Day: January 4, 2023

GQEBERHA - In our efforts to eradicate illegal firearms and make our communities safe this festive season, the SAPS in Nelson Mandela Bay District adopted a zero tolerance on crime and criminals. The commitment and dedication displayed by our men and women in blue resulted in the recovery of illegal firearms and arrests in separate incidents during Vala Konke operations.

Since December 2022 to date, a total of 77 illegal firearms and 1726 various calibre of ammunition were confiscated during operations.

The latest seizures and arrests were effected yesterday, 3 January 2023 when Anti-Gang Unit members arrested two suspects, aged 24 and 28 for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. The members acted on information and at approximately 15:15 on the mentioned date, the two suspects were arrested in a house in Shaurder Avenue in Holland Park. It is alleged that the suspects were seen running into the house and were in possession of a firearm. The members found the two suspects and recovered a .44 revolver and one round of ammunition. The firearm was reported stolen at SAPS Vosman during May 2005.

Also on the same day, at approximately 16:40, Anti-Gang Unit members, once again acted on information of a blue Renault Kwid that is suspected to be transporting firearms. The vehicle was intercepted at the corners of Chrissie Street and Standford Road in Korsten. While searching the vehicle, a rifle and a shotgun was recovered. The 40-year-old suspect was arrested on two charges of illegal possession of firearms. The Renault Kwid was also impounded for further investigation.

All the arrested suspects will appear in the Gqeberha magistrate court during the week.

Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Maj Gen Vuyisile Ncata applauded the sterling work conducted by the members during the festive season. “The seizure of these 77 firearms has definitely made a positive impact on the serious crime within our district. We appreciate the anonymous ‘tip offs’ by the community and we urge them to continue working with the police so that together we can make a difference in the reduction of crime within our communities,” added Maj Gen Ncata.

Source: South African Police Service

BLOEMFONTEIN - The 5-year-old Moraile twins; Olerato and Orakilwe and their aunt Sylvia were found by the police’s search team and reunited with their family. The three are all in good health.

The South African Police Service would like to thank all media houses and Community Safety Structures which helped to spread the message wide and helped with the search.

Click here for the original Media Statement.

Source: South African Police Service

The City of Cape Town reopened Small Bay and the affected section of Strand Beach on Tuesday.

Both these affected areas were closed as a precautionary measure on Sunday, 1 January 2023.

The Deep Blue section of Strand beach was closed due to an electrical fault at the pump station, but the issue has since been resolved.

“Small Bay was closed due to a damaged sewer pipe. The damaged pipe section was isolated inside the manhole. Sewer flow is being diverted by means of a mobile pump that is running 24 hours,” the City said.

According to the City, the spillage onto the beach is contained. “Repairs to the damaged section will be resolved depending on the tide timetable.”

The City’s Environmental Health Service has received the recent water sampling results for Small Bay and Strand Beach and can confirm that the results show that the water quality is within the minimum requirement for recreational activities as determined by the National Water Quality Guidelines.

The health warning signs have been removed.

The main bathing area section at Fish Hoek Beach between the lifeguard station and Jager Walk remains temporarily closed until further notice.

City Health will continue to take water samples for water quality testing until such time as the levels are within the minimum requirement for recreational activities as determined by the National Water Quality Guidelines.

In the meantime, the public is advised to avoid contact with the water in the affected area until further notice.

“This is a precaution as contact with the water could result in potential gastro-intestinal issues and therefore any person who enters the water does so at their own risk.

“Health warning signage has been erected, advising the public of the situation. We appreciate the public's cooperation during this time.”

The City regrets any inconvenience caused during this time.

Source: South African Government News Agency

WESTERN CAPE - Two drug arrests made by members of the Provincial Traffic yesterday morning, initiated a joint operation between SAPS and Provincial Traffic where two more suspects were apprehended in Vanrhynsdorp with a substantial quantity of drugs.

Members of the Provincial Traffic stopped a Mazda sedan on the N7 between Vanrhynsdorp and Klawer and conducted a search which resulted in the arrest of a 33-year-old suspect and a 21-year-old suspect with mandrax tablets valued at R51 600-00. This arrest and the subsequent investigation led various SAPS units and Provincial Traffic to an address in Vanrhynsdorp where a 41-year-old female and her 20-year-old daughter were arrested with mandrax tablets and tik valued at more than R1,2 million, and cash to the valued of R17 800-00, believed to be the proceeds of drug trafficking. The 41-year-old suspect was identified as a member of the Correctional Services.

The circumstances surrounding the arrest are still under investigation, while the four suspects are detained until their court appearance in Vanrhynsdorp tomorrow, where they will face charges of dealing in drugs.

The Provincial Commissioner of the Western Cape police, Lt Gen Thembisile Patekile expressed his gratitude towards the arresting officers, and in particular the members of the Provincial Traffic, whose actions sparked the seizure of such a large quantity of drugs in the rural outskirts of the province.

Source: South African Police Service