Day: September 21, 2022

GAUTENG – Police Sergeants, Andrew Tsagane (45), and Jabulani Billy Ngobeni (44) attached to the Flying Squad appeared in the Palmridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court today for allegations of corruption.

It is reported that on Saturday, 28 November 2020, the officers approached a businessman at his workshop, Innospace Complex in Bramley. They demanded R100 000-00 from him for allegedly printing clothes illegally.

When the victim stated that he did not have cash on him, the officers insisted that money be withdrawn from the bank. The officers were accompanied to a nearby automatic teller machine (ATM) where R14 000-00 was withdrawn and handed to them.                                                          

A case of corruption was consequently registered against the Krugersdorp based pair. The docket was referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for a decision which has culminated in their arrest by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team this morning.

The case against the pair has been rolled over to Thursday for a bail application.

Source: South African Police Service

KIMBERLEY – The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, General Fanie Masemola handed over the Sword of Command to the newly appointed Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola.

The ceremony was held on Wednesday, 21 September 2022, at the Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre (Amphitheatre) in Kimberley.

In taking the sword, Lt Gen Koliswa Otola, Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape solemly swore to serve the province with loyalty, courage, dignity and honour.

The ceremony took place in the presence of the Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul, Deputy National Commissioners, Provincial Commissioners as well as external stakeholders, senior SAPS members and men and women in blue.

General Masemola commended, Lt Gen Otola for being the 5th female provincial commissioner currently serving the nine provinces in our country.

Gen Masemola also reiterated that he has confidence in Lt Gen Otola and expects her to fight crime with the necessary vigour, zeal and diligence. Gen Masemola also indicated that Lt Gen Otola should always remember to put the people first and utilize human and physical resources optimally.

The Sword of Command relays the formal hand over of authority to Lt Gen Otola to ensure the SAPS in the Northern Cape upholds the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and hereby she takes on the responsibility of the safety and security of all citizens in the province.

Source: South African Police Service

DURBAN – Yesterday at 15:30, Umlazi Detectives and Durban Public Order Police received intelligence about suspects who were wanted for murder, armed robbery and house breakings that occurred at Umlazi. Police proceeded to a house at G Section in Umlazi, where the suspects were said to be hiding.

On arrival they surrounded the premises, announced that there are police outside and requested that the door to the house be opened. Instead of opening the door the suspects started shooting towards the police officers. A shootout ensued and four suspects aged between 25 and 30 were wounded. They were all declared dead on the scene.

Police recovered two pistols and nine rounds of ammunition inside the house. Police at Umlazi police station are investigating cases of attempted murder as well as unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition against the men.

Source: South African Police Service

WESTERN CAPE – A drug mule, Cavalcante Amarante (28) was yesterday, 20 September 2022 sentenced for drug smuggling by the Bellville Regional Court after entering into a plea agreement with the State.

This comes after her arrest on 21 February 2022 by the Hawks’ South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (SANEB) team based in Bellville where she was caught at Cape Town International Airport after authorities received information about a drug contrabandist travelling from Sao Paulo, Brazil to Cape Town via Qatar airline.

Cocaine weighing 2.7 kilograms as well as 200 grams of heroin worth R870 000-00 were concealed in her luggage and shoes.

Amarante was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for dealing in drugs in terms of the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act. Seven years of her sentence was suspended for a period of five years.

She will serve eight years direct imprisonment and she was further declared unfit to possess a firearm.

The Hawks’ Provincial Head, Major General Mathipa Makgato welcomed the sentence handed to Amarante for her illicit deeds.

Source: South African Police Service

GQEBERHA – (Re circulation of an old case) Police in New Brighton are searching for a missing 54-year-old male, Mbuzeli Jeffrey Mahobo. According to his family, he was last seen on 02 November 2019 at his home in Zokwana Street, New Brighton when he allegedly left to visit a tavern. He has not been seen again since then and his family reported him as missing  at SAPS New Brighton on 08 November 2019.

Anyone with information that can assist tolocate the missing person may contact SAPS New Brighton, Detective Constable Leelan Scholtz on 061 341 5922 or alternatively contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111.

Source: South African Police Service

DUTYWA – In the fight to remove illegal firearms off the streets, SAPS Dutywa members arrested a 46-year-old male on 20 September 2022 at Taleni Village, Dutywa.

It is alleged that while members were busy with their crime prevention duties at Taleni Village, they received information about a man selling liquor without a license. On searching the residence, an unlicensed firearm, ammunition and liquor were confiscated.

The suspect was arrested on charges of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition as well as dealing in liquor without a license. He is expected to appear in the Dutywa magistrate court today, 21 September 2022.

Acting Amathole District Commissioner, Brigadier Ngangema Xakavu applauded the members for their efforts in eradicating illegal firearms.

Source: South African Police Service