Latest news with #BrendaMuridili
The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
Saps probes officers after video shows police offloading beer bottles at liquor store
Gauteng police are investigating claims that officers sold seized bottles from a Saps storage facility. The South African Police Service (Saps) district commissioner in Ekurhuleni has ordered an investigation into members of the Duduza Police Station for allegedly selling empty beer bottles at a bottle store. A video recording is circulating on social media, showing Duduza police officers allegedly selling empty beer bottles at a local liquor store. There was speculation that the police were offloading alcohol at a bottle store. Watch the video below: Allegedly a SAPS van From Duduza Police station offloading alcohol — Mageba (@Sadmethod) July 29, 2025 Video of Saps unloading crates of alcohol at a bottle store The video depicts a marked South African Police Service (Saps) van parked at in front of Dunnottar Bottle Store. Saps personnel are seen unloading large crates of alcohol in a coordinated and deliberate manner and placing them inside the store premises. Social media users shared the footage, which raised suspicions that officers were illegally distributing confiscated alcohol. ALSO READ: How successful is Operation Shanela? Here's how many cases resulted in convictions The Gauteng police said that a report from the station stated that the members were disposing of empty beer bottles from the Saps 13 storage on Friday, 25 July. However, Gauteng police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili clarified that the bottles seen in the video were empty and had been seized during operations at illegal shebeens. However, the members decided to sell the bottles at the local liquor store and deposited the cash into the police station's account. Internal disciplinary action 'Initial investigation suggests that there is cause to institute an internal disciplinary action because the decision to sell empty beer bottles as a form of disposal contravenes Saps National Instruction 8 of 2017, which outlines processes to follow when disposing of Saps 13 store items,' Muridili said. Earlier this month, the Saps initiated an investigation into a viral TikTok video alleging that a uniformed police officer was intoxicated while on duty. The North West Provincial Commissioner took the claim seriously due to its potential to damage public trust. The police called on two key witnesses from the Patriotic Alliance and Operation Dudula to assist urgently, warning that spreading unverified claims without reporting them could lead to obstruction of justice charges. NOW READ: Two more murder cases linked to suspects in DJ Sumbody killing
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Uproar as Tshwane cuts power to three police stations
'Saps Garsfontein was switched off too, but they have a generator. Mamelodi East is using solar power for backup.' Many were confused about the City of Tshwane's decision to cut power to three police stations in the capital as part of its Tshwane Ya Tima campaign to get outstanding accounts up to date. In June, the mayor was criticised for cutting the power to the Weskoppies Psychiatric Hospital due to the Gauteng department of health's failure to settle R1.2 million in overdue electricity charges for March and April. ALSO READ: Power still cut at Pretoria police stations as deputy mayor denies getting special treatment Power restored at Police station Police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili confirmed the power was restored at the Moot police station on Wednesday night, after the supply was disconnected on Tuesday. 'Saps Garsfontein was switched off too, but they have a generator. Mamelodi East is using solar power for backup,' she added. Muridili said police were working with the department of public works and administration to get the power restored and resolve the matter. Credit control needed DA Tshwane caucus spokesperson Jacqui Uys said the City of Tshwane needs to implement its credit control policy to ensure the financial health and future of the city. 'However, this needs to happen fairly and without bias, following the correct intergovernmental processes. 'Currently, the ANC's patronage networks and the deputy mayor's pocket are benefiting while our communities, who deserve police services, are paying the price,' she claimed. Uys said the power cut at Saps Moot was an indication that the deputy mayor's financial interest was more important than the safety of residents. ALSO READ: Water, power and reporting problems persist in Tshwane The City's debt The deputy mayor and MMC of finance Eugene Modise must provide a clear explanation regarding the special treatment of his company, Mzansi Resorts, which owes the city in excess of R20 million and has not had services cut, in relation to Tshwane Ya Tima which on Tuesday cut power to Saps in the Moot,' she said. Modise denied the allegations and rebuffed the opposition's criticism. 'Mzansi is not indebted to the City of Tshwane and does not hold a municipal account with the city. 'If they believe otherwise, they must produce verifiable proof of any municipal account held by Mzansi with the City of Tshwane,' he said. Instead of undermining the efforts of the #TshwaneYaTima campaign, the DA should acknowledge the strides made in optimising revenue collection to strengthen service delivery, Modise said. Southern Sun disconnected The city continued with Tshwane Ya Tima on Thursday, and further disconnected Southern Sun Arcadia due to a R12 million debt. 'No pay, no power. Accountability is not optional,' he said. Modise said Shoprite also settled a R600 000 payment just as the city was about to pull the plug for over R500 000 owed. 'Responsibility isn't a favour – it's a duty. 'Pay your municipal bills,' he said. NOW READ: 'Engineered dysfunction': City of Tshwane disconnects its own water reservoir for non-payment
The Citizen
7 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Power cut to police station sparks DA backlash over alleged favouritism
DA leaders are demanding answers after Tshwane cut power to the Moot police station but not a business owing millions. The City of Tshwane was yet to comment on criticism over cutting power to Moot police station on Tuesday as part of its Tshwane ya Tima programme to collect debt owed. The police station was still without power after the city cut its electricity due to arrears of an estimated R150 000. Police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili confirmed power had not been switched back yesterday. 'SAPS, together with the department of public works and administration, are working to restore the power,' she said. Power switched off at police station over debt Muridili said service delivery was not hampered as the station had a generator to supply power until the matter was resolved. DA Tshwane caucus chair Jacqui Uys called on the city to explain why the station's power was disconnected, while a private business owned by the deputy mayor, who is also the MMC of finance, was spared. ALSO READ: Wetland squatters remain after eviction in Wolwespruit area Uys asked if the deputy mayor's financial interest were more important than safety of residents. 'The deputy mayor and MMC of finance, Eugene Modise, must provide a clear explanation regarding the special treatment of his company, Mzansi Resorts, which owes the city R20 million and has not had services cut, in relation to Tshwane Ya Tima, which cut power to Saps in the Moot.' It was, however, believed the police power was cut not because of water and lights bills, but estate tax. Power cut due to estate tax An insider, who agreed to speak anonymously, said the city not only switched off the connection, but removed it. 'We have been asking for a while why the deputy mayor's business at Morula Sun still has power after he owes so much, yet he and the mayor cut others for less through their campaign.' ALSO READ: Tshwane hands over title deeds to Stinkwater residents The source questioned if political interference played a role in the police station being targeted. DA Tshwane caucus leader Cilliers Brink said if the power was switched off, it was important that the city and credit control assured all the other outstanding accounts, such as Morula Sun, were paid. 'If the deputy mayor can jump free from his debt, so should the police station,' he said. Process unfair Brink said the process was unfair as it benefited the deputy mayor at the disadvantage of the residents. Deputy mayor Modise declined to comment, saying he was not aware of the issue. NOW READ: Tshwane shuts down workers' protest at last minute
The Citizen
27-05-2025
- The Citizen
Gang violence grips Johannesburg South: Communities mourn amid rising killings
There have been several shootings and killings in the South, especially in South Hills, Moffat View, Chrisville and Bellavista. Young and old have been victims of these killings, and the community has expressed concerns about their safety. Brigadier Brenda Muridili commented on this matter regarding the counts of murder. She said as per the SAPS crime statistics that have been released for Moffat View Police Station ( ALSO READ: 26 cartridges spent in South Hills double murder 'Quarter 3 October to December 2024 – 18 counts of murder were reported. In comparison with the same period the previous year (October – December 2023 had 13 counts of murder), there was, therefore, an increase of five counts of murder. Unfortunately, quarter 4 (January – March 2025) crime statistics have not yet been released. Thus, we cannot mention the number of murders, but we can confirm that the police station recorded a decrease in reported cases of murder. 'Unfortunately, we cannot give a breakdown per suburb as that needs a deeper analysis of all murder dockets, but I can say that seven of the 18 murders were committed in South Hills. We can confirm that the police have arrested nine suspects for murder during the period October 2024 to March 2025; their cases are ongoing before the court.' ALSO READ: Barbershop owner dies weeks after South Hills shooting Johannesburg South under siege Sergio Isa Dos Santos MPL confirmed that Johannesburg south is under siege as gang violence prevails. 'Since 2024, Johannesburg south has seen a distressing rise in gang violence, with around 74 murders and 10 attempted murders, many related to gang wars. South Hills (Ward 57) and Chrisville (Ward 55) have been hit hard by turf wars between rival gangs, resulting in tragic incidents, including the death of a 13-year-old child and a scholar transport driver killed outside a school. This is despite countless promises by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi to curb gangsterism. 'The DA condemns these senseless killings in the strongest terms. We reiterate our demand for Lesufi to intervene urgently and direct SAPS to deploy specialised units to investigate and dismantle the criminal networks holding communities hostage. Furthermore, he must allocate necessary resources to police stations such as Booysens and Moffat View so they can deal with the scourge,' he said. Recently, Lesufi signed a Memorandum of Understanding with law enforcement agencies, asserting that it would lead to a cohesive strategy for combating crime. ALSO READ: One dead, another injured in South Hills 'He confidently declared that 'the real forces are coming back to clean our homes.' However, in the areas most affected by crime, there is a noticeable absence of visible policing, and the so-called 'Amapanyaza' crime wardens are nowhere in sight. 'A DA-led Gauteng provincial government would prioritise real safety by deploying SAPS' specialised unit, increasing operations to eradicate illegal firearms, and introducing community outreach programmes to steer young people away from gangsterism by offering educational resources, skills training, and job opportunities,' explained Dos Santos. Lesufi, mayors, police commissioner sign Gauteng Safety Agreement Last month, Lesufi, with executive mayors and mayors or their representatives from Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, Midvaal, Lesedi and Mogale, publicly signed an agreement of understanding and committed to a seamless mission to fight crime in Gauteng through their respective law enforcement agencies. The SAPS were also signatories to the agreement. ALSO READ: Families name South Hills shooting victims, deny gang links 'Today, the signing of this agreement does away with red tape and administrative bureaucracy and is replaced by a borderless Gauteng that allows us to jointly use our resources to tackle crime, wherever a drug dealer is, a murderer, thief, rapist, hijacker or GBV perpetrator, we will track and find them because municipal borders do not hinder us,' said Lesufi. He added, 'We are doing this for one reason: We are taking back Gauteng from criminals because if we can't get crime right, we can't get the country right. ALSO READ: 3 killed in South Hills 'gang-related' shootings 'We will not get investment, peace, or a safe city for our citizens.' He said 450 criminals had already been identified, and action had been taken. As of April 15, 138 had been arrested and 17 killed while resisting arrest or killed in self-defence by police during operations. The Office of the Premier was contacted for comment; they are aware of this matter. However, the Southern Courier is still waiting for their response. ALSO READ: Teen killed in horrific Turffontein home invasion At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
27-05-2025
- The Citizen
Johannesburg South bleeds: Murder surge sparks fear and outrage
There have been several shootings and killings in the South, especially in South Hills, Moffat View, Chrisville and Bellavista. Young and old have been victims of these killings, and the community has expressed concerns about their safety. Brigadier Brenda Muridili commented on this matter regarding the counts of murder. She said as per the SAPS crime statistics that have been released for Moffat View Police Station ( 'Quarter 3 October to December 2024 – 18 counts of murder were reported. In comparison with the same period the previous year (October – December 2023 had 13 counts of murder), there was, therefore, an increase of five counts of murder. Unfortunately, quarter 4 (January – March 2025) crime statistics have not yet been released. Thus, we cannot mention the number of murders, but we can confirm that the police station recorded a decrease in reported cases of murder. 'Unfortunately, we cannot give a breakdown per suburb as that needs a deeper analysis of all murder dockets, but I can say that seven of the 18 murders were committed in South Hills. We can confirm that the police have arrested nine suspects for murder during the period October 2024 to March 2025; their cases are ongoing before the court.' Johannesburg South under siege Sergio Isa Dos Santos MPL confirmed that Johannesburg south is under siege as gang violence prevails. 'Since 2024, Johannesburg south has seen a distressing rise in gang violence, with around 74 murders and 10 attempted murders, many related to gang wars. South Hills (Ward 57) and Chrisville (Ward 55) have been hit hard by turf wars between rival gangs, resulting in tragic incidents, including the death of a 13-year-old child and a scholar transport driver killed outside a school. This is despite countless promises by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi to curb gangsterism. 'The DA condemns these senseless killings in the strongest terms. We reiterate our demand for Lesufi to intervene urgently and direct SAPS to deploy specialised units to investigate and dismantle the criminal networks holding communities hostage. Furthermore, he must allocate necessary resources to police stations such as Booysens and Moffat View so they can deal with the scourge,' he said. Recently, Lesufi signed a Memorandum of Understanding with law enforcement agencies, asserting that it would lead to a cohesive strategy for combating crime. 'He confidently declared that 'the real forces are coming back to clean our homes.' However, in the areas most affected by crime, there is a noticeable absence of visible policing, and the so-called 'Amapanyaza' crime wardens are nowhere in sight. 'A DA-led Gauteng provincial government would prioritise real safety by deploying SAPS' specialised unit, increasing operations to eradicate illegal firearms, and introducing community outreach programmes to steer young people away from gangsterism by offering educational resources, skills training, and job opportunities,' explained Dos Santos. Lesufi, mayors, police commissioner sign Gauteng Safety Agreement Last month, Lesufi, with executive mayors and mayors or their representatives from Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, Midvaal, Lesedi and Mogale, publicly signed an agreement of understanding and committed to a seamless mission to fight crime in Gauteng through their respective law enforcement agencies. The SAPS were also signatories to the agreement. 'Today, the signing of this agreement does away with red tape and administrative bureaucracy and is replaced by a borderless Gauteng that allows us to jointly use our resources to tackle crime, wherever a drug dealer is, a murderer, thief, rapist, hijacker or GBV perpetrator, we will track and find them because municipal borders do not hinder us,' said Lesufi. He added, 'We are doing this for one reason: We are taking back Gauteng from criminals because if we can't get crime right, we can't get the country right. 'We will not get investment, peace, or a safe city for our citizens.' He said 450 criminals had already been identified, and action had been taken. As of April 15, 138 had been arrested and 17 killed while resisting arrest or killed in self-defence by police during operations. The Office of the Premier was contacted for comment; they are aware of this matter. However, the Southern Courier is still waiting for their response. ALSO READ: Teen killed in horrific Turffontein home invasion At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
