Latest news with #SAPS
IOL News
5 hours ago
- IOL News
Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya reflects on his legacy in the SAPS
Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya on Saturday delivered his last media briefing before retiring from the SAPS. Image: Ntswe Mokoena/GCIS Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya spoke fondly of his trials and tribulations, including being the best student of the course in June 1985 during his last media briefing before retiring from the SAPS on 1 June 2025. The SAPS- Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI-Hawks) held a legacy report briefing for the outgoing National Head in Pretoria on Saturday. Lebeya reflected on his tenure at the helm of the DPCI from 2018 to 2025 and offered insights into the milestones, challenges, and achievements during his leadership. In his parting shot, Lebeya recommended that part of the improvement plan for the SAPS should include: Work on capacitation of the DPCI to achieve 100% human resource capacity. Lebeya requested authority's to provide financial resources to achieve this. Work on the implementation of the remaining provisions of the SAPS Act. Work on the acquisition of the office accommodation for the personnel. Continue to work on acquisition of modern tools of trade. Continue to build the DPCI to be a criminal Investigative elite unit of South Africa. Lebeya began working in the SAPS at the Sophiatown Police Station on 12 May 1984 and said he aspired to be a mechanical engineer, but his application to the SAPS Benoni Mechanical School was unsuccessful. Over the years he worked at Hillbrow SAPS in Crime Prevention and Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in the house-breaking and theft unit. He was later transferred to investigate more serious cases such as murders, robberies, bribery, forgery, uttering and fraud. Lebeya went on to establish the Johannesburg North Fraud Section which was based at Sandton police station. In January 2000, he was appointed the Provincial Head of Specialised Investigations in Gauteng Province and by November 2000, he was appointed the Provincial Head of Detective Service in Gauteng on the rank of Assistant Commissioner, the current Major General rank. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ In his academic pursuit, Lebeya completed a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree and by 2006 was admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of South Africa. Lebeya also pursued a Doctorate degree which was conferred in the field of Law, Doctor of Laws (LLD) in 2012 on the topic of 'Understanding Organised Crime'. One of his crowning moments came in June 2018, when he was appointed as the National Head of the DPCI. 'Part of the style of investigation is to conduct major investigations. In Project-Driven Investigations, we initiated 113 complex projects and successfully concluded 67 which is 75% while others are still pending and others unsuccessful. A total number of 566 arrests were effected,' he said . Lebeya said he worked on enhancing technological systems and believed that the Digital Forensic Unit is growing with public private partnerships. 'We have established the Forensic Accounting Investigation which has also partnered with business to ensure transferal of skills. Our coordination of work has been enhanced with the operationalisation of the National Priority Crime Investigations and its sub-committees,' Lebeya said.
The South African
6 hours ago
- The South African
Gauteng Legislature warns against social media date dangers
The Gauteng provincial legislature's Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has issued a strong warning to the public about the dangers of meeting strangers through social media apps. This follows the shocking murder of 30-year-old Olorato Mongale, who was found dead after reportedly leaving home for a date in Johannesburg. During an oversight visit to Jeppe Police Station on Thursday, the committee received alarming updates on criminal activity in the Maboneng precinct. The police reported a disturbing pattern in which individuals, often from across Gauteng, are lured to the area using social media hookup apps and then kidnapped, robbed, or assaulted. 'Station Management briefed the Committee on a disturbing trend where victims from across Gauteng are lured to Maboneng through hookup apps,' said committee chairperson Bandile Masuku. 'Of particular concern is the recent arrest of a gang operating in the Maboneng area that specifically targeted members of the LGBTQIA+ community.' Masuku urged residents to remain vigilant and take practical safety steps when engaging with people on social media. He advised the public to avoid meeting strangers in isolated or unfamiliar areas, always notify trusted contacts about meeting plans, and use video calls to confirm the other person's identity before agreeing to meet in person. 'For their safety, the Committee advises the public to avoid meeting strangers from apps in isolated or unfamiliar areas, inform trusted contacts about meetup plans, verify identities through video calls before meeting, and immediately report suspicious activity to SAPS,' he said. The murder of Mongale and the wave of reported kidnappings highlight the dark side of social media dating. While many apps promise convenience and connection, criminals increasingly exploit these platforms to prey on unsuspecting victims. The committee plans to work closely with law enforcement to monitor these trends and improve public awareness. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
6 hours ago
- IOL News
Olorato Mongale murder: Police progress and family reflections ahead of funeral
Olorato Mongale was murdered on Sunday May 25. Her body was dumped in Lombardy West, Johannesburg Image: Social Media As the family of murdered Wits postgraduate student Olorato Mongale prepares for her funeral on Sunday in Bloemfontein, her aunt Kealogetswe Mongale says the family is happy with the progress made by police during the course of the week, with one of three suspects still at large. Mongale, 30, went missing last Sunday after she was picked up at her residence in a VW Polo for what she believed was a date. Her body was found dumped along a road in Lombardy West in Johannesburg two hours later. The main suspect, Philangenkosi Makhanya, was shot dead by police at a flat in eManzimtoti south of Durban in the early hours on Friday. The second suspect, Fezile Ngubane, who was handed over to authorities by his father at the KwaMashu police station, has been cleared by police upon further investigation. 'An investigation has cleared Fezile Ngubane as a suspect in the Olorato murder case. Ngubane washes cars for a living and was targeted by the deceased Philangenkosi Makhanya, who used his ID to Rica (register) SIM cards with his details,' said national police spokesperson Athlende Mathe. Mathe said Makhanya used these SIM cards to communicate with women. 'He (Ngubane ) has been released.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Fezile Ngubane, Bongani Mthimkhulu and Philangenkosi Makhanya were the three suspects wanted by police in connection with the murder of Olorato Mongale. Ngubane has since been cleared by police. Image: SAPS Police are still hunting for Bongani Mthimkhulu, the third suspect wanted in connection with Mongale's murder. Mongale's aunt said the family is happy that the perpetrators were found, especially the main suspect. 'We would have hoped that he would have his day in court so that we could all be able to see who this person is and hopefully get some answers from him,' she said. However, she said the police 'did what they had to do' after the suspect attacked them. 'The turnaround time from the beginning of this investigation has been very good. We are very pleased with that. It's before the funeral on Sunday and we already know who the people are,' she said. On Friday, while discussing the developments in the case, Mathe confirmed that police are investigating a syndicate. She said police have 'broken the back' of the syndicate which targets young women and uses the same modus operandi of propositioning women, usually at malls, requesting to take them out on dates, then robbing them. Mathe said Makhanya and Mthimkhulu were out on bail on a charge of kidnapping and robbery in Brakpan in April, where they used the same VW Polo in the commissioning of a crime. The court later ordered that the vehicle be returned to its owner. Police said the white VW Polo was seized from a panel beater workshop in Phoenix, Durban, with traces of blood. According to reports, an elderly man believed to be the owner of the vehicle has been arrested while his wife was also arrested for tipping off their son, Makhanya, that the police were looking for him.
TimesLIVE
7 hours ago
- TimesLIVE
Fezile Ngubane is a victim, not involved in Olorato Mongale's killing: police
KwaZulu-Natal man Fezile Ngubane who was initially identified as a suspect sought by police in the Olorato Mongale murder and said to be in a syndicate targeting young women has been cleared. Mongale was last seen leaving her flat in northern Johannesburg for a date with a man who called himself 'John' on Sunday afternoon. Her body was later discovered in Lombardy East near Alexandra. The white VW Polo used to pick up Mongale was found at a panel-beating workshop in Phoenix in KwaZulu-Natal on Wednesday. Police initially identified Philangenkosi Makhanya and Ngubane as people of interest in the murder. On Thursday morning police identified a third man, Bongani Mthimkhulu, who is a friend of Makhanya, as an additional suspect. National police spokesperson Brig Athlenda Mathe said on Saturday Ngubane's father handed him over to KwaMashu police on Friday when he learnt his son was being sought by police in the Mongale murder case. 'A multidisciplinary team led by the deputy provincial commissioner for crime detection in Gauteng, Maj-Gen Mbuso Khumalo, the SAPS national anti-kidnapping task team, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provincial investigating unit (PIU) have now cleared Ngubane after a thorough interview and preliminary investigation.' A preliminary report found Ngubane washes cars for a living and stays in the same neighbourhood as Makhanya, who died during a confrontation with police at an Amanzimtoti flat on Friday. Mathe said Makhanya allegedly identified Ngubane as a soft target and took his ID smart card and used it to Rica SIM cards. These were alleged used by Makhanya to commit kidnapping and robbery involving young women. Makhanya is alleged to have also used Ngubane's bank card at various clothing stores. Ngubane's ID was found as part of a batch of 27 ID smart cards found on Friday in Makhanya's possession at a flat belonging to a man who rents vehicles. Mathe said the parents of one of the two suspects were released after they deposed statements. 'Police are sitting with at least 20 cases where women have come forward identifying the suspects as those that kidnapped and robbed them. Some of these cases were reported in Potchefstroom, Bloemfontein, Midrand, Ogies and Nelspruit in Mpumalanga, Pretoria and Johannesburg.' She said the search for Mthimkhulu continues.
IOL News
7 hours ago
- IOL News
Detective shortages in South Africa: a looming national crisis for crime investigations
Ian Cameron confirmed , Limpopo and Northern Cape had the highest shortages of detectives, with a reported 38% shortage. This is followed by the Western Cape and Free State at 35.5% and 33%, respectively. Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers South Africa's investigative ability is facing a serious crisis with 1,9 million case dockets and detectives sitting with 300 to 500 dockets each. On top of it is a growing concern about the experience of detectives with more and more younger police officers absorbed into the detective services. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, described the current backlog as untenable. Mchunu said the shortage of detectives is hampering the timely investigation of cases, which in turn affects the prosecution process. 'The shortage of detectives causes serious backlogs in respect of the investigation of cases and processing of cases for prosecution." "The minister has reported on previous occasions that there is a backlog of 1.9 million case dockets within the South African Police Service, which is untenable,' the police ministry shared. Only 15.1% of SAPS members are currently deployed in detective roles—far below the 20% target…a figure revealed in a November 2024 police briefing, which laid bare the extent of the shortage. Of the 20,376 officers recruited over the past two years, just 3,142 were assigned to detective services. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Johan Burger, a police expert from the Institute for Security Studies, said there are not enough detectives to deal with the growing crime levels. "And I'm talking about serious and violent crimes. The other problem is with the effectiveness of the detectives who don't have enough training.' He said while crime rates are soaring, the number of trained detectives has almost halved since 2016, just when serious and violent crimes began to spike. At that time the number of detectives dwindled to 40%, he said. He said a concerted drive to rehire experienced detectives who had left the service failed because the core problems; poor conditions, low morale, and lack of incentives remain unresolved. Ian Cameron, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police said there are detectives handling 300 to 500 dockets each. "It's physically impossible. They're expected to investigate, update dockets weekly, go to court, work with prosecutors, and attend post-mortems—no one can manage that workload, ' he said. Referring to the provincial breakdown on detective shortage, Cameron said Limpopo and the Northern Cape had the highest shortages of detectives, with a reported 38% shortage. This is followed by the Western Cape and Free State at 35.5% and 33%, respectively. He said the lack of mentoring is also a concern. 'New detectives are thrown in the deep end, especially in stations like Delft or Manenberg. There's no time for proper training. It's a nightmare.' Cameron suggested that uniformed officers assist with minor case elements to ease the burden on detectives. Such is the lack of faith in the police's ability to properly investigate crime that some have turned to private investigators. Private Investigator, and founder of Uniq Investigations, Desmond Finnis, said there is a growing demand for private investigative services due to unresolved or poorly handled police work. 'They often feel their rights have been violated or that a proper investigation was never conducted.' Finnis also pointed out that they often work on cases such as cybercrime, culpable homicide, and domestic violence involving the rape of minors—cases he said should have been properly handled by police detectives. 'Unfortunately, in South Africa, many detectives lack sufficient training and experience. A constable with only 12 months of visible policing experience may be promoted without even knowing how to complete a docket for court. Detectives often arrest suspects without proper preliminary investigation, and this then spills into the court system, where the NPA is then wrongly blamed for poor outcomes, but it all starts with the investigation. The slogan should be 'investigate to arrest,' not 'arrest to investigate.' Finnis himself was a victim to a botched investigation, when the detective on duty failed to collect evidence, gather witness statements and draw blood, at the scene where Finnis' ex-wife Yolande Geduld, 51, his son-in-law Kurt-Lee Carolus, 30, and his four-year-old granddaughter Tara-Lee Carolus, from Strand, died when a bakkie rammed into their Peugeot 306 after it broke down on Baden Powell Road in 2021. "The Monday when the detective came to the scene, he was reeking of alcohol. He didn't know who I was, but I observed everything, asked questions. He failed to do a lot. I then ended up investigating the case myself and he was dismissed from the force and the driver was sentenced." 'Improvements are needed in investigative training, use of forensic technology, and collaboration among stakeholders to ensure better outcomes and justice for victims,' said Finnis. Specialist investigator and crime expert Mike Bolhuis, known for his work in serious violent, economic, and cybercrimes, said he anticipates that the detective capacity will remain a huge problem for years. ''The detective-to-case workload is unmanageable. Some detectives handle 300 to 500 dockets, which is simply undoable. The public is aware and tends to rely on the few capable officers, increasing their load further.' "It's no use the police say, 'yes, give us information, be informants, expose the crime, bring us the criminals', and then there is a problem in communication and they don't want to take it, investigate it and even don't want to assist or there's an attitude problem. We've seen this many times," said Bolhuis. Bolhuis also highlighted a shortage of officers, a lack of specialized units, and poor technological capacity. 'He warned of extreme misplacement of personnel, comparing it to asking a painter to fix a diesel engine. 'Unless an officer is fit, committed, trained, and focused solely on justice, we don't have a police force—we just have people doing jobs they are not cut out for,' said Bolhuis.
