Latest news with #Mandrax
The Citizen
30-05-2025
- The Citizen
Police officers charged with serious crimes remain on active duty as parliament demands reform
The presence of accused officers undermines the entire police service's integrity and effectiveness. The South African Police Service (Saps) faces mounting pressure to remove officers accused of serious criminal offences from active duty, with Parliament's portfolio committee on police demanding urgent Section 34 inquiries to determine fitness for service. The crisis has exposed deep systemic issues in Saps, where officers charged with rape, attempted murder and drug trafficking continue serving in frontline roles while public trust erodes. Criminology expert Willem Els warns that allowing accused officers to remain in uniform sends a dangerous message to communities. 'When the public sees that these officers are still in uniform after being accused of serious crimes like rape and all the others, it demonstrates to them or it gives them the impression that they are above the law and there's no accountability,' Els said. Specific examples of criminally charged police officers' cases The portfolio committee has identified multiple cases where officers facing grave charges continue their duties unimpeded. These include a police constable out on bail for rape who remains stationed at a local facility and an acting station commander facing charges of attempted murder and torture who retains his post. Other cases highlighted by committee chairperson Ian Cameron include a member who was caught selling police docket and later arrested for drunk driving while suspended, but has since returned to work. Furthermore, a court orderly found with over 900 Mandrax tablets continues deployment at a central Cape Town station, while a detective out on bail for drug dealing has reportedly resumed his duties. 'We cannot accept a situation where the police service turns a blind eye to such serious allegations, especially where the charges suggest direct involvement in violent or organised criminal activity,' Cameron said during recent committee engagements with the ministry of police and senior Saps management. ALSO READ: 1 police vehicle and 30 officers sharing 4 cellphones: Cape Town's crime struggle Constitutional challenges and legal framework The situation presents complex legal challenges rooted in South Africa's constitutional framework. Els acknowledges the fundamental principle that individuals remain innocent until proven guilty, creating inherent difficulties in addressing the crisis. However, Els suggests legislative reforms could address these challenges. 'Our legislation seems that it protects these officers more than it is supposed to, but that is our constitution, that is our law,' he explained, proposing immediate suspension once officers are charged with serious crimes to enhance transparency and public trust. During the committee meeting, national police commissioner General Fannie Masemola revealed a loophole that occurs allowing investigated officers to return to duty. 'Quite often, it happens that a departmental case lasts longer than 90 days. As you are aware that in terms of regulations suspension can only take 90 days and then it does happen that if the departmental case is not finalized, such a member comes back to work but normally we don't place that member at the same place where he was working,' he said. ALSO READ: Captain accused of raping trainee at Tshwane Police Academy suspended without pay Ipid response and jurisdictional boundaries The Independent Police Investigative Directorate clarified its role in addressing officers working while facing serious charges, emphasising that employment decisions rest with Saps as the employer. Ipid's mandate focuses on investigation and recommendation rather than direct disciplinary action. 'We are only investigating and once investigated, if it's a criminal offence, we refer the docket to the NPA for a decision. If there's a case to answer from an employer's perspective, we make recommendations to say can you please act against your member,' Ipid spokesperson Lizzy Shupin said. Shupin acknowledged the complexity of cases where court processes take extended periods of time, noting that criminal court outcomes can override internal Saps decisions. 'Sometimes we find that the state court might say they did not find their member guilty if it's a criminal offence. And you find that court processes take long and then the court finds the person guilty and sentences them to whatever number of years, then that would automatically overrule the Saps decision,' she said. ALSO READ: Mchunu to release SA's fourth quarterly crime stats Impact on police effectiveness and public safety The presence of accused officers undermines the entire police service's integrity and effectiveness. Els warned that such situations create 'a culture of impunity within the service, discourages whistleblowing and cooperation from the public and reporting of cases if they can't trust the police.' Echoing Els' sentiments, the committee emphasised that effective crime fighting requires removing officers accused of serious crimes to ensure only committed personnel remain in service. This becomes particularly critical given Saps' mandate to restore credibility and reestablish community collaboration. Proposed solutions and reforms Els recommends several immediate measures, including fast-tracking disciplinary hearings that currently experience lengthy delays. 'Maybe they should look at bringing external presiding officers from the judiciary to oversee these cases and to hear these cases in order to fast track them,' he suggested. The criminologist said risk assessments for officers on bail should bar them from public-facing duties, while standardised procedures could ensure automatic suspension for any officer charged with serious misconduct. 'If a police officer is charged with any serious misconduct, they should be automatically suspended. That will bring about a uniform sort of procedures,' Els explained. ALSO READ: Two Cape Town police officers arrested for kidnapping foreign national Oversight and accountability mechanisms Ipid requires significant strengthening to address these challenges effectively. Els notes that Ipid has been 'stripped of a lot of their resources, underfunded, undermanned' and needs rebuilding to fulfill its oversight role properly. He added that parliamentary oversight committees could play more robust roles in holding police accountable, while international best practices from countries like the UK and Canada demonstrate the effectiveness of independent oversight bodies and mandatory reporting requirements for officer misconduct. Systemic issues and cultural reform The crisis reflects deeper problems within Saps' culture and recruitment processes. Els identifies poor vetting, substandard training, political interference, cronyism and nepotism as underlying problems. 'Political interference, cronyism and nepotism within the police is still very, very high. That is why the police service in South Africa is regarded as the most corrupt state body in South Africa,' he said. Els added that training standards have deteriorated significantly over the past two decades, requiring benchmarking against international standards. ALSO READ: Alleged rape at police academy: Popcru calls for transparency and justice Station-level accountability The committee has resolved to extend oversight to individual police stations, with plans for a special meeting with the Fleurhof station commander following allegations of an inadequate response in the case of missing 11-year-old Jayden-Lee Meek. 'Crime happens at police station level and while leadership of the SAPS at the national and provincial level must be held accountable, so are officers at the station level,' Cameron emphasised, highlighting the need for accountability at all operational levels. Broader criminal justice concerns Beyond officer misconduct, the committee remains concerned about disparities between arrests and convictions, indicating systemic failures throughout the criminal justice system. The lack of effective plans to combat gang-related violence, which significantly contributes to South Africa's high murder rates, requires urgent attention. 'There is no question that gang violence is a major contributor to the high murder rates in the country. An effective response plan must be developed and urgently implemented to combat gang-related violence,' Cameron said. Path forward Els warns that without addressing these fundamental issues, the problems will persist indefinitely. 'If we don't tackle that, we will be sitting here 10 years from now and we will asking and talking about the same challenges,' he said. The committee continues advocating for enhanced collaboration between SAPS and other government agencies, including the South African Revenue Service, to combat organised crime effectively. Additionally, concerns about lengthy vehicle maintenance periods highlight the need for adequate resources and tools to support police operations. NOW READ: 'It's a joke': KZN detective guilty of plotting commissioner's murder dismisses 10-year sentence
Hans India
29-05-2025
- Hans India
TN: Five arrested with 1.5 kg Methaqualone in drug bust in Chennai
Chennai: In a significant breakthrough in the fight against narcotics, Chennai's Anti-Narcotics Intelligence Unit (ANIU) on Thursday arrested five individuals and seized 1.5 kilograms of Methaqualone, a banned psychotropic substance, in the city's Periamedu area. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, a joint team comprising officers from the ANIU and the Periamedu Police Station launched a coordinated early-morning raid near the 'My Lady Park' locality. The operation was part of an ongoing crackdown on the distribution and sale of synthetic drugs within the city. The suspects - identified as Vijaykumar alias Manikandan (44), Kumar (36), Periyathurai (28), Rajesh (32), and Naresh (41) - were intercepted based on their suspicious movements. According to police sources, the group displayed nervous behaviour and gave conflicting responses during initial questioning, prompting officers to conduct a thorough search of their belongings. During the search, the team recovered 1.5 kilograms of Methaqualone, a powerful sedative-hypnotic substance that is classified as a controlled drug under both national and international narcotics laws. Commonly known by its street name 'Mandrax,' Methaqualone is known to induce drowsiness and has been banned due to its high potential for abuse and addiction. The seized contraband was promptly confiscated and sent for forensic analysis. A formal case has been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at the Periamedu Police Station. Senior police officials stated that all five accused are currently under detailed interrogation to determine the origin and intended distribution network of the seized drugs. Authorities are also probing the possibility of a larger drug trafficking syndicate operating in the region, using Chennai as a transit point. The accused are expected to be produced before a magistrate court following the completion of preliminary inquiries. Further arrests and seizures are likely as the investigation progresses. This latest operation highlights the Chennai Police Department's renewed focus on targeting urban drug rackets and its commitment to curbing the spread of narcotics in the city.
The Citizen
25-05-2025
- The Citizen
Wentworth Metro police tighten screws on drug dealers
THE Metro Police Street Crime unit in Wentworth has made yet another breakthrough by arresting two men for their alleged involvement with drugs this week. Also read: Police confiscate drugs, contraband at Fairvale Secondary [Video] The first suspect, aged 39, was arrested on Alabama Road in Wentworth while en route to deliver 300 Mandrax tablets to his 'clients'. Another suspect, 28, was arrested on Major Calvert Road with 31 heroine capsules. Both suspects were charged for possession of drugs. Captain Greg Beavon of the Metro Street Crime unit said the estimated street value of the confiscated Mandrax is R6000. 'Metro police were conducting routine patrols in Wentworth when we spotted a man known to be a drug dealer. We stopped and searched him, and during the search, officers found Mandrax in the pocket of his jacket. He was arrested and detained at the Wentworth police station,' said Beavon. He said the metro police unit in Wentworth is firmly committed to taking strong action against drug dealers who have become a widespread problem in the community. Also read: Two arrested in police sting operation in Wentworth and Merebank 'Another 28-year-old man was arrested for being in possession of suspected stolen gas bottles. We have noticed a new trend in Wentworth and on The Bluff involving the theft of gas bottles,' he said. He added, 'These stolen gas bottles are sold to the community.' All the suspects appeared at the Wentworth Magistrate's Court on May 22. What does the law says about buying suspected stolen goods? Section 36 of the General Law Amendment Act, 1995 (Act 62 of 1955) states that: Any person who is found in possession of any goods to which there is reasonable suspicion that they have been stolen and is unable to give a satisfactory account of such possession, shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to the penalties which may be imposed on a conviction of theft. For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
13-05-2025
- The Citizen
Visitor arrested for attempting to smuggle tablets
The Department of Correctional Services has condemned the recent alleged attempt to smuggle 30 Mandrax tablets into Modderbee Correctional Centre. This follows the discovery that a 36-year-old was in possession of the drugs at the main entrance while attempting to visit the facility. According to Correctional Services national spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo, the contraband was confiscated by an official during a search at the access control point. 'Our commitment to maintaining safe and secure correctional facilities is unwavering. Enhanced security measures are part of our ongoing efforts to protect our communities, officials, and inmates in our facilities. 'Our efforts to curb smuggling and improve inmate discipline are ongoing, and we will continue to adapt and improve our strategies,' said Nxumalo. Also Read: Man arrested for possession of Mandrax Also Read: More than 100 suspects arrested At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Indian Express
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Maria movie review: Angelina Jolie strikes the right note, but the biographical drama lacks depth
Maria movie review: 'There is no life away from the stage. Stage is in my mind,' says Maria Callas, the protagonist of Pablo Larraín-directed Maria, when asked about staying away from the stage for some years. Angelina Jolie's riveting performance as Maria Callas, considered to be one of the most influential opera singers of the 20th century, powers her story of achieving immense fame as an artiste, her life away from the stage and her struggle to make a comeback. Set in the late 70s, Maria's narrative unfolds more like a psychological drama — exploring the effects of childhood trauma, fame and the pressure of sustaining artistic legacy — than a typical biopic. The film that opens with the death of Callas, within minutes rewinds to what transpired a week earlier. Living in a beautiful Parisian apartment, with big windows and chandeliers, the soprano is drifting through life under the influence of Mandrax — she takes the pills more often than what's prescribed for her — that triggers hallucinations. She might be losing the grip over what's real, but the memories of past events in her life became clearer. She recounts them during a lengthy television interview with a young interviewer (Kodi Smit-McPhee) whom she refers to as 'Mandrax'. Though it is evident to the viewers that these conversations are imagined by her, they become an effective tool for writer Steven Knight and Larraín to delve into her mind, memories, trauma and regrets. She also reveals her idea of art and the pressure that great artistes have to deal with during these exchanges. The movie also focuses on her love affair with Greek business magnate Aristotle Onassis. Ironically, even though she left her husband Giovanni Battista Meneghini to be with Onassis, he didn't appreciate her art. While she was forced to be a singer by her mother, Onassis forbade her from performing. Later on, Onassis married Jackie Kennedy, the former first lady of America. 'He wanted someone who he could control,' was Callas's response to that. Also Read | Shadow Force movie review: Kerry Washington, Omar Sy-starrer is a run-of-the-mill affair Even though Jolie earned a Golden Globe nomination for this performance, she missed out on being nominated for the Oscar. Notwithstanding that, this should be counted as one of Jolie's most captivating performances. She embodies Maria Callas as well as depicts her vulnerabilities convincingly. She struggles to stage a comeback even as she battles mental health issues. The narrative, however, could have added more depth to her inner turmoil and chequered career. The writer instead gives the protagonist witty lines that underline her intelligence and wry sense of humour. The film Maria beautifully recreates the beauty of Seventies' Paris, which is deftly captured by cinematographer Edward Lachman. The film's end credit roll packs a surprise — a montage of footage of real-life Maria Callas, who seems to be full of life. That's something the cinematic depiction of her life does not show. Maria is streaming on Lionsgate Play. Maria movie director: Pablo Larraín Maria movie cast: Angelina Jolie, Pierfrancesco Favino and Alba Rohrwacher, Haluk Bilginer, Kodi Smit-McPhee Maria movie rating: Three stars
