logo
Zimbabwean national arrested for illegal possession of medication

Zimbabwean national arrested for illegal possession of medication

Police in Barberton, Mpumalanga, arrested a 32-year-old Zimbabwean national on Friday, 18 July, during a coordinated sting operation targeting criminal networks. The Zimbabwean national suspect was found in possession of explosives, gold-bearing rocks, and a large quantity of cough medication.
The operation began around 5:00 and was carried out by a joint team comprising the Mpumalanga Organised Crime Investigation Unit, Crime Intelligence, Tactical Response Team, White River K9 Unit, and Hi-Tech Security Company. Furthermore, officers acted on reliable intelligence indicating illegal drug activity at the suspect's residence.
The team then thoroughly searched, uncovering 89 electronic detonators, 49 superpower blasting cartridges, a six-metre detonating cord, four safety fuses, and nine boxes of cough medication.
Authorities also discovered gold-bearing material and two portable scales, raising suspicions that the Zimbabwean national suspect may have been supplying resources to illegal mining operations in the area. Police subsequently charged him with unlawful possession of explosives, illegal possession of gold-bearing material, and illegal possession of medication.
The Zimbabwean national suspect will appear in the Barberton Magistrate's Court on Monday, 21 July.
In response to public criticism of law enforcement efforts in the area, police leadership emphasised their commitment to tackling crime.
'This operation underscores our commitment to combating criminal activities and ensuring the safety of our communities,' said Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi.
'[The] Barberton area has been our concern, and we made a promise to deal with the situation. So far, our continuous operations are yielding positive results,' Mkhwanazi added.
He encouraged community members to remain alert and report suspicious activities.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

SA-registered truck involved in deadly Zimbabwe crash that killed 17
SA-registered truck involved in deadly Zimbabwe crash that killed 17

The South African

time2 hours ago

  • The South African

SA-registered truck involved in deadly Zimbabwe crash that killed 17

At least 17 people died on Tuesday after a South African-registered haulage truck collided with a commuter omnibus in Zimbabwe. The incident occurred near Manyame River Bridge on the road linking Harare and Chitungwiza. ZimLive reports that the South Africa-registered truck was travelling to Harare while the commuter omnibus was headed for St Mary's in Chitungwiza. According to witnesses, the truck veered into oncoming traffic as it tried to avoid hitting a Honda Fit in its lane. Moments later, the South African-registered truck crashed into the commuter omnibus, crushing it under its weight. Zimbabwe national police spokesperson Paul Nyathi confirmed that all 17 victims, including some pedestrians, died at the scene of the crash. 'The ZRP confirms a road traffic accident which occurred this morning (on Tuesday) along Chitungwiza Road involving a haulage truck and a kombi,' Nyathi said in a statement. 'The police urge the media and public to be patient as police officers are currently attending the scene. More details will be released in due course.' Among the dead were two children and two pedestrians who were hit first by the truck before it rammed into the kombi. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

DA blasts Kenny Kunene and PA for ‘underworld' ties
DA blasts Kenny Kunene and PA for ‘underworld' ties

The South African

time4 hours ago

  • The South African

DA blasts Kenny Kunene and PA for ‘underworld' ties

Pressure is mounting on the City of Johannesburg's Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Transport and deputy president of the Patriotic Alliance (PA), Kenny Kunene, to resign. This follows revelations that the businessman-turned-politician was found at Katiso 'KT' Molefe's home when police arrested him in connection with the 2022 murder of Oupa John Sefoka, DJ Sumbody. As a result, PA leader Gayton McKenzie announced that Kunene has been placed on leave for 30 days as the investigation continues. The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called for Kunene's removal from the MMC post, demanding either his resignation or dismissal. In a scathing statement, the party said criminality and underworld links seem to be entrenched in the PA. The DA said the party is a selfish, underworld organisation that associates with crime and corruption. 'The people of South Africa do not deserve their local governments led by people who are at home with murder suspects. The people of Johannesburg do not deserve the underworld connections that Kunene brings to the Mayoral Committee, in their city,' said the party. Despite growing backlash on social media, McKenzie has defended Kunene, stating he trusts him. Kunene claims he was at Molefe's residence to accompany a journalist for an interview. In a live video on Facebook, McKenzie reiterated his belief in Kunene's innocence but acknowledged the need for ongoing investigations. Meanwhile, the four suspects in DJ Sumbody's murder appeared in the Alexandra Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, 22 July. They are facing charges of murder and conspiracy to commit murder. The case has been postponed to Tuesday, 29 July. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news

Joburg moves to shut down illegal bus ranks in CBD
Joburg moves to shut down illegal bus ranks in CBD

The Citizen

time5 hours ago

  • The Citizen

Joburg moves to shut down illegal bus ranks in CBD

Joburg officials and transport stakeholders are working to shut down illegal bus stations disrupting CBD order and public safety. The City of Johannesburg is working around the clock to address the troubling issue of illegal bus ranks and stations in the city's central business district (CBD). Benny Makgoga, the city's director of marketing and communications, revealed their plan while responding to the transport sector. Players in the sector had raised concerns about the dangers and negative impact posed by the illegal bus stations that have emerged in the city. JIFI constructed to relocate illegal bus ranks 'The City of Joburg has fully constructed the Johannesburg International Transport Interchange (JITI) facility in the Joburg CBD for the relocation of all informal bus ranks and stations. 'The relocation process that involves a public participation process and direct engagements with the transport stakeholders is currently in place,' said Makgoga. ALSO READ: Call on Joburg to act on illegal bus stations 'The finalisation and conclusion of the relocation process of the informal bus ranks and bus stations to Johannesburg International Transport Interchange will provide action to close all informal facilities.' Even though Makgoga said they were fighting against the problem, he conceded that it was difficult for the city to manage and control informal bus operations that have occupied spaces throughout the CBD. It is for this reason that the city has constructed one centralised Johannesburg International Transport Interchange facility for proper management and control of bus operations in the CBD, he said. Accessible and convenient public facility 'JITI is an accessible and convenient public facility for long-distance and cross-border transport and will enable commuters to connect to the other public transport services such as Rea Vaya BRT, Metrobus, Gautrain, local minibus taxis and buses at Park Station.' African Unite Borders Bus Trucks Association chair Phumudzo Mukhwathi was one leading member of the organisations that had been calling on the government to address the problem. ALSO READ: Six killed in school bus bombing in SW Pakistan Mukhwathi said there were two illegal bus stations in Braamfontein and another one near Park Station. He said the illegitimate facilities were being owned and operated by Zimbabwean nationals who collaborated with some prominent local figures. 'We will be happy if the government attend to our request and make sure that these illegal operations are closed down because they are interrupting businesses that operate legitimately. Many illegal activities taking place 'To tell you the truth, there are many illegal and criminal activities taking place there. 'We have been fighting against this for so many years, but the authorities seem not to be serious about dealing with it. ALSO READ: Rea Vaya: Saftu calls for govt to protect transport industry 'We are planning to take the legal route to force them to attend to the matter,' said Mukhwathi. He said he was worried that the owners of the problematic facilities were operating in public without any fear. 'This is unfair competition because there are no rules in the illegal bus stations and we were also reliably informed that some of the buses using these stations are transporting illegal things from South Africa to Zimbabwe,' he said. Union investigates matter Mukhwathi said there were allegations last year that some of the buses were using fraudulent permits and they had alerted the police. South African Transport and Allied Workers Union spokesperson Amanda Tshemese promised her organisation would also investigate the matter and work with relevant authorities to address it. ALSO READ: Relief as bus strike in North West ends 'You can't have illegal companies or immigrants operating in South Africa when you have millions of South Africans who are unemployed,' said Tshemese.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store