Latest news with #R900k
The Citizen
09-07-2025
- The Citizen
Hawks officials accused of theft at Dragon City released
The Hawks officers allegedly confiscated a substantial sum of money and forced the business to close. Six individuals, including three officers from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), attached to the Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit, have been released on R3 000 bail each following their arrest on charges stemming from an alleged theft during a police operation at Dragon City. The Johannesburg Magistrate's Court recently granted bail to the accused after determining their release was in the interest of justice. The case involves three members of the Hawks' Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit in Gauteng, one officer from the Gauteng Highway Patrol, and two civilians who were allegedly working as accomplices in the corruption scheme. Those facing charges are Captain Letlhogonolo Andrew Molatlhegi, 59, Warrant Officer Mabutho Masina, 46, Constable Mpho Irvyn Netshivhera, 30, Constable Nhlamulo Matsilela, 30, Simon Mapusi Rakuba, 47, and Lebogang Tseto, 41. ALSO READ: Four police officers in court after most of R900k seized during raid goes missing Hawks Dragon City operation gone wrong The corruption allegations stem from a police operation conducted at Dragon City, where officers allegedly abused their authority for personal gain. Phindi Mjonondwane, National Prosecuting Authority regional Spokesperson for the Gauteng Division in Johannesburg, explained that 'the arrests were executed by the Hawks' Serious Corruption Investigation team following a complaint lodged by a shop owner at Dragon City'. According to the allegations, during what was supposed to be a legitimate police operation, the officers confiscated a substantial sum of money. Mjonondwane added that the officials allegedly forced the business to close and detained several employees. The shop owner, who was not present during the raid, later discovered what had transpired and reported the matter to authorities. ALSO READ: Former Sassa employee jailed for corruption after bribe sting Investigation into Hawks officials and arrest The complaint triggered an investigation that led investigators to trace the accused officers to Newtown, Johannesburg. According to Mjonondwane, this was the location where the accused were allegedly discovered in possession of a large amount of unregistered cash. The two civilian suspects were arrested alongside the law enforcement officials, suggesting a coordinated effort to steal the confiscated funds. Bail proceedings During the bail hearing, the court heard details about the accused's cooperation with authorities. Mjonondwane noted that 'during the bail proceedings, the investigating officer read out the affidavit and confirmed that none of the accused had pending cases and that they had fully cooperated during their arrests'. The magistrate's decision to grant bail was influenced by several factors, including the accused's clean criminal records and their cooperation throughout the arrest process. The court determined that their release would serve the interest of justice while the investigation continues. Mjonondwane confirmed that the matter was postponed to 29 August 2025 pending further investigation. READ NEXT: Police officer accused of corruption set to appear in court
The Citizen
07-07-2025
- The Citizen
Illegal firearm recovered in Germiston as police arrest fleeing suspect
A 39-year-old man was arrested in Germiston for possession of an unlicensed firearm with 10 rounds of live ammunition. Germiston SAPS crime prevention units were patrolling and doing stop-and-search operations on Railway Street when they noticed a black VW Polo where one man jumped out and ran away. They chased him and detained him. Upon searching him, they found a black pistol with 10 live rounds of ammunition and asked for the licence, but the suspect could not produce it. ALSO READ: Hawks and SAPS officers arrested in R900k corruption and theft case 'They read him his rights and detained him at Germiston SAPS. The suspect will appear in the Germiston Magistrate's Court,' said corporate communications officer Sergeant Maxwell Mabunda. 'Brigadier Nonhlanhla Shezi commended the work done by the team in creating a safer Germiston,' said Mabunda. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
02-07-2025
- The Citizen
Four police officers in court after most of R900k seized during raid goes missing
Cops allegedly pocketed cash from a foreign exchange raid, booking only part of R900k seized. They've now appeared in court. Four police officers and two civilians were arrested and appeared in court after hundreds of thousands of rands were allegedly stolen during a raid, with only a small portion of the money booked as evidence. Captain Letlhogonolo Andrew Molatlhegi (59), Warrant Officer Mabutho Masina (46), Constable Mpho Irvyn Netshivhera (30), Constable Nhlamulo Matsilela (30), Simon Mapusi Rakuba (47) and Lebogang Tseto (41) appeared before the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court on Wednesday. The police officers, attached to the Hawks' Serious Organised Crime Investigation in Gauteng and Gauteng provincial Saps, and civilians were arrested on Monday. Police officers arrested over missing R900k They are facing charges of theft, possession of suspected stolen money, extortion, and corruption. Police arrested the suspects following a raid on a Johannesburg shop on the afternoon of 30 June 2025. The shop owner received a call from one of his employees, who informed him that police officers were at his shop. The shop owner allegedly instructed his employee to ask the police to wait until he could arrive at the shop. However, the phone call between the shop owner and his employee was suddenly disconnected. ALSO READ: Ten more SANDF members arrested in Hawks officer murder case By the time the shop owner arrived, officers had already closed the store. After that, he went to the Johannesburg Central Police Station and was told that his staff had been taken into custody for violating Section 9 of the Currency Act, Act 9 of 1933. Police also arrested the employee he had been speaking to, accusing him of interfering with their duties. Hawks spokesperson Brigadier Thandi Mbambo said the police officers and two civilians were arrested because the shop owner reported to the Hawks that the officers took R900 000 from his shop during the raid. Only $60k and R130k booked in a evidence 'Upon following up on the information, the Hawks discovered that only $60 000 and R130 000 was booked into the Saps register as the amount recovered by the police instead of booking the amount of R900 000,' Mbambo said. 'It is further alleged that the suspect who was at the shop to exchange the money also tried to entice the police officials with R60 000.' Mbambo confirmed that the R60 000 used to try bribe the police officers was also booked at the Saps register. ALSO READ: Gauteng police station commander arrested for alleged fraud and theft Following up on the information, the Hawks went to Newtown and found the police officers in multiple vehicles. 'The Hawks searched the vehicles, and upon searching, one of the vehicles was found with a substantial amount of cash. As a result, the four police officials and two civilians were arrested on the scene,' Mbambo said. Case postponed The court postponed the case against Captain Molatlhegi, Warrant Officer Masina, Constable Netshivhera, Constable Matsilela, along with Rakuba and Tseto, to 4 July 2025 for further investigation. The accused were remanded in custody. Meanwhile, six other suspects charged with contravening Section 9 of the Currency Act will also appear in court, although prosecutors have since withdrawn those charges. The Acting National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Lieutenant General Siphosihle Nkosi, said the Hawks remain committed to fighting corruption, even within the ranks of law enforcement. 'No one is above the law. The arrest of these officers is a clear demonstration that we will act decisively and without fear or favour to protect the integrity of the criminal justice system and restore public trust in the Saps,' Nkosi said. NOW READ: Counterfeit Gucci and Louis Vuitton: Another massive confiscation in Durban
The South African
22-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs: Percy Tau invites offer at a good price!
Kaizer Chiefs have been linked with Percy Tau for several seasons. Now, he is inviting an offer. Kaizer Chiefs are linked with several red-hot transfer targets. Now, Percy Tau has thrown his name in the hat. To make matters even more interesting, Tau is willing to accept a rate that is very affordable to Amakhosi. In a recent interview with Robert Marawa on 947's MSW Tau expressed his willingness to join Chiefs. So, he was asked if he would accept an offer from Amakhosi for R450 000 a month on a two year deal. Thereafter, he responded ' Perfect ,' which not only implies he is interested in a move to Chiefs but also that it would be ideal. Moreover, the fact that he is willing to go for R450k a month speaks volumes. The Bafana Bafana attacker is willing to take a drastic pay-cut to join Amakhosi. Meaning, he is serious about the potential prospect of joining Chiefs. Unfortunately, Chiefs do not seem interested. They recently confirmed that they are not interested having learnt from the past. Amakhosi have spent big money on the likes of Khama Billiat and Keagan Dolly with dissapointing returns. So, they no longer want to sign older players for big money. However, Tau is open to accepting a package of R450k a month which is much lower than that of Billiat (R900k+) and Dolly, who reportedly made over R1 million a season. Meanwhile, these are the players Nasreddine Nabi is interested in bringing to Chiefs. Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
