The father of 14 year old Azeera Barath who was reported kidnapped to Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) has been arrested for Human Trafficking and Wastage Of State Expenditure.
The man reported to the RUSA Operations Centre on Monday (05/02/2024) that his daughter was dragged into a sugar cane plantation by a known foreign national.
During the interview, the father requested that the South Africa Police Service (SAPS) not be involved in this matter. Reaction Officers convinced him to report the incident due to the seriousness of the crime while Reaction Officers searched for the victim. A case was eventually registered with the SAPS.
During the investigation, Reaction Officers were interviewed by Police Officers from Provincial Specialised Units.
RUSA Members confirmed that during their investigation the sequence of events as detailed by the father appeared suspicious.
Reaction Officers further advised that during their investigation they found that Azeera Barath had posted a picture on her social media page with the kidnapping suspect.
Reaction Officers also shared more sensitive information regarding this matter with Police (information withheld). The RUSA Operations Center also received approximately 47 tip-offs and information relating this matter within a few days.
SAPS Officials from the KwaDukuza FCS and Umhlali SAPS Search & Rescue Unit located the female at an informal area in Redcliffe - KZN and a suspect was arrested on Saturday (10/02/2024).
During the investigation it was established that the father had trafficked his daughter and had encouraged a relationship in exchange for reward. He is being charged with Human Trafficking and Wastage Of State Expenditure.
He is currently in custody at the Umhlali SAPS.
SAPS in Limpopo have arrested a 29-year-old male suspect for possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle that was allegedly enroute to be smuggled out of the country through the Beitbridge Border Post.
Following on information and diligent investigative work, members of the provincial murder and robbery, tracking team working jointly with private Security Company intercepted the vehicle on Monday morning, 12 February 2024 at about 10:00 next to Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
The vehicle, reported stolen from Garsfontein in Gauteng over the weekend, was allegedly set to be smuggled out of South Africa.
The suspect, who is a South African citizen, was cornered along the N1 road and attempted to escape. The operational team with assistance from the security company gave chase and the suspect was ultimately nabbed at Peter Mokaba stadium.
"The Provincial Commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has commended the members involved in the operation for their dedication and professionalism.
"The arrest demonstrates the power of community-police partnership in ensuring crime is defeated, including cross-border crimes," added Lieutenant General Hadebe.
The suspect is expected to appear before Polokwane Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, 14 February 2024 facing a charge of possession of suspected stolen property.
The swift response by the Tactical Response Team (TRT) members has led to a recovery of hijacked vehicle in Mnyamazana location in Zazulwana Administrative area outside Butterworth on Sunday, 11 February 2024.
TRT members received information about a vehicle (Toyota single cab bakkie) that was hijacked at Elliotdale. The vehicle owner was reportedly fatally shot. It was later reported that the hijacked vehicle spotted driving along the N2 direction Butterworth and a back-up team was activated. The team members responded and spotted the vehicle on the N2 next to Tanga area in Butterworth and Police gave chase and tried to stop the vehicle. The driver sped off upon noticing that a marked police vehicle is following him.
While Police were chasing the hijacked vehicle, the driver stopped and quickly ran through thick bushes while firing shots towards the police returned fire. A 17-year-old suspect, allegedly from Elliotdale, was shot during the shootout with Police and died on the scene. On investigation Police recovered an unlicensed firearm, ammunition and two magazines on the scene.
A case of Murder, possession of unlicensed firearm, ammunition and hijacked vehicle, inquest and attempted murder has been opened for investigation
Nomfundo Mthembu, an exceptional matric top achiever hailing from Hluhluwe in KwaZulu-Natal, faced not only the challenges of academic rigor but also unfounded accusations from her peers.
Despite the adversity, her commitment and sacrifices have propelled her to remarkable achievements.Having decided to enhance her educational journey, Nomfundo made the bold choice to rent a back room closer to her school, Nkosi Ntulakabayise High School.
This decision was fueled by her recognition that time was a precious commodity, and the long travel from her home was a hindrance to her studies.
Her daily routine reflected her dedication—starting school at 6:30 AM and concluding at 14:30, followed by a brief period of rest and nourishment, and then immersing herself in her books for an uninterrupted four-hour study session.
Nomfundo’s commitment to her studies paid off when she received the unexpected news that she was among the top 30 National Senior Certificate achievers in the country, a remarkable feat considering the vast pool of over 800,000 learners who participated in the matric exams.
Speaking to Zimoja, Nomfundo expressed her astonishment, saying, “I still can’t believe it, but I know and am confident that I am deserving because I put in the work and took responsibility for my own life.”
Despite her impressive achievements, Nomfundo faced adversity in the form of baseless rumors. She shared how her peers at school accused her of using muthi (traditional medicine) and witchcraft to attain her stellar grades.
These hurtful comments were particularly disheartening for Nomfundo, who had sacrificed sleep and endured sleepless nights in pursuit of her academic goals.
Fortunately, she found unwavering support from her mother and uncle, who encouraged her to ignore the noise and stay focused on her future.
Nomfundo’s determination and resilience have not only made her a top achiever but also a role model for overcoming obstacles. Looking ahead, she aspires to pursue a career in medicine and has taken a step toward that goal by applying to the University of Cape Town. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of hard work, perseverance, and a strong support system in the face of challenges.
WESTERNBURG POLICE LAUNCH MANHUNT FOR SUSPECTS WHO COMMITTED BUSINESS ROBBERY AT NIRVANA
*POLOKWANE:* Police in Westenburg outside Polokwane are searching for two armed suspects who stormed into a business premises in Nirvana and robbed the shop of an undisclosed amount of cash and also robbed the customers of cellphones.
According to the preliminary information, two unknown suspects on Friday afternoon, 09 February 2024, arrived at the shop driving a white Toyota corolla.
The armed suspects then entered inside and pointed the shopkeeper with firearms, while the customers were ordered to lie down.
The suspects then took an undisclosed amount of money from the cash register and further robbed the shopkeeper and customers' cellphones and fled the scene.
There were no shots fired during the incident.
Police have opened a case of business robbery, and the manhunt for the suspects is underway. The vehicle's registration number is *FGC 176 L*
Police appeal to anyone with information that can lead to the apprehension of the suspects to contact the investigating officer Sergeant Braidon Pheme on 072 294 4760 or police toll free number 08600 10111 or use MySAPS App.
Police investigations continue.
