Latest news with #Gqeberha
Daily Maverick
an hour ago
- Daily Maverick
More than 1,250 missing weapons — Gqeberha gun dealer's bail bid reveals staggering losses
As Nelson Mandela Bay gun dealer Karen Webb made another bid for bail, court testimony detailed more than 1,250 missing firearms, irregular firearm training and thousands of unaccounted-for competency certificates linked to her now-defunct business. As Gqeberha firearms dealer Karen Webb launched another bid for bail on Thursday, chilling new details emerged in court: more than 1,250 firearms that were allegedly in her care are still missing. More than 100 firearms linked to Webb have already been recovered from crime scenes across the country. According to an affidavit read into the record by State Advocate Liezel Landman on behalf of Detective Sergeant JJ Botha, the weapons disappeared before Webb's arrest in February 2024 and have not yet been recovered. This means, in addition to 132 firearms linked to Webb's case that were recovered from crime scenes and suspects across the country, an additional 1,255 are allegedly out on the street illegally. Webb, 41, seated in the dock, showed little reaction as the case against her was laid bare. Her parents, seated in the front row of the public gallery, sporadically shook their heads and spoke under their breath as a string of allegations was levelled against their daughter. She has been in custody at the North End Prison since her arrest in February 2024 for her alleged involvement in supplying firearms belonging to another dealer, Chris Evans of Aquila Arms, to criminal elements around the country. She was granted R10,000 bail on appeal in June, but remains behind bars after fresh charges were brought against her, including two counts of murder. In addition to the murder charges, Webb faces 14 counts of theft, fraud and forgery, as well as several charges related to the Firearms Control Act pertaining to the unauthorised transport of weapons, failure to report the loss or theft of weapons, unauthorised production of ammunition and providing firearms training while uncertified to do so, among other charges. She also has two more matters before the court, related to the possession of contraband in prison, as well as theft for allegedly selling her ex-husband's furniture without his permission. As Botha's statement was read into the record, it came to light that several complainants had reported theft charges against Webb. While some paid for firearms in the hope of receiving them once their licences were approved, others stored firearms with her. However, all the complainants reported similar interactions with Webb – follow-ups being ignored or met with excuses, requests for refunds denied, and ultimately arriving at Webb's Arms after February 2024 and finding that the business no longer existed. The court also heard how the Professional Firearms Trainers Council (PFTC) suspended Webb's certification as a training provider after a surprise inspection uncovered several irregularities. It was found that the portfolios of evidence of several trainees were incomplete. Some theoretical tests were written in multiple different handwritings, others contained incomplete tests, unmarked tests or even a complete list of answers provided to trainees at the start of the test. It was also found that despite Webb being the only certified trainer, other employees at Webb's Arms were conducting classes. According to the evidence before the court, Webb admitted guilt and in October 2022, the PFTC suspended her training certification for five years. However, it later came to light that she had continued with training, and after a second disciplinary hearing in February 2023, she was permanently expelled by the PFTC. This brought about an investigation into 1,727 competency certificates approved by the police based on irregular training certificates issued by Webb. Botha's statement also unpacked the vast number of firearms that were at one stage stored at the premises of the defunct Webb's Arms, and how many allegedly remain unaccounted for. According to Evans, when he entered into a storage agreement with Webb in 2019, he stored a total of 2,025 firearms at Webb's Arms. Initially, these firearms were kept in the main safe, but were later moved into a separate safe on the premises for which Webb also had a key, according to Evans. In April 2023, the investigation kicked off after 18 weapons registered to Evans and Aquila Arms' dealer stock were recovered in the gang-ridden neighbourhoods of Gelvandale and Bethelsdorp. A total of 132 weapons belonging to Evans have since been recovered across the country. Police confiscated all his firearms. All of Evans's weapons stored at three other facilities were accounted for. All 132 weapons recovered went missing from his stock stored at Webb's Arms. In addition, a further 670 weapons from his stock at Webb's Arms are still unaccounted for. Concerning Webb's weapons, a total of 917 firearms are registered to her dealer stock. Before her arrest, Webb arranged for 658 firearms to be transported and stored at a premises in Sedgefield, Western Cape. However, according to Botha, 338 of these weapons were registered to private owners or businesses, and were merely stored at Webb's Arms. Only 320 of the firearms recovered from Sedgefield are registered to Webb. A further 12 firearms from her dealer stock were traced to other dealerships across the country, where they were being stored pending the approval of firearms licences. This means that of Webb's 917 registered firearms, only 332 have been traced, leaving 585 unaccounted for. Adding the 670 missing firearms belonging to Evans, it brings the total of firearms unaccounted for from Webb's Arms premises to a staggering 1,255.
The Herald
7 hours ago
- The Herald
Cops call for information after suspected hit on Gqeberha prosecutor
A Gqeberha public prosecutor was shot dead outside her house on Thursday, in what appears to have been a hit. Police have appealed to the public to come forward with any information that could help in their investigation. Police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg said the incident unfolded after the public prosecutor arrived at her home in Lotton Street, Young Park, at about 3.30pm on Thursday. 'While still seated in her vehicle, a Toyota Etios, four unknown suspects wearing masks stopped in a white VW Polo in the street,' Janse van Rensburg said. 'They got out of the vehicle and multiple shots were fired at her vehicle. 'The deceased was rushed to hospital with gunshot wounds but passed away on her arrival. 'The motive and the suspects are unknown, and the investigation is ongoing. 'The name of the deceased will be released once she has been officially identified.' A person who worked with her at the New Brighton court said the murdered prosecutor was a mother and a diligent court official. 'She dealt with some big cases and did a fantastic job. We are all devastated by what has happened. 'The SAPS Algoa Park detective is appealing to anyone who can provide information that can lead to the arrest and successful prosecution of the suspects involved in the murder to come forward.' Janse van Rensburg said any person with information could contact investigating officer Warrant Officer Errol Kleinhans on 083-243-4567, or Crime Stop on 08600 1011, or the nearest police station. 'Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via MySAPS App. All information is confidential, and callers may remain anonymous.' The Herald
The Herald
a day ago
- Sport
- The Herald
Mfunzi targets better time in Choose to Challenge 10km at Baywest Mall
Sport Elite Bay runner wants to inspire other women to overcome personal battles Premium 30 July 2025 Top Nelson Mandela Bay female road runner Ntombesintu Mfunzi, who is battling diabetes, will be fighting for a sub-39-minute finish time at this year's Choose to Challenge 10km race on Saturday. The ninth edition of the popular Gqeberha race, which is organised by EP Athletics and the Legacy Project, starts and finishes at the Baywest Mall...
The Herald
3 days ago
- The Herald
Domestic violence among police officers needs urgent attention
Last Friday, a man shot dead two young women at a flat in Gqeberha 's Central before turning the gun on himself. The 32-year-old was a police officer stationed at the Algoa Park police station, and was allegedly off-duty at the time of the incident. While the double murder shook Nelson Mandela Bay, it has not been widely reported in other parts of the country. There have been many cases of police officers being involved in what appear to be domestic violence incidents in our country, but these do not seem to receive the level of media and public attention they demand. As a result, South Africans do not realise we are in the midst of a serious crisis of police officers being involved in the killing and maiming of their romantic partners and ex-partners. The reality of the situation is that while domestic violence is a pervasive issue affecting individuals and families across all layers of society, there is a troubling and often under-discussed phenomenon of the disproportionately high rates of domestic violence reported (and unreported) among police officers compared with the general population. While reliable data is difficult to obtain because of under-reporting, numerous studies, reports, and advocacy organisations in SA and across the world have documented this pattern. In the US, research and anecdotal evidence suggest that rates of domestic violence within police families may be two to four times higher than in the general population. Studies conducted by the National Centre for Women and Policing estimate that between 24% and 40% of law enforcement families experience domestic violence, compared with an estimated 10% in the general public. In SA, a concerning number of police officers are involved in domestic violence incidents, both as victims and perpetrators. In October 2024, the SA Police Service (SAPS) reported to the parliamentary portfolio committee on police that a significant number of its members were either victims or perpetrators of domestic violence, with 101 officers reported as victims and 191 reported as perpetrators of domestic violence. There is no question that these numbers do not reflect the extent of the problem given the under-reporting of domestic violence in SA in general. The situation is especially complex when it comes to reporting police officers due to barriers to reporting and accountability. Many cases against officers involved in domestic violence incidents result in verbal and written warnings instead of more serious disciplinary actions. Some cases are dismissed due to lack of evidence, while others are withdrawn or result in suspension for a short period. In a review of 93 cases involving SAPS members accused of domestic violence, data obtained from the Civilian Secretariat for Police between April and September 2023 showed that of nearly 200 officers who had been reported for domestic violence only three were dismissed. This is a dismissal rate of 1.8%. There are cultural and institutional factors which may explain why there are high levels of domestic violence committed by police officers. One of these is that law enforcement environments are characterised by toughness and emotional restraint. Officers may suppress vulnerability and emotional openness, making it difficult to communicate or defuse tension in personal settings without resorting to aggression or domination. Furthermore, policing is a highly stressful profession involving frequent exposure to trauma, violence, and crisis situations which can have lasting psychological impacts. Studies have found that repeated exposure to violence and traumatic events can result in post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health challenges. These conditions often increase irritability, impulsive behaviour and difficulties in emotional regulation, all of which are risk factors for perpetrating violence at home. While these factors may be understood, there is need to explore solutions to this unspoken-about crisis. But effectively addressing the high rates of domestic violence among police officers requires a multifaceted approach which includes independent oversight and accountability in the form of the establishment of independent review boards, or civilian oversight committees can help ensure impartial investigations and hold officers accountable for domestic abuse. Furthermore, there must be comprehensive support for victims through specialised support services and legal resources. Collaboration with domestic violence advocacy organisations can help ensure victim safety and empowerment. This is a national crisis we can ill-afford to continue ignoring.
The Herald
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald
Gqeberha, Palestinian artists unite on stage
The Athenaeum in Gqeberha pulsed with vibrant energy recently when a chorus of voices, movement and music filled the historic venue. NDILAPHA! — Finding My Place in the World , was a powerful youth-led performance and exhibition showcasing the creative outcome of a unique two-week exchange between the Palestinian Circus School and Masifunde ' s Academy of Creativity. Bringing together 40 young artists from SA and Palestine, the project invited participants to explore themes of identity, belonging and shared experience through circus, theatre, music and visual arts. During just 10 days, the group — many of whom had never travelled outside their communities — broke through language and cultural barriers to co-create a deeply personal and political showcase. 'Now I can say that everything is possible when you work things out together,' a 17-year-old participant from Walmer said, reflecting on the collaborative journey which saw teens from vastly different worlds becoming co-performers and friends. For another 17-year-old, from Ramallah, the exchange was both a revelation and a mirror. 'I already knew that people on the other side of the world lived differently from me,' the teenager said. 'But now I also got to see how similar we all are. 'I realised that I can relate to SA youth in so many ways.' Their final performance was a dazzling fusion of physical theatre, circus skills, choir music and spoken word, backed by an exhibition of visual artworks created during the exchange. Together they offered raw, honest insights into the way young people are navigating their worlds — marked by conflict, inequality, resilience and hope. 'I realised the world isn ' t black and white, it ' s colourful — you just need to find the perfect shade,' a 16-year-old participant from Palestine said. Another, aged 17, said: 'When we finished the show I felt so proud of us.' Beyond the stage, the young artists built relationships grounded in mutual respect and curiosity. Daily rehearsals were punctuated with shared meals, storytelling sessions and open discussions which helped dismantle assumptions and build empathy. 'It was a rich human experience which brought together young people from different backgrounds to learn from one another,' Gaza-born facilitator and artist Al Arab Almoughanni said. 'The shared activities and open discussions helped build strong relationships based on respect and appreciation.' At its heart, NDILAPHA! — which means 'I am here' in isiXhosa — became a declaration of presence and purpose. It was less about performance and more about connection, healing and finding one ' s place in a complicated world. The initiative was made possible through support from Masifunde Learner Development, the Palestinian Circus School, and the Civil Peace Service of the GIZ, funded by the German ministry for economic co-operation and development. In a time when borders, both literal and figurative, continue to divide, NDILAPHA! stood as a bold reminder of what is possible when young people come together to listen, learn and create. The Herald
