Latest news with #MichaelSun
The Citizen
8 hours ago
- The Citizen
Child kidnappings on the rise in Pretoria: Parents urged to stay vigilant
Child kidnappings on the rise in Pretoria: Parents urged to stay vigilant Pretoria is facing a disturbing surge in child kidnappings, with recent police statistics revealing a sharp increase in reported cases. Pretoria Rekord reports that as fear grows among families, authorities are urging parents to remain alert and take proactive steps to protect their children from falling victim to these crimes. Here are the hotspots for kidnappings in Pretoria according to the latest crime stats: Kidnapping stats: Pretoria and surrounds (Q4 2024/2025) Police station kidnapping cases (Jan–Mar 2025): Pretoria Central 22 Pretoria West 12 Brooklyn 8 Garsfontein 5 Sunnyside 20 Silverton 5 Villieria 4 Wonderboompoort 3 Boschkop (includes Mooikloof, Equestria, etc.) 3 Akasia 13 Erasmia 7 Hercules 6 Pretoria Central and Sunnyside were the top two stations for reported kidnappings in the city during this period. Last month, the DA member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature and Midrand Constituency Head, Michael Sun, said Gauteng is officially the epicentre of kidnapping in South Africa, with more than half of the country's kidnappings taking place in the province. He said criminals are exploiting dating apps to lure and forcibly take unsuspecting victims. 'Another alarming trend involves foreign African nationals who use kidnapping to settle commercial disputes. 'In many of these cases, the victims or their families refuse to co-operate with the police, hampering efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.' Sun said these methods are evident in the sickening story of Olerato Mongale, who met her gruesome end on a first date. 'There is also a high-profile incident where a well-known businessman and philanthropist was abducted on May 27 in Pretoria West. 'A gang of armed assailants rammed into his vehicle and forcibly took him. Despite these terrifying incidents, Premier Panyaza Lesufi has been silent and actionless. 'His promise of high-end technology and crime prevention wardens, known as 'Amapanyaza', for fighting crime is not paying off for residents.' What defines a kidnapping? According to South African law, kidnapping is a separate crime from abduction. Abduction: The unlawful taking of a minor from their parent or guardian for marriage or sexual exploitation. Kidnapping: When a child is detained, taken away and held for ransom money. What to do if your child is kidnapped: The first 24 hours are crucial, and if you take action as soon as possible, it drastically improves the chances of the authorities finding a missing child. If your child is kidnapped: Find a recent and clear photograph of your child. Make sure his/her face is visible. Go to your nearest police station immediately to open a case (produce the photograph). There is no waiting period to report a missing person. Provide a clear description of the child (age, height and weight). Mention what the child was wearing when you last saw them and point out if the child has any distinctive features or marks (such as a scar or birthmark). Complete and sign a SAPS 55 (A) form and make sure you get the investigating officer's contact details. Reach out to other organisations or NGOs that assist with finding missing children. For example, ICE Community Network can support by distributing flyers with all the relevant information to their volunteers, the media and social networks to help locate the missing person. They also remain in contact with the family and police if they received any tip-offs or leads. Stay in contact with the investigating officer and let them know if you have received any useful information that can assist with the search. Get professional psychological help. Dealing with a child going missing is emotionally taxing and strenuous, so it is best to have someone to talk to. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on
The Citizen
9 hours ago
- The Citizen
Child kidnappings on the rise in Pretoria – Parents urged to stay vigilant
Child kidnappings on the rise in Pretoria – Parents urged to stay vigilant Pretoria is facing a disturbing surge in child kidnappings, with recent police statistics revealing a sharp increase in reported cases. As fear grows among families, authorities are urging parents to remain alert and take proactive steps to protect their children from falling victim to these crimes. Here are the hotspots for kidnappings in Pretoria according to the latest crime stats: Kidnapping Stats: Pretoria and Surrounds (Q4 2024/2025) Police Station Kidnapping Cases (Jan–Mar 2025) Pretoria Central 22 Pretoria West 12 Brooklyn 8 Garsfontein 5 Sunnyside 20 Silverton 5 Villieria 4 Wonderboompoort 3 Boschkop (includes Mooikloof, Equestria, etc.) 3 Akasia 13 Erasmia 7 Hercules 6 Pretoria Central and Sunnyside were the top two stations for reported kidnappings in the city during this period. Last month, the Democratic Alliance (DA) Member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature and Midrand Constituency Head, Michael Sun, said Gauteng is officially the epicentre of kidnapping in South Africa, with more than half of the country's kidnappings taking place in the province. He said criminals are exploiting the dating apps to lure and forcibly take unsuspecting victims. 'Another alarming trend involves foreign African nationals who use kidnapping to settle commercial disputes. 'In many of these cases, the victims or their families refuse to cooperate with the police, hampering efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.' Sun said these methods are evident in the sickening story of Olerato Mongale, who met her gruesome end on a first date. 'There is also a high-profile incident where a well-known businessman and philanthropist was abducted on May 27 in Pretoria West. 'A gang of armed assailants rammed into his vehicle and forcibly took him. Despite these terrifying incidents, Premier Panyaza Lesufi has been silent and actionless. 'His promise of high-end technology and Crime Prevention Wardens, known as ' Amapanyaza' for fighting crime is not paying off for residents.' What defines a kidnapping? According to South African law, kidnapping is a separate crime from abduction. Abduction: Abduction is the unlawful taking of a minor from their parent or guardian for marriage or sexual exploitation. Kidnapping: A kidnapping, however, is when a child is detained, taken away, and held for ransom money. What to do if your child is kidnapped : The first 24 hours are crucial, and if you take action as soon as possible, it drastically improves the chances of the authorities finding a missing child: Find a recent and clear photograph of your child. Make sure his/her face is visible. Go to your nearest police station immediately to open a case (produce the photograph). There is no waiting period to report a missing person. Provide a clear description of the child (age, height and weight). Mention what the child was wearing when you last saw them and point out if the child has any distinctive features or marks (such as a scar, or birthmark) Complete and sign a SAPS 55 (A) form and make sure you get the investigating officer's contact details. Reach out to other organisations or NGOs that assist with finding missing children. For example, ICE Community Network can support by distributing flyers with all the relevant information to their volunteers, the media and social networks to help locate the missing person. They also remain in contact with the family and police if they received any tip-offs or leads. Stay in contact with the investigating officer and let them know if you have received any u seful information that can assist with the search. Get professional psychological help. Dealing with a child going missing is emotionally taxing and strenuous, so it is best to have someone to talk to. Also read: Hero father who was killed protecting his family to be laid to rest next week Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] 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.
TimesLIVE
2 days ago
- TimesLIVE
Rosebank crash tragedy fuels campaign against illegal street racing
The Johannesburg metropolitan police department (JMPD) says it is intensifying efforts to combat illegal street racing. This comes after a deadly crash in Rosebank earlier this month. DA Gauteng community safety spokesperson Michael Sun sounded the alarm over the spread of street racing in the suburbs. 'Innocent lives in Johannesburg's suburbs, including Rosebank, Fourways and Midrand, are put at risk due to the reckless and illegal practice of street racing,' said Sun. On July 12 2025 at about 5.30am tragedy struck on Jan Smuts Avenue in Rosebank. According to reports, three vehicles were street racing on the wrong side of the road when they collided. One racer died at the scene and an Uber driver, who was in the area, was killed after being struck head-on. The other racers reportedly fled. 'This is not an isolated incident. Every weekend morning residents along Cedar Road in Fourways are jolted awake by the deafening roar of modified engines. On July 13, ward councillor Annette Deppe witnessed a group of high-powered vehicles racing down Allandale Road in Midrand as if it were a private speedway,' said Sun. Despite repeated complaints, Sun said the JMPD and South African Police Service have failed to curb the trend. 'Reckless driving is a criminal offence under the National Road Traffic Act. This lack of enforcement is deeply concerning,' said Sun. JMPD spokesperson superintendent Xolani Fihla said the department is aware of ongoing illegal racing activity in Rosebank, Fourways, Midrand, Northcliff, Florida and Constantia Kloof. 'We understand the frustration and fear residents experience due to illegal street racing. While we strive to respond to every complaint and maintain visibility, Johannesburg is a vast metropolitan area. Deploying sufficient resources to cover every potential hotspot at all times is a logistical challenge.'
The Citizen
4 days ago
- The Citizen
DA demands urgent action on illegal street racing in Joburg suburbs
"Innocent lives in Johannesburg's suburbs are being put at risk due to the 'reckless and illegal practice of street racing". Joburg residents are up in arms over illegal drag racing in several suburbs. Picture: iStock Joburg residents are up in arms over illegal racing in several suburbs, including Lenasia, Rosebank, Fourways, and Midrand, among other areas, which they say have become a nuisance and dangerous. The DA said that, due to the brazen antics of the drag racers, innocent lives in Johannesburg's suburbs are being put at risk because of the 'reckless and illegal practice of street racing.' 'Dangerous races' DA Gauteng spokesperson for Community Safety, Michael Sun, said the 'dangerous races' often occur in the early morning. 'They transform quiet suburban streets into hazardous racetracks. The DA in Gauteng has been inundated with complaints from concerned residents, and we demand that Premier Panyaza Lesufi urgently intervene and halt this alarming trend'. Tragedy Sun shared details of a tragic incident that occurred on July 12, 2025 at about 5:30am, on Jan Smuts Avenue in Rosebank. 'Reports indicate that three vehicles were racing on the wrong side of the road when they collided. One of the racers died at the scene. Tragically, an innocent Uber driver was also struck head-on and lost his life. 'The occupants of the other two racing vehicles fled the scene, leaving behind a devastating aftermath,' Sun said. ALSO READ: Illegal drag race claims one life, leaves several injured Not isolated Sun added that the incident is not an isolated incident. 'Every weekend morning, residents along Cedar Road in Fourways are jolted awake by the deafening roar of modified engines and motorbikes speeding through their neighbourhood. 'On 13 July 2025, yet another incident was reported on Allandale Road in Midrand. At approximately 8:50 am, Ward Councillor Annette Deppe witnessed a group of six or seven high-powered vehicles racing down the public road as if it were a private speedway,' Sun said. ALSO READ: WATCH: Cops investigating after Nigerian rapper crashes R3m McLaren 570S in Sea Point Proactive action Sun claims that the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) and the South African Police Service (Saps) are not doing enough to stop the illegal drag racers or arrest the drivers 'This sheer lack of service delivery is particularly concerning, as reckless driving is a criminal offence under the National Road Traffic Act. Penalties for this offence can range from fines and imprisonment to the suspension or revocation of a driver's license in severe cases. 'The DA Gauteng has engaged the Chief of JMPD and relevant Saps Station Commanders to demand urgent intervention. Our communities cannot become battlegrounds for ego-fuelled speed chases,' Sun said. Safe space Sun added that his party will be tabling questions to Lesufi in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL) to determine how many illegal racing incidents were reported in the past five years, how many people were killed, and whether gangs or drugs were involved. 'A DA-led Gauteng provincial government would ensure that both the JMPD and Saps fully exercise their constitutionally guaranteed powers to curb the scourge of illegal racing'. Sun said the DA would also explore the creation or support of safe, regulated facilities where motor enthusiasts can enjoy their sport without endangering the lives of others. ALSO READ: F1 in SA will be 'catalyst' for uplifting motorsport, McKenzie says
The Citizen
6 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
Michael Sun brings warmth and hope to Kgotso Pre-School with winter donation drive
Michael Sun brings warmth and hope to Kgotso Pre-School with winter donation drive The Democratic Alliance (DA) Member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature and Midrand Constituency Head, Michael Sun, facilitated a heart-warming winter charity initiative at Kgotso Pre-School in Kaalfontein. The donation drive on July 11 included blankets, beanies, scarves, and pencil cases. He was doing this to support the well-being and educational needs of the young learners during the harsh winter months. Also read: Mayibuye Youth Activism Movement donates clothes on Mandela Day 'This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to giving back to the community and promoting a nurturing learning environment. We firmly believe that every child deserves access to quality education and the necessities that ensure they can learn and grow in comfort and dignity,' said Sun. The donation was warmly received by the children and staff of Kgotso Pre-School, who expressed heartfelt gratitude for the thoughtful contribution. Also read: DA Ward 132 marks Mandela Day with hands-on community clean-up Sun said they were humbled to have brought some joy and relief to the young learners. 'A special word of thanks goes to our generous sponsors, ECCO Africa, Sweet Home Blankets, and Condere Distributor for their kindness and dedication to uplifting our communities. Your support made this meaningful initiative possible,' added Sun. He said that together with their sponsors, they can build a compassionate, empowered society, with one small act at a time. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
