Day: April 25, 2022

Seminar on improving Governance, Systems and Processes in the Public Sector post the State Capture

The Public Service Commission (PSC) in partnership with the University of South Africa and the Moral Regeneration Movement will host a Seminar on the outcome of the Commission of Enquiry into allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector. The Seminar, which will be held under the theme “Improving Governance, Systems and Processes in the Public Sector” will bring together law enforcement agencies and public servants to engage on the way forward in addressing all forms of fraud and corruption including the state capture.

The Premier of the Northern Cape, Dr Z Saul will deliver the keynote address. Other participants at the event will include the PSC Acting Chairperson, Prof Somadoda Fikeni, Vice-Principal of UNISA, Prof T Meyiwa, the Chairperson of the Moral Regeneration Movement, Father S Mkhatshwa, CEO of the Ethics Institute Prof D Rossouw and other representatives from Government, Business and Civil Society.

A programme outlining key activities and participants on the day is attached for information.

Source: Government of South Africa

Minister Creecy launches the report on the scientific basis for breaching the Mouth of Lake St. Lucia Estuary, Isimangaliso Wetland Park.

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Ms Barbara Creecy, will launch the report by a Panel of Experts which reviewed the scientific basis for breaching the mouth of the Lake St. Lucia Estuary at the St. Lucia Eco Lodge on Thursday, 28 April 2022.

An open letter written from a group of concerned scientists citing environmental dangers stemming from the artificial breaching of the estuary mouth prompted the Minister to appoint an independent, multidisciplinary Panel of Experts to investigate. Their work – which took place between 1 October 2021 and 31 March 2022 – included reviewing legislation and management plans, meetings with scientific experts as well as interactions with the communities including traditional leaders in the region.

Earlier this month, Minister Creecy received the report and has studied the findings and recommendations contained in the report. The release of the report to the media will happen ahead of a Workshop on Panel Report for all stakeholders and members of the Portfolio Committee on Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site is the first South African site to be inscribed on the World Heritage List by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 1999 in recognition of its superlative natural beauty and unique global values.

Working with sister government departments, including Agriculture, Rural Development and Land Reform, Water and Sanitation, as well District, Local municipalities, and other stakeholders, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment is committed to offering solutions that will safeguard the heritage in iSimangaliso, while also supporting the livelihoods of the communities in and around Park.

Source: Government of South Africa

NELSPRUIT – The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela has welcomed a hefty sentence handed down to three accused, Thulani Skhakhane, 38, Banele Khanyile, 30, and Mxolisi Duma, 32, for various crimes committed in 2017. They were was all sentenced to 43 years imprisonment each on Thursday, 21 April 2022, by the Amersfoort Regional Court.

The court heard how on 17 August 2017, the three and a fourth suspect who is still at large followed a man at Durban Central who was going surfing and stole his car keys, iPhone, and his watch valued at R50 000. They then drove off in his vehicle, a Honda Jazz and crossed to Mpumalanga Province.

Then on 23 September 2017, the four broke into a house in Witbank and stole a laptop, television set as well as jewellery. They then proceeded to Ermelo where they also broke into a house, stole a television set, camera and a jewellery box.

The four then drove to a farm in Amersfoort on the same day. They found the farm owner’s 87-year-old father, tied him with a rope and assaulted him then took the firearm safe which had about 9 firearms inside as well as jewellery and other valuable items. As they were making their way out, a vigilant farmer spotted the vehicle speeding and became suspicious. She then drove after them and alerted other farmers as well as police for assistance. When the four noticed they were being chased, the driver lost control. The three were arrested thereafter and one managed to flee.

The court found all three guilty on all counts, including housebreaking with the intention to rob and robbery with aggravating circumstances (farm attack at Amersfoort), possession of obliterated firearm at Amersfoort, possession of ammunition without a license (at Amersfoort), theft of motor vehicle (at Durban Central), theft (at Witbank), and theft (at Ermelo).

Police urge anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the remaining suspect, to contact Constable Cliff Ndaba on 0798915846 or call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively members of the public can send information via MySAPSApp. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.

The Provincial Commissioner has since applauded the team of detectives for their hard work and thorough investigation that led to this notable sentence.

Source: South African Police Service

POLOKWANE – The simultaneous operations conducted at all the Districts from 17 April to 24 April 2022, led to the arrest of 1718 suspects aged between 20 and 63 for various offences including possession of illicit cigarettes, possession and dealing in drugs, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, murder, attempted murder, robberies, burglaries, theft of motor vehicle, sexual offences, stock theft, fraud, arson, Contravention of Road Traffic Act.

On 24 April 2022, the Police were on operation at Moletlane village when they arrested two suspects aged 38 and 63 for bribery, resisting arrest, possession and dealing with dagga. Police recovered dagga at a street value of R7000-00

A 27-year-old suspect was arrested for possession of stolen motor vehicle on 23 April 2022 at the R101 road in Westenburg policing area.

A suspect aged 41 was nabbed on 21 April 2022 at Jane Furse for armed robbery case that occurred during January 2022 at Meckleburg policing area. Allegedly, the Police received a tip-off and they swiftly reacted to the information and the suspect was found and arrested.

The Police in Hlogotlou arrested a 32-year-old suspect, on 20 April 2022 at Vleesboom for possession and dealing with illicit cigarettes. During the arrest Police seized 41 cartons of Remington Gold and 02 cartons other illegal cigarettes.

Members of Limpopo Highway Patrol, arrested suspect aged 21 for possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition at Malatane village in Lebowakgomo policing area. Allegedly, the suspect who owns a spaza shop at the area threatened his customers with firearm. The police were then notified about the incident(s).

Two suspects aged 20 and 30 were arrested for possession hijacked Toyota Corolla on 17 April 2022 at Tshivhilidulu village in Siloam policing area. It is alleged that the Police received information about the suspects who were driving a motor vehicle that was hijacked in Maake policing area during April 2022.

During these operations, Police confiscated 08 firearms, 02 stolen motor vehicle, 67 dangerous weapons including knives, 1 015 500ml liquor, 2049 sticks of illicit cigarettes, 5791 grams of dagga, 11 grams of Nyaope, 04 dagga plants, 1775 fines and compliance notices relating to the Road Traffic Act were issued.

The suspects arrested during these operations are expected to appear before different magistrate courts throughout the Province.

The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has acknowledged the efforts that the members continue to apply on their daily duties which results in the apprehension of the criminals in this province.

The Police investigations are still ongoing.

Source: South African Police Service