Latest news with #AmandavanWyk
IOL News
2 days ago
- IOL News
Major drug bust: Woman from Brazil caught with R4. 2 million worth of cocaine at OR Tambo airport
A 25-year-old alleged drug trafficker man was arrested at the OR Tambo International Airport after landing from Brazil. A 25-year-old alleged drug trafficker man was arrested at the OR Tambo International Airport after landing from Brazil. The woman who flew in from Brazil and connected her flight in Doha, Qatar, was arrested on Tuesday. "Acting on intelligence, a team comprising Crime Intelligence Counter Narcotics Intel Gauteng, ORTIA SAPS Tactical Team, Border Management Authority (BMA), and private security successfully identified and intercepted the Brazilian national shortly after landing," said police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk. Van Wyk said when the woman's bag was searched, police uncovered approximately 10kg of cocaine, estimated to be worth R4.2 million. "The trafficker was also taken for a medical examination to determine whether cocaine-filled bullets were swallowed. SAPS continues to record commendable successes in dismantling transnational drug syndicates operating between South Africa and other countries," she said. Van Wyk added that more than 25 drug traffickers have been arrested since the beginning of the year at the country's busy airport.
News24
2 days ago
- News24
Brazilian national arrested at OR Tambo in R4.2m cocaine bust
A 25-year-old Brazilian national was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday for allegedly attempting to smuggle cocaine with an estimated street value of R4.2 million into South Africa. The arrest followed an intelligence-driven operation conducted by a collaborative team made up of Crime Intelligence Counter Narcotics Intel Gauteng, the ORTIA SAPS Tactical Team, the Border Management Authority (BMA), and private security personnel. Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Amanda van Wyk said they had intercepted the woman shortly after her flight landed from São Paulo in Brazil, via Doha in Qatar. 'A search of [the suspect's] luggage uncovered around 10 kilograms of cocaine concealed inside, and the suspect was subsequently taken for a medical examination to determine if cocaine-filled bullets had been ingested,' she added. Van Wyk said the seizure formed part of ongoing law enforcement efforts to dismantle transnational drug syndicates operating between South Africa and other countries. According to SAPS, more than 25 drug traffickers have been arrested at OR Tambo International Airport alone since the start of this year. Van Wyk said the woman was expected to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrate's Court soon.
The Citizen
4 days ago
- The Citizen
Counterfeit Breitling, Springboks and Sundowns: massive confiscation by police
Police seized counterfeit and illicit goods worth more than R156 million. Springboks jersey and caps were among the items seized by police. Picture: Saps. Breitling watches, Springboks jerseys and caps and Mamelodi Sundowns tops were among the counterfeit and illicit goods worth more than R156 million seized by police during nationwide operations in recent weeks. The operations were led by the National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods unit, with support from Public Order Policing (POP), the South African Revenue Services (SARS) Customs and Enforcement team, counterfeit depot officials, brand protectors, and private security personnel. Seizure Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk said in the past three weeks, the integrated team executed search-and-seizure warrants targeting shops in Marabastad, Mokopane, Mbombela, Bela Bela, Mookghopong, and Modimolle. 'During these takedowns, the team seized more than 23 000 items imitating high-end designer brands that include clothing, shoes, bags, caps, and watches, as well as counterfeit jewellery, sunglasses, perfumes, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. 'Also amongst the seized items are sports apparel that bears the Springboks trademark and other well-known brands. These counterfeit items were seized outside Mbombela stadium and Loftus stadium respectively during recent Springbok rugby games against visiting countries,' van Wyks said. Breitling watches, Springboks jerseys and caps and Mamelodi Sundowns tops were among the counterfeit and illicit goods worth more than R156 million seized by police during nationwide operations in recent weeks. Pictures: Saps @TheCitizen_News July 27, 2025 ALSO READ: Police seize fake Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Rolexes in Bloemfontein Counterfeit goods Van Wyk the team also confiscated illicit cigarettes valued at over R50 000. 'The Counterfeit Goods Act aims to combat the trade in counterfeit goods by protecting trademarks, copyrights, and certain mark owners from the unlawful use of their intellectual property on goods and preventing such counterfeit goods from entering the market. 'Saps remains committed to eradicating the illegal trade in counterfeit goods in an effort to protect consumers, support legitimate businesses, and ensure the integrity of South Africa's economy,' van Wyk said. Rolexes Last month, police seized fake products, including Louis Vuitton, Gucci, high-end sneakers and Rolexes valued at more than R19 million. Six foreign nationals were also arrested during separate takedown operations in Bloemfontein. Van Wyk said search and seizure warrants were executed in accordance with the Customs and Excise Act at targeted shops in the Bloemfontein CBD. ALSO READ: Report reveals 1 in 5 alcoholic drinks are fake: Here's how to spot them
The Citizen
5 days ago
- The Citizen
Police arrest 183 rape suspects in one week
Out of the 183 suspects arrested, 67 were wanted individuals who were tracked down in different parts of the country. The South African Police Service (Saps) has arrested 183 suspects for rape in one week across the country, while a serial rapist in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) was sentenced to 10 life terms and 70 years in prison. Police spokesperson, Amanda van Wyk, said this is one of the operations that are aimed at intensifying the police's efforts in the fight against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). Out of the 183 suspects arrested, 67 were wanted individuals who were tracked down in different parts of the country. Rape related convictions made Van Wyk added that the notable convictions made during the week include the sentencing of 24-year-old Simon Makgoba, who was sentenced to one life term in prison on 15 July 2025. The Mankweng Regional Court in Limpopo found him guilty of rape and kidnapping a 19-year-old woman, and gave him an additional 15 years in prison. ALSO READ: 201 rape suspects arrested nationwide in the past 10 days Another man in Limpopo was sentenced for rape on 17 July 2025 by the Mahwelereng Regional Court. Kabelo Prince Monethe, 33, was sentenced to life imprisonment for raping of a 68-year-old woman from Mapela Ga-Chaba. KZN man on multiple counts of rape On 23 July 2025, the Nquthu Regional Court in KZN sentenced Mandlelisa Mabhale, 58, to 10 life terms and an additional 70 years in prison after he was found guilty on multiple counts of rape, sexual assault, and exposing children to pornography. Van Wyk added that the victims, who are all minors, informed investigators that the pastor lured them to his rented room at the Ndidini area, where he made them watch pornographic material, then raped them. 90-day blitz programme 'Tackling the alarming rise in gender-based violence and femicide demands a united, urgent response. To this end, the Government has launched a 90-day blitz programme, with Saps playing an active and central role,' said Van Wyk. The Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit is responsible for the investigation of GBVF-related cases, sexual offences, and sexual crimes committed through electronic mediums. 'Week after week, FCS investigators' hard work, dedication, and meticulous investigations ensure that sexual predators are put behind bars with lengthy sentences.' NOW READ: Limpopo crime: Father allegedly murdered by sons, pastor arrested for rape
The Citizen
7 days ago
- The Citizen
Chinese fugitive arrested in Sandton after visa application triggers alert
A 57-year-old Chinese fugitive has been arrested in Sandton following a targeted operation by the Interpol National Central Bureau (NCB) Pretoria, in collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS) Extradition Unit. The arrest took place on July 22, after the suspect attempted to apply for a visa at the United States embassy in Sandton. Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk said law enforcement agencies in South Africa continue to record commendable successes in dismantling transnational crime syndicates and arresting international fugitives in the country. Also read: Woman murdered in Sandton: SAPS urgently search for suspected killer 'According to a preliminary report, Interpol circulated a red notice to all member countries to locate and provisionally arrest the Chinese national.' Van Wyk said that wanted persons often flee to other countries to evade their arrest. 'The suspect reportedly applied for a visa at the United States' consulate in Sandton, when his fugitive status was flagged, leading to his arrest on Tuesday.' The accused man made his first appearance before the Randburg Magistrates' Court on July 23. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
