Category: Crime & Corruption News

The days of sexual predators roaming the streets should be a thing of the past, says Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong.

The Deputy Minister said this during his visit to the family of a seven-year-old girl who was allegedly raped in Ipelegeng Township, Schweizer Reneke in the North West.

“We are encouraged that despite the matter being reported in December 2024, an arrest has finally been affected. The days of sexual predators roaming on our streets should be a thing of the past,” the Deputy Minster said.

The Deputy Minister also expressed concerns on the failure of the police to act swiftly in a case that constitutes a direct violation of the rights of the child while also describing the alleged incident as barbaric and diabolical.

He is expected to engage Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on his concerns and observations made during engagements with law enforcement agencies.

The Deputy Minister will also engage the Minister of Social Development on psychosocial support for the alleged victim and her family.

Morolong was accompanied by the Provincial leadership of the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) represented by the Provincial Chairperson and Provincial Secretary, Tshepo Khoza and Mogomotsi Mosheshe respectively.

The Deputy Minister and SANCO leadership also visited the local Ipelegeng police station.

Four suspects, who were wanted for cases of murder in the vicinity of Inanda, were shot and fatally wounded in a shootout with police on the M4 Highway in Umlazi on Tuesday afternoon.

Police had gathered intelligence about the whereabouts of the wanted suspects, and when police pounced on them at a mall in Umlazi, the suspects sped off.

“When the police caught up with them, the suspects fired shots towards the police. To protect themselves and other road users, police returned fire,” the South African Police Service said in a statement.

During the shootout, four suspects were shot and fatally wounded. No police officer sustained any injuries during the shootout.

“The suspects were found in possession of three firearms. The four suspects were wanted for at least three cases of murder in Inanda, two of which were double murders. The murders were committed in March and April 2025,” the police said.

The South African Board for Sheriffs has called on the ministers of Justice and Constitutional Development and Police to investigate “targeted attacks” on sheriffs in the country.

This after the murder of Secunda sheriff, Andrew Shabalala, last week.

“This tragedy comes in the wake of the recent loss of another colleague, the late Mr Thapelo Mojapelo [Acting Sheriff Giyani], and the attempted assassination of Mr Pramodh Ora [Acting Sheriff Vanderbijlpark] mere months ago. These incidents mark a deeply troubling and escalating trend of targeted violence against Sheriffs in the execution of their lawful duties.

“We call urgently upon the Minister of Justice and the Minister of Police to intervene decisively and work in collaboration with law enforcement agencies to investigate the origins of these targeted attacks. While the full circumstances remain under investigation, it is clear that both Mr Mojapelo and Mr Shabalala were assassinated while carrying out their duties as Sheriffs of the court,” the board said in a statement.

The board added that it will “urgently consider” measures to “enhance the safety and security of Sheriffs in the execution of their responsibilities”.

“These measures may include, but are not limited to, the special dispensation for training and expedited application and authorisation of firearms for Sheriffs and their deputies; the mandatory presence of South African Police Service members at high–risk duties, such as auctions and evictions; urgent review of the Regulations to the Sheriffs Act to provide for cover for personal risk for death and injuries sustained by Sheriffs or their deputies in the line of duty; and the establishment of a compensation or pension or group provident fund for Sheriffs.

“The escalation of this violence is unacceptable and cannot be allowed to continue unchecked,” the statement read.

The board noted that it is aware of unlawful elements “operating within or around Sheriffs’ offices”.

“This, in itself, constitutes a serious criminal offence. However, the targeted killing of officers of the court in pursuit of such criminal agendas represents a direct attack on the rule of law and must be met with the full force of justice.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families and assure them that the South African Board for Sheriffs, in conjunction with law enforcement agencies, will do everything in its power to ensure that those responsible for these heinous crimes are apprehended and held accountable,” the statement concluded.

Police in KwaZulu-Natal have arrested 11 780 suspects for various crimes while also recovering 341 firearms and 3 562 rounds of ammunition.

“The highest number of arrests was for contact crimes where 3 872 suspects were nabbed, with 219 of them arrested for murder, 222 for attempted murder and 160 for robberies including robbery with aggravating circumstances, house and business robbery, carjacking and cash in transit robbery,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said of the arrests made in March.

In its statement on Thursday, the SAPS said the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) detectives arrested 248 suspects for rape while 49 suspects were also arrested for sexual assault.

Additionally, 1 817 suspects were arrested for cases of assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm, whilst 891 more suspects were nabbed for common assault. On property related crimes, 268 suspects were arrested for burglary at residential premises and 55 suspects were arrested for stock theft with 33 cattle and 80 goats recovered in the process.

Seventeen suspects were also arrested for theft of motor vehicles.

On drug related crimes, 1 599 suspects were arrested.

“Police visibility on the roads was maintained and 512 suspects were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and 41 people were arrested for reckless and negligent driving.

“Stop and search operations resulted in the recovery of 791dangerous weapons, of which 716 were knives. These operations will be amplified during the month of April and high police visibility will be maintained, especially during the Easter weekend,” said the police.

National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), Advocate Shamila Batohi, has requested a report from the Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Barry Madolo, on the judgement in the Timothy Omotoso case.

Timothy Omotoso and his co-accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho, were acquitted by the Gqeberha High Court of 32 serious charges, including allegations of rape, racketeering and human trafficking, on Wednesday.

In a stinging judgement, Judge Irma Schoeman noted that the prosecution’s cross-examination of the accused was “shallow and lacking the intention to uncover the truth” – leading to the acquittal as the prosecution did not prove their case beyond reasonable doubt.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Advocate Mthunzi Mhaga said Batohi would “carefully study the judgment when it is made available to the parties”.

“In the meantime, she has expressed her serious concerns about adverse findings made by the judge against the prosecution team, relating to the manner in which the prosecution was conducted.

“The NDPP has called for a transcript of the proceedings and will consider it in order to determine whether the criticism of the prosecution team is warranted. Depending on the outcome of this process, the NDPP, together with the DPP: EC [Eastern Cape], will decide on appropriate action,” Mhaga explained.

He added that the DPP in the Eastern Cape has also “indicated that the team will study the judgement and decide on whether to bring an application to appeal the judgement”.

Mhaga emphasised that the NPA has demonstrated commitment to the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual offences.

“The NPA has a world-class special unit called the Sexual Offences and Community Affairs Unit which is dedicated to dealing with sexual violence and related cases. The NDPP appreciates the public outrage expressed by many in response to the judgment in view of its devastating impact on the victims in this case, and the fight against the scourge of gender-based violence in the country.

“The NDPP is proud of the NPA’s track record in providing victim-centred and professional support to victims of gender-based violence, including through the national rollout of Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs) that for the past eight years have provided specialised support in almost 280 000 matters (or 34,600 matters per year).

“This recent judgement represents a travesty of justice that we cannot accept. The NDPP awaits the report from the DPP EC and will consider the next steps to ensure that this tragic outcome is dealt with swiftly and appropriately, based on the facts and the legal dimensions relevant to the judgement,” Mhaga concluded.

Meanwhile, Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, has expressed her deep concern regarding the manner in which the case of Timothy Omotoso and his co-accused was handled by the prosecuting team.

Seven suspects arrested during Operation Vala Umgodi are expected to appear in the Sabie Magistrate’s court today on charges of the contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga, the seven were arrested in Sabie on Friday, 28 March 2025.

“The arrested suspects, aged between 18 and 67, were found to be undocumented foreign nationals,” said the police of the intelligence driven operation conducted by the proactive and combat team in collaboration with Phoenix Security.

During the operation, illegal mining equipment were confiscated, which included Phendukas, gas cylinders, motors, oxygen cylinders, and generators.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, welcomed the arrests and emphasised that law enforcement agencies will continue with efforts to eradicate illegal mining activities.

Through Operation Vala Umgodi, the men and women in blue remain committed to working alongside other stakeholders to address illegal mining activities in the province.

A high-density operation in the greater Kuruman, Northern Cape, has resulted in fines amounting to R38 500 issued for various road traffic violations.

The South African Police Service (SAPS), under the leadership of Northern Cape Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Major General Johny Besnaar, together with the Provincial Head for Proactive Policing, Brigadier Irene Kopeled, and Acting John Taolo Gaetsewe (JTG) District Commissioner, Brigadier Kenneth Baloyi, led a successful high-density operation in the greater Kuruman area and Bothithong policing precint.

The high-density operation, which was carried out on 28 and 29 March 2025, was supported by the Community Police Forum (CPF) and Community in Blue Patrollers.

“The multi-disciplinary operations were executed by members from the affected stations, [including] SAPS K9 unit, flying squad, members from the Provincial Proactive policing, Provincial Corporate Communication and the Vehicle Safeguarding Section (VSS),” the SAPS said in a statement on Sunday.

The police actions targeted various offences, including aggravated and business robberies, burglary at residential premises, preventing stolen property in transit, combating of drugs and human trafficking, as well as stock theft

The disruptive actions commenced with stop and searches, foot patrols, blue light patrols, compliance inspections and drugs searches.

Police also conducted roadblocks on the N14 road during which 392 vehicles were stopped and searched, where fines amounting to R38 500, were issued for various road traffic violations.

During compliance inspections, tuckshops and taverns operating in Kuruman and Bothithong, were visited.

One tavern was closed down and a fine was issued for non-compliance.

A total of seven people were also arrested for contraventions, including drunk and driving, possession of drugs, riotous behaviour, shoplifting, and contravention of the Immigration laws.

Police further discovered an unregistered day care centre operating without the required documentation in a Kuruman residential area, and the local Department of Social Development personnel were contacted for further handling.

The Acting District Commissioner and Brigadier Baloyi commended all role-players and law enforcement agencies, who were involved the crime blitz, for the collaboration in combating and preventing crime during the operations.

“These actions reaffirmed that police will continue to stamp down the authority of the state in the district, especially as we are approaching the Easter holidays and beyond,” the SAPS said.

Members of the public are encouraged to report any criminal activities via the MySAPS  App or the 08600 10111 Crime Stop number.

Operation Shanela continues to make an impact across the country, with police having arrested 12 892 suspects recently.

“Through Operation Shanela, SAPS [South African Police Service] continues to take a bold and decisive approach to dealing with crime in the country. These crime fighting activities include tracking operations, roadblocks, high visibility patrols, stop and searches, as well as tracing of wanted suspects,” SAPS said in a statement this week.

The arrests were made in the period 17 – 23 March 2025.

The police said 123 suspects were arrested for attempted murder; 167 suspects were arrested for murder (with the majority of these suspects, 45, arrested in KwaZulu-Natal and followed by the Western Cape with 42). The police also arrested 1 753 wanted suspects and 203 drug dealers.

A further 1 507 suspects were arrested for being in possession of drugs. The majority of these suspects (689) were arrested in the Western Cape. Furthermore, 115 suspects were arrested for being in possession of illegal firearms.

Additionally, 10 suspects were arrested for human trafficking, while 432 drivers were arrested for drunken driving.

One hundred and nineteen firearms and 1 335 rounds of ammunition were confiscated. The police also recovered 76 hijacked and stolen vehicles.

Curbing smuggling

Members of the Limpopo Anti-Smuggling team conducted a successful operation along the N11 road in Mahwelereng, which resulted in the arrest of 20 Ethiopian foreign nationals, who were allegedly smuggled into the country.

Police also arrested suspected drug mules at OR Tambo International Airport. A Brazilian man and South African woman arrived on the same flight from São Paulo, Brazil, and were intercepted by police. Police seized cocaine valued at over R1 million. Their arrest has now brought the total number of similar arrests at the airport to five since January 2025.

“Police will continue with their operations by asserting the authority of the State to ensure the safety and security of all South Africans and visitors to the country,” said the SAPS.

A serial hijacker linked to a number of vehicle theft and hijacking cases has been tracked, traced and arrested in Emanguzi, KwaZulu-Natal.

The serial offender was previously arrested and convicted in five separate cases in Gauteng and Mpumalanga.

On Monday, the Emanguzi Task Team arrested the 41-year-old suspect, a Mozambican, and seized a stolen truck and two trailers.

A preliminary report suggests the suspect was travelling along Thandizwe on the R22 when the team stopped the driver to inspect the truck. Upon inspection, the team detected that the truck had false number plates from a neighbouring country.

Further investigations revealed the truck is positively linked to a truck hijacking case reported to SAPS Nigel in March 2025.

At the time of his arrest, the suspect was out on bail on two other cases for similar crimes committed in Alberton and Bedfordview, which include possession of a presumed stolen vehicle and truck hijacking.

In a concerted effort to deal with cross-border crimes along the northern border of KZN, a national intervention was established involving SAPS members from various disciplines that include crime intelligence, proactive and reactive policing units and detectives.

The identified cross-border crimes include, among others, theft of motor vehicles, house robberies, business robberies, hijacking of vehicles, murder and attempted murder.

The bail hearing for seven South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) officials and three accomplices accused of fraud has been postponed to 1 April 2025.

The accused appeared before the Lenasia Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, facing more than 1 000 fraud-related charges.

Four of the accused were arrested last month, while another four were taken into custody on Friday. Two more suspects handed themselves over on Sunday and Monday, respectively.

SASSA Acting Chief Executive Officer, Themba Matlou, welcomed the arrests, emphasising the agency’s commitment to eradicating all forms of fraud and corruption elements within its ranks.

“What we have seen in the last few weeks is a culmination of the hard work of our officials, working with the South African Police Service (SAPS) in clamping down on fraud and corruption at SASSA,” Matlou said.

He further urged the public to report any suspicious activities related to social grants.

“We cannot win this fight alone. We appeal to members of the community to assist us to root out the scourge.”

SASSA has urged members of the public to work together with the agency and report grant fraud or corruption to 0800 60 10 11 or the National Anti-Corruption Hotline on 0800 701 701.