SA Police Archives

News
0
Closed
2 min read

Police discover 19 bodies of suspected illegal miners in Krugersdorp

Police in Gauteng have discovered the bodies of 19 suspected illegal miners in Krugersdorp.

National police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili said the gruesome discovery was made at around 3 pm on Wednesday.

“Their bodies were found in one of the active mines in the area,” she said.

Muridili added that so far investigations had revealed that the men could have been killed elsewhere and their bodies placed in the mine.

ILLEGAL MINERS IN KRUGERSDORP

“No foul play is suspected at this stage and a post-mortem will determine the course of death.

“All the necessary role players were summoned to the scene. An inquest docket has been registered for further investigation,” Muridili said.

POLICE DISCOVER 19 BODIES

Krugersdorp has been in the spotlight for months following the gang rape of a group of women in July.

The women were shooting a video when they were attacked. They were also robbed. Police have announced that the 13 accused and a minor have had the charges withdrawn.

Since the attack, there have been a number of police operations to weed out illegal mining in the area.

Two suspected illegal miners have also been killed and scores more have been arrested.

**Police discover 19 bodies of suspected illegal miners in Krugersdorp**

In September, the police ministry said it was encouraged by the great strides made in improving the safety and security of residents in Krugersdorp since the deployment of specialised SAPS units to the area.

ZAMA ZAMAS ARRESTED

Meanwhile, sting operations to root out illegal mining in Gauteng have netted 15 more suspected zama zamas.

On Monday, Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said the group were arrested in an operation in Roodepoort.

“Police arrested 15 suspected illegal miners and recovered gold-bearing dust and tools suspected to be used for illegal mining. As police were conducting the operation, they spotted a suspicious BMW in Sol Plaaitjie, Roodepoort. Upon stopping and searching the BMW, police found what is suspected to be gold-bearing dust inside the vehicle. The two occupants, who are undocumented, were arrested,” he said.

Masondo said police arrested 13 undocumented persons after they were found with tools and materials suspected to be used for illegal mining.

News
0
Closed
2 min read

Mahwelereng Girlfriend murderer on the run

The Police in Mahwelereng have launched a manhunt for the murderer who allegedly killed a 23 years old woman. The woman is believed to be his girlfriend. The incident took place Wednesday,26 October 2022 at Mozumbane village.

The body of the deceased was found the next day on Thursday lying in a pool of blood with multiple stab wounds. Preliminary Police investigations revealed that an argument ensued between the suspect and the victim during the night on Wednesday.

MURDERER ON THE RUN

“We are calling upon Sthembiso Elia Dube popularly known as (Evens Khosa). He is also believed to be a foreign national, to avail himself at any nearest police station to help with investigations,” Police said.

MAHWELERENG WOMEN

The victim was also positively identified by a relative at the crime scene as Thabiso Mdibaniso.

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has urged community members to assist the police. They can provide information that can lead to the arrest of the suspect.

Anyone with information that can lead to the apprehension of the suspect should contact the Investigating Officer Sergeant Patrick Bebeda on 0837218622. Crime stop number 0860010111 or nearest police station or My SAPSApp.

Meanwhile, One thousand six hundred and fourteen (1614) suspects aged between 21 and 51 were apprehended for various offences during the ongoing weekly operations. The operations were conducted from 16 October until the early hours of today on Monday 24 October 2022.

The offences included possession and dealing in drugs, murder, stock theft, possession of illicit cigarettes. Theft of motor vehicle, possession of suspected stolen property and possession of firearm and ammunition and rape. In addition, a total number of 422 undocumented foreign nationals were a arrested.

During the operations police seized counterfeit cigarettes sticks, 25 dangerous weapons, dagga, 3-dagga plants, Crystal Meth and Nyaope drugs. Furthermore, 3 firearms large quantity of liquor, 61 knives and 4 stolen vehicles were confiscated.

News
0
Closed
2 min read

Life sentence for man accused of raping a minor

The Tzaneen Family Violence and Child Protection Services Unit (FCS) secured another life sentence of imprisonment imposed by the Lenyenye Regional court in Limpopo. This is after the 39-year-old accused was convicted of kidnapping and rape of a 13-year-old girl in Lenyenye location. The incident took place under the Maake Policing area on 13 October 2022.

TRAUMATIC ORDEAL

On Sunday 22 September 2019, Lucas Madala Mokhubidu who was 36 years old at the time of the incident. He allegedly kidnapped a 13-year-old girl and locked her up inside his room.

Afterwards, the convict repeatedly raped the victim the whole night and later released her the next morning at about 05:00 on Monday 23 October 2019.

The minor went home and informed her grandmother about the ordeal who immediately reported the incident at Maake police station. A case of kidnapping and rape was opened and later transferred to Tzaneen FCS unit for further investigations.

Detective Sergeant Sharon Mavhungu was assigned to investigate the matter through her dedication and hard work. The suspect was apprehended a week after the incident on 02 October 2019.

Sergeant Mavhungu also managed to oppose bail and the suspect remained in police custody. She left no stone unturned with the investigations until his sentencing on Thursday 13 October 2022.

LIFE SENTENCE

The convict was handed 10 years imprisonment for kidnapping and one life-term imprisonment for the rape of a minor girl.

The Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has welcomed the sentence. She says it would also serve as a deterrence to other perpetrators of Gender Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF)

News
0
Closed
2 min read

D.O.E denies SA faces fuel shortage

The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) has insisted there is no imminent SA fuel shortage in the country.

A statement from the department was published in response to comments made by the Liquid Fuel Wholesale Association. As published by Independent Media’s Business Report and other, that warned fuel-shedding could become a reality. This is if strategic stocks are not built up in South Africa as was recommended by a 2006 commission of inquiry report. The Business Report article also said the department had not responded to repeated requests for comment.

SA FUEL SHORTAGES EXPLAINED

“The DMRE would like to assure South Africans that there is no imminent shortage of liquid fuels in the country. Predictions made by the Liquid Fuel Wholesalers Association (LFWA) are very unfortunate,” the department said in Tuesday’s statement, adding that the supply chain of the petroleum sector in South Africa is resilient even as the disruptive geopolitical war in eastern Europe rages on.

“Over a number of years, the government deliberately enabled investment in fuel import terminals when the reliability of existing petroleum refineries was in question,” the department said.

“These import terminals provided the backup to existing refineries. This has proven to have been a correct strategy as refineries close. The import terminals throughout the country’s ports are able to ensure security of fuel supply.”

INVESTMENTS MADE

In addition, the department said major investments have been made by both Mozambique and Namibia. Which further strengthen the region’s fuel supply position.

The South African Petroleum Industry Association (Sapia) has however warned that concern is growing over the risk to the country’s security of fuel supply as import infrastructure would be unable to cope with rising fuel imports should another refinery close. Incentivising industry to build more storage would mitigate these risks, the association said.

The department also said it engages the industry on a weekly basis on supply issues. They will also seek clarity from the LFWA on its comments.

News
0
Closed
3 min read

Dad rapes his disabled child

A Hanover Park in the Western Cape Dad has been sent to behind bars after he was allegedly raped his 16-year-old Child. The victim has special needs.

The horrific attack sent shockwaves across the Cape Flats. The community vowed to kill the 50-year-old Dad , After it was revealed he was paroled for raping his older daughter nearly 15 years ago.

According to a 59-year-old relative. The incident took place in a Wendy house on Monday. This is after the teenager had asked her father for something to eat.

“She lives at the back in a Wendy house with her sister and her father lives around the corner with his wife,” says the relative.

“He was at the house and I saw him and then she went to the back. She is a special needs child.”

The relative says after the girl went to the Wendy house. Her older brother came into the main house and said he was going to check on her.

“Her father left at that time and I saw [the brother] was angry. He told me that his father raped his sister and he walked in and saw it,” the relative adds.

DAD WHO RAPED HIS CHILD SHOCKS FAMILY

She says the brother went to go lay a charge. “We were so shocked and then we saw the police go to his house and take him. But the son did not moer [hit] him.”

Police spokesperson sergeant Wesley Twigg confirms the arrest, and adds: “This office can confirm that a 50-year-old male was arrested on a charge of rape and will make a court appearance in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court.”

During court proceedings on Wednesday it was revealed that the suspect’s parole will be revoked and the case was remanded to December 5.

ANGRY RESIDENTS REACT

Meanwhile, angry residents have shared the father’s picture on social media expressing their disgust.

The relative says the family has been left devastated and traumatised by the incident and that the teen is currently staying with a family friend.

“We are traumatised because he just came out of jail for raping his older daughter. That case was for 15 years, but he only spent 12 years in jail,” the relative explains.

“That time he raped his older daughter and she fell pregnant. But had an abortion when she was five months pregnant.

“We also don’t know what to say. But we are traumatised and also don’t understand how he could do this to his own child.”

News
0
Closed
2 min read

Husband arrested for killing his wife

A 52-year-old man has been arrested along with his two accomplices for allegedly killing his wife. The accomplices are aged 40 and 48 while the deceased is aged 47. Her body was found in a pool of blood at her home in Onverwacht, Lephalale in June 2021.

The intelligence-driven probe established that the deceased’s husband allegedly hired two hitmen to killing his wife Sibongile Ditsela.

HUSBAND ARRESTED FOR KILLING WIFE

On the day in question, the suspect had come to the house to make arrangements to collect his daughter after school. After the domestic worker opened for him, he went straight to the bedroom where he found his wife lying in a pool of blood with multiple stab wounds.

Police were also called to the scene and upon arrival, they found that the suspects broke the window to gain access to the bedroom without anyone inside the house noticing. The suspects also took the deceased’s cellphone and car keys. The deceased was also found strangled with a rope.

**Husband arrested for killing his wife**

The first suspect was arrested on 7 October in Ga-Makanye village under Mankweng policing area. The deceased’s husband was also arrested on Sunday at his other house in Ga-Seleka village in Lephalale. The third was also arrested in the early hours of yesterday in Mankweng.

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has lauded the investigating team for their excellent and intensive investigation. She thanked community members for the positive information that led to the arrest of the suspects.

Court appearances

Two of the suspects Petrus Sefara, (48), and Alias Kotswana Ditsela aged 52 (deceased husband) have appeared in the Lephalale Magistrate’s court. They made the appearances yesterday, 11 Tuesday, October 2022 on charges of murder and house robbery.

Their case was postponed to 14 October 2022 for a formal bail application. The third suspect is also expected to appear today, 12 October.

News
0
Closed
2 min read

Missing children found by Police officer

Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has commended an off-duty Police Sergeant after he found missing children. This is his determination that resulted in the recovery of three children aged between 05 and 06.

The missing children went missing on Thursday 06 October 2022 in Dark City, Praktiseer village in Tubatse.

Sergeant Mahlatjie Nicodemus Letsoalo attached to SAPS Tubatse Social Crime Prevention Unit was off duty when he received a call. A community member alerted him about the disappearance of three children.

Without any hesitation, the courageous Police Officer rushed to the Police Station and also reported the matter.

**Missing children found by Police officer**

Search for missing Children

Police started a search in nearby areas. Sergeant Letsoalo succeeded in tracing the children at about 19:45. The place is located near a dumping site 3 kilometres from the children’s home. He safely handed them over to their guardian. The woman is a mother to one child aged 05 and was babysitting the other two children.

“The selfless act of this member is highly commendable which resulted in the recovery of the missing children who must have been very terrified. We urge parents to be vigilant in caring for their children and always know their whereabouts to avoid these types of incidents,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe.

“The Police Stations are flooded with cases of missing persons and while some remain missing. Some are found injured or dead, a bigger number is found safe and sound.”

“In total 130 cases were registered from January 2022 until today. A lot of resources and time get wasted by police trying to find people who are not really missing. Instead, Police could be investigating legitimate cases,” continued Lieutenant General Hadebe.

More cases of missing women

One of the most serious cases reported this year was of two women who went missing in Burgersfort and Tubatse. They were later found murdered.

“I also commend the work of members of Joint Operations teams. Each case is also treated with priority and there is no waiting period. We also understand that the impact of missing persons can be life changing for families and communities,” concluded Lieutenant General Hadebe.

News
0
Closed
3 min read

Man Kills girlfriend in GBH revenge

The Police in Hlogotlou have arrested a 45-year-old Man for killing his alleged girlfriend Zindle Mokoena (21). The incident happened soon after she was released by the court on Friday at Monsterloos village outside Sekhukhune.

The deceased assaulted and seriously injured the suspect on Tuesday 04 October.

Mokoena was arrested on charges of Assault GBH after they had an altercation at the man’s house. The woman ended up stabbing the boyfriend with a sharp object.

She was arrested on Thursday and appeared before the Nebo Magistrate’s Court on Friday 07 October 2022. Mokoena was also released on free bail.

Man arrested for killing his girlfriend

The victim thereafter went to the local tavern and her boyfriend whom she had assaulted, arrived at the tavern at about 19:45. He dragged her to her house which is next to the tavern. Upon arrival, he stabbed her several times, killing her instantly.

The suspect was arrested on the scene after police were notified. Police have also opened a case of murder.

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has slammed the incident. She called for harsh consequences against the suspect who should have never taken the law into his hands. The suspect will appear in the Nebo Magistrate’s Court on Monday facing a charge of murder.

Nebo Magistrate's Court — **Nebo Magistrate’s Court**

House robbery killer arrested

Meanwhile, Police Investigators have successfully tracked down and arrested one of the suspects responsible for the house robbery. The robbery took place on a farm at Roedtan in which a farmer was killed and properties robbed.

The incident took place on Friday night, 07 October 2022. Five men driving arrived on the farm at about 18:00 under the pretext that they were coming to buy milk.

They found the victim’s friend who was forcibly taken into the farmhouse and guarded by one of the suspects. The farm owner unknowingly arrived at the premises and was accosted by the remaining four suspects who pointed firearms.

The suspects also tied his girlfriend and the friend with cable ties and started demanding money from the farm owner.

They then disarmed him with his firearm and hit him with an iron pipe. They also forced him to hand over the safe keys. In the process, the suspects shot and killed the victim.

News
0
Closed
2 min read

Body found in the dam in Lebowakgomo

A case of murder is being investigated by Police in Lebowakgomo after thhey found a Man’s body floating in the dam at Ga-Chuene village in Limpopo. It was discovered under the Lebowakgomo policing area on Thursday, 06 October at about 14:00.

Members of the South African Police Service Search and Rescue Unit were activated and upon arrival at the scene, they retrieved the body. A deep wound to the man’s neck indicated that it could have been a murder.

Body found in Lebowakgomo

The deceased is identified as Ananias Sithole aged 37 of Thokgwaneng Village in Lebowakgomo.

Police have opened a case of murder, currently, the motive is unknown and there are no arrests yet.

Police appeal to anyone with information that can assist in the arrest of the suspect(s) to contact the Branch Commander Colonel Nyamanyawo Thomas Baloyi on 0825658234. Crime stop number 0860010111or the nearest police station or MySAPSApp can also be contacted.

Body found in Lebowakgomo — **Lucas Baloyi**

Another case of a missing person

Meanwhile, the South African Police Service in Modimolle have launched a search operation for a missing man. Lucas Baloyi aged 21 of Phomolong Extension 08 in Phagameng Section has gone missing.

The victim was reportedly last seen on 27 September 2022 while at his house. He could have been wearing blue jeans and a blue and white shirt. The family discovered that all his clothes were missing.

Police appeal to anyone with information that can assist to locate him to contact the investigating officer Warrant Officer Anita Pretorius at 081 3761899.

The crime stop number 0860010111or the nearest police station can also be contacted. Those with information may also use MySAPSApp to share the information.

Crime has been rife in Limpopo in recent times with Police authority warning of heavy action for those found on the wrong side of the law. Grade 10 leaner Eunice Gafane who disappeared in September has also not been discovered.

MISSING PERSONS News
0
Closed
2 min read

Search continues for Limpopo missing persons

Police in Giyani, Limpopo have launched a search operation for an 18-year-old missing girl Miracle Eunice Gafane. She is a resident at Makhuva Village outside Giyani, Mopani.

The grade 10 learner in Magula-savi high school, was last seen on Saturday 24 September 2022. She was attending a birthday party with her elder sister at Makhuva village and never returned home.

At the time of her disappearance, she could have been wearing yellow tekkies, a T-shirt, a blue jersey and black Jeans. A search operation was conducted for the friend and relatives without success

Anyone with information about her whereabouts can contact Captain Khazamula Daniel Mchabi at 0827290343.

Limpopo Family of three missing

Meanwhile, Police in Makhado, Limpopo have launched a search operation for a missing 37-year-old woman Elizabeth Van Der Merwe (Smith). Smith went missing with her two sons Jundre Van Der Merwe aged 9 and Reghardt Van Der Merwe aged 7.

Elizabeth was last seen on 27 September 2022 at around 16:15. She left her place of residence at a farm 2km before Hendrik Verwoerd Tunnels outside Louis Trichardt town. It is alleged she had an argument with her husband. She then left everything behind including her cellphone.

According to the Social workers, the mother could not be reached for confirmation on picking Jundre (9) and Reghardt (07). They are currently at Abraham Kriel Children’s Home in Modimolle and were due for an arranged visit to the mother at a verified address under the social workers supervision.

More allegations

There are allegations of the Mother having picked up the kids in Polokwane after they alighted from a bus coming from the children’s home. Thereafter departed to an unknown address. Anyone with information can contact the investigating officer Detective Sergeant Tshifhiwa Netshia at 066 263 4915. Social Worker Joyce Sadiki on 064 752 1344, crime stop number 0860010111or the nearest police station or MySAPSApp.

Meanwhile, a fourth accused in the murder case of the mayor of Collins Chabane, Moses Maluleke was denied bail.

The suspect appeared in the Malamulele Magistrate court on Friday.

Tag: SA Police