Latest news with #Mdhluli
The Citizen
3 days ago
- The Citizen
Mpumalanga teen girl charged for lying about rape ordeal
The girl fabricated the story to conceal her visit to a male friend. On Wednesday, Mpumalanga police were sent on a manhunt for two men who were driving a black VW Polo from Dullstroom to Lydenburg on Sunday on allegations of rape. However, this turned out to be a smokescreen. According to Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, a 16-year-old girl reported to police that she was hitchhiking on Sunday and got raped after being given a lift by strangers. 'According to the report, the female victim was from Dullstroom, heading to Lydenburg, when a black VW Polo with two male occupants stopped and offered her a lift. She then accepted the offer,' said Mdhluli on Wednesday. ALSO READ: These are Gauteng's hotspots for murder, rape, kidnapping, carjacking and house robbery 'After passing Coromandel, the driver diverted the vehicle into a secluded area. The passenger allegedly covered her mouth with a cloth emitting a chemical smell, causing her to lose consciousness. Upon regaining consciousness, she realised the passenger was busy raping her.' A case docket was opened and assigned to the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit for investigation. At the time, acting police provincial commissioner in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, promised the public that the members assigned to investigate would hunt down the suspects until they were brought to justice. 'She lied' However, there was no rape case to investigate and consequently, no suspects to arrest because this was a fabricated story. Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane said on Friday that the 16-year-old girl had been charged with perjury after investigations revealed that she fabricated the entire story. ALSO READ: Crime stats: SA records decrease in murders but increase in rapes 'The FCS Unit immediately launched an investigation into the case, which had attracted significant public attention. However, during the course of their investigation, it was established that no rape had occurred. The girl eventually confessed that she had visited a male friend and, fearing her parents' reaction, chose to lie about being raped,' said Ndubane. Mkhwanazi expressed deep disappointment at the false report and issued a stern warning to the public about the seriousness of making false statements to the police. 'We will not show mercy to individuals who open false cases. The crime statistics for the last quarter of 2024/2025 indicate an increase in sexual offences. It is therefore extremely concerning and disheartening when people abuse the system by reporting fake cases. These actions waste police resources and undermine our efforts to fight gender-based violence, which we treat as a top priority. ALSO READ: GBV, femicide receiving 'priority attention', says Gauteng police commissioner 'False reports insult the real victims of GBV, who are genuinely suffering and need our support. We urge members of the public to work with us honestly. Anyone found to be providing false information will be charged. We will not hesitate to make an example out of such individuals.' Mpumalanga rape stats Police Minister Senzo Mchunu recently released the fourth-quarter crime statistics and revealed that three Mpumalanga police stations were among the top 30 stations with reported cases. These are Masoyi, Calcutta, and Kabokweni police stations, all located in the Ehlanzeni district, which have recorded an increase in their cases. Most incidents occurred in the residences of either the perpetrator or the victim, with 362 cases recorded, followed by public places, with 161 cases. NOW READ: Justice department's poor record-keeping delays protection orders for GBV victims – AG
Daily Maverick
4 days ago
- Daily Maverick
Relief and sorrow – DNA links bodies to journalist Sibusiso Ndlovu, partner Zodwa Mdhluli
SAPS has officially confirmed that human remains discovered in Rust De Winter are those of journalist Sibusiso Aserie Ndlovu and his partner Zodwa Precious Mdhluli. 'The South African Police Services can now confirm that a DNA analysis has been concluded and has positively linked the remains to those of Aserie Ndlovu and Zodwa Mdhluli,' the SAPS said on Wednesday, 5 June. The couple went missing on 18 February 2025. Their remains were discovered by police in Rust de Winter on the boundary between Limpopo and Gauteng on 8 May 2025. They were found a few days after police arrested multiple suspects in connection with the couple's disappearance, including a driver who is believed to have worked for the couple. 'The human remains were analysed and matched with the reference sample of the biological relatives of the deceased,' SAPS said. 'A positive DNA match thus confirms the discovered remains are those of the missing couple.' Ndlovu, who headed Capital Live FM in Pretoria, was last seen leaving his place of work on 18 February 2025 and is believed to have later met Mdhluli before they both disappeared. The African Media and Communicators Forum (AMCF) and the National Press Club (NPC) said they had taken note of the latest developments. 'We wish to convey our gratitude to the SAPS for keeping to their promise that in four weeks the results would be available. We confirm that the families in Ga-Rankuwa (Ndlovu) and Tembisa (Mdhluli) were visited earlier this evening by the police, where the results were disclosed to them,' said Elijah Mhlanga, chairperson of the AMCF, on Wednesday night. The AMCF and NPC offered a R50,0000 reward in the search for the couple. Mdhluli's friend, Bongi Mokoena, told Daily Maverick on Thursday: 'I was never ready. Yes, we needed closure, but it's accompanied with great pain as it still leaves us with a lot of questions.' Mokoena said that with eight people arrested in connection with their disappearance and deaths, it seemed to suggest that a syndicate was involved. However, she said there was still little clarity about why Ndlovu and Mdhluli had been targeted. 'These people were breadwinners. I am still not convinced without knowing the motive for their murders. What is also heartbreaking is that the suspects are not even showing any remorse in court,' Mokoena said. Mokoena said that despite all the grey areas, she was happy that the family had some measure of relief. 'I am glad that their remains were discovered so that they can be laid to rest with dignity.' Calvin Rafadi, a crime expert and research associate at the University of Johannesburg, praised the police for their efficiency in fast-tracking the DNA analysis report. 'This timely action by the police has brought some relief to the grieving families, who can now proceed with funeral arrangements,' said Rafadi. Rafadi, who has been actively involved in assisting with the case and offering continuous support to both affected families, emphasised that this was not the end. 'We will continue offering our full support to the families until justice is served and those responsible are sentenced by the courts,' Rafadi said. The AMCF said the latest developments were not surprising. 'The developments do not come as a surprise, as the location where the remains were discovered was pointed out by the suspects, following their arrest,' Mhlanga said. 'As the AMCF and NPC, we welcome this milestone in the investigation as it leads the families closer to the truth.' Mdhluli's friend Mokoena also extended her appreciation to members of the media who had kept the matter alive. 'We would still be in the dark, not knowing what happened to them,' Mokoena said. 'It's hard to say goodbye to Zoe because her life was cut short. But Christ has gained another angel in her,' she said. Eight suspects have been arrested and have appeared in the KwaMhlanga Magistrates' Court. When the first suspects were arrested, they initially faced charges of kidnapping, robbery and housebreaking, but will now be charged with murder and defeating the ends of justice. One of the eight, Sello Uoane, had his parole revoked twice before his latest arrest, once after it surfaced that he had allegedly committed rape, but the case was struck from the roll. Then, in October 2023, his parole was again revoked after an arrest on unlicensed firearm charges. That case was also struck from the court roll. DM
The Citizen
4 days ago
- The Citizen
Man killed, 2 others injured in early morning Mpumalanga shooting
White River, Mpumalanga, police are investigating a shooting that occurred earlier today, resulting in the death of a well-known young man believed to be in his 20s. Lowvelder reports that, in addition, two others were injured in an altercation on Danie Joubert Street, apparently near the entrance to the White River Rugby Club. According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, officers responded to a report from the 10111 emergency number just before 01:00 regarding a shooting on Danie Joubert Street, near the White River Rugby Club. 'When police arrived at the scene, they discovered the body of a man with gunshot wounds,' Mdhluli confirms. According to Mdhluli, two other men who had sustained gunshot wounds were transported to Rob Ferreira Hospital for medical treatment. Authorities recovered two firearms and several spent cartridges at the scene, which will be analysed as part of the investigation. Members of the provincial Murder and Robbery Unit visited the crime scene to collect evidence earlier today. The identity of the deceased is being withheld at this stage, as contact with the family has not been established. No further information was available at the time of publishing. 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!
IOL News
5 days ago
- IOL News
Hitchhiking horrors: Teenage girl raped after accepting lift from strangers in black VW Polo
Police in Mpumalanga have launched a manhunt for two men after a 16-year-old was raped by unknown assailants. Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Media A 16-year-old girl from Mpumalanga was raped after she was picked by a vehicle on the road where she was hitchhiking. Provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli said the teenager was given a lift by strangers. The incident is said to have occurred in Lydenburg on Sunday, at approximately 4pm. 'According to the (police) report, the female victim was from Dullstroom, heading to Lydenburg when a black Volkswagen Polo, with two male occupants, stopped and offered her a lift. She then accepted the offer,' said Mdhluli. After passing Coromandel, the driver of the VW Polo diverted the vehicle into a secluded area. 'The passenger allegedly covered her mouth with a cloth that emitted a chemical smell, causing her to lose consciousness. Upon regaining consciousness, she realised the passenger was busy raping her,' said Mdhluli. 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Next Stay Close ✕ A case docket was opened and assigned to the family violence, child protection and sexual offences (FCS) unit for investigation. The perpetrators are still at large, and police are appealing to members of the public who may have information that may assist in locating and apprehending the suspects to contact the investigating officer, Sergeant Gabsile Mlangeni on 078 751 3463. Alternatively, people with vital information may share the details by calling the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send details via the My SAPS App. 'All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous,' said Mdhluli. Meanwhile, acting provincial commissioner of police in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, has given assurance that the perpetrators will be hunted down and brought to book. In 2023, Limpopo provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, cautioned community members against hitch-hiking, and giving lifts to hitch-hikers, following different criminal activities recorded in the province. In the first incident, a 55-year-old man who was hitch-hiking was given a lift in a Suzuki Swift vehicle near the Mall of the North in Polokwane. The 55-year-old man was travelling to Ga-Dikgale. 'It is alleged that three unknown suspects (the occupants of the car) took the wrong direction, stopped, produced pistols and a knife, and robbed him of all his belongings such as a cellphone, wallet with cash worth R400, and bank cards, all valued at R5,400 and ordered him to run into the bushes,' provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said at the time. The robbers then drove off with the man's possessions. In another incident, which took place outside Seshego, two travellers aged 24 and 25 were hitch-hiking and they were given a lift in a silver Toyota Tazz Conquest vehicle. 'The driver turned his motor vehicle in the wrong direction, produced a firearm, and robbed both victims of their belongings - their cellphones, licences, bank cards, and all other valuable items amounting to R7,000,' said Mashaba. IOL News
The Citizen
16-05-2025
- The Citizen
CIT guards pray after surviving heist attempt
A group of guards who survived a harrowing cash-in-transit (CIT) heist attempt along the R538 prayed afterwards. The incident occurred near Peebles outside White River yesterday afternoon around 14:00. The incident saw an unknown number of heavily armed robbers ambush a Fidelity CIT truck, only to be met with fierce resistance from the security personnel. During the incident, two of the robbers were shot, one was declared dead on the scene and the other one was rushed to hospital for treatment under police guard. Upon realising that the guards were determined to prevent the heist, the remaining robbers fled without taking a cent. Despite the intensity of the attack, none of the CIT security guards sustained injuries. ALSO READ: UPDATE: Stranded commuters force their way through crime scene near Peebles As the dust settled, the officers took a moment to bow their heads in prayer, expressing their gratitude for making it through the ordeal unscathed. The incident is a stark reminder of the danger they face rifles were later recovered on the scene and a white Ford Ranger was found abandoned in Swalala near Masoyi. The Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, said investigations are ongoing. 'The life of a security guard is indeed in the hands of God the Almighty. When you wake up in the morning as a CIT guard, you obviously don't know if you will return home alive or not,' said pastor Robert Makaringe of the Mkhuhlu Assemblies of God Church, who was at the crime scene last night. He said security guards involved in transporting cash must pray more than any other person. ALSO READ: UPDATE | Two shot in attempted cash-in-transit heist Just imagine what their families are going through just after hearing that there was a cash-in-transit heist somewhere. They obviously panic like there is no tomorrow,' Makaringe said. Ironically, the police had asked Makaringe to hold tone end of the crime scene tape. The situation highlighted the broader impact of CIT heists, not just on security personnel but also on everyday citizens caught in the crossfire of crime. The aftermath of the heist attempt led to significant traffic disruptions, with police closing off the road for more than six hours. Stranded commuters mostly returning from work in White River, Rocky's Drift, Mbombela and other places eventually forced their way through the police barricades. Mdhluli has urged anyone with information about the attack or the whereabouts of the other suspects to contact the police. Call your nearest SAPS station or report anonymously through Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or send information via the My SAPS app,' said Mdhluli. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
