Daily Archives: November 24, 2024

Illicit cigarettes worth R1.6m seized, two Zimbabweans nabbed

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Picture: Illicit cigarettes worth R1.6m seized/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

24 November 2024– Two Zimbabwean foreign nationals aged 47 and 50, were arrested for being in possession of illicit cigarettes worth R1.6 million. The suspects were arrested but the Potchefstroom Crime Intelligence, Potchefstroom Flying Squad, and Ventersdorp Visible Policing during a crime intelligence-led operation 22 November 2024.

According to the North West police spokesperson, Colonel Amanda Funani, Ventersdorp Visible Policing received a tip-off regarding a suspicious Volvo Truck, that was traveling from Rustenburg to Gauteng Province. Funani said a follow-up was made, and the truck was spotted and stopped along the R30 road for a search.

“During the search, the police discovered 124 boxes containing 50 cartons of Remington gold cigarettes worth R1.6 million inside the truck. As a result, two suspects were arrested after failing to account for the possession.

“The pair is expected to appear before the Ventersdorp Magistrate’s Court on 25 November 2024,” she said.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated the units involved for working together in the fight against illicit economic activities. Kwena said the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) is investigating.

“The public is urged to report Crime by calling the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or the MySAPS application anonymously. Extortion-related incidents can be reported on the Extortion hotline on 080 091 1011.

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Four suspects nabbed for being in possession of unpolished diamonds

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Picture: Unpolished diamond confiscated by police/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

24 November 2024- Four men aged between 33 and 52, were arrested by the police duirng Operation Vala Umgodi in the Namakwa District. This comes after they were allegedly found to be in possession of suspected illegal diamonds.

According to the Northern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Merapelo Pilane, the multi-disciplinary team of Operation Vala Umgodi, comprising of proactive and combat teams of South Africa Police Service (SAPS) and South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in the Namakwa District, received a tip-off regarding vehicles transporting alleged illegal miners from Koingnaas to Kleinzee on the R355 road during the early hours of Friday morning, 22 November 2024.

“The information was tactically operationalised and one of the vehicles was spotted along the R355 road, while the other one was intercepted while trying to evade the police. Upon searching the two vehicles, 25 suspected unpolished diamonds were found and confiscated.

“Four suspects were subsequently arrested. They were also found to be in contravention of the Immigration Laws,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, welcomed the tireless efforts by Operation Vala Umgodi in combating illegal mining activities in the province. Otola said the members of the public are encouraged to report any criminal activities through the Mysaps App, or the 80600 10111 crime stop number.

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More than 167 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela

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Picture: Police conducting stop and search during Operation Shanela/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

24 November 2024- More than 167 suspects were arrested for various crimes during Operation Shanela. The police in Northern Cape said these actions and activities with the emphasis on High density operations, commenced on 18 until 24 November 2024.

The northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Molefi Shemane said these included Vehicle Control Points (VCPs), stop and searches, roadblocks, tracing of wanted suspects, foot and vehicle patrols, compliance inspections and visits to farms and mines.

Shemane said during the weekly safer festive season operations, 167 suspects were arrested for crimes such as illegal possession of ammunition, dealing in drugs, assault common and GBH, murder, possession of drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, robberies, attempted murder, burglaries, malicious damage to property and undocumented persons.

“Also, 40 VCPs and roadblocks were conducted across the province during which 2255 vehicles and 4323 persons were stopped and searched. The police closed 15 unlicensed liquor premises.

“Compliance inspections were executed at second-hand dealers, scrapyards, and liquor premises. mines, farms, formal and informal businesses were also visited. This has enhanced efforts to curb crime as we celebrate the festive season period,” he said.

Shemane further said actions were executed across all five districts in the province to address priority crimes in hotspot areas. He added that during the operations, the police confiscated a firearm, ammunition, dangerous weapons, thousands of litres of alcoholic beverages, drugs, and copper cables.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, assured the public that the police will be on high alert and the operations will continue undoubtedly during the festive season period and beyond. Otola said it will be all hands on deck, leaving no one behind during this period and beyond.

“We urge community members to make use of the Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or MySAPS App when reporting criminal activities,” she said.

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Banyana Banyana coach over the moon after induction  

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Picture: Banyana Banyana coach, Dr Desiree Ellis

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

24 November 2024 – Banyana Banyana coach Dr Desiree Ellis said she is grateful for the way her career has panned out after she was inducted into the South African Hall of Fame on 20 November 2024. The induction into the South African Hall of Fame is the latest accolade for the revered Women’s Africa Cup of Nations-winning coach.

Ellis led the Sasol-sponsored South African senior women’s national team to the continental title in 2022, in Morocco – after several others she has been awarded in 2024 alone. She was inducted alongside several figures from South African football and said being among the distinguished football legends was very special.

The inductees included legends such as former Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba, erstwhile South African senior men’s national team captains Neil Tovey and Lucas Radebe, and the legendary Patrick “Ace” Ntsoelengoe, Jomo Sono and Nelson “Teenage” Dladla.

“To listen to their stories was absolutely amazing and incredible, and many people in the room could relate to that. I just need to thank a lot of people who were part of my journey because without their contribution, I wouldn’t be standing where I am.

“A special mention, of course, must go to the Banyana Banyana players, the staff, the South African Football Association (SAFA) and Sasol. I don’t work in isolation. I think it’s through their fantastic efforts that I’m able to stand up there,” said Ellis.

She further said, also, a big thank you to everyone out there that works in women’s sport and women’s football because we all know the challenges they face. Ellis added that, but through all of that, they are still able to perform on the international arena.

“Again, a big thank you to SAFA and Sasol for their unwavering support, and of course, the new player in women’s football, VW, who has come on board. All these partnerships make the game better and bigger, and also help it grow through their contribution.

“We can only get better and bigger from here onwards. Thank you to everyone. There are so too many to mention but thank you to everyone who’s been part of my journey. As they say, we’re not done yet. A special mention to my family who have always been there, always supporting me from afar. I want to say thank you to them,” she said.

Meanwhile, the South African Football Association (SAFA) President, Dr Danny Jordaan, congratulated the Banyana Banyana coach on her latest accolade and said her star keeps shining brighter.

“Desiree has been an incredible ambassador for South African football and it is amazing and special to see her being recognised for her tireless effort and dedication to the game. Congratulations coach Desiree,” said Jordaan.

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Ethiopian man arrested for being in possession of two firearms and ammunition

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Picture: Firearms and ammunition seized by the police/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

24 November 2024- Ethiopian foreign national (27) was arrested for being in possession of two unlicensed firearms and ammunition. The suspect is expected to appear before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 25 November 2024.

According to the North West police spokesperson, Colonel Amanda Funani, the police at Hartbeespoortdam, allegedly received a tip-off and operationalised it. Funani said the police received an intelligence that a shop owner allegedly kept unlicensed firearms at his shop.

“The suspect’s shop at Schaumburg Informal Settlement was searched on Thursday night. The action resulted in the discovery of two firearms and ammunition in the backroom. 

“Furthermore, it was discovered that the suspect was in the country illegally and was using illegal documents belonging to an elderly man (65),” she said.

Funani said the suspect was charged for possession of two unlicensed firearms, unlawful possession of ammunition and contravention of Section 49 (1)(a) of the Immigration Act, 2002. (Act No. 13 of 2002).

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded the police who were involved in the operation for their sterling job. Kwena also thanked members of the community for working together with the police in fighting crime and ensuring that criminals are put behind bars, where they belong.

“The public is urged to report crime by calling the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or using MySAPS application. Extortion-related incidents can be reported on the Extortion hotline: 080 091 1011,” he said.

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Two nabbed for being in possession of suspected stolen goods

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Picture: Some of the belongings seized by the police/Supplied 

By BAKANG MOKOTO

24 November 2024- Two suspects arrested for possession of suspected stolen goods at Ten Rooms Informal Settlement on Thursday, by the Brits Crime Intelligence and Visible Policing, as well as Hartbeespoortdam Visible Policing and Detectives during a joint tactical operation.

According to the North West police spokesperson, Colonel Amanda Funani, a search was conducted at the suspects’ place and that led to the recovery of one HP printer, a cooler bag, two laptop bags, a roll bag with wheels and a black jacket. Funani said all the belongings were worth R5000.

“The preliminary investigation revealed that the goods were stolen during a business burglary committed earlier this month in Hartbeespoortdam. The accused, Samuel Ngobeni and Samuel Mokgarudi, both aged 42, briefly appeared in the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 22 November 2024.

“The pair was remanded in custody until 27 November 2024, for bail application,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 1 District Commissioner, Major General Modisagaarekwe Mosimanegape, hailed the police for dedication and concerted efforts that resulted in the success.

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Nigerian man arrested for being in possession of drugs

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI 

24 November 2024- A Nigerian foreign national (37) was nabbed at his residential place in Klerksdorp on Friday night, 22 November 2024. This comes after the police received a tip-off regarding suspected drug dealing activities. The suspect was ultimately arrested after allegedly being found in possession of drugs.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Amanda Funani said: “The suspect is expected to appear before Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 25 November 2024.”

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the arrest and commended the police in Klerksdorp for their effort. Kwena said crime can be reported on the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or the MySAPS application.

“Extortion-related incidents can be reported on the Extortion hotline on 080 091 1011,” he said.

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Three foreign nationals arrested for being in possession of suspected stolen copper cables

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Picture: The copper cables seized by the police/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

24 November 2024- Three suspects aged between 41 and 51, were arrested by the police on 23 November 2024. This comes after they were allegedly found to be in possession of suspected stolen copper cables in Klerksdorp.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Amanda Funani said the reports suggest that, Transnet Security Officer was conducting patrols along the railway lines when he saw three men, who are Zimbabwean, Lesotho and Mozambican foreign nationals digging. He allegedly approached them to check what they were doing.

“The security officer found them in possession of copper cables. He then alerted the police who responded quickly and arrested the trio. Further probe established that the suspects are in the country illegally. 

“The suspects are expected to appear before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 25 November 2024, facing charges of tampering with essential infrastructure and contravention of Section 49 (1)(a) of the Immigration Act, (Act No. 13 of 2002),” said Funani.  

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the arrest and commended the Klerksdorp Police and Transnet Security Officer for their collaborative efforts.

Kwena said crime can be reported on the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or the MySAPS application.

“Extortion-related incidents can be reported on the Extortion hotline on 080 091 1011,” he said.

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