Latest news with #BrendaMuridili
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!
The Citizen
12-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Video: 5 expected in court after violent protest at Loftus Versfeld
Video: 5 expected in court after violent protest at Loftus Versfeld Police arrested five men for public violence and malicious damage to property following a violent protest at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria, yesterday. According to Pretoria Rekord, the unrest broke out during half-time of the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier between Bafana Bafana and Malawi. Police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili said about 150 people started protesting at 16:30. She said when public order police tried to speak to them, protesters turned violent and threw objects at the officers. Police responded and arrested five suspects. 'The men face charges of public violence, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and malicious damage to property.' The five suspects are expected to appear in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court tomorrow. Muridili said police must act when protests threaten safety, as per the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act 2 of 2010. The act ensures safety at public events like sports matches and concerts. April violence at Loftus still under investigation Violence broke out after a CAF Champions League match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Espérance Sportive de Tunis on April 1. The clash followed Sundowns' 1–0 win at Loftus. Police confirmed that 13 people were injured but refused medical help. Videos on social media showed fans throwing objects, dismantling barricades and fighting, despite security personnel trying to defuse the situation. Also read: Watch: Sundowns hero saves Tunisian fan as soccer fans clash at Loftus Versfeld Sundowns later released a statement condemning the violence. The club apologised to Espérance and their supporters. They noted their fans may not have started the fight, but admitted it happened at their home ground. Sundowns said some fans were attacked with flares and pepper spray. They promised to work with the police to prevent future incidents. This incident is still under investigation. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
The Citizen
12-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Five arrested for damage to property at Loftus Versfeld Stadium
Five arrested for damage to property at Loftus Versfeld Stadium Police arrested five men for public violence and malicious damage to property following a violent protest at Loftus Stadium on Sunday. The unrest broke out during the half-time of the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier between Bafana Bafana and Malawi. Police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili said about 150 people started protesting at 16:30. She said when public order police tried to speak to them, protesters turned violent and threw objects at the officers. Police responded and arrested five suspects. 'The men face charges of public violence, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and malicious damage to property.' The five suspects are expected to appear in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court on Tuesday. Muridili said police must act when protests threaten safety, as per the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act. The act ensures safety at public events like sports matches and concerts. The April violence at Loftus Stadium is still under investigation. Violence broke out after a CAF Champions League match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Espérance Sportive de Tunis. The clash followed Sundowns' 1–0 win at Loftus. Police confirmed that 13 people were injured but refused medical help. Videos on social media showed fans throwing objects, dismantling barricades and fighting, despite security personnel trying to defuse the situation. Sundowns later released a statement condemning the violence. The club apologised to Espérance and their supporters. They noted their fans may not have started the fight, but admitted it happened at their home ground. Sundowns said some fans were attacked with flares and pepper spray. They promised to work with the police to prevent future incidents. #sapsGP Police have arrested five men following a protest at the Loftus stadium in Hatfield, Tshwane district on 11 May 2025. The suspects will be facing charges which include public violence, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and malicious damage to property.… — SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) May 12, 2025 Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
