Category: General

Nelspruit: The police in Mpumalanga are saddened by an incident in which two sets twins, aged eight and 13 were burned to death in the early hour of today, Monday 04 July, 2022.

According to the information at our disposal, the police were called to the scene where a shack was on fire at Marikana Informal Settlement in Hendrina.

On their arrival, they indeed found that it was true and as a result the firefighters were also called to extinguish the fire. Unfortunately two sets of twins (two boys and two girls) were certified dead.

It is not yet confirmed what might be the cause of the fire but loose cables were visible on the ground, which prompt a suspicion that there may have been an illegal connection of electricity.

It is further alleged that the 33-year-old mother of the deceased left them three days ago in the care of their 17-year-old brother. When the fire broke out, the bother tried to save the lives of his siblings but couldn’t as the fire was already at an advanced stage.

The mother and the 17-year-old boy have been taken to hospital in Middelburg as they are in a state of shock.

Police have registered an inquest and the investigation is ongoing.

Source: South African Police Service

Nelspruit: Three alleged rhino poachers, aged between 23 and 49 were arrested in the Kruger National Park on Friday, 01 July 2022. Thanks to a tourist who reported a strange noise of gunshots in the park. A total of four rhinoceros were allegedly killed by poachers before they were caught by the field rangers.

Reports indicate that on the said day a group of armed intruders sneaked inside the park and later gunshots were heard by a tourist who had visited the park on that day.

The information was escalated to the field rangers and a helicopter was immediately dispatched to the scene where the sound was heard. As the chopper arrived, three men were spotted and captured in possession of a hunting rifle, a silencer, three knives, four mobile phones as well as three bags.

Police at Skukuza were notified about the incident and three suspects were arrested. Further than that, a total of three rhino horns were found next to the spot where the suspects were found. There were also four carcasses of rhinoceros that were discovered during the incident, however the horn on the fourth animal had not yet been removed when the suspects were caught.

Through preliminary investigation it was discovered that the alleged poachers failed to remove the horn as the knife they were reportedly using, was broken. It was further discovered that the three male suspects are from the country of Mozambique and were in South Africa illegally hence a charge of contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa. As the investigation continues, police cannot rule out the possibility of adding more charges against the suspects who are expected to appear in the Bushbuckridge Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 04 July 2022 facing a charge of possession of unlicensed firearm with ammunition, as well as charges related to poaching and illegally entering the park.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has praised field rangers for the excellent work done by apprehending the alleged poachers. “We are adamant that the arrest will serve as a lesson to others that no one can just go to the park and hunt as they wish without any consequences. We hope that the suspects will be dealt with by the court.” said the General.

Source: South African Police Service

Gqeberha: A day after his appointment as the Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner, Maj Gen Vuyisile Ncata hit the ground running, leading his foot soldiers by painting the hotspot areas in Kwazakele, Motherwell and New Brighton blue last night, 2 July 2022. Operation Sikhona actions were conducted simultaneously in these areas.

Special operations were conducted from 18:00 last night until the early hours of this morning. Foot and vehicle patrols, visits to taverns as well as vehicle check point stop and search operations were executed.

During these intensified actions, 8 suspects were arrested for possession/ dealing in drugs and crimen injuria (domestic violence related). A total of 74 mandrax tablets, 10 packets tik, 1 packet of cocaine and 10 knives were confiscated. A vehicle taken in a house robbery was also found abandoned in Zwide. Drug posts were also visited and searched. Approximately 40 taverns were visited and compliance inspections carried out on the owners.

Maj Gen Ncata iterated that these operations will be continuous and police presence will be intensified in the hotspot areas.

Source: South African Police Service

POTCHEFSTROOM: Matthys Michiel Pienaar (35) appeared before the Molopo Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 1 July 2022, on charges of pointing of firearm, crimen injuria, intimidation and resisting arrest. He was granted R1000.00 bail and will reappear before the same court on Thursday, 4 August 2022.

His court appearance stems from an incident that occurred on Thursday, 30 June 2022, at an auction held at Buhrmansdrift, close to Ottoshoop. The Ngaka Modiri Molema Stock Theft Stabilisation Task Team held an operation to ensure compliance with the Animal Identification Act, 2002 (Act No. 6 of 2002). During the operation, Pienaar became aggressive when questioned by the police about his five cattle, which were allegedly not brand marked. Moreover, he pointed the police with his firearm, before fleeing in his vehicle. The police then followed him, overpowered, disarmed and arrested him.

The Provincial Commissioner of North West, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated the members for their bravery and warned that no amount of intimidation will deter the police from carrying out their responsibilities.

Source: South African Police Service

Members of the Anti-Gang Unit conducted an intelligence driven operation in Manenberg on Friday, 1 July 2022 and recovered firearms in two isolated incidents.

Upon searching an address in Amanda Street in Tambo Village, Manenberg, they searched the occupants and confiscated a 9mm pistol with ammunition. A 19-year-old man was arrested and detained on a charge of possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition.

Armed with information of a possible storage facility of firearms and ammunition in Amix Crescent in Manneberg, they surrounded the premises and penetrated the house. Upon searching the entire premises they confiscated two rifles and different calibre ammunition. A 23-year-old male and 49-year-old female was arrested and detained on a charge of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

Once charged, the suspects are expected to make a court appearance in the Athlone Magistrates’ Court on the mentioned charges

Source: South African Police Service

Members of the media are invited to attend and cover a three-day National Youth Indaba to be held at Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg from 21- 23 June 2022.

The annual National Youth Indaba is aimed at educating young people about their role in the water and sanitation sector. Moreover, the Youth Indaba highlights available opportunities in the water and sanitation sector and how to access them.

Approximately 200 young people from all walks of life are expected to attend and participate at the Indaba as part of Youth Month activities.

Members of the media are invited as follows:

Date: Tuesday – Thursday, 21 – 23 June 2022

Venue: Birchwood Hotel, Boksburg

Time: 9h00

Source: Government of South Africa