APRIL 2019 | FREE

POLICEYOUR OFFICIAL FREE SAPS MAGAZINE

#QuietStormO N A J O U R N E Y T O A S A F E R S O U T H A F R I C A

GUN DESTRUCTION

01POLICEThe POLICE magazine is published by the Publications and Broadcast Section of Corporate Communication.

HEAD: CORPORATE COMMUNICATION Maj Gen SA de Beer

SUB-SECTION HEAD: INTERNAL PUBLICATIONS Col Linda van den Berg 012 393 7075

SUBEDITOR Lt Col Fundiswa Maphanga-Nkosi 012 393 7104

JOURNALISTS: Lt Col Erica Holtzhausen 012 393 7106

Capt Keitumetse Mmushi 012 393 7138

Capt Vincent Mukhathi 012 393 7088

Capt Kgabo Mashamaite 012 393 7151

WO Percy Sepaela 012 393 7108

LAYOUT WO Henk Venter

COVER WO Ndanduleni Nyambeni

PHOTOGRAPHERS: WO Theo van Wyk 012 393 7103

WO Ndanduleni Nyambeni 012 393 7279

LANGUAGE EDITING BY: Lt Col Ilze-Mari Visagie Capt Maurene Claasens

SAPS POLICE ONLINE: Lt Col Johan Heüer 012 393 7030 heuer@saps.gov.za

REPUBLISHING Permission to republish articles contained in the POLICE may be obtained from the Head: Corporate Communication. The opinions expressed in the POLICE are not necessarily those of the Head: Corporate Communication, his staff or of the POLICE authorities.

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COPYRIGHT POLICE Copyright reserved

CONTENTS

www.saps.gov.za

@ SAPoliceService

South African Police Service (SAPS Official Page)

The entire Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster has joined hands to ensure that the sixth democratic elections are held in a peaceful environment. Plans

on how various law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders will facilitate free and fair elections on 8 May 2019 are detailed in a state-of-readiness article on page three. Safety measures are already put in place and will continue to be in place post-election day.

In efforts to ensure that the country’s taxes are put to good use, the South African Police Service (SAPS) is continuously working to provide each community with a police station, high quality services, and respectable, upright police officers as outlined in the National Development Plan of 2030. Read about how the newly opened police station in Mareetsane and Dube will better the lives of members of the community on pages four to six.

In line with the SAPS’s Youth Crime Prevention Strategy, the Junior Commissioner’s and Safer Schools projects are making gains in increasing safety and

02 National Commissioner’s Message

03 Elections 2019

04 New Police Stations

08 National Junior Commissioner Project

09 Safety in Schools

10 Easter Celebrations

12 Firearm Destruction

13 Stop Aggressive Driving

14 EHW - Alcohol and Pregnancy

16 Flash News

18 ID Theft

20 Viva Fitness

21 Missing Persons

22 Wanted Persons

Major General Sally de Beer

mobilising crime prevention tactics in schools around the country. The Eastern Cape Junior Commissioner worked with sister departments to educate pupils about crime prevention (p 8), while the Brits Cluster police station and their Community Policing Forums conducted searches at their respective local schools (p 9) to better pupils’ learning environments.

Speaking of safety, we recently destroyed thousands of seized, forfeited, and surrendered firearms (p 12) because 30 000 firearms destroyed means 30 000 firearms that cannot be used to commit crime. We have also included an article on aggressive driving (p 13) with the anticipation that the tips given will keep you safe on our roads. While the article on ID Theft (pp 18 – 19) will keep you safe on the virtual streets.

Once again we laud our men in blue who are incorruptible (p 17) work tirelessly to keep us and our belongings safe (p16) and bring criminals to book. The good work our police officers do and the time they sacrifice to do it will never go unnoticed, which is why we always thank them and pray for their safety as well as the safety of their loves ones they leave at home to serve the nation (pp 10 – 11) all the time.

POLICEAPRIL 201902 03POLICE APRIL 2019

ON A JOURNEY TO A SAFER SOUTH AFRICA #FightingCrime

NATIONAL COMMISSIONER’S MESSAGE

GENERAL KHEHLA JOHN SITOLE

We remain resolute in our fight against the proliferation of illegal firearms and will continue to actively detect illegal and obsolete firearms for destruction, audit our stockpiles regularly, as well as keeping meticulous records at our Central Firearm Registry to illuminate the threat that firearms pose to the safety of our communities.

Policing is an essential service. The inhabitants of this country rely on police officers to maintain law and order, and therefore, we are not allowed to strike. We value each and every one of our members and do not want to see any police officer out of a job, but we cannot allow the very people tasked to uphold the law, to break it.

So far, 11 police officers have been dismissed for participating in unprotected industrial action, three in KwaZulu-Natal and eight in the Eastern Cape. It is distressing to have to institute disciplinary actions against our own men and women in blue, but we have to as no one is above the law and that the law clearly states that police officers may not strike.

The grievances of our members are important to us and are being attended to. We urge members to use our internal tried and tested channels to air their grievances. We will not tolerate members holding the organisation and the country at ransom. In as much as we will lambaste members, who operate outside the confines of the law, we will also do everything in our power to protect them from law breakers. The recent murder of Lieutenant Colonel Fana Simon Maseko in his driveway in Witbank and Detective Thandoluhle “Ndo” Mhlongo of the Kranskop Police Station, as well as the brutal attack on police officers conducting school safety campaigns at schools, will not go unpunished.

We are working tirelessly to bring the perpetrators of these and other crimes against our police officers to book. No stone will be left unturned until justice is served because these acts are acts against the authority of the South African Police Service and, by extension, the State. Attacks on our police officers will be investigated thoroughly and punished severely.

We are continuously working towards bringing our police services closer to the community. This is being done through the refurbishment and building of new police stations in mostly rural areas, where one police station is serving lots of people who often have to travel long distances to obtain assistance – thereby putting a strain on victims of crime and State resources.

The recent official opening of the Dube, Mareetsane, and Mount Fletcher Police Stations, among others, envisages to enhance service delivery by providing sufficient police officers and resources to serve the varying needs of communities to decrease crime.

At a media briefing held at the South African Police Service (SAPS)’s Tshwane Academy

on 12 April 2019, the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster assured voters that there would be strict security at the sixth national, general elections.

The Minister of Police, honourable Bheki Cele, flanked by the Minister of State Security, Ms Dipuo Letsatsi-Duba, and the National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Khehla Sitole, declared that the general elections would be held safely and

freely on 8 May 2019.

“As the JCPS cluster, we are committed to ensuring the safety of all voters at all voting stations countrywide. We declare that, as a cluster, we are operationally ready to carry out our mandate of ensuring a safe and secure environment for free and fair elections,” said Minister Cele.

He also vowed that, as the security cluster, safety and security in the country remained their priority before, during and after the elections.

“We have the responsibility to contribute to free, safe and secure elections by destablishing security measures, limiting the probability of incidents occurring, and limiting the impact of any incident through contingency planning. The SAPS will increase police visibility through the focused deployment of personnel throughout the country during the build-up to the election, on the day of the election, and the period after the election,” said Minister Cele.

He also warned that law enforcement agencies would not allow community protests or shutdowns to deter fellow

By Capt Vincent Mukhathi Photographs by WO Ndanduleni Nyambeni

SECURITY CLUSTER PLEDGES MAXIMUM

SECURITY FOR 2019 ELECTIONS

The Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, flanked by the Minister of State Security Agency, Dipuo Letsatsi-Duba (Left) and the National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Khehla Sitole (Right) during the media briefing.

South Africans from exercising their democratic right to cast their votes safely and freely.

“All 22 924 voting stations in the country will be accessible to everyone. No protests nor shutdowns will prevent South Africans from exercising their Constitutional, democratic right to vote for the party of their choice,” said Minister Cele.

Through its intelligence structures, the cluster identified a number of hotspots and potentially volatile areas that will be monitored continuously.

“We will continue to deal decisively with the so-called ‘no-go areas’. These areas will be targeted through intensified operations, informed by thorough analysis and intelligence-based deployment,” said Minister Cele.

Echoing the same sentiments on hotspot areas and community protests, Minister Letsatsi-Duba said: “Our plan is to have visible policing in hotspot areas. We are not going to tolerate any criminals to hide behind genuine community protests. People will be arrested and immediately prosecuted,” she said.

Lastly, Minister Cele urged all South Africans to play their role in building the country, not only by exercising their democratic right to vote, but also by conducting themselves in an orderly and responsible manner.

“As the security cluster, we therefore urge every citizen of this country to act responsibly, observe the laws of the country, and cooperate fully with all law enforcement agencies,” said Minister Cele.

We are about to conduct our sixth democratic National Elections. The Justice, Crime

Prevention and Security Cluster joined forces to ensure a safe environment for all South Africans to exercise their Constitutional right and cast their vote. No lawlessness will be tolerated.

Ample police officers will be deployed at all voting stations and intelligence-led operations will be conducted at the identified so-called ‘no-go areas’ prior to, during, and after the elections. We also have 5 000 reservists and police trainees each, that can be called up as force multipliers, should the need arise.

Our continued efforts to reduce crime include the destruction of firearms as close to half of the violent crimes are perpetrated using firearms. We want to limit the use of firearms to kill, injure and intimidate people. We recently destroyed over 30 000 firearms that were seized, forfeited and surrendered. Pistols, shotguns, rifles, home-made guns and other firearms underwent a recycling steel process at Arcelor Mittal in Vereeniging.

The community supported our vision of getting firearms of our streets as about two thirds of the destroyed firearms were surrendered by community members of their own volition. We call on other firearm owners to hand in their unwanted firearms, including estate firearms.

POLICEAPRIL 201904 05POLICE APRIL 2019

NEW POLICE STATION

After a long wait, Mareetsane, a rural village about 70 km from Mahikeng, North West,

finally officially opened the doors of its new state-of-the-art police station on 10 April 2019, amid rain and thunder.

In his remarks, the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Khehla Sitole, said that the opening of Mareetsane Police Station would lead to the enhancement of service delivery and urged members to work hard for the community. “Let us serve our community, and be proud,” he said.

General Sitole also urged the community to monitor police officials and pledged to further capacitate the police station, serving with the minimum required resources, so that it would meet the specific needs of the community.

In his message of support, the Provincial Chairperson of the Community Police Forum, Mr Dixon Ngamlane, said that the community would now have access to essential services and encouraged them to take up their responsibility of being involved in crime prevention. However, he also cautioned against vigilantism.

In line with the Junior Commissioner’s Project’s principle of ensuring the participation of the youth in matters that affect their well-being, the Junior Provincial Commissioner of the North West, Ms Jennifer Dube, said that she was proud to be part of the event.

“Our nation is trapped like a mouse in a cat’s den due to crime,” she said during her message of support. She pleaded that the community work in cooperation with the police, “because united, we will stand”.

In his address, the Premier of the North West, Professor Job Mokgoro, said that the opening of the police station was a milestone for the community and that it brought hope that the fight against stock theft would intensify as the community of Mareetsane was very dependent on farming.

The Minister of Police, honourable Bheki Cele, said that the rain on the day was a good omen as rain meant wealth. His first order to the members of the police station was to

By Col Adéle Myburgh Photographs by Sipho Mpomane

build bridges with the community as crime fighting was a collaborative effort.

Minister Cele highlighted that a large number of housebreakings were reported in Mareetsane, and urged the community to stop buying stolen goods to curb this crime, because criminals stole to sell.

In conclusion, Minister Cele informed the audience that the abuse of children and women would not be tolerated, instructed police officers not to negotiate in incidents of abuse, and urged parents to take up their responsibility to protect all children.

As part of the ceremony, 30 Years’ Loyal Service Medals were awarded to SAPS’s members, including the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in the North West, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane. Food parcels were also handed over to 47 needy families.

The unveiling of the plaque preceded the various speeches and the event ended with Minister Cele and his entourage, which included the Deputy National Commissioners, Kgosi Motshegare, and Ratlou Local Municipality’s Executive Mayor, Tebogo Modise, touring the state-of-the-art police station.

OFFICIAL OPENING OF

MAREETSANE POLICE STATION

POLICEAPRIL 201906 07POLICE APRIL 2019

EXCITEMENT AS NEW

DUBE POLICE STATION OPENS IN WINTERVELDT

NEW POLICE STATION

Residents of Winterveldt could not hide their excitement as the new state-of-the-art

Dube Police Station was officially opened by the Minister of Police, honourable Bheki Cele, on 26 April 2019.

There was loud ululation and applause as Minister Cele and Gauteng’s Premier, Mr David Makhura, unveiled the plaque and cut the ribbon when officially handing over the new police station, under the command of Captain Portia Malatsi, to the community.

One of the residents, Mr Peter Mnisi, applauded the government for building the new police station, saying that the move would boost the fight against crime, limit the need for people to travel long distances to get help, and improve service delivery in the area.

By Capt Vincent Mukhathi Photographs by WO Ndanduleni Nyambeni

“We are very happy about the new police station, the new vehicles that were handed over to police officers, and the additional police officers deployed here, because it means that we will get much needed help from the police. We hope that all will go well at this police station, and we will also help reduce crime by working with the police, the Community Policing Forum, as well as the community patrollers,” said Mr Mnisi.

The Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, Ms Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane, urged Winterveldt residents to look after their police station.

“We do not want to see this building demolished or burnt down in the name of so-called service delivery protests. The success of this newly built police station will be measured by the improvement of safety in this community, and we expect people in this area to take ownership of this police station by protecting it,” said Ms Nkosi-Malobane.

Echoing the same sentiments in his keynote address, Minister Cele warned the community not to burn down the police station, but to protect it and work with the police in fighting crime.

“We will not come here to reconstruct the police station if you burn it down. This station is being handed over to the community, it belongs to you, not to the police, so please take care of it,” said Minister Cele.

He also warned members against abusing State vehicles and other resources. He then assured community members that the station had ample resources to fight crime, as well as improve safety and security in the area. Concluding his address, Minister Cele urged community members to stop protecting criminals from the police and work with the police to fight crime in their area and report criminals.

From Left to Right: Gauteng Premier, David Makhura, and the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, unveiling a plaque during the officially opening of Dube Police Station in Winterveldt.

POLICEAPRIL 201908 09POLICE APRIL 2019

By Const Vusumzi Mkhetshane

The South African Police Service (SAPS)’s Eastern Cape Junior Commissioners joined

the Department of Safety and Liaison in the implementation of the ’Thuma Mina’ programme, that took place at the University of Fort Hare in Alice, in the Eastern Cape from 16 to 18 March 2019.

The SAPS’s junior leadership was among high profile figures such as the MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison (DSSL), Ms Weziwe Tikana; the Mayor of Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality, Councillor Bandile Kethelo; the Acting Head of the DSSL, Mr Zukile Kani and the SAPS’s Eastern Cape Provincial Head for Visible Policing, Brigadier Malibongwe Ntsabo.

The programme aimed at educating young people about crime-related activities. The programme included a door-to-door campaign, which was conducted in the Ntselamanzi, Hillcrest, Khayamnandi, and Phumlani townships. The local taxi rank was also paid a visit. During these campaigns, community members were given an opportunity to voice their challenges and suggestions relating to crime and service delivery by the SAPS, as well as the Department of Safety and Liaison.

The Junior Commissioners also engaged in presentations and dialogue. Divided into four groups, the young leaders debated on issues relating to drug and alcohol abuse, school dropouts, the community’s perception of the police, and police conduct.

NATIONAL JUNIOR COMMISSIONER PROJECT

SAPS JUNIOR COMMISSIONERS

HELP BUILDING SAFER COMMUNITIES

In her speech, the Junior Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Human Resource Management, Ms Ngcwelekazi Dlanjwa, called on community members to respect the law and encouraged young people to not use illegal drugs or abuse alcohol.

“Citizens must stop protecting criminals in their areas, they must act as whistle blowers so that the perpetrators can be brought to book. Absenteeism, alcohol and drug abuse are some of the factors that contribute to the high rate of school dropouts and crimes perpetrated by the youth. We must work with the government to fight crime, poverty, and unemployment,” she said.

In her keynote address, MEC Tikana called on local councillors and the community to join hands with the police in the fight against crime. “Local councillors must adopt the Junior Commissioner Project and use the young blood to steer the ship in the right direction. Fighting crime is a collaborative effort,” she said.

BRITS CLUSTER PROPAGATING

SAFETY IN SCHOOLSBy SAC Nkabinde

One of the primary issues that poses a challenging in the learning environment, is the shocking, violent crimes that are committed by learners.

There have been appalling incidents of violence in and around school premises where dangerous weapons such as knives, were used to hurt and even kill fellow learners and teachers.

Therefore the South African Police Service’s Social Crime Prevention members from various police stations in the Brits Cluster, embarked on a mission to increase safety in

schools.

During the first week of March, Cyferskuil’s Social Crime Prevention Section and its Community Policing Forum (CPF) conducted a school search at the local Utsane and Gaseitsiwi High Schools. Following suit, the Hebron Police Station and its CPF conducted a gate search at Hebron

Technical School on 11 March 2019, where learners were searched when they entered the main gate of the school.

The Letlhabile Police Station also conducted a search at their local high school, Ikatisong Secondary School, where they found that two learners had knives with them. These learners’ parents were called to the school, and the learners were suspended immediately.

The Acting Cluster Community Policing Officer of Brits, Constable Portia Mello, said it had become imperative to conduct gate searches at schools in order to seize illegal substances such as drugs, and curb violent activities such as stabbings, which are more often than not fatal.

The Acting Cluster Commander of Brits, Brigadier Johan Marx, emphasised that the police were mandated, by their call to service, to create a safe learning environment in order for learners to focus on their education without having to be fearful for their safety.

POLICEAPRIL 201910 11POLICE APRIL 2019

SAPS MEMBERS CELEBRATE EASTER By Capt Vincent Mukhathi Photographs by WO Ndanduleni Nyambeni

South African Police Service (SAPS) members joined the rest of the world to celebrate

Easter in remembrance of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection, to mark the complete redemption of Christians all over the world .

The Spiritual Services Section, under the Employee Health and Wellness (EHW) Component, held an Easter Celebration Service at the SAPS Tshwane Academy on 16 April 2019. The service, with the theme: Salvation for All, aimed at celebrating this historic and remarkable event with all Christian employees in the organisation.

The service started with a procession, led by Captain (Pastor) Dawie Fourie carrying a cross, from the SAPS Tshwane Academy’s main entrance to the church. This procession symbolised the road that Jesus Christ walked, while bearing His cross, to His crucifixion at Golgotha on our behalf.

In her welcoming address, the Section Head for Spiritual Services, Brigadier (Reverend) Sthembiso Shobede-Nkosi, told members that while celebrating Easter, they had to keep in mind that God had provided salvation for all.

“God sacrificed His son, Jesus Christ. Christ bore the cross and was crucified for our sins. As EHW, we saw it fit to come together to celebrate the love that God showed and keeps showing us,” said Brigadier (Reverend) Sthembiso Shobede-Nkosi.

Speaking at the service, the Head of EHW, Major General Busi Temba, said that the congregation had to pray for the SAPS’s members who were unable to attend, as well as for their families and the broader South Africa.

“We should celebrate with all members who are out there serving our nation. We are aware that members are facing many challenges, especially now that we are heading

Captain (Rev) Dawie Fourie carrying the cross during a procession from the SAPS Tshwane Academy’s main entrance to the church building.

toward the national elections. Let us claim their lives and cover them with prayer as they perform their duties and give our communities hope for a safer South Africa.”

Encouraging congregants, Major General Temba said: “Let us go out there, offer our services, and dedicate our lives to our communities with the full knowledge that Christ died to save us, and His blood is forever protecting us.”

Warrant Officer (Reverend) Montle Nketle based his Easter sermon on two Scriptures that focused on what happened immediately after Jesus’ death.

Mathew, Chapter 27 verse 54: “When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, ‘Surely he was the Son of God!’”. As well as Mark, Chapter 15 verses 37 to 39: “With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, ”Surely this man was the Son of God!”.

In his sermon, Warrant Officer (Reverend) Montle Nketle emphasised the importance of being a born-again Christian, and said: “When you have come to the cross, you cannot leave as the same person.”

Before the service ended, the congregation lit candles and, led by Lieutenant Colonel (Pastor) Nokuthula Mokoena, prayed for Easter, safety on the roads, peace for the country, wisdom and understanding for the management of the SAPS, as well as the protection of members while performing their duties.

The congregation, led by the SAPS’s band, also joined together in song and worship to connect with God’s spirit.The Head of Psychological Services, Brigadier Reabetsoe Lenono, wrapped up the service with a powerful Easter message emphasising the importance of all Christians letting their light shine in the country.

She also explained that Easter was a time for reflection and introspection, urging all members to carry the spirit of forgiveness. “We cannot celebrate the sharing of the blood on Calvary while harbouring hatred and bitterness. Forgive, for you have also been forgiven – for free, as a result of God’s grace.” said Brigadier Lenono.

POLICEAPRIL 201912 13POLICE APRIL 2019

STOP AGGRESSIVE DRIVING Aggressive driving is a major concern and a

real threat to the safety of all road users. Any unsafe driving behaviour performed deliberately and with ill intention or disregard for safety, can constitute aggressive driving. In extreme cases, this may escalate to road rage, which is a violent, criminal act involving the intention to cause physical harm.

Here are a few tips on how to deal with aggressive drivers, as well as helpful hints to reduce your own stress while driving:

• Protect yourself

• NEVER underestimate the other driver’s capacity for causing harm.

• Avoid any conflict, if possible.• Avoid making eye contact with an aggressive driver.• Be polite and courteous, even if the other driver is

not. • If another driver challenges you, take a deep breath

and move out of the way.

You can set a good example, which can help make our roads saferFor more information on vehicle safety, please visit: http://www.saps.gov.za/alert/safety_awareness_vehicle.php…

• If you are dealing with an aggressive driver, make sure your car’s doors are locked.

• If you are stopped in the traffic, leave enough room to pull out from behind the car you are following.

• If an aggressive driver confronts you, call 10111 or drive to the nearest police station.

• Be a courteous driver

• Do not make obscene gestures.• Do not tailgate.• Use your horn sparingly — even a polite honk can

be misinterpreted.• Do not block the passing lane.

• Reduce your own stress

• Understand that you cannot control the traffic, only your reaction to it.

• In the end, you may find that personal frustration, anger and impatience are the real danger zones on the highway. Control your anger.

By Internal Communication Photographs by WO Ndanduleni Nyambeni

EVERY FIREARM DESTROYED IS A WEAPON THAT CAN NO LONGER BE USED FOR CRIME

“More than half of the firearms destroyed, were voluntarily surrendered by members

of the community,” said the Minister of Police, honourable Bheki Cele, at the recent destruction of firearms at Arcelor Mittal in Vereeniging, Gauteng.

Minister Cele and the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Khehla Sitole, witnessed more than 30 000 seized, surrendered, and forfeited firearms undergo the more than 100° steel recycling process.

An assortment of firearms, including shotguns, rifles, AK-47s, Uzi automatic guns, 38 pistols, 9 mm pistols, various forms of home-made guns and other firearms, were destroyed.

Speaking to the media, Minister Cele said that the SAPS would engage with all other stakeholders involved to ensure that firearms were destroyed more often. He further said that working with General Sitole, measures were being implemented to reduce the period between destructions.

“We are looking forward to destroying the next batch of more than 60 000 firearms, and we will destroy them in no time at all. We do not want to keep these guns for too long because keeping them for long opens doors for criminal minds,” said Minister Cele.

He added that many of the firearms were legal, but fell in the hands of criminals who broke into legal owners’ houses or murdered police officials to rob them of their firearms.Minister Cele explained that it would be better to have a South Africa where only armed forces and no private citizens, were allowed to carry guns.

Asked which province contributed the most firearms, Minister Cele said that the report showed that Gauteng had the largest number of firearms seized through police interventions.

General Sitole called on community members who wished to surrender their firearms, including firearms in the estates of deceased family members, to do so freely.

“Every firearm that is destroyed, is a weapon that is no longer available to be used to commit crime against law-abiding citizens, and the destruction means that the streets are becoming safer, thanks to the hardworking men and women in blue and community members who voluntarily surrendered their firearms,” said General Sitole.

Asked about the process to surrender a firearm, General Sitole said people only had to take their firearm and licence to the nearest police station. If the firearm belonged to a deceased person, their death certificate, firearm licence and the weapon must be submitted to the designated firearm officer for further processing.

For more information on the Firearm Control Act, please visit: https://www.saps.gov.za/services/flash/firearms/legislation/gov_notice_english.pdf.

POLICEAPRIL 201914 15POLICE APRIL 2019

EHW EHW

Pregnancy can be an exciting period for most women and families as they await the ‘gift’ that brings hope and unity. Mishaps during this period are possible, especially

to the awaited baby. It is sad that some complications are caused by the pregnant mother by drinking alcohol during pregnancy, as alcohol can have detrimental effects on the baby and cause him/her to be born with birth defects and developmental disabilities. In fact, alcohol (beer, wine, hard liquor) is the leading cause of preventable birth defects and developmental disabilities.

If you need support or further information about substance-related matters, feel free to contact the divisional or provincial social worker OR the Substance Dependency Desk team members at:

Lt Col TL Mathole: 012 393 5232/MatholeT@saps.gov.zaCapt S Manyike: 012 393 5173 Capt D Tshivhase: 012 393 5234WO BV Tshetlanyane: 012 393 5177/TshetlanyaneB@saps.gov.zaWO LN Mthimkhulu: 012 393 5203/MthimkhuluL@saps.gov.za Social Work Services standby number: 082 301 2138

References: Mary L Gavin, KidsHealthNational Organization on Foetal Alcohol SyndromeMEDICLINIC INFOHUB

ALCOHOL AND PREGNANCY

Babies exposed to alcohol in the womb, can develop Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). These disorders include a wide range of physical, behavioural and learning problems. The most severe type of FASD is Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), which is caused by heavy drinking during pregnancy. A developing baby is exposed to the same

concentration of alcohol as the mother during pregnancy. Any amount of alcohol, even the alcohol in one glass of wine, passes through the placenta from the mother to the growing baby in her womb. It makes no difference if the alcoholic drink consumed is a beer, a glass of wine, a distilled spirit, or liquor such as vodka.

How FAS affects babies

• Poor growth – low birth weight and small-sized head• Birth defects – heart, bone and kidney problems• Seizures and other neurological problems – such as

poor balance and coordination• Brain damage – reduction in the overall brain size of

the baby• Delayed development – children may not reach

milestones at the expected time• Behavioural problems – fussiness, jitteriness, and

trouble sleeping.

These problems can be prevented by not drinking any alcohol during pregnancy.

Do not drink if you are trying to get pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Common myths about FAS

Myth: My friends or family members drank a bit and their children are fine.Truth: Every pregnancy is different. Not everyone who drinks while pregnant will have a child with measurable problems at birth, adolescence or even adulthood, just like not every cigarette smoker will develop lung cancer. The fact remains that alcohol is toxic to a developing baby. Why take the risk?

Myth: On a holiday or special occasion, it is perfectly fine to at least have a few celebratory sips.Truth: The human body functions the same, whether it is a holiday or not. Alcohol does not lose its toxicity in utero because it happens to be a holiday/special occasion.

Myth: One glass of wine is not enough for the developing baby to even be exposed to the alcohol.Truth: A developing baby is exposed to the same concentration of alcohol as the mother during pregnancy. There is no threshold of prenatal alcohol consumption below which the baby is not exposed to.

Myth: You have to be an alcoholic to drink enough to cause real damage.Truth: It does not matter what amount of alcohol you have consumed. Drinking during pregnancy can harm your unborn baby.

Myth: Alcohol can only cause physical deformities. If the baby looks normal, it must be fine.

Truth: The majority of children with characteristics or disabilities from prenatal alcohol exposure, have no physical birth defects, only cognitive and/ or behavioural ones. There is a wide range of effects, and most subtle behavioural and cognitive difficulties are rarely diagnosed as alcohol-related.

How much alcohol is TOO much?There is no known safe amount of alcohol to drink during pregnancy. Any amount of alcohol can harm a developing fetus and increase the risk of miscarriage. The guidance to abstain from alcohol when pregnant, is not intended to interfere with a woman’s lifestyle choice to consume alcohol or in any way judge a woman for choosing to enjoy her favourite alcoholic beverage. It is intended to eliminate the chance of her baby having even the slightest reduction in their intellectual and physical abilities.

Pregnant women are also advised to STOP SMOKING.

POLICEAPRIL 201916 17POLICE APRIL 2019

FLASH NEWS FLASH NEWS

The South African Police Service (SAPS) made a major breakthrough in curbing

rhino poaching when they secured 500 years’ imprisonment for three suspects in the Grahamstown High Court.

Forget Ndlovu aged 43, Jabulani Ndlovu aged 41, and Sikhumbuzo Ndlovu aged 40, were arrested at the Makana Resort in Grahamstown on 17 June 2016. The arrest was the direct result of Operation Full Moon, which mainly focused on curbing rhino poaching incidents in the Eastern Cape.

The following items were found and seized during the arrest:

• One freshly harvested 72 cm rhino horn valued at approximately R1,2 million

• One darting rifle• Saws and knives• Animal tranquilisers• Various darts and percussion caps• A variety of camping gear and rations• Several cell phones • Two rental vehicles.

A team of investigating officers under the leadership of Captain Morne Viljoen, investigated the case and linked the suspects to 10 more rhino poaching incidents perpetrated in the Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal from 2013 to 2016. The trio was later convicted and sentenced to

Two members from the Balfour Police Station, Constables Vuyi Mqhwathi and

Mandla Khumalo, proved themselves beyond reproach when they refused a R42 000 bribe from a suspect in their custody.

The two members were on duty doing routine patrols when they spotted a white Toyota double cab without a registration number, parked near the gate of a gold mine. They approached the vehicle and interviewed the driver, who claimed to be conducting a site inspection on behalf of a security company based in Nigel, Gauteng. The two astute officers called the security company to verify this, but the security company denied the 38-year-old man’s claim. The members then took him to the police station to charge him for impersonating a security officer.

While on their way to the police station, the suspect reportedly took out R2 000 from a plastic bag and offered it to them in exchange for his freedom, but the members refused it. Closer to the police station, the suspect took out a larger amount, later calculated to be a whopping R40 000, and offered it to the police in exchange for his freedom. The incorruptible members stood their ground and instead of taking the bribe, booked the money in the Exhibit Register and laid an additional charge of bribery against the suspect.

The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Mondli Zuma, said that the members did exactly what is expected from every member of the organisation. “The members should continue being true to the oath they took and work to protect their community,” he said.

500 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR RHINO POACHERS

MPUMALANGA POLICE

INCORRUPTIBLEBy Brig Leonard HlathiBy Col Sibongile Soci

Photographs by Ms Susan Scott

500 years’ imprisonment to be served concurrently for 55 separate counts that included theft, the illegal possession of medicine, the unlawful possession of firearms, and rhino poaching.

Delivering the sentence, Judge Jeremy Pickering said: “When making the decision, I considered that the suspects did not show remorse, that they refused to cooperate with the court, as well as the fact that they were motivated by greed and the pursuit of financial gains,” he said.

Judge Pickering also expressed disappointment that one of the accused was a qualified field guard (game ranger) who was expected to protect animals. He concluded by touching on the horrific injuries suffered by the rhinos, alluding that the animals died a traumatic and very painful death, and bled profusely.

“I had to consider the interests of the community, and I am confident that this sentence will be a deterrent to anyone considering committing a similar offence,” he said.

The Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga, congratulated the investigating team for their meticulousness and their seamless collaboration with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), which led to the lengthy prison term.

“The sentence is the outcome of the SAPS’s unwavering commitment to the fight against wildlife crimes, which

is interlinked with organised crime. The diligence and commitment of the investigating officers and other specialised disciplines of the SAPS, as well as the NPA, did not go unnoticed in this landmark case,” she said.

She added: “I am also elated that the three suspects were stopped in their tracks. The Eastern Cape has not had an incident of rhino poaching with the same modus operandi since the trio’s arrest. We will continue to arrest rhino poachers until we break the backbone of rhino poaching.”

POLICEAPRIL 201918 19POLICE APRIL 2019

By Lt Col Erica Holtzhausen Credits to Internet Wikipedia and the South African Fraud Prevention Services (SAFPS)

IDENTITY THEFT

Identity theft is the deliberate use of someone else’s identity, usually as a method to gain

a financial advantage or obtain credit and other benefits in the other person’s name, and sometimes to the other person’s disadvantage or loss. The person whose identity has been assumed, may suffer adverse consequences, especially if they are held responsible for the perpetrator’s conduct.

The term identity theft was coined in 1964. Since then, the definition of identity theft has been statutorily described as the theft of personally identifying information, generally including a person’s name, date of birth, ID number, passport number, driver’s licence, pay slips, bank account or credit card numbers, municipality statements, telephone records, PIN numbers, electronic signatures, fingerprints, passwords, or any other information that can be used to access a person’s financial resources.

Types of identity theft

Identity theft can be divided into five categories:

· Criminal identity theft - posing as another person when apprehended for a crime

· Financial identity theft - using another’s identity to obtain credit, goods and services

· Identity cloning - using another’s information to assume his or her identity in daily life

· Medical identity theft - using another’s identity to obtain medical care or drugs

· Child identity theft.

Identity theft may be used to facilitate or fund other crimes, including illegal immigration, terrorism, phishing and espionage. There are cases of identity cloning to attack payment systems, including online credit card processing and medical insurance.

Identity cloning and concealment

In this situation, the identity thief impersonates someone else in order to conceal their own, true identity. Examples are illegal immigrants hiding their illegal status, people hiding from creditors or other individuals, and those who simply want to become ‘anonymous’ for personal reasons. Unlike identity theft used to obtain credit which is usually discovered when the debt mounts, concealment may continue indefinitely without being detected, particularly if the identity thief is able to obtain false credentials in order to pass various authentication tests in everyday life.

Techniques that identity thieves use for obtaining and exploiting the personal information of other people

Identity thieves typically obtain and exploit personally identifiable information about individuals, or various credentials they use to authenticate themselves, in order to impersonate them. The following are examples:

· Rummaging through rubbish for personal information

· Retrieving personal data from redundant IT equipment and storage media including PCs, servers, PDAs, mobile phones, USBs, memory sticks and hard drives that have been disposed of carelessly at public dump sites, given away or sold without having been properly sanitised

· Stealing bank cards or credit cards, identification cards, passports, authentication tokens – typically by pickpocketing, housebreaking or mail theft

· Common knowledge questioning schemes that offer account verification and compromise, for example ‘What is your mother’s maiden name?’, ‘What was your first car’s model?’, or ‘What was your first pet’s name? etc.

· Skimming information from bank or credit cards using compromised or hand-held card readers, and creating cloned cards

· Shoulder-surfing involves an individual who discreetly watches or hears others providing valuable personal information. This is especially done in crowded places, because it is relatively easy to observe someone as they fill out forms, enter PIN numbers on ATMs or even type passwords on smartphones.

· Stealing personal information from computers using breaches in browser security, or by using malware such as Trojan horse, keystroke logging programs or other forms of spyware

· Hacking computer networks, systems and databases to obtain personal data, often in large quantities

· Advertising bogus job offers in order to accumulate résumés and applications, typically by disclosing applicants’ names, home and email addresses, telephone numbers and sometimes even their banking details

· Infiltrating organisations that store and process large volumes of particularly valuable, personal information

· Impersonating trusted organisations in emails, SMS text messages, phone calls or other forms of communication in order to fool victims into disclosing their personal information or login credentials, typically on a fake corporate website or data collection form (phishing)

· Browsing social networking websites for personal

details published by users, often using this information to appear more credible in subsequent social engineering activities

· Diverting victims’ email or post in order to obtain personal information and credentials such as credit cards, billing and bank/credit card statements, or to delay the discovery of new accounts and credit agreements opened by the identity thieves in the victims’ names

· Using false pretences to trick individuals, customer service representatives and help desk workers into disclosing personal information and login details or changing user passwords/access rights (pretexting)

· Low security/privacy protection on photographs that are easily clickable and downloaded on social networking sites

· Befriending strangers on social networks and taking advantage of their trust until private information is given.

Indicators that you may be a victim of identity theft

The majority of identity theft victims do not realise that they have become a victim until it has a negative impact on their lives. Many people do not find out that their identities have been stolen until they are contacted by financial institutions or discover suspicious activities on their bank accounts. It is therefore of great importance to watch out for warning signs that your identity has been compromised. The following are eleven indicators that someone else might be using your identity:

1. Credit or debit card charges for goods or services you are not aware of, including unauthorised withdrawals from your account

2. Receiving calls from credit or debit card fraud control department warning of possible suspicious activity on your credit card account

3. Receiving credit cards that you did not apply for

4. Receiving information that a credit scoring investigation was done. They are often done when a loan or phone subscription was applied for.

5. Identity theft criminals may commit crimes with your personal information. You may not realise this until you see the police at your door arresting you for crimes that you did not commit.

6. Sudden changes to your credit limit, may indicate that someone else is using your credit card/s.

7. Bills for services like water and electricity not arriving in time. This can be an indication that your mail was stolen or redirected.

8. Being not approved for loans because your credit report indicates that you are not creditworthy.

Individual identity protection

The acquisition of personal identifiers is made possible through serious breaches of privacy. For consumers, this is usually a result of them naively providing their personal information or login credentials to the identity thieves as a result of being fooled. Identity-related documents such as credit cards, bank statements, bills for water, electricity, sanitation, rates and taxes, as well as cheque books, may also be stolen from vehicles, homes, offices, post boxes or directly from victims by pickpockets and bag snatchers.

Identity thieves sometimes impersonate dead people, using personal information obtained from death notices, gravestones and other sources to exploit delays between the death and the closure of the person’s accounts, as well as the inattentiveness of grieving families and weaknesses in the processes for credit-checking. Such crimes may continue for some time until the deceased’s families or the authorities notice and respond to anomalies.

Fortunately identity theft protection/insurance services are available in South Africa. As a consumer, you have the right to one free credit report each year, from each credit bureau. You can use the reports from Transunion ITC, Compuscan, Experian and Xpert Decision System to check whether institutions have made enquiries about you.

Tips to prevent you becoming a victim of ID theft and ID fraud:

1. Shred all documents that contain your personal information, and do not throw anything away that someone could use to impersonate you.

2. Always remain alert at ATMs and ensure that nobody is attempting to gain access to your pin number.

3. Ensure that all your accounts have strong passwords that are not easy to decipher, and change them frequently.

4. Never respond to an email or sms that asks you to insert or update your personal or banking information. Rather copy and paste the link into your internet browser as this will ensure that you are accessing an authentic website.

5. Be very selective with the type of information that you share on social media sites, and use privacy settings.

6. Only carry identification documentation such as your passport or ID book when it is absolutely necessary, and keep it locked away when not in use.

What to do if you become a victim of personal information theft:

· Report the crime to the police immediately.

· Notify your bank, insurance company and other entities where you currently are a client.

· Notify the party that issues personal documents, such as the Department of Home Affairs for ID books and passports, and the Traffic and Licencing Department for driver’s licences.

· Contact the South African Fraud Prevention Services (SAFPS) for assistance if you are a victim of ID theft. The SAFPS helpline number is 0860 101248, the landline number is 011 867 2315 or send an email to safps@safps.org.za.

The SAFPS offers a free Protective Registration (PR) to members of the public. You have to request a Protective Registration application form from the SAFPS, complete it and send it back to SAFPS, with a letter from the company where you were impersonated.

Sources: Internet Wikipedia and the South African Fraud Prevention Services (SAFPS)

POLICEAPRIL 201920 21POLICE APRIL 2019

MISSING PERSONS

PLEASE HELP US LOCATE THEM…

The missing person left home and has not been seen since. He was wearing a green t-shirt, blue trousers and black sandals.

Park Road 1/4/2019Investigating Officer: Sgt ME BosmanTel: 051 503 2700

(15) Male

Last seen: 2019-03-31

RONALD SOLOMONS

The missing person left home and has not been seen since.

Vosloorus 8/2/2019Investigating Officer: Const MH MabokanoTel: 011 724 2618

(30) Male

Last seen: 2019-02-20

IBANATHI MRHAWUZELI

The missing person left home and has not been seen since. She was wearing blue jeans and a maroon t-shirt.

Plessislaer 2/4/2019Investigating Officer: Const SG Ngcobo Tel: 033 398 9614

(15) Female

Last seen: 2019-03-24

AKHONA MKHIZE/NENE

The missing person left home and has not been seen since. He was wearing a black t-shirt, black boots, blue trousers and a green cap.

Duduza 1/3/2019Investigating Officer: Sgt ZC MagwazaTel: 011 730 4733

(35) Male

Last seen: 2018-02-27

SIPHO VUSUMUZI HADEBE

The missing person left home and has not been seen since.

Vosloorus 12/3/2019Investigation Officer: Const MH MabokanoTel: 011 724 2618

(26) Female

Last seen: 2019-03-22

NOSIPHO NGCAKANE

The missing person was sent to a nearby shop in the area and has not been seen since. He was wearing a blue t-shirt, pink shoes and blue shorts.

Kagiso 30/3/2019Investigating Officer: Sgt TS AuTel: 011 951 1716

(11) Male

Last seen: : 2019-03-24

MBONGENI NCUBE

(40) Female

Last seen: 2017-10-10

ANGELIQUE PAULA MONICA VAN DER MERWE

The missing person left home and has not been seen since.

Benoni 1/11/2018Investigating Officer: WO CG Nienaber Tel: 011 747 0042

(41) Male

Last seen: 2018-11-06

JOHANNES HENDRIK DU PREEZ

The missing person was admitted to Dobsonville Clinic and has not been seen since. He was wearing brown trousers.

Dobsonville 4/3/2019 Investigating Officer: Const CA Mnisi Tel: 011 983 1550

(45) Male

Last seen: : 2019-03-15

MXOLISI TSATSA

The missing person left home without informing anyone where he was going and has not been seen since. He was wearing grey trousers and a black t-shirt.

Temba 6/3/2019Investigating Officer: WO ML MagampaTel: 012 717 9141

(70) Male

Last seen: 2019-02-24

THOMAS MAHLANGU

The missing person left home and has not been seen since. She was wearing beige trousers.

Benoni 2/1/2019Investigating Officer: WO CG NienaberTel: 011 747 0042

VIVA FITNESS

By PO Vuyokazi Nyamakazi

MEMBERS BREAK SA RECORDS IN CHAMPIONSHIP FOR DISABLED PERSONS

The South African Police Service (SAPS) strives toward diversifying its workforce.

People with disabilities are becoming increasingly integrated into the organisation.

In efforts to integrate persons living with disabilities, the organisation provides platforms to address and promote accessibility, as well as remove any barriers that people with disabilities face in communities.

As part of promoting accessibility to employees living with disabilities, the SAPS sponsored their participation in the South African National Championship for Physically Disabled Persons that was hosted by the Sports Association for the Physically Disabled in Stellenbosch from 15 to 21 March 2019.

Three SAPS athletes from the Eastern Cape competed in the championship, thereby making them eligible for selection to represent the SAPS in the World Championship that will be held in 2020.

Captain Langa, who is stationed in the Mdantsane Cluster, competed in the Class F34 discus, shot put and javelin; Principal Personnel Officer Camba, who is stationed in the King William’s Town Cluster, competed in the Class F43

discus, shot put and javelin; while Chief Call Centre Operator Mjekula, who is stationed in the Mthatha Cluster, competed in the Class F44 discus and shot put.

Captain Langa won two gold medals in shot put and javelin, and broke the South African record in both these sporting codes, while Principal Personnel Officer Camba broke the South African record in discus.

‘Through sports, we are united.’

RAPEUNKNOWN

Investigating Officer: Sgt PM Matsemela013 947 5426072 405 6767

22 POLICE APRIL 2019

MURDERXOLA NIKELO

Investigating Officer: Sgt K Mlonyeni021 380 6004/5

SAPS CRIME STOP

0 8 6 0 0 1 0 1 1 1OR

( YOU MAY REMAIN ANONYMOUS )

SMS INFORMATION TO CRIME LINE ON 32211

RAPEUNKNOWN

Investigating Officer: Sgt BS Nkadimeng013 655 5085072 888 1309

RAPEUNKNOWN

Investigating Officer: Sgt BS Nkadimeng013 655 5085072 888 1309

ROBBERYUNKNOWN

Investigating Officer: WO TM Sibeko017 843 2107079 989 4150

RAPEUNKNOWN

Investigating Officer: Sgt MC Maredi017 801 0500078 477 9095

RAPEUNKNOWN

Investigating Officer: Sgt YM Mokwana013 947 5418082 519 0853

ROBBERYUNKNOWN

Investigating Officer: WO TM Sibeko017 843 2107079 989 4150

MURDERMZINGISI MACARIUS DLOMO

Investigating Officer: Capt KJ Tshabangu013 293 9023082 318 9650

ROBBERYUNKNOWN

Investigating Officer: WO TM Sibeko017 843 2107079 989 4150

The South African Police Service requests urgent assistance from members of the public in tracing the following alleged perpertrators wanted in connection with various criminal offences committed countrywide.

WANTED PERSONS