Latest news with #FrennieShivambu
The Citizen
15-05-2025
- The Citizen
Alleged rape at Saps Academy
The union has called on Saps to conduct a "full, transparent, and independent investigation". Public Order Police members at the police training academy in Tshwane. Picture: Gallo Images/Frennie Shivambu The police and prisons civil rights union (Popcru) has voiced its outrage over the alleged sexual assault of a female trainee at the South African Police Service (Saps) training academy in Tshwane. According to the union, the trainer at the academy was arrested and removed from his post. This followed the disturbing allegation of rape. The union expressed deep concern in a statement on Thursday, describing this as a 'serious betrayal of trust.' 'Popcru unequivocally condemns any form of Gender-Based Violence and Child Abuse (GBVC), especially when perpetrated by those entrusted with the training and development of future law enforcement officers.' Calls for immediate action Speaking at a Cabinet meeting, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni condemned the incident. The union has called on Saps to conduct a 'full, transparent, and independent investigation' into the matter. Popcru has urged the divisional commissioner of Saps training to ensure accountability and appropriate action. 'We also want to make it categorically clear that this criminal act, while deeply disturbing, should not paint all Saps trainers with the same brush,' it said. Furthermore, Popcru emphasised that while this incident is deeply disturbing, it should not tarnish the reputation of all saps trainers. Popcru urged the public not to let the actions of one individual overshadow the efforts of the entire training institution 'There are countless committed, disciplined trainers across the country who continue to serve with integrity,' Popcru clarified. ALSO READ: Inquest opened after body of missing Fleurhof boy, 11, discovered Support and reform demands The union has also called for immediate support for the affected trainee through the Saps Employee Health and Wellness Programme (EHW). This includes access to psychosocial counselling and trauma support. Popcru further recommended enhanced screening and vetting processes for all personnel at the academy. The union also urged stronger gender sensitivity and ethics training across Saps training facilities. Finally, Popcru stressed the need for greater public transparency in the investigation's outcome. This is to restore public and internal confidence in the Saps. 'Popcru remains committed to building a professional, ethical, and accountable policing environment, free from abuse, harassment, and intimidation,' it concluded. NOW READ: Fake court documents scandal rocks Pretoria High Court
The Citizen
13-05-2025
- The Citizen
Aserie Ndlovu, Zodwa Mdhluli case: Three more suspects arrested amid wait for DNA results
The three suspects are expected to appear in court this week. Public Order Police (POPs) members at the Tshwane Police Training Academy on 15 June 2024. Picture: Gallo Images/Frennie Shivambu Three additional suspects have been arrested in connection with the disappearance of journalist Sibusiso Aserie Ndlovu and his partner, Zodwa Precious Mdhuli. They were apprehended in the early hours of Tuesday morning, according to the South African Police Service (Saps). This follows a public alert issued over the weekend, in which authorities asked for assistance in locating Thato David Madisha and Sello 'Skhalo' Uoane. Sibusiso Aserie Ndlovu case: More suspects nabbed The police have now confirmed the arrests of Madisha and Uoane. The two men, aged 24 and 43 respectively, were found at a hideout in Nokaneng near Rust De Winter, along with a third unidentified individual. Mpumalanga police spokesperson Jabu Ndubane confirmed that the three suspects are expected to appear at the KwaMhlanga Magistrate's Court on Wednesday. They face charges of kidnapping, hijacking, and house robbery. ALSO READ: Missing KZN teen recounts alleged abduction after two-week ordeal National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola praised both the investigative team and members of the public for their role in the arrests. 'We thank the people of South Africa, particularly Mpumalanga, who have assisted our investigating team in tracing these suspects,' Masemola said in a statement. 'The social media community must also be appreciated for sharing the pictures of these suspects far and wide. 'Together, we can do more with the cooperation of communities in fighting crime and apprehending dangerous criminals.' Investigation continues into Sibusiso Aserie Ndlovu's disappearance Mpumalanga Acting Police Commissioner Zeph Mkhwanazi echoed the sentiment, describing the arrests as a major breakthrough. 'We are utilising all available resources to uncover the truth behind what has transpired to the two victims. 'We are encouraged by the team's diligent efforts, which are yielding positive results,' he said. Mkhwanazi added that investigations remain ongoing, and police are committed to holding all responsible parties accountable. READ MORE: Police rescue two businessmen in Midrand after kidnapping ordeal The arrests follow the discovery of human remains near Rust De Winter, believed to belong to the missing couple. Forensic testing is currently underway to confirm the identities, with results still pending. 'A DNA matching process is already underway to match the human remains found with the DNA of close family members,' national police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said on Tuesday. Ndlovu and Mdhluli were last seen on 18 February, driving in a white Volkswagen Citi Golf. Total arrests rise to eight The total number of suspects arrested in the case has now risen to eight. Previously, five individuals were apprehended in various villages around KwaMhlanga, Mpumalanga. They face multiple charges, including kidnapping, carjacking, house robbery, possession of suspected stolen property, possession of a suspected stolen vehicle, and drug possession. Among them is a 17-year-old minor who was released into the custody of his parents. The others remain in custody and had already appeared in court as of last week. READ MORE: Man allegedly holds ex captive for 13 days before she escapes The first suspect arrested in connection with the case, Samuel Mogongwe, was reportedly the last person seen with the missing couple before their disappearance. The 41-year-old was well known to the victims and their families, having worked as their taxi driver. The police have recovered two VW Citi Golfs, allegedly fitted with parts suspected to be from Ndlovu's vehicle. In addition, several home appliances, including a fridge, stove, and microwave, believed to have been stolen from the couple's residence, have also been retrieved.
The Citizen
02-05-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Tshwane under pressure as residents complain about water outages, power and potholes
Tshwane mayor Nasiphi Moya said in her state of the city address that the administration inherited a backlog of 692 potholes and repaired 687, achieving a 99% reduction. Tshwane mayor Nasiphi Moya during her briefing on her first 100 days in office at Tshwane House, on 11 February 2025 in Pretoria. Picture: Frennie Shivambu/Gallo Images The City of Tshwane is under pressure from ongoing complaints over water outages, power and potholes. Spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said employees doing the repairs would be paid overtime, adding that the city had funds to replace parts of the pipes. 'The Grove Mall offered material to speed up the repair process,' he said. Mashigo said there was a backlog due to persistent rain. 'Inherited potholes' Last month, Tshwane mayor Nasiphi Moya said in her state of the city address that the administration inherited a backlog of 692 potholes and repaired 687, achieving a 99% reduction. 'It is true that we have achieved a 99% reduction of potholes. However, there is a recurrence of backlog due to persistent rain. This remains a challenge that our maintenance teams are addressing,' she said. ALSO READ: Tshwane faces union backlash over overtime deductions This week, MMC for roads and transport, Tlangi Mogale, visited the Daspoort Tunnel, which was closed for pothole repairs. 'Hot mix asphalt proudly produced by your own City of Tshwane quarry. No external sources, no procurement processes, just a team of dedicated officials doing this work for the betterment of our city. One of the strategic moves we are making is to also provide and sell this asphalt to other municipalities and users,' she posted on X. Last week, a portion of Steve Biko Road between Trevenna and Francis Baard Road was closed off after a suspected sinkhole was confirmed to be an erosion hole. Residents have reported various potholes following the heavy downpours in April. Pretoria is riddled with potholes from Silverton to Rietvlei, Lynnwood Road to January Masilela Drive. A massive pothole was also reported in Hatfield, where the road joins the N1 northbound. ALSO READ: Mayor Nasiphi Moya, where art thou? On a Facebook page, Ek is van die Ooste (I am from the east), five residents reported damaging their tyres and rims driving through a pothole. It is said that new tyres and wheel alignment cost up to R2 200. Tshwane on 'service delivery strike' DA councillor Jacqui Uys said Equestria had 197 potholes, of which 67 had been fixed by the community working with the DA. Uys said the community and the DA recently fixed 15 out of nearly 40 potholes in Die Wilgers and 12 out of nearly 20 in Wapadrand. ALSO READ: City of Tshwane says overtime cap won't stall emergency services 'The ANC in Tshwane seems to be on a service delivery strike, its latest budget report for March also shows this and we can see that this administration is understanding on service delivery with more than 15%,' she said. DA ward 56 councillor Tiaan Dippenaar said parts of his ward, which includes Hatfield, Hillcrest and Brooklyn, were 'undriveable'. 'Deep, dangerous potholes force motorists to swerve recklessly, putting lives at risk. Not only is this a serious safety hazard, but it is also causing thousands of rands in damage to our vehicles every day. 'We are not talking about small bumps. These craters are destroying tyres, bending rims, snapping suspensions and robbing us of our right to move safely through our communities,' he said. Dippenaar said the neglect from the Tshwane administration was shocking and the excuses unacceptable. 'This is a failure of basic service delivery, the bare minimum that residents should expect from their city,' he said. NOW READ: Another widespread power outage hits Tshwane – marizkac@
