Latest news with #UmhlaliSaps
The Citizen
6 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
09-07-2025
- The Citizen
Family scammed out of R15K in holiday booking con
Fraudsters targeting holidaymakers are becoming increasingly effective at leveraging online platforms for their scams. This according to the acting chairperson of the Umhlali Policing Forum, Josha Daniel, who says reports of scam-related incidents at Umhlali Saps are on the rise, averaging two per week. 'We are seeing everything from fake pet sales to fraudulent Airbnb-style listings and investment cons,' said Daniel. 'Scammers are using social media and fake websites to trick people into making payments for services that don't exist.' One recent case in Tinley Manor saw a Hilton family of 13 scammed out of more than R15 000. According to Michelle Wilkstrom, who made the booking, everything seemed to be above board as she found the accommodation through what she believed to be a reputable platform. After making payment and receiving booking confirmation, her family got ready for the weekend away and made the trip. 'When we arrived at the accommodation on June 14 to book in, there was no caretaker as promised to open,' said Wilkstrom. The caretaker of a neighbouring property eventually responded to their calls and asked what was happening. 'We advised we were there to book in for the long weekend. He told us there was someone that had been staying there for two weeks already.' After getting in touch with the legitimate property owner, they said there was no record of the booking. The property owner claimed that their email and banking details had been hacked and that Wilkstrom had dealt with a scammer. Wilkstrom opened a case of fraud at Hilton Saps and investigation is ongoing. Daniel urged property owners and letting platforms to strengthen verification processes and advised consumers to be cautious when booking online. 'The property sector, particularly in short-term letting, needs to be vigilant,' he said. 'Owners should regularly audit their digital profiles and ensure booking communications happen through secure, traceable platforms. As consumers, if something looks too good to be true, it probably is.' 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!
The Citizen
17-06-2025
- The Citizen
Ballito resident held at gunpoint in house burglary
A Ballito homeowner was held at gunpoint during an early morning home invasion on Tuesday, June 17, in what authorities describe as a brazen robbery on Minerva Road South. According to Umhlali Saps, three unidentified men, one reportedly armed with a pistol, entered the property around 3am. The robbers allegedly gained access through a sliding door that had been left open, surprising the homeowner who was working on his computer in the lounge at the time. The armed thief reportedly pointed the firearm at the homeowner and forced him to lie on the floor while the other two thieves ransacked the home. Numerous high value items were allegedly stolen. In a possible lead for investigators, a power bank believed to belong to one of the robbers was left behind at the scene. The item has been retained by police for fingerprint analysis. No injuries or property damage were reported and no shots were fired. Emergency services and police responded promptly. This incident follows a similar non-violent break-in on Marion Road North on Saturday, June 15, between 8 and 9pm. In that case, a thief entered through a side sliding door while the homeowners were on the patio, stealing a wallet and a laptop without being noticed. CCTV footage from the Marion Road incident revealed a robber wearing Adidas shoes similar to those seen in previous cases. However, police noted a different modus operandi in the two incidents. Ballito Neighbourhood Watch (BNW) chair Morné Steffens confirmed a recent rise in burglaries and attempted break-ins in the area. 'We are very fortunate here with crime usually at a minimum. It's been blissfully quiet, until now,' said Steffens. He urged residents to remain vigilant, secure all entry points and report suspicious activity immediately. Anyone with information is asked to contact Umhlali Saps or the Ballito Neighbourhood Watch at 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! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
