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Sydney Morning Herald
18-07-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
Mexican authorities say Australian brothers killed near beach known for drug-running
The court heard the man believed to be responsible for the men's murders – Jesús Gerardo – has a long background with law enforcement, including connections to organised crime and allegedly corrupt Mexican police officers. Loading Jesús Gerardo, also known as 'El kekas', Angel Jesús and Ari Grisell were all arrested soon after the killings, while a fourth man – Irineo Francisco – was arrested some time later. Gerardo, Jesús and Francisco were charged with aggravated homicide, aggravated robbery, violent robbery, grand theft auto and forced disappearance. Grisell was charged with the same offences, excluding forced disappearance. Gerardo and Francisco both appeared via video link from the maximum security 'El Hongo' prison, while Grisell and Jesús appeared in person in court on Thursday. They have different attorneys, but two failed to appear in court, leading to the pre-trial hearing being rescheduled to later this month. Gerardo's attorney requested to join all the charges together on the same indictment to streamline further court processes. The outcome of the request will be determined at the pre-trial hearing on July 25. This masthead understands there have been difficulties in determining and agreeing on the facts of the case, with the district attorney confident Jesús Gerardo would be able to be convicted on a number of offences including aggravated homicide, aggravated robbery when committed at night, robbery with violence, vehicle theft with violence and forced disappearance. The other three may have their charges changed to exclude aggravated homicide. All four will remain in prison until the next hearing. A Mexican not-for-profit aimed at combatting corruption said it was important to see justice was 'finally getting back on track' in a country where '99 per cent of murders never see light'. Impunidad Cero said the case was moving 'surprisingly fast', likely due to pressure from both the international consulate and media. It said nearly two thirds of Mexican people had lost trust in the local justice system, and 77 per cent of Mexicans believe crime is often only prioritised when it is subject to media or political pressure. Human rights organisations have said previously many victims of crime in Mexico are predominantly Mexicans, with cartels avoiding targeting tourists due to the potential of attracting attention. The fourth body in the well where the bodies of the men were found was believed to be that of a farmer who recently lost control of the ranch to the Sinaloa cartel. Authorities have previously said the men's deaths were not connected to cartel violence, and were instead petty theft gone wrong. Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime researcher Cecilia Farfán-Méndez previously said cartels rarely targeted tourists, as it was more likely to draw attention from media.
The Age
18-07-2025
- The Age
Mexican authorities say Australian brothers killed near beach known for drug-running
The court heard the man believed to be responsible for the men's murders – Jesús Gerardo – has a long background with law enforcement, including connections to organised crime and allegedly corrupt Mexican police officers. Loading Jesús Gerardo, also known as 'El kekas', Angel Jesús and Ari Grisell were all arrested soon after the killings, while a fourth man – Irineo Francisco – was arrested some time later. Gerardo, Jesús and Francisco were charged with aggravated homicide, aggravated robbery, violent robbery, grand theft auto and forced disappearance. Grisell was charged with the same offences, excluding forced disappearance. Gerardo and Francisco both appeared via video link from the maximum security 'El Hongo' prison, while Grisell and Jesús appeared in person in court on Thursday. They have different attorneys, but two failed to appear in court, leading to the pre-trial hearing being rescheduled to later this month. Gerardo's attorney requested to join all the charges together on the same indictment to streamline further court processes. The outcome of the request will be determined at the pre-trial hearing on July 25. This masthead understands there have been difficulties in determining and agreeing on the facts of the case, with the district attorney confident Jesús Gerardo would be able to be convicted on a number of offences including aggravated homicide, aggravated robbery when committed at night, robbery with violence, vehicle theft with violence and forced disappearance. The other three may have their charges changed to exclude aggravated homicide. All four will remain in prison until the next hearing. A Mexican not-for-profit aimed at combatting corruption said it was important to see justice was 'finally getting back on track' in a country where '99 per cent of murders never see light'. Impunidad Cero said the case was moving 'surprisingly fast', likely due to pressure from both the international consulate and media. It said nearly two thirds of Mexican people had lost trust in the local justice system, and 77 per cent of Mexicans believe crime is often only prioritised when it is subject to media or political pressure. Human rights organisations have said previously many victims of crime in Mexico are predominantly Mexicans, with cartels avoiding targeting tourists due to the potential of attracting attention. The fourth body in the well where the bodies of the men were found was believed to be that of a farmer who recently lost control of the ranch to the Sinaloa cartel. Authorities have previously said the men's deaths were not connected to cartel violence, and were instead petty theft gone wrong. Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime researcher Cecilia Farfán-Méndez previously said cartels rarely targeted tourists, as it was more likely to draw attention from media.
The Star
12-07-2025
- The Star
Chinese nationals in Africa ‘vulnerable to kidnappings' as cases rise
Chinese nationals are being targeted by kidnappers in African countries as more investors are drawn to the continent in areas ranging from infrastructure development to minerals extraction. Cases of kidnapping for ransom are being seen across Africa. China's embassy in South Africa issued a warning on Sunday about a rise in kidnappings of Chinese women. In Somalia and Ghana, piracy cases targeting Chinese fishing vessels have involved ransom demands. And the Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria have also seen armed robbery and abduction cases involving Chinese in recent months. Analysts say Chinese traders are being targeted because of a perception that they operate their businesses outside the formal banking system and that they might be carrying around large sums of cash. In its warning, the Chinese embassy in South Africa said there had been multiple incidents involving Chinese women reported across the country recently, particularly in Gauteng and the Eastern Cape provinces. 'These cases seriously threaten the personal and property safety of Chinese nationals,' the embassy said, urging women to avoid going out alone. 'If you are unable to travel with others, please inform your relatives and friends of your whereabouts.' It comes amid a rise in kidnappings in South Africa this year, as well as a fatal home invasion and robbery targeting Chinese nationals on May 31. Earlier this month, the Chinese embassy cautioned tourists heading to South Africa for the summer holiday to prioritise their personal safety due to the recent spate of kidnappings. According to Emmanuel Matambo, research director at the Centre for Africa-China Studies at the University of Johannesburg, 'there is a long-standing perception in South Africa that Chinese nationals, entrepreneurs and businessmen and businesswomen keep large amounts of cash in their homes and are loath to use banks'. 'As such, they render themselves vulnerable not only to kidnappings, but home invasions as well,' Matambo said. That view was echoed by Michael McLaggan, an analyst at the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime in Cape Town. He said while Mozambican nationals were initially targeted for high-profile kidnappings in South Africa, the increased number of cases now included Pakistanis, Somalis, and in recent years Chinese. According to McLaggan, the crime was being fuelled by 'copycat gangs' who saw kidnapping as a 'low-risk, high-reward endeavour' compared to more dangerous activities like cash-in-transit robberies. He linked this to the growing presence of Chinese nationals in Africa for trade and projects under Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative. He said many of these individuals ran cash-based businesses or had access to liquid assets. 'Many Chinese business owners may be less likely to use the formal banking system in their country of residence, a common practice in places like South Africa,' McLaggan said. He said this preference for underground banking channels – known as 'feiqian' in China or 'hawala' in Africa and the Middle East – made Chinese nationals more attractive to kidnappers. It meant kidnappers could receive ransom payments quickly and discreetly, he said, and the victim's family did not have to make large bank withdrawals or send wire transfers that could draw the attention of authorities. In addition to South Africa, kidnapping cases involving Chinese nationals have been reported in other African nations including the DR Congo, Nigeria, Ghana and Niger, as well as the Central African Republic and Somalia. In Nigeria, a Chinese expatriate and their Nigerian colleague were abducted from a Kwara State mining site in June, with a demand for 1 billion naira (US$652,400). That followed the kidnapping of a Chinese national in Abuja in April with a 300 million naira ransom demand. In Ghana, three Chinese crew members were rescued in late April after being abducted from a vessel off Tema in March. In Somalia, a Chinese-owned fishing vessel and its 18 crew were hijacked in late 2024, leading to a reported US$2 million ransom payment in January for their release. McLaggan noted it was important to view the kidnappings 'within the broader context of proliferating organised crime and the security environments in these affected countries'.
IOL News
05-06-2025
- IOL News
WC children under siege
Children as young as 12 are being sucked into the deadly vortex of gang violence in the Western Cape, while hospitalisation for gunshot and stab wounds remain high. Image: Supplied IN JUST over a year, more than 700 children were admitted to hospital for gunshot wounds while over 3800 were hospitalised for stabbings in the province. As Child Protection Week draws to a close, activists highlighted that little progress has been made to ensure children are not subjected to abuse and violence. Meanwhile, children as young as 12 were also being sucked into the deadly vortex of gang violence used as decoys, gunmen, and drug couriers according to the latest Western Cape Gang Monitor by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime (GI-TOC). The report also found that more than one child was murdered every day in the Western Cape over a three-month period in 2024. The spike is linked directly to gang violence, where children are either caught in crossfire or recruited into the gangs themselves. 'This sobering statistic is indicative of a wider trend: more children than ever before are being recruited into gangs in the Western Cape,' the report states. 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 Children are seen as ideal recruits by gang leaders, less likely to be suspected by police, and more willing to prove themselves. Craven Engel, a pastor and founder of gang-prevention organisation Ceasefire, told the report that gangs are weaponising innocence; 'a 12-year-old boy he had assisted, who had been recruited as a gunman for the Only the Family gang, was 'brainwashed to kill people.'' The report highlights a toxic combination of factors: poverty, generational trauma, and community breakdowns contributing to the vulnerability of children, to gangs. Community workers say that 'these kids are totally desensitised to violence. When they play games in the street, they have to play around a dead body.' The problem is compounded by gang fragmentation. Newly formed junior gangs, such as the Gotsavallas in Ottery, have emerged with younger and more reckless members. 'The group is made up exclusively of juvenile members, none of whom is older than 18,' the report states. Juvenile detention is no deterrent. Instead, it is described as a graduation into the gang, where 'young offenders may enter as a runner, but on leaving, may join the ranks outside as a fully-fledged member.' The provincial health department said the number of children admitted for gunshot wounds (718) and stabbings (3 864) from January 1, 2024 to May 31, 2025, was lower than other causes. Provincial health spokesperson, Shimoney Regter said the number includes hospital admissions due to various injuries from 75 Hospital and Emergency Centre Tracking Information System linked healthcare facilities in the province. 'In instances where a healthcare worker suspects that a child's injury may be linked to abuse or violence, there are clear procedures in place and support is provided to children and their families," she said. Child rights organisation Molo Songololo said children experience physical and non-physical trauma in their homes, at school and in their communities. 'Contributing factors for the high incidents of violence and crimes committed against children in hot spot areas identified in the recent SAPS stats includes poverty, and poverty related factors, unemployment, lack of jobs, lack of income and food insecurity, lack of and poor access to basic support services, poor infrastructure and sanitation, denial of support services, poor educational outcomes, substance abuse and addictions, robberies, extortions and gang related violence, early sexual activity and parenthood, and abusive, violence and exploitative sexual behaviour and practices; and the acceptance and normalisation of abuse, violence and crime; and child abandonment and absent fathers; including racial and social conflicts. 'More and more people, young people and even children are turning to criminal activity as a means of survival. This has caused a spike in theft, robberies, exploitative practices, and trafficking in children and adults,' said Molo Songololo director, Patric Solomons. He added that child protection must be everybody's business "every day everywhere". Solomons added that learner support services were also needed to keep children in school and reduce school drop-out rates. Molo Songololo will on June 14 host the Delft Children March for Peace and Safety in Delft South, which will start and end at Welwitschia Primary School. The march aims to mobilise the community through child participation to improve peace and safety for children in Delft. The march is open to parents, schools, educators, community members and organisations to join. To get involved, contact melda@ or WhatsApp 079 524 0621. Cape Times Government and community service providers will also take part in the Delft Children March for Peace and Safety on Saturday 14 June in Delft South, which start and end at Welwitschia Primary School. The children's march aims to mobilise the community through child participation to improve peace and safety for children in Delft. Image: Supplied
IOL News
04-06-2025
- General
- IOL News
Growing number of children drawn into gang Violence in Western Cape
Young boys in the Western Cape are increasingly being used as gang recruits, often tasked with carrying weapons or acting as lookouts, a trend driving a deadly surge in youth violence. Image: File Children as young as 12 are being sucked into the deadly vortex of gang violence in the Western Cape, used as decoys, gunmen, and drug couriers in a growing trend that experts warn is fuelling the province's child murder crisis. According to the latest Western Cape Gang Monitor by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime (GI-TOC), more than one child was murdered every day in the Western Cape over a three-month period in 2024. The spike is linked directly to gang violence, where children are either caught in crossfire or recruited into the gangs themselves. 'This sobering statistic is indicative of a wider trend: more children than ever before are being recruited into gangs in the Western Cape,' the report states. Children are seen as ideal recruits by gang leaders, less likely to be suspected by police, and more willing to prove themselves. Craven Engel, a pastor and founder of gang-prevention organisation Ceasefire, told the report that gangs are weaponising innocence; 'a 12-year-old boy he had assisted, who had been recruited as a gunman for the Only the Family gang, was 'brainwashed to kill people.'' Community frustration is boiling over. Thandiso Xokoza, a community policing forum member from Philippi, said the problem is being compounded by political bias within the CPF. 'In my area a lot of young boys from 14 upwards are being recruited for smash and grab and extortion. The CPF does not help. In fact, its role is more political. SAPS are trying but not doing much, while Law Enforcement is more on the ground doing their best,' he said. Xokoza called for urgent reform. 'SAPS need to look at how they recruit CPF because so far, they are doing it completely wrong. For example, all the members of CPF belong to one political party and their agenda is the interest of their political party.' 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 ✕ The report highlights a toxic combination of factors: poverty, generational trauma, and community breakdowns. During the COVID-19 lockdown, many children were left with 'a surplus of free time and the need to earn an income, even if by criminal means.' Community workers say that 'these kids are totally desensitized to violence. When they play games in the street, they have to play around a dead body.' The problem is compounded by gang fragmentation. Newly formed junior gangs, such as the Gotsavallas in Ottery, have emerged with younger and more reckless members. 'The group is made up exclusively of juvenile members, none of whom is older than 18,' The report states. Juvenile detention is no deterrent. Instead, it is described as a graduation into the gang, where 'young offenders may enter as a runner, but on leaving, may join the ranks outside as a fully-fledged member.' One official admitted When he comes out, he is more of a gangster. The presence of prison-style gang structures, similar to the notorious Numbers gangs, is also confirmed inside youth facilities. 'Rather than being places of safety and rehabilitation, these are therefore spaces where gang identities are formed,' the report warns. As the generational cycle deepens, the report stands with a clear warning: 'Children are being recruited into gangs more frequently and are being exposed to the most violent and extreme elements of their activities. This is not only potentially fatal but also perpetuates the generational trauma.' The solution, according to the GI-TOC, lies in long-term community-based interventions that address trauma, not just symptoms. But until then, the streets of the Western Cape remain a recruiting ground, and a battlefield, for South Africa's youngest soldiers. IOL News Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
