Day: January 7, 2023

POLOKWANE – Concerted efforts by the Stock Theft Unit in the Sekhukhune District to fight the theft of stock in the area yielded positive results with the recovery of 37 goats, arrest of four suspects and confiscation of two vehicles as well as a firearm. This after the Police in Nebo, led by the Station Commander, arrested four male suspects aged between 21and 38 and subsequently recovered (37) suspected stolen goats and two motor vehicles during the joint operations starting from Friday 06 January 2023 to Saturday morning, 07 January 2023.

An intelligence driven operation was conducted in Nebo policing precinct in the early hours of Friday 06 January 2023 by members of Detectives, Vispol, Stock Theft and Designated Police for Firearms, Liquor and Second Hand Goods unit following the tip off on the problem of theft of livestock in the area.

Police acted on the information received and conducted a roadblock as well as stop and search Operations at Glencowie and they managed to arrest two male suspects aged 33 and 38 respectively and in the process recovered twenty one (21) goats and also confiscated a vehicle used to transport the goats, the Ford Ranger. The same team followed up on information and managed to arrest one suspect in Burgerfort who was awaiting for a payment and subsequently the team proceeded to Mecklenburg Policing area and further arrested the fourth suspect who is from a village where goats were stolen. The same day two more goats were confiscated in Monsterlloos. On Saturday 07 January 2022 at about 04:00 during stop and search, police chased a bakkie which the driver, alighted and fled on foot abandoning it with 14 goats inside.

The four suspects two in Nebo and two in Mecklenburg are expected to appear before the two Magistrate Courts on Monday 09 January 2023 facing the charges of possession of suspected stolen livestock and other related charges.

Source: South African Police Service

ALICE – The Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene has ordered an immediate arrest of the suspects who murdered the 52-year-old driver of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Fort Hare on Friday night, 06 January 2023 at about 08:20 in Alice.

The SAPS was alerted to the shooting incident by members of the public. On arrival at the scene, they indeed found the body of the deceased in the vehicle.

According to the report, the driver was arriving at home of the Vice Chancellor, when an unknown vehicle with unidentified occupants approached. The suspects started firing gunshots at the driver who succumbed to gunshot injuries at the scene.

The suspects later escaped in their getaway vehicle. Police have registered a murder case for investigation. The circumstances surrounding the incident will also form part of the investigation. No arrest made at this stage.

“We shall not sleep nor rest until these cold-blooded criminals are found” Lieutenant General Mene said.

The Vice Chancellor was not in the car at the time of the incident.

Anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspects, is kindly requested to please make contact with Alice Police Station or call the Crime Stop number 08600 10111.

Source: South African Police Service

NELSPRUIT – Kidnapping, extortion, armed robbery, illegal possession of firearm and ammunitions are charges faced by a 43-year-old suspect arrested at Botleng, Delmas in Mpumalanga yesterday, Friday 06 January 2023.

The suspect was arrested hours after a 32-year-old victim was kidnapped and a ransom demanded for his release.

According to information, the victim visited a friend in Botleng on Thursday 05 January 2023.

He left just before 22:00. In less than 30 minutes the friend allegedly received a call from his visitor’s phone who could be heard screaming that he has been abducted.

Whilst still shocked, he heard someone over the phone demanding ransom for his friend’s release.

After receiving that call, he reported to the police and it is alleged that more of the victim’s friends also reported to the police that they received strange calls with a demand of the ransom for the victim’s release.

A team of investigators comprised of Crime Intelligence and hostage negotiators was assembled.

Yesterday, Friday 06 January 2023, the victim arrived at the police station after he was released at about 15:00.

He was interviewed and it was established that his cellphone was still at the hands of the suspect. Investigation was intensified and led police to a location in Botleng where the suspect fitting the description given by the victim was found.

In his possession, the suspect had the victim’s cellphone and the unlicensed Norinco 9mm pistol with serial numbers filed off and 22 live rounds of ammunition.

Investigation further revealed that the firearm was also reported missing during a business robbery that took place in Pretoria in 2020.

The suspect was arrested and charged with kidnapping, extortion, armed robbery and illegal possession of firearm and ammunitions.

Police cannot rule out possibilities of adding other charges as investigation continues.

He will appear in Delmas Magistrate’s Court on Monday 09 January 2023.

The Provincial Management appreciated the team for the breakthrough and hope other suspects linked to the Pretoria business robbery will be arrested soon.

Source: South African Police Service