Latest news with #Moloto
The Citizen
7 hours ago
- The Citizen
SAPS spread GBV knowledge in northern clinics
Stop Gender-based Violence – This is the call made by the SAPS during a campaign at the Adelaide Tambo Clinic on Old Warmbaths Road, in Pyramid, north of Pretoria, on July 20. The Pretoria North Police, in partnership with the local CPF, joined forces to spread awareness about the plague of domestic violence and gender-based violence (GBV) in local communities. The policing sectors said that by bringing the conversation directly to the community, especially a local clinic, they would be able to address a large number of victims, including perpetrators. SAPS social crime prevention co-ordinator Sergeant Tumisang Moloto said they were supported by CPF members, who lead a community-focused initiative aimed at educating the public on the dangers of domestic violence, the steps to report it, and how to access available support services. The event formed part of the station's broader commitment to social crime prevention, targeting vulnerable communities where domestic violence is often underreported due to fear, stigma or lack of access to information. Clinic-goers were sensitised about the processes of reporting abuse, the role of the police, and the involvement of non-profit organisations (NPOs) that assist victims. Moloto said that many victims remain silent because they do not know where to go or who to trust. 'We want people to know that there is help. The police are not just here to arrest offenders; we are also here to protect and support victims. 'This is why we are working closely with clinics and NPOs to make information more accessible,' said Moloto. Residents were also encouraged to get involved in community safety structures such as the CPF, local patrollers, and neighbourhood watches. These grassroots networks, according to Moloto, play a key role in creating safer communities by promoting vigilance, reporting suspicious activities, and supporting crime prevention campaigns. Sunday's awareness campaign follows a week of community outreach led by Pretoria North SAPS and the CPF. While Mandela Day has come and gone, the spirit of service lives on through their joint efforts to support and uplift the community, especially those often overlooked. On Mandela Day, the SAPS and CPF members visited both the Jack Hindon and Adelaide Tambo clinics, not only to serve soup to patients and passers-by, but to use the opportunity to interact with the public and reinforce messages of unity, safety, and kindness. Members of the team prepared the food themselves and distributed it with smiles and encouraging words, a small act that left a lasting impression on many. For local resident and mother of two, Thandi Mabuza, the campaign could not have come at a better time. 'People are struggling. There is violence in homes, and many don't know where to turn. To see the police going to healthcare facilities, not just for arrests but to help and to talk, it shows they care,' she said. The Pretoria North SAPS plans to continue working hand-in-hand with community structures to address domestic violence and broader crime-related issues. Moloto said future campaigns are expected to focus on schools, youth groups, and informal settlements, where social challenges often fuel criminal behaviour. ALSO READ: Duo to appear in court in theft of water meters case 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. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
9 hours ago
- The Citizen
Duo to appear in court in theft of water meters case
Duo to appear in court in theft of water meters case Two men, aged 25 and 27, were arrested for the possession of suspected stolen water meters on the weekend in Akasia. The duo is expected to appear before the Pretoria North Magistrates' Court on July 22. According to police, theft of water meters is being highlighted as part of a growing trend of infrastructure-related crimes plaguing the north of Pretoria. Pretoria North police spokesperson, Sergeant Tumisang Moloto, said the arrest took place on July 19, during a routine patrol by sector policing members along Willem Cruywagen Street. Moloto said the officers spotted two men carrying large bags. 'A stop-and-search was immediately conducted. Upon searching the bags, police discovered multiple water meters and tools believed to be used to dismantle the infrastructure. 'When questioned, the suspects failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for the items in their possession,' he said. Police arrested the duo on the spot for possession of suspected stolen property. Moloto said the case has since been handed over to investigators, and further charges could follow if the suspects are linked to any other infrastructure-related crimes in the area. Pretoria North police said the theft of water meters has become a common issue in the region, contributing to unnecessary service disruptions. Acting station commander Lieutenant Colonel Theunis Smit welcomed the arrest and praised the vigilance of the officers involved in the operation. He emphasised the importance of maintaining visibility and strong sector policing to curb the ongoing theft of essential public infrastructure. He further appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, especially individuals seen tampering with public infrastructure such as fire hydrants, water meters or electrical boxes. The suspects are currently being held at the Pretoria North police station, pending their formal appearance in court. Police investigations are ongoing, and the authorities are working to determine whether the recovered water meters were reported stolen. ALSO READ: World Brain Day: More than 40% of dementia cases can be prevented 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. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
3 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
South Africa's illicit trade crisis: Tobacco, alcohol, and fashion industries under siege
Illicit trading has emerged as a staggering threat to various industries in South Africa, with the black market for both cigarettes and alcohol reaching unprecedented levels. Illicit trading has emerged as a staggering threat to various industries in South Africa, with the black market for both cigarettes and alcohol reaching unprecedented levels. Illicit trading has emerged as one of the most pressing issues facing South Africa, pervading various sectors of the economy and costing the nation billions in lost tax revenue. At the forefront of this crisis are illicit cigarettes, now reaching record high levels in terms of market presence. Research conducted by Ipsos reveals a shocking statistic: more than 76.7% of shops across the country now sell cigarettes below the minimum tax threshold applicable on a standard pack of 20. This trend coincides with Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana's aim for the South African Revenue Service (SARS) to collect an additional R20 billion in tax revenue for the financial year, an effort aimed at circumventing new tax measures in the upcoming 2026 budget. Johnny Moloto, Area Head of Corporate & Regulatory Affairs for BAT South Africa, stressed the urgency of the situation. 'With the clock ticking for SARS to collect at least an extra R20bn, these results from Ipsos show the need for immediate steps to plug the leaks in tobacco tax collection,' he emphasised. Moloto further revealed that the illicit cigarette trade costs the country an estimated R28bn annually, equating to R100m lost every working day, surpassing SARS's entire additional collection target. 'Despite increased enforcement activity over the past year, including more raids and product seizures, illicit products remain as available as ever, suggesting that current tactics are failing to address the root causes of tax evasion. Our analysis indicates that the illicit cigarette trade costs South Africa approximately R28bn annually – R100m every working day – representing more revenue than SARS's entire additional collection target. Eliminating this leakage would protect law-abiding taxpayers from bearing additional tax burdens,' said Moloto. While illicit cigarettes have been noted as a growing concern, the Drinks Federation of South Africa (DF-SA) released new research revealing a sharp increase in the illicit alcohol market, which has grown by 55% in volume since 2017. Conducted by Euromonitor International, the research highlights the growing threats illegal alcohol poses to public health and safety, as well as the significant loss of national tax revenue. 'This study is a wake-up call. Communities are being exposed to harmful, unregulated alcohol, and the country is losing billions in revenue. It is urgent that government, industry, and civil society work together to tackle this issue head-on,' warned Dr Shamal Ramesar, Head of Research at DF-SA. Ramesar urged collaboration among government, industry, and civil society to tackle this pressing issue effectively and further called for coordinated action to promote responsible consumption, shut down illegal producers, and raise public awareness regarding the inherent dangers of illicit alcohol. Eustace Mashimbye, CEO of Proudly South African, also highlighted how the prevalence of these illegal practices is crippling the already-stressed local fashion industry. 'For the local fashion industry, illicit trade has domino effects: It leads to job losses in the value chain of the fashion industry, distorts the market by forcing local producers to compete unfairly with illicit traders who incur lower production costs, encourages widespread copyright infringements, deprives the creatives of their hard-earned revenue, compels legitimate entrepreneurs to compete with illegal traders who sell similar but substandard products without complying with safety, health or environment-related requirements, breeds precarious employment where labour regulations are disregarded, deprives the fiscus of much-needed tax revenue, and puts downward pressure on wages and salaries in the fashion industry labour market,' Mashimbye stated. In light of these challenges, industry leaders rallied to march on behalf of the fashion sector, submitting memorandums to the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) and the National Clothing Retail Federation (NCRF). These memorandums were a clarion call for authorities to intensify efforts against counterfeit goods to safeguard jobs and local production. At the Buy Local Summit and Expo, Mashimbye expressed the importance of protecting South Africa's invaluable fashion industry, estimated to be worth over $11bn (R197bn). 'We not only have a moral obligation to protect the sector; it makes economic sense to do so,' he said. In its commitment to combat the increasing threats posed by illicit trade, SARS has reiterated its dedication to revenue collection and facilitating legitimate trade. According to the agency, the illicit economy undermines the rule of law, erodes public trust, and enacts a substantial toll on national security. 'The illicit economy is a global phenomenon that threatens South Africa's society, economy, and national security. Tax evasion, smuggling, illegal transactions, illicit manufacturing, and fraud undermine the rule of law, erode public trust, distort markets, deprive governments of revenue, and enable corruption and organised crime. The pervasiveness of these illicit activities in our country demands that all enforcement agencies work jointly to curb their harmful practices. The illicit economy is complex and requires a whole-of-government response among public entities, the private sector, civil society, and international partners.' SARS revealed it is working with other law enforcement agencies to combat the scourge of the illicit economy. Saturday Star
The Citizen
5 days ago
- The Citizen
Suspect nabbed after N4 chase
A man was arrested on Wednesday afternoon, following a chase on the N4 highway. Police recovered an unlicensed firearm, ammunition, and cellphones suspected of being stolen on the scene. The suspect faces several charges, including possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, possession of suspected stolen property, and reckless and negligent driving. According to police, the Tshwane Flying Squad's highway patrol unit was conducting routine patrol duties along the N4 highway when officers noticed a suspicious white BMW. When they tried to stop the vehicle, the driver sped off, initiating a high-speed pursuit. Additional law enforcement units, including officers from the Soshanguve K9 unit and the Gauteng Traffic Police's highway patrol team, joined the chase. The chase ended near Soutpan Road, where the suspect's vehicle was intercepted and brought to a halt. Upon searching the vehicle, police discovered a 9mm pistol with its serial number filed off, live rounds of ammunition, and nine cellphones believed to be stolen. The suspect was immediately arrested and detained at the Pretoria North Police Station. Pretoria North SAPS spokesperson, Sergeant Tumisang Molo, confirmed that an investigation is underway to find out if the recovered firearm and devices can be linked to other criminal cases in the region. 'We commend the swift response by all units involved. This arrest may help crack down on broader criminal networks operating within the Tshwane District.' He said the suspect remains in custody and is expected to make his first appearance before the Pretoria North Magistrate's Court soon. 'The charges are serious and form part of ongoing efforts to tackle illegal firearms and property crimes in the district,' Moloto added. He urged residents to report suspicious activity and assist in ongoing investigations to ensure community safety. ALSO READ: Mixed reactions over Tshwane's service delivery app 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. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
TimesLIVE
08-07-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
Alarming rise of cheap, illicit cigarettes in SA shops
He said it was clear that current strategies to curb illicit tobacco sales were ineffective. 'We understand the resource constraints holding back the law enforcement agencies in our country and appreciate their attempts to clamp down on the illicit tobacco trade. However, the continued growth in the illicit tobacco trade, despite an increase in reports of interceptions and seizures, shows that the current approach is making no headway. 'There are a few relatively straightforward and cost-effective interventions that would have a significant impact. Deploying customs officials at factories, as was done successfully in 2019 before being discontinued, would ensure production volumes match quantities declared for tax purposes,' said Moloto. Batsa also called for the urgent introduction into the Customs & Excise Act of a minimum retail price (MRP) of R37 per pack of 20 cigarettes, which is an economically viable price when considering all taxes and the lowest costs and margins in the legitimate supply chain. 'This would make it illegal to sell cigarettes below the MRP, providing law enforcement with a simple, effective tool to identify non-compliant products. Additionally, manufacturing licences should be revoked for companies found to be consistently under-declaring their production volumes or engaging in tax evasion.'
