Latest news with #HannesCoetzee
The Citizen
6 days ago
- The Citizen
MMC vows to take decisive action against illegal traders and road offenders
MMC vows to take decisive action against illegal traders and road offenders The metro won't tolerate lawlessness, and will take decisive action against illegal traders, road offenders, and those found to be in the country unlawfully. This is according to MMC for Community Safety, Hannes Coetzee, who made the remarks following a series of co-ordinated TMPD operations across the metro recently. Coetzee said the operations were aimed at protecting residents, upholding the rule of law, and sending a clear signal to offenders that Tshwane is not a haven for criminal activity. In Winterveldt, TMPD Region 1 Sector 1 officers spearheaded a joint operation targeting the unlawful presence of individuals in the country and the illegal sale of alcohol. The operation resulted in the arrest of 12 suspects, nine for being in the country illegally, and three for trading alcohol without valid licences. According to Coetzee, the arrests demonstrate that the metro is prepared to act decisively against those who disregard regulations, operate outside the legal framework, and exploit vulnerable communities for personal gain. Simultaneously, in Hammanskraal, Sector 1 officers conducted an intensive road safety blitz aimed at increasing compliance with traffic regulations. Dozens of vehicles were stopped and inspected, leading to the issuing of 62 AARTO infringement notices for violations, including unroadworthy vehicles, failure to display valid documentation, and reckless driving. Coetzee said road safety remained a top priority, adding that enforcement operations play a vital role in reducing road accidents, improving driver behaviour, and ultimately saving lives. – In a separate incident, TMPD patrol officers intercepted two vehicles transporting 53 Zimbabwean nationals, who were found to be in the country illegally. These individuals were taken into custody and are now undergoing the due immigration process. Coetzee emphasised that such interventions are crucial in maintaining border integrity, safeguarding public order, and preventing the exploitation of migrants by unscrupulous operators. 'We want to be unequivocal. Tshwane is not a haven for criminality. Whether it be unlicensed trading, road law violations, or illegal immigration, we will act decisively. 'The law is not an option; it is a non-negotiable standard. These operations reflect not only our resolve to enforce the law but also our dedication to protecting the dignity and safety of every resident.' He also expressed deep appreciation to TMPD officers for their professionalism, dedication, and the personal risks they take to keep communities safe. He described the success of the operations as the result of effective planning, collaboration with key stakeholders, and a shared commitment to upholding the values enshrined in the Constitution. Coetzee urged residents to actively support the TMPD's work by reporting suspicious activities, adhering to the law, and fostering a culture of mutual respect and accountability. 'We hear your concerns, we feel your frustrations, and we are acting. 'Together, we will build a metro defined not by disorder, but by law, dignity and opportunity,' he said. Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] 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.
The Citizen
6 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Smart surveillance pilot cuts crime and boosts police response
Tshwane metro police, together with MMC for Community Safety Hannes Coetzee, recently visited the Proof of Concept (POC) control room in the Hatfield CID to review the progress of the metro's new high-tech crime prevention initiative. The project uses CCTV technology to detect suspicious activity and enable faster police responses, with plans now underway to expand the network and explore drone use as an additional crime-fighting tool. 'This is to assist with crime prevention and car hijacking to make Tshwane a safer place,' said Coetzee. Security service provider Vumacam spokesperson Alex Bouch said the CCTV project was launched five weeks ago and has already shown promising results. He stated that dispatches to incidents increased from 65 in the first week to 133 by week five. 'This has led to 30 interceptions and 15 arrests, with suspects facing charges ranging from theft and robbery to fraud.' Bouch explained that the system is designed to detect vehicles of interest entering the monitored area, allowing for quick interception by law enforcement. He added that the system also helps safeguard critical infrastructure such as power cables and traffic lights from criminal activity. 'The pilot project is also being used to integrate CCTV monitoring with TMPD's workflows and to train operators to use the system independently.' Bouch said this enables more targeted camera deployments in high-priority areas and faster police response times. Commissioner Yolanda Faro, TMPD Chief of Police, expressed strong support for the initiative, calling it an important step forward in using technology to improve law enforcement. According to the Hatfield CID, they have also already seen tangible benefits from the system. CEO Lucas Luckhoff reported a significant drop in crime year-on-year and an increase in arrests since the pilot began. 'The CCTV network also assists the SAPS with investigations, and we are looking to expand the network further,' he said. 'The system is reputable, and the support from the Vumacam team is world-class, helping the Hatfield CID to manage the precinct effectively.' He said plans are underway to both increase the number of cameras and explore the use of drones as additional crime-fighting tools. ALSO READ: Blanket drive is compassion and care in action Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] 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.
The Citizen
28-07-2025
- The Citizen
Heavy trucks, heavier fines: metro rakes in over R339k through reopened weighbridges
Heavy trucks, heavier fines: metro rakes in over R339k through reopened weighbridges The Akasia weighbridges have already generated over R339 500 in fines issued to overloaded trucks since their reintroduction into service this month. The weighbridges reopened on July 11 after more than a decade of inactivity. The Tshwane metro reactivated the two long-neglected municipal weighbridges to ensure road safety. This is also a decisive measure in cracking down on a long-standing culture of impunity in the freight and logistics industry. The facilities that used to be dormant and a symbol of administrative decay, are now frontlines in the metro's mission to reassert control over its crumbling road infrastructure. In just under two weeks of operation, the TMPD has used the weighbridges to identify and penalise freight operators whose overloading practices have long wreaked havoc on the metro's transport corridors. MMC for Community Safety Hannes Coetzee said these heavy-duty trucks, often overlooked due to a lack of enforcement capacity, contribute to road damage and heightened accident risks. 'The reactivation of the weighbridges represents a strategic turning point, not only from a law enforcement perspective, but in terms of restoring institutional trust. For TMPD officers, it's a morale boost and a return to functional policing. 'Today, they stand empowered, and we stand with them,' Coetzee added. For years, residents have watched roads deteriorate while witnessing little to no action against the vehicles responsible. The damage caused by overloaded trucks costs municipalities millions annually in repairs, as well as in lost economic productivity and public confidence. Beyond the immediate revenue in fines, the long-term impact could include improved road safety, longer-lasting infrastructure, and a more regulated freight environment. 'We will not allow your roads to be destroyed, your safety to be disregarded, or your municipality to be governed without consequence,' said Coetzee. Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] 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.
The Citizen
09-07-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Tshwane boosted with nuclear safety equipment worth millions
Tshwane recently received a much-needed gift from the United States that will see it respond more efficiently to radiological emergency needs. The metro's Emergency Services Department received a significant boost in its emergency response capabilities with the donation of advanced radiation detection equipment. The equipment, valued at approximately R5-million, will enhance the city's capacity to respond to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear incidents. MMC for Community Safety, Alderman Hannes Coetzee, welcomed the donation, noting that Tshwane, as the capital of South Africa, hosts 138 embassies, national government headquarters, and strategic infrastructure, making well-equipped emergency response essential. 'Tshwane's proximity to the Pelindaba Nuclear Facility further emphasises the need for radiological preparedness,' Coetzee said. He added that the donation from the United States includes personal radiation detectors, backpack detectors, a VeriFinder radiation identification device, and a specialised computer system for the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA). 'This equipment fills a critical gap, as the emergency department previously had no radiation detection tools, and lacked the budget to procure them.' He added that in June, 16 officials from the emergency services and four NECSA representatives received hands-on training with the new equipment. 'This follows more than four years of capacity-building partnerships with local and international stakeholders, including Interpol, the South African Military Health Service, and the US Department of Energy.' Coetzee said the initiative was conducted in line with diplomatic protocols and collaboration with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy. 'This donation is a testament to the strong collaboration between national, local, and international partners in safeguarding our communities,' said Coetzee. 'It also aligns with our administration's strategic focus on strengthening internal capacity.' He expressed gratitude to the US government for its donation to public safety. Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] 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!
IOL News
02-07-2025
- IOL News
Tshwane allocates R565 million to enhance municipal asset protection
MMC for Community Safety, Hannes Coetzee, says the City of Tshwane's R565.4 million budget for protecting municipal assets will be utilised for installation of modern technologies, including motion detection and other smart tools, to boost security personnel's efforts. Image: Supplied/City of Tshwane The R565.4 million budget for protecting municipal assets in the City of Tshwane will be utilised for installation of modern technologies, including motion detection and other smart tools, to enhance security personnel's efforts. This is according to Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Safety, Hannes Coetzee, who vowed that the City would step up asset protection following this week's arrest of three municipal officials accused of stealing transformers worth around R7 million at a Laudium electricity substation. He commended the SAPS for their decisive action and emphasised that the development marks a crucial step towards protecting the city's infrastructure and assets. 'This administration has made it clear that theft and internal misconduct will be dealt with decisively. The infrastructure under our care is not abstract; it powers homes, clinics, businesses, and public facilities. When it is stolen or sabotaged, it is the residents who pay the price,' he said. Coetzee slammed past administrations, saying they had woefully underprotected the City's assets. 'To address this, the City is pursuing a consolidated asset protection strategy that includes both physical security and advanced technological solutions,' he said. During the recent tabling of the 2025/2026 budget, Finance MMC Eugene Modise pointed out that the city is "woefully under-protected". He said the R565 million budget for protecting municipal assets, especially electricity infrastructure, will help secure infrastructure against theft and vandalism. The funds, he said, will be used for CCTV camera installations, deploying security personnel, and recruiting 200 additional metro police officers. 'At present, Tshwane is woefully under-protected. To address this, the city is pursuing a consolidated asset protection strategy that includes both physical security and advanced technological solutions,' said Modise. Mayor Nasiphi Moya shared the same sentiment during her maiden State of Capital Address, saying: 'We are finalising a consolidated asset protection strategy that includes both physical security and advanced technology. This plan will make use of CCTV, motion detection, and other smart tools to support and enhance the work of our security personnel. Importantly, we are shifting away from outsourced contracts and building a dedicated, inhouse security team.' [email protected]
