Category: General

EASTERN CAPE – A swift actions by SAPS forces led to the recovery of stolen cellphones and arrest of two male suspects on Thursday, 17 June 2021 in Mthatha.

The two suspects in their (20) twenties were arrested following information of an armed business robbery that occurred on Tuesday, 15th of June in one of the clothing stores in Mthatha Plaza where an undisclosed number of cellphones were taken.

The suspects were then taken in for questioning and the vehicle believed to have been used in the commission of crime was impounded by police.

During the investigation a firearm allegedly used during the incident was recovered in Corana A/A, Ngqeleni.

The suspects are currently in police custody and will appear in Mthatha Magistrates court soon and once they are charged with possession of suspected stolen property, business robbery and possession of unlicensed firearm.

Source: South African Police Service

EASTERN CAPE – Unwarranted attacks on Police Officers by the community of Grahamstown in Makhanda on Monday afternoon, 14 June 2021, is strongly condemned by SAPS management as disgraceful and disappointing.

Two members of the South African Police Service were patrolling D Street at Fingo Village nearby a local tavern when they noticed a group of people dancing in the middle of the road and around a loud speaker with loud music. The group was also carrying and drinking liquor from open bottles in public.

As the police stopped to warn them against blocking the road and public drinking, they were met with insults and physical attacks, whilst being harassed to leave the group alone. The unruly members of the community further obstructed the police from carrying out their duty to ensure peace and order in the area by even attacking them when returning to the vehicle in which the police were driving.

They manhandled police officers whilst others, hurled stones at the police vehicle which was consequently damaged. The two Police officers called for reinforcement which resulted to the arrest of two instigators of violence and attack on police.

Management has expressed serious concerns about a community that does not respect the law. “An attack on our police officers is an indirect attack on the rule of law and government. We are going to deal decisively with disruptive criminal elements who consistently launch an onslaught on innocent officers. Our members will continue fighting crime undeterred and nobody will stop them from carrying out this mandate” said Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga.

The arrested male and female suspects aged between 28 and 35, are currently in detention in Grahamstown. They are expected in court on 17 June 2021 on charges relating to Assault on police and Malicious Injury to Property. More arrests are imminent.

Source: South African Police Service

GQEBERHA – The Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit in Motherwell is urgently seeking the community’s assistance in locating a 16 year-old boy who went missing on Sunday, 13 June 2021. Zenixole Baku, who is residing in Sodolophu Street, Soweto-on-Sea, went out for the afternoon, but never returned.

Zenixole was cladded in blue jeans, a blue t-shirt and New Balance tekkies, at the time of his disappearance. It is alleged that he was last seen walking around in the Soweto Taxi Rank in Bafana Street.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to contact the investigating officer, Detective Captain Bruce Madubedube on 071 475 2385, SAPS Crime Stop 08600 10111, Crime Line sms 32211 or contact the nearest police station.

Source: South African Police Service

FREE STATE – Twelve suspects are expected to appear before Harrismith Magistrate court this morning on charges of public violence which include few minors who will be under supervision of their parents.

The police visibility is high in Harrismith, Intabazwe, Makgolokweng Village, Tshiame A and B monitoring unpredictable situation of protests which have spread to other sections of Harrismith where they were called to attend protesters barricading roads and burning tyres in the township and N5. The tyres were removed as there were no protestors nearby.

The group of protestors at Tshiame A section wake up putting stones inside the roads. The police have arrested seven suspects this morning pertaining this incident.

Thus far the situation is still tense in and around Harrismith on the N3.

Source: South African Police Service

POTCHEFSTROOM – Police in Mogwase request the public to assist in locating Mmampoko Juliet Sekole (51) of Masakeng Section, Welgeval Village near Moruleng. Sekole went missing on Tuesday, 25 May 2021.

She was last seen walking alone in the street, wearing a blue apron with yellow dots and bare footed. The missing person is also suffering from depression.

Police request anyone who may have information about Sekole’s whereabouts, to contact Colonel Shimane Kubyadi on ?082 856 1087 or call South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Stop number: ?08600 10111.

Source: South African Police Service

Eskom says it remains committed to completing Kusile power station within the 2024/25 financial year.

“The Eskom board and management are committed to completing Kusile power station within the revised, board-approved completion date in the 2024/25 financial year, and within the project budget of R161.4 billion, excluding interest during construction.

“This project budget remains unchanged,” said Deputy President David Mabuza when responding to oral questions in the National Council of Provinces on Tuesday.

The Deputy President had been asked what action has government, as the overseer of Eskom, taken to ensure the project goes according to schedule, and whether the plans were sufficient for the success of the project.

Mabuza said the Eskom board and management have been driving efforts to complete Kusile to meet the target date. Resolving the issues hindering completion of the project has also been prioritised.

“Through the annual shareholder compact, Eskom is measured on the delivery of major milestones for both Medupi and Kusile projects.

“The status of the project schedule, progress and mitigation actions are monitored through regular executive engagements with the Department of Public Enterprises.”

The Deputy President said delays at Unit 4 to Unit 6 were due to contractor financial, commercial and contractual issues.

“However, the project team is pursuing rigorous schedule recovery plans for achievements of milestones that are at risk.

“We are advised that the plans are sufficient to complete the Kusile project within the set target dates.

“The commercial operation target dates for the remaining three units are January 2023 for Unit 4, December 2023 for Unit 5 and May 2024 for Unit 6.

“Furthermore, we can report that during our visit to Kusile Power Station last month, the Political Task Team on Eskom was encouraged by the progress being made and the commitment by management to implement appropriate risk management plans and design defect modifications.”

The Deputy President said measures have been put in place to strengthen project monitoring, oversight and assurance capability, which will result in increased controls over productivity, and ensure contractor and suppliers quality inputs to avoid schedule and cost overruns.

Source: South African Government News Agency