Day: July 31, 2022

MOUNT FLETCHER – Vigilance and quick action by members of the South African Police Service yielded positive results, resulting in the arrest of three suspects allegedly involved in a murder incident at Zindawo Locality on Thursday night, 28 July 2022, in Mount Fletcher.

According to information, the 38-year-old victim was at his home with his family when he received a call from the suspects who pretended to be seeking help as they had a breakdown. As the victim came out to assist, the suspects shot him and he sustained serious injuries.

Just after the incident, at about 21:30, SAPS members were busy doing crime prevention patrols and immediately mobilised others to set up a roadblock. Subsequently, the suspect’s vehicle, a white Toyota Fortuner with three occupants, was stopped. The suspects attempted to escape after an exchange of gunfire with the police, however, they did not succeed. All three suspects aged between 28 and 65 were arrested near Doctor’s Hill route. One of the suspects who was reportedly injured during the shootout, was rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention.

The police searched the vehicle and seized four illegal firearms, ammunition, cash and five cell phones. A case of possession of illegal firearms and ammunition was opened.

The arrested suspects are expected to appear in Mount Fletcher Magistrate’s Court once they are charged.

Source: South African Police Service

Today, 31 July 2022, marks World Ranger Day and the City of Cape Town is taking the opportunity to celebrate and recognise the important role our Biodiversity staff play in protecting Cape Town’s natural environment. The City’s Biodiversity Management Branch employs over 100 rangers, including senior and junior field rangers, assistant conservation officers, reserve supervisors, biodiversity area coordinators and operational staff and drivers. Read more below:

The rangers who are deployed at the nature reserves under the City’s management have many responsibilities and are well-versed in biodiversity management. Their roles include everything from safety and security duties to reserve maintenance, and the removal of invasive species to carrying out community surveys and managing encounters with wildlife at the reserve if the need arises.

‘We are privileged to have so many committed rangers protecting our natural heritage across all of our reserves. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our rangers for their hard work and for being the proud custodians of our unique biodiversity here in Cape Town.

‘This past week, I paid a visit to the Rondevlei section of our False Bay Nature Reserve as this conservation area celebrates its 70th anniversary this year. I was once again reassured that this treasured piece of our city is managed by some of the most knowledgeable, versatile and passionate rangers. I met and spoke to some of the rangers, and I must say the way the reserve staff go about protecting our natural treasures at Rondevlei is truly admirable,’ said the City’s Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews.

The Rondevlei section of the False Bay Nature Reserve is home to 237 bird species, a variety of small mammals and reptiles and its famous hippos. In addition, about 278 species of indigenous plants grow here, 70 of which are endangered or rare.

The reserve was established in 1952 as a bird sanctuary and is comprised of 290 ha of pristine wetland.

The False Bay Nature Reserve consists of 1 964 ha, comprising of six sections, including Rondevlei, which is one of the most important on the Cape Flats from an ecological and tourism perspective. The other sections are the Zeekoevlei, Strandfontein Birding, Pelican Park, Slangetjiebos and Zandwolf coastal reserves.

Rondevlei is a popular conservation area with numerous facilities, including a waterside trail along the shoreline with six bird hides and two large wooden observation towers, a network of footpaths, and picnic spots. It is also home to the Leonard Gill field museum, and an environmental education centre with a lecture theatre and resource centre. The reserve has a venue available, which includes conference facilities, a boma, and secluded overnight accommodation for school groups.

‘We invite residents to pay a visit to Rondevlei to experience the abundance of bird and animal life in the area. For those who will be visiting for the first time, I have no doubt that our staff are ready to assist in making your visit a memorable one,’ said Alderman Andrews.

Rondevlei is located on the Corner of Perth Road and Fisherman’s Walk in Grassy Park and is open every weekday between 07:30 and 17:00 and on weekends (December to February only) from 07:30 to 19:00.

Entrance is free and the reserve can be contacted on 021 400 9593 or rondevlei.naturereserve@capetown.gov.za

Source: City Of Cape Town

EDEN CLUSTER - Police in the Garden Route District expanded their efforts to ensure a safe environment for all during this weekend through the strategic deployment of integrated forces in the crime stricken areas in the Southern Cape.

These concerted efforts by Police in the Garden Route District and the strategic deployment of integrated forces on major and secondary routes as well as high density patrols in townships and neighbourhoods ensured that a total of 362 suspects were arrested between Thursday evening, 28 July 2022 and Sunday morning, 31 July 2021 at 06:00. Among those arrested, 99 were arrested for reported crime, committed during the mentioned period while five wanted suspects and 240 suspects were arrested within the 12 hour cycle. These arrests represent various criminal offences, ranging from petty to other serious crime, including murder and robberies.

This weekend’s operations included high visibility blue light patrols, stop and search operations with a special focus on drug and liquor outlets, illegal firearms, the tracing of wanted suspects and the confiscation of dangerous weapons. An integrated multi-disciplinary team comprising of various departments accompanied the SAPS’s District Management Operational team to Thembalethu last night where they conducted compliance inspections and paid visits to the nightlife of the township. Members conducted searches and subsequently closed down 6 illicit drug houses and successfully raided three of them.

Most of the arrested suspects will make their court appearance in the local magistrates’ court tomorrow, Monday, 01 August 2022, once they have been charged.

Various suspects were arrested for the illegal possession of drugs including Mandrax and Tik by members of the Crime Prevention Units around the Garden Route, including those of Oudtshoorn, George, Conville and Thembalethu near George.

Last night, combined forces from George, Conville and Thembalethu assisted with crime combating operations in Thembalethu and arrested two suspects in connection with an attempted murder and armed robbery that was committed in 23rd Street, Zone 7, Thembalethu. Preliminary investigation suggested that members were dispatched to an alley at the mentioned address at about 23:50 where they found two seriously injured victims as well as a third victim that made reports that they were robbed and shot at as well as assaulted by armed men whom they know.

Members operationalised the information leading to the residences of the assailants where two suspects were arrested after they have been positively identified and linked to the crime. Members also found two stolen cellphones, belonging to the victims, in their possession, positively linking them to the alleged attempted murder and robbery. (See attached photo of arrests and cellphones recovered) the two suspects in their mid-thirties is scheduled to appear in the Thembalethu Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 01 August 2022, once charged.

Three suspects between the ages of 39 and 50 are scheduled to appear in the Plettenberg Bay Magistrates’ court on Monday, 01 August 2022, following their arrest on Thursday, 28 July 2022, in connection with a business robbery that was committed at a business in Plettenberg Bay. They were arrested following an intelligence-led operation between Crime Intelligence, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay Detectives, as well as private security companies. Police managed to recover all stolen property, including jackets, Tekkies, caps and other items. They also confiscated a licenced firearm and ammunition as well as a VW Tsi Golf that was used during the initial commission of the crime.

Yesterday, Saturday, 30 July 2022, members attached to the Southern Cape Rural Flying Squad arrested a suspect who was found in possession of three Samsung Indoor Aircon Units to the value of approximately R26 000.00, belonging to a business in Knysna. He was subsequently charged with the possession of suspected stolen goods. He is due to make his first court appearance in the Knysna Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 01 August 2022.

The District Commissioner of the Garden Route, Major General Norman Modishana had nothing but praise for the vigilance and commitment of the members who were instrumental in the busts.

The Provincial Commissioner of the Western Cape, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile has praised the members for their dedication to safeguard communities within their area. The confiscation of illicit drugs and dangerous weapons during this weekend also contributed to the prevention of serious crime such as murder and assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm, he said. Their vigilance and commitment to bring these perpetrators to book, is greatly appreciated. Combined and integrated operations will continue throughout with the focus to safeguard Western Cape communities against the scourge of drug addiction and serious and violent crimes, including GBV-related offences.

Source: South African Police Service

The families of some of eight survivors of the Krugersdorp gang rape ordeal have called on the South African Police Service (SAPS) to continue the strong police action to arrest their attackers

On the eve of Women’s Day, Police Minister, General Bheki Cele, met six of the eight survivors of the gang rape that has shocked the nation, along with their families on Sunday 31 July at the Alexandra police station. Some of the survivors are singers, models, presenters, and professional make-up artists. The meeting follows the gang rape and armed robbery of eight women during an alleged attack on a video production in West Village, Krugersdorp, on Thursday, 28 July.

During the meeting it was revealed that some of the survivors were as young as 19-years old, and Minister Cele assured them and their families that police were leaving no stone unturned in the quest to find their attackers.

“These young women are traumatised and are not in a good shape, mentally or otherwise. This is why the Gauteng MEC of community safety, Faith Mazibuko, has sent psychologists and councillors to provide mental healthcare to them. I have also requested Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu, to offer more support and immediately initiate restorative efforts for these young women whose only goal was to earn a living, only to be met with such brutality.”

While investigations into the alleged robbery and rape are underway to find the suspects, police operations to crack down on illegal activities and arrest undocumented persons as well as wanted criminals in the West Village area continue. These operations consist of multi-disciplinary teams from Crime Intelligence, the Special Task Force, the National Intervention Unit, the Tactical Response Team, K9 units, Flying Squad, Highway Patrol, SAPS Airwing as well as Department of Home Affairs and other private security stakeholders.

The deployment of drone technology to assist officers on the ground to track suspects in the mining area has resulted in the arrest of at least 84 people. Two suspects died during a shoot-out with police and while another wounded suspect is recovering in hospital.

All suspects are expected to appear at the Krugersdorp Magistrates court on Monday, 1 August. They face charges of contravention of the Immigration Act and possession of suspected stolen goods.

Minister Cele has welcomed the mass arrests. “Police are in the air and on the ground, squeezing out criminals regardless of whichever hole they are hiding in. We know this community has been vocal about criminals making their lives a hell there and we are turning the tide. I am also satisfied with the briefing by the detective teams about the progress to fast-track biological evidence processing to link some of the arrested suspects to the rape of the young women,” Cele concluded.

The Police Ministry remains encouraged by the tireless efforts from the SAPS detectives to ensure a breakthrough in this case. However, the Ministry remains concerned the gang rape survivors are allegedly harassed by some media houses demanding interviews. The Ministry discourages these actions which families deem intrusive and insensitive during a traumatic ordeal.

The Ministry will engage the South African National Editors Forum (SANEF) on this matter.

Source: South African Police Service

GERMISTON – Police appeals to the public to assist in locating a missing girl named Kamokgelo Khena, aged 11, who was last seen on Saturday, 30 July 2022 by her mother at their place of residence in Germiston South. Kamokgelo's mother reported her missing after she did not return home.

Kamokgelo wore black leggings and a black top with grey spots at the time of her disappearance.

Anyone who has information that may assist in locating missing Kamokgelo is urged to contact SAPS Germiston on 011 871 5001/3/4 or 079 695 1789 (Duty Officer), SAPS Crime Stop 08600 10111 or alternatively leave an anonymous tip-off on the MySAPS app.

Source: South African Police Service

PEDDIE - The SAPS management has commended the swift move by police in apprehending seven suspects and the seizure of firearms and ammunition. Management further praised the members for their bravey and patriotism that averted major bloodshed and saved the lives of about 18 people. This follows after police were alerted to a shooting incident which occurred on Wednesday morning, 27 July 2022 at about 11:00 at Peddie Taxi Rank.

According to the report, Boarder Alliance Taxi association held an executive meeting at the taxi rank when three male suspects arrived carrying firearms and started firing shots. It is alleged that members in the meeting returned fire and during the exchange of gunshots, one of the assailants was injured. Upon receiving the information, members swiftly proceeded to the scene, where upon arrival, the suspects were pursued and subsequently arrested near the truck-in at Gqeberha.

One of the suspects, who was reportedly injured, was rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention his two accomplices were arrested. During the investigation, the detectives were informed about the remaining suspects’ hideout at Kenton On Sea.

The information was operationalized leading to the arrest of the four remaining suspects aged between 28 and 44 at various residences at Ekuphumleni and Ndokwenza Townships and Kenton On Sea respectively. Three firearms and live ammunition were confiscated. All four suspects were charged for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, while their three accoplices, who were arrested in Motherwell area, were charged for attempted murder cases. They appeared in the Alexandria Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 29 July 2022 and both cases were postponed to 03 and 04 August 2022 for further investigation and a formal bail application. The total number of the arrested suspects is seven.

The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene expressed gratitude to SAPS members who saved many lives by arresting and confiscating the deadly guns and ammunition from the suspects.

Source: South African Police Service

POLOKWANE - The three suspects who were arrested for allegedly killing the Mayor of Collins Chabane Municipality in the Vhembe District are expected to make the first court appearance in the Malamulele Magistrate's Court tomorrow, on Monday, 01 August 2022.

The suspects, aged between 30 and 50, were nabbed during intensive police investigations that commenced immediately after the incident took place at Shikundu village under Saselamani policing area on Thursday night, 21 July 2022.

Soon after the shootings, in which the Mayor and his 18-year-old son were accosted by three suspects who gained access to the premises at about 19:00, the Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, visited the scene and immediately assembled a team of investigators led by a Senior Officer to probe the incident. The team succeeded in apprehending the suspects within a week.

The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has commended the team for the determination they continue to manifest in probing this incident and has thanked community members for assisting the police in the fight against crime.

The suspects will face charges of murder and attempted murder.

Police investigations are continuing.

Source: South African Police Service