All seven were, according to the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) Directorate Corporate Communication (DCC), “conducting an unauthorised operation” and “unlawfully” intercepted cigarette smugglers at around midnight on Tuesday 16 September. The unauthorised operation happened at Artonvilla, Musina, aka the Sediba sa Tlou base.

A DCC statement has it shots were fired during the unauthorised operation, illicit goods were seized and “some contraband was unlawfully concealed at the base”.

Acting on what is termed “credible intelligence”, military police and SA Police Service (SAPS) officers as well as “Military Intelligence” operatives followed up later the same day. Soldiers at the base, according to the statement, initially attempted to obstruct police and intelligence operatives by denying them access. The search and seizure component of the raid went ahead in the wake of what is said to be “engagement with senior SANDF officers”. All told, the raid netted six hidden boxes of illicit cigarettes inside the base, in addition to the 18 boxes already handed to SARS (SA Revenue Service).

All seven suspects were taken into custody and face charges of corruption, possession of illicit cigarettes, unlawful discharge of a firearm and defeating the ends of justice.

In addition to criminal charges, the uniformed personnel will face internal SANDF disciplinary “processes” with the outcomes determining further administrative and command decisions.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the suspects are aged between 26 and 42 and include a female soldier.

The intelligence-driven raid on the base is part of an ongoing effort by Defence Intelligence Division of the Department of Defence (DoD) to crack down on soldiers collaborating with smugglers to bring contraband into South Africa. Last week’s raid coincided with a visit to the Operation Corona Limpopo AoO by Defence Intelligence Chief, Lieutenant General Thalita Mxakato.

The raid and the visit of the senior DoD intelligence officer to the Musina AoO is another example of the zero tolerance to corruption, smuggling and misconduct in SANDF ranks, the SANDF said. Personnel found in contravention of the law will, the SANDF statement has it, face the “full consequences” of both the military and civilian justice systems.

The post Soldiers bust for smuggling contraband appeared first on ProtectionWeb.

The new constables have recently completed rigorous training and pass-out parades conducted at various South African Police Service (SAPS) training academies.

Limpopo Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, on Tuesday 2 September officially deployed the constables at an event held at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

The constables were placed in different investigation units in the five districts and Forensic Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC).

Hadebe urged the constables to put shoulder to the wheel, as the fight against crime requires sheer dedication.

“Do your work diligently and respect the rights of the individual. At your respective stations that you are attached to, you will find negative people. Choose what you listen to and avoid the wrong groups. Attitude determines altitude,” Hadebe said.

She emphasised the critical role the constables will play in ensuring that residents, holidaymakers and businesses in the province are and feel safe.

The responsible use of firearms, Hadebe said, is key. She called for discretion, cautioning the constables to use their firearms “when absolutely necessary and justified”.

“Criminals are not playing…They are daring. Do not be generous to them, make sure you arrest them for the right reasons,” she said.

Meanwhile, Operation Shanela executed in Limpopo has led to the arrest of 837 suspects for various offences committed across the province.

According to the SAPS, the operation also led to the confiscation of 65,613 kilograms of dagga.

Amongst the offenses committed include rape, illegally dealing in liquor, possession of illegal cigarettes, possession of dangerous weapons and possession of drugs.

The operations which ran from 25-31 August were conducted in collaboration with other agencies, including the South African Defence Force (SANDF), Traffic Police, Community Policing Forum (CPF).

In a statement on Tuesday, the police said the operation was executed through high visibility patrols, roadblocks, stop and searches, vehicle check points and the tracing of wanted suspects.

Among the arrests, six people were arrested for the illegal possession of firearms, while 18 were cuffed for the possession of dangerous weapons, among others.

Meanwhile, police recovered 180 counterfeit goods, six handguns, 20 cellphones and 10 vehicles, among others.

Some of the arrested suspects have already started to appear before their local Magistrate’s court.

“This province will continue to combat any criminal activities and our men and women in blue will stop at nothing in ensuring that it remains safe for the inhabitants without any prejudice of race and gender,” said Hadebe.

The post Limpopo beefs up police service with fresh recruits appeared first on ProtectionWeb.

The occasion will also be attended by the Guest of Honour, Deputy Minister of Police Dr Polly Boshielo and the highest echelons of SAPS leadership, such as Divisional Commissioner of Detectives and Forensic Services, Lieutenant General HK Senthumule. Over 2,000 members of the community, such as students, traditional leaders, civil society members, and religious organisations, will attend mobilisation.

These community-based activities form part of the government-led wider program to provide women and children with safe spaces, awareness, and open discussions on the underlying causes of GBV.

The Imbizo will offer the residents a platform to express their lived experiences and frustrations and receive feedback on current government and police response. There will be a keynote address from Premier Ramathuba, reaffirming Limpopo’s provincial response and prevention strategy on GBVF.

Why Thohoyandou?

Thohoyandou in Vhembe District is one of the GBV hotspots in recent SAPS crime data. Sexual violence, intimate partner violence, and child abuse have all escalated in the last 12 months. These facts make the town a priority location for high-level engagement with government, traditional leadership, and grassroots mobilization.

Speaking earlier on to the media, Limpopo Premier’s Office senior spokesperson, Thilivhali Muavha who applauded the organised march stated that, “The selection of Thohoyandou is intentional”. “This is not tokenistic visibility alone – it is taking leadership to the frontline of the people in the communities where they are suffering.”

SAPS: A resolute force against GBV

The participation of SAPS at the highest levels indicates the on-going dedication of the police service to preventing, investigating, and partnering with the community to fight GBV.

SAPS have introduced a range of GBVF-specific interventions over the last two years, such as Operation Basadi – a continuous campaign of the SAPS Women’s Network and Men for Change to advocate the safety of women and gender equity within police ranks and communities.

The 2024 National Dialogues on GBV in all nine provinces, where SAPS co-chaired sessions with civil society to foster public trust and accountability.

The 2025 Anti-GBV Training Rollout that has capacitated more than 8,000 officers in victim-centered policing techniques and forensic interviewing.

Earlier this year, SAPS Limpopo opened a Mobile Victim Support Centre in Giyani, and reopened the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit satellite station in Jane Furse, demonstrating the determination of the police to broaden access to justice for victims.

Brigadier General Hlulani Mashaba reaffirmed that SAPS still focuses on “rapid response mechanisms, better case management, and forensic evidence collection” as fundamental pillars of their GBVF approach.

From strategy to street-level action

The National Strategic Plan on GBVF (2020-2030) of South Africa is still the overarching plan for all government departments. Its pillars include accountability, prevention, protection, justice, and healing.

Premier Ramathuba, known for her dynamic leadership style, has anchored Limpopo’s GBV prevention program to this strategy. She recently called for “total societal change” and “zero tolerance for GBV enablers – whether in homes, boardrooms or government corridors”.

Friday’s Imbizo and march are just months ahead of Women’s Month and are being viewed as a springboard for more focused interventions, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. The fact that institutions of higher learning were involved also speaks to an acknowledgment that GBV is disproportionately affecting students and young women.

A community-owned future

The event is being organised in collaboration with: Traditional Leaders, whose support is important in transforming dangerous cultural norms; Faith-Based Organisations, which will offer prayers and trauma counseling; Youth and Student Movements, who are the next line of advocacy; Women-operated NGOs, offering shelter, counseling, and legal support to victims.

“We are marching and not for awareness,” Muavha, the Premier’s spokesperson, said.

“We are marching for action, accountability, and healing.”

Deputy Minister Boshielo will also present recent developments in legislation to strengthen sentencing and bail for GBV-related offenses.

However, as the sun rises on 23 May over Thohoyandou, there will be marching in the thousands – not in protest, but in solidarity. The peaceful March and Imbizo are not just activities, but a collective statement that the people of Limpopo will not normalise violence. With intergovernmental unity, police action, and community ownership, a new chapter is being written in combating GBV.

The post Limpopo unites against GBV: SAPS and Stakeholders to participate in March and Imbizo in Thohoyandou appeared first on ProtectionWeb.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said the man arrested in connection with the murders was out on parole for a separate murder when the massacre took place.

The suspect made his first appearance in the Lusikisiki Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday in connection with the massacre, which left five others injured.

“Siphosoxolo Myekethe is facing 18 charges of murder and one count of possession of an unlicensed firearm, an [AKM type] assault rifle. During his brief appearance in court, the accused elected to be represented by a Legal Aid attorney and expressed his intention to exercise his right to apply for bail.

“The prosecution will be opposing bail against the alleged murderer, who has two previous convictions for escaping from legal custody and murder. He is currently out on parole for murder,” NPA regional spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said in a statement.

Myekethe is expected back in court on 15 October.

Previously, the SAPS indicated in a statement that investigations into the killings were at “an advanced but sensitive stage in relation to the arrest of the suspects linked to the gruesome murder.”

On Tuesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed deep sorrow following the killing of six community patrollers in Tina Falls/Godini on Sunday night. The patrollers were reportedly preparing for duty at their base at Lugongozo Senior Secondary School when attackers opened fire on the group. Six of the patrollers were fatally wounded, with four others injured in the attack.

The President offered his condolences to the families of the victims and extended wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured. Further, President Ramaphosa condemned the violence, describing it as a grave loss to the community and an assault on the efforts of ordinary citizens to maintain safety in their area.

The President had previously conveyed his condolences to the families of the 18 people killed last month.

Separately, Cabinet has applauded the successes of intelligence-led operations conducted in the Verulam and Highflats areas in KwaZulu-Natal.

“In the Verulam operation, police confronted a mastermind and one of the most wanted suspects in most of the cash-in-transit robberies in KwaZulu-Natal. The suspect was killed in a shootout after he opened fire against the police. Similarly, two suspects in the murder of seven people in the Highflats case were killed in a shootout with the police,” said a statement released by Cabinet.

According to reports last month, seven people, including three children, were allegedly killed in what appeared to be an execution-style attack, while sitting in their home.

Cabinet has applauded the continued success of Operation Shanela, which has garnered over 10 000 arrests over the previous week.

“Cabinet further commended a joint operation in Limpopo that led to the discovery of a drug lab in Lebowakgomo, where drugs to the value of approximately R4 million were seized and three suspects arrested,” said the statement from Cabinet.

It has also welcomed the arrest of six engineering firm directors accused of Black Economic Empowerment fronting and tender fraud of approximately R400 million at Eskom and Sasol.

The post Cabinet applauds crime fighting efforts appeared first on ProtectionWeb.

The Sergeant was arrested following a lengthy investigation by Captain Keshi Mabunda on allegations that she was fraudulently benefiting from funeral, accidental and life policy covers from various banks and insurance companies.

According to investigations, she began her killing spree 2019. A statement from SAPS noted that her victims were known to her and were from disadvantaged backgrounds and some were mentally or physically disabled. It is alleged the Segreant would take out life insurance policies and funeral cover on behalf of the victims and would list herself as the beneficiary. Evidence shows she pocketed at least R10 million from her crimes.

Following months of investigation, the investigating team obtained a warrant of arrest, and the Sergeant was arrested while on duty at her station in Limpopo.

National Commissioner of Police General Masemola stated the involvement of a police officer in such heinous crimes was a disgrace.

“As a police officer you are entrusted with the safety and security of communities. For a police officer entrusted with such a great responsibility to be involved in such acts is an absolute disgrace. She abused her powers by insuring those that trusted her. This must send a strong warning to all involved that the long arm of the law will find you and catch you,” said General Masemola.

The Sergeant is expected to appear before the Polokwane District Court on six counts of murder and about seventeen cases of fraud on Friday, 11 October 2024.

Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu commended the outstanding work of the investigators following the arrest. He further commended Captain Keshi Mabunda for his exceptional work in dismantling insurance fraud syndicates.

“I want to take this moment to commend Captain Mabunda and his team for their tireless and meticulous work in bringing this rogue officer to justice. Their dedication to the rule of law and the protection of our citizens is an embodiment of the integrity we expect from the SAPS,” said Minister Mchunu.

The Minister further reiterated his department’s stance on corruption within the SAPS, saying, “I must strongly condemn, in the clearest possible terms, any acts of corruption, criminality, or betrayal by members of the police service. This arrest serves as a stark reminder that there is no place in the SAPS for officers who abuse their position of authority for personal gain or engage in unlawful conduct.”

“We will root out corruption and criminality from within the ranks of SAPS. Any police officer found to be involved in crime will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. We will not tolerate such conduct, and we will continue to work tirelessly to restore the public’s confidence in our police service,” said the Minister.

Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee of Police, Ian Cameron, also commended SAPS for the arrest of the sergeant.

“The committee has always maintained that high moral and ethical standards should be maintained within the SAPS. Any officer that undermines the code of conduct that they undertook to uphold must be surgically removed from the service without delay,” Cameron stated. Cameron further said the arrest was an indication of the presence of hard working and efficient detectives who have undertaken intensive investigations that yield positive results.

In a statement, the committee noted it is hopeful the arrest will discourage police officers from breaking the very laws they are entrusted to uphold.

“We have seen a general increase in the arrest of rogue police officers by both the SAPS and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate which assures us that there is a commitment to holding everyone accountable,” said Cameron.

Mabundu also cracked the case of the now-convicted murderer, Rosemary Ndlovu, whose modus operandi followed a similar pattern. Ndlovu was a policewoman before being convicted of the deaths of six people – her live-in partner and five of her relatives – between 2012 and 2018.

The post SAPS Sergeant arrested for six murders and insurance fraud appeared first on ProtectionWeb.

A joint operation conducted by the Limpopo Provincial Organised Crime Unit, Limpopo Provincial Flying Squad, and Lebowakgomo SAPS discovered the facility at Makotse Village in Lebowakgomo on 29 September 2024. The operation resulted in the seizure of drugs valued at approximately R4 million and the arrest of three suspects aged between 25 and 33.

The suspects were apprehended during an ongoing crackdown operation aimed at dismantling drug networks in the province. Police discovered a significant quantity of mandrax at one of the suspects’ residences and located the nearby drug manufacturing lab, along with various chemicals and substances used in production of the illegal narcotic.

The SAPS Forensic Science Laboratory has been dispatched to investigate the drug lab further. Security measures will remain in place at the site until the investigation is completed.

Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Major General Samuel Manala, commended the collaborative efforts of the various law enforcement agencies involved in this operation.

The suspects appeared before the Thabamoopo Magistrate’s Court on 30 September, facing charges of possession and dealing in drugs. Their case has been postponed until 7 October 2024, for a formal bail application.

The post SAPS discovers R4 million mandrax lab in Limpopo appeared first on ProtectionWeb.

Police were deployed as part of the ongoing Operation Shanela that focusses on reducing contact and violent crimes. From Wednesday to Sunday (18 August) policemen and women were in action in the Frances Baard, Namakwa, ZF Mgcawu, John Taolo Gaetsewe and Pixley Ka Seme districts of the Northern Cape.

A statement from the Office of Acting Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner Major General Luntu Ngubelanga has it “numerous compliance inspections” were conducted at second-hand dealers, scrapyards, recyclers, private security operations, firearm dealers, formal and informal businesses, farms and mines.

While these were underway, police were also manning checkpoints, undertaking searches and patrolling across the five municipal districts of the Northern Cape. Their “haul” was 217 suspects arrested for offences ranging from murder, attempted murder, rape robbery, assault, burglary, malicious damage to property, dealing and possession of drugs, illicit mining, possession of counterfeit goods, possession of suspected stolen stock, undocumented persons and possession of precious metals. Illegally dealing in liquor resulted in 10 liquor outlets being closed.

Not to be outdone by their uniformed colleagues, detectives were also active netting 287 suspects wanted for, among others, not making court appearances and contravening court orders, in tracing operations.

In addition to arrests, police confiscated what is termed “large volumes of alcoholic beverages, non-ferrous metal items and huge amounts of drugs and cash believed to be the proceeds of drug dealing” in raids.

Operation Shanela activities in the Free State yielded 900 arrests for possession of drugs, rape, murder, attempted murder and possession of dangerous weapons. Combating illegal mining also led to the arrest of 161 undocumented people. The police arrested 29 suspects for burglary, 20 for possession of gold-bearing material and 29 for illicit mining.

Police also clamped down on stock theft in the Free State last week. In Villiers, three suspects were arrested after a collaborative operation on a suspicious quantum minibus taxi. The vehicle was tracked and found to have 24 stolen sheep. In Ventersburg, seven men from two vehicles—a silver Audi and a red VW Polo—were arrested after Henneman police and Ventersburg police stopped both vehicles and found them with a shared slaughtered cow in both cars. Other cows were found at a farm near Poul Roux and Senekal. In Bloemspruit, four suspects were arrested after Bloemfontein Flying Squard stopped a white Tazz and found sheep in the vehicle. Further information led the members, together with the Bloemfontein Stock Theft Unit, to a house where more stolen sheep were found hidden inside a house. Nine stolen sheep were recovered.

Police in the Free State continue to arrest drug peddlers. In one incident, four suspects aged between 20 and 41 were arrested during the early hours of Wednesday, 14 August. They were busy packaging dagga intended to be distributed for peddling at different identified schools. Dagga worth an estimated R1.5 million was seized.

Meanwhile in Limpopo, police between 12 and 18 August arrested 870 suspects for various offenses, including murder, attempted murder, rape, dealing in drugs, unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition among other charges.

Police recovered two stolen or hijacked motor vehicles, one unlicensed firearm, thirteen dangerous weapons, and stolen items.

Moreover, 38 wanted suspects were also arrested for serious cases such as rape, carjacking, and murder.

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has commended police for ensuring that the citizens of the province are well protected against any criminal activities.

The post Operation Shanela actions prove positive for police across SA appeared first on ProtectionWeb.

In May 2024, former Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, revealed in a parliamentary reply to a question posed by the Democratic Alliance that over 5.4 million case dockets were closed, without result, due to insufficient evidence or leads since the 2018/2019 financial year.

Former DA Shadow Minister of Police Andrew Whitfield referred to the results of the reply as “another explosive admission of failure by Minister of Police, Bheki Cele. Whitfield further stated the “shocking figure highlights the utter failure of the SAPS under the leadership of Bheki Cele.”

At approximately one million cases per year, Whitfield noted that “almost 3 000 cases are closed daily by the SAPS without victims of crime ever receiving justice.” The approximate 3 000 cases closed daily include cases of murders, rape, assault and kidnappings.

Democratic Alliance Deputy Spokesperson on Police, Lisa Schickerling, noted in a statement that the current Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu had handed over a detailed breakdown of the dockets to the DA.

“The information furnished to the DA by the Minister paints a disturbing picture, particularly in light of our country’s Women’s Month celebrations, and highlights key areas of concern in both docket management and the capacity and staffing shortages in the SAPS’ detective services,” stated Schickerling.

Between the 2018/2019 period and 31 December 2023, the following total number of dockets were closed, without result, according to the Minister:

Murder: 76 655
Attempted murder: 40 089
Assault GBH: 141 026
Aggravated robbery: 256 162
Rape: 61 740
Sexual Assault: 5 523
Kidnapping: 9 114

Regarding the loss of case dockets from SAPS offices, the number is highest for dockets in cases of murder, assault GBH (grievous bodily harm), and aggravated robbery. Minister Mchunu noted 68.75% of dockets stolen from SAPS stations were open cases pertaining to rape and sexual assault. Alarmingly, all occurred in Limpopo, with Schickerling noting it “[raises] serious questions about the effectiveness of docket management within the SAPS and the maintenance of docket safety.”

The DA called upon the Minister and National Commissioner to “launch a full-scale investigation into these missing and stolen dockets.”

Schickerling further stated that “approximately 974 cases of rape and sexual assault are closed without result every month. This means that an average of about 32 victims of rape and sexual assault lose a chance at obtaining justice each and every day.”

“This is a deplorable state of affairs that requires urgent intervention from both the Minister and senior SAPS management to ensure that cases of gender-based violence and violence against women are treated with the seriousness and care that they deserve,” noted Schickerling.

The DA has written to the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, requesting the Minister, the National Commissioner, and the Limpopo Provincial Commissioner be brought before the Committee, to discuss the matter.

The post DA calls for SAPS to be held to account for closing millions of cases without result appeared first on ProtectionWeb.

On 8 August 2024, members of the SAPS, including the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), Public Order Policing (POP), the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC), a Tactical Response Team (TRT) and Modimolle Vispol raided an alleged firearm training facility in Modimolle. Although no arrests have been made, the SAPS seized several licensed firearms and ammunition, and an investigation is underway.

Hawks’ spokesperson, Warrant Officer Lethunya Mmuroa, noted “the purpose of the training is not yet clear, but military-related training cannot be ruled out.” Mmuroa further added that the Hawks had received a tip-off regarding suspicious training and initiated a raid.

The camp is alleged to be linked to the Suidlanders, a right-wing ethnonationalist group, featured in the Netflix series “Dark Tourist”. The group has long touted conspiracy theories and have been known to conduct firearms training, alongside other exercises informed by their beliefs.

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu “while the exact purpose of the training at this facility remains under investigation, the discovery of military-related training equipment and activities raises serious concerns that cannot be ignored.”

“This operation, prompted by a tip-off received by the Hawks, led to the seizure of several licenced rifles, a pistol, and a substantial amount of ammunition believed to have been used in the training activities at the facility,” he said.

This is a developing story, subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed.

The post SAPS raids illegal firearm training camp in Limpopo appeared first on ProtectionWeb.

During the arrests, eight suspects deemed “most wanted” were apprehended by the Detectives and Tracking Teams for offenses such as murder, rape, house and business robberies. An Additional 23 suspects were arrested for possession of dangerous weapons and three male suspects for illegal mining activities.

Further significant arrests include 11 for malicious damage to property, eight suspects for robbery with aggravating circumstances, 12 suspects for driving under the influence of alcohol and 26 for possession and dealing in drugs.

During the arrests, police confiscated a total of 34.5 Litres of alcoholic beverages, 71 packets of illicit cigarettes, 20 dangerous weapons, 7.776 kg of dagga, furniture items, 24 g of methamphetamine, a cell phone, 10 rounds of ammunition, .16g of nyaope, a motor vehicle and a significant quantity of cash.

Some of those arrested have already appeared before their relevant Magistrate’s courts throughout the province.

The Provincial Police Commissioner of Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has applauded the commitment and dedication being displayed by the men and women under his command, for their policing and investigation of criminal activities in Limpopo province.

The challenges police face in carrying out their duties was highlighted by an incident on 16 July in Mankweng, Capricorn district of Limpopo, when officers busy tracing suspects dealing in drugs were ambushed by a group of suspects who threw stones and assaulted them.

Thirteen foreign national men were arrested for cases of attempted murder and assault with grievous bodily harm. The suspects, aged between 20 and 42 years, were all arrested in Unit F, Mankweng by the members of Provincial Organised Crime Unit and Tactical Response Team, during an operation conducted on Tuesday 30 July.

“We will not tolerate such brazen acts of violence against our police officers. The suspects will face the full might of the law,” said Hadebe.

The post Police blitz across Limpopo results in 634 arrests appeared first on ProtectionWeb.