Hawks says they are making strides in arresting suspects

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) better known as Hawks, has made significant inroads in apprehending individuals involved in high-profile cases, thus ensuring accountability and justice for victims.

This is according to Hawks Head, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya, who briefed the media, last Thursday, on the successes and progress made with regards to high profile cases in the fourth quarter of the 2024/2025 financial year.

‘’These arrests targeted people involved in serious corruption, serious organised crime, serious commercial crime including fraud, theft, money laundering, cybercrime, police killings, cash-in-transit robberies, other armed robberies, terrorist activities, kidnapping for ransom, illegal mining, tax related offences, Covid-19 related criminal activities, drug trafficking and trafficking in persons.’’

COURTESY: GovernmentZA

A total number of 656 suspects (607 natural and 49 juristic persons) were secured before the various courts in the country. Of these arrests, 450 (74%) are South Africans whereas 157 (26%) are foreign nationals.

‘’Of the 656 suspects, the Serious Organised Crime Investigation secured 364, the Serious Commercial Crime Investigation secured 220 while the Serious Corruption Investigation secured 72 suspects before court. Most of the arrests were effected in Gauteng province with 139, North West province with 99, KwaZulu-Natal province with 88, Eastern Cape and Free State provinces with 73 suspects each.’’

‘’During these arrests, 395 firearms and 1 746 rounds of ammunition were seized. Seven (7) clandestine drug laboratories were dismantled with drugs worth a total street value of R23 361 125.’’

‘’During this same period, the Directorate secured convictions on 239 accused persons. A total number of 266 (253 natural and 13 juristic) accused persons including those convicted in the previous quarters were sentenced during the quarter under review. Of the 253 sentenced natural persons, 139 (55%) are South Africans while 114 (45%) are foreign nationals. Most of these convictions and sentences were secured in the Gauteng province. Of these convictions, the Serious Organised Crime Investigation (SOCI) secured 157, Serious Commercial Crime Investigation (SCCI) secured 73 and Serious Corruption Investigation (SCI) secured nine (9),’’ he added.

Lebeya says to ensure that crime does not pay, the Priority Crime Specialised Investigation (PCSI) has contributed towards the issuing of a combined 102 freezing and forfeiture orders amounting to R418 million. Of these orders, 56 were Preservation Orders, with 45 Forfeiture Orders and 1 Restraint Order

He says an amount of R19 million has been deposited into the Criminal Assets Recovery Account (CARA).

‘’These performances make the total recorded successes on arrests, convictions and attachment of assets to 1 024. I shall highlight thirty (30) main cases, which represent only 3% of the successes. Of these 1 024 cases, 656, 266 and 102 are for arrests, convictions and recovery of assets respectively.’’

‘’The Digital Forensic Investigation Section of the PCSI component of the DPCI, finalised the extraction and analysis of data evidence from 324 electronic devices within 90 days during the quarter. The Priority Crime Management Center (PCMC) received 129 requests for analysis during the quarter under review. Evidential Communication Analysis Section obtained 358 applications and 29 of 212 statements in terms of Section 205 of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 from various service providers,’’ he added.

Twenty-two police officers have been killed during this period. The majority of them - 16 - were off-duty at the time of their murder.

‘’There exists a blue wall in South Africa. A human wall formed by men and women in blue. The wall that divides and shield the good from the bad elements in society. The stronger the wall, the safer the community. The weaker the wall, the happier the criminals. Criminals will continuously attack this wall in order to access the protected good citizens of this, our beloved country. An attack of police officials is an assault on society and indeed, an attack on the State. We categorised the killing of police officials as that national priority offence that requires the attention of the DPCI. During this period, 22 police officials were murdered of which 16 were off duty while six (6) were on duty. 50% of these murders happened in Gauteng. Thirty-eight (38) arrests were effected and 14 convictions with 11 life imprisonment sentences plus 487 years imprisonment were secured.  Over and above these killings of SAPS members, two (2) Metropolitan police officials were also killed.’’

Of those killed, Hawks Head Lebeya says the case of the slain Sergeant Simphiwe Kwepile of Nyanga police station will resume on 14 May 2025. Two suspects were arrested in this matter.

In January 2025, Constable Ayanda Moyikwa in Cape Town was murdered. 22-year-old Blessing Ndibango was arrested in March  and appeared in the Bluedowns Magistrates Court. The case is postponed to 21 May

Lt. Gen. Lebeya says that not only is the Hawks investigating those who kill police official, but also probing police officials involved in criminal activities

‘’A total number of 33 police officials were arrested in the quarter under review. Of these arrests, 19 are traffic officials whereas 14 are SAPS officials. They were arrested for cases ranging from fraud, corruption, murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances and defeating the ends of justice. These officers were arrested in the Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Free State provinces. Six (6) police officials were convicted and sentenced for defeating the ends of justice, conspiracy to commit robbery, fraud and corruption.’’

COURTESY: GovernmentZA

The Hawks head revealed that during the fourth quarter, 50 incidents of Cash-In-Transit (CIT) robberies were received by the Directorate. A total number of 28 suspects excluding 10 who died in exchange of gunfire with the police were arrested.

Furthermore, he also emphasized that legal practitioners should continue to maintain the decorum of the profession or face consequences

Lebeya also highlighted trafficking in persons as well as cases relating to Kidnappings and demand for ransom. He says Twenty four (24) cases were reported to the Hawks during the period under review. Thirty-five (35) arrests consisting of 28 South Africans and 7 foreigners were effected.

‘’As I conclude, let me indicate that this statement is my last quarterly media briefing. Allow me to repeat that in line with our moto of seek, find and strike, the DPCI shall continue to execute its mandate without fear, favour or prejudice in accordance with the Constitution and other laws of the Republic,’’ said Lt. Gen. Godfrey Lebeya, National Hawks Head.

 

Done by: Mitchum George

SA's only driving license card printing machine operational again

The National Department of Transport has confirmed that the driving license card printing machine has been fixed and operations have resumed.

The only machine in the country had been out of operation since February. This has led to a backlog of more than 740 000 outstanding cards that need be printed.

PICTURE: Dept. of Transport

As of 2 May, the Gauteng Province had more than 250 000 cards that need to be printed, followed by KwaZulu-Natal at over 115 000 and the Western Cape at 108 000.

DRIVING LICENSE CARD PRINTING MACHINE FIXED @TrafficRTMC @SAPoliceService @MkhulekoHlengwa @BarbaraCreecy_ pic.twitter.com/IV0fhRmFgm

— Department of Transport (@Dotransport) May 8, 2025

Transport spokesperson Collen Msibi says working hours at the driving license card agency have been extended to address the backlog.

"This means that working hours for staff members at the driving licence card agency, which is an entity of the department, will be extended to ensure the reduction of the backlog.’’

The Western Cape mobility department welcomed the news, but is in the view that the national department has its work cut out for it as it works in easing the massive backlog in printing new cards.

 ‘’We trust that the national department will now move swiftly and efficiently to clear the backlog without any further issues,’’ said Muneerah Alie, Western Cape Mobility Department spokesperson.

 

Done by: Mitchum George

Mid-year exams kicks off on Monday

More than 37 000 candidates in the Western Cape will sit down, from Monday, for the start of the 2025 May/June National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.

This is a standalone exam session for candidates writing both the National Senior Certificate and the Senior Certificate. This is also an opportunity for candidates to improve or complete subjects they enrolled for in their Grade 12 exams previously

PICTURE: Pixabay

According to the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), 25 615 candidates will write one or more of their matric exam subjects, to improve or complete subjects they enrolled for in their Grade 12 exams previously. A further 11609 candidates will write the exams for their Senior Certificate, which allow adults to complete a high school education.

The exams begin with 4 candidates writing Arabic Second Additional Language on Monday morning, and 12 600 candidates writing English Home Language or First Additional Language in the afternoon.

The subject with the largest number of candidates writing is Mathematical Literacy, with 16 584 candidates writing Paper 1 on Friday, 16 May 2025, and Paper 2 on Monday, Monday, 19 May 2025. In total, 54 subjects will be written over the coming weeks, at 165 exam centres. The exams end on 25 June 2025, and the results will be available on 8 August 2025.

‘’This is a mammoth administrative undertaking, and we thank our officials for the hard work they do throughout the year to prepare for and run these exam sessions,’’ said Bronagh Hammond, WCED spokesperson.

‘’We appeal to everyone in our province to support our candidates as they write their exams, so that they have the best possible chance of achieving their goals and having better career opportunities as a result,’’ she added.

 

Done by: Mitchum George

Two shot and injured in Mitchell's Plain; Shotspotter detects 350 shots in past month

Gun violence continue to plague communities on the Cape Flats. In the latest incident, two victims were shot in Beacon Valley, Mitchells Plain , on Saturday evening.

‘’ Mitchells Plain police responded to a complaint on Saturday 10 May 2025. Upon arrival near the corners of Cadilac and Riley Streets, they were informed that two victims sustained gunshot wounds and were transport to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. The unknown suspects fled the scene and they are yet to be arrested,’’ said Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, Western Cape police spokesperson.

He says the motive for this attack are unknown at this stage.

Mitchells Plain police are investigating two counts of attempted murder.

Anyone with information about this incident are urged to call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

Meanwhile, there were more than 350 shooting incidents reported in the past month in areas of Nyanga, Hanover Park, Manenberg, and Lavender Hill. This is according to the City of Cape Town who attributed this to its Shot Spotter programme -  a device which tells them where gunshots are fired

‘’ This morning, past 5am, 2 gunshots rang out on the streets of Hanover Park. No one called to report it, so SAPS would never have known. But we knew about it... In less than a minute, we had the exact location from our Shotspotter system. We immediately dispatched our resources and notified SAPS.

For years, firearm violence has been ignored. Unless someone died, no police case was ever opened, and without the docket, no record was established. There was never any proof why these areas needed more boots on the ground from SAPS. We knew we needed the evidence, so we could compel national government to send more reinforcements to these stations. Our communities deserved better.''

‘’In a bold move, our municipality funded the Shotspotter program in the 4 areas we suspected as being the worst affected. And we were right! In the last 28 days, the communities of Nyanga, Hanover Park, Manenberg, and Lavenderhill have endured over 350 shooting incidents, where we have immediately notified SAPS and sent our members as well. With the right coordinates, we respond to the exact location. This has already allowed us to recover hundreds of firearms and perform even more arrests, said JP Smith, MMC for Safety & Security.

COURTESY: Facebook - JP Smith

Smith says additional resources are needed for more police on the ground and more detectives.

‘’Those arrested must have their crimes investigated, and they need to be convicted in court and removed from society, not just released and recycled back into the community.

 

Done by: Mitchum George

Wynberg court allege shooters returns to court month-end

More arrests are on the cards, says police, following the murder of 50-year-old taxi operator from Vrygrond at the Wynberg Regional Court.

PICTURE: Pixabay

Four of the five suspects appeared in the same court on Friday. One of the suspects was hospitalised after falling ill

Abubaker Adams and Vuyisani Zengethwa have been identified as the alleged shooters. Shireen Matthews is accused of orchestrating the alleged hit. The court heard that Brian Booysen and Wanay Farao, allegedly organised, supplied, and smuggled the guns into the court building.

The latest suspect, 20-year-old Vuyisani Zengethwa, was arrested on Wednesday.

‘’The prosecutor did indicate in court today that when we return on 29 May, we may be able to add more people on the docket. This means the investigation is still open and ongoing,’’ said Eric Ntabazalila, NPA provincial spokesperson.

The case has been postponed to 29 May, for a formal bail application.

 

Done by: Mitchum George

Suspects in Joshlin Smith to be sentenced end of May

The trio who were found guilty of kidnapping and trafficking missing Joshlin Smith - Racquel "Kelly" Smith, Jacquin "Boeta" Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn - appeared at the Western Cape High Court on Friday.

Judge Nathan Erasmus said the state intended leading evidence contained in victim impact statements, reports from social workers and expert evidence on human trafficking. He said the reports could take up to six week to prepare but added he would request they be expedited.

PICTURE: Pixabay

Erasmus said the trial would be postponed to 23 May to be transferred back to the multipurpose centre in Saldanha. The court also provisionally confirmed that the matter would resume in Saldanha on 27 May, where evidence will be presented and arguments in mitigation and aggravation will be heard over two days, with sentencing to take place on Thursday, 29 May.

The court heard the trio would be detained at Pollsmoor correctional facility in Cape Town.

Joshlin, then aged six, disappeared from home at the Middelpos informal settlement in Saldanha Bay on 19 February 2024.

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson said the state planned to present victim impact statements from members of the community affected by the case.

"After that we will call an expert in trafficking in persons, who will give his expert opinion via Zoom because the person is not in the Western Cape. We can expect the defence to call witnesses but cannot say they will because they did not indicate that in court, but they are free to do so,’’ said Eric Ntabazalila, NPA spokesperson in the Western Cape.

Police confirmed that investigations continue in finding the little girl

 

Done by: Mitchum George

Today is World Lupus Day

Today is World Lupus Day is an annual observance dedicated to raising awareness about lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease that affects millions worldwide.

This day aims to increase public understanding and promote research into its causes and cure. By spotlighting lupus, the observance seeks to lessen the stigma and misconceptions associated with the disease while also advocating for the needs of those affected. World Lupus Day highlights the global impact of the systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a more severe form of lupus.

Today and this entire month is crucial for educating the public, enhancing patient healthcare services, and rallying support for those who suffer from its life-altering effects.

Dr Deepthi Raju Abraham from the Tygerberg Hospital lives with the condition and says early diagnosis of the condition is important.

World Lupus Day is established to call attention to the need for heightened public awareness, better patient healthcare services, and more research into the causes and cure of lupus. The observance has grown internationally, uniting patients, healthcare providers, researchers, and activists in the fight against this significant health issue.

To celebrate World Lupus Day wear purple as it is the official color of lupus awareness. Wearing purple or using it in promotional materials can help draw attention to the cause and remember those who lost their lives to lupus.

Done by Shaneca Cupido

City of Cape Town hosts the Local Spatial Development Framework

Yesterday on 7 May 2025 the City of Cape Town held its’ comment meeting on the Local Spatial Development Framework. The meeting was open for the public to deliver comments. The manager of Metropolitan Spatial Planning Annelise de Bruin chaired the meeting.

The first public engagement process for the draft Cape Town CBD LSDF took place in September/October 2024. This is the second public engagement process, which includes a revised version of the Sept/Oct 2024 LSDF proposals and development guidelines.

The purpose of the meeting was for the public to voice their opinion on the products that was uploaded on the “have your say” page and review it. So far the city had a 60 day consultation process for any questions the public may have. According to de Bruin the City of Cape Town has started construction in the CBD since 2023 and has been successful since the start of the project. The public still has 11 days to comment on the process and voice their opinion.

During the October and November period the city met with the CCID and developers with Waterfront and a number of land owners. A document was issued to the public who have an interest in the CBD. The manager said thanks to social media platforms they received a number of comments were received including library exhibitions and workshops were held. So far around 500 comments were received on the have your say page.

Majority of the comments were about a green environment, PRASA, affordable housing, adequate walkability and cycling and public space improvement. De Bruin says despite some negative commentary many people are happy the city is not deteriorating. With regards to the LSDP the idea is to create a urban formed city and create a long term vision for the CBD that aligns with the spatial development framework

The main spatial developments include a public realm to which links Table mountain to the sea and west to east parts of the CBD. Multi-directional mobility and accessibility at a range of scales, across modes, a CBD that prioritises walking, cycling including social and entertainment nodes, a series of enabling social and economic development opportunities within the horizon of the LSDF and restoring and celebrating historical routes through creating new places of memory.

The number of questions asked were mostly about the green market project, the city’s unfinished foreshore bridges, but most commentary will be delivered on the final day which is Sunday 11^th May.

Done by Shaneca Cupido

Retreat Swimming Pool re-opened

The Retreat Swimming Pool has re-opened after repairs when a break-in at the facility last month resulted in significant damage to the plant room.

Last month, staff arrived at the facility to find that it had been burgled and pipes stolen just six months after the pool had reopened to the public, following a period of repairs and maintenance.

The closure of the pool reportedly affected nearly two thousand users over the period.

COURTESY: City of Cape Town

MMC for Community Services & Health, Francine Higham, said however that there is an issue with the heating units, but it is being attended to. Despite this, the water is at a warm temperature.

‘’Although the heating units have not yet reached the regular temperature of 26 degrees Celsius, they are currently at 23.5 to 24 degrees Celsius. Repairs cost in excess of R50 000 and included the replacement of pipes and two gauges (one was damaged and one was stolen), the replacement of a tap inside the plant room and repairs to mixing drums,’’ said Higham.

The pool accommodates a number of aquatics clubs and other organisations like Eco Active, the NSRI, and Learn to Swim, catering to early childhood development centres, primary and high schools, and seniors from various communities.

‘’I am really happy that the Retreat Swimming Pool is open for business again. While the water is slightly cooler than normal, we are working hard to get it back to optimal levels, and we are eager to welcome back all of our regular users. The pool is a well-used facility and offers a space for exercise, recreation, socialising, fun, health and fitness. The closure, even though temporary, once again highlighted the impact that vandalism and theft of our infrastructure has on communities. I want to encourage residents to take ownership of our facilities and say something when they see something. Help us bring the perpetrators to book as these facilities belong to all of us,’’ said Francine Higham, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health.

 

Done by: Elona Sibunzi

Fifth suspect arrested for Wynberg court shooting

Police arrested yet another suspect in the murder of 50 year old, Dingalimoya Cintso. Cintso was fatally shot on 8 April 2025, inside the Wynberg Regional Court.

‘’ The 20 year old suspect, believed to be key in the murder investigation has been charged with murder… As the investigation unfolded police indicated they had their sights on a number of suspects whom they believed were behind the shooting,’’ said Brigadier Novela Potelwa, Western Cape police spokesperson.

PICTURE: Pixabay

The suspect is expected to appear in the Wynberg Magistrates’ court on Friday. The latest arrest brings the number of suspects arrested in the murder investigation to five.

Shireen Matthews, Abubaker Adams, Brian Booysen, and Wanay Farao, will also appear at the same court on Friday

Matthews and Adams are being charged under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (Poca) for allegedly being members of the Junky Funky Kidz gang and allegedly committing the murder for the gang.

The state alleges that Matthews had the victim killed in retaliation.

 

Done by: Mitchum George

Inquest opened after learner reportedly had fatal seizure

Circumstances surrounding the death of a Grade 8 learner at a Lotus River school is being investigated by police. The 15-year-old girl from Zeekoevlei High School reportedly had a seizure on Monday and fell from her desk.

‘’The teacher conducted CPR to the learner, but she was unresponsive. An Ambulance was contacted and upon arrival EMS members tried to resuscitate her by doing CPR, she was still unresponsive. She was later declared dead after several attempts to resuscitate her. An Inquest was opened at Grassy Park SAPS. A post-mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death. No foul play is suspected,’’ said Captain F.C Van Wyk, Western Cape police spokesperson.

Van Wyk said the parents and family currently receiving assistance from SAPS Victim Support Volunteer.

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) confirmed the incident adding that at this stage, no further details can be made available.

‘’Our condolences to the family and friends of a Grade 8 learner who passed away on Monday due to what is believed to be a medical condition. At this stage, no further details can be made available. The school sent a letter to parents to inform them about the tragic incident. Counselling support has been made available to the learners and staff at the school,’’ said Millicent Merton, WCED spokesperson

In the school letter, Acting Principal, Julleen Goliath, assured parents that the incident was not gang-related and that no threat being posed at learners’ safety. Schooling resumed as per normal

SUPPLIED

 

Done by: Mitchum George