary a time to reflect

Founder of Africa’s largest independent humanitarian organisation, the Gift of the Givers Foundation, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman says it is time to build the country, build social cohesion and bring people together.

He said this during the 4th Annual Marikana Memorial Lecture on Monday, ahead of the 11th anniversary of the Marikana tragedy.

On 16 August 2012, the South African Police Service (SAPS) opened fire on a crowd of striking mineworkers in Marikana, in the North West, killing 34 people.

The then President, Jacob Zuma, announced the establishment of the Marikana Commission of Inquiry, in terms of section 84(2)(F) of the Constitution.

“As a country, we have learnt from the Marikana tragedy,” Sooliman said, adding that it was not time to live in the past, but to reflect on the past.

He said his organisation was determined to double food parcels to the people of Marikana.

Archbishop Thabo Makgoba said the Marikana tragedy was a painful chapter in the country’s history that brought immense sorrow, challenges and anguish to countless families whose loved ones paid the ultimate price.

“As we remember the fallen, we cannot but be moved by the harrowing journey the families of the victims had to endure on that fateful day,” he said.

Makgoba emphasised the importance of providing a supporting shoulder to the families of the victims of the Marikana tragedy. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Tue, 08/15/2023 - 11:12

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Read moreMarikana anniversary a time to reflect

Police officers urged to remain cautious

Location: News

Police officers urged to remain vigilant

Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Nomthetheleli Mene, has called on police officials to continue to be vigilant on and off duty to curb the attacks and killings directed at them during the life-threatening situations they constantly face.

The appeal was made following an attack on police officials while on duty on Friday evening in Zwide, as well as the fatal killing of an off-duty Sergeant in Tsolo on Saturday.

In the first incident, it is alleged that at around 22:10 on Friday, two SAPS Kwazakele members were on duty when they stopped at the corners of Malcomson and Mbolekwa Streets in Zwide, Gqeberha, to ascertain if all was in order at a local shop.

The driver was out of the vehicle at the time. His colleague, who was still in the vehicle was approached by an unknown male, who was banging on the window. At the same time, shots were fired at the officers and the Sergeant who was outside returned fire. The Sergeant sustained three gunshots wounds on his arm and legs.

While investigators were busy at the crime scene, it was established that the alleged suspect was lying injured in a yard in Mgona Street with a gunshot wound to the chest. A 9mm pistol, with the serial number removed, was found next to him.

Both the injured Sergeant and the suspect were taken to hospital for treatment.

The suspect, aged 30, has been arrested on charges of attempted murder and possession of a prohibited firearm. He is expected to appear in court soon.

In another unrelated incident, police are searching for a friend of 50-year-old Sergeant, who was shot and killed while off duty on Saturday at Langeni Sawmill location in Tsolo, Eastern Cape.

It is alleged that at about 9.40pm, the police official and his friend were drinking at the local tavern. When they left, security guards heard gunshots and on investigating, found the policeman dead inside his vehicle.

He sustained multiple gunshot wounds. The friend had disappeared with the police officer’s service pistol. The officer was identified as Sgt Obey Sotewu from the Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit in Mthatha.

The motive for the killing is unknown as yet and police are searching for the suspect. An arrest is imminent.

Mene has reiterated that any act of violence against police officers is an attack on the very fabric of society.

“We will not tolerate such behaviour and those responsible will be held accountable. Our police officers are the backbone of the community and an attack on them is an attack on all of us.

“We mourn the loss of Sgt Sotewu and extend our condolences to his family and loved ones,” Mene said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 08/14/2023 - 09:38

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Read morePolice officers urged to remain cautious

98 IDs, 105 bank cards, birth certificate found in F State home

Location: News

98 IDs, 105 bank cards, birth certificate found in F State home

The South African Police Service (SAPS) is calling on the community members who have lost ID books to report to the police station after 98 were found in a home in Selosesha, Free State, along with 100 bank cards. 

This is after the Selosesha Public Order Policing members received intelligence-led information on Friday, 11 August 2023 at about 21:30. 

“Members followed the information and it took the team to a house in Zone 4, Selosesha.”

The members then met a 28-year-old suspect who, upon searching his room, police found 42 smart card IDs, one Lesotho passport, 55 South African-issued ID books, 105 bank cards from different banks and a birth certificate. 

“Investigations are underway to establish the reason for him having personal documents from different people.” 

The suspect, the police said, has been arrested for unlawfully being in possession of identification documents and for contravening the Immigration Act. 

“Police are pleading with anyone who might have lost or submitted his ID to the 28-year-old to go to Selosesha Police Station so they can retrieve their documents.”

The 28-year-old is expected to appear in the Thaba Nchu Magistrate Court soon. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile
Sun, 08/13/2023 - 11:30

Read more98 IDs, 105 bank cards, birth certificate found in F State home

Police Committee Acting Chairperson Calls for Heightened Policing in Cape Town and Johannesburg

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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The Acting Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Mr Nocks Seabi, has called on the South African Police Service (SAPS) to heighten policing and ensure that the rule of law is implemented both in Cape Town, which is experiencing violence related to a taxi strike, and the perennial challenge posed by illegal mining in the City of Johannesburg.

“Heightened police visibility in Cape Town will go a long way in ensuring adherence to the rule of law on one hand while protecting the right to protest as enshrined by the Constitution. While we welcome assurances given by the police, it is critically important that the right to protest does not infringe on the civil rights of those who choose not to protest,” Mr Seabi argued.

The Acting Chairperson underscored the concern around violent behaviour that might undermine to some extent genuine concerns within the transport industry. The burning and stoning of cars and blocking of roads negatively affect South Africans and directly undermine efforts to drive economic growth. “We call on protesters to raise their objections within the confines of the law and urge the SAPS to arrest and ensure prosecution of those that carry out illegal acts,” Mr Seabi said.

Regarding the illegal mining problem in Johannesburg, the Acting Chairperson has emphasised that an intelligence-led operation is critical to address the problem. Also, a multisectoral approach is necessary to address the complex problems that give rise to illegal mining operations. “Above all, the SAPS must ensure the arrest of syndicates operating in the environment to ensure that this form of illegality is uprooted,” Mr Seabi said.

Mr Seabi welcomed the increased police operations in Riverlea but has called for similar operation across all hotspot areas.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Read morePolice Committee Acting Chairperson Calls for Heightened Policing in Cape Town and Johannesburg

Health skills development programme to empower KZN youth

Location: News

Health skills development programme to empower KZN youth

The youth of uMshwathi Local Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal are set to benefit from the Hub of Hope – a health and skills development programme for youngsters in Gcumisa and neighbouring communities in that municipality.

Deputy Health Minister, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, on Monday presided over the launch of the Hub of Hope.

“The hub is aligned to the department’s broader youth support programme to empower young people with health information to make well-informed health choices and economic opportunities to increase their skills and knowledge and improved employability,” the department said. 

The launch was organised in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), TB HIV Care, uMgungundlovu District Municipality, Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) and other public institutions. 

The programme is implemented through DREAMS (Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored and Safe) programme. 

DREAMS is an ambitious public-private partnership aimed at reducing rates of HIV among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW), decreasing teen pregnancy, keeping girls in school, reducing sexual and gender-based violence and equipping them with skills. 

According to Dhlomo, apart from health services, the programme also offers skills development opportunities including basic computer training, baking, hairdressing, beauty technology, nail technology and bookkeeping.   

Most of these training opportunities targeted at out-of-school youths are accompanied by starter packs upon completion to enable them to become entrepreneurs.

The launch was attended by amongst others, District and Local Mayors, senior government officials from the South African Police Service (SAPS), South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), over 900 Masijabule High School learners, parents and members of School Governing Body (SGB). – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile
Tue, 08/08/2023 - 08:32

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Police dealing with incidents of public violence

Location: News

Police dealing with incidents of public violence

The South African Police Service (SAPS) says integrated police deployments are currently dealing with incidents of public violence which erupted this morning in the Nyanga area as the looming taxi strike is yet to come to an end.

Roads in and around Nyanga and the Cape Town International Airport have been affected and traffic is severely backed up on the N2.

Incidents of busses torched in Borcherds Quarry Road are under investigation, and as yet, no injuries have been reported to SAPS.

“Our members will remain on high alert and deployed in numbers to ensure the safety of the public and to maintain law and order,” police said in a statement.

“We encourage any person who has been affected by an act of criminality to report the matter to SAPS immediately, so that an investigation can be initiated."

The public is urged to be vigilant and to apply safety measures to avoid being caught off-guard during the taxi strike.

The Western Cape taxi strike continues after talks failed to reach an agreement.

The meeting was between Santaco taxi industry leaders, the Western Cape government and the City of Cape Town.

Centre to the taxi industry's unhappiness is the ongoing seizure of minibuses. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

Edwin
Mon, 08/07/2023 - 09:42

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Vodacom Eastern Cape region ramps up fight against vulgar station battery theft and vandalism

Location: MyPR

GQEBERHA – Vodacom Eastern Cape is taking significant steps to address the escalating issue of vandalism and battery theft at base station sites in the region. On average, 120 sites on average per month experience vandalism, while approximately 62 lithium batteries are stolen each month, with Kei County being one of the worst areas affected. …

Read moreVodacom Eastern Cape region ramps up fight against vulgar station battery theft and vandalism

SAPS embarks on a recruitment drive

Location: News

SAPS embarks on a recruitment drive

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has embarked on its 2024/2025 recruitment process in which an additional 10 000 youth between the ages of 18 and 35 will be trained to serve as men and women in blue.

The announcement was made by the Deputy Minister of Police, Cassel Mathale, during a National Career Expo in Mdantsane in the Eastern Cape over the weekend.

The career expo provided the SAPS with the opportunity to showcase, educate and expose communities to the various career paths in the SAPS.

During the proceedings, management announced that the age limit for recruitment of new trainees has been raised to 35.

Application forms are available as of Saturday on the SAPS website: www.saps.gov.za under the police trainees section.

Application forms will also be made available at all police stations from today.

According to the SAPS, there are currently 9 000 trainees in academies throughout the country, another 1 000 will be enlisted for training in January 2024.

This will bring the total number of recruits trained to 10 000 in the 2023/2024 financial year. The 2024/2025 cohort is thus expected to commence their training in April 2024.

Deputy Minister Mathale said the aim is to ensure sufficient boots on the ground to serve and protect the communities.

“We are embarking on this process to ensure more boots on the ground in an effort to maximise our crime combatting efforts,” Mathale said.

The National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola said the organisation is targeting those with a passion for public service.

“We are inviting disciplined, upright and passionate candidates who are ready to serve and protect their communities. With more boots on the ground, we aim to enhance and improve our response to emerging crime trends,” General Masemola said.

The basic requirements for enlistment are the following: Be a South African citizen, be in possession of a matric certificate with NO criminal record. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 08/07/2023 - 09:58

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Riverlea residents feel safer with police presence

Location: News

Riverlea residents feel safer with police presence

Residents of Riverlea, west of Johannesburg, say their safety has improved since the Specialised Forces of the South African Police Service (SAPS) were deployed to the area to shut down illegal mining operations.

The residents welcomed the intensified police operations on illegal miners during a recently held community engagement, led by the Police Ministry.

The additional police deployment in the Riverlea area has so far resulted in the arrest of over 190 suspects, the majority of them being undocumented persons.

Police have since recovered scores of illegal firearms, ammunition, stolen property, explosives, gas cylinders and other tools commonly used during illegal mining activities.

Police Minister General Bheki Cele said these policing operations are but one part of the plan to end illegal mining.

“Arresting illegal miners is not the solution to end this well funded and well organised crime. Police are on the ground to stabilise the area so that other departments can come in and work to permanently close off mines and also attend to some of the social issues that exist in this area, which are drivers of crime.

“It is encouraging that the Hawks have arrested the suspects, who police believe are the handlers of these zama zamas and are middle and top players in the web of illegal mining,” Cele said.

He assured the residents of Gauteng affected by illegal mining and crime associated with the organised crime that a lasting solution is on the horizon. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 08/07/2023 - 10:17

Read moreRiverlea residents feel safer with police presence

Over 190 suspects arrested during police operations in Riverlea

Location: News

Over 190 suspects arrested during police operations in Riverlea

A total of 194 suspects have been arrested during intensified police operations in Riverlea and surrounding areas to arrest zama-zamas terrorising the communities.

The arrests follow the deployment of Crime Intelligence, Tactical Response Teams “Amaberethe”, National Intervention Unit (NIU) and the Special Task Force (STF) in and around the Riverlea area, including illegal mining hotspot areas in Gauteng.

Police Minister, General Bheki Cele returned to Riverlea in the West of Johannesburg on Friday, to update the community on the police's response to the illicit activities that have left some community members living in fear.

Joined by South African Police Service (SAPS) management from both national and the Gauteng province, Cele engaged the residents of Riverlea and surrounding in an effort to end illegal mining and to find lasting solutions to stabilise the area.

Addressing the community at Riverlea Recreation Centre, Cele said a team from the Minister and the Secretariat would be sent to the Langlaagte Police Station from Monday.

He said the team would report back by Thursday.

“The relationship between the community and the police station must be fixed so that we work together against criminality. We will bring a report back and see who is not doing his or her job, and take action against them,” Cele said.

Cele said the team will also probe allegations that SAPS are getting bribes, and called on the community to report and bring the evidence of the allegations. 

“We want to change their blue uniforms for the orange uniforms,” he said.

The Minister also called on the community to stop supporting the criminals, adding that they know the zama-zamas, as they are their next door neighbours.– SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Fri, 08/04/2023 - 15:12

Read moreOver 190 suspects arrested during police operations in Riverlea

Councillor arrested for allegedly assaulting and kidnapping domestic worker

Location: News

NELSPRUIT – The Police at Mhluzi arrested a 39-year-old councillor, William Phetla and his accomplices, Kholofelo Manola (31), Lui Nkadimeng (48) and Thabo Ntuli (24) on allegations of assaulting and kidnapping a 29-year-old domestic worker, aged 29 on Saturday, 22 July 2023. The victim, who is alleged to be pregnant, was allegedly accused of stealing …

Read moreCouncillor arrested for allegedly assaulting and kidnapping domestic worker

154 .22 Conversions Kits Confiscated

Location: News

PRETORIA- 154 Conversion kits were confiscated in a simultaneous Section 109 compliance inspection by the members of the Hawks National Priority Violent Crime Investigation based in Head Office in concert with their counterparts in Western Cape’s Provincial FLASH, Ballistic and Gorensic Science Laboratories yesterday, 26 July 2023 both in Pretoria and Western Cape. According to …

Read more154 .22 Conversions Kits Confiscated