Gang-related shootings in Delft leave three dead and several injured

Authorities are looking into a suspected gang-related shooting in Delft that resulted in the deaths of three men and left a 14-year-old boy injured. The incident took place in the Eindhoven area on Sunday.

Picture: Pixabay

“Unknown assailants opened fire at the group where they were sitting in the yard of a residence and fled the scene. Anti-Gang Unit members were deployed in the area to search for the suspects and prevent any further violence that could endanger the lives of the community," said the South African Police Service's Andre Traut.

Additionally, there have been reports of another shooting in Leiden, also in Delft, on Monday, where two men are believed to have died and a woman was injured.

Done by: Stephanie Van Rayen 

Former Johannesburg Mayor arrested over funeral policy scam

Kabelo Gwamanda, former mayor of Johannesburg and Al Jama-ah councillor, has been arrested for an alleged funeral policy scam involving his company, Ithemba Lama Afrika, which reportedly operated since 2011.

Picture: Pixabay

He is accused of deceiving Soweto residents into paying monthly premiums and fleeing when they sought to claim. Gwamanda, currently an MMC for community development, was appointed in August after being ousted as mayor.

His arrest followed a complaint from a victim who discovered the company's offices had moved when trying to claim funds. The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) is investigating the matter, as Gwamanda had a warrant issued for his arrest in May 2024 but was out of the country.

He surrendered to police on Friday. ActionSA is calling for his immediate resignation.

 

Done by: Stephanie Van Rayen

Western Cape Welcomes new police officers

The Western Cape has welcomed new police officers. In efforts to increase police visibility across the province. Residents can expect to witness more police presence in communities with disrupting criminal activities.

“The Deputy Minister of Police, Polly Boshielo, welcomed the 1, 013 police constables within the police ranks,” said national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Amathe.

Picture by: SAPS/X

“559 new Constable’s stood on parade at the Bishop Lavis training academy while 454 Constable’s stood on parade in Oudsthoorn. This new injection of blood will see more boots on the ground ahead of the busy festive season at all police stations and SAPS service points.”

The recruits aim to increase capacity at police stations in the province ahead of the busy festive season.

 

Done by: Sihle Jezile

Firearm and Ammunition seizure lead to arrests of two suspects in Delft

 

Delft police arrested a 23-year-old suspect for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. 

Picture: Pixabay

The police’s Malcom Pojie said members followed up on info regarding a firearm at premises in Delft.

“On arrival at the identified premises, the members ensued with a search during which they discovered and confiscated a firearm, a 38 Special revolver and nine rounds of ammunition which were buried in the backyard.”  Pojie further elaborated.

The suspect was arrested for the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, and he is scheduled to appear in the Bellville Magistrate’s court once charged.

Meanwhile, Maitland police arrested a 33-year-old, in Lower Crossroads. During crime prevention patrols in the Philippi, they received information from a community member of a firearm that was stored at premises.

“They followed up the information which led them to a residence in Nondlwana Street in Lower Crossroads where they searched the identified premises upon which they discovered and seized a 9mm pistol with ammunition.” Said Pojie.

They arrested a 33 year old man who will appear in the Athlone Magistrates’ court today on the mentioned charges.

 

Done By: Elona Sibunzi

 

 

 

 

 

Western Cape Police Constable was convicted for rape

A police constable from the Lwandle Crime Prevention Unit was found guilty of raping an 18-year-old woman by the Wynberg Regional Court.

In July, three members, including the accused, Constable Jerome Coetzee followed intelligence that led them to a house to search for drugs. They searched the premises and found three packets of drugs and arrested an 18-year-old woman who was in the house.

“Constable Coetzee, who was driving the police vehicle, dropped off his two colleagues at the police station, while the arrested woman was in the back of the vehicle. He drove to a deserted area where he raped the woman inside the police vehicle,” said, IPID spokesperson Phaladi Shuping.

”The complainant reported the incident and positively identified Constable Coetzee. The incident was reported to IPID for investigations and the police officer was charged and arrested for rape. He was found guilty and the case was postponed to 29 November for sentencing.”

 

Done by: Sihle Jezile

Two killed, and one wounded in a shootout with police

The crackdown continues as authorities round up extortion suspects.

Two suspected extortionists were shot and killed Tuesday afternoon in a shootout with the police, another one was wounded.

The police’s Malcolm Pojie said, police followed up on information on suspects who were alleged to have extorted businesses. Members followed a vehicle with three occupants. A shootout ensued on the N1 highway, which resulted in the two fatalities and one suspect seriously wounded.

“Three firearms were seized from the vehicle after the shootout. Preliminary investigations indicate the vehicle the suspects were travelling in was hijacked in Thornton a few days ago. Investigations are underway to determine the identities of the deceased individuals.” Explained Pojie.

Police are probing attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearms as well as possession of a hijacked vehicle charges

Done By: Elona Sibunzi

 

Special funeral declared for late Tito Mboweni

President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a Special Official Funeral Category 2 in honour of the late former Minister of Finance and Reserve Bank Governor, Tito Mboweni. Mboweni succumbed to a short illness on Saturday at the age of 65.

‘’President Ramaphosa reiterates his condolences to the family and friends of Dr Mboweni who served the nation as an activist, economic policy innovator and champion of labour rights, with a sharp focus on fiscal discipline and economic transformation,’’ said Vincent Magwenya, Presidency spokesperson.

PHOTO: X - @Tito_Mboweni

According to the Presidency, Mboweni's funeral will feature elements provided by the South African Police Service.

"Dr Mboweni has been accorded a Special Official Funeral Category 2 which will take place at Nkowankowa Stadium, Tzaneen, Limpopo, at 10h00 on Saturday, 19 October 2024.

"President Ramaphosa has directed that the National Flag be flown at half-mast at all flag stations from tomorrow morning, (Wednesday), until the evening of the funeral on 19 October 2024,’’ added Vincent Magwenya, Presidency spokesperson.

 

Done By: Bush Radio news

Four arrested for Lusikisiki mass murder

KwaZulu-Natal police have arrested the four men who were wanted in connection with the Lusikisiki mass murder that claimed the lives of 18 people.

Their arrest follows less than 24 hours after police launched the manhunt of Songezo ‘Mashiya’ Vuma (20), Bonga ‘Rico’ Hintsa (31), Aphiwe ‘AP’ Ndende (25) and Lwando ‘Abi’ Shakes (31).

This after another suspect in the murder, Siphosoxolo Myekethe, appeared in the Lusikisiki Magistrate’s Court and abandoned his bail application on Tuesday. His case was postponed to November.

KZN police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda said the suspects were arrested in Port Shepstone.

"Police received a tip-off from a community member that the wanted suspects were hiding at a rented accommodation at Mkholombe informal settlement in Port Shepstone. A swift operation was put in motion, and the three suspects, aged 22, 24 and 31 years old, were arrested. The operation is ongoing with police searching for a firearm which the suspects allegedly used in the commission of the crime."

National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe confirmed that all suspects were in police custody.

"The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, General Fannie Masemola, wishes to thank South Africans from all walks of life for the overwhelming support in providing information… General Fannie Masemola confirms that in less than 24 hours from the time the SAPS issued an alert on the wanted suspects, communities rallied together and informed police of their whereabouts.

“To those who shared the pictures of these suspects on social media, to all the journalists and media houses that played their watchdog role, we are indebted to you. This is what the SAPS can achieve when the whole country rallies behind our men and women in blue. We thank you South Africa for assisting us to stamp the authority of the state”, said Gen Masemola.

Mathe says SAPS will not provide further details.

‘’The SAPS wishes not to divulge where these suspects were found and arrested at this stage as this may jeopardise investigations’’

 

Done by: Mitchum George

Automobile Association predicts a price hike for fuel in November

The Automobile Association warns consumers that the current trend of fuel price cuts might possible come to an end in November.

Data from Central Energy Fund indicates a likely increase in petrol and diesel prices for November, supporting AA’s forecast.

The two grades of petrol are expected to increase by between three and 14 cents per litre, and diesel by around 14 cents per litre.

AA spokesperson, Eleanor Mavimbela said the hikes are due to higher international product prices.

“The marginal expected increase comes at a time where most consumers and motorists are still struggling financially and any increase will add more pressure on them.”

 

Done by: Sihle Jezile

More than 75 600 candidates to write 2024 NSC final exams in WC

A total of 75 647 candidates will write the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams in the Western Cape. Of these, 64 375 are full-time candidates, and 11 272 are part-time candidates.

Candidates will sit on Monday, with 66 988 candidates writing all forms of the English paper. In total, 123 examination papers will be written before the exams end on Wednesday, 27 November 2024.

PICTURE: Pixabay

According to the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), there are 270 more full-time candidates writing in 2024 compared to 2023. The subject with the most candidates writing is Mathematical Literacy, with 51 932 candidates. Furthermore, five subjects have a single candidate writing: Zulu Home Language, Sepedi Home Language, Sepedi First Additional Language, Setswana First Additional Language, and Hebrew Second Additional Language.

The WCED said the exams will be written at 474 exam centres, overseen by 1 809 invigilators who will keep an eye out for any procedural irregularities.

‘’Marking will take place between 2 and 12 December 2024, with 920 000 examination scripts being marked by 4 232 markers and checked by 1 046 mark-checkers,’’ said David Maynier, Western Cape Education MEC.

The national results announcement will take place on 15 January 2025, with individual candidate’s results available at schools or online the following day.

‘’The scale of the matric exams poses a mammoth administrative challenge, and we appreciate the tremendous efforts of the Western Cape Education Department’s (WCED) officials and school staff in ensuring that the exams run smoothly and fairly,’’ said Maynier.

‘’Our matrics, and their teachers, have put so much work into preparing for these exams, so we appeal to everyone in the Western Cape to make our matrics the VIPs of our province in these coming weeks. Let us all play our part by supporting our matrics during what is understandably a stressful period, so that they can do the very best they can!,’’ he added.

 

Done by: Mitchum George

Truck driver who damaged a bridge on the N1 to appear in court

A truck driver who damaged a bridge on the N1 outbound last Friday will appear in court on Tuesday on charges of reckless and negligent driving. The truck too was impounded.

COURTESY: X - @TrafficSA

Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, said he will be liaising with the relevant City departments to ensure that a claim for damages is instituted against the owner of the truck. Smith also wants greater compliance in the trucking sector.

‘’The infrastructure, economic and emotional damage caused by one person’s actions cannot be tolerated. I trust that the court will take these factors into account when dealing with this case. We understand that the trucking industry is an important cog in our economy, but there is a responsibility to ensure that drivers and vehicles are fit for purpose.’’

Work is still under way to determine the extent of the damage to the bridge, which has caused additional ad hoc lane closures on the N1. I will be liaising with the relevant City departments to ensure that a claim for damages is instituted against the owner of the truck. I will also ask that the City’s Traffic Service works to ensure greater compliance in the trucking sector,’’ added Smith.

 

Done by: Mitchum George