The SAPS housing initiative is a project between the South African Police Service and various sponsors and stakeholders to provide safe and secure homes for victims of crime and those in need. The initiative aims to create a social safety blanket for those affected by crime and has already provided homes for six households in South Africa. The Vokwana family is one of the latest beneficiaries, receiving a modern and furnished twobedroom house in the town of Delft, a notorious area for gangrelated activities. The initiative is an ongoing endeavor to institute a safer and more secure environment for all.
On a seemingly normal day at the Vioolsdrift Border Post, South African Police Service officers discovered fraudulent documents and a stolen vehicle with a stash of unrefined gold worth R9,500. The 42yearold driver was charged with possession of a suspected stolen vehicle and fraud. The incident highlighted the importance of vigilance in maintaining security and order and showcased the commitment of the SAPS.
The SAPS National Excellence Awards is an annual ceremony recognizing the exceptional dedication and service of the South African Police Service’s workforce, reservists, and community policing structures. The 9th ceremony was held in February 2024 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, with highranking officials and esteemed guests in attendance. The awards serve as a tool for cultivating a culture of excellence and innovation within the SAPS, exemplifying their dedication to promoting service excellence and striving for a safer South Africa.
South Africa’s third quarter crime statistics for 2023/2024 were recently released, revealing a nation grappling with diverse criminal elements. Despite the grim statistics, the report highlights the resilience and dedication of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in their fight against crime. Initiatives such as Operation Shanela, the safer festive operational plan, and the SAPS’s war against genderbased violence and femicide signify a commitment to creating a safer and more secure environment for all South African residents.
During a routine patrol, the AntiGang Unit discovered an unlicensed firearm and live ammunition with a suspect in Langlaagte. The suspect was detained, and the firearm and ammunition were sent for ballistics analysis to determine possible connections to other illegal activities. The AGU’s dedication to maintaining peace and safety in the community is admirable and reinforces SAPS’s commitment to safeguarding residents.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) is determined to rid the country of drugs, as demonstrated by their recent confiscation and destruction of R90 million worth of narcotics in Cape Town. Under the guidance of National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, SAPS has been successful in intercepting drug traffickers and seizing large quantities of illegal substances, resulting in notable convictions and prison terms. These ongoing efforts reflect SAPS’s commitment to eradicating drugs and promoting a future where South African communities can thrive without the negative influence of drug abuse.
Beware of impostors posing as city electricity officials as fraudsters are on the rise. The Energy Directorate urges city inhabitants to stay alert and report any dubious activities to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and city authorities. To protect yourself, always ask for reference or notification numbers and cityissued identification cards and deny anyone entry without validation. Remember, city officials do not inspect electricity meters, plugs, or light bulbs for rates rebate applications. Stay vigilant to protect your home fortress and join collective efforts to achieve a fraudfree city.
A Pledge for Safety: SAPS Commissioner’s Plea for Responsible Revelry on New Year’s Eve
The South African Police force is promoting responsible New Year’s Eve celebrations through an increased visible police presence and a proactive approach to maintaining peace and order. They are implementing roadblocks, stopandsearch operations, vehicle checkpoints, and compliance checks at various outlets. The public is advised to avoid drinking and driving and to report any suspicious activities to the Crime Stop hotline. The Commissioner’s plea emphasizes the importance of celebrating prudently and with care, while still enjoying the festivities safely.
The murder of Lulama Dinginto, a 56yearold woman, has shaken the community of Gugulethu, South Africa. She was brutally murdered in her bathroom with multiple gunshot wounds. The police are actively seeking the public’s help in their ongoing investigation and offering a reward of R50,000 for any leads that result in the capture of those involved in Dinginto’s murder. The community is in fear and outrage, and the SAPS is determined to bring the culprits to justice and restore peace to Gugulethu.
Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen, conducted surprise visits to South African Police Service (SAPS) stations on the West Coast to ensure strict adherence to standard operating procedures (SOP). Between June 5 and 6, 2023, the minister visited various stations prompted by concerning crime statistics released a week ago. It has been reported that some SAPS stations are not conducting their parades and handovers according to prescribed SOPs.
The City of Cape Town has recently launched its Energy Safety Team on May 24, 2023, to safeguard its electricity infrastructure. The initiative, led by Councillor Beverley van Reenen and Alderman JP Smith, aims to collaborate with law enforcement agencies and the South African Police Service (SAPS) to focus on the protection of the City’s electricity infrastructure in the metro.
In a tragic incident on Wednesday afternoon in Ocean View, Cape Town, two elderly brothers were brutally attacked by a group of men. Gerald and James Geldenhuis were trying to help strangers requesting water and cigarettes when they fell victim to a vicious robbery. Gerald, just three days before his 84th birthday, died as a result of the attack, while James, aged 73, suffered severe stab wounds and was rushed to the hospital.
The Western Cape Government (WCG) and City of Cape Town (CoCT) are mourning the death of LEAP officer Siphelo Magwa. The 25yearold officer was a victim of a fatal shooting in Crossroads during his offduty hours. He was with his brother and another individual in a vehicle when they were ambushed by three assailants who fired multiple rounds, leaving all three dead at the scene. Magwa had been stationed in the unit at Mitchells Plain and was a committed LEAP officer.
Recent revelations about firearm management in South Africa have raised concerns about public safety. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has not destroyed a single confiscated firearm in the first quarter of 2023 according to Alderman JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security. This alarming information highlights the critical issue of firearm management and its potential dangers to public safety.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has successfully brought down a ruthless serial rapist who used Facebook to target and exploit young women. Khululekani Justin Ngqeza, aged 36, has been handed multiple life terms and an additional 280 years imprisonment by the Makhanda High Court for his heinous crimes.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Limpopo successfully conducted a road freight operation resulting in the arrest of 26 individuals. These individuals were aged between 19 and 45 and had committed various offenses. The operation took place on Friday, 12 May 2023, along the R555 road in Sekhukhune, which is a part of the Burgersfort policing area.