Latest news with #Mathe
The Citizen
14 hours ago
- The Citizen
Police slam misleading reports about busienssman Jerry Boshoga
Police have urged social media users to 'spare a thought for the family'. The South African Police Services (Saps) have slammed irresponsible social media posts after reports emerged online that respected farmer and businessman Jerry Boshoga was found dead. Boshoga was kidnapped in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) in November 2024. His kidnappers were reportedly sending his family videos of him, where they were seen allegedly assaulting him and demanding R10 million ransom for his release. Posts shared on social media on Wednesday claimed that the search for Boshoga, who was reported missing, had ended, as he had been found deceased. Social media reporting Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe called for responsible social media reporting around the kidnapping case of Boshoga. 'In the last 24 hours, unverified social media accounts have shared misleading and false information claiming that Mr Boshoga has been found deceased. 'The Saps can confirm that the investigation into his kidnapping is still at a very sensitive stage, and the businessman has not been found alive or deceased. We therefore call on all social media users to stop the spread of unverified information,' Mathe said. ALSO READ: Police rescue kidnapped Pakistani businessman in Evaton Misleading information Mathe urged social media users to 'spare a thought for the family of Boshoga'. 'The spreading of such misleading information has caused unnecessary trauma, panic and anxiety for the close family members, including his mother, wife and children. 'The Saps are in close contact with the family, and if there are any developments in the case, the family will be the first to be notified by the investigating team,' Mathe added. Pakistani kidnapping Earlier this month, the Gqeberha-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation team of the Hawks successfully opposed bail for six suspects accused of kidnapping a 55-year-old Pakistani businessman. Two former police officers from the Western Cape were among the four people arrested when Gauteng police rescued the Pakistani businessman more than 776km from where he was kidnapped. Bail ruling Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Avele Fumba said during a closed court session, the Hawks presented a compelling argument against their release. 'The court sided with the state, denying bail and keeping the suspects in custody. The matter has been remanded to 4 August 2025 for further court proceedings. The bail ruling, which was handed down this week in the Graaff-Reinet Magistrate's Court, has been welcomed. NOW READ: Woman nabbed at OR Tambo airport with 10kg of cocaine
The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
Woman nabbed at OR Tambo airport with 10kg of cocaine
The woman was handcuffed on arrival from São Paulo (Brazil) via Doha (Qatar). Gauteng police have arrested a 25-year-old drug trafficker at OR Tambo airport in possession of cocaine with a street value of R4.2 million. The woman was handcuffed on arrival from São Paulo (Brazil), via Doha (Qatar), at Johannesburg's busiest airport on Tuesday. Intelligence Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said an intelligence team comprising Crime Intelligence Counter Narcotics Intel Gauteng, South African Police Service Tactical Team at OR Tambo International Airport Tactical Team, Border Management Authority (BMA), and private security successfully identified and intercepted the Brazilian national shortly after landing. 'A search of the trafficker's luggage led police to uncover about 10kg of cocaine with an estimated value of R4.2 million'. Drug traffickers Mathe said the trafficker was also taken for a medical examination to determine whether cocaine-filled bullets were swallowed. 'Saps continues to record commendable successes in dismantling transnational drug syndicates operating between South Africa and other countries. 'Through targeted intelligence-led operations, more than 25 drug traffickers have been arrested since the beginning of the year at this port of entry,' Mathe said. Gauteng police have a arrested a 25-year-old drug trafficker cocaine with a street value of R4.2 million. The woman was handcuffed on arrival from São Paulo (Brazil) via Doha (Qatar) @TheCitizen_News — 𝙵𝚊𝚒𝚣𝚎𝚕 𝙿𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚕 ⚡️ (@FaizelPatel143) July 29, 2025 ALSO READ: OR Tambo International now a hub for drug mules — expert South African woman arrested On Sunday, two people from Brazil and South Africa were charged in Indonesia for allegedly trying to smuggle four kilograms of drugs into Bali. The pair were travelling separately when they were arrested on 13 July at the resort island's international airport and could face the death penalty if found guilty. Made Sinar Subawa, from the local anti-narcotics agency, told a news conference that the South African woman was arrested after arriving from Singapore on the same day with nearly one kilogram of crystal methamphetamine allegedly hidden in her clothing. 'Based on the interrogation, she confessed that she was ordered to carry the meth from Johannesburg to Bali, to be delivered to someone in Bali.' More arrests This is not the first case of South African women being arrested in foreign countries for drug smuggling. Mauritius has seen multiple arrests of South African women involved in drug trafficking. A South African woman was arrested after allegedly being caught with drugs with an estimated value of Rs8 million (just over R3.3 million) at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport in Mauritius on 17 September 2019. ALSO READ: Police arrest Nigerian drug mule at OR Tambo International Airport
The Citizen
3 days ago
- The Citizen
Alleged gun-running syndicate caught in Meyersdal with 30 unlicensed firearms
As gun violence, hijackings and organised crime continue to plague South African communities, police have made a significant breakthrough in Meyersdal in Ekurhuleni, busting an alleged firearm trafficking syndicate operating across provinces. Alberton Record reports that two men believed to be part of the syndicate were arrested following an intelligence-driven police operation in Meyersdal last night. The operation, led by the SAPS anti-kidnapping task team, involved several specialised units, including SAPS Crime Intelligence, the Gauteng Provincial Investigating Unit, Johannesburg K9, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department and private security companies. According to national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the arrests followed days of surveillance and information gathering across multiple provinces. Officers moved in after the suspects were seen collecting firearms. 'During the takedown in Meyersdal, officers recovered 30 unlicensed 9mm firearms from the suspects, aged 34 and 45,' says Mathe. Police believe the firearms were destined for the Western Cape and that the suspects had planned to transport the weapons themselves. Both suspects have been linked to various other criminal cases in Gauteng and the Western Cape. They remain in custody and are facing multiple charges, including the illegal possession and trafficking of firearms. Investigations are underway to trace other syndicate members. 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
The Citizen
3 days ago
- The Citizen
Gun-running syndicate caught in Meyersdal with 30 unlicensed firearms
As gun violence, hijackings, and organised crime continue to plague South African communities, police have made a significant breakthrough in Meyersdal, busting an alleged firearm trafficking syndicate operating across provinces. Two men believed to be part of the syndicate were arrested following an intelligence-driven police operation in Meyersdal on Monday evening, July 28. The operation, led by the South African Police Service (SAPS) anti-kidnapping task team, involved several specialised units, including SAPS Crime Intelligence, the Gauteng Provincial Investigating Unit (PIU), Johannesburg K9, the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) and private security companies. ALSO READ: Gang violence and illegal guns spark fear in Joburg South According to national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the arrests followed days of surveillance and information gathering across multiple provinces. Officers moved in after the suspects were seen collecting firearms. 'During the takedown in Meyersdal, officers recovered 30 unlicensed 9mm firearms from the suspects, aged 34 and 45,' said Mathe. Police believe the firearms were destined for the Western Cape and that the suspects had planned to transport the weapons themselves. Both suspects have been linked to various other criminal cases in Gauteng and the Western Cape. They remain in custody and are facing multiple charges, including the illegal possession and trafficking of firearms. Further investigations are underway to trace more members of the syndicate. The Alberton Record will provide updates as the case develops. ALSO READ: 3 killed in South Hills 'gang-related' shootings
IOL News
24-07-2025
- IOL News
SAPS denies raid on Dudu Myeni's home amid fake news frenzy
Late former SAA chairperson Dudu Myeni's home in Richards Bay became the centre of a fake news story that rapidly did the rounds on social media platforms this week Image: Simphiwe Mbokazi THE South African Police Service (SAPS) has categorically dismissed claims pertaining to a raid conducted by its National Intervention Unit (NIU) at the residence of the late South African Airways (SAA) chairperson Dudu Myeni. They were emphatic that no such operation occurred. Reports flying wildly on social media on Wednesday evening suggested that R18 million was found stashed away at Myeni's Richard's Bay home. As the rumour mill gained momentum, further claims circulated on various social media platforms, including a WhatsApp voice note asserting that luxury vehicles, including a Rolls Royce, accompanied by jewellery worth millions, were found at the premises. Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the SAPS spokesperson, appealed to the public and social media users alike to refrain from spreading unverified information, warning of the potential harm it could inflict. 'The SAPS calls for responsible social media reporting and for users to verify information first before sharing. "The SAPS, therefore, confirms no raid was undertaken by any of its units, including the National Intervention Unit (NIU),' Mathe stated. 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 Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The rapid dissemination of such instances of "fake news" has become part and parcel of living presently in the digital age. Unathi Dlamini, a legal expert from Shepston and Wylie, echoed Mathe's caution, elaborating on the implications of unchecked news sharing. 'Disseminating information happens so quickly; the downside is that not enough time is taken to interrogate the information and confirm the correctness. Unfortunately, the need to trend overtakes every other consideration,' she remarked. Dlamini outlined methods for identifying fake news, emphasising careful reading and critical thinking. Key indicators included assessing the credibility of the source, examining contextual clues that align with the content, being wary of sensationalist language, and applying simple common sense to determine the plausibility of claims. 'If you find something difficult to believe, dig deeper,' she advised, suggesting online tools like Google Image Search to verify images. In a digital landscape fraught with misinformation, Dlamini also noted that individuals sharing false information could face legal repercussions under the Cybercrimes Act, which criminalises certain types of harmful communication. Furthermore, breaches of personal information could invoke the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), while defamation claims against individuals spreading falsehoods remain a viable recourse. As news continues to spread rapidly across social platforms, vigilance and responsible sharing remain paramount in our collective fight against misinformation. Fake news in South Africa goes far beyond being an online annoyance. It poses serious threats to democracy and human rights. Misinformation distorts conversations, erodes trust in public institutions, and sometimes leads to real-world violence. Stories about social grants, false claims that stoke xenophobia, and digitally altered media can all have damaging effects. Seshni Moodley, director of Seshni Moodley Attorneys incorporated, specialising in digital and human rights law, said the issue of fake news was alarming because it deepens existing divisions such as poverty, inequality, and widespread political scepticism. Moodley said with most South Africans relying on social media as a source of information, misleading stories can spread rapidly, making it hard for the truth to catch up. 'When these falsehoods target vulnerable groups like migrants or those reliant on social assistance, the result is not just confusion. "It's not just about bad journalism; it's about dignity, safety, and informed participation in society,' she concluded. DAILY NEWS
