Latest news with #PriyaNunkumar-Bukum
The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
Alleged serial rapist arrested in Shayamoya
A 26-year-old man, believed to be a serial rapist, has been arrested and linked to more than 20 cases of housebreaking and rape in Nkobongo and Shayamoya. Umhlali police detectives arrested the suspect at a house in Shayamoya last Thursday. Police allege he targeted young women travelling home late from work and women living alone in rented rooms. They say he broke windows or doors to gain entry, stole valuables including mobile phones and appliances and raped his victims. Investigators believe he is connected to more than 20 cases but have so far charged him with eight rapes committed between last August and June this year. Additional charges are expected. iLembe police spokesperson Priya Nunkumar-Bukum confirmed he appeared in the KwaDukuza Magistrates' Court on a house robbery charge and was remanded in custody. Rise Up Movement founder Joshua Daniel praised the arrest, saying it brought relief to the community. 'This was achieved through the joint efforts of Umhlali Saps under dedicated leadership, working hand-in-hand with committed stakeholders. The rapist stalked his victims before committing these crimes,' he said. Daniel said the organisation's awareness campaigns had encouraged residents to report crimes, The organisation continues to offer counselling and support to victims of rape and abuse. Shayamoya councillor Collen Mdletshe also commended police, describing the suspect as a menace to women everywhere, especially those living alone. 'I hope there will be more arrests, because housebreakings are getting out of hand. Last weekend alone, two people lost everything – even groceries were stolen. One was a Grade 11 pupil who lives alone,' he said. Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below.
The Citizen
27-07-2025
- The Citizen
One-legged man steals cop car from Umhlali SAPS in KZN
In a plot twist that could make Fast & Furious look sluggish, a 60-year-old Umhlali resident with one leg was arrested yesterday after allegedly boosting a police vehicle from right under the noses of the cops. How a man with a single leg reportedly outpaced a station full of officers and drove off in a patrol car from Umhlali SAPS premises is currently being investigated. Joyride ends in arrest at the beach According to police spokesperson Priya Nunkumar-Bukum, the stolen vehicle was tracked down in Ballito thanks to swift teamwork between Umhlali Police and E2 partners. Journalist Dasen Thathiah said in a post on Facebook that the man drove around for about an hour before he was arrested at the beach. 'The vehicle was recovered, and the suspect was arrested by police,' Nunkumar-Bukum confirmed. The suspect faces a charge of theft of a motor vehicle and is expected to appear in court soon. Read original story on
The Citizen
26-07-2025
- The Citizen
One-legged man steals cop car from Umhlali Saps
In a plot twist that could make Fast & Furious look sluggish, a 60-year-old Umhlali resident with one leg was arrested today after allegedly boosting a police vehicle from right under the noses of the cops. Yes, you read that correctly – a man with a single leg reportedly outpaced a station full of officers and drove off in a patrol car from Umhlali Saps premises on Saturday morning. According to police spokesperson Priya Nunkumar-Bukum, the stolen ride was tracked down in Ballito thanks to swift teamwork between Umhlali Police and E2 partners. 'The vehicle was recovered and the suspect was arrested by police,' Nunkumar-Bukum confirmed. The suspect now faces a charge of theft of a motor vehicle – and possibly one for audacity. As for how exactly a one-legged man managed to hotwire, enter and escape in a police vehicle without anyone noticing? That's the million-rand question. Police say the matter is under investigation and we suspect someone is in for a rather awkward debriefing. Let this be a reminder: never underestimate a man with a plan – and a prosthetic. Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below.
The Citizen
15-07-2025
- The Citizen
KZN boy scalded with boiling water, sister assaulted: Uncle to appear in court
KZN boy scalded with boiling water, sister assaulted: Uncle to appear in court A 27-year-old man has been arrested following a violent domestic incident in Nyoni (Mandeni), KZN, on Saturday during which an 18-year-old girl was assaulted and her eight-year-old brother scalded with boiling water. The North Coast Courier reports that, according to iLembe SAPS spokesperson Priya Nunkumar-Bukum, the man – who is the children's uncle – became involved in an argument with the siblings before they were attacked, allegedly by him. 'The eight-year-old was scalded with boiling water and taken to a local clinic for treatment,' said Nunkumar-Bukum. The man was arrested shortly after the incident and is facing charges of attempted murder and assault. He is expected to appear in the Nyoni Magistrate's Court in due course. 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!
The Citizen
11-07-2025
- The Citizen
Drowned teen fisherman's body recovered in Tugela River
The body of a 19-year-old man was recovered in the Tugela River on Thursday, July 10, a week after he was reportedly swept away by the current. iLembe police communications official Priya Nunkumar-Bukum said the teenager was believed to have been fishing when getting into trouble on July 3. The man's body was spotted by a community member on Wednesday, but it took an extensive search from recovery teams to find him the next day. Saps Search and Rescue were assisted by E2 Partners, IPSS Search and Rescue and Badul Aviation. In a separate suspected drowning incident, police are also searching for a 15-year-old boy who went missing in KwaDukuza. 'In light of these tragedies, Saps is urging the public to exercise caution when visiting rivers, beaches, dams and swimming pools,' said Nunkumar-Bukum. 'Drowning remains a persistent risk, especially during recreational outings.' KwaDukuza Saps have compiled a list of water safety tips: Before entering the sea, swimmers must take time to watch the waves and must avoid places where there is a strong backwash. When swimming, beware of rip currents or a danger of being washed onto the rocks. Check the weather and the tides before you leave home – if the sea is too rough, you could be swept away. Only enter the sea where the waves are straight and gentle. If you experience a strong current, get out of the sea, or at least do not go in deep. Never swim while you are intoxicated. Alcohol impairs judgement and unnecessary risks are taken. An intoxicated swimmer will tire more easily, increasing the chance of an accident or drowning. Check with the lifeguards on duty what the surf conditions are before entering the sea. Only swim in designated areas that are supervised by lifeguards. If the lifeguards give you directions or instructions from the beach, obey them. Look out for warning signs and flags – a red flag means it is dangerous to swim. A red-and-yellow flag means lifeguards are on duty and you should only swim in the area between the flags. Avoid swimming immediately after a big meal, as there is a danger of having cramps. Do not dive into shallow seawater – many people have broken their necks by diving into shallow pools and dams. Do not swim in river mouths, in dirty water, very early in the mornings, early evenings or after it has rained because shark activity increases in these conditions. Never leave a young child unattended near water and never make a child responsible for another child. Teach children to always ask permission to go near water. If a child is missing, check the water first. Time is critical in preventing drowning or permanent disability. Swimming aids, such as water wings or noodles, are fun toys for kids, but they should never be used instead of approved flotation devices. Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
