Latest news with #PreventionofOrganisedCrimeAct

IOL News
19-07-2025
- 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
19-07-2025
- 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.


Daily Maverick
16-07-2025
- Daily Maverick
Alleged The Firm boss Ralph Stanfield linked to murders in gang feud
The State claims that alleged 28s gang boss Ralph Stanfield is the leader of the criminal gang, The Firm, alleged to have engaged in a bloody gang war with affiliates of the 27s, including Hard Livings, Dixie Boys, Sexy Boys and Ghetto Kids. Ralph Stanfield and his alleged organised criminal group, The Firm, is accused of planning and carrying out five murders, including those of former Hard Livings gang boss Rashied Staggie, former City of Cape Town official Wendy Kloppers and 28s gang member William 'Red' Stevens, who was one of the accused in the death of 'Steroid King' Brian Wainstein. They're also accused of murdering Ismail Abrahams and Faizel Adams, who were both killed in September 2021 in Parow. advertisement Don't want to see this? Remove ads These murder counts are among 40 charges against Stanfield, his wife Nicole Johnson and 13 other accused, which build a tapestry of the gang violence that has infiltrated most of Cape Town's notorious gangland areas. The indictment and summary of substantial facts were presented before the Cape Town Magistrates' Court on Monday, 14 July 2025. Seven members were in the dock while Stanfield, his wife and others appeared via video link. According to the State's court papers, Stanfield is allegedly the leader of The Firm, which fought against 27s prison gang associates, including Hard Livings, the Dixie Boys, Sexy Boys and Ghetto Kids. The areas where the continuous gang wars took place were Kraaifontein, Woodstock, Parow, Bellville, Belhar and Eerste River. The Firm's alleged reign of terror lasted from November 2019 to November 2023. It operated in Milnerton, Wynberg, Bishop Lavis, Kraaifontein, Parow, Somerset West, Belhar, Green Point, Kuils River and Blue Downs. The State's court papers say The Firm holds 'positions of leadership and subservience' similar to the system inspired by the 28s 'but not strictly adhered to the criminal gang in its activities and operations outside prison. Ralph Stanfield is the leader of the gang.' advertisement Don't want to see this? Remove ads In addition to Stanfield and his wife, the co-accused in the case include Johannes Abrahams, Denver Booysen, Jose Brandt, Jonathan Cloete, Abraham Wilson (deceased), Shakeel Pelston, Imtyaas Sedick, Warren Lee Dennis, Michael Morris, Chevonne McNabb, Sharazaadt Essop, Brandon Cornelius and Keathan Gardiner. The charges include murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, robbery, aiding and abetting criminal activity and contributing to a pattern of criminal gang activity in terms of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act. Read more: Fraud charges against Malusi Booi, Ralph Stanfield in R1bn tender case dropped, for now Meanwhile, in May 2025, the corruption case against former City of Cape Town councillor Malusi Booi, Stanfield, Stanfield's wife Nicole Johnson and nine others was provisionally withdrawn on Friday, 23 May 2025. Booi, a former mayoral committee member, was arrested in September 2024 and faced charges relating to alleged unlawful tenders worth more than R1-billion. Premeditated murders Topping the list of charges was the murder of the infamous gang boss Staggie outside his home in the Cape Town suburb of Salt River on 13 December 2019. Staggie was sentenced to jail in 2003 after he was convicted of ordering the gang rape of a 17-year-old girl who had turned State witness against him. advertisement Don't want to see this? Remove ads He was sentenced to 15 years for kidnapping and rape. He was then released on parole in 2013. In 2004, Staggie was also found guilty of robbing a weapons storage facility in Faure on the outskirts of Cape Town. However, these two sentences were served concurrently and Staggie was released in 2013 after spending 10 years in jail. advertisement Don't want to see this? Remove ads According to the summary of substantial facts, the State claims: 'On the morning of Friday, 13 December 2019, the accused Cloete, Pelston and Essop allegedly proceeded to the deceased's homestead in order to kill him as planned. Pelston and Essop armed themselves with firearms. 'Cloete allegedly drove his Ford Bakkie, Staggie was seated in a Toyota motor vehicle outside his home. Whilst Staggie was seated in the vehicle, Pelston and Essop approached Staggie and opened fire, fatally injuring the deceased.' Staggie was a member of the 26s prison gang and leader of the Hard Livings gang in Manenberg. advertisement Don't want to see this? Remove ads Stevens, murdered on 2 February 2021, was one of the accused alongside the late Mark Liftman, the late Andre Naude, Jerome 'Donkie' Booysen and others in connection with the 2017 murder of the global steroid smuggler, Wainstein. Read more: Underworld suspect shot dead – one week before scheduled court appearance in Cape Town for murder Nearly four years later, the State claims The Firm members Cloete and Morris allegedly unlawfully and intentionally killed Stevens. According to the summary of facts: 'On the afternoon of Tuesday, 2 February 2021, the accused Cloete, Morris and others proceeded to the area of Stevens to allegedly kill him as planned. advertisement Don't want to see this? Remove ads 'Morris and a person named Siya armed themselves with firearms, drove to Rembrandt Street. The deceased was seated in the street. Siya allegedly opened fire on the deceased from the vehicle. The driver stopped and Morris and Siya allegedly alighted from the vehicle and opened fire on Stevens. While shooting Stevens, they also shot a complainant and fled the scene.' Stevens was a member of the 27s prison gang. Cloete, the leader of The Firm in Kraaifontein, resided in the same area. Stevens, along with Jerome Booysen, were charged for the murder of Wainstein, who was seen as close to Stanfield. Cloete and others are alleged to have conspired and killed Stevens as revenge for Wainstein's murder. advertisement Don't want to see this? Remove ads City official Kloppers died in a hail of bullets in February 2023 at a housing development site in Delft. At the time Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis offered a reward of R100,000. A week before her demise, two construction workers came close to death after gunmen opened fire on them at a building site in Delft. Both men were wounded in the attack. Read more: Police hunt construction mafia killers after bullets fly at a Cape Flats building site A breakthrough came in June 2024 when a suspect handed himself over to police and was charged with murder and attempted murder. Dennis, Morris and Essop are accused of murdering Kloppers. According to the State's court papers, Kloppers was murdered after Dennis, Morris and Essop, as well as Simon Stanfield and Ernest MacLaughlin, who are both deceased, allegedly decided and planned to kill any white person at the housing development site in Delft. Stanfield and other alleged underworld figures were fighting to get their hands on the R400-million contract for the housing development. On the day of the shooting, the State claims that Dennis drove with Simon Stanfield and MacLaughlin to Delft, followed by Morris and Essop in their car. Morris is said to have proceeded to the development site and remained outside. The State further claims that Essop and another also proceeded to the development site in order to kill the white person as planned. Kloppers arrived at the housing site in her car, unaware that she was trapped and in peril. 'The driver in the motor vehicle in which Essop and another person was, stopped and alighted from the vehicle. They approached the deceased and a security guard and opened fire,' the State contends. Kloppers died as a result of multiple gunshot wounds to the chest and the security guard sustained a gunshot wound to the right wrist. The first pre-trial conference in the case is set to take place in the Western Cape High Court on 7 November 2025. DM

IOL News
11-07-2025
- IOL News
Criminal activities of bank officials under scrutiny after bank employee arrested in drug and firearms bust
Senior bank manager Raed Cupido Image: Supplied The criminal dealings of bank officials are under the spotlight once again after Standard Bank suspended a marketing manager following his arrest in connection with a major drug and firearms bust. Raed Cupido, 40, was arrested on June 10 at a storage unit in Roeland Street, Cape Town, where police allegedly discovered 15 bricks of cocaine worth R18 million, an AK-47 rifle, five 9mm pistols, and a stash of ammunition in his possession. Cupido's case has reignited attention on a series of incidents involving bank employees implicated in serious crimes. In July 2024, two former Absa bank employees in the Eastern Cape were sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment for fraud and money laundering involving more than R1 million. Florika Shenay Owusu, 31, and Abongile Tyusha, 30, were sentenced by the Gqeberha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court for offences committed between November 2019 and June 2021 while working at Absa. The two received five years for fraud and theft, and 10 years for money laundering, with four years suspended for five years on condition they do not violate the Prevention of Organised Crime Act during that period. On August 8, 2024, former bank employee Mziwakhe Khumalo was sentenced to 15 years in prison by the Gqeberha New Law Court for fraud, money laundering, and contravention of the Electronic Communication and Transactions Act, Act 25 of 2002. Khumalo and his co-accused were arrested by the Hawks' Gqeberha Serious Commercial Investigation team on September 29, 2021. Their crimes occurred between 2017 and 2018, when Khumalo unlawfully accessed a bank account belonging to a German client, changed the contact and signing authority details, and granted access to his co-accused. 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 ✕ He then opened a fraudulent cheque account and transferred R400,000 from the victim's investment account. He also attempted to transfer an additional R4.8 million, but the transaction was unsuccessful. Most recently, the case of Dr Nomsa Praisy Masuku has returned to court. A former Standard Bank employee who served as Head of the CSI Programme for the "Adopt A School Trust," Masuku was arrested in June 2024 for allegedly embezzling funds intended for student scholarships. The Trust was established to provide scholarships, bursaries, and awards to learners from schools adopted by Standard Bank's programme, supporting those who qualify to further their studies at recognised institutions of higher learning. During her time at the bank, Dr Masuku was entrusted with managing the Corporate Social Investment programme. A Hawks investigation revealed that she allegedly bypassed proper procedures by awarding scholarships to friends and family through document manipulation without the approval of the trust's committee. Some of the funds, amounting to R1.2 million, were allegedly deposited directly into her personal bank account. Her case has been postponed until later in July 2025. Bail for Masuku, her nephew Ciniso Masuku, and co-accused Mark Phillip Roux has been extended. Weekend Argus