Latest news with #IPID
The Citizen
4 days ago
- The Citizen
Benoni Flying Squad officers back in court for kidnapping, extortion case
Three members of the Benoni Flying Squad, who face charges of kidnapping and extortion, made another brief appearance in the Kempton Park Magistrate's Court this morning. Kempton Express reports that the case was postponed to July 8 for the docket and further investigation to be completed. This follows a previous delay on April 8, when it was revealed in court that the investigating officer was attending training and had yet to finalise the investigation. The accused officers were arrested by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) on December 2 last year, just days after an alleged incident involving the extortion of a salon owner at Norkem Mall on November 24. According to IPID, the three officers approached a 38-year-old salon owner and began questioning her about her business documentation. She reportedly indicated that all required papers were displayed on the premises. The officers then requested her ID, which she handed over. It is further alleged that the officers demanded to search her residence. Once there, they insisted on accessing a safe and demanded cash, reportedly extorting a total of R42 000, although they allegedly demanded R60 000. The incident was later reported to IPID, which launched an investigation and subsequently arrested the officers. During their initial court appearance on December 3, each officer was granted R2 000 bail, which was extended again today. The trio has not yet entered a plea. 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. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The South African
10-05-2025
- The South African
SAPS trainer arrested over alleged rape of trainee in Tshwane
A South African Police Service (SAPS) trainer has been arrested after allegedly raping a trainee at the SAPS Training Academy in Tshwane. The incident occurred on Tuesday and led to the instructor's immediate dismissal and arrest, highlighting ongoing concerns about abuse of power within law enforcement institutions. The Ministry of Police acted swiftly after the report, ensuring the trainer's removal and handing the case over to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID). Police Minister Senzo Mchunu welcomed the rapid response, describing the alleged crime as 'a disgraceful abuse of authority.' 'This alleged act is not only criminal in nature, but it is a disgraceful abuse of authority, and a gross violation of the trust placed in those who are meant to shape and guide the next generation of police officers,' Mchunu stated. IPID has been instructed to pursue an uncompromising investigation. Meanwhile, internal processes within SAPS have been initiated to ensure accountability. The Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS) confirmed that the trainee is receiving both medical and psychological support. Minister Mchunu stressed the gravity of the crime, especially considering the victim's commitment to serving the nation. 'To prey on a young recruit who has chosen to serve the nation through the SAPS is both reprehensible and inexcusable,' he said. 'It undermines the integrity of the police service and the tireless work of the thousands of officers who serve with honour every day.' Mchunu urged that internal disciplinary measures be expedited and that the accused be held accountable without delay. 'The perpetrator must be brought to book, and let it be a clear and resounding message no one is above the law,' he concluded. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
10-05-2025
- The South African
Gqeberha murder suspect found dead in police holding cell
A 42-year-old man suspected of being involved in the murder of three initiates in Ngqamakhwe in December 2023 was found dead in his holding cell. Police in the Eastern Cape confirmed that SAPS officers arrested the murder suspect on Wednesday, 7 May 2025. The suspect was detained at the Gelvandale police station in Gqeberha. On the same day, police discovered the murder suspect dead inside a holding cell. Authorities described the incident as 'unclear circumstances.' Police reportedly linked the murder suspect to the killings of three young initiates during last year's initiation season in Ngqamakhwe. The case drew national attention due to the rising number of fatalities linked to illegal and unsafe initiation practices across the Eastern Cape. Eastern Cape police opened an inquest docket and handed the case to IPID for full investigation. In the last three weeks, a terrifying string of kidnappings has gripped Gqeberha, with at least five abductions reported. These incidents have shaken the residents of Gqeberha and raised serious concerns about public safety in the city. Yesterday, five suspects kidnapped a 44-year-old businessman around 10:00. It is alleged that the suspects dragged the victim from his BMW outside his North End business in Darling Street. The suspects forcibly removed the victim from his vehicle and shoved him into the VW Polo. Both vehicles then left the scene. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news
Eyewitness News
09-05-2025
- Eyewitness News
Former EC detective handed 20-year jail term for raping minor
JOHANNESBURG - Disgraced former Kei Mouth detective in the Eastern Cape, Thembalethu Gqeku, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for raping a minor. Gqeku assaulted the victim in 2022. She was 17 years old at the time of the incident. The violation allegedly took place at the Kei Mouth Police Station. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) welcomed the former detective's sentencing. In 2022, Gqeku picked up the young girl under the pretext of getting a statement for a case that she had opened against her partner. On the way to the Kei Mouth Police Station, the former detective made advances to the victim, which were rejected. Gqeku proceeded to rape the victim when they arrived at the police station. IPID spokesperson Lizzy Suping said: "IPID Eastern Cape provincial head, Ms Bongiwe Tukela, says GBVF is a scourge in our country and the department has noted a trend where victims alledge that they were being raped whilst being picked up from taverns, which is a concern. Therefore, IPID is very pleased on its impartial investigation, as well as the dedication of the NPA." Suping added that they were satisfied with the emotional support the victim received from the Department of Social Development in Eastern Cape.
IOL News
08-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Why Mkhwanazi dug in his heels amid IPID probe
KWAZULU-Zulu Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi continued to maintain his innocence over a probe by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) regarding his conduct, which remains shrouded in mystery. On Tuesday, Mkhwanazi convened a meeting with station commanders and other senior police officials at the Durban Centre Jesus Dome in Mayville. During this closed-door gathering, Mkhwanazi addressed his leadership team, urging them not to yield to external pressures and to always prioritise doing the right thing in their work. 'Are you afraid to be told that you are a commander who does not want to arrest people? I made a decision at one stage that you cannot detain a person if you don't have a case. Where did I end up? In the media. IPID was thrown at me.' The comments were a clear defence of his actions related to the incident that sparked the probe. Mkhwanazi stressed that he had not faltered in his stance, as he believed his decisions had been justified. 'Did I bury my head underground? No, I didn't. I am still standing because I knew what I was doing was right,' he said. Mkhwanazi went on to outline his philosophy on law enforcement, explaining that arrests should not be made for the sake of making arrests. 'You don't arrest a person because you want to arrest. You must be convinced that there is a crime that has been committed before this person is detained in a police station,' he said. He emphasized the importance of a solid case before taking such a serious step. Mkhwanazi also reminded his officers of the honour in their profession, encouraging them to respect the SAPS organisation, the country's flag, and the citizens they served. 'Respect the organisation, colleagues. Love it. Respect the commanders and love the SAPS as your employer. And lastly, respect the flag. If you respect the flag of this country, you are going to respect your client, the citizens, because this is what the flag represents.' During the meeting, Mkhwanazi pointed to the positive strides the province had made in tackling crime. 'The province has shown a decrease in cases of murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, car and truck hijacking, as well as robbery at business and residential premises,' he remarked. However, he acknowledged that more work remains to be done to ensure the province is free from crime. The IPID's investigation into Mkhwanazi has sparked significant controversy, with many of his supporters accusing the police watchdog of targeting him unfairly. Some of Mkhwanazi's backers organised a march in his support in Durban. It was called off after reports emerged that the IPID had suspended the investigation. Mkhwanazi's supporters argued that he has been a staunch and effective leader in the fight against crime, particularly in the province, which has long battled high levels of violence and criminal activity. His no-nonsense approach has earned him praise from many South Africans, who believe his leadership was key to reducing crime in KwaZulu-Natal. IPID, however, has remained tight-lipped on the matter. The watchdog's spokesperson, Lizzy Suping, was previously quoted as saying, 'The IPID's position as per our statement released on the 16th of March 2025 is that we are not going to engage on the matter until our investigation is concluded.' The investigation had drawn political support from several parties, including the EFF, IFP, uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), and the ATM, all of which have publicly backed Mkhwanazi. In addition, the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union (Popcru) has also voiced its support for the commissioner. WhatsApp your views on this story at 071 485 7995 DAILY NEWS
