Day: January 22, 2023

WESTERN CAPE - Gugulethu police have opened a triple murder docket for investigation after three men between the ages of 28 and 30 were shot and killed in Gugulethu early on Sunday evening.

Reports from the scene indicate the vehicle in which the deceased persons were travelling in had just entered NY6 at approximately 17:50 when it came under fire from unknown gunmen who later fled in another vehicle. Numerous shots were fired at the vehicle wounding all occupants.

Two of the victims died on the scene while a third one died later in hospital after sustaining serious gunshot wounds from the shooting incident. The motive for the shooting is yet to be determined with provincial detectives pursuing several leads as part of their investigation.

Anyone with information on the shooting incident that could assist the police investigation is urged to contact the police on 08600 10111 or via the MySAPSApp. Information received will be handled with utmost confidentiality.

Source: South African Police Service

BELA-BELA - The Police in Bela-Bela are appealing to members of the community to assist with information that can help locate Molekwa Sekgori (73) who went missing from his home in Bela-Bela Extension 5 on Thursday, 19 January 2023 at about 19:45.

The elderly man was wearing a brown T-shirt, black trousers, brown cap, and grey sandals. He is tall and dark in complexion, with an amputated left hand index finger.

The search operation by members of Bela-Bela SAPS with assistance of the community is underway.

Police appeal to anyone who can assist in locating this missing person to contact the investigating officer Sergeant Sekgobela on 082 962 1493 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or the nearest police station. They may also share the information via My SAPS App.

Source: South African Police Service

NELSPRUIT - In less than 24 hours since the on duty SAPS Witbank Flying Squad members were attacked by the unknown suspects who opened fire on them at the N4 around Witbank, police in Barberton managed to arrest one of the suspects who carried out an attack on police whilst conducting Crime Prevention duties next to Barberton Medi-clinic this morning Sunday 22 January 2023 at about 01:30.

According to information, police notice a White Hyundai LDV (bakkie) without registration plates.

Police stopped the bakkie to conduct routine checks, but the driver could not comply with the police officials' instructions.

Police then followed the vehicle. They could notice that the driver had passengers in the vehicle.

Police persuaded the suspicious vehicle, which finally came to halt at Sheba road.

Unexpectedly gunshots were fired from the Hyundai.

Police had to return fire resulting in some of the occupants alighting from the bakkie and fled the scene on foot.

Police could not back down, they approached the vehicle and a 30 year old male suspect was arrested.

Police searched the vehicle whereby Gauteng registration plates, empty magazine and one spent cartridge case was found in the vehicle.

The suspect and other exhibits were taken to the police station for further investigation.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela praised the members for their bravery and the arrest of the suspect. The General however voiced concerns about the escalating unacceptable attack on police in the province.

Source: South African Police Service

GQEBERHA - The resilient stance adopted by police in the Nelson Mandela Bay district in eradicating illegal firearms is proving to be successful as these weapons are confiscated on a daily basis.

This weekend three firearms and four replica firearms were confiscated within the metro. On Friday evening, 20 January 2023 at about 21:00, SAPS Mount Road members were patrolling in 2nd Avenue in Newton Park and as they neared Burt Drive, they noticed two males running. The members chased after them and noticed that as one of the males was running, he threw an object into the bushes. The males managed to escape through the dense bushes however, the members retrieved a firearm from the bush. Ownership of the firearm is yet to be established. An enquiry docket was opened for further investigation.

Many serious crimes are carried out with replica firearms. On Saturday, 21 January 2023 at about 16:05, Anti-Gang Unit members acted on information received of a bag of firearms lying under a tree in Mission Road. On searching a plastic bag, four (4) replica firearms were found wrapped in newspapers.

Also, on Saturday, 21 January 2023 at about 18:00, whilst SAPS Bethelsdorp crime prevention members were conducting observation duties outside at a local store, they noticed a Toyota Tazz with 3 males behaving suspiciously in the vehicle. The vehicle was followed and stopped in Standford Road. The occupants and vehicle were searched. Two firearms and 29 rounds of ammunition were recovered. The three males were detained on charges of illegal possession of a firearm, illegal possession of ammunition and possession of a prohibited firearm. The vehicle was also confiscated.

The suspects aged 26,35 and 37 years old are expected to appear in the Gqeberha magistrate court on Monday, 23 January 2023.

Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Maj Gen Vuyisile Ncata commended the efforts of the members and added that the confiscation of these firearms will definitely contribute to the reduction of serious and violent crimes within the metro especially in the Northern areas.

Source: South African Police Service