Latest news with #ORTamboAirport
The Citizen
11-08-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Nigerian military kills more than 100 ‘bandits' in northwest raid
Over 100 bandits were killed in a coordinated air and ground attack by Nigerian forces in Zamfara's Makakkari forest. The Nigerian military killed more than 100 members of a criminal gang in an air and ground raid over the weekend, according to a conflict monitoring report produced for the United Nations and seen by AFP on Monday. Armed groups called 'bandits' by locals have for years been terrorising communities in northwest and central Nigeria, raiding villages, kidnapping residents for ransom and burning homes after looting them. The military raid in the restive northwestern state of Zamfara was launched 'in the early hours' Sunday in the Bukkuyum local government area, where fighter jets in coordination with ground troops pounded a gathering of more than 400 bandits in their Makakkari forest camp. The military's attack 'may have occurred in response to consecutive banditry, especially kidnapping, in the state in the previous month', the report said, noting a link between a recent decrease in military operations in the state and a spate of bandit attacks. Bukkuyum's Adabka village was on Friday the scene of a bandit attack that saw residents kidnapped and 13 security personnel killed. ALSO READ: Ramaphosa pays tribute to former Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari Bandits had been planning an attack on a farming village when 'air and ground troops ambushed a bandit camp… killing over 100', the report said. A spokesman for the Nigerian army did not respond to an AFP request for comment. Violence spreading Nigeria's 'banditry' crisis originated in conflict over land and water rights between herders and farmers but has morphed into organised crime, with gangs preying on rural communities that have long had little or no government presence. Cattle rustling and kidnapping have become huge moneymakers in the largely impoverished countryside. Groups also levy taxes on farmers and artisanal miners. ALSO READ: West African leaders admit security woes mounting in region The conflict is worsening a malnutrition crisis in the northwest as attacks drive people away from their farms, in a situation that has been complicated by climate change and western aid cuts. Despite military deployment to fight the criminal gangs since 2015 and the creation of a militia force by the Zamfara state government two years ago, the violence has persisted. In July, Nigerian troops killed at least 95 members of an armed gang in a shootout and air strikes in the northwest state of Niger. But the military is overstretched, with banditry spreading out of its northwestern heartland into central Nigeria. Bandits, who are primarily motivated by money, have also increased their cooperation with Nigeria's jihadist groups, who are waging a separate, 16-year-old armed insurrection in the northeast. NOW READ: Three drug traffickers arrested in one week at OR Tambo Airport – By: © Agence France-Presse
The Citizen
07-07-2025
- The Citizen
Birchleigh North house raid uncovers 19 human trafficking victims
A total of 19 Ethiopian men were rescued from a house in Birchleigh North, Kempton Park, on July 4, after they were allegedly held captive and assaulted with pangas and knives. The rescue followed after Freedom Front Plus councillor for Kempton Park, Jean Kriek, received reports of people calling for help from inside the property. Kriek went to the house to investigate and immediately contacted the police, the EMPD and a private security company for assistance. Also read: Gauteng is human trafficking hotspot The men were taken to hospital for treatment following their ordeal. A preliminary investigation revealed the men were allegedly lured from Ethiopia to South Africa under false pretences before being held captive in the house. Their captors are suspected of demanding large sums of money from their families for their release. The police's crime intelligence unit is currently investigating the matter. According to Kriek, human trafficking remains a harsh reality in South Africa, particularly in Gauteng, where people are illegally held in residential areas, often unnoticed by the public. Also read: Man busted for attempted human trafficking at OR Tambo Airport 'Both the Global Organized Crime Index and Global Slavery Index have listed South Africa as a hotspot for human trafficking, with an estimated 250 000 people believed to be trapped in modern slavery conditions in the country.' Kriek said the incident underscores the urgency of dismantling trafficking syndicates, improving border control, and fostering better cooperation between communities, security services, and law enforcement agencies. He thanked the Norkem Park SAPS, EMPD, MML Security, Elite Force Risk Solutions, Guards Must Be Crazy, and Crowned Elite for their swift response in assisting with the rescue. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
30-06-2025
- The Citizen
OR Tambo Airport undergoes major upgrades to improve safety and cleanliness
OR Tambo Airport undergoes major upgrades to improve safety and cleanliness Passengers, employees and visitors at OR Tambo International Airport can expect a cleaner, safer, and more modern environment as Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) rolls out a large-scale hygiene and infrastructure upgrade. While the experience for travellers may become slightly more uncomfortable in the short term, ACSA says the disruption is a necessary part of restoring dignity, safety and confidence at South Africa's busiest airport. Speaking during a maintenance briefing on June 19, ACSA CEO Mpumi Mpofu said the initiative is about more than fixing toilets or pipes, it's about changing the overall perception of OR Tambo. ALSO READ: OR Tambo erupts in celebration as athletes return with medals from China 'We're sharing these maintenance plans because we want to reverse the narrative that OR Tambo is in a state of crisis,' Mpofu explained. 'We are working hard to restore confidence. While the maintenance work may cause disruptions, this is about giving passengers the best experience possible. It's about dignity, confidence, and doing things properly.' Top priorities in the project include addressing long-standing issues such as unpleasant odours caused by sewerage problems in the terminal basements, broken fire escape doors that have allowed vagrants and vandals to gain access, and unhygienic toilets in urgent need of refurbishment. In response, ACSA has already ramped up cleaning schedules, installed odour-control systems, repaired key infrastructure, and deployed more security personnel in affected areas. And that's just the beginning. ALSO READ: Cyclists get huge welcome at OR Tambo for Cape Town feat Restroom facilities at OR Tambo are undergoing a full upgrade, with new baby-changing rooms, disability access features, and modern fittings being installed. Passengers will also be able to scan QR codes in the restrooms to report problems immediately. Behind the scenes, airport staff are receiving ongoing professional training to ensure hygiene and safety standards align with international best practices. Mpofu cautioned travellers to expect construction sites, barriers and closed escalators throughout the airport in the coming years. 'We know passengers won't always be happy about the inconvenience, but these changes are necessary if we want to deliver the kind of airport experience that South Africans deserve,' she said. With ACSA reporting over R1 billion in profit by the second quarter of 2025, the company is confident it can fund the improvements and transform OR Tambo into a world-class gateway and symbol of national pride. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
TimesLIVE
26-06-2025
- TimesLIVE
Crime intelligence head Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo arrested at airport
SAPS divisional commissioner for crime intelligence Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo was arrested at OR Tambo Airport on Thursday, allegedly on charges relating to corruption. Henry Mamothame, from the National Prosecuting Authority's investigative directorate, confirmed the arrest to TimesLIVE. 'Yes, he has been arrested, but we cannot provide details until he and others appear in court,' Mamothame said. Police commissioner Gen Fannie Masemola also confirmed in an interview on Newzroom Afrika that Khumalo has been arrested. 'He called me and informed me he has been arrested, but I have no details of why he has been arrested,' Masemola said. Other police sources, who cannot be named, told TimesLIVE the arrest was linked to corruption. Ian Cameron, chair of parliament's police portfolio committee, also confirmed the arrest. 'The arrest of SAPS divisional commissioner for crime intelligence Lt-Gen Khumalo sends more shock waves through the policing community in South Africa. Just a few weeks after another general (Lushaba) was also arrested,' Cameron said. 'This development again raises serious concern about the integrity and leadership crisis in SAPS senior management. I repeat: a skills audit, integrity audit and urgent review of management is essential.' Earlier Cameron said the 'imminent arrest' of Khumalo relates to 'serious allegations, including irregular appointments and the looting of SAPS crime intelligence slush funds'.
TimesLIVE
26-06-2025
- TimesLIVE
Crime intelligence head arrested at airport
SAPS divisional commissioner for crime intelligence Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo was arrested at OR Tambo Airport on Thursday, allegedly on charges relating to corruption. Henry Mamothame, from the National Prosecuting Authority's investigative directorate, confirmed the arrest to TimesLIVE. 'Yes, he has been arrested, but we cannot provide details until he and others appear in court,' Mamothame said on Thursday. Police commissioner Gen Fannie Masemola also confirmed in an interview on Newzroom Afrika that Khumalo has been arrested. 'He called me and informed me he has been arrested, but I have no details of why he has been arrested,' Masemola said. Other police sources, who cannot be named, told TimesLIVE the arrest was linked to corruption. Ian Cameron, chair of parliament's police portfolio committee, also confirmed the arrest. 'The arrest of SAPS divisional commissioner for crime intelligence Lt-Gen Khumalo sends more shock waves through the policing community in South Africa. Just a few weeks after another general (Lushaba) was also arrested,' Cameron said. 'This development again raises serious concern about the integrity and leadership crisis in SAPS senior management. I repeat, a skills audit, integrity audit and urgent review of management is essential.' Earlier, Cameron said the 'imminent arrest' of Khumalo relates to 'serious allegations, including irregular appointments and the looting of SAPS crime intelligence slush funds'.
