Day: January 3, 2023

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Four suspects arrested for running illegal abalone processing facility

WESTERN CAPE – The Hawks’ Economic Protected Resources (EPR) and South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (SANEB) teams together with Crime Intelligence and officials from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment have arrested four suspects for allegedly running an abalone processing facility.

The multi-disciplinary team uncovered an illegal abalone drying facility in Killarney Gardens during a search and seizure operation on Monday, 02 January 2023.

The team found 8993 units weighing 2 475,91 kg of wet abalone, kept in plastic buckets, with an estimated street value of more than R4,5 million.

Four suspects aged between 24 and 39 were subsequently arrested and are expected to appear in the Cape Town Magistrate Court on Wednesday, 04 January 2023.

Source: South African Police Service

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The police in Sekgosese have launched a search operation for a missing man

SEKGOSESE – The Police in Sekgosese outside Tzaneen have launched a search operation for a 44-year-old missing man, Phetola Reuben Kgapane of Sephukubje village.

Reuben was last seen wearing a brown pair of trousers, blue shirt, blue pair of shoes and navy blue hat during his disappearance on Sunday 25 December 2022 at about 22:00 going to a nearby liquor store and he has never returned back home.

The search operation comprising family members, the SAPS Search and Rescue Unit with K9 Unit were conducted from possible places including, relatives and friends without success.

Anyone with information that can assist to reunite Reuben with his family is kindly requested to contact the investigating officer Sergeant Tomas Ndambi at 082 681 7838, or the Crime stop number at 08600 10111 alternatively report to the nearest police station. Information can also be shared via MySAPS App.

Police investigations and search operations are still continuing.

Source: South African Police Service

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President Ramaphosa mourns passing of Pope Benedict XV1

President Cyril Ramaphosa has joined South African Catholics and adherents globally in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Emeritus Benedict XV1.
His Holiness passed away on 31 December 2022 at the age of 95, close to 10 years after resigning from his role as head of the Catholic Church worldwide.
President Ramaphosa said: “South Africans share the sadness felt by millions of the Catholic faithful worldwide at the passing of the Pope Emeritus”.
“In this season of Christian fellowship, the passing of His Holiness is certain to add to the intensity with which Catholic adherents and other communities of faith carried the Pope Emeritus in their prayers in the closing days of his life.
“We reflect with deep regard on the spirit leadership Pope Benedict XV1 provided to his Church and humanity more broadly.
“The prayers and concern expressed by millions for His Holiness in recent weeks and days will now sustain and comfort the faithful in this hour of grief.”

Source: South African Government News Agency

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Temporary closure of section of Fish Hoek Beach

As a precautionary measure, visitors are advised that the main bathing area section at Fish Hoek Beach between the lifeguard station and Jager Walk is temporarily closed to the public from Monday, 2 January 2023, until further notice.
The temporary closure is due to a sewer overflow caused by a blocked sewer pipe that has now been cleared.
“Items such as plastics and materials were removed from the sewer pipe. The public is reminded to not dump illegally, and rather dispose of their waste using available solid waste services or take recyclables to the City’s drop-off facilities,” the City said in a statement.
Various City departments have been activated to respond to this incident including to clear the blockage. A jet truck has also been dispatched to help reduce the impact of the overflow.
As a precaution, the above-mentioned section of Fish Hoek Beach has been closed until further notice.
City Health will be taking water samples on a daily basis for water quality testing until such time as the levels are within the minimum requirement for recreational activities as determined by the National Water Quality Guidelines.
In the meantime, the public is advised to avoid contact with the water in this section until further notice.
“This is a precaution as contact with the water could result in potential gastro-intestinal issues and therefore any person who enters the water does so at their own risk.
“Health Warning signage has been erected, advising the public of the situation.
“We appreciate the public’s cooperation during this time,” the City said.
The City regrets any inconvenience caused to beachgoers during this time.

Source: South African Government News Agency