Latest news with #JMPD
The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
Fatal hit-and-run leaves man dead in Linden
A case of culpable homicide will be opened at the Linden SAPS following a fatal hit-and-run in Linden on the evening of July 17 at the corner of 1st Avenue and 8th Street. When JMPD officers arrived at the scene, they found an unknown pedestrian who had sustained fatal injuries. 'The body was subsequently removed and transported to the Hillbrow Mortuary,' said JMPD superintendent Xolani Fihla. Read more: Alleged Metro cops killer tells court he was assaulted by Metro police officers He explained that, based on the preliminary investigation, JMPD can attest that this was a hit-and-run incident. 'An unknown vehicle, travelling from south to north along 1st Avenue, drove over the pedestrian, and failed to stop at the scene.' The victim, a male, was carrying no form of identification with him. Fihla said that, at this time, it is unknown if the victim was a displaced person. 'This will likely be determined as part of the ongoing investigation and identification process.' Hit-and-run incidents present several significant challenges for JMPD. Fihla highlighted them as being: Without the vehicle or driver present, identifying the perpetrator becomes much more difficult. Witnesses may not have seen critical details, or there may be no witnesses at all. Evidence left at the scene, such as vehicle debris or tire marks, can be minimal or degraded. This often requires extensive investigation by the police, including reviewing CCTV footage, public appeals, and following up on anonymous tips. Determining if the driver was aware they had struck someone can be complex. Due to the victim not having any identification, their family has not yet been notified. This is an ongoing investigation, and more information will be provided as it becomes available. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Randburg Customer Service Centre returns after two-year closure
The Randburg Customer Service Centre re-opened its doors on July 9, two years after the fire that gutted it. The centre went through extensive renovations following the fire, being upgraded with state-of-the-art equipment, and is now ready to serve customers as the main walk-in-centre for Region B. During the closure and renovation work, the city set up a temporary revenue customer services centre in Ferndale, so services could continue. Now, the centre is back where it belongs, and ready to serve residents once again. Read more: Randburg Customer Service Centre running smoothly Assistant director Olorato Mojaki explained that they are still settling, but the system is fine. 'We are ready to service the Region B community. It is not completely done, but we are open and helping customers. I'm not complaining and I'm happy, because everybody's settled.' Ward 102 councillor Lucinda Harman said that she hopes customers will be happy that the centre is back. 'It is way better. It has a new feel with bright colours. Both licencing and revenue are working, and customers are back. I hope they are happy with the refurbishment.' Some of the key improvements at the centre include: The installation of new cubicles and chairs for customers, A newly designed reception area to enhance service flow, A new air-conditioning system, and A restructured layout which integrates cashier services with other key services. The JMPD licencing department has also moved back to the centre, and numbers of residents were assisted. Johannes Thoubatla, acting head, explained that everything is operational and running smoothly. 'They have done well in terms of refurbishing. I am happy with the new set up. The set up we had was not good enough for the members of the public. Now, everything is back to normal, and we are operating on full mode.' Kgamanyane Maphologela, director for communications and stakeholder engagement, said the city is excited to re-open and resume services to assist customers at an upgraded and improved centre. 'The city is delighted to finally re-open the Randburg Customer Service Centre and welcome customers to the newly refurbished centre in Region B. We encourage our customers to take ownership of the centre and treat it as their own.' Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
JMPD cracks down at Pan Africa Mall frustrates hawkers
A wave of frustration has swept through hawkers operating around Pan Africa Mall in Alexandra following a targeted enforcement operation by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD). The police have been actively removing stalls, confiscating goods, and enforcing city by-laws in an effort to regulate trading activities and improve safety and order at this busy transport hub. Read more: Devastated hawkers count the costs of Pan Africa Square fire The crackdown has significantly impacted informal traders who rely on the area for their daily income. Many traders feel that they were not given adequate warning or alternative trading spaces prior to the intervention, which has left them distressed and uncertain about their livelihoods. City officials state that the operation aims to decongest sidewalks, ensure public safety, and promote lawful trading practices. However, the sudden and forceful nature of the enforcement has raised concerns within the community. Traders and local leaders argue that the clampdown appears heavy-handed and does not consider the economic hardships faced by many of those involved in informal trading. Community leaders have called for constructive dialogue between JMPD and traders to develop sustainable solutions that balance urban order with the livelihoods of vulnerable residents. The overarching goal is to find a way for lawful trading to continue in a manner that respects both safety regulations and the needs of the community. As discussions continue, many hope that a balanced approach can be reached, ensuring that enforcement actions support both city planning objectives and the economic realities of informal traders. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
6 days ago
- The Citizen
Lonehill's jobseekers seek a little compassion
Just last week, Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officers once again descended on the familiar stretch of Sunrise Boulevard in Lonehill, removing a group of jobseekers who have become a regular sight at the intersection. The move, though in line with municipal by-laws that prohibit informal jobseeking on roadsides, has stirred a deeper, more complex story. One rarely told, not of defiance, but of desperation to provide for their families. A group of five men, most originally from Zimbabwe, gather at the road each day, not for trouble, but for hope, carrying toolboxes, placards that say 'electrician available' or 'builder looking for work', and the weight of their pasts and futures alike. One of them, who agreed to speak on behalf of the group, is Godfrey Moyo. He's been standing at this very intersection since 2006. For nearly two decades, this road has been his link to survival. Also read: JMPD clears illegal settlers after long community push in Fourways 'We came to South Africa for greener pastures,' Moyo said, 'to support our families because it's very hard in Zimbabwe. If things were better back home, we wouldn't leave.' All five men requested to remain anonymous, except Moyo, who gave permission to be named as a representative. Their fear is not just of police, but of being seen, judged, or misunderstood in the name of survival. Moyo and his peers said they hold valid passports but no work permits, an omission that has kept them on the fringes of formal employment. He said, it's not that they don't want the papers, they said they simply cannot afford them. 'It's my wish that I can get the work permit, but I don't have the money. For me to even get the passport, I had to make means, I had to work extra hard. It is also expensive. A passport is about R3 500 in Zimbabwe, compared to South Africa where it is just around R500.' Also read: Law vs livelihood: JMPD removes informal traders from Winnie Mandela Drive Their presence at the intersection has long sparked complaints from nearby residents and businesses, but, for the men, it's not about being defiant; it's about surviving. 'When the Metro Police come, they take our tools. That's what hurts us. We don't even get a receipt or a way to get them back. To buy a drill or a hammer takes money. Now, we sit here with nothing.' He admits that some days they sit in fear. The recent JMPD operation was chaotic Moyo said. 'Everyone ran in different directions, trying to escape arrest, or having what little they have taken from them. We were just trying to make an honest living.' When asked why they don't try applying for jobs online, or by submitting CVs, Moyo said it's not that simple. 'Where do I even send a CV? Who's going to hire someone without papers? That's why we stand here. This is our only way.' Also read: Massive rush of enrolments for SAPS training programme Moyo, and the others, say they are not asking for handouts, only compassion. 'We are human beings too. We're not here to cause trouble. We're just trying to feed our families.' Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
6 days ago
- The Citizen
230 arrested for drunk driving as JMPD cracks down
A crackdown by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has led to the arrest of 230 motorists for driving under the influence of alcohol in just one week, sparking renewed concern over the city's ongoing struggle with drunk driving. The arrests were made between July 7 and July 13, during a series of intensified roadblocks, high-visibility operations, and routine patrols across the city. JMPD Chief of Police Commissioner Patrick Jaca said the arrests highlight the scale of the challenge authorities face in promoting responsible driving behaviour in Johannesburg. 'The statistics from the past week are a stark reminder of the ongoing challenge posed by drunk driving,' he said. 'Our officers continue to work tirelessly, day and night, to remove intoxicated drivers from our roads, thereby preventing potential tragedies.' Also read: E-hailing shutdown: Disruptions from Sandton to Parktown head office The recent operations form part of a broader strategy by the department to tackle dangerous driving through sustained law enforcement and public awareness. According to JMPD, officers will continue to conduct random checkpoints and unannounced sobriety tests. Motorists are being urged to make alternative transport arrangements if they plan to consume alcohol, with JMPD warning that enforcement will remain aggressive throughout the winter season and beyond. Drunk driving remains a criminal offence under South African law and can carry penalties ranging from hefty fines to jail time and the suspension of a driver's license. Follow us on our WhatsApp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
