Day: October 3, 2021

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Building strong partnerships with business and community reduces crime in Kwazakele

Establishing strong partnerships and getting to know your community well, is sure to make a difference in combatting crime in any area. SAPS Kwazakele has built a sturdy relationship with its community and this partnership has resulted in all role-players working hand in hand to ensure the safety of their citizens and businesses.

In the last two years, criminal activities near a garage in the area was a hype for criminals robbing and hijacking commuters in that area. Due to these criminal activities the owners of the garage fostered a relationship with SAPS Kwazakele, the Community Policing Forum as well as Community in Blue with the aim of eradicating the problem. Once that partnership took off, there was a drastic decrease in crime in that area.

On 30 September at about 10:00, the garage management in partnership with Eyona Energy handed over 200 reflector jackets and 80 beanies to the Community Policing Forum to be utilised during their patrols with the Community in Blue patrollers to enhance visibility when performing their duties.

A soccer kit was also donated to a soccer club known as Carvella Stars to encourage the youth to get involved in crime prevention initiatives through sport against crime. The club coach Mr Savoy Mazwi was overwhelmed at the sponsorship and vowed to ensure to increase the membership of the club by engaging with the youth to participate and show an interest in the sport thus luring them away from crime and criminal elements.

SAPS Kwazakele Station Commander, Brigadier Lindelwa Vellem extended her appreciation to the business fraternity and reiterated that,’in order for us to reduce crime and criminal activities, we need the support and cooperation of every citizen and business in the Kwazakele area. Businesses are an integral part of society and are one of our key stakeholders in combatting crime. Enhanced co-operation between the SAPS and companies will ensure that our communities are and feel safe,’ added Brigadier Vellem.

Source: South African Police Service

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Police probe shooting of man in Kagisho

The police in Kagisho is investigating a murder case following a shooting incident which occurred in Retswelele in Galeshewe on 03 October 2021 at approximately 01:00.

It is alleged that the 40-year-old male deceased was sitting in his parked vehicle outside his residence with a female companion. While they were seated inside the vehicle an unknown white vehicle pulled alongside them and the passenger draw a firearm and fired multiple shots at the deceased who died on the scene.

The female companion was able to escape without injuries.

As investigations into the murder continue, the motive for the shooting incident is yet to be determined. The police have implemented the 72 hour Activation Plan for the mobilization of resources in search of the suspect/s who perpetrated the shooting.

Source: South African Police Service

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Police seek suspect in murder, people warned to be vigilant

Police at SAPS Swartkops are warning people to be vigilant when parking near St George’s beach as there have been recent reports of robbery with the latest attack resulting in the death of a 45-year-old man.

This warning comes after the victim was found shot in the head, lying outside his white Datsun Go on Friday evening, 1 October 2021. It is alleged that at about 18:30 police attended to a complaint of shooting at the beach parking area (near bushes) where the victim was found. He passed away in hospital. His cellphone and money was taken. Two windows of his vehicle were also broken.

The motive for the fatal shooting is robbery.

Police are warning people to avoid the bushy area especially at night as reports reveal that the suspect is hiding in the bushes, waiting for his prey. The suspect is described as tall, lean build and light in complexion. He is armed.

Anyone who can assist in tracing the suspect or may spot a suspicious looking person fitting the above description, is asked to contact SAPS Swartkops D/Sgt Lundi Nikelo on 082 442 1683 or Crime Stop 08600 10111 or using MySAPS app.

Source: South African Police Service

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Police in Gqeberha arrest numerous suspects in special operations

Police in Nelson Mandela Bay metro exerted their authority on criminals during a three day operation conducted across the metro in our efforts to ensure the safety of all citizens.

The operation which started on Thursday, 30 September and concluded during the early hours of this morning, 3 October 2021 reaped positives results as wanted suspects, drug peddlers and Disaster Management Act offenders found themselves on the wrong side of the law this weekend.

A total of 74 arrests were effected over this period. On Friday, 1 October 2021 detective conducted operations from 18:00 until 06:00 the following morning, 2 October 2021 hunting down wanted suspects. In the 12 hour operation, 48 suspects were arrested for crimes ranging from among others murder, house/business robbery, carjacking, housebreaking, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm etc. The operations continued last night, 2 October 2021 until 06:00, this morning, where visible policing members conducted blue light patrols and concentrated on vehicle hijackings, compliance of DMA regulations, illegal firearms and drugs in hotspot areas. During the operations, 26 suspects were arrested and a total of 3 hijacked vehicles, a large quantity of drugs (mandrax), a replica firearm, a stolen iPhone and a shotgun with rounds were recovered. Fines were also issued to illegal liquor outlets in Motherwell for trading without a licence. Fines totally R60 000 were issued for various violations by the metro police.

On 1 October 2021 at about 20:15, while SAPS Bethelsdorp Crime Prevention members were conducting blue light patrols with the Anti-Gang Unit members in Gelvandale, they noticed a male running and members chased after him. As he ran, he threw a firearm in a yard in Borchard Street. A shotgun with two rounds of ammunition was recovered. The suspect managed to evade arrest.

In another incident, on Saturday, 2 October 2021 at about 19:00, once again while SAPS Bethelsdorp CPU members were patrolling Adriaans Street in Bloemendal they noticed a white Mazda 323 Sting driving with its lights off. Members followed the vehicle and when the driver noticed them, he sped off. The vehicle was pulled over in Barberry Drive, Ext 31. The vehicle was searched and a bag containing 990 mandrax tablets with a few halved tablets was found in his possession. The 37-year-old suspect was arrested for possession of drugs. His car was also confiscated. The estimated street value of the drugs is R44 745.

Also last night, 2 October 2021 at about 21:15, SAPS Kwazakele Vispol Task Team members recovered a Datsun Go vehicle which was allegedly hijacking earlier. The vehicle was found abandoned in Tambo Street with its battery, key and wheel jack missing.

All the arrested suspects will appear in their respective court jurisdictions on Monday, 4 October 2021.

Acting Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Brigadier Luntu Ngubelanga hailed the three day operation as a success and applauded the commitment and dedication of all the police units which included SAPS Vispol and detectives from all stations in the metro, specialised units (K9 and Flying Squad), Public Order Policing, Anti-Gang Unit and metro police officials. ‘As the Country in Blue operational concept was launched countrywide last week aimed at intensifying police visibility across our policing precincts, these operations in the metro will be ongoing. We will be squeezing the space of criminals everywhere until they have no space to hide. Police visibility will be heightened with all operational SAPS vehicles on the road switching on their emergency warning blue lights from sunset to sunrise (18:00 to 06:00). We call on the communities to play an active role in preventing and combatting crime by exposing criminals within their communities,’ added Brigadier Ngubelanga

Source: South African Police Service

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UPDATE: Police promptly respond after armed robbery at petrol filling station near Plettenberg Bay

Four suspects aged between 25 and 34 are in custody following an armed robbery and a shootout with police on the N2 highway at the entrance to The Crags, Plettenberg Bay this morning.

The suspects, from the Cape Metropole, are facing charges of armed robbery, illegal possession of firearms and unlawful possession of ammunition. More charges could be added as the investigation unfolds. They are expected to appear in the Plettenberg Bay Magistrates’ court on Tuesday, 05 October 2021.

At least one more suspect is yet to be arrested.

Furthermore, crime scene experts combed the scene for clues when the police discovered a 9 mm handgun with ammunition, two air guns and an undisclosed amount of cash. Three cell phones stolen during the incident were also recovered. A Nissan panel van, believed to be used as a getaway vehicle, was also found abandoned in the nearby forest.

Investigation into this matter continues.

Source: South African Police Service

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Mount Road police arrest suspect with firearm

During crime prevention patrols in central, SAPS Mount Road Crime Prevention members arrested a suspect (age unknown) and confiscated a 9mm pistol.

It is alleged that on Sunday afternoon, 3 October 2021, while patrolling, police members spotted two males at the corners of Perkins and Green Streets. When the two males spotted the police members, they started to walk away in different directions. On approaching them, the person with a jacket wrapped around his hand started running into Perkins Street. As he ran, a silver firearm fell from his jacket (serial number filed off). Members chased after him on foot and apprehended him.

He was detained on a charge of prohibited possession of a firearm. He will appear in the Gqeberha Magistrates’ court during the week.

Source: South African Police Service