Suspect arrested for being in position of illegal firearm
Police in the Eastern Cape are continuing with their efforts to clamp down on cash-in-transit robberies as well as on the proliferation of illegal firearms.
Last week, 33 firearms were confiscated in the province and coordinated efforts reflected the dedication of police officers in fighting the increase in illegal firearms, which often result in serious and violent crimes in communities.
In the OR Tambo District, on Tuesday, at about 1 am, the Tactical Response Team (TRT) in Mthatha executed a search warrant at a house in Upper Ngqwarha location, Mqanduli, while following up on information about a cash-in-transit robbery, which was committed in Mqanduli on Friday, 5 July 2024.
A 32-year-old man was found in possession of an Uzi rifle with ammunition. He was detained on a charge of possession of a prohibited firearm and illegal possession of ammunition.
A preliminary investigation revealed that the firearm was stolen from a private security company in Mqanduli, more than three years ago (February 2021).
On further questioning, the suspect led the police to a homestead in Mpunzana location, Mthatha, where a silver grey Toyota Corolla was found parked in the garage.
The vehicle was positively linked to a business robbery in Sterkspruit this month. The man is due to appear in court soon on charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and illegal possession of ammunition.
The suspect is expected to be later charged with robbery of a cash-in-transit vehicle, attempted murder and malicious damage to property.
The firearm will be sent to ballistics for analysis, while the vehicle was impounded for further investigation.
Provincial South African Police Service (SAPS) Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene, welcomed the arrest and the recoveries.
“The established CIT (cash-in-transit) task team consisting of members attached to TRT, DPCI (Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation) and tracking team is swiftly responding to the challenges of organised crimes in the province, and is showing its unwavering commitment to deal with CIT robberies. Police will remain committed to deal decisively with criminals,” said Mene.
Government working hard to prevent cybercrime – Ntshavheni
Thursday, July 11, 2024
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has assured the public of government’s commitment to prevent cybercrime.
This follows the recent media statement issued by Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson, in which he said about R300 million was allegedly siphoned off from DPWI through cybercrime in the past 10 years.
The statement continued to say the cyber attackers again stole R24 million in May this year.
According to the statement, the revelation emerged as Minister Dean Macpherson and Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala were conducting detailed assessments on the work of the department and through the incoming briefings from department branches.
“I cannot discount the possibility of collusion between officials and criminals in this prolonged period of theft. It is clear that we need better financial controls, which I have said to the department are a matter of urgency,” Macpherson said in the statement.
Following the discovery, four DPWI officials have been suspended and 30 laptops seized by investigators.
The four officials suspended include three senior management officials and one middle management official.
In May, the department announced that it had ordered a full forensic probe into what it called vulnerabilities in the department’s information and technology systems.
The department identified the cyber-security vulnerabilities with the assistance of its banking partners, including ABSA and the South African Reserve Bank.
The investigation, which involves cyber and ICT security experts, covers the following:
- Causes of the breach and vulnerabilities.
- Vulnerability and susceptibility to cyber-crime of the ICT infrastructure within the department.
- Lack of staff capacity and weak ICT systems.
Ntshavheni said the State Security Agency (SSA) has been inundated with media enquiries following the statement from the DPWI.
“The investigation is ongoing, and investigating teams were urged to work with speed to conclude their work without compromising the required thoroughness of the investigation,” Ntshavheni said.
She said the SSA continues to provide support and advice to government departments on cybersecurity.
“The SSA is finalising a consolidated assessment on government’s cybersecurity strengths and initiatives underway to address any weaknesses found in the system,” Ntshavheni said.
Ntshavheni said once the report has been completed, it will be submitted to the National Security Council for further processing and direction.
Alleged illegal miners to appear in court
Thirty-five alleged illegal miners are expected to appear in court soon after they were arrested in the Northern Cape, said the South African Police Service (SAPS).
This follows Operation Vala Umgodi operations that got underway on Saturday.
“The team in the Namakwa District pounced on the Bontekoe informal settlement mining area and arrested 27 Lesotho and Zimbabwean nationals, aged between 20 and 49 years old, for illegal mining and contravention of the immigration statutes.”
The team was also alerted by mine security of intruders inside the Koingnaas mine premises where a 24-year-old Zimbabwean male who was found with unpolished diamonds in his possession, was arrested.
“In the Frances Baard District in Kimberley, the team arrested seven Malawian, Lesotho and Zimbabwean nationals aged between 24 and 54 years old for contravention of the illicit mining and immigration statute. Several illegal mining implements were confiscated,” said the SAPS.
Three wanted suspects were also arrested.
Trio in court for R153 million VBS corruption matter
The former Municipal Manger and acting Chief Financial Officer of the Greater Giyani Local Municipality, together with a businessman, have appeared in court in connection with a VBS corruption matter in which the municipality suffered a loss of at least R153 million.
Former Municipal Manager Risimati Maluleke, the municipality’s Acting Chief Financial officer Nditshedzeni Mashau and businessman, Zwivhuya Goodness Tshishonga, appeared in the Polokwane Specialised Commercial Crimes Court.
The trio face charges of contravening the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), corruption and money laundering.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson, Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, the three are in the dock for their alleged role in “approving an unlawful investment to VBS Mutual Bank since VBS was not a bank as defined in the banks act” – costing the municipality a loss exceeding R153 million.
“It is alleged that the first investment of R100 million matured and yielded an interest amounting to over R4 million. Later, over R48 million was also invested. The investment and the interest were then not paid back to the municipality.
“The investigations revealed that the municipality had illegally invested over R153 million into VBS for 18 months. Furthermore, the Acting Chief Financial Officer (CFO) recommend that the money should be invested with VBS, instead of using authorised banks,” the NPA said in a statement Thursday.
Malabi-Dzhangi added that the accused allegedly acted in a “a grossly negligent way in contravention of MFMA” and “did not take reasonable steps to ensure that the resources of the municipality were used effectively, efficiently, and economically”.
“It is alleged that Tshishonga received substantial amounts of money into his business account of Real Consulting, in turn, Tshishonga [would] transfer a portion of the money to Maluleke thus disguising the nexus between VBS and Maluleke. In total Maluleke received R62 000 from Tshishonga,” she said.
The three are expected back in court in August.
Team to investigate child abuse allegation at KZN home
The newly appointed KwaZulu-Natal Social Development MEC, Mbali Shinga, has ordered a full investigation into the allegations of child abuse at the Aryan Benevolent Home Child and Youth Care Centre in Chatsworth, Durban.
Shinga visited the centre on Tuesday, following recent allegations of child abuse at the home.
According to the provincial department, reports suggest that workers at the facility have ignored children’s rights, with instances of children being assaulted with wet towels and belts.
Shinga said it was disappointing that management at the institution could not pick up any signs of the abuse.
“I believe that one person should have picked this up before it reached this stage because it has been happening for a long time.”
The centre’s General Manager, Ray Naguran, confirmed the abuse allegation and that 48 children had been abused.
The MEC has announced the formation of a dedicated team of investigators to thoroughly examine the grave concerns.
“The investigative team will work diligently to uncover the truth, provide support to any affected children, and ensure that appropriate actions are taken against any perpetrators.”
Shinga added that the team will also wait for the other 21 children residing at the home, who are currently away for the holidays to come back so that they can also hear their side of the story on the allegations.
The team which will be led by the department’s Head of Department has been given three weeks to complete its investigation and compile a report for her to review.
“The department remains steadfast in its mission to protect the most vulnerable members of society and uphold the highest standards of care within our child welfare institutions. The safety and well-being of our children are paramount, [and] any instances of child abuse will be met with swift and decisive action,” said Shinga.
Naguran said four child caregivers have since been dismissed.
KZN issues warning on fake job adverts
The KwaZulu-Natal Office of the Premier has noted with concern the recent circulation of misleading job advertisements sent through various social media and other platforms purporting to be newly issued by the provincial government.
The Office of the Premier said upon close examination, the job advertisements mirror the references and appearance of the original job advertisements issued by the provincial government in August 2023, under the Sthesha Waya-Waya provincial recruitment drive.
“Those advertisements have closed, and the recruitment processes have been concluded and they are not being re-advertised. All approved provincial government vacancies are advertised on the provincial government e-recruitment system or departments’ websites.
“At this juncture, the Office of the Premier categorically states that these social media advertisements are not sanctioned by the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government and are the work of unscrupulous and mischievous individuals seeking to exploit the aspirations of honest South Africans who are diligently searching for employment or considering career changes,” the Office of the Premier said.
The Office of the Premier has urged all citizens to exercise extreme caution and discernment when applying for any vacancies.
“We strongly advise against engaging with such fraudulent adverts and emphasise that any legitimate government vacancies will be formally advertised through credible newspapers as well as the official KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government e-recruitment system, http://kznonline.gov.za/kznjobs.
“The Office of the Premier and KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government remain committed to transparency and integrity in all its recruitment processes. We encourage the public to verify the authenticity of any job postings and to report any suspicious advertisements to the appropriate authorities,” the office said.
The Office of the Premier added that the goal is to protect the interests and well-being of all South Africans and ensure that all opportunities are accessed fairly and legitimately.
Portuguese businessman kidnapped for ransom rescued in Soweto
A 49-year-old Portuguese businessman who was kidnapped for ransom last month, is the latest victim to be rescued by the police.
In the last six months, 12 businessmen and six students who had been kidnapped for ransom have been rescued by a multidisciplinary team led by the South African Police Service (SAPS) anti-kidnapping task team.
According to the SAPS, the Portuguese businessman was kidnapped from his business premises in Florida, Johannesburg, on 24 June 2024.
“On Monday evening, 1 July 2024, the team traced the victim to a home in Snake Park, Soweto, where he had been in captivity.
“On the same evening, members also arrested one of his captors in Turffontein, Johannesburg,” a statement from the Office of the National Commissioner of the SAPS read.
According to Eyewitness News (EWN), Portuguese South African butchery owners are being targeted in a spate of kidnappings in Gauteng.
The news organisation said that 20 Portuguese South African butchery owners and managers were kidnapped in the province since January last year, with one victim murdered.
EWN said ransom demands for the safe release of the victims range between R400 000 and R3.5 million, while in at least nine of these cases, ransom demands started from R10 million.
“The SAPS anti-kidnapping task team including other law enforcement agencies and private security have been working around the clock to find the businessman, safe and unharmed,” the police said.
The police believe that the 39-year-old suspect belongs to a syndicate that is responsible for at least four other kidnappings where businessmen were the target in the Johannesburg District.
“The team is currently tracing suspects who were working together with the man.
“In cases where the businessmen and students had been rescued, no ransom payment was made as a direct result of the expertise and capabilities of SAPS detectives, the crime intelligence unit and collaboration with private security.”
As per the police statement from January 2024 to date, 49 kidnappers who had demanded ransom payment from families of victims have been arrested in Gauteng, the North West and Free State.
In addition, 21 vehicles used in the commission of these crimes have been confiscated and eight firearms have also been seized.
“The SAPS is confident that working together with all stakeholders and community tip-offs, it will continue to take down more syndicates believed to be behind a spate of kidnappings for ransom across the country,” the SAPS added.
Operation Shanela nets more than 900 suspects in the Free State
Operation Shanela has nabbed 967 suspects in the Free State last week.
Police in the province say 50 suspects were arrested for possession of drugs, with nine being arrested for rape, four for murder and 14 for attempted murder, while 28 were arrested for possession of dangerous weapons.
Twenty-one suspects were arrested for property crimes; 45 were arrested for malicious damage to property and 107 were arrested for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
In Virginia, on 26 June 2024, members of Crime Intelligence provided information on two suspected vehicles seen around petrol garages.
Three suspects were arrested after an illegal firearm was found in the vehicle in which they were driving. The second vehicle, a VW Golf, was traced and found with three occupants, and a firearm was also found and confiscated.
In another incident, a vehicle was traced and stopped. All three males found in the vehicle were also arrested after a 9mm firearm was found and confiscated.
In Rouxville, one foreign national was arrested after his bakkie was stopped at a roadblock and while the police were searching the vehicle, they found boxes of illicit cigarettes worth an estimated R12 million.
In Springfontein, two males, aged 23 and 25, were arrested after they were stopped by highway patrol on the N1 and dagga worth an estimated R1.7 million was found in the back of their bakkie.
In Batho, an illegal foreign national was arrested after he was found with an unlicensed firearm. This is after police received information that the suspect might have been part of a group that robbed a tuckshop.
Detective tracing operations, as part of Operation Shanela, saw more than 215 suspects, who did not have the legal documents to be in South Africa, being taken to Home Affairs for further handling.
Thirty-three people were arrested for driving under the influence, while 253 drivers were fined for contravention of the Traffic Act.
Operations are continuing throughout the province and community members are urged to continue providing information on crimes taking place, and to work with police to identify possible suspects.
Suspect to appear in court for illicit cigarettes
A 55-year-old suspect is expected to appear before the Zeerust Magistrates’ Court in the North West today after being nabbed for illicit cigarettes over the weekend.
Police had received information from a farmer on Thursday evening about suspicious activities on his farm in Zeerust, leading to the arrest of the 55-year-old male and the recovery of illicit cigarettes worth R1.5 million.
The farmer had spotted an unknown truck parked on his farm. On arrival, the police approached the truck and found a male inside.
Upon searching the truck, illicit cigarettes were found and the man was arrested, while the truck and cigarettes were confiscated.
Investigations into the matter are underway by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI).
This was the second bust of illicit cigarettes within three days. In the first incident, police and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) confiscated illicit cigarettes with an estimated street value of R8 million in Makgobistad last Tuesday.
The Provincial Commissioner of North West, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended the farmer for his vigilance and cooperation, which led to the discovery and subsequent arrest of the suspect.
SARS Commissioner re-elected as WCO Council Chairperson
The highest decision-making body of the World Customs Organisation, the WCO Council, has re-elected the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Commissioner Edward Kieswetter as its Chairperson for a second term.
Following his re-election (2024 – 2025), Kieswetter said the WCO is becoming ever more important, given the technological and big data innovations that facilitate trade, the growth of eCommerce, as well as global uncertainties taking place in the geo-political landscape.
“The key objectives of the WCO and all its member countries is to promote legitimate trade, to prevent trade in illicit and harmful goods, and ensure the safe movement of goods and travellers across the borders that divide the world.
“It is known that customs unites, whereas borders divide. But the unity amongst the customs community must be directed towards a common transformative goal that brings economic and social well-being to all citizens of member States,” Kieswetter said on Sunday.
He said it was an honour that he was once again entrusted to provide this transformative leadership of such a vital organisation as the WCO in the prevailing turbulent times.
“Central to the role of the WCO Chair is to ensure that the WCO Secretariat has both the capacity as well as the orientation to serve the needs of customs administrations around the world,” the Commissioner said.