Latest news with #SiyandaShangase
The Citizen
26-05-2025
- The Citizen
House robberies spike in Empangeni – police urge community vigilance
Empangeni residents are urged to remain on high alert as the evident winter chill and early darkness have led to an increase in crime. 'While home invasions are on the rise, it is only a matter of time before other crimes escalate as a result of the early sunsets,' warned SAPS King Cetshwayo Cluster spokesperson Captain Siyanda Shangase. ALSO READ: WATCH: Strange sighting in Empangeni, what was it? With criminals taking no days off, SAPS is pleading with communities to be vigilant. 'One of the issues is people who go for early morning jogs and leave their windows and doors unlocked for their domestic workers or gardeners. 'People need to realise that criminals do not just strike, but monitor your behaviour to learn your patterns,' said Shangase. He explained that perpetrators can squeeze through small burglar bars, so residents must lock doors and close windows when leaving the house or are in another room. ALSO READ: Wall jumpers torment Empangeni residents Captain Shangase also warns against engaging with criminals. 'The majority have weapons and are not afraid to use them if they feel cornered. Phone the police, CPF or Neighbourhood Watch and allow them to assist you.' Shangase said the police have identified crime hotspots to which patrol vans are deployed. 'We have team members patrolling every 15 to 20 minutes to disrupt and put an end to the plans of perpetrators,' concluded Shangase. In the event of any emergency, contact SAPS on 10111 or be sure to load your local CPF emergency number into the contacts on your phone. 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!
The Citizen
19-05-2025
- The Citizen
Distraught mother calls for action after daughter (6) raped on school premises
Distraught mother calls for action after daughter (6) raped on school premises The heartbroken mother of a young eSikhaleni rape victim demands justice and the arrest of the suspect. This after the victim (6) was reportedly raped by a fellow pupil at Mizikayifani Primary School. The incident occurred on Friday, 25 April at the school premises, and the matter was reported the following day to the police. 'My daughter said the incident occurred during the break inside the school toilets. What hurts is that the school is aware of the incident, the police are also aware, but nothing has been done. 'I was forced to remove my daughter from the school as no one is interested in doing anything. The boy is roaming the streets freely,' she said. She said her daughter confided in her older sister about her rape ordeal. 'I discovered she was bleeding. I was shocked and could not believe my eyes. As I was still confused, I allowed her to go and play. 'After a short while, I called her back and ordered her to lie on the bed. That is when I started to believe she had been raped. 'I immediately packed the underwear she wore the previous day and rushed to the clinic. 'At the clinic, nurses called the police and she was taken to Ngwelezana's Thuthuzela Centre where the doctor confirmed the child was raped,' said a vividly distraught mother. King Cetshwayo Cluster police spokesperson, Captain Siyanda Shangase confirmed that a rape case was opened at eSikhaleni SAPS and is being investigated by the Empangeni Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit. Commenting on the incident, the DA in the province called on KZN police commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to ensure the immediate arrest of the suspect. DA's Sakhile Mngadi MPL said the young girl concerned was not raped on an isolated dirt pathway, but within the very walls of her school; a place that should be a sanctuary of knowledge and protection became the backdrop of a brutal violation. 'Today, the alleged perpetrator, described by the child as a 'much older boy', still walks freely and routinely frequents the classroom and speaks to the teacher. 'His ongoing presence is a continued threat to every child within this school,' said Mngadi. The Department of Education was contacted for comment but a response is still forthcoming. 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!
