Latest news with #R100k
The Citizen
a day ago
- General
- The Citizen
No explosion, says Tronox after loud bang prompts evacuation
No explosion, says Tronox after loud bang prompts evacuation A LOUD bang at Tronox KZN Sands caused alarm among Empangeni residents earlier this afternoon (Saturday). The noise reported at around 4pm, followed by the sounding of an emergency siren, sparked social media speculation of an 'explosion' at the company's Central Processing Complex (CPC). ALSO READ: R100k reward to catch fugitive linked to missing Sodwana skipper 'Kindly note the current social media reports circulating about an 'explosion' at CPC and an evacuation. Please note there has been no serious incident,' reassured a company spokesperson. 'A tea cup with excess mould coating likely caused a loud 'pop' sound when slag was tapped into it. While the sound was loud, it's a harmless reaction.' 'Given that there's currently a furnace reline in progress and many contractors on site, the shift supervisor evacuated the plant as a precaution to carry out inspections.' 'There is no cause for concern,' the company confirmed. Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Eyewitness News
a day ago
- Eyewitness News
Western Cape govt condemns deadly shooting at the Mfuleni taxi rank
CAPE TOWN - The Western Cape Government has condemned the deadly shooting at the Mfuleni minibus taxi rank in Cape Town. Four people were shot and killed while three others were wounded in Friday's attack. Police suspect tensions between taxi associations CATA and CODETA - over a taxi route between Mfuleni and Somerset West - might be behind the shooting. ALSO READ: Western Cape cops vow to net gunmen behind fatal Mfuleni taxi rank mass shooting Police offer R100k reward for info on deadly Mfuleni taxi rank shooting A cash reward of R100,000 is being offered to anyone who can help detectives bring to book the suspects responsible for the attack. "I am shocked and deeply saddened by this senseless act of violence. We cannot allow criminality to take hold of our public transport spaces and threaten the safety of innocent commuters and workers," said Provincial Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku. "I appeal to the community and the minibus taxi industry to stand united, remain calm, and fully support the police investigation. Those responsible must face the full consequences of the law."
Eyewitness News
2 days ago
- Eyewitness News
Western Cape cops vow to net gunmen behind fatal Mfuleni taxi rank mass shooting
CAPE TOWN - Western Cape police say they'll leave no stone unturned to bring to book gunmen responsible for the mass shooting at the Mfuleni taxi rank in Cape Town. Four taxi operators were shot and killed, while two other taxi operators and a commuter were wounded in the attack. Police believe two gunmen with high-calibre firearms opened fire at taxi operators sitting inside an office. ALSO READ: Police offer R100k reward for info on deadly Mfuleni taxi rank shooting Western Cape police suspect that a dispute over a taxi route between Mfuleni township and Somerset West, is the reason behind yesterday's deadly attack. 'Mainly our problem has been the taxi rank in Site C, and here we've been monitoring the routes as well as Somerset. However, when the matter is planned and takes place like this one in the early hours of the morning, unfortunately, we happened to miss this one," said Deputy Provincial Police Commissioner for Crime Detection, Major-General Bongani Maqashalala. Police are offering a cash reward of R100,000 to anyone who can help detectives bring the suspects responsible for the shooting at the Mfuleni taxi rank to book. Meanwhile, the Western Cape Government has condemned the deadly shooting at the Mfuleni minibus taxi rank. Provincial Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku expressed shock over the senseless act. "I am shocked and deeply saddened by this senseless act of violence. We cannot allow criminality to take hold of our public transport spaces and threaten the safety of innocent commuters and workers. I appeal to the community and the minibus taxi industry to stand united, remain calm, and fully support the police investigation. Those responsible must face the full consequences of the law."
The Citizen
4 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
Limpopo couple arrested after alleged kidnapping hoax to extort worried husband
The woman and her partner allegedly staged the crime to scam her husband out of R5000. A Limpopo couple has landed in court for faking a kidnapping to extort R5 000 in ransom from the woman's worried husband. The Limpopo police arrested a 34-year-old woman and her 60-year-old boyfriend, who allegedly faked her own abduction to extort ransom from her husband. The couple appeared before the Seshego Magistrate's Court on Wednesday on charges of kidnapping and extortion. Kidnapping faked to extort R5000 from husband The police described the incident as an 'elaborate deception that traumatised a family and wasted police resources'. On 2 May, a concerned husband reported his wife missing after she failed to arrive at her destination in Garawele Village, Mokopane. The husband had dropped his wife off at the Tibane Crossroad hiking spot in Matlala at about 11am, expecting her to travel to visit family. ALSO READ: Two Cape Town police officers arrested for kidnapping foreign national Troubling ransom calls at police station Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the husband tried to contact his wife, but he couldn't reach her, and her family members confirmed she hadn't arrived at her destination. He suspected foul play and immediately reported the matter to police in Matlala. Ledwaba said the husband received a troubling call from his wife's phone while he was giving his statement to the police. 'An unknown male voice demanded R5000 ransom money, while the sound of a woman crying could be heard in the background,' Ledwaba said. 'The caller abruptly ended the call, only to phone again from a different number with further ransom demands.' A thorough police investigation, however, revealed a shocking twist; there had been no kidnapping. Ledwaba said the wife willingly left with her boyfriend, and the two of them planned the whole scam, including the ransom calls to extort money from the unsuspecting husband. ALSO READ: Are you the real Godfrey Lebeya? Fake Hawks head extorts more than R100k The duo was subsequently arrested and detained at the Matlala Police Station. The provincial commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has issued a stern warning regarding such criminal deception. 'The Saps [South African Police Service] will not tolerate individuals who manipulate family bonds and exploit genuine concern to commit fraud and extortion. This case demonstrates the emotional trauma and resource wastage caused by false reporting and criminal deception,' Hadebe said. Police warn against abusing systems for personal financial gain 'We want to send a clear message that fabricating kidnapping scenarios for financial gain is a serious criminal offence that will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Our officers work tirelessly to investigate genuine missing person cases, and those who abuse this system will face the consequences.' Ledwaba added that the investigating team commended the husband for reporting the matter swiftly, as it enabled the police to uncover the deception before any ransom money was paid. 'The case serves as a reminder to the public to remain vigilant against extortion schemes and to report suspicious demands for money to the nearest police station immediately,' Hadebe said. NOW READ: After years on the run, police finally arrest 'Putin' in Midrand
The Citizen
21-05-2025
- The Citizen
Cape Town police officers kidnapping foreign national
The officers allegedly approached a man at a supermarket and requested to see his asylum documentation. Two City of Cape Town Law Enforcement officers are facing serious criminal charges after allegedly kidnapping and extorting a foreign national, in an incident that occurred on Wednesday, 14 May. The suspects, aged 36 and 41, were arrested on Tuesday this week. They are facing charges of kidnapping and extortion after allegedly detaining the asylum seeker and demanding ransom for his release in Khayelitsha. The two law enforcement officers are scheduled to appear before the Khayelitsha Magistrate's Court on Thursday, 22 May, to face the charges formally. 'These officers will have their day in court where they will answer to the serious charges of kidnapping and extortion,' police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg stated. #sapsWC Two City of Cape Town Law Enforcement officers are facing serious criminal charges following an incident that occurred on Wednesday, 14/05 at a supermarket in iLitha Park, Khayelitsha. The suspects, aged 36 and 41, were arrested on Tuesday, 20 May 2025, and are facing… May 21, 2025 Cape Town police kidnapping incident at Khayelitsha supermarket According to Twigg, the incident unfolded at a supermarket in iLitha Park, Khayelitsha, where the officers confronted a man regarding his documentation status. 'The officers approached the individual at the supermarket and requested to see his asylum documentation,' said Twigg. 'When the man was unable to produce the required documents, they allegedly instructed him to accompany them.' Instead of following proper legal procedures, the officers allegedly held the man against his will and made financial demands for his release. 'The officers later demanded a ransom for the victim's release, contacting his brother to arrange payment,' Twigg explained. ALSO READ: Four suspects arrested in connection with fatal kidnapping case in Western Cape Foreign national ransom payment release The situation escalated when the victim's family was forced to gather funds to secure his freedom. 'The victim's brother managed to gather an undisclosed amount of cash, which he handed over to the officers,' said Twigg. 'Only after receiving this payment did they release the victim.' ALSO READ: Are you the real Godfrey Lebeya? Fake Hawks head extorts more than R100k Cape Town officers arrested for extortion The case was investigated by a coalition of specialised law enforcement units working together to apprehend the suspects. 'Members of the Provincial Organised Crime Investigation Unit, Anti-Kidnapping Task Team, POCC Operational Combat Task Team, Cape Town K9 Unit, and the City of Cape Town's Special Investigations Unit conducted the arrests after the officers were positively identified by the complainant,' Twigg confirmed. Following thorough investigation procedures, legal steps were taken to apprehend the suspects. 'The investigating officer applied for arrest warrants, which were subsequently granted by the court, allowing us to take the suspects into custody,' said Twigg. NOW READ: Man arrested for using fake Facebook profile to lure, kidnap, and rape women
