Category: General

GQEBERHA – SAPS Swartkops detectives are appealing to the community for their assistance in tracing the driver of a white Iveco truck with registration number CLY82592, suspected to be kidnapped early on Friday, 22 April 2022. According to police information, the driver of the truck was approached by two armed men at about 09:10 at Truckers Inn, Addo Road, Markman. He was allegedly forced back into the truck and the truck drove off in the direction of Motherwell.

The driver and truck are still missing and police are urgently appealing to anyone who might be able to assist with information about the victim or the whereabouts of the truck, to urgently contact the investigating officer Detective Sergeant Martin Assia on 082 442 1099 or the nearest police station.

Swartkops SAPS are investigating a case of hijacking and kidnapping.

Source: South African Police Service

FREE STATE – Warden Police is investigating case of attempted murder after a new born baby girl was found by a community member on the R712 road on 18 April 2022, covered with a plastic bag. The bay’s umbilical cord was still attached. The baby is in hospital under medical observation. Thebe District Hospital in Harrismith notified police of the incident on Saturday, 23 April 2022.

Any person with information of whereabouts of biological mother can contact Vrede Family, Child Protection and Sexual offences Unit at 079 502 7871 or Crime Stop 08600 10111. Tip-offs can also be submitted on the MySapsApp.

Source: South African Police Service

POTCHEFSTROOM – Police management in the Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 1 in Brits, would like to warn truck drivers about escalating truck hijackings occurring in the policing precincts of Brits, Mmakau and Mothotlung. This warning is issued after several cases were reported between February and April 2022.

In one of the incidents at Mothotlung on Wednesday, 13 April 2022, a 59-year-old truck driver was sent by his employer to collect goods in Brits. He was provided with a cell phone number and location of the client for collection. Upon arrival at the said location, he called the client who sent someone to accompany him to the collection site. The truck driver and the man proceeded to Mothotlung via Damonsville. It is alleged that the pair met with another man, who was supposed to direct and accompany them to the collection site. After getting in the truck, he allegedly pointed the driver with a firearm and instructed him to start the truck. Suddenly, the third man emerged, but the driver proceeded and ultimately stopped at Mothotlung cemetery where he was forced out of the truck at gunpoint. The suspects tied his hands and legs with a rope, then robbed him of his cell phone, bank card and an undisclosed amount of cash before driving off with the truck.

In another separate incident which took place on Wednesday, 16 March 2022, a 26-year-old truck driver, who was accompanied by a crew member, went to collect a container in Brits. Upon arrival at the collection point, they were approached by three unknown males and one of them pointed them with a firearm and instructed that the truck be stopped. The suspects allegedly tied the victims up, then searched and robbed them of their cell phones, bank cards and an undisclosed amount of cash. Consequently, the suspects drove off with the truck and left the victims stranded in the bushes near a mine.

Truck drivers are therefore urged to be vigilant at all times, especially when they are to meet with unknown clients. Furthermore, they must avoid meeting in secluded areas, but rather use frequented public places, such as fuel stations.

Source: South African Police Service

POTCHEFSTROOM – Police management in the Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 1 in Brits, would like to warn truck drivers about escalating truck hijackings occurring in the policing precincts of Brits, Mmakau and Mothotlung. This warning is issued after several cases were reported between February and April 2022.

In one of the incidents at Mothotlung on Wednesday, 13 April 2022, a 59-year-old truck driver was sent by his employer to collect goods in Brits. He was provided with a cell phone number and location of the client for collection. Upon arrival at the said location, he called the client who sent someone to accompany him to the collection site. The truck driver and the man proceeded to Mothotlung via Damonsville. It is alleged that the pair met with another man, who was supposed to direct and accompany them to the collection site. After getting in the truck, he allegedly pointed the driver with a firearm and instructed him to start the truck. Suddenly, the third man emerged, but the driver proceeded and ultimately stopped at Mothotlung cemetery where he was forced out of the truck at gunpoint. The suspects tied his hands and legs with a rope, then robbed him of his cell phone, bank card and an undisclosed amount of cash before driving off with the truck.

In another separate incident which took place on Wednesday, 16 March 2022, a 26-year-old truck driver, who was accompanied by a crew member, went to collect a container in Brits. Upon arrival at the collection point, they were approached by three unknown males and one of them pointed them with a firearm and instructed that the truck be stopped. The suspects allegedly tied the victims up, then searched and robbed them of their cell phones, bank cards and an undisclosed amount of cash. Consequently, the suspects drove off with the truck and left the victims stranded in the bushes near a mine.

Truck drivers are therefore urged to be vigilant at all times, especially when they are to meet with unknown clients. Furthermore, they must avoid meeting in secluded areas, but rather use frequented public places, such as fuel stations.

Source: South African Police Service

PORT ALFRED – In less than 48 hours, K9 member, Warrant Officer Tertius Neethling and his buddy, Adze outsmarted suspected abalone poachers and recovered diving equipment, confiscated 477 units of abalone and arrested three suspects on the R72 near Fish River on Friday, 22 April 2022.

On the mentioned date, at about 04:00, Warrant Officer Neethling with his companion, Adze (a four-year-old Belgian Shepherd police patrol dog) were conducting routine patrols on route R72 near Fish River (Port Alfred), when they noticed the driver of a white Ford bakkie that was parked on the roadside, behaving suspiciously.

As the K9 patrol vehicle was approaching, the bakkie sped off at high speed and a chase ensued. During the chase, the bakkie collided with another vehicle, veered off the road and came to a halt. The three occupants in the bakkie alighted and started running in different directions.

Warrant Officer Neethling released his dependable, and energetic companion, Adze to assist with the chase in between the bushes. Neethling managed to apprehend one suspect, while the speedy Adze cornered the other two men to a thorny shrub. The three were detained following the recovery of 477 units of abalone inside their bakkie. The abalone is valued R162 270-00, and with a weight of 90.15 kilograms. Police also found six (06) full diving sets with cylinders valued R78 000-00 and impounded a bakkie.

The three men aged between 20 and 25 are due to appear in the Port Alfred magistrate’s court on Monday, 25 April 2022, on charges of Contravening the Marine Living Resource Act 18 of 1998 Reg 36 – illegal possession of abalone.

Source: South African Police Service

TSHILWAVHUSIKU – The Deputy Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo Major

General Jan Scheepers together the District Commissioner of Vhembe Major General Eddie Van Der Walt, had on Friday, 22 April 2022 launched the Community in Blue Concept and a re-opening of Madombidzha Satellite Police Station at Madombidzha Village in Tshilwavhusiku policing area under Vhembe District.

The event was attended by Chief Ntsundeni Sinthumule of Ha-Sinthumule, Tribal Council, Brigadier Maila from Saps Provincial Office, Station Commander of Tshilwabusiku Lieutenant Colonel Machaba, Saps members, Saps Brass Band, Chairperson of Louis Trichardt Rural Safety Mr Christo Snyman, Department of Health, Pastors, Zoutpansberg Community Development Forum (ZCDF) and other stakeholders.

The event started with a briefing session at Ha Sinthumule Tribal Authority, where the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing Major General Jan Scheepers, clearly outlined the motive behind the launching of ‘Community in Blue’ concept. He said “The only possible way for our area to be crime free and peaceful, it’s when there is a working relationship between the Police and members of the community in bringing stability within our communities

The entourage proceeded to the main event at Amazing Grace Church.

Pastor Lithole opened with prayer and scripture reading, and Mr Sikutshi of ZCDF explained the purpose of the event, which is partnership between the Police and Community in the initiative of launching the Community in Blue Programme. He said, “As the community we are also celebrating the re-opening of Madombidzha Satellite Police Station because it will be easy for community to access general Police services and combating criminal activities within the area.”

In the messages of support by various stakeholders, they have appreciated the police for applying further measures of fighting against crime by inviting the community to come on board and as we have a common goal of removing criminals from the society. They also requested the Police to monitor the operating hours of the taverns within the community and provide the area with more resources to elevate service delivery.

Community was encouraged to attend community meetings, report criminal activities and provide information to the police and work together with other stakeholders to win against crime.

The District Commissioner of Vhembe District Major General Van Der Walt rendered the item of launching the Community in Blue. He started by welcoming the new members and outlined their daily responsibilities within the community. All the members were given the reflector jackets.

Major General Jan Scheepers in his keynote address, Condemned the Gender Based Violence and Femicides incidents which are continuing within our communities. To the members of Community in Blue, he said “You are exactly what the Saps and Community need. Let’s ensure that our common goal is achieved.” He called the community to be united and never retreat from being good citizens that protects each other. He concluded by advising the attendees to ask wisdom from God and invite Him to change our villages.

Major General Jan Scheepers received token of appreciation from other stakeholders.

The Community members were given a chance to ask questions, some of the concerns were about the stock theft, liquor outlets, drugs, and Police Services were recognised. They requested the Police to involve the Traditional Authorities in their daily operations of dealing with crime.

Source: South African Police Service

The Lindley police appreciate the community after Refiloe Molakeng (08) was located at a certain house. This is after her photo was published on social media.

Source: South African Police Service