Month: October 2024

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested 15 298 suspects through Operation Shanela.

The arrests were made between Monday, 21 October and Sunday, 27 October. The recorded arrests are 2 479 more than the previous week.

Operation Shanela includes tracking operations, roadblocks, high visibility patrols, stop and searches, as well as tracing of wanted suspects.

All Shanela operations are led by the Provincial Commissioner of each province.

The following arrests were made:

•  3 015 wanted suspects were arrested, representing 1 042 more wanted suspects behind bars than the previous week. These suspects were wanted for various crimes such as murder, attempted murder, rape, business and house robberies.
• 146 suspects were arrested for murder. The majority of these suspects were arrested in the Eastern Cape (37), followed by Gauteng (33) and the Western Cape (30).
• 74 suspects were arrested for attempted murder.
• 213 suspects were arrested for rape. KwaZulu-Natal arrested the majority of these suspects (89 arrests).
• 1 380 suspects were arrested for assault GBH [grievous bodily harm] during this period.
• 197 drug dealers were arrested.
• 1 314 suspects were arrested for being in possession of drugs, with 646 of these suspects being arrested in the Western Cape.
•  123 suspects were arrested for being in the illegal possession of firearms. The majority of these suspects were arrested in the Western Cape (36), followed by KwaZulu-Natal (27) and Eastern Cape (24).
• 492 suspects were arrested for illegally dealing in liquor, with Mpumalanga arresting 124, while KwaZulu-Natal arrested 123 suspects.
• 478 drivers were arrested for drunken driving. The majority of these suspects were arrested in Gauteng (110), followed by the Western Cape (89).

Under recoveries and confiscations, police registered the following successes:

• 132 firearms were confiscated in the past week; 26 handguns were confiscated during police operations in the Western Cape; 23 were confiscated in KwaZulu-Natal, while 19 were confiscated in the Eastern Cape.
•  3 443 rounds of ammunition were confiscated.
•  78 hijacked and stolen vehicles were also recovered, which is 21 more vehicles recovered during

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed a new National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC) to oversee South Africa’s arms trade, in line with international standards.

The committee, chaired by Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, includes 11 Ministers and Deputy Ministers, who will serve a five-year term, with Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Andries Nel, as the Deputy Chairperson.

In a statement on Monday, the Presidency said the appointments were made in terms of Section 5(1) of the National Conventional Arms Control Act of 2002.

In terms of Section 4 of the Act, the mandate of the NCACC is to implement government policy regarding trade in conventional arms in order to establish, apply and ensure a legitimate, effective and transparent control process, which conforms to international law, and the guiding principles and criteria set out in the same law.

“The committee is responsible for the control and regulation of trade in conventional arms, and the protection of South Africa’s economic and national security interests by ensuring adequate control of trade in conventional arms,” the Presidency said.

The NCACC is also tasked with fostering national and international confidence in South Africa’s arms control procedures.

The committee may conduct investigations, inspections and research related to conventional arms trade within or outside the country as needed.

President Ramaphosa has assigned these responsibilities to the newly appointed National Conventional Arms Control Committee which comprises:

– Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Minister in The Presidency (Chairperson);
– Andries Nel, Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development (Deputy Chairperson);
– Angie Motshekga, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans;
– Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation;
– Thembi Simelane, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development;
– Senzo Mchunu, Minister of Police;
– Dr Blade Nzimande, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation;
– Parks Tau, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition;
– Gen (Ret) Bantu Holomisa, Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans;
– Dr David Masondo, Deputy Minister of Finance, and
– Alvin Botes, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation.

President Ramaphosa has extended his best wishes to the committee in fulfilling their mandate and contributing to South Africa’s commitment to responsible arms control.

With climate-driven events such as droughts and floods disrupting agricultural production across the continent, and leading to increasing food insecurity, government has called on the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to act now against climate change.

“To counter this, it is essential to promote sustainable agricultural practices, improve irrigation systems, invest in agricultural research and technology, and develop resilient crop varieties,” Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Narend Singh, said on Wednesday in Durban.

He pointed out that Africa’s reliance on natural resources, rain-fed agriculture, and inadequate infrastructure makes it particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

The Deputy Minister was addressing the Environmental Assessment Practitioners Association of South Africa (EAPASA) Regional Conference, which is taking place under the theme: “SADC Sustainable  Synergies”.

Singh said integrated environmental management and social tools provide a comprehensive framework for sustainable development, one that balances economic growth, environmental conservation and social equity.

“This integrated approach is vital for addressing the many environmental challenges our continent faces, while simultaneously promoting inclusive growth and resilience. By embracing this method, we ensure that development is not only sustainable but also equitable, benefiting both present and future generations.

“The time to act is now. The environmental challenges we face do not respect borders or timelines, and every day we delay, the cost to our region and our people increases.

“As we transition our key economic sectors towards low carbon, climate resilient and a just society, it is important that our strategic, integrated and environmental impact assessments pay attention to the balance in social, economic and environmental aspects of sustainable development path and ultimately the achievement of our Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC),” the Deputy Minister said.

He emphasised the importance of prioritising a sustainable just transition path that pays attention to addressing the challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality.

South Africa’s just transition path

He said South Africa’s Just Energy Transition (JET) programme has emerged as a crucial response to the climate crisis, setting an ambitious course for the nation to shift away from coal, while building a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy.

“The JET programme has already made strides in diversifying our energy mix by investing in renewable energy sectors such as solar, wind, and green hydrogen.

“We have closed some coal plants and retrained workers, ensuring that the transition is just and inclusive. This transformation is more than just an energy strategy; it is a fundamental reimagining of our future, one that presents profound opportunities for collaboration with SADC countries.

“By working together on cross-border energy projects, technology sharing, and capacity building, we can build a united front that not only mitigates climate change but also spurs economic growth and energy security across the region,” the Deputy Minister said.

He touched on the significance of regional cooperation, which is essential in the quest to balance environmental sustainability with economic development.

“This year marks six years since the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment appointed EAPASA as the sole registration authority under Section 24H of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA).

“It is truly remarkable to witness how, in just six years, this young organization has successfully convened SADC members for the third time in such a short period. This achievement speaks to the tremendous commitment to our region and the greater cause of environmental stewardship.

“As we implement our individual laws and regulations, we must remain mindful that our true success will be measured by how well we collaborate. I urge you to envision the SADC region as a unified entity, one where our systems are integrated and harmonised to enable development that benefits not only our generation but those to come,” the Deputy Minister said.

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has urged communities to report cases of abuse of women, youth and people with disabilities to their nearest police stations.

The department reiterated the call following the disturbing number of rape cases that are being reported at different police stations across the country.

According to recent crime statistics, between April and June this year, a total of 9 309 rape cases and 6 198 murder cases were registered.

“These statistics call upon society to be on high alert over the growing incidences of rape and murder of young girls and children in South Africa,” department spokesperson, Cassius Selala, said.

At the weekend a 16-year-old girl in Madikana village, in Limpopo and a 19-year-old girl in Hammanskraal, in Tshwane were found murdered.

“Women’s rights are fundamental human rights, which include the right to be free from violence and discrimination. Government has put in place systems, such as the Constitution and legislation, aimed at fighting crime in our country.

“Advocacy for women’s rights and gender mainstreaming are both important strategies for achieving gender equality and social justice through solid partnerships with communities, NGOs and community policing forums, as well as faith-based organisations,” Selala said.

Selala emphasised a need to join hands in defending and protecting the rights of all South Africans, particularly women and children.

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) welcomes the arrest and court appearance of former Transnet Group Capital (TGC) Chief Executive Officer Herbert Msagala.

He appeared before the Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crime Court on fraud, corruption, theft and money laundering charges.

Following his first appearance, Msagala was granted R60 000 bail.

The arrest and court appearance follows a thorough investigation by the SIU, which uncovered that Msagala unduly benefited from kickbacks worth over R26 million from IGS Consulting Engineering, which he allegedly used to purchase properties and vehicles.

The SIU’s investigations focused on contracts totalling over R194 million that TGC awarded to IGS Consulting Engineering.

These contracts were related to maintaining and upgrading high-pressure pipeline infrastructure as part of the New Multi-Product Pipeline project, which transports various fuel products from Durban to Gauteng.

Msagala improperly benefited from kickbacks exceeding R26 million from IGS Consulting Engineering. The SIU investigated under the authorisation of Proclamation No. 11 of 2018.

In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act (SIU Act), where the SIU finds possible criminal evidence, it must refer the evidence to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action.

In 2020, the SIU made criminal referrals against Msagala and others, which led to him being charged alongside two individuals and IGS Consulting Engineering being charged as an entity. While the individuals are yet to appear in court, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) is actively tracing their whereabouts.

In July 2020, the SIU obtained a preservation order from the Special Tribunal to preserve Msagala’s pension benefits and assets. The assets included 35 luxury vehicles and five properties, which comprised two farms and houses in gated estates, valued at over R18 million.

Msagala attempted to overturn the order but lost his appeal in November of that year. As a result, his properties and pension fund have been forfeited to the State.

The SIU is authorised, under the SIU Act, to initiate a civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to address any wrongdoing identified during its investigation resulting from acts of corruption, fraud or maladministration.

The criminal case has been postponed to 19 November 2024, to allow for further investigations and to trace the outstanding suspects.

The SIU will continue to support the prosecutorial process and ensure that all individuals implicated in corruption are brought to justice by the law.

The prosecution of Msagala is part of implementing the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, which sees law enforcement agencies coming together to eradicate corruption in South Africa and ensure the continued cleaning up of government departments from corruption.

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has commended law enforcement’s swift response to an armed robbery at a jewellery shop at Clearwater Mall, in Roodepoort.

“The swift action of all law enforcement agencies has once again shown our commitment to safeguarding our communities. This incident demonstrates that we are on the right path, as evidenced by the quick turnaround time in apprehending the suspects,” Mchunu said on Tuesday.

The Minister commended the efforts of the SAPS’ Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department and private security teams for their swift and coordinated response that led to the arrest of seven suspects.

The operation, which also saw the recovery of four firearms, reflects the exceptional collaboration between the police and private security companies in combatting crime.

“The determination and bravery displayed by the officers, even in the face of armed resistance, is highly commendable. The recovery of the stolen jewellery, along with the arrests made, underscores our resolve to strengthen the implementation of measures aimed at reducing serious crimes.

“We remain dedicated to reinforcing these efforts and ensuring that our communities feel safer and protected. We hope that this serves as a stern warning to those who threaten the safety and security of our people—criminal activities will be met with decisive action by law enforcement.

“We are determined to strengthen our efforts in ensuring that law enforcement remains effective and vigilant, working towards a future where such incidents are a rare occurrence. We extend our best wishes to the two injured police officers, and we commend their courage and sacrifice.

“Our thoughts are with them as they recover, and we wish them a speedy return to full health,” the Minister said.

Seven people – including a former Member of Parliament – have been arrested for alleged corruption related to a R27 million tender.

The seven were arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit in Gauteng on Wednesday morning.

Hawks spokesperson Brigadier Thandi Mbambo said the arrests were related to the awarding of a 2016 tender at the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD).

“Their arrest follows a forensic report by the Special Investigating Unit [SIU], which discovered that in October 2016, the [GDARD] issued a tender requesting proposals to integrate and formalise waste operatives… into the mainstream waste management economy. A tender of around R27 million was then awarded to Enviro-Mobi in March 2017.

“The contract agreement between the department and Enviro-Mobi stipulated that the department may consider to pay, on condition that 50% of the work has been completed and no upfront payments may be made to the service provider.

“During investigation, it was established that the Chief Director and Chief Financial Officer processed and paid over R25 million to Enviro-Mobi for 200 motorised three wheelers, though all goods were still in the possession of the service provider,” Mbambo said.

The suspects are expected to face charges of fraud, theft, and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act and Prevention of Organised Crime Act.

A 45-year-old man suspected of the murder of 18 people in the Eastern Cape has abandoned his bail application in the Lusikisiki Magistrates’ Court in the Eastern Cape.

Siphosoxolo Myekethe – who was on parole during his arrest – appeared in the court on Tuesday.

“During his brief appearance, he informed the court that he would not be applying for bail, which the prosecution had already indicated it would be opposing.

“Myekethe has two previous convictions for escaping from lawful custody and murder,” National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Luxolo Tyali, said.

Tyali said the case has been postponed to 26 November 2024 for further investigation, as “there are outstanding suspects on the matter”.

“He is facing 18 charges of murder and one count of possession of an unlicensed firearm, an AK47 assault rifle.

“The accused was arrested on 7 October 2024 at his home in Mthide location… in the district of Lusikisiki.

“His arrest comes after the shooting that occurred on 28 September 2024, at two neighbouring homesteads in Ngobozana village near the town of Lusikisiki. Eighteen people were killed, and five others were injured,” Tyali said.

Cabinet has condemned the mass shooting and welcomed the progress made in the case.

“Cabinet has welcomed the swift deployment of a team of specialist law enforcement officers — whose work is already bearing fruits — to investigate these shooting incidents, with one suspect, who is directly linked to the murder of 18 people in Lusikisiki, having already appeared in court,” Cabinet said in a statement on Thursday.

READ | Cabinet welcomes crime fighting efforts 

Myekethe made a first appearance in the Lusikisiki Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday in connection with the massacre.

President Cyril Ramaphosa  had previously also conveyed his condolences to the families of the 18 people killed last month.

Former Eskom Safety Risk Officer Thandi Ruth Magagula has been convicted of fraud and corruption in relation to the fraudulent awarding of contracts at the power utility.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority, Magagula pleaded guilty to seven counts of corruption and two of fraud.

She was subsequently convicted in the Middelburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court under Section 17(1) of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act 12 of 2004.

“The offences stem from contracts valued at over R58 000 awarded to a company named Mantoza Engineering Projects CC during the period between April 2015, while Eskom employed Magagula and simultaneously served as a director of Mantoza Engineering Projects.

“Magagula failed to disclose her financial interest in the company to Eskom’s management and continued to conduct business with the public entity while holding a directorship position,” the NPA said in a statement on Monday.

The matter has been postponed to 24 October for sentencing.

“This behaviour violated laws governing public officials and Eskom’s conflict of interest policies During plea proceedings, Magagula was convicted in line with her admissions of guilt confirming her role in the corrupt activities.

“The NPA views this conviction as a significant step in the fight against corruption, particularly within critical public entities like Eskom. The NPA remains committed to holding individuals accountable for corrupt practices, reinforcing public service integrity,” the prosecutorial body concluded.

Last week Cabinet welcomed the arrest of six engineering firm directors accused of Black Economic Empowerment fronting and tender fraud of R400 million at Eskom and Sasol.

READ | Cabinet welcomes crime fighting efforts 

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) spent R4.1 billion on toll roads, while expenditure on non-toll roads came in at R23 billion in the 2023/24 financial year.

Of the R23 billion that was spent on non-toll roads, R12.3 billion went towards capital projects and R10.7 billion on maintenance.

“The significant investments in both toll and non-toll roads underscore our dedication to enhancing South Africa’s road infrastructure, ensuring safer, more efficient mobility for all,” SANRAL CEO, Reginald Demana, said on Friday.

Looking at the financial performance, total assets stood at R772 billion, 17% up from the previous year, while both operating activities and investing activities increased by 23% and 7%, respectively.

Demana explained that many targets were not just achieved, but significantly exceeded.

“On an engineering level, we set out to resurface 1 200km of our network but had in fact achieved 1 984km. This is significantly up from 687.9km in the previous year and speaks to a robust commitment to maintenance and management of our assets,” Demana said.

While engineering is a core focus, SANRAL far exceeded its target for work on transformation, job creation, road safety and capacity creation.

Against a target of 75%, SANRAL achieved 99.6% on Routine Road Maintenance (RRM) work performed by Black-owned small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs).

The total target for the number of SMMEs participating in SANRAL projects was 1 800. SANRAL achieved 2 249, significantly up from 1 928 the previous year.

SANRAL had set out to create 12 000 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs but had achieved 12 652, also up from 11 366 the previous year.

“Looking at the road ahead, SANRAL is on solid financial standing, with R87 billion allocated by National Treasury for the next three years.

“Borrowing capacity has increased to R16.5 billion, allowing for larger-scale project funding. The acceleration of spending on projects is resulting in reduced cash balances through faster project execution,” the agency said.

Demana attributed the achievement to steady operational and strategic growth.

“We are a growing organisation with an increasing network size that currently stands at 24 384 km, plus an additional 3 350 km of roads under assessment for transfer from provincial authorities.

“It has been a challenging year on many fronts, but we have risen to those challenges, guided by our unwavering commitment to infrastructure development that fosters economic growth and drives transformation.

“SANRAL’s role in creating opportunities, particularly for Black-owned enterprises, remains central to our mission. As we move forward, we will continue to ensure that our projects contribute meaningfully to job creation, community upliftment, and the economic empowerment of South Africans.

“Our dedication to these developmental outcomes is steadfast, and we will use our investments to catalyse positive change for generations to come,” the CEO said.