Pinetown robbery suspect arrested

DURBAN – Yesterday at 17:00, Pinetown Trio Task Team members arrested a 29-year-old suspect during a suspect raid in Pinetown. It is alleged that on 17 May 2021 at 09:00, six suspects entered a clothing shop on Hill Street in Pinetown and one of them threatened a security guard with a knife.

A variety of undisclosed amount of male and female clothing items were stolen by the suspects. A case of business robbery was opened at Pinetown police station further investigation. Yesterday detectives received intelligence about the whereabouts of one of the suspects. Detectives proceeded Pinetown CBD where the suspect was and he was arrested.

Five other suspects are still at large and are being sought by police. The arrested suspect will be charged for business robbery and will make his first appearance at Pinetown Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 31 May 2021.

Source: South African Police Service

House robber to spend 56 years in jail after fatal shooting

DURBAN – Yesterday, the Pinetown Regional Court sentenced Sboniso Msomi (33) to fifty six years imprisonment for charges of burglary, robbery, murder and attempted murder. He was also sentenced for the murder of his co-accused.

His sentence follows a series of cases that he had committed in the Kloof, Wyebank and Pinetown areas. Msomi and his deceased’s co-accused were terrorising the home owners and robbed them of their belongings. On 19 February 2018, six males entered houses in the Pinetown area and robbed the occupants in the houses of TV’s, cash, jewellery, laptops, cellphones and other belongings.

The suspects fled the scene in their getaway vehicle. The police were immediately alerted and the suspect’s vehicle was spotted travelling along the M13 in Fields Hill. The police officers from the K9 Unit tried to intercept the said vehicle but they were met by a hail of bullets. During the exchange of gun-fire, five males were fatally wounded and one survived with injuries.

Inside the suspect’s vehicle, the police found three illegal firearms with ammunition. All the property that was taken during the robbery was recovered and positively identified by the lawful owners. It was established that the vehicle used was stolen during a house robbery that was committed in Wyebank.

A water-tight docket was presented at court by the investigating officer from EThekwini District Trio Task Team and it led to the successful prosecution of the surviving accused. The accused made several court appearances until his sentence.

Source: South African Police Service

Police Ministry to engage Olievenhoutbosch community on policing concerns

Police Minister General Bheki Cele will on Monday, 31 May 2021, lead a Ministerial Imbizo in Olievenhoutbosch in Gauteng.

This Crime Prevention Imbizo will see Minister Cele and the SAPS’s management provide the community with a platform to discuss and engage them on various crime concerns, including Gender-based violence and other crimes plaguing this community.

This Imbizo also gives the residents of the area and opportunity to also report policing-related service delivery shortcomings in Olivenhoutbosch.

Minister Cele and senior SAPS management from both National and the Province will also outline a policing plan to respond to the identified crime problems in the area.

Members of the media are invited to attend the event.

Date: 31 May 2021

Time: 10:00

Venue: EXT 37 Sports Complex; Olievenhoutbosch

Source: South African Police Service

Outgoing Men For Change committee hands over the reigns

EAST LONDON – The outgoing Provincial Executive for the Men For Change officially handed over the reigns to the newly elected structure as they wrapped up a three day successful annual general meeting (AGM) held-from 26 – 28 May 2021, in the International Convention Centre, East London.

This was the inaugural AGM where the districts delegates elected the new Provincial Executive Committee that is going to oversee all the activities falling within the mandate of Men for Change in the SAPS.

Earlier on Thursday during the proceedings, speeches from different speakers were delivered, by the Premier of the Eastern Cape, Mr Oscar Mabuyane, MEC for Community Safety Weziwe Tikana – Gxothiwe and SAPS Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga. All of the expressed happiness at great enthusiasm demonstrated by delegates over the three day gathering.

As one of the speakers on the last day of the AGM, Brigadier Xawuka who is a station commander at Bethersdorp congratulated the new committee and encouraged reduction of GBV, change of social attitudes and stereo-types in our communities as well as an environment that is free from harassment in the work place.

“Let’s comply with the objective of redefining the essence of father wood. Elections are now behind us, now what lies ahead is to operationalise these noble ideas and work towards bringing about change in the service and in our communities,” he added.

More speakers delivered their messages of support to the newly appointed executive and equally to the outgoing structure.

These included the National PRO for Men for Change, Captain Jika who commended the Eastern Cape province for making sure that the AGM becomes a success as well as the newly elected structure for willingly taking more responsibility by agreeing to lead the Men for Change.

The outgoing MFC Chairperson, Sergeant Nojavu handed over to the newly elected MFC Chairperson, Colonel Nqaphi.

In closing, the custodian of the Men for Change, Deputy Provincial Commissioner General for Corporate Services, Ma Gen TD Kunene delivered a few words of support and motivation to the newly elected structure and thanked everyone for thier unwavering efforts to ensure the success of the three meeting. “Your positive attitudes, passion and humility are the reason behind this resounding success. Today our Province is trending in social networks for good reasons.” said General Kunene.

Source: South African Police Service

Crime awareness campaign conducted in Alexandra

GAUTENG – Alexandra SAPS Sector Managers payed a special visit to the residents of 16th Avenue Alexandra, educating the residents regarding Gender Based Violence, Drugs and Alcohol Abuse, Abduction and Kidnapping.

Gender Based Violence pamphlets tips, Drugs and Alcohol Abused, Children’s Rights, Abduction and Kidnapping were distributed to many people at 16 Avenue Alexandra.

The residents were advised that if they feel angry or potentially abusive in a relationship, step away to clear your head. If they need someone to talk to, they must call 0800 428 428.

Alexandra residents were also encouraged to report all forms of Gender Based Violence to GBVF on 0800 333 177

Alexandra residents appreciates Police Visibility in the area.

Source: South African Police Service

Phillipolis and Petrusburg police stations closed for decontamination

FREE STATE – Communities served by Phillipolis and Petrusburg police stations are advised that the stations are closed after positive cases of Covid-19 virus were confirmed.

The Community Service Centres will on the interim operate as follows:

Phillipolis CSC will operate from Town hall in Kok Street. The following alternative numbers are to be used: 082 781 6695 The Station Commander, Captain Jolingana can be contacted at 08 455 6105.

Petrusburg CSC will operate from the Detective offices in President Street, and alternative number to be used are 053 574 9929. Station Commander can be contacted at 082 467 6693/0635041409.

The buildings will be disinfected for the duration of the closure and members will be subjected to necessary Covid-19 related protocols.

The community will be informed once the stations are functional again.

Source: South African Police Service