Author: svadmin

While much of the world is focused on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, analysts warn that nations should not ignore Islamist militants, who are increasing attacks in Africa’s Sahel region and spreading to West Africa’s coastal states.

Since 2020, terror groups linked to Islamic State and al-Qaida have carried out attacks against Ivorian forces. In response to the threat, French security forces are training the region’s militaries.

One Ivorian commando, who declined to give his surname, said the threat is real and they are preparing to face it in every way possible.

“In Ivory Coast, we are really, really focused on terrorism, because in the north part of our country, we are facing terrorism, so we’re talking about sea, air and land. That’s why we are here,” William said.

Security analysts say terrorism is spreading to the north of coastal states like Ivory Coast, Ghana, Benin and Togo — the next phase in the western Sahel’s decade-long conflict.

Large parts of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger are experiencing daily attacks targeting military and civilians alike.

Since 2020 began, there have been 17 incidents — including gun battles and roadside bombs — in the north of Ivory Coast linked to al-Qaida-affiliated groups, according to the U.S.-based Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project.

Ivory Coast has sent large numbers of troops to the north in response to these attacks.

The commander of French forces in the country, Colonel Arnaud Mettley, expressed doubt regarding fears that terror groups had co-opted local populations in Ivory Coast.

“For the moment, we think that the local population does not cooperate with the jihadist groups, because there is a strong answer from the Ivorian armed forces … but it’s really, it’s a real concern for us,” he said.

He added that limiting the spread of the terrorist threat from Burkina Faso is possible, saying, “We cannot prevent the threat going to the south, but we can succeed in fighting this threat.”

The United States last month carried out Operation Flintlock, an exercise to promote cooperation among regional, NATO and U.S. forces, in Ivory Coast for the first time. Richard K. Bell, the U.S. ambassador to Ivory Coast, said a sustained effort will be needed against terror groups spreading in the north.

“I think the nature of this threat makes it very difficult to eliminate it entirely,” Bell said. “I think it can be contained at a really low level. And I believe that the key to success is the support of the population.”

Analysts say a military response by itself will not be enough.

Geoffroy-Julien Kouao, an associate researcher at the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, a research organization in Germany, said the areas in question are poorly developed, with glaring social problems. He said there are not enough schools, not enough water supply, not enough electricity, not enough jobs for the youth, and terror groups will exploit these social deficiencies to recruit young people.

Asked if he had a message for terror groups operating in Ivory Coast, William, the Ivorian commando, said, “I don’t have any particular message for them, but I’m just ready for them.”

Efforts to boost that readiness are continuing.

Source: Voice of America

On 17 March until 18 March 2022, a joint operation was held on Thuthuka Road in Coffee Farm, KwaNdengezi. The team of police officers were following up on information regarding a firearm that was used in the murder of Sizwe Armstrong “Maqhoboza” Nzuza (28). A pistol with four rounds of ammunition was found inside the house but the suspect fled the scene upon the arrival of the police.

It is alleged that on 6 March 2022 at 10:30, Nzuza and another man were shot by the suspect while at Coffee Farm in KwaNdengezi. They sustained multiple gunshot wounds and were taken to a local clinic where Nzuza died. A case of murder is being investigated by KwaNdengezi SAPS.

On the following day, the team proceeded to a flat on Silvertree Road in Wentworth. The police officers were following up on information about drug dealing in the flat. Upon entering the flat, police found 387 capsules of heroine, 30 small packets of dagga and two plastics packets of a powdery substance suspected to be drugs. Two suspects aged 40 and 46 were placed under arrest for possession and dealing in drugs. They are expected to appear before the Wentworth Magistrate’s Court tomorrow.

Source: South African Police Service

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has strongly condemned an incident in which Dr Esther Nostokana Mahlangu, a well-known Ndebele Artist, aged 87 was robbed of her personal firearm as well as undisclosed amount of cash. Police have since launched a manhunt for the suspect following this house robbery incident which reportedly occurred on Saturday, 19 March 2022 around 15h00 at Siyabuswa near Kwamhlanga.

Details of the said robbery indicate that on the said day the old woman, who was alone at the time was preparing to take a nap where she reportedly locked all doors of her house. Strangely, she noticed a man unknown to her inside the house. The man then allegedly grabbed her and punched her in the face before tying both her hands with a cable and tried to strangle her until she reportedly became unconscious.

The old lady reported that she cannot recall what happened thereafter however when she regained her conscious, she realized that her house was ransacked and her firearm as well as money were stolen from the safe.

The woman sustained some bruises on her face and the matter was reported to the police at Siyabuswa whereby a house robbery case was opened hence the manhunt. The suspect is still at large and police urge anyone with information on the whereabouts of the suspect to call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, further lambasted on the suspects who target elderly people at their places of residence thereby robbing them of their personal items. “It is shameful to hear that our senior citizens are now being targeted by heartless criminals who show no mercy at all. On Sunday (20 March 2022), we had an incident of this nature where an old male pensioner was strangled to death in Delmas. This cannot be allowed to continue unabated. The person who committed this evil act against one of the country’s asset must be swiftly hunted down and be brought to book” said the General.

Source: South African Police Service

Postmasburg SAPS is requesting the assistance of the Community in locating Chandree Snyders(Vaida) (12).

The family reported that she was last seen on 16 March at home saying she was going to the shop.

Anyone with information of her whereabouts is requested to contact Warrant Officer Nomvuyo Makoloi on 0824543559.

Source: South African Police Service