Latest news with #PretoriaWest
The Citizen
31-07-2025
- The Citizen
Child kidnappings on the rise in Pretoria: Parents urged to stay vigilant
Child kidnappings on the rise in Pretoria: Parents urged to stay vigilant Pretoria is facing a disturbing surge in child kidnappings, with recent police statistics revealing a sharp increase in reported cases. Pretoria Rekord reports that as fear grows among families, authorities are urging parents to remain alert and take proactive steps to protect their children from falling victim to these crimes. Here are the hotspots for kidnappings in Pretoria according to the latest crime stats: Kidnapping stats: Pretoria and surrounds (Q4 2024/2025) Police station kidnapping cases (Jan–Mar 2025): Pretoria Central 22 Pretoria West 12 Brooklyn 8 Garsfontein 5 Sunnyside 20 Silverton 5 Villieria 4 Wonderboompoort 3 Boschkop (includes Mooikloof, Equestria, etc.) 3 Akasia 13 Erasmia 7 Hercules 6 Pretoria Central and Sunnyside were the top two stations for reported kidnappings in the city during this period. Last month, the DA member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature and Midrand Constituency Head, Michael Sun, said Gauteng is officially the epicentre of kidnapping in South Africa, with more than half of the country's kidnappings taking place in the province. He said criminals are exploiting dating apps to lure and forcibly take unsuspecting victims. 'Another alarming trend involves foreign African nationals who use kidnapping to settle commercial disputes. 'In many of these cases, the victims or their families refuse to co-operate with the police, hampering efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.' Sun said these methods are evident in the sickening story of Olerato Mongale, who met her gruesome end on a first date. 'There is also a high-profile incident where a well-known businessman and philanthropist was abducted on May 27 in Pretoria West. 'A gang of armed assailants rammed into his vehicle and forcibly took him. Despite these terrifying incidents, Premier Panyaza Lesufi has been silent and actionless. 'His promise of high-end technology and crime prevention wardens, known as 'Amapanyaza', for fighting crime is not paying off for residents.' What defines a kidnapping? According to South African law, kidnapping is a separate crime from abduction. Abduction: The unlawful taking of a minor from their parent or guardian for marriage or sexual exploitation. Kidnapping: When a child is detained, taken away and held for ransom money. What to do if your child is kidnapped: The first 24 hours are crucial, and if you take action as soon as possible, it drastically improves the chances of the authorities finding a missing child. If your child is kidnapped: Find a recent and clear photograph of your child. Make sure his/her face is visible. Go to your nearest police station immediately to open a case (produce the photograph). There is no waiting period to report a missing person. Provide a clear description of the child (age, height and weight). Mention what the child was wearing when you last saw them and point out if the child has any distinctive features or marks (such as a scar or birthmark). Complete and sign a SAPS 55 (A) form and make sure you get the investigating officer's contact details. Reach out to other organisations or NGOs that assist with finding missing children. For example, ICE Community Network can support by distributing flyers with all the relevant information to their volunteers, the media and social networks to help locate the missing person. They also remain in contact with the family and police if they received any tip-offs or leads. Stay in contact with the investigating officer and let them know if you have received any useful information that can assist with the search. Get professional psychological help. Dealing with a child going missing is emotionally taxing and strenuous, so it is best to have someone to talk to. 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
31-07-2025
- The Citizen
Child kidnappings on the rise in Pretoria – Parents urged to stay vigilant
Child kidnappings on the rise in Pretoria – Parents urged to stay vigilant Pretoria is facing a disturbing surge in child kidnappings, with recent police statistics revealing a sharp increase in reported cases. As fear grows among families, authorities are urging parents to remain alert and take proactive steps to protect their children from falling victim to these crimes. Here are the hotspots for kidnappings in Pretoria according to the latest crime stats: Kidnapping Stats: Pretoria and Surrounds (Q4 2024/2025) Police Station Kidnapping Cases (Jan–Mar 2025) Pretoria Central 22 Pretoria West 12 Brooklyn 8 Garsfontein 5 Sunnyside 20 Silverton 5 Villieria 4 Wonderboompoort 3 Boschkop (includes Mooikloof, Equestria, etc.) 3 Akasia 13 Erasmia 7 Hercules 6 Pretoria Central and Sunnyside were the top two stations for reported kidnappings in the city during this period. Last month, the Democratic Alliance (DA) Member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature and Midrand Constituency Head, Michael Sun, said Gauteng is officially the epicentre of kidnapping in South Africa, with more than half of the country's kidnappings taking place in the province. He said criminals are exploiting the dating apps to lure and forcibly take unsuspecting victims. 'Another alarming trend involves foreign African nationals who use kidnapping to settle commercial disputes. 'In many of these cases, the victims or their families refuse to cooperate with the police, hampering efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.' Sun said these methods are evident in the sickening story of Olerato Mongale, who met her gruesome end on a first date. 'There is also a high-profile incident where a well-known businessman and philanthropist was abducted on May 27 in Pretoria West. 'A gang of armed assailants rammed into his vehicle and forcibly took him. Despite these terrifying incidents, Premier Panyaza Lesufi has been silent and actionless. 'His promise of high-end technology and Crime Prevention Wardens, known as ' Amapanyaza' for fighting crime is not paying off for residents.' What defines a kidnapping? According to South African law, kidnapping is a separate crime from abduction. Abduction: Abduction is the unlawful taking of a minor from their parent or guardian for marriage or sexual exploitation. Kidnapping: A kidnapping, however, is when a child is detained, taken away, and held for ransom money. What to do if your child is kidnapped : The first 24 hours are crucial, and if you take action as soon as possible, it drastically improves the chances of the authorities finding a missing child: Find a recent and clear photograph of your child. Make sure his/her face is visible. Go to your nearest police station immediately to open a case (produce the photograph). There is no waiting period to report a missing person. Provide a clear description of the child (age, height and weight). Mention what the child was wearing when you last saw them and point out if the child has any distinctive features or marks (such as a scar, or birthmark) Complete and sign a SAPS 55 (A) form and make sure you get the investigating officer's contact details. Reach out to other organisations or NGOs that assist with finding missing children. For example, ICE Community Network can support by distributing flyers with all the relevant information to their volunteers, the media and social networks to help locate the missing person. They also remain in contact with the family and police if they received any tip-offs or leads. Stay in contact with the investigating officer and let them know if you have received any u seful information that can assist with the search. Get professional psychological help. Dealing with a child going missing is emotionally taxing and strenuous, so it is best to have someone to talk to. Also read: Hero father who was killed protecting his family to be laid to rest next week Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.
News24
11-07-2025
- Politics
- News24
GNU hangs by a thread; More charges against ‘Cat' Matlala: Today's top 7 stories in 7 minutes
News24 brings you the top 7 stories of the day. Graphic: Sharlene Rood News24 brings you the top stories of the day, summarised into neat little packages. Read through quickly or listen to the articles via our customised text-to-speech feature. Thahasello Mphatsoe/News24 More charges for Vusimusi 'Cat' Matlala and co-accused - Vusimusi 'Cat' Matlala, accused of attempted murder, appeared in court with three co-accused. - The State plans to centralise two additional cases from Pretoria West and Lyttelton with the current case. - The case has been postponed to August for centralisation purposes. Mashatile dodges claims, Mantashe warns looters as ANC pledges to rebuild its image - Deputy President Paul Mashatile avoided questions about corruption allegations within the police made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. - Gwede Mantashe warned against ethical misconduct, referencing Police Minister Senzo Mchunu's current troubles, and highlighted David Mabuza's belief in ANC organisational renewal. - Mantashe revealed he persuaded Mabuza to support a unified vote at the 2017 conference, leading to Mabuza's election as deputy president. Paige Bell/Facebook Global call for stricter background checks for yacht crews after SA woman's murder - Following the murder of a South African stewardess, Paige Bell, there are increased calls for mandatory criminal background checks for all seafarers internationally. - An online petition with more than 4 200 signatures highlights the lack of universal regulations for regular background checks in the maritime industry. - Experts emphasise the vulnerability of yacht crews to abuse and the difficulties in reporting crimes due to the industry's international nature and potential for cover-ups. Interpreter delivers baby by cellphone light in cell during court power outage - The Palm Ridge Magistrate's Court in Katlehong has been without power for a week due to a substation fire, disrupting operations and raising safety concerns. - A detainee went into labour during the blackout and delivered her baby in the dark with the help of an interpreter using a cellphone's flashlight. - The Department of Justice confirmed the incident and stated that while a backup generator had a fault, it had since been repaired, and electricity is expected to be fully restored soon. GNU hangs by thread as DA digs in on budget, ANC heads into crucial NEC - The DA is threatening to sink the Appropriations Bill by refusing to support the budget votes of certain ministers, jeopardising the government of national unity. - If the Appropriations Bill fails, funding to national government departments will be severely restricted, potentially leading to a crisis in paying salaries and other essential expenses. - The ANC is facing pressure from within to review its relationship with the DA, with some suggesting ActionSA as a more suitable partner, though this would create a tenuous alliance. Oupa Bopape/Gallo Images 'Good riddance': Reality stars celebrate as Mel and Peet Viljoen hit with R71m US ruling - Mel and Peet Viljoen have been ordered by a US court to pay over R70 million for counterfeit claims related to Tammy Taylor Nails. - Fellow reality stars Nonku Williams and Beverley Steyn expressed happiness over the Viljoens' departure from South Africa, citing allegations of scamming and racism. - The court order includes the cancellation of the Viljoens' US trademark registration and a prohibition on using the Tammy Taylor name or associating their business with the brand. Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images The Bok circle of life: What latest trio of debutants bring to Rassie's grand plan - Willie le Roux is set to earn his 100th cap as Ethan Hooker, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, and Cobus Wiese are set to debut for the Springboks against Italy. - Hooker, Ntlabakanye, and Wiese have taken different paths to the Springboks, with Hooker's rise being steady, Ntlabakanye realising potential after setbacks, and Wiese finding his way back after playing abroad. - Coaches praise Hooker's leadership, versatility, and work ethic, while Ntlabakanye is recognised for his rugby intelligence and leadership qualities, and Wiese is now a bruising lock after a detour to Sale Sharks.
The Citizen
19-06-2025
- The Citizen
Over 140 Pretoria police vehicles parked and out of service
Over 140 Pretoria police vehicles parked and out of service Pretoria's policing capacity has taken a significant knock, with 145 police vehicles currently out of service across the city. The alarming figures revealed in recent data highlight mounting pressure on already strained resources—sparking concerns over crime response times and public safety in key areas, including Mamelodi East, Pretoria Central, and Silverton. The information was revealed in a written reply by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi to questions posed by the Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature. The DA has slammed the Lesufi-led administration for failing to prioritise public safety, warning that inoperative police vehicles are leaving communities vulnerable to crime. It was revealed that crime prevention efforts in Gauteng are being severely hampered by a shortage of operational police vehicles, with 710 out of 5,630 vehicles across the province currently out of service. This includes major shortages at stations like Ivory Park (16 out of 78 vehicles) and Pretoria Central (14 out of 80). Here is the complete list of the affected police stations in and around Pretoria: Area Amount of police vehicles in operation: Vehicles unserviceable Centurion – Laudium 20 0 Centurion – Lyttleton 54 9 Mabopane 38 5 Mamelodi 45 6 Mamelodi East 55 12 Pretoria Central 86 14 Rietfontein Pretoria 40 2 Pretoria North 55 4 Pretoria West 41 6 Soshanguve 60 8 Silverton 32 10 Sinoville 33 4 Soshanguve Block H 56 9 Sunnyside 57 8 Akasia 48 6 Atteridgeville 37 4 Hillcrest Pretoria 45 4 Eersterust 20 3 Pretoria West 22 2 Ga-Rankuwa 54 6 Garsfontein 33 4 Hammanskraal 32 7 Hercules 28 4 Villieria 29 1 Valhalla Centurion 38 4 Wonderboompoort 17 3 Total: 1075 145 Also read: Is there an outbreak of Staphylococcus in Pretoria? Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
