Police arrest 17,054 suspects in a week during Operation Shanela
The operation, which began in 2023, is aimed at eradicating crime. It consists of regular stop-and-searches, roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, high-visibility patrols including foot patrols and the tracing of wanted suspects.
According to police spokesperson Lt-Col Vincent Mukhathi, 2,911 suspects were arrested for serious and violent crimes such as murder, attempted murder, car hijacking, rape and house and business robbery.
Arrests included:
179 for murder
266 for rape
1,763 for assault GHB
246 for dealing in drugs
2,406 for possession of drugs
15 for human trafficking.
Confiscations and recoveries included:
1,805 rounds of ammunition
155 firearms
53 hijacked and stolen vehicles
Mukhathi made reference to some major arrests made in Gauteng, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape.
In Gauteng, police seized two unlicensed firearms from a suspect linked to armed robberies. A 37-year-old alleged rapist and serial killer, suspected of using dating apps to lure victims in Pretoria, was arrested. A 25-year-old suspect from São Paulo was intercepted at OR Tambo International Airport while attempting to smuggle cocaine valued at R4.2m.
Another high-profile case involved the police political killings task Tteam arresting businessman Katiso Molefe and three suspected hitmen for the murder of DJ Sumbody. They are also allegedly linked to the murder of Hector 'DJ Vintos' Buthelezi.
'They appeared in the Alexander magistrate's court on July 29 facing charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition,' Mukhathi said.
In the Free State, a 42-year-old foreign national truck driver was found in possession of illicit cigarettes worth R800,000. He is expected to appear in court.
Police in KwaZulu-Natal arrested two foreign nationals and recovered R30m worth of counterfeit jewellery and luxury items, a shotgun, ammunition and cash.
In Gqeberha, police seized counterfeit pharmaceuticals and consumer goods, including unregulated tablets and pregnancy kits valued at R2.2m. A suspect linked to an extortion ring was fatally wounded in a shoot-out with tactical response team members in Ngqeleni.
'A 9mm pistol and live ammunition were recovered. His passenger was detained for questioning,' Mukhathi said.
'In Port Alfred, POLICE disrupted a marine trafficking operation involving 822.7kg of West Coast rock lobster tails worth R1.2m. Two suspects were arrested for contravening the Marine Living Resources Act.'
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The Star
4 hours ago
- The Star
Minister Macpherson opens criminal case in explosive IDT bribery scandal involving suspended CEO
Hope Ntanzi | Published 7 hours ago Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has opened a criminal case at the Cape Town Police Station following shocking allegations of corruption and bribery involving senior officials at the Independent Development Trust (IDT). This follows a video that emerged showing Tebogo Malaka, the suspended IDT CEO, and spokesperson Phasha Makgolane allegedly trying to bribe investigative journalist Pieter-Louis Myburgh with R60,000 to suppress a corruption exposé. Addressing the media outside the police station on Wednesday, Macpherson expressed his deep disgust and disbelief at the blatant corruption, stating, 'Watching the video of Ms Malaka allegedly offering Mr Myburgh a bribe of R60,000 made me sick to my stomach and left me in disbelief. ''It's one thing to hear about corruption. It's another thing to see it take place so blatantly and with a feeling of impunity. This stands in complete opposition to everything that I believe in and stand for as a minister.' Macpherson emphasised the gravity of the situation, describing the alleged bribery attempt as 'not just a criminal act but an assault on the institutional framework of government to provide services to the people of South Africa, especially in the social infrastructure space that the IDT is responsible for.' He condemned the attempt to bribe a journalist as 'an attack not only on the free press but on our democracy,' warning that it was designed to 'silence accountability, to undermine public confidence, and to shield corruption from exposure.' Macpherson recounted the longstanding governance failures and corruption scandals at the IDT, an entity plagued for years by tender irregularities, incomplete projects, and audit disclaimers. 'It was an entity in crisis, a state institution meant to serve the public, but instead consumed by dysfunction,' Macpherson said. Since assuming office, he said, efforts to restore integrity have been met with 'fierce resistance' from entrenched interests, aided by political parties like ActionSA and the EFF, and even some members of the media. Responding to misinformation and disinformation campaigns aimed at discrediting himself, his colleague Zimbini Hill, and the IDT's cleanup efforts, Macpherson stated, 'For months, the narrative being pushed by those resisting reform was that I, as the minister, was paying journalists to attack the IDT. Not only was this false, but it turned out to be a projection of what they were doing. ''They said I was paying journalists, and it turned out that they were then paying journalists.' He highlighted the irony that those implicated in corruption were attempting to bribe journalists themselves. Macpherson has formally opened cases against Malaka and Makgolane for the attempted bribery of investigative journalist Myburgh, and has called on other journalists who may have been approached to come forward. He said he is also pursuing investigations into coordinated social media campaigns aimed at discrediting the department and officials, as well as the involvement of politically connected individuals in spreading false information to protect corruption. 'Corruption cannot survive without enablers,' Macpherson said. 'It survives when individuals in power believe they can manipulate the media, intimidate whistleblowers, and weaponise public opinion to protect their own interests.' Linking the bribery allegations to wider corruption uncovered in a recent PwC forensic investigation into the R800 million PSA oxygen plant tender, Macpherson detailed serious irregularities including contracts awarded without valid licenses, inflated project costs, missing documentation, and disregard for treasury policies. The report recommended disciplinary action against Malaka and other senior officials. Macpherson condemned the environment of impunity under her leadership, stating that 'the IDC operated without the most basic governance and risk controls,' and now 'we see how that environment of impunity spilled beyond tenders into attempts to manipulate the media and obstruct public accountability.' Macpherson also called on the new IDT board to urgently investigate all contracts issued under Malaka's tenure, trace fund flows, and take swift action against anyone found complicit. He expressed confidence in the board and acting CEO's ability to dismantle corruption networks and restore the IDT as a credible delivery partner for social infrastructure projects. 'The board has acted with speed and determination since last Friday. They will attempt to delay, to distract, to deflect, and to threaten us, but they will not succeed. We have the upper hand, and we are winning the war against them.' Moreover, Macpherson appealed to the public, journalists, whistleblowers, and honest officials to speak out against wrongdoing. 'From the day I entered office, I took an oath to serve the public, to protect the constitution, and to safeguard our precious public resources. This oath does not allow me to tolerate corruption. It does not allow me to make excuses for wrongdoing.' He vowed, 'Those who abuse their positions will face consequences. Those who have tried to bar silence will fail. And those who fear that smear campaigns will protect corruption will learn that the truth will always prevail.' 'To journalists, whistleblowers, the public, and honest officials who continue to shine a light on wrongdoing, I have my respect and my gratitude. I will personally shield you from political parties, rogue journalists, and individuals who seek to threaten and intimidate you. Because the truth is worth fighting for,' he said. [email protected] Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. IOL Politics
Daily Maverick
6 hours ago
- Daily Maverick
‘Sick to my stomach' — Minister Macpherson lays criminal charges against suspended IDT CEO, spokesperson
Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson has laid criminal charges against suspended Independent Development Trust chief executive Tebogo Malaka and spokesperson Phasha Makgolane, vowing to 'win the war' after a brazen attempt to suppress a corruption investigation. Macpherson laid the charges on Thursday afternoon at Cape Town Central Police Station, a day after Daily Maverick published footage showing Malaka and Makgolane offering investigative journalist Pieter-Louis Myburgh R60,000 in cash to shut down a probe into corruption at the IDT. Earlier communications with Makgolane included offers of monthly R100,000 payments and even the opportunity to nominate contractors for lucrative tenders. 'It made me sick to my stomach and left me in disbelief,' Macpherson said about the footage. He emphasised his personal commitment to combating wrongdoing, saying he would 'personally open cases against those accused of criminality because I must lead from the front'. The charges include corruption, bribery, collusion and multiple breaches of fiduciary duties under the Public Finance Management Act. The affidavit cites sections 3, 4, 12, 13 and 20 of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act and calls for a broader investigation into other possible crimes stemming from the incident. Lerato Modisana, spokesperson for the IDT, said: 'As previously indicated, the IDT Board is actively considering the matters raised in the recent media coverage. We fully acknowledge the seriousness of these allegations and the heightened public interest they have generated. 'At this point in time, there are no additional developments we can share publicly. Once the Board has concluded its internal processes and is in a position to report on verified outcomes, a formal communication will be issued and we will ensure that all relevant stakeholders, including the media, are informed when the time is right.' Macpherson's affidavit calls for wide probe The minister describes the actions of Malaka and Makgolane as 'an assault on the institutional framework of government' and 'an attack on not only the free press but on our democracy'. In the affidavit, he states that the CEO and spokesperson acted 'in unison, both equally complicit in attempting to bribe Mr Myburgh, rig tender processes, commit corrupt activities and elicit payment for a favour'. He added that Makgolane, as the IDT spokesperson, had knowledge of the scheme but failed to disclose it, despite an obligation to do so. Hawks asked to step in The minister has formally requested that the case be transferred to the Hawks and treated with urgency. He also asked the police to investigate: Whether other journalists were similarly approached; The coordination of funding of a disinformation campaign to discredit himself, IDT board chairperson Zimbini Hill and his department; The use of fake news articles, fabricated voice notes and call logs, and bot-driven anonymous accounts to spread lies; The role of politically connected individuals and public commentators in amplifying this misinformation; and Any additional acts of corruption linked to attempts to silence the media and obstructive oversight. 'There is clearly a network of individuals in the IDT who guarantee outcomes in exchange for cash,' Macpherson said. Rot exposed The bribery attempt stems from Myburgh's investigation, published in October 2024, into a R836-million PSA oxygen plant tender. A PwC forensics report, released to the department and the Hawks last week (but not yet publicly available), confirmed that the IDT awarded contracts to unlicensed companies and recommended disciplinary action against Malaka for procurement irregularities, missing documentation and a deliberate disregard for the process. 'Under Ms Malaka's leadership, the IDT operated without the most basic governance and risk controls,' Macpherson said. 'The environment of impunity has now spilled beyond tenders into attempts to manipulate the media and obstruct public accountability.' The offer to Myburgh, giving him the option to nominate contractors for IDT tenders, spoke to how 'rotten' the supply chain process was in the IDT from start to finish. The minister noted that even before he assumed office he was aware of the 'serious and long-standing allegations surrounding the IDT'. He described it as 'an entity in crisis, a state institution meant to serve the public but instead consumed by dysfunction'. Fallout at the IDT The IDT board met last night to understand what processes will unfold with regards to the disciplinary case against Malaka. Macpherson detailed the conditions of her suspension, saying: 'There are conditions that were attached to her suspension. One of those was that she may not leave Gauteng without permission of the board and that she may not speak to anyone from the IDT. 'I think it's safe to assume that those two [conditions] may have already been violated by her being here (Cape Town) the day after with an official from the IDT.' The bribery attempt, involving Malaka and Makgolane, took place at a wine farm near Stellenbosch. Makgolane's position is 'peculiar', according to Macpherson, since he is personally contracted to the CEO, which complicates disciplinary action. Meanwhile, the newly appointed IDT board, tasked with cleaning up the embattled entity, has been instructed to audit all contracts issued under Malaka, trace the money flows and pursue anyone complicit in wrongdoing. Lifestyle audits of the executive are also under way, Macpherson said, adding a joke about the potential impact: 'I'm just worried there might not be many executives left by the time they finish.' He also revealed that one or two resignations have already been submitted from the department, 'from people who didn't want to commit to [the process]', implying a direct link between the audits and these departures. E-procurement systems were also being fast-tracked to curb manual interference in IDT tenders. The 'best sanitiser' In the wake of these events, Nicki Gules, head of news at News24 and a member of the South African National Editors' Forum, praised Myburgh's decision to go public on SAfm this morning. '[He] did what he could to protect himself, and he did the best thing. He made this public. The best sanitiser is daylight,' she said in the interview. She called the attempted bribe deeply troubling and not necessarily rare, and urged journalists to record any attempts to influence or bribe them. She also underlined the importance of adhering to the Press Code as the ethical roadmap for journalists: 'We cannot, I mean, certainly cannot take any inducements to stop an investigation of any sort.' Winning the 'war' Macpherson believes this case is not isolated and forms part of a larger scheme involving political networks, pointing to what he called a 'well-paid and well-organised' campaign to shield criminal actors from scrutiny and undermine institutional accountability. 'It is even more shameful that political parties such as ActionSA and the EFF helped to shield those accused of corruption by endorsing these false reports. South Africans should be demanding answers from them on how they benefited from this campaign,' Macpherson said. He specifically called out 'dubious reporting' by The Star newspaper and a discredited TimesLIVE opinion piece earlier this year, which was later retracted, as part of the disinformation offensive against reform efforts at the IDT. This afternoon (Thursday), ActionSA posted on X that it would host a discussion on TikTok LIVE at 7pm today, led by MP Mika Ngobeni, about the minister's 'offensive and racist remarks'. Despite facing what Macpherson describes as 'fierce resistance', he believes the tide is turning. 'We have the upper hand and we are winning the war against them.' He has urged the public not to look away from wrongdoing and to 'speak up and bring that information to us'. He committed to personally shielding journalists, whistle-blowers and honest officials who expose corruption.
TimesLIVE
7 hours ago
- TimesLIVE
Judgment permitting filming police in public key to accountability: legal expert
The recent court judgment which stated filming police in a public place is not a crime underlines the role of the public in holding police accountable and that exercising oversight is lawful and protected. This is the comment by a director of law firm Fluxmans, Myron Mer, after a judgment by the Johannesburg high court in a case brought by attorney Shaun Jacobs who succeeded in his application for damages for unlawful arrest and detention. In March 2019, Jacobs came home from work one evening to find a police roadblock set up outside his property in Kempton Park. He went inside, put his things down, picked up his phone and walked back out, not onto the street but to the boundary of his garden and began recording what was going on. He was not rude or aggressive towards the officers but when they saw he was recording a video of the scene, and especially their vehicle, one of the officers pounced on him and arrested him without explaining his rights and what he was arrested for. He spent more than 24 hours in detention. Jacobs took the matter to court, suing the minister of police and the Ekurhuleni metro police, arguing his arrest was unlawful and violated his constitutional rights. Judge Mpostoli Twala agreed, finding the arrest and detention unlawful. The court awarded Jacobs R250,000 in damages, R100,000 for the unlawful detention and R150,000 for unlawful arrest. Mer said the compensation was not the main takeaway in this judgment. 'The ruling sends a broader and significant message, namely ordinary South Africans, not just accredited journalists, have the right to question police conduct and to record it. However, and importantly, as long as they are not physically obstructing operations,' Mer said. In his judgment Twala said citizens were entitled to ask questions and entitled to explanations from law enforcement officers in respect of their conduct. 'That cannot be regarded as interference with the execution of their lawful duties,' Twala said. Mer said civil rights advocate Mukhethwa Dzhugudzha called it 'a vital safeguard for the public', pointing out that the right to record was part of a bigger picture, in particular freedom of expression under section 16 of the constitution. The ruling came as public trust in law enforcement is strained. 'The Independent Police Investigative Directorate has received hundreds of complaints in recent years about excessive force, unlawful arrests and abuse of power. 'Against that backdrop, the judgment underlines the role of the public in holding police accountable and confirms that exercising that oversight is a lawful and constitutionally protected act,' Mer said. However, the police can stop a member of the public if they physically block them from doing their job. 'But quietly recording from a safe and lawful position, that's not a crime.' Mer said while the case brought personal vindication for Jacobs, for the rest of the country it was a reminder that rights do not vanish when confronted with a badge and a uniform.
