Category: General

CAPE TOWN – Efforts to eradicate the possession of unlicensed firearms in our communities, led to the arrest of a 16-year-old male, for the possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. Members of Kleinvlei police were busy with crime prevention duties when they saw a male acting suspicious when he saw a police vehicle approaching. The suspect was stopped, searched and was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm with ammunition.

Once charged, the suspect will appear in the Blue Downs Magistrate’s Court on the mentioned charges.

Source: South African Police Service

The Western Cape Government welcomes the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa that venues will now be allowed bigger audiences at live events.

The Covid-19 pandemic has dealt many blows to those in the arts and sporting environments, as limits on audience members meant loss of income, as well as job losses in both these spheres. Now that bigger numbers of people will be able to attend live events, more jobs can be created in both these industries. Our sporting stadia will also be able to generate more income and produce more opportunities for small business owners to trade again.

While we often spotlight the plight of artists and athletes who could not perform and compete in front of live audiences, it is also important that we remember those who are reliant on working in these environments – the ushers who show audience members to their seats, the waiters at the in-house restaurants, the ice-cream vendors and stall holders at various stadia and the cleaning crews who provide an invaluable service. The return of bigger audiences means a return to work and a bigger income for those who have struggled under the restrictions.

Minister Anroux Marais said, “We must also not forget one of the most important benefits of getting audiences together for live entertainment – the mental health benefits of being in a shared space with others. For the past two years, people have had to support their teams at home and watch theatre in small audiences or online. The return to bigger audiences will go far to bring South Africans together with renewed hope for the future.”

We hope that we will soon see the return to venues being able to host audiences at their full capacity but for now, we are happy that at least more people will be able to go out and support the local economy through the arts and sporting sectors.

Source: Government of South Africa

The Empangeni Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit is appealing to the community for assistance with regards to a missing child. It is alleged that on 20 March 2022 at 14:00, two-year-old Nkosenhle Lwandile Ndimande was playing outside the house with another child at Bomvini area near Empangeni when he went missing. A search was conducted but the child was not found. He was last seen wearing a red short, a vest with blue and white stripes and navy flip flops.

Anyone with information of his whereabouts is urged to contact Detective Warrant Officer Mayise on 082 459 1807 or Crime Stop 08600 10111.

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 suspects allegedly raped two women, aged 30 and 38 in the church then robbed the church of musical instruments as well as the Pastor’s vehicle. The incident is said to have occurred on Friday, 18 March 2022.

Police at Mhala have since launched a manhunt for the three suspects who reportedly robbed the church of musical instruments as well as the Pastor’s car after raping the women at a church in Thulamahashe near Bushbuckridge.

According to the information, on the said day about 23h00 two ladies who were in a room at the church, heard a gunshot outside. This was followed by a knock on the door. It is said that three male suspects, armed with a pistol, forced the door opened. They then held the ladies at gunpoint whilst trying to find out where the pastor was. The suspects then demanded cash and allegedly raped the ladies.

The suspects also took musical instruments of the church to the value of about R28 000, using a silver grey KIA Picato, belonging to the Pastor. The suspects then fled the scene with the robbed items.

Anyone with information is requested to contact Detective Captain Dexter Ndlovu on 072 624 5133 or call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111. Alternatively they can 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, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela has urged the public to alert the authorities if they become aware of someone in possession of the robbed items. “It is quite disturbing to learn that suspects are now targeting places of worship. We therefore urge our communities to be vigilant and refuse to buy stolen goods. They should rather report these criminals immediately so that they are arrested”

Source: South African Police Service