Public assistance requested find missing elderly man

LIMPOPO – Public assistance is required by the South African Police Service in Tshilwavhusiku following the disappearance of an 81-year-old man, Jimmy Mapau Makatu from Manavhela village.

The man was last seen by his niece at home on Wednesday, 26 May 2021 after she departed to buy groceries at a local store. When she returned, the elderly man was nowhere to found and cannot be located. He is tall and slim and was allegedly brought home last weekend from Winterveldt location outside Pretoria.

Attempts by the Police to locate the victim at relatives and the surrounding areas did not bear any fruits. At the time of his disappearance, the elderly man was wearing a brown suit.

Source: South African Police Service

Petrusburg police station opened again

FREE STATE – Petrusburg police station is now fully operational and the public will now be able to access services at the station. The SAPS Management appreciates the patience of the community during these trying times.

Source: South African Police Service

Operation Vhutu Hawe makes a positive impact

EASTERN CAPE – Four (4) suspects aged between 26 and 48 years old were arrested for allegedly being in possession of live rounds of ammunition and drugs during Operation Vhutu Hawe on Friday evening, 28 May 2021.

It is alleged that on the mentioned date, SAPS Somerset East members were conducting stop and searches in Mnandi Location and found a 26-year-old suspect in possession of live rounds of ammunition.

While the operation continued in Mnandi location, a 29-year-old male was found to be in possession of three (3) straw which contained Tik. Two other males were also arrested for possession of drugs during the operation.

Somerset East Station Commander, Captain Zukiswa Mzalisi thanked the members for their positive attitude they had shown during operation Vhutu Hawe which resulted in the arrest of the four suspects and the seizure of the ammunition and drugs.

Source: South African Police Service

Two suspects arrested for possession of suspected stolen cellphone batteries

EASTERN CAPE – On Friday, 28 May 2021, highway patrol members in Cradock noticed a suspicious looking white Isuzu bakkie entering Cradock from the N10, Gqeberha road.

After successfully stopping the vehicle, a suspect fled got out and fled. Six (6) Vodacom tower batteries valued at R250 000-00 was confiscated.

Two males aged 27 and 29 were arrested and will appear before the Cradock Magistrates Court on Monday, 31 May 2021on charges relating Possession of suspected stolen property.

Source: South African Police Service

Final salute for Brigadier Maphunya Piet Mametsa

POLOKWANE – The late Provincial Head of Financial Management and Administration in Limpopo Province, Brigadier Maphunya Piet Mametsa was today laid to rest during an official funeral that was held at his home village of Mathibela in Sebetiela policing area outside Lebowakgomo.

The funeral was attended by the Divisional Commissioner of Financial Management Lieutenant General Dimpane, the Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, the Deputy Provincial Commissioner responsible for Corporate Services, Major General Christine Morakaladi, Major General Molatjana from the DPCI, senior officers, members and personnel of the South African Police Service.

The funeral commenced with a prayer by Chaplain, Lieutenant Colonel Mahlangu. Various speakers paid a tribute about the departed colleague, uncle, friend, relative, neighbour and a loving father.

The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Hadebe paid tribute and expressed her condolences to the family, “We are extremely saddened by the untimely death of Brigadier Mametsa especially as he was about to retire at the end of August this year. You are not alone and we will always keep you in our prayers for the lord to give you comfort and love. Finally, may his soul rest in peace”.

Delivering the eulogy on behalf of the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service General Khehla Sitole, Lieutenant General Dimpane said, Brigadier Mametsa was as a disciplined, professional, dedicated and a mentor in the organisation. He had a passion to serve the society with pride and was also a loving father and husband. He will always be remembered for the professional manner in which he went about doing his work.

Chaplain, Luitenant Colonel Mahlangu rendered a spiritual sermon and benediction as the funeral service concluded.

Source: South African Police Service

Drug dealers in custody for allegedly shipping heroin to the United Kingdom

GAUTENG – Two suspects, Lihle Manana (42) and Calvin Mzoli Mpemba (44) were remanded in custody on allegations of illegal dealing in drugs by the Germiston Magistrate’s Court this morning.

It is alleged that the suspects dropped off a package declared as documents at a courier company in Edenvale on Monday, 24 May. The said consignment was destined to an address in the United Kingdom.

The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation in Germiston were called by the courier company for investigation regarding a suspicious package delivered for shipment. Upon arrival and further inspection of the suspected package, the investigation team found 315 grams of suspected heroine concealed in an envelope.

Further investigation led the investigation team to a positively identified address in the Boksburg area where a suspect was brought in for questioning. On Wednesday, 26 May Manana and Mpembe were also brought in for questioning. They were consequently detained shortly afterwards. The authorities seized various items including a white VW Polo suspected to have been used in the commission of crime.

The suspects appeared in court and the matter is postponed to Thursday, 03 June 2021 for a formal bail application and further investigation.

Source: South African Police Service