Latest news with #TMPD
The Citizen
20 hours ago
- The Citizen
TMPD phones out, use these alternative emergency numbers
TMPD phones out, use these alternative emergency numbers The Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) has issued a notice for residents to use a temporary number amid disruptions to its control room telephone services. The disruptions have impacted its ability to receive calls on its key contact lines: 012 358 7095 and 012 358 7096. TMPD spokesperson Superintendent Issac Mahamba said the department is experiencing technical difficulties at its nodal point control room, which has affected normal communication operations. 'Our technical teams are working with urgency to resolve the problem and restore full service as soon as possible,' said Mahamba. Mahamba advised the public to make use of the emergency line on 082 891 2386 or to dial 107 from a cellphone. The department apologised for the inconvenience. 'We apologise for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding during this time,' the statement concluded. ALSO READ: Train accident claims life in Mamelodi 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!
The Citizen
3 days ago
- The Citizen
Cable theft in the east costs metro over R4m
Cable theft in the east costs metro over R4m Cable theft and electricity losses are spiralling out of control in the suburbs east of Pretoria, costing the metro millions. The city spent nearly R4.9-million on repairs and maintenance in the past financial year due to cable and electricity theft, a heavy financial toll to its already strained budget. These incidents have led to frequent power outages, disrupting daily life and business operations. Residents also voiced concerns over the city's response, adding, 'We are paying rates and taxes, yet it feels like no one is protecting the infrastructure. We need stronger action and quicker response times.' According to city spokesperson Lindela Mashigo, the direct repair costs amounted to R4 889 985,70, not including additional losses due to service disruptions and secondary infrastructure damage. 'These ongoing incidents not only cost the city millions, but also jeopardise essential services and public safety,' said Mashigo. 'The damage goes beyond the cables themselves – entire communities are affected when the power goes out.' Mashigo said cable theft and vandalism in the east were the worst in Erasmuskloof, Armscor, Rietvlei Nature Reserve, Rietvlei Water Works, Woodlands Mall, Woodlands Lifestyle Estate, Faerie Glen (Koedoeberg), Mooikloof, Moreleta Park and surrounding suburbs. He said the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) and private security companies were surveilling the hotspots, conducting regular patrols in identified high-risk zones. Mashigo confirmed that supply chain management is still processing the tender for enhanced infrastructure security. 'In the interim, the TMPD is working closely with SAPS and private security partners to secure vulnerable infrastructure.' He said cable theft and electricity infrastructure vandalism reduce the reliability and longevity of the electricity infrastructure. MMC for Finance Eugene Modise said the metro has allocated more than R565-million to the installation of CCTV cameras, the recruitment of 200 more metro police officers from January, and the deployment of security personnel to protect its assets, including electricity infrastructure. 'Tshwane is woefully under-protected and we are pursuing a consolidated asset protection strategy that includes both physical security and advanced technological solutions,' said Modise. He added that the metro plans to incorporate modern technology, such as motion detectors and smart surveillance tools, to support and strengthen the efforts of ground security teams. ALSO READ: Noweto stations indicate an increase in contact crimes 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!
The Citizen
7 days ago
- The Citizen
Metro police step up road safety operations
The Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) intensified its efforts to promote road safety during operations across various regions in the city on May 23. According to the TMPD, the operations focused on curbing drunk driving to reduce accidents, injuries and deaths on the road. 'TMPD members in Region 1 Sector 2, Akasia, held an anti-drunk driving operation that yielded good results,' said TMPD spokesperson Isaac Mahamba. He said 19 arrests were made, 13 for driving under the influence of intoxicating substances, four for public drinking and two for contravening the Immigration Act 13 of 2002. The Tshwane Metro Police Department operational successes. #TMPDsafety — Tshwane Metro Police (@TMPDSafety) May 24, 2025 Mahamba said another anti-drunk driving operation was in Centurion. Region 4 officers arrested seven people for driving under the influence of intoxicating substances and two for public drinking. 'Furthermore, Region 5 officers in Rayton arrested two people for driving under the influence of intoxicating substances,' he explained. In a separate crackdown on traffic law violations, the TMPD Public Transport Unit impounded 15 delivery motorcycles in Hatfield. TMPD Public Transport Unit members impounded 15 delivery motorcycles in Hatfield. The motorcycles were impounded for various offences including failure to register and license and failure to comply with roadworthiness. #TMPDsafety — Tshwane Metro Police (@TMPDSafety) May 24, 2025 Mahamba said the impoundments were for various compliance and roadworthiness offences. He said several other vehicles were inspected, and Aarto infringement notices were issued to motorists in contravention of the road traffic rules. Mahamba said these operations will continue to ensure that the rules of the road are adhered to and the safety of all road users is prioritised. According to the Gauteng Liquor Act 2/2003, Section 127c and d, no person is permitted to consume liquor or be under the influence of alcohol in or near a public place. Chief of police Commissioner Yolanda Faro commended all officers for their hard work and dedication. 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!
IOL News
7 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Gauteng police dismiss WhatsApp shutdown threats as unfounded
National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has urged South Africans to refrain from spreading misinformation following reports of a shutdown and disruption of services in Gauteng. Image: SAPS Threats of a shutdown in the Gauteng province have been dismissed by the National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola following a widely circulated WhatsApp message warning of a total shutdown in Gauteng on Monday. On Monday, Masemola cautioned members of the public against spreading WhatsApp messages that seek to mobilise communities to shut down and block highways, close schools, shut down the American embassy and Consulate as well as close down targeted food outlets in Gauteng on Monday, 26 May 2025. "Good evening, members. We have confirmed reports of a highway shutdown on Monday the 26th of May starting at 7.30am. The N1 Sandton, N1 Pretoria and M1 and M2 motorways will be affected. Please make use of alternative use for EMS. This has been verified by JMPD and TMPD. Please be cautious on the roads," part of the widely circulated message reads. Reacting to the message, Masemola urged those behind the WhatsApp message to refrain from spreading fake news and misinformation. "Members of the public are warned that this WhatsApp message only seeks to instill fear, bully community members and incite violence. Members of the public are therefore advised to ignore the WhatsApp message and refrain from sharing it further," he said in a statement. Masemola assured Gauteng residents that the police are on full alert should there be any reports of a shutdown adding that all school services and roads will operate as normal. "Everything from businesses, schools to services will be fully functional and operational and accessible. There will be no highway shutdown or road closures. 'We are not going to allow lawlessness and acts of criminality, those who are found to be on the wrong side of the law, will be dealt with accordingly. The N1 Sandton, N1 Pretoria and M1 and M2 motorways will be opened," Masemola said. The Tshwane Metropolitan Pollice Department also dispelled the reports of a shutdown in a statement on Monday saying: "As of now, there is no official confirmation from the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD), or any other verified government authority regarding a national shutdown scheduled for Monday, 26 May 2025, involving highway closures or widespread disruptions. While messages circulating on social media claim that major routes such as the N1 (Sandton and Pretoria), M1, and M2 motorways will be affected, and that schools and businesses will be closed, these claims have not been substantiated by official sources." [email protected]
The Citizen
23-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Mayor leads ‘bad buildings' inspection in CBD
Members of the Mayoral Committee, led by Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya, recently conducted a 'bad buildings' walkabout in Pretoria Central. The effort formed part of the metro's Reclaim Our City (ROC) initiative, a programme aimed at exhilarating urban renewal and stomping out lawlessness across the metro. The mayor was joined by members of the Mayoral sub-committee, the TMPD and SAPS as well as the Bad Buildings Committee (BBC), a team tasked with identifying and revitalising hijacked, abandoned and derelict buildings in the CBD and surrounding areas. On May 22, Moya led the expedition to various identified spots around Pretoria Central and West, where an utter disregard for the metro's by-laws was on full display. The stakeholders convened on Sophie De Bruyn Street where they visited several spots in the vicinity including illegal scrapyards, make-shift residential premises and non-compliant businesses. 'This is one of those buildings that is owned by the city (Bloed Street), but as you can see, there are shacks inside here. I was here three weeks ago, and then, around 300 people were staying here who were served evacuation notices because it is obviously not safe for people to stay here. As you can see, these used to be shacks and now they've been dismantled, you can see that people have moved out, but there are a couple of them who are still here,' Moya said. 'We are trying to avoid a situation such as the Usindo disaster. We need to prevent it. This is one of the buildings we are targeting. For us, it is the whole block that we want to demolish here and provide this piece of land [for housing]. We do have a housing shortage in our city, and we want to deal with our housing needs and attract businesses to the city,' Moya said. The mayor said there are, however, processes that need to be followed, so the city cannot simply arrive and demand that occupants leave. ALSO READ: Tshwane looks to Expropriation Act to take over derelict buildings She described the tour as a fact-finding exercise, saying that some of the properties where these illegal dealings have been occurring were not known to the city. The mayor said the TMPD, Building Control and partnering stakeholders will decide the course of action to ensure they are not met with the same sight in a few weeks. She insisted that the previous figures the BBC have indicated regarding the identified buildings which need attention have increased after her Pretoria West visit. According to the mayor, the city intends to demolish the entire block to build a housing project similar to the Marabastad Townlands. To address homelessness, the mayor is calling upon NPOs and social organisations to join the party, insisting that the challenge with relocation is that illegal occupants may not want to conform to the rules at shelters. Environment MMC Obakeng Ramabodu said that a main issue he observed was the lack of compliance with city by-laws. 'We have a lot of by-laws that many people are not aware of, some are made known, but there are some that only exist on file, so we need to make sure that we implement them,' Ramabodu said. MMC for Roads and Transport Tlangi Mogale said that among the profiling they completed, illegal occupants consist of both South African and foreign nationals. 'We can confirm that most of the people are foreign nationals, but we do have some South Africans as well. They do form part of the indigent programme of the city, but we don't have a scouting team to find them. However, what we also advise is that they come in and work with our NGOs and NPOs, with which we have partnered and signed MOUs to assist them,' Mogale said. ALSO READ: Tshwane operation finds hijacked building with over 300 shacks Mogale said that there are a lot of buildings that the city wants to capitalise on and the BBC allows them to proceed with their plans. 'For the longest time, we haven't been playing our part as the city to capitalise on these buildings. If you go further west of Pretoria, you'll realise that we've got so many hijacked buildings which are losing us a lot of revenue because we've been sleeping on them,' Mogale said. Spatial Planning MMC Sarah Mabotsa said the demolition plans are necessary as the buildings surveyed are not suitable for human occupation. 'What we're going to do moving [forward] is that we'd like to rezone this building and convert it into low-cost housing. We're trying to address what we call 'Apartheid spatial planning', where people are living far from where they work. If we can rezone this, then people will be able to work and enjoy life here, and this is city property,' Mabotsa said. 'So many people would like to live in the CBD and they can't afford these expensive houses, that's why we've come up with this.' The stakeholders also visit the Tshwane Events Centre or Pretoria Showgrounds for a clean-up operation of this strategic city asset. The mayor said they are working on plans to host a market in the next few weeks as part of the city's economic revitalisation strategy. 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!
