Five men sentenced for rape, attempted rape
The five men found guilty of the rape and attempted rape of an 18-year-old female in Strydenburg have been sentenced to 10 and 15 years respectively by the Hopetown Regional Court.
The incident took place at a house in Strydenburg, Northern Cape, on 27 November 2010, where the five accused were drinking with the female victim.
Four of the males took turns raping and assaulting the victim. The victim managed to fight off the fifth accused who had assaulted and attempted to rape her.
The victim escaped and alerted neighbours who called the police. The men were arrested the following day and received bail 11 months later.
Joseph Kasper (32), Pieter Visser (21), Elcardo Demas (22) and Kobus Daniels (32) all received 15 years for rape, while Elton Van Rooyen (30) was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for attempted rape.
Police management have lauded Detective Sergeant Recardo Kock and all other assisting members from the Hopetown Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit for their relentless efforts in the lengthy investigation that ensured no impunity is granted to the perpetrators of this crime.
Court rules Hoosen Haffejee’s death was not self-inflicted
The Pietermaritzburg High Court has ruled that the August 1977 death of Dr Hoosen Haffejee was not self-inflicted, in contradiction to the finding of an initial inquest held in this regard.
The Durban anti-apartheid activist died 46 years ago at the Brighton Beach police station after he was detained by the Special Branch police officers on suspicion of his involvement in the struggle.
“Following an interrogation at the police station, Haffejee was found deceased in a cell with his trousers twisted around his neck, suggesting a possible ‘hanging’.
“An inquest held by the government at that time ruled that nobody could be held liable for Haffejee’s death and that the cause of his death was likely self-inflicted,” a statement from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) read.
However, since the original inquest and following the proceedings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), the matter was referred to the NPA for the reopening of the inquest.
This reopened inquest was at the behest of a joint effort by the NPA and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI).
“The inquest was thus reopened and new additional evidence was presented to the inquest court.”
In reaching his decision, Judge Zaba Nkosi considered the evidence from medical experts disputing that Haffejee’s death was suicide.
Nkosi also deliberated testimonies of other detainees who also endured interrogations by the South African Police Security Branch and an inspection in loco where an expert had reconstructed the scene.
“In overturning the findings of the initial inquest, Nkosi referred to the first inquest as pitiful, sub-standard and riddled with bias.
“He concluded that Haffejee’s death was not self-inflicted,” the NPA said.
Nkosi found the suicide was staged to cover death under torture.
His recommendations, according to the NPA, were that the surviving members of the police security branch as well as others, be held responsible for Haffejee’s death.
Senior State Advocate Denardo MacDonald represented the NPA in these inquest proceedings.
The NPA said it welcomes the findings of the inquest court and the support of other stakeholders.
“This is an example of the NPA’s TRC component [which… addressed] the atrocities of apartheid crimes and getting justice for the victims and their families.
DWS warns against bogus employment recruiters
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has sent a stern warning to bogus employment recruiters who prey on vulnerable and unemployed people, claiming to be recruiting for a training programme on behalf of the department.
This comes after the department was inundated with calls and email queries in the past 24 hours about an alleged mass training programme which targets unemployed young people and pays a salary of R 5 800 per month.
Departmental spokesperson, Wisane Mavasa, said the bogus recruiters are conducting an illegitimate and criminal recruitment process, masquerading as officials from the department.
The department has not put out any training programme anywhere.
“We would like to put it on record that there is no such a programme in the department. All official employment adverts are placed on the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) job circular and can also be found on our official website,” Mavasa said on Tuesday.
Mavasa urged members of the public to be vigilant, avoid giving out their personal information and documents to anyone, or any institution without the relevant official identification.
Assets of alleged illegal mining kingpins frozen
The Pretoria Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Hawks Priority Crimes Specialised Investigation and Serious Organised Crime Investigation have secured preservation orders to freeze assets “which are proceeds of unlawful activities of a syndicate dealing in unwrought gold” in Gauteng.
The frozen assets include 51 vehicles and seven properties with a value of more than R16 million.
“The orders were to preserve various properties belonging to Bethuel Ngobeni, Lerato Bathebeng, Poppy Mathongwane, Bongani Khumalo, Dumisani Moyo [and his company] Kesitaal Pty Ltd, Nhlanhla Magwaca, Neo Duba, Tsepo Dube, Itumeleng Magagane, Gloria Magagane Mlambo, Nhlanhla Mathebula, Manuel Nhamucho and Thabiso Sechele, which are proceeds of unlawful activities of a syndicate dealing in unwrought gold in Khutsong and Carletonville.
“This emanates from a criminal investigation by the DPCI [Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation] that resulted in six accused being arrested, who are alleged to be illegal mining kingpins. All the accused are remanded in custody, however Moyo was granted bail after he appealed at the high court. Some of the properties belong to four of the accused,” the NPA said in a statement.
The criminal case in this regard is expected to be heard in court on Thursday, 7 April.
PRASA warns job seekers against fake website
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has warned the public of a fake website sent to unsuspecting job seekers informing them of the success of their job application, while requesting a refundable R250 to be paid for background checks.
“The website, which may look real to an untrained eye, is illegitimate and fake. PRASA does not have a .org (dot org) domain or a dedicated vacancy website. PRASA does not charge job applicants for background checks, nor does our recruitment process involve payments,” the agency said on Monday.
PRASA has advised the public to look out for the following warning signs when determining the legitimacy of an official website by the agency.
- The URL, prasa-recruitment.org, is fake. PRASA’s official website is www.prasa.com.
- PRASA’s recruitment process does not involve soliciting payments.
- PRASA is not affiliated to any third-party money transfer system or money markets for payments for recruitment processes.
- The font is not aligned to the C.I manual and the inconsistencies of the font are a red flag that the communique is fake.
- Be vigilant of suspicious URLs that do not make sense such as prasaverify@aol.com.
“PRASA would like to urge the public to be alert of scammers taking advantage of the country’s unemployment rate and exploiting unsuspecting job seekers. If you come across any job scams or illegal employment activities, report them immediately to the proper authorities,” the agency said.
Implementation of State Capture Commission recommendations continues
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says that work to ensure that those who are found to be responsible for state capture, are held to account is continuing.
“Progress in implementing the recommendations of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector including Organs of State includes R5.4 billion being traced and returned to the State after the National Prosecuting Authority was granted freezing orders to the value of R13 billion,” she said on Thursday.
The Minister was speaking during a media briefing following a Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday.
She said that Cabinet had approved and tabled in parliament eight of the 14 new legislative amendments identified in government’s implementation plan.
In October last year, President Cyril Ramaphosa submitted government’s plan to parliament in relation to the implementation of the Commission’s recommendations.
In his weekly newsletter two weeks ago, the President said “significant progress” has been made to implement government’s plan in relation to the recommendations set out by the State Capture Commission.
President Ramaphosa added that “far reaching legislative and institutional changes to reduce the potential of corruption” are also being undertaken.
The State Capture Commission made 205 recommendations on the criminal investigation and possible prosecution of people and companies implicated in evidence before the commission.
SAPS’s Operation Shanela nets 1614 suspects
The South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Operation Shanela has yielded success as 1614 suspects were arrested for serious, violent and other crimes.
This successful intelligence-driven, high-density patrols and actions, which was conducted from 21 August 2023 to 27 August 2023, was aimed to disrupt criminal activities before and during the weekend which usually threatens the safety of communities within the province.
Of the total arrests (1614), the breakdown includes the following:
– 38 wanted suspects;
– 12 arrests for murder and 20 for attempted murder;
– 86 arrests were made for property related crime such as burglaries and thefts;
– 195 arrest for assaults with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm;
– 290 for common assaults; and
– 314 arrests were affected for an array of other crimes.
Seizures from the same operation include the following:
– 33 firearms;
– 746 rounds of ammunition from different calibres;
– 321 dagga and 11 099 mandrax tablets;
– 1,355 litres of liquor;
– 29.8kg of copper cable; and
– 85 dangerous weapons.
The high density integrated operations comprised various units such as Vispol, Detectives, Crime Intelligence, AGU, POP, Law Enforcement, other specialised units, K9, private security companies and neighbourhood watch structures.
Operations targeted illegal liquor outlets, suspected drug outlets and compliance inspections carried out at licensed liquor outlets.
All the arrested suspects are expected to make their court appearances in different courts once they have been charged.
Crackdown on crime pays off in the Eastern Cape
Nelson Mandela Bay District SAPS Commissioner, Major General Vuyisile Ncata, has commended the men and women in blue following significant arrests and confiscations that were recently made.
In a statement, the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Eastern Cape said the relentless crackdown on criminals sends a strong message that illegal activities will not be tolerated.
This as SAPS Humewood arrested a 20-year-old suspect allegedly involved in a business robbery at 12:06 in Govan Mbeki Street. It is alleged that the complainant was in the shop when the suspect entered and threatened him and demanded money. The complainant scuffled with the suspect and managed to apprehend him and confiscated a replica firearm. The suspect was arrested on charges of business robbery.
In another unrelated matter on Wednesday, near Truckers Inn, Public Order Policing were performing crime prevention duties when they noticed a suspect standing nearby. Upon being searched, the suspect was found in possession of a silver revolver (serial number filed off) with six rounds of ammunition. The 25-year-old was detained on charges of possession of a prohibited firearm and illegal possession of ammunition.
On Thursday night, police arrested two suspects involved in a house robbery in Perridgevale. It is alleged that the suspects entered a residence occupied by students in Haven Road and stole four cell phones and fled the scene in a blue Volkswagen Golf.
SAPS Mount Road members received information that the blue VW Golf was driving in Sydenham. Suspects were found in Milner Street. The two suspects aged 21 and 22 years were arrested.
On Friday, the SAPS Anti-Gang Unit executed a search warrant at a house in Bowles Street in Bloemenda. A revolver with its serial number filed off and eight rounds of ammunition were found. A 32-year-old suspect was arrested on charges of possession of a prohibited firearm and illegal possession of ammunition.
A firearm of which the serial number was filed off, was found when police responded to a complaint in Chase Street, Walmer Location. In addition, 82 rounds of ammunition were found at the scene and confiscated.
The suspect was arrested on charges of possession of a prohibited firearm and Illegal possession of ammunition.
Some of the suspects that were arrested over the course of last week have already appeared in court while others are expected to appear in various courts today, 28 August 2023.
“We are committed to upholding the law and ensuring the safety of our citizens. Your actions would not go unchecked,” Ncata said.
Case against Enyobeni Tavern owners to resume in October
The case against owners of the infamous Enyobeni Tavern is expected to continue at the East London Regional Court in October for the beginning of the defence.
The owners, Siyakhangela and Vuyokazi Ndevu, were charged with selling or supplying alcohol to teenagers after some 21 young people – some as young as 15 – died while partying at the tavern in June 2022.
The two also face charges of “responsibility for conniving with and permitting employees and agents to sell or deliver intoxicating liquor to persons under the age of 18 years”.
National Prosecuting Authority Regional Spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said the prosecution has completed presenting its case to the court.
“The state has led its last witness in the case against the Enyobeni Tavern couple, Siyakhangela and Vuyokazi Ndevu, in the East London Regional Court. Police Detective Captain Gerhard Swart was the last witness to be led by senior state prosecutor Advocate Tango Pangalele during the trial.
“Among the evidence led was from a neighbour of the Ndevu couple, eyewitnesses who were present at the establishment when the incident occurred, Eastern Cape Liquor Board officials and the CCTV footage taken from the establishment on the fateful night,” he said.
Regarding the main case into the cause of death of the 21 youth, Tyali said an inquest is expected to resume in the East London Regional Court next week Thursday.
“The Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Barry Madolo, decided that an inquest be held by a Regional Court Magistrate, to establish if anyone can be held criminally liable, by commission or omission, for the deaths. At this moment, it is unclear what caused the incident and hence the state declined to prosecute.
“The matter is referred for formal inquest, which is inquisitorial in nature, and will assist the state to establish the cause of death in order to reach the appropriate legal conclusion. More than 30 witnesses, including experts and eyewitnesses, are expected to give evidence,” Tyali said.
Nzimande calls for arrest of criminals behind UKZN arson
Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, has called for the arrest of those responsible for the burning of the examination venue at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg campus.
Nzimande’s call comes after the William O’Brien examination venue was set alight this week, and the intimidation of both staff and students at the university.
The criminal acts are reported to be linked to the ongoing student protests at the university.
“These are pure acts of criminality and those who are behind them must be identified, shamed and arrested irrespective of who they are,” Nzimande said.
Nzimande said he was pleased that a case of public violence has been opened, and that the university is cooperating with law enforcement agencies to ensure that those responsible for the heinous acts are held accountable.
The Minister also called on the university’s Student Representative Council (SRC) to condemn the criminal acts and work together with the management of the university and law enforcement agencies to identify the individuals behind the acts, which are also meant to delay the students from pursuing their studies.
“Should it be established that there are students behind these criminal acts, they must be subjected to the university internal disciplinary processes because arson, vandalism and intimidation are counter revolutionary and will not justify any legitimate forms of protest and should be condemned unequivocally by all, including by student themselves,” Nzimande said.
The Minister also noted that the Department of Higher Education and Training is investing about R8.662 billion across all the 26 universities during the 2023/24-2025/26 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) period in improving the infrastructure of universities.
“This is amongst the reasons that government will not tolerate individuals who would want to deny the current and the future generations from enjoying better and improved infrastructure in the post school education and training sector,” he said.