Day: July 10, 2022

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Boyfriend arrested for murder

Brilliant investigative and interviewing skills by a SAPS Humewood detective led to the arrest of a 55-year-old Gqeberha for the alleged murder of his 39-year-old girlfriend on Friday, 8 July 2022.

It is alleged that on Sunday, 3 July 2022 at about 08:00, a resident at a block of flats situated at the corners of Deare & Pearson Streets in Humewood was walking to his vehicle in the parking lot when he noticed the body of a female lying on the ground. The woman sustained serious head injuries. At the time police opened an inquest docket pending further investigation.

The woman was living with her boyfriend on the 4th floor of the building. On questioning the boyfriend, he initially told police that he left the flat at about 04:00 and went out for a drink. His girlfriend, Andiswa Mpiyana was still asleep.

Thorough investigation and further probing by the investigating officer led police to believe that Ms Mpiyana did not commit suicide instead foul play was suspected.

The boyfriend was arrested and charged for murder and will appear in the Gqeberha magistrate court on Monday, 11 July 2022.

Source: South African Police Service

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Police in Gqeberha continue recovering illegal firearms

Police in Gqeberha are resolute in their commitment in eradicating illegal firearms in their communities.

Since May 2022, over 100 firearms were confiscated and seized across the metro. This weekend, police recovered two firearms, two replica guns and an air rifle.

On Friday evening, 8 July 2022, SAPS Mount Road members were patrolling in Govan Mbeki Avenue when they noticed a suspicious looking male standing in a dark corner of the street. On seeing the police vehicle, the 28 year male started running. The members chased after him and found on his possession two replica firearms, an air rifle, a madrax tablet and a small quantity of cocaine. He was arrested and detained for possession of drugs and possession of a dangerous weapon.

Also on Saturday, 9 July 2022 at about 23:45, SAPS Bethelsdorp Crime Prevention Unit members were patrolling in Bloemendal when they spotted an unknown male walking down Scholtz Street with his hands in the pocket, when the police van stopped next to him, he withdrew a firearm from his waist and started running with police hot on his heels. As he jumped over a yard, he dropped the firearm and disappeared. A 9mm pistol with 8 rounds was recovered. Ownership is yet to be determined. An enquiry docket was opened for further investigation.

During the early hours of this morning, 10 July 2022 (00:40), Anti-Gang Unit members were patrolling in Bellflower Road Ext 31 in Bethelsdorp when they spotted an 18 year old male running across the street. When he saw the police vehicle, he hid himself behind a boundary wall. The members approached him and on searching him, a revolver and 16 rounds of ammunition was found in his possession. The teenager was detained on a charge of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

The confiscated firearms will be sent to ballistics for testing.

Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Maj Gen Vuyisile Ncata welcomed the confiscation and arrests. He re-iterated that ‘our members will be remain unyielding in our stance in eradicating and removing illegal firearms from the hands of criminals.’

Source: South African Police Service

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KZN Provincial Commissioner has deployed maximum resources following the tavern shooting in Pietermaritzburg

The Provincial Commissioner of KwaZulu-Natal, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has deployed maximum resources following the shooting last night at the Samkelisiwe Tavern in Sweetwaters, Pietermaritzburg last night.

At about 20:30 two men entered the tavern and randomly opened fire on the patrons resulting in at least 12 people being shot. Two people died at the scene and two died later while the other eight have been admitted in hospital for treatment.

The deceased are aged between 30 and 45. Charges of murder and attempted murder are being investigated currently.

The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has condemned shooting and he has deployed members of Crime Intelligence, forensic experts as well as a tactical unit to form part of an investigation team led by the Provincial Organised Crime Investigation Unit.

“The team will be working around the clock to track down and bring to book those responsible for this shooting”, said General Mkhwanazi.

In the meantime, we are appealing to anyone who may be able to assist with information which could assist police in the successful investigation of this case.

People with information may contact Crime Stop on ?08600 10111 or on MySAPSApp, an application which can be downloaded on any Android or iPhone.?

Source: South African Police Service

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Police constable faces disciplinary action for serious crimes

As part of its determination to clean the SAPS of criminal activities, the SAPS has moved swiftly to arrest a police constable after his alleged involvement in House Robbery, Kidnapping and Carjacking cases on Tuesday evening the 05th July 2022 at Ndondo Square, Cala.

According to the information, the 33-year-old victim was at home with her brothers and children when they heard a hard knock at the door by people who claimed to be police officers.

It is further alleged that after banging and forcing the door open, the suspects gained entry to the house carrying firearms.

The four suspects aged between 32 and 33 are alleged to have been wearing police gear and they demanded firearms from the victim whilst assaulting them at the same time.

During the incident, the suspects took an undisclosed amount of cash, a number of bank cards with pin codes and the vehicle which was later recovered at Garry Owen.

Two of the four suspects including the constable, were arrested and appeared in Cala Magistrate Court on Thursday the 7th July 2022. The case was remanded to the 14th July 2022 for bail hearing. In addition to the criminal charges he faces, the constable will also be subjected to the SAPS internal disciplinary hearing.

The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene has reiterated her statement that police officers associated with criminal activities, have no place in the SAPS. The arrested male suspects remain in police custody.

Anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the remaining two suspects who are still at large is requested to please make contact with Cala Police Station or call the Crime Stop number 0860010111.

Source: South African Police Service

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A minor shot by alleged funeral mourner(s) who fired shots at graveside

A one-year-old baby girl sadly became a victim and sustained some injuries after being shot by a stray bullet as she was playing at home whilst a funeral activity was being held at the cemetery in Pienaar outside Nelspruit. The incident occurred on Saturday, 09 July 2022 around 12h45 pm.

According to the information, the family of the girl resides next to the cemetery in Thekwane North and on the sad day, the minor is said to have been playing outside the house. Gunshot sounds were reportedly heard coming from the nearby graveyard where there was a burial and moments later the child was heard screaming. When her mother rushed outside to find out as to what was happening to her daughter, she noticed that the baby was bleeding on her lower body.

The baby was then taken to a nearby clinic by a private vehicle and the medical staff confirmed that she had a gunshot wound on her leg however the child had to be swiftly transferred to hospital.

Police were then alerted about the incident by their counterparts from Hospital and upon arrival, a case of attempted murder was opened with an immediate launch of manhunt for the suspect(s). Police at Pienaar have since made a clarion call to members of the public to come forth with information regarding people who fired shots at the said funeral by calling the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.

Meanwhile the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has vehemently condemned the incident more so that an innocent child had to bear the consequences of someone’s careless and unruly behaviour. The General further lashed out on those who use firearms at burial sides, thinking that it is normal and allowed. “South Africa is governed by laws and a situation whereby firearms are misused at funerals, thereby placing the lives of innocent citizens at risk can never be allowed. Such perpetrators should be hunted down to come and account” said General.

Source: South African Police Service

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17-year-old arrested for business burglary and arson

A 17-year-old boy is expected to appear in the Wolmaransstad Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 11 July 2022, for burglary business and arson.

The accused’s court appearance stems from his arrest in the early hours of Friday morning, 08 July 2022. According to information, security guards reacted to an activated alarm at one the shopping centres in Wolmaransstad. Consequently, the police, paramedics and fire fighters were called to the scene. In the process of dousing the fire, the suspect who apparently gained entrance through the roof, was found fainted in the store. The suspect was rescued and taken to hospital where he was treated for smoke inhalation and later discharged. It has since been established that the suspect was placed under the care of his parents after being arrested and appeared before the court in May this year for theft.

Preliminary crime scene investigation revealed that the store burnt to ashes.

The District Commissioner of Dr Kenneth Kaunda, Major General Suzette Pretorius applauded the Wolmaransstad Detectives and other role players for their swift response that led to rescuing and apprehension of the suspect.

Source: South African Police Service