Author: svadmin

Newzroom Afrika journalist, Ziniko Mhlaba, has been released after being detained while covering the Local Government Elections in Orlando, Soweto, on Monday.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the incident has since been escalated to the Provincial Commissioner of Gauteng who ordered both the release of the journalist and an investigation into the matter.

“Police were forced to remove a television journalist and a cameraman from a polling station in Orlando East, Soweto, after they allegedly interfered with the work of the presiding officer at that station,” SAPS explained.

The police have since described the matter as an “unfortunate” situation that resulted in a “confrontation” between police and the journalist.

“Our reporter @zinikozini has been released after being unlawfully detained at a voting station this morning. As a business, we are taking this matter with the seriousness it deserves,” Newzroom Afrika Director, Thabile Ngwato, tweeted.

Amnesty International has since spoken out against the “harassment” of Mhlaba.

“We are concerned by the reported arrest of a Newzroom Afrika journalist at a voting station. Journalists must be allowed to report on the elections without intimidation or harassment.”

The global movement has since called on the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) to investigate the incident.

“It was reported that citizens filming the incident were allegedly manhandled by the SAPS. This heavy handling and obstruction of journalists is a violation of their rights and it must cease immediately.”

Source: South African Government News Agency

MAHIKENG – The police in Setlagole request the community’s assistance in locating the next of kin, after the body of an unknown man, believed to be in his thirties, was found at Boskop Farm, close to Setlagole.

According to information received, the police were called by a local farmer after his shepherd discovered the naked decomposed body on Monday, 1 November 2021, at about 10:50.

Anyone with information that can assist in locating the next of kin can contact the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Victor Isake of Setlagole Detectives on 0824163564 or phone Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can be communicated via MySAPS App.

Furthermore a case of Inquest has been opened and is being investigated by the Stelagole police.

Source: South African Police Service

HEILBRON – Three suspects between the ages of 25 and 38 have been arrested for dealing in drugs and possession of drugs.

On Sunday 31 October 2021 at about 08:30 members of the Welkom POP Reaction team were busy visiting voting stations around Saundersville in Heilbron when they received information about someone dealing in drugs at a certain house. They proceeded to the identified house and on arrival they searched the house and found nothing.

The members noticed a male hiding inside the car at the same address. He was searched as well as his car and substance suspected to be Crystal myth and undisclosed amount of cash were found. A 25-year-old male suspect arrested for dealing in drugs.

After the members had left the scene they received information about the distributor of drugs at the same house. The team went back and on arrival searched people found there.

A 30-year-old male was arrested for being in possession of drugs (15 Crystal myth sachets). Another 38-year-old male was arrested for dealing in drugs (8) mandrax tablets, 01 half mandrax and 2 nyaope sachets and cash.

These three suspects will be charged for possession and dealing in drugs. They are expected to appear in Heilbron Magistrates’ Court soon.

Source: South African Police Service

NORTHERN CAPE – In addition to policing the Local Government Elections, the Station Commander of Siyathemba SAPS, Capt Maryna Boyder, the JTG District Detective Co-ordinator, Lt Col Sandra Boshof, the Acting Provincial Head Corporate Communication, Col Mashay Gamieldien and Kathu Crime prevention group 2, Sgt Ben Eiman and Constable Blythe Jantjes raided a drug house in Harmony street in Siyathemba after receiving information of a house where drugs is alleged to be sold.

The team searched the house at approximately 16:45 where they found three males and two females inside the house and found dagga with an estimated street value of R200 000-00, Crystal Meth valued at R2000-00, liquor with an approximate value of R5000-00 and cash presumed to be the proceeds of the sale of the drugs amounting to R14 941-60.

The five suspects (three males aged 40, 42, 23 and two females aged 30 and 18 years old) will soon appear in the Kathu Magistrates court on charges of dealing in drugs and dealing in liquor without a license.

The police will continue to squeeze the space for drug dealers to operate in this area.

Source: South African Police Service

KWAZULU-NATAL – The Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele will on Monday, 1 November 2021, cast his ballot for the Local Government Elections in Lamontville in Ethekwini. This will take place at the Lamontville Council chambers at 9:30, while the Deputy Minister, Cassel Mathale will vote at 9:00 at the Nkowa Nkowa Community Hall in the Greater Tzaneen Local Municipality in Limpopo.

Source: South African Police Service