Latest news with #JMPD
The Citizen
11 hours ago
- The Citizen
City's service delivery operation slammed by residents
The Strydom Park Ratepayers Association (SPRA) is not pleased with the city's High Impact Service Delivery (HISD) Operation that took place on July 30 on the corner of CR Swart Dr and Fabriek Street. Led by the Citizen Relationship and Urban Management (CRUM) region B and other stakeholders, including SAPS, Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD), City Parks, and PikitUp, it aimed to clear illegal dumping and remove homeless and waste pickers from around the spruit. Karolynn van Vuuren, chairperson of the association, said that while they appreciate the effort and the presence of multiple stakeholders during yesterday's clean-up, it lacked leadership and coordination. Nearly an hour was lost to inefficiency, and the initiative's momentum suffered as a result. 'If we are to take these operations seriously, JMPD needs to step up, either by being better resourced or rethinking its deployment priorities.' She further stated that the operation, unfortunately, made very little visible difference in the area. Also read: Randburg Customer Service Centre returns after two-year closure 'While we saw brief activity, much remains untouched and unresolved. It's disheartening, and it underscores a painful reality: the city's service efforts are not just lacking, they are insufficient. We're being offered crumbs to placate taxpayers, while fundamental issues persist and deepen.' She added that these blitz-style clean-ups, held once or twice a year, do little to maintain safety or sustainability. Illegal activities resumed almost immediately after the operation. 'Without consistent and strategic follow-through, these events become token gestures rather than genuine solutions. What we need is ongoing monitoring and dedicated enforcement, not these sporadic interventions that give infringers a six-month holiday from scrutiny.' The SPRA is calling on residents and property owners to go beyond simply supplementing city services. Also read: Region B CRUM continues with service delivery campaign around Randburg 'It's time we take full ownership of what the city fails to do. Whether through financial contribution or time investment, community-driven action is no longer a nice-to-have; it's an urgent necessity. The state of our greenbelts, roads, and drains demands more than photo opportunities and fleeting initiatives. We need persistent care, proactive enforcement, and unified local involvement.' Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
IOL News
13 hours ago
- IOL News
Outrage as mother and accomplices filmed allegedly forcing toddler to smoke drugs appear in court
Gauteng Social Development department, alongside children's rights activists, have condemned the actions of a mother and three accomplices who were filmed allegedly forcing a three-year-old boy to smoke drugs from a broken bottle pipe. Image: Siyabonga Sithole/IOL The Gauteng Social Development and other children's rights activists have condemned the mother of a three-year-old who, along with three of her accomplices, was caught in a viral video allegedly forcing the child to smoke drugs from a broken bottle pipe. It is not clear what drug was contained in the broken bottle, but the incident prompted the JMPD to effect an immediate arrest. The four suspects who are facing a charge of attempted murder and child abuse appeared briefly before the Johannesburg Magistrates Court on Thursday, where the case was postponed to Monday, August 4, to allow for the accused to get legal representation. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Speaking outside court, ActionSA MP, Dereleen James, said the recent spate of cases involving minors has become a common scourge in the country, adding that the government continues to fail the poor and vulnerable in society. "This is not an isolated case involving a minor. This is a case of gross neglect and deliberate assault and abuse. This is a case of attempted murder. I am sitting here and wondering if this child will have access to schooling and will be able to learn, purely because we know (the effects of) these types of drugs due to people who use them at an early age," she said. On Thursday, the Gauteng Department of Social Development condemned the alleged behaviour of the parents, saying it will be investigating the matter. "The Department wishes to categorically state that it is gravely outraged by the irresponsible behaviour of the toddler's parents and further commits to investigating the incident to provide the necessary intervention that will help the child. The Department further condemns actions that harm children, such as violence and negligence, and would like to emphasise the importance of positive role modelling and responsible behaviour to our children. This incident is both unfortunate and barbaric, and the Department welcomes the arrest of the three (3) suspects involved from Newclare in Johannesburg, including the mother who is detained at a police station," it said. The Department said it called on community members (particularly those who claim to be community activist and take to posting on social media) to instead take action against these kinds of incidents by reporting to the relevant institutions and/or law enforcement agencies. Siyabonga Monakali, on behalf of Ilitha Labantu, also expressed deep outrage following the circulation of the disturbing video. "The incident, which has drawn widespread condemnation, forces us to confront the cruelty of the act itself and the deeper societal decay it reflects. While the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department responded swiftly by arresting the three individuals involved, including the child's mother and the person who filmed the video, this case goes beyond criminality. It exposes a painful truth about where we stand as a society," he said. Westbury Councillor, Marilyne Smouse, slammed the government for its failure to provide basic and social services to the Coloured community, which she said is at the centre of social issues in Westbury and surrounding areas. "We need serious interventions. We need our voices to be heard, and we need the help of everyone on board. If it is not the drugs, it is the unemployment and the poverty in our communities. We need someone high up there to intervene and help us fight these drugs and other ills. There are plenty of young people who have finished school and university who could be utilised to help us fight drugs and social ills," she said.
The Citizen
13 hours ago
- The Citizen
Soshanguve ID fraud bust: 42 identity books, smart ID cards seized
The arrests took place on 23 July during two separate intelligence-driven operations targeting organised crime and document fraud Two suspects have been arrested and dozens of fake identification documents seized in Soshanguve as police intensify efforts to dismantle organised crime syndicates operating in Gauteng. The South African Police Service (Saps) confirmed on Thursday that 42 green barcoded identity books, six smart ID cards, fake driver's licences, SIM cards, and forged matric certificates were among items recovered during a recent leg of Operation Cyclone II. The arrests took place on 23 July during two separate intelligence-driven operations targeting fraudulent document manufacturing and distribution networks. ALSO READ: Home Affairs official caught red-handed selling fake IDs 'These arrests and seizures highlight the Saps's commitment to targeting organised crime and document fraud,' the police said in a statement. Digital devices recovered According to police, some of the seized items include multiple laptops, external hard drives, printers, passports, and motor vehicle licence discs. 'The swift response of various specialised units, underpinned by sound intelligence gathering, has ensured the rapid arrest of the suspects and the recovery of critical evidence that will aid in ongoing investigations,' Saps said. Operation Cyclone II is a sustained crime-combating campaign focused on northern Tshwane regions, including Soshanguve, Jukulyn, Mabopane, and Hammanskraal. Saps said the initiative aims to disrupt criminal networks, especially those exploiting vulnerable communities through identity fraud and related crimes. 'Our men and women in blue remain on the ground towards a safer and secure South Africa for all,' police said. ALSO READ: Why fingerprints haven't faded as crime scene evidence JMPD seizes nearly R280k worth of drugs in Hillbrow raid Meanwhile, Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officers seized drugs worth nearly R280 000 during a raid in Hillbrow. Acting on a tip-off, the JMPD Tactical Response Unit targeted a location known for drug distribution activities. 'The intelligence-led operation yielded a considerable haul of dangerous substances, preventing them from reaching the streets and harming our communities,' said JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla. While no arrests were made, the JMPD Tactical Response Unit recovered crystal meth, cocaine (rock), and mandrax tablets hidden in a wardrobe. 'The JMPD has launched an intensive manhunt for those responsible for this illicit operation,' said Fihla. JMPD Chief of Police, Commissioner Patrick Jaca, said the operation reinforces the department's determination to eradicate drug crime in the city. 'This operation is a testament to the JMPD's unwavering commitment to eradicating drug-related crime from our city,' said Jaca. 'We will continue to work tirelessly, utilising all available resources and intelligence, to dismantle drug networks and bring offenders to justice.' Additional reporting by Enkosi Selane. NOW READ: JMPD seizes almost R280k worth of drugs in Hillbrow raid
The Herald
13 hours ago
- The Herald
Nyaope and Rock worth about R280,000 seized in Hillbrow bust
The Johannesburg metro police department's (JMPD) tactical response unit and the undercover unit have seized drugs worth about R280,000 in Hillbrow. The department carried out an operation on Wednesday after receiving a tip-off. An estimated R92,000 worth of Rock and R187,500 of Nyaope was confiscated. JMPD chief of police commissioner Patrick Jaca said no arrests have been made so far; however, JMPD has launched a manhunt for those responsible for the operation. 'This operation is a testament to the JMPD's unwavering commitment to eradicating drug-related crime from our city,' Jaca said. 'We will continue to work tirelessly, using all available resources and intelligence to dismantle drug networks and bring offenders to justice. We urge community members to continue providing valuable information that assists us in these crucial efforts.'
The Herald
13 hours ago
- The Herald
Attempted murder charge for Joburg mom who gave 'drugs' to young son
A mother from Newclare who was seen on video getting her young son to light a 'drug pipe' and smoke it with her, appeared in the Johannesburg magistrate's court on Thursday. The video went viral on Tuesday and sparked outrage, leading to her arrest later that night by the Joburg Metro Police Department. She was in the dock with three men alleged to have been in the room with her during the incident. Two were arrested on the same night as her and the other suspect was apprehended on Wednesday. They are charged with attempted murder and child abuse for exposing the child to a harmful substance. They intend to apply for Legal Aid lawyers to defend them. The case was to postponed to August 4. The child is four years old, the court heard. Initially, he was believed to be aged three. The child was taken to a place of safety after being medically assessed in hospital. 'The video depicted the child lighting drugs in a bottle neck for his mother, who then encouraged him to smoke, all in the presence of other adults,' the JMPD said earlier this week. After receiving a tip-off on her whereabouts, the JMPD said its o fficers located the mother, who matched the description from the video. 'When questioned, she identified two other individuals present in the video, including the person who recorded it. All three suspects confessed to using Mandrax and admitted to filming the incident. Their cellphones were confiscated as evidence.' Police spokesperson Brig Brenda Muridili said on Wednesday members of the Johannesburg family violence and child abuse unit (FCS) were investigating the case. 'The FCS in Gauteng has 22 units strategically located in the province servicing 146 police stations. There are at least 66 detectives on standby from FCS after hours to attend to cases related to their mandate,' she said. TimesLIVE
