Day: May 24, 2022

NELSPRUIT – The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has ordered for the swift arrest of the two suspects who were involved in the kidnapping of a young woman as she waited for a taxi to ferry her home. The 21-year-old woman was reportedly kidnapped by two male suspects next to a Gym at Schoemansdal Plaza, in Nkomazi last night, Monday 23 May 2022. However her assailants released her at Tonga before they fled with her cell phone.

According to the information, the young woman was waiting to board a taxi to take her home (in Driekoppies) at around 18h15. It is said that a green Toyota Corolla emerged with two male occupants who allegedly at gunpoint, ordered her to get in the car.

It is reported that one of the suspects, who was driving at the time, forced her to contact her family members, to demand an amount of R10 000-00 for her release.

After several attempts to get money failed, including checking the availability of funds on her bank App (on the phone), the suspects released her.

Surprisingly, before the suspects released her, they allowed her to make a call, to notify her family of her whereabouts. The suspects then removed the sim card from her phone and fled.

The family found her and it is reported that she sustained minor bruises as she was assaulted and her hands tied (with cable ties) by the suspects during the ordeal.

The matter was reported to the police at Schoemansdal and a kidnapping case was opened with an immediate launch of a manhunt for the suspects. The victim recalls that amongst the letters in the number plates of the vehicle, she could only recall the letters “KC” and she also believes that the car possibly had Mpumalanga (MP) registration number plates.

The investigation team has since urged the public to be on the lookout for a suspicious old green Toyota Corolla with some of the said letters (KC) in the number plates to immediately alert police by calling the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via the MySAPS App. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.

In the meantime, the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has strongly condemned this incident and vowed that, like in all other cases, this case will also receive the necessary attention it deserves. “In this province, we are grateful for the unwavering support that we receive from our communities, who constantly provide us with valuable information on the whereabouts of the suspects who obviously live amongst the communities and definitely known. We are confident that even this time around, they will not disappoint us so that we can capture these individuals before they prey on another victim” said the General.

Source: South African Police Service

GAUTENG – On Tuesday, 24 May 2022 police in Ekurhuleni arrested two suspects in Thokoza for possession and dealing in dagga following a community tip-off.

The team comprising of SAPS members from Thokoza, Katlehong South, Katlehong North, Ekurhuleni Flying Squad, K9 Unit, and Community Policing Forum (CPF) followed up on the information obtained and proceeded to identified addresses in Thokoza. A search resulted in the recovery of dagga and related paraphernalia.

Furthermore, the team accompanied by representatives of the Department of Education also conducted a search at two secondary schools in Thokoza. Knives and various other items were recovered which were found in possession of the learners.

The purpose of the SAPS members visiting the schools is to ensure all learners are safe and feel safe within the school environment.

Source: South African Police Service

DURBAN – On 22 May 2022 at 11:20, police officers from the Pietermaritzburg K9 Unit were following up information about a taxi that was hijacked at Meyi location in Ibisi and that was heading towards Mooi River on the N3 freeway.

Police officers attempted to intercept the taxi but the suspects sped off whilst shooting at police officers. The suspects drove through the boom gate at the Mooi Toll Plaza and sped off. At Riversdale in Mooi River, three men alighted from their vehicle whilst shooting at police officers. The suspect’s vehicle crashed into a wall of a home and police arrested two suspects aged 22 and 23. One of the suspects sustained a gunshot wound to the thigh.

Inside the taxi, police found a pistol with two rounds of ammunition and a gas gun. It was confirmed that the taxi was hijacked in the Ibisi policing area. One of the suspects appeared yesterday and the other will appear before the Mooi River Magistrate’s Court today on charges of attempted murder, possession of stolen vehicle as well as unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Source: South African Police Service

GQEBERHA – Police in Motherwell are searching for a missing 43-year-old male, Mr Khayalethu Belani. According to his family, he was last seen on Saturday 16 April 2022 when he allegedly left his home in Nashu Street, NU7, Motherwell. He was dressed in a black jacket, blue jeans and takkies. He has not been seen again since then and his family reported him as missing person at Motherwell SAPS.

Any person that could assist police in finding him, can contact SAPS Motherwell, Detective Warrant Officer Leslie Killian on 082 410 7492 or alternatively contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111.

Source: South African Police Service

NELSPRUIT – The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has acknowledged with much appreciation, the effort made by various stakeholders in the justice system in dealing with poaching. The expression by the General follows a hefty sentence that was handed down by the Skukuza Regional Court on Friday, 20 May 2022 upon a poacher. Sam Khoza, aged 47 received a well-deserved sentence of 9 years imprisonment for poaching.

The accused was sentenced following an incident in which three armed intruders entered the Kruger National Park through section on 11 November 2020 however, they were spotted by the field Ranger who were on duty that day. It is said that when the three men noticed the field rangers, a shooting ensued. Two of the suspects evaded arrests but Khoza, who sustained some injuries during the shooting was captured.

The police at Skukuza were notified about the incident and upon their arrival, the accused was arrested and charged accordingly. During his arrest he was found in possession of a rifle, some ammunition as well as a silencer.

After he recovered from his injuries, he was presented before Skukuza Regional Court, facing a charge of being in possession of prohibited firearm, possession of illegal ammunition as well as for possession of dangerous weapon. The case was handed over to the Skukuza Stock Theft Unit, experts in the field of probing matters which are related to illegal poaching. 

The team worked tirelessly to ensure that the accused gets convicted and sentenced. During the tour of their investigation, they discovered that the accused was born in the country of Mozambique and was in South Africa illegally hence the charge of contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa was added against him.

The team presented their case before court, with overwhelming evidence which was indisputable and has then led the accused with no choice but to surrender hence on Friday, 20 May 2022, he pleaded guilty to all the charges. Khoza was therefore sentenced accordingly.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has further commended the collaborative effort displayed by the team of field rangers, the investigation team, the Prosecution team, and the Judiciary which culminated into the sentencing of the accused. “We hope that this sentence will serve as a deterrence to those you might think of emulating the actions of the accused. We hope by now people have learnt that one can be severely punished for unauthorized killing of wild animals” said the General.

Source: South African Police Service

VUWANI -The South African Police Service in Vuwani are requesting the public to help in locating a 37-year-old missing woman, Makhadzi Mavhungu of Ha-Ramukhuba village.

Ms Makhadzi reportedly left home on Friday 13 May 2022, without informing anyone where she was going. She has since disappeared.

A search was conducted at her relatives, friends and the surrounding villages with no success. Her cellphone is on voicemail.

Anyone who can assist the Police with information on her whereabouts should contact the investigating officer Captain Andries Luvhimbi on 076 494 0565 or at 015 961 7000 or Crime Stop on 0860010111 or the nearest police station. Information can also be shared via the MySAPS App.

The Police investigations are still continuing.

Source: South African Police Service

GAUTENG – On Sunday, 22 May 2022 members of SAPS Tembisa arrested a 46-year-old man and recovered an unlicensed firearm with ammunition following a domestic violence complaint.

According to a preliminary report a woman reported a domestic violence complaint at Tembisa police station on Sunday. The members swiftly acted and proceeded to the home address of the victim. This led the members to recover an unlicensed firearm with the serial number being filed off. The suspect was subsequently arrested.

The firearm will be subjected to ballistic tests to determine whether it may be linked to other serious crime committed.

Source: South African Police Service