Latest news with #POCA
IOL News
5 days ago
- IOL News
NPA seizes R600,000 Fortuner used in blue-light crime near Vryburg
The Asset Forfeiture Unit of the National Prosecuting Authority in the North West Division has obtained a preservation order from the North West High Court Image: Pexels The Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the North West Division has secured a preservation order from the North West High Court regarding a silver Toyota Fortuner valued at approximately R600,000. This order pertains to the vehicle, which was deemed an instrumentality in the commission of an offence as outlined in Schedule 1 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA), 121 of 1998. The case stems from an incident on April 27, 2025, when law enforcement officials apprehended a suspect along the N18 near Vryburg for unlawfully employing blue identification lights on the vehicle. These lights are reserved exclusively for authorised emergency and law enforcement personnel, and their improper use is strictly prohibited under Regulations 176 and 185 of the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2000. According to South African law, the use of blue lights is limited to specific individuals, including members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), municipal police officers, provincial and municipal traffic officers, and the Military Police of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). The apprehended suspect was not only charged with road traffic violations but also found to be in contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002. He was subsequently convicted for being in South Africa without valid documentation and has been deported as part of immigration enforcement measures. The NPA has hailed the court's decision as a resounding endorsement of legal principles and a decisive move to combat the misuse of state-like authority by individuals impersonating law enforcement personnel. In their view, this ruling is a clarion reminder that actions which jeopardise public safety and erode trust in legitimate law enforcement will be met with serious repercussions. 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 ✕ Dr Rachel Makhari, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, expressed commendation for the AFU, recognising their swift action in securing this preservation order. 'This outcome reaffirms our commitment to tackling the growing issue of so-called 'blue light bullies' who intimidate innocent road users and undermine public safety," she stated. "These individuals often act with impunity, posing a serious threat not only to the physical safety of citizens but also to the credibility of law enforcement agencies.' Dr Makhari further emphasised that the NPA, through its Asset Forfeiture Unit, will relentlessly pursue decisive actions against this form of organised criminality. This includes seizing vehicles unlawfully utilised in criminal activities and seeking suitable legal remedies. 'We remain steadfast in our duty to uphold the law and protect our communities from those who seek to exploit authority for criminal gain,' she added. IOL
IOL News
5 days ago
- IOL News
Mitchells Plain community rallies against gang violence and police inaction
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) marched with PAGAD G-FORCE against gangsterism in Eastridge, Mitchells Plain. Image: Supplied/ EFF Community members, political activists, and anti-crime groups gathered in Eastridge, Mitchells Plain on Friday in a demonstration aimed at confronting drug and gang activity in the area. The protest, led by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and People Against Gangsterism and Drugs (Pagad G-Force), lasted several hours and was marked by tense confrontations between demonstrators, gang members, and law enforcement. According to EFF Western Cape representatives, the protest was organised in response to calls from the Eastridge community concerned about the persistent presence of drug dens and gang violence. The party extended invitations to various faith-based and political organisations, but only Pagad G-Force joined the demonstration. Protesters moved through several locations identified by residents as suspected drug hotspots. During the operation, gang members allegedly confronted the demonstrators. In one instance, a South African Police Service (SAPS) certificate was reportedly found inside a raided property and was confiscated by police officers. 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 The EFF expressed disappointment with the conduct of SAPS officers who were present during the demonstration, alleging that police officials refused to arrest self-identified gang members despite on-site confrontations. The EFF claimed that some officers insisted it was not illegal to be a gang member, despite the provisions of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA). The Act, under Section 11, criminalises participation in or benefiting from the activities of a criminal gang and provides criteria for identifying gang membership. Protesters say these provisions were ignored, even after some gang-affiliated individuals openly identified themselves to police officers and demonstrators. Western Cape police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi confirmed that Public Order Policing officers were present at the scene to monitor the situation. 'This office can confirm that police members of Public Order Policing were present on Friday 18 July in Eastridge, Mitchells Plain. Confrontation erupted when gang members clashed with protesters. The police members intervened and took action to disperse the crowds,' he said. Swartbooi further said no cases were registered and no suspects were arrested. The protestors also raised concerns about the safety of residents who fear retaliation from gangs if seen participating in anti-gang activity. The EFF said they would continue to conduct similar community-led initiatives across the province, calling for more direct action from police and government. They criticised both national and provincial authorities for not taking meaningful steps to address the root causes of gang violence on the Cape Flats. 'The prevalence of crime and gangsterism in Mitchells Plain is well documented, with parts of the Cape Flats consistently ranking among the country's highest in terms of murder rates. Despite this, residents say they have not seen any tangible improvement in law enforcement or safety on the ground,' said the EFF. The groups maintain that further demonstrations will be organised as part of an ongoing campaign to create safer environments, especially for children and vulnerable residents affected by gang-related crime.
The Citizen
16-07-2025
- The Citizen
Six found guilty in Compensation Fund payment scam
Six fraudsters confessed to rerouting Compensation Fund payments to personal bank accounts through fake medical providers. A group known as the 'Capitec Group' has pleaded guilty to assisting a scam that involved redirecting payments from the Compensation Fund (CF) into personal bank accounts. 'Capitec Group' has no affiliation with Capitec Bank South Africa. The Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court has found six accused guilty of contravening Section 5 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA), Act 121 of 1998, for assisting another person to benefit from the proceeds of unlawful activities. The six accused, Phumzile Ivy Ngubane (48), Thuleleni Joyce Ngubane (44), Delisile Constance Ngubane (62), Busisiwe Brenda Masango (43), Gunther Nsibande (51) and Nhlanhla Mkhabela, pleaded guilty on Tuesday. 'Capitec Group' redirected Compensation Fund payouts into their accounts The accused, dubbed the 'Capitec Group', were part of what is believed to be a syndicate that embezzled funds from the CF. The Compensation Fund is a public entity under the administration of the Department of Labour. The CF offers cover for workers who sustain injuries and/or contract illnesses at work. ALSO READ: Gauteng's 'debt collector' move against the RAF and Compensation Fund 'The syndicate made misrepresentations to the Compensation Fund, which gave rise to the fund making payments to entities purporting to be medical aid providers supposedly to the benefit of legitimate claimants,' Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Thatohatsi Mavimbela said. As a result, the fund deposited money into the bank accounts of the medical service providers, using the bank account details recorded in the fund's system. Investigations further revealed that the suspects owned the bank accounts used to receive the payments and that these medical service providers were not registered in accordance with the regulations. Sentencing in November The matter has been postponed to 3 November 2025 for sentencing. This is not the first time criminals have defrauded the fund by altering the personal details of claimants and redirecting payments to assumed accounts. ALSO READ: Labour department to temporary shut-down ROE online system: Here are the affected services In December 2018, three former CF employees—Maxwell Ramaphosa, Samuel Mfeleng, and Kgabo Johanna Methi—were sentenced for defrauding the fund of R476 150. Ramaphosa and Mfeleng received 12-year sentences, while Methi got six years. The trio, who colluded with physiotherapist Dr Jones Modau to create fictitious claims, were convicted of fraud and money laundering.
New Straits Times
15-07-2025
- New Straits Times
Man charged with house break-in, breaching police order
BATU PAHAT: A tyre shop assistant with a string of housebreaking records was charged again in the Yong Peng magistrate's court here today. Mohamad Arif Rosie, was charged with breaking into a couple's home and flouting a police supervision order. The 33-year-old defendant pleaded not guilty to both charges when they were read before magistrate Arun Noval Dass. According to the first charge, the accused allegedly broke into the couple's house in Desa Murni, Jalan Kluang, at 6.30pm on Oct 27 last year. Items allegedly stolen included a water heater, vacuum cleaner, air-conditioner unit, television, electric stove and a round dining table set. For the offence, Arif faces a jail term of up to 14 years and a fine upon conviction. In the second charge, he was accused of violating police supervision conditions under POCA by leaving his designated surveillance area without the district police chief's permission. The offence was allegedly committed at Batu 6, Panchor, Jalan Kluang, at 2.40am on Oct 2, 2023. Deputy public prosecutor Farah Wahidah Mohd Sharip led the prosecution, while the accused was represented by Tan Song Yan of the National Legal Aid Foundation. The court allowed bail of RM8,000 for both charges and set Aug 12 for document submission and formal appointment of defence counsel. Arun also imposed an additional condition for the accused to report to the nearest police station fortnightly until the case is resolved.
The Print
11-07-2025
- Politics
- The Print
Andhra Pradesh SIT summons former YSRCP MP Vijayasai Reddy in liquor scam case
Vijayawada: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Andhra Pradesh Government yesterday issued a formal notice to YSR Congress Party former Rajya Sabha MP Vemubaka Vijayasai Reddy, summoning him to appear as a witness on July 12 in connection with the ongoing probe into a major corruption case. In a separate matter, on March 11, the Andhra Pradesh Crime Investigation Department (APCID) issued notices to former YSRCP MP Vijayasai Reddy, ordering him to appear for questioning in connection with the Kakinada port case. Reddy was asked to appear at the Vijayawada CID office on March 12 at 11 am. The notices included Sections 506, 384, 420, 109, 467, 120(B), and 34 of the BNS, along with others. The case involved allegations of coercion and threats to forcibly take over shares in Kakinada Port and Kakinada SEZ, worth around Rs 3,600 crore. The notice, dated 10th July 2025, was served under Section 179 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023–previously Section 160 of the CrPC–citing his possible acquaintance with crucial facts and circumstances of Criminal Case No. 21/2024. The case involves multiple charges, including criminal breach of trust (Section 409 IPC), cheating (Section 420 IPC), criminal conspiracy (Section 120-B IPC), and violations under the Prevention of Corruption Act (POCA), 1988. While speaking to mediapersons, Reddy had stated that he had told the truth and presented the facts to the state CID investigating the Kakinada seaport case. Dismissing his role in this case, he claimed the involvement of Vikrant Reddy, son of YRSCP MP YV Subba Reddy. Reddy had announced his retirement from politics on January 24, stating that he would resign from his Rajya Sabha membership on January 25. He resigned as a member of the Rajya Sabha voluntarily, citing personal reasons and expressing his intention to focus on agriculture in the future. Announcing his retirement from politics, Reddy said that he worked tirelessly as the floor leader in Rajya Sabha, without any compromises, for the benefit of YSRCP. 'As the leader of the parliamentary party, floor leader in Rajya Sabha, and national general secretary of the YSRCP, I have worked tirelessly, with sincerity and without any compromise, for the benefit of the party and the state. I have served as a bridge between the Centre and the state to maintain the cordial relationship and get maximum benefits for the state,' Reddy said. Disclaimer: This report is auto generated from the Reuters news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content. Also Read: Kejriwal walks out, but CBI still a 'caged parrot'. SC recalls tag it gave probe agency 10 yrs ago
