Latest news with #BaileMotswenyane
The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
Men and Women in blue honoured
VANDERBIJLPARK – Fezile Dabi District police honoured brave and dedicated men and women in blue on August 1. During the 2024/2025 prestigious Excellence Award ceremony held at Meriting Events in Vanderbijlpark, scores of police officers, dressed in their finest attire, gathered to receive their awards. Several high-profile police officials attended the event, including the Free State's provincial commissioner, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane, and the District Commissioner, Major General Moses Makubo, among many other stakeholders. Delivering a keynote address, Motswenyane applauded the recipients of the awards and motivated them to do more for the organisation. 'Your contribution in crime-fighting matters. Just do an introspection and check if you are good enough for this organisation. You must continue making the SAPS in Free State proud,' she said. Motswenyane emphasised the importance of being dedicated even when not recognised through winning awards. 'If you feel like you are good at your job and not getting the necessary recognition, don't ever be demoralised. Rather, give yourself a pat on the shoulder and continue being motivated. Stay focused on what you are called for,' she added. Motswenyane applauded the district for its impact in the fight against crime and emphasised the importance of policing in partnership with communities, particularly in the fight against gender-based violence. Sharing the purpose of the day, Makubo acknowledged and celebrated outstanding performance within the district, which has seen a decline in different serious crimes. 'We have seen a drastic reduction of serious crime in our district, especially those I found prevalent when I assumed the position of being a commissioner, like kidnappings, carjackings, vehicle theft, among many others. This proves that women and men are working hard, and we want to thank them for supporting our vision,' he said. Makubo thanked stakeholders who help in crime fighting, such as the Community Policing Forum, and the South Africa Free State Fujian Overseas Chinese Association, who donate immensely in making sure that crime is a thing of the past. The highlight of the day was the Bravery Award presented to Constable M. Mhlambi, along with a laptop sponsored by Jimmy Shi of the Chinese Association. Awards were presented in various categories, including Administration, Vispol and Operations, Specialised Units, and Station of the Year, which was awarded to Tumahole SAPS. Confiscated gun and ammunition following a raid in Amelia. Free State provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane and the District Commissioner, Major General Moses Makubo, following the keynote address.
The Herald
13-06-2025
- The Herald
Uncle sentenced to life in prison for rape he committed 13 years ago
The Bloemfontein regional court this week sentenced a 51-year-old man to life imprisonment for raping his 10-year-old niece in January 2012. The now 21-year-old woman disclosed the abuse to a social worker during a counselling session in August 2024. 'She reported that the accused was a trusted family member who began sexually abusing her when she was just 10-years-old, escalating from digital penetration to rape at a residence in Rocklands, Bloemfontein,' Free State police spokesperson Capt Loraine Earle said on Friday. It was revealed during sentencing that the accused was on parole for an earlier rape conviction at the time of the offence, 'an aggravating factor that underscored the court's decision to impose life imprisonment'. Free State police commissioner Lt-Gen Baile Motswenyane praised the team responsible for securing his conviction. 'Your dedication to a case which took place more than a decade ago is testament to an investigating officer who takes pride in bringing justice to a victim who was crippled with fear for years.' TimesLIVE
The South African
13-06-2025
- The South African
Nine arrested, four bakkies seized after looting of maize truck
Nine people were arrested for looting a maize truck that overturned on the N5 on its way to the Durban Harbour. Additionally, four bakkies that were used to load the maize meal were seized. The police were summoned to the scene where they discovered several community members looting and loading maize into the bakkies. Following the incident, more vehicles kept arriving at the scene and unlawfully removed the maize cargo. The Harrismith Public Order Police Unit arrested the nine suspects, aged 30 to 63, in possession of suspected stolen property. The four bakkies were loaded with maize estimated to be worth R90 000. Two police officers have been arrested for allegedly demanding a bribe from a liquor store in Harrismith, Free State. According to a police statement, the police officers visited the liquor store in March 2025 and presented themselves as officials from Bloemfontein. They claimed that they were conducting an inspection to verify the authenticity of the liquor being sold. After completing their inspection, the police officers allegedly demanded a R5000 bribe from the liquor store owner. The owner said that she only had R2 500, which the officers accepted. The Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit arrested the two suspects, aged 44 and 45 respectively, who are from Bethlehem Public Order Policing Unit. Captain Loraine Earle confirmed with The South African that the suspects appeared at the Harrismith Magistrate's Court today and their case was postponed to 18 June 2025 for them to apply for bail. The Provincial Commissioner of Police in the Free State, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane, said that they will continue their fight against crime, even if SAPS members are involved.' 'We will continue to fight corruption relentlessly. If those involved are from within our own ranks, we will not hesitate to take decisive action. No one is above the law, and we remain committed to ensuring accountability and upholding the integrity of the SAPS,' said Motswenyane. 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.
Eyewitness News
06-05-2025
- Eyewitness News
FS top cop Motswenyane wants 3 fallen constables to be remembered for their service
BLOEMFONTEIN - Free State Police Commissioner Baile Motswenyane is urging South Africans to remember three fallen constables for their service, not the tragic crash that claimed their lives. Hundreds of mourners gathered in Bloemfontein on Tuesday to honour Boipelo Senoge, Cebekhulu Linda and Keamogetswe Buys, who were found dead in the Hennops River after vanishing during a trip to Polokwane. The VW Polo they were travelling in was recovered last week, days after the officers were last seen at a petrol station near the Grasmere toll plaza. While police have ruled out foul play, questions around what caused the crash remain unanswered. But Motswenyane said that now was not the time for speculation. "The devastating confirmation that our members have perished has shaken us deeply. But even in our mourning, we stand united. Let them not be defined by the tragedy but by their courage, their service and unwavering commitment to duty."
