Scandals
R85 million worth of drugs seized in PE
More than R85 million worth of drugs were seized at Ngqura Port in Port Elizabeth over the weekend following an intelligence-driven multi-disciplinary integrated operation by the Ports of Entry team on a vessel from Ecuador, South America.
The operation was conducted from intelligence that two containers were suspected of having narcotics onboard.
The suspected containers were on-board a vessel that had docked in Port Elizabeth at the Ngqura Port. The team which included Customs Investigations, the K9 unit and SAPS Border Police, were duly activated and the process initiated to trace and secure the two containers.
The inter-agency teams worked together and ensured that the targeted containers were removed to the container depot and upon opening the containers it was found that the contents were bananas as described on the bill of lading and which also indicated that the container was destined for Cape Town.
The cartons of bananas were physically checked both inside and outside of the container. Upon inspecting the rear refrigeration unit, a hidden compartment was discovered.
Upon removing some of the panelling the team discovered packages wrapped in brown tape. The panelling was removed and a total of 40 packages, which tested positive for cocaine, were discovered in both the containers. Further profiling was conducted and discovered that there were a further two (2) containers that were linked to the product type and packaging methodology on the same vessel.
The team immediately decided to secure the containers. In the early hours of Sunday morning at around 01:00, the sniffer dog reacted positively to the same rear refrigeration panelling as the previous two containers earlier.
All role players jointly then removed the panelling and discovered a further 45 bricks wrapped in brown packaging tape which tested positive for cocaine with an estimated weight of 45 kilograms in both containers. A total of 85 bricks with an approximate weight of 85 kilograms and an estimated street value of R85 Million were seized.
High levels of collaboration between stakeholders at the port have once again paid off.
There have been breakthroughs made as a result of the on-going proactive fight against crime especially the proliferation of drugs coming into and through the port. Investigations are continuing.
Source – Road Safety
In Other News – Businessman Sam Mshengu to stay behind bars until his bail application
Businessman Sam Mshengu who hit the headlines after a convoy of luxury and supercars headed to the Durban July earlier this year was arrested by the Hawks in Emalahleni on Sunday. He appeared in the Witbank Magistrate Court on Monday facing charges of fraud, corruption, the possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition and Contravention of the Immigration Act. His convoy of luxury cars stole the spotlight at the Durban July.
Mshengu set out to “shut down” the N3 ahead of his trip to the event with a convoy apparently had 72 cars, with at least 10 cars owned by him. read more
Chaos as a hearse catches fire while transporting the body to a funeral: Pics. A hearse caught alight while transporting a body to a funeral in Paarl on Saturday.
The vehicle was en route to the family of the deceased’s home when the blaze occurred.
The funeral service, Willy’s and Gallico said the incident occurred early Saturday morning and that their insurance company will investigating the matter to uncover what caused the fire, according to SABC News Western Cape.
The funeral parlour assured their vehicles are often serviced.
Source – MbareTimes
In other news – New fuel prices announced
New fuel prices announced. The price of diesel is now ZWL$97.24 and US$1.19 per litre, while that for petrol is now ZWL$97.44 and US$1.19 per litre. The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has announced new fuel prices effective Saturday 5 December 2020.
In a public notice on Friday evening, ZERA said operators may, however, sell at prices below the cap depending on their trading advantages…Learn More.
Drama and chaos as Prophet shave 17-year-old’s pubic hair to cleanse evil spirits. On the second day the accused tied the complainant’s legs together with a piece of white cloth spread lotion in her armpits before inserting his fingers into her pr!vate parts.
A self-styled spiritual healer was charged with indecent assault after he shaved off hair from a 17-year-old girl’s private parts and the armpits in order to deliver her from spiritual husbands.
Lingani Ncube (42) was convicted by Zvishavane Magistrate Charity Tonongera on two counts of indecent assault for the act. He was sentenced to three months in jail or $2 000 fine, eight months were wholly suspended for five years.
Prosecutor Tinashe Maponde said on September 23, 2020 the complainant and her mother went to Ncube’s house for spiritual deliverance. While at Ncube’s place the mother was delivered first.
After delivering the complainant’s mother Ncube called the complainant to his bedroom for deliverance. The court heard that while in the bedroom Ncube pushed the complainant to the floor, removed her pant and started shaving her.
When the complainant tried to stop Ncube, he told her that it was his way of delivering people and the same had just been done to the teen’s mother. After shaving the complainant was ordered to take a bath and she later left with her mother.
The following day the complainant and her mother came back again and she went straight to Ncube’s bedroom. The accused tied the complainant’s legs together with a piece of white cloth and spread lotion on her armpit while inserting his fingers into her private part.
The complainant screamed for help and went to report the incident to her mother.
A Police report was filed leading to Ncube’s arrest.
Source – Zimeye
In other news – New lockdown regulations: Gatherings limit revised to 100
New lockdown regulations: Gatherings limit revised to 100. Announcing the changes after yesterday’s Cabinet meeting, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said there had been confusion among the public over just how many people were allowed to attend gatherings, with different maximums set for different types.
The maximum limit at any gathering, regardless of what it is for, has now been set at 100, and restaurants can now…Learn More.
Gauteng police are investigating the murder of two small children whose bodies have been found in Orange Farm, south of Johannesburg.
Their bodies were discovered a few hours after they were reported missing, police said.
“The motive for the killing of the little boy and the little girl is yet to be determined, while a post-mortem will be conducted to establish the exact cause of death.
“Anyone who may have information that could lead to the apprehension of the suspect(s) is urged to report to the nearest police station or call the crime stop number 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS App to submit a tip-off,” police said.
Police urged parents to prioritize the safety of their children at all times, and to always be aware of the children’s whereabouts.
“Children walking in the streets at night must be prohibited otherwise they must be accompanied.”
The community of Orange Farm, south of Johannesburg, is demanding justice after two children, aged eight and six, were found dead on Saturday.
The deaths have raised concerns about the safety of children in the area. The community is still coming to terms with the death of a five-year-old boy whose naked body was found in a tavern in April after he was reported missing by his grandmother the day before.
In July, three-year old Ansia Keha was found dead in a black refuse bag by a municipal worker after her family reported her missing. She had been raped and had a stab wound in her upper body.
Here’s what we know about the most recent deaths:
Discovery and investigation
The bodies of Mpho Makondo, 8, and Simphiwe Mncina, 6, were discovered on Saturday a few hours after they were reported missing.
Police told TimesLIVE there is an investigation into the motive for their murders, and postmortem reports would reveal the cause of their deaths.
Authorities urged anyone who may have information to contact the police.
Muti killings?
According to SowetanLIVE, the two children were last seen on Friday by Mpho’s aunt, whom they accompanied to a salon. Their bodies were found smeared with a black substance on their mouths and under their feet.
Makondo’s naked body was found next to a large rock, with her arm broken. Mncina was half-naked and his body was dumped in the yard of a community member’s house. The community and families of the two children told the publication they believe the murders are related to muti killings. Police have not confirmed this.
Community and families demand justice
Mncina’s grandmother told Newzroom Afrika the child loved school and playing with his friends. She urged police to find the perpetrators, and expressed concern over the continued killings of children in the community.
“These murders are continuing and nothing is being done. We want police to find the perpetrators. We will have closure knowing they are arrested.”
Source: TimesLIVE