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

Survivors live in fear after Orange Farm mass shooting

Survivors of a mass shooting in Orange Farm, where seven people were killed, say they now live in constant fear. The deadly incident unfolded in the early hours of Sunday after a dispute between a tavern owner and a patron over the closing time and alcohol sales.

The owner allegedly followed the patron to a family lobola celebration and opened fire. Among those he killed were five family members, a neighbour, and a three-year-old boy before he turned the gun on himself.

Survivor Lauren Maisha explained: "We can’t even stay here, we’re thinking of moving but where to? We don’t know. We live in constant fear, he threatened to use petrol on us and every sound we hear in the evenings, affects us, we're so scared."

Done by: Stephanie Van Rayen

Duo arrested in Mfuleni for alleged extortion

Western Cape police seems to be making strides in those believed to terrorise communities through extortion

Officers attached to the Anti-Economical Crime task team received a tipoff on Monday morning about five men carrying firearms, allegedly busy extorting spaza shops in the Cosovo and Samora Machel area.

Lt Col Malcolm Pojie, said when officers arrived in the area, they were informed by residents that the suspects moved over to Philippi, probably continuing with their extortion activities.

‘’The members traced the suspects to Browns Farm where they encountered two males aged 20 and 22  who were carrying blue backpacks. Upon seeing the members approaching, they acted very nervously. The members searched the two and found a plastic bag containing an undisclosed amount of coins and a few packets of cigarettes, allegedly taken from some of the shops they extorted.’’

‘’After further interrogation, the two led the members to two different addresses in Covid informal settlement, Mfuleni where the members discovered an assault rifle which was hidden under a mattress in one of the rooms of the first address. The members proceeded to the second address where they found two prohibited firearm,’’ added Pojie.

COURTESY: SAPS

The duo were detained at Mfuleni SAPS and are expected to make their first court appearance in the Blue Downs Magistrates’ court, soon.

 

Done by: Elona Sibunzi

Elderly Chinese man shot and wounded following suspected attempted robbery in Pinelands

Shoppers in Pinelands were left shaken on Monday. A suspected attempted robbery played out in broad daylight near the library at the back of the Howard Centre.

PICTURE: X - @_ArriveAlive

Western Cape police confirmed that a 62-year-old Chinese national was shot and wounded and was transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.

‘’Pinelands police opened an attempted murder docket for further investigation following a shooting incident which occurred near the library at the back of the Howard Centre earlier today, Monday, 14 October at about 15:15 during which a 62 year old Chinese national was hit in the chest,’’ said Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie, Western Cape spokesperson.

‘’Preliminary information reveals that the male victim was accosted by four unknown suspects who attempted to rob him from a black bag, later found to be containing documents and a laptop, when a scuffle ensued. It is reported that several shots were fired in the direction of the victim with one bullet hitting him in the chest,’’ he added.

Pojie adds that the assailants fled the scene empty handed and are yet to be arrested.

Anyone with information regarding his incident are urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10 111

 

Done By: Mitchum George