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FEBRUARY 2020 | FREE
POLICE
YO U R O F F I C I A L F R E E S A P S M AGA Z I N E
AMBER ALERT
ON A JOURNEY TO A SAFER SOUTH AFRICA
#Selfless&PatrioticService
ROLL OF HONOUR The SAPS pays tribute to members who lost
their lives in the line of duty.
SURNAME TYPE OF
PERSAL NO RANK DATE OF DEATH
& INITIALS INCIDENT
0635292-8 Capt MOKONYANE NJ 2019-11-05 Murder
916274-7 WO MAKHUZENI MB 2019-11-23 Murder
7150896-1 Const MNUKWA L 2019-12-06 Electric shock
7219864-8 Const SOGA L 2019-12-03 Murder
8185084-1 Sgt MOKOENA K 2019-08-03 Murder
7016909-8 Sgt MTHOMBENI P 2019-10-19 Murder
7217296-7 Const BALOYI J 2019-11-16 Murder
01
CONTENTS
02 National Commissioner’s 11 SAPS Education Trust POLICE
Message
The POLICE magazine is published by
12 Back-To-School Safety Campaign the Publications and Broadcast Section
of Corporate Communication.
03 Tackling Gender-based Violence
HEAD:
14 EHW - Substance Abuse CORPORATE COMMUNICATION
Maj Gen SA de Beer
04 Amber-Alert Launch SUB-SECTION HEAD:
INTERNAL PUBLICATIONS
16 Flash News Col Linda van den Berg
012 393 7075
06 SONA
SUBEDITOR
18 Ministerial Imbizo - Alexandra Lt Col Fundiswa Maphanga
012 393 7104
07 Minister visits Umthwalume High
JOURNALISTS:
School 20 GP Provincial Commissioner holds Lt Col Erica Holtzhausen
012 393 7106
Imbizos Capt Keitumetse Mmushi
08 New Vispol Divisional Commissioner 012 393 7138
Capt Vincent Mukhathi
21 Missing Persons 012 393 7088
10 Firearm Amnesty Q&A Capt Kgabo Mashamaite
012 393 7151
22 Wanted Persons Capt Ndanduleni Nyambeni
012 393 7279
WO Percy Sepaela
012 393 7108
T his month’s year. These campaigns not only encourage LAYOUT
WO Henk Venter
edition children to stay away from criminal
COVER
activities and substance abuse, but teach
focuses on child them to be aware of their surroundings
AC Amos Ndlovu
PHOTOGRAPHER:
protection. The to stay safe, as well as create a positive WO Theo van Wyk
rate at which connection between the police and children
012 393 7103
LANGUAGE EDITING BY:
children go so that they will find it easy to ask for help Lt Col Ilze-Mari Visagie
missing and are when necessary. Read more about these Capt Maurene Claasens
school visits on p 7, 12 and 13. SAPS POLICE ONLINE:
trafficked, is very Lt Col Johan Heüer
012 393 7030
alarming, to say The SAPS also does its best to improve the heuer@saps.gov.za
the least. living conditions of all children wherever REPUBLISHING
Permission to republish articles
they can, especially where education is contained in the POLICE may be
Finding children requires that they must be concerned, as this determines the future obtained from the Head: Corporate
reported missing as soon as they disappear, Communication. The opinions
that our youth will have. Read about the expressed in the POLICE are
as the first 72 hours are critical in finding Fund’s continuous good work in securing not necessarily those of the Head:
Corporate Communication, his staff
missing persons. Secondly, the community, funds to fulfil the educational needs of the or of the POLICE authorities.
who can be the police’s and parent’s eyes children of police officers who died in the INDEMNITY
and ears, must be involved as the more line of duty (p 11) and the partnerships that Contributions, photographs and
other material sent to the POLICE for
people looking for the child, the better the the SAPS sources to build a better school publication must be accompanied
chances of finding him/her. environment in rural areas, (pp 16-17). by a stamped and self-addressed
envelope. Contributions are returned
at the risk of the contributor. The
This is why the SAPS has partnered with Working together, we can build a better
POLICE reserves the right to effect
changes to any contribution.
Facebook in the Amber Alert initiative (p South Africa for all. COPYRIGHT POLICE
4). Once a child has been reported missing, Copyright reserved
the SAPS’s Missing Person’s Bureau will Enjoy the read.
notify Facebook and provide them with a
photograph of the child. Facebook will then
send this notification to all its users within
a 160 km radius of where the child was last
seen, so that users can help look for the
child. This is sure to decrease the number
of childrren abducted and trafficked, as well @ SAPoliceService
as increase the number of children found.
South African
Prevention is always best, which is why the Police Service
SAPS conducts various crime awareness (SAPS Official Page)
and prevention campaigns throughout the
Major General Sally de Beer www.pretoriacentral@queenspark.com
02 POLICE FEBRUARY 2020
missing children and combat the scourge of child trafficking
and abduction in the country. Amber Alert, as you will read
in this edition, is a missing child emergency alert through
Facebook, which allows members of the community to
participate in the search for missing children. It was named
after Amber Hagerman, who had been abducted in Texas in
1996. According to reports, around 1 000 missing children
were saved as a result of this innovative system.
We have recently heard the pronouncements of our State
President, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa, in his State-of-the-Nation
Address on the occasion of the opening of Parliament last
month. As the police, we remain resolute in advancing our
objective as dictated by our Constitution, the supreme law of
the country.
In his budget vote, the Minister of Finance, Mr Tito Mboweni,
allocated funds to all the government departments, but
these funds will have to be used sparingly given the current
economic climate, and we believe that it will go a long way
in helping us curb the tide of crime.
On the 1st of December last year, we introduced the
Firearm Amnesty period, that will end in May 2020. We
encourage citizens to surrender their firearms without
fear of prosecution. We do so regularly because we want to
ensure that the demon of violence in our country is slain,
NATIONAL COMMISSIONER’S MESSAGE as most crimes are committed with these lethal weapons.
Also, legitimate firearm owners who no longer want to keep
GENERAL KHEHLA JOHN SITOLE their firearms or whose licences have expired and have no
intention of renewing them, may surrender their firearms.
One of the most devastating occurrences is the level at
F ellow members of the SAPS, the financial
year 2018/2019 is drawing to a close,
therefore let us look back and reflect on the past
which women and children continue to be abused, raped
and even murdered. We should be resolute in dealing with
the scourge of gender-based violence, which has reached
year. alarming proportions. We will work closely with other
law enforcement agencies and our prosecutorial arm of
We have made notable strides in many respects government to ensure that the perpetrators of such violence
and we have reason to feel proud of the positive are brought to book.
contribution we have made to make our people
feel safe and secure. It is also important that
we acknowledge the many challenges we have
had to face, but we remain content with the
contribution that you men and women in blue
have made to advance our cause.
Just recently South Africa joined other world nations with
Amber Alert, which is a collaboration between the SAPS and
Facebook. Amber Alert is a ground-breaking tool to step
up innovative ways in helping the police to speedily find
ON A JOURNEY TO A SAFER SOUTH AFRICA
#FightingCrime
FEBRUARY 2020 POLICE 03
SAPS TACKLES
GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IN SOCIETY
By WO Percy Sepaela
Photographs by WO Theo van Wyk
S outh Africa is one of the top five countries
with the highest percentage of femicide in
the world. This is according to Col Kirsten Clark,
a clinical psychologist, at a seminar on gender-
based violence held at the SAPS Tshwane
Academy in Pretoria West.
The seminar was well attended by around 80 delegates from
across the country, including senior police officials, researchers
and academics from various higher learning institutions.
Col Clark said in the past 15 years, 35% of women worldwide
had died at the hands of their intimate partners translating
into 66 000 cases of femicide reported internationally. She
said in South Africa 50% of women would experience some
form of gender-based violence in their lifetime and the key
drivers of these femicide issues, were infidelity and jealousy
among couples. “Risk factors include alcohol and other forms
of substance abuse. Femicide is very much a societal issue and
needs to be tackled decisively. We know that the majority of to talk about socio-structural factors and cultural notions,” he
femicide incidents are committed by intimate partners,” said Col said.
Clark, who is working at the Investigative Psychology Unit in the
Western Cape. In setting the tone for the seminar, veteran actor and gender-
based violence activist Mr Patric Shai, said there was no shame
According to Prof Deon Erasmus of the Nelson Mandela in men taking responsibility and acknowledging their past
University, the statistics on gender-based violence showed that mistakes. “If you do not change, you recreate yourself in the
South Africa was worse than countries that were experiencing victim. I used to do all manner of things, but I had to own up to
civil war. “This means that all of us need to work hard to change my actions because it was destroying me and my family,” said
societal attitudes on how we treat women and other vulnerable Mr Shai.
groups”, he said while presenting his paper titled: “The
vulnerability theory, women empowerment and countering
gender-based violence”. Prof Deon said he was encouraged
by the SAPS’s move to reopen some of the specialised units
dealing with this scourge. He called on all stakeholders to have
“unity of purpose and raise our voices differently”.
The seminar also heard that there were 60 000 cases of
domestic violence incidents reported annually, but that 90% of
such incidents were not reported.
Mr MacDonald Rammala from the University of South Africa,
whose presentation focused on research as a missing link to
understanding gender-based violence in societies, said it was
important to have expertise in research when dealing with this
scourge.
“We need actioned research that will delve deeper so that we
can understand the intricate nature of this behaviour,” said
Mr Rammala. He mentioned that the Institute for Security
Studies had conducted a study that indicated 50% of women
had suffered intimate rapes. “Which is why it is also important
04 POLICE FEBRUARY 2020
AMBER ALERT
SAPS AND FACEBOOK JOIN FORCES
ON A MISSION TO FIND MISSING CHILDREN
By Capt Vincent Mukhathi
Photographs by AC Amos Ndlovu
From Left to Right: Facebook Head of Public Policy Emilar Gandhi, Facebook Director of Trust and Safety Emily Vacher, National Police Commissioner General
Khehla Sitole, Head of the Detective Service Lt Gen Tebello Mosikili and Deputy National Commissioner Lt Gen LJ Tsumane.
T he SAPS and Facebook have launched a ground
breaking Amber Alert tool to step up innovative
ways to help the police speedily find missing children
Giving a brief background of the initiative, the Divisional
Commissioner for the Detective Services, Lt Gen Tebello
Mosikili, said: “We are launching this initiative to address the
problem of missing children. The phenomenon of missing
and to combat child trafficking and abduction in the children is a pandemic, and it is adversely affecting children. An
country. average of more than 200 children would be reported missing
every month and only half of those will be recovered,” she said.
Amber Alert was launched in Sandton on 30 January 2020, and
it was officiated by the National Commissioner of the SAPS, She further explained that the Amber Alert tool has been
General Khehla Sitole and the Facebook Director of Trust and successfully used in countries like Canada, Colombia and
Safety, Ms Emily Vacher, to step up efforts to find missing Australia. She also encouraged the communities to actively
children. participate in the search for missing persons through Facebook.
Through this partnership with the SAPS, Facebook will help This is how the system will work to ensure that the police,
locate and share information on missing children, assist the Facebook and the public can work together effectively to find
police to fast-track investigations into cases of missing children, missing children and combat child trafficking and abduction.
and to reunite the children with their families faster. Once missing children have been reported to the police, the
police open a case file for missing persons and then send it to
An Amber Alert is a missing child emergency alert through the SAPS’s Missing Persons Bureau.
Facebook, which will allow members of the community to
participate in the search for missing children. It was named The police will need a photograph of the child and any other
after Amber Hagerman who was abducted in Texas in 1996, and information which may help Facebook users to recognise the
over 1 000 children have been saved as a result of the system. missing child.
FEBRUARY 2020 POLICE 05
as possible. By working with the police in helping to share
information with the right people, we hope that the missing
children will be safely reunited with their families, much faster,”
she said.
Ms Vacher pointed out that Facebook users within the radius
where a child went missing, can help to trace and find the
missing child. “If a child goes missing, we get the information
directly from the SAPS. They will create a poster that has all
the information about the missing child. They will send us
that information and we will prepare it. We have a team that is
waiting 24 hours, 365 days a year,” Ms Vacher said.
Welcoming the initiative, General Khehla Sitole emphasised
that the Amber Alert system also formed part of the SAPS’s
Turnaround Vision, on a journey to a safer South Africa.
“Today we are implementing a strong partnership that will
assist the SAPS in improving our response to vulnerable
An example of how the Amber Alert will be displayed on Facebook. communities. This initiative is coming at a time when the SAPS,
through its Turnaround Vision, started a process of developing
the Online Policing Strategy. The prevention of kidnapping and
The SAPS’s Bureau for Missing Persons will notify the Facebook adduction of our children for various purposes, including sexual
team, who will prepare and communicate to all Facebook users offences, parental disputes or human trafficking, requires the
within a 160 km radius from global positioning coordinates, mobilisation of South Africans and the involvement of all role
town or city, where the child had last been seen. players,” said General Sitole.
The alert enables people to instantly share important “The Amber Alert system will be an additional measure
information about the missing child and suspected abductor, to immediately find missing children in South Africa. The
such as a photograph, hair colour and clothing, with friends, initiative will also have a positive impact on our investigative
family and Facebook groups. capacity and response times to find missing children, and we
anticipate an influx of anonymous tip-offs emanating from
The Amber Alert will then remain active for 24 hours or until the implementation of Facebook’s Amber Alert,” said General
the law enforcement agency cancels the alert, and the public Sitole.
will be able to report any relevant details through the 086 00
10111 Crime Stop hotline. General Sitole indicated that the tool will also benefit missing
children in rural areas where users might not have all the on-
Making her remarks on the launch of the Amber Alert system, line facilities.
Ms Vacher, indicated that through the partnership with the
SAPS, South Africa became the first country in Africa to join the “This particular initiative is going to be adjusted to fit our
Facebook missing child alert programme. geographical situation in terms of policing. We have the concept
of a fusion centre which includes a social media activation plan
“As from today, South Africa becomes the first country in Africa and it will also link up with Facebook. It provides us with an
and only the 23rd country in the world to join the Facebook opportunity to communicate with those communities who might
missing child alert family. When a child is missing, the most not have other on-line facilities. We will communicate with
valuable thing one can do is to share information as quickly them with what they have,” he said.
06 POLICE FEBRUARY 2020
SONA
STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS
By Col Linda van den Berg
T he President of the Republic of South Africa,
Mr Cyril Ramaphosa, presented his third
State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday,
13 February 2020.
The SONA is one of the most important annual events on the
calendar of Parliament. It takes place in February each year,
and is commonly known as the opening of Parliament.
In the SONA, the President addresses the nation and
presents a plan to address South Africa’s needs for the year
ahead. He highlights the challenges experienced over the
past year and presents the programme for the year ahead.
In terms of the SAPS, the President highlighted the following
priorities:
• Police visibility, effective training and better resourcing
of police stations
• The SAPS’s response to the growing problem of
criminal groups that extort money from construction
and other businesses
• Specialised units – bringing together the SAPS and
the National Prosecuting Authority – are mandated to
combat crimes of economic disruption
• A reserve police capacity to focus on the policing of
tourist attractions
• Anti-gang units to be further strengthened, with priority • The amendment of the Domestic Violence Act to better
given to the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Gauteng and protect victims in violent domestic relationships and
the Free State a law will be passed to tighten bail and sentencing
conditions in cases that involve gender-based violence.
• Following the graduation of 5 000 police trainees last
year, 7 000 new police trainees have been enlisted this • The Sexual Offences Act to broaden the categories of
year to strengthen local policing sex offenders whose names must be included in the
National Register for Sex Offenders.
• The establishment of a Crime Detection University in
Hammanskraal to improve the quality of general and • The fight against corruption and state capture
specialised SAPS’s investigations
• The development of a national anti-corruption strategy
• The implementation of an emergency action plan to end and implementation plan by mid-year.
the crisis of violence perpetrated by men against the
women of our country, and reprioritising
R1.6 billion to support this plan until the end of the
current financial year
FEBRUARY 2020 POLICE 07
MINISTER OF POLICE, GENERAL BHEKI CELE,
VISITS UMTHWALUME HIGH SCHOOL
By WO Percy Sepaela
O n Friday 28 February the Police Minister, “My intention with this gesture is to raise awareness of
cyber security as most youngsters find themselves very
General Bheki Cele, Deputy Minister Cassel
active and subsequently exposed in the digital space. This
Mathale and the Chief Executive Officer of the also happens at a time when the leadership of the police is
Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority hard at work building technological capacity and acumen
(PSIRA), Mr Manabela Chauke, joined by the within the SAPS,” said Minister Cele in his address to the
National Commissioner of the SAPS, General learners, encouraging them to familiarise themselves with
Khehla Sitole and other senior managers of the Science and Technology career opportunities in the
SAPS.
the SAPS went on a community outreach in the
Umzumbe municipal area. Also in attendance Minister Cele also used the opportunity to reiterate State
were KwaZulu-Natal MEC of Agriculture and President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call for society to mobilise
Land Affairs, MEC Sithole Moloi and the MEC of against the scourge of gender-based violence. General Cele
Social Development, Mr Mavimbela. urged male learners to respect women and give women
their space. Female learners were also encouraged to
Minister Cele was to lead a multidisciplinary community empower themselves with education as a key to a bright
imbizo to engage with the community of Umzumbe in the future, and claim their rightful place.
quest to intensify rural safety as well as to strengthen
relations between the police and the community. The
imbizo could regrettably not take place due to the weather
conditions.
However, the visit to Minister Cele’s alma mater,
Umthwalume High School, where the Minister was both a
learner and a teacher some years back, materialised as
excited learners and teachers braved the rainy weather to
engage with their alumnus.
This special trip to the school formed part of the SAPS’s
school-safety drive, where Minister Cele saw fit to give the
school’s computer laboratory a deserved boost with 20
laptops that were donated by the PSIRA.
08 POLICE FEBRUARY 2020
NEW DIVISIONAL COMMISSIONER
LIEUTENANT GENERAL SEMPE, SHARES HIS VISION AND PLANS
FOR THE VISIBLE POLICING DIVISION
By Capt Vincent Mukhathi
Photographs by Capt Ndanduleni Nyambeni
T he newly appointed Divisional Commissioner
for the Visible Policing Division, Lt Gen
Moeketsi Sempe, has outlined his vision and
he would focus on key areas such as corruption, skills
development, basic policing, discipline and professionalism,
to mention but a few.
plans to align the division with the vision of the He quoted one of the best African leaders, Prof Patrick
SAPS and the strategic plans of the organisation. Lumumba, who said, “The tragedy confronting Africa is that
her leaders have taken the path of misgovernance”.
Speaking to the personnel from Firearms, Liquor and
Second-hand Goods Control (Flash) at the engagement “Governance is everything to the world and is everything to
session recently held at the SAPS Tshwane Academy on 5 us. Misgovernance breeds corruption. It is expected for all of
February 2020, Lt Gen Sempe told members to have a clear us to stand for the truth and to do what is right”, said Lt Gen
understanding of the SAPS’s Constitutional mandate and the Sempe
SAPS’s vision.
On dealing with any corrupt activities within the Flash
Lt Gen Sempe started off by sharing his background, work environment, he told members that corruption would not
experience and his academic credentials. He indicated that be tolerated at all. “Immediately when you collude with the
he was honoured and humbled by his appointment as the applicants or role players, you are going to make us fail
Divisional Commissioner for Visible Policing, which came to realise a crime-free South Africa. You cannot process
with many responsibilities. applications for firearms for people that you know do
not qualify. Any form of corruption violates the standing
When outlining his vision and plans for his new role in the operational procedures, and will be dealt with harshly.
Visible Policing Division, Lt Gen Sempe pointed out that Corruption and ill-discipline, I hate,” said Lt Gen SempeFEBRUARY 2020 POLICE 09
As he touched on skills development, Lt Gen Sempe As part of revival, Lt Gen Sempe indicated that they would
encouraged members to take call-up instructions to attend implement the Simunye Integrated Model – “We are one” in
any training or developmental programmes seriously. order to foster cohesion among the employees of the Visible
Policing Division.
“I expect any employee who is nominated for any
developmental programme or training, to do so without “In terms of the Simunye Integrated Model, we are going
hesitation. Try to sharpen your sword and sharpen the to present programmes to foster group cohesion. We
corridors of your thinking all the time, so that you will be on will demolish the partition walls that we have built in
par with what is happening around the globe, and become a our working environments. We do not want to see Flash,
highly skilled employee,” said Lt Gen Sempe. Social Crime Prevention or Proactive Policing, but to see
the members of the Visible Policing Division united,” he
In dealing with Basic Policing Model issues, Lt Gen explained.
Sempe emphasised the need to professionalise the Flash
environment to respond to the Basic Policing Model of the Explaining restoration, Lt Gen Sempe indicated that the
SAPS. He said that implementing the Basic Policing Model, SAPS needed to promote the Basic Policing Model in order
will enable the SAPS to uphold the authority of the State. to bring those things that used to work, back and to restore
He also warned that police officers must stop creating the basic policing. He also touched on introducing quarterly
challenges for officers on duty by drinking in public. awards in order to recognise individuals within the division
for their outstanding performances.
“Police officers must stop drinking in public spaces. How
are we going to assert authority, if we are found drunk As he concluded his address, Lt Gen Sempe stressed that
on the streets? Police officers must behave in a manner the Strategic Policing Model will enable all the units in the
that will promote the integrity and the good image of this division to work together to raise awareness and mobilise
organisation and assert the authority of the State,” he communities regarding issues related to firearms, liquor
stressed. and second-hand goods. He stressed that for the SAPS to
succeed, members needed to mobilise the public in the fight
Addressing the issue of professionalising the SAPS against crime.
as indicated in the National Development Plan, Lt Gen
Sempe highlighted that he would devise strategies to
professionalise Visible Policing through revival, restoration
and reformation and a multidisciplinary approach in pursuit
of the Turnaround Vision of the SAPS.10 POLICE FEBRUARY 2020
Q&A - FIREARM AMNESTY Question: Will I receive proof for receipt of surrendered illegal firearm?
S ergeant ‘Know-it-all’ Provides answers to
frequently asked firearm amnesty questions,
and here is what he had to say:
Sgt ‘Know-it-all’: Yes, a person who surrenders his/her firearm,
firearm part or ammunition during the period of amnesty, will be
required to complete and sign the necessary forms and will get an
acknowledgment of receipt.
Question: If I surrender a firearm in compliance with firearm amnesty,
may I apply for a licence in respect of such firearm?
Question: Will I be paid any money or compensation for any item I
surrender under the Firearm Amnesty?
Sgt ‘Know-it-all’: Yes. In terms of section 139(4) (a) of the Firearms
Control Act, any person who surrenders a firearm in compliance with
Sgt ‘Know-it-all’: No compensation will be paid to any person who
amnesty may apply for a license in respect of such firearm. If a license
surrenders a firearm during the firearm amnesty.
is granted, the surrendered firearm and ammunition must be returned
to the holder of the license.
Question: What will happen to the surrendered firearms?
Question: What is required when an application for a firearm licence
Sgt ‘Know-it-all’: All firearms and firearm parts surrendered will be
is lodged by a person who surrendered his or her firearm under the
IBIS tested and the firearms/parts and ammunition will be forfeited to
above circumstances?
the state and be destroyed after been Gazetted.
Sgt ‘Know-it-all’: The following requirements will apply;
Question: Did the South African Police Service implement measures
• The limitation on the number of firearms for the different
to address the possible loss, theft or damage of firearms that were
categories a person may legally possess;
surrendered, for which an application for a firearm license was lodged?
• The applicant must be in possession of a valid competency
certificate for the firearm for which a licence is applied for;
Sgt ‘Know-it-all’: Yes. Measures have been put in place to ensure
• A person who applies for a firearm licence, is required to
that all surrendered firearms are secured pending finalisation of the
physically hand in the firearm to the Designated Amnesty Official,
applications for licenses.
and lodge an application for a firearm license in respect of that
firearm within 14-days.
Question: Can I surrender my licenced firearm, if I don’t need it
anymore?
Question: Where can applicants submit the application?
Sgt ‘Know-it-all’: Yes, any firearm may be surrendered at your nearest
Sgt ‘Know-it-all’: The application must be submitted to the Designated
police station.
Amnesty Official of the area where the applicant resides with the
following supporting documents:
Question: Can the holder of a green card licence participate in the
amnesty process and, if so, can he also apply for a license in respect of
A certified copy of the applicant’s competency certificate (if already
the surrendered firearm?
issued). In cases where the applicant does not possess a competency
certificate, he/she must apply for a competency certificate in
Sgt ‘Know-it-all’: Yes, holders of such licences may voluntary
accordance with the provisions of
surrender their firearms for destruction or migrate to the white licence
the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No 60 of 2000).
following the normal application process.
Completed form 271 on which the applicant must indicate his/her
Question: Where can I get further information regarding the Firearm
intention to apply for the specific firearm licence.
Amnesty process or if I have any enquiries in this regard?
The application for a firearm licence will only be accepted by the
Sgt ‘Know-it-all’: Information regarding the Firearms Amnesty may be
Designated Amnesty Official on condition that it is in compliance with
obtained at your nearest police station, may be accessed on the SAPS
the provisions of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No 60 of 2000).
website: www.saps.gov.za or the Central Firearm Registry Enquiry
Desk may be contacted at 012 353 6111 (available 24-hours, including
Comprehensive motivation to support the need for the firearm licence,
weekends). Firearm Amnesty, an opportunity not to be missed.
preferably in the form of a statement under oath or affirmation.
Certified copy of the legal firearm licence, permit or authorisation
applicable to the specific firearm (if applicable). We shall all live in a safer South Africa, if we all spread the message
to ensure a smooth Firearm Amnesty Process and afford South
Yes, any person who surrenders an illegal firearm during the firearm Africans the opportunity to surrender illegal/unwanted firearms,
amnesty, may apply for a firearm license in terms of the Firearms ammunition and/or firearm parts.
Control Act, 2000 (Act No 60 of 2000) in respect of such a firearm, if he
or she is able to produce documentary proof of previous ownership. ‘Zizojika izinto’, turning the tide against crime.
Question: May another person apply for a license other than the person Commanders are encouraged to share information with all
who surrendered the illegal firearm during the firearm amnesty? employees, especially those who have no access to emails, for
effective and qualitative service delivery.
Sgt ‘Know-it-all’: No, only the person who physically surrendered
the firearm may apply for a firearm license for the specific firearm
surrendered.FEBRUARY 2020 POLICE 11
TOURVEST AFRICAN ICON DONATES
MUCH NEEDED CASH TO BOOST THE SAPS’ EDUCATION TRUST
By Capt Kgabo Mashamaite
I n order for the SAPS’ Eduction Trust (SAPSET)
to continue meeting the educational needs of
the children of the deceased members killed
in line of duty, the SAPSET always appreciates
financial contributions from individuals and
corporates to realise this objective.
The Tourvest African Icon is one such generous
company that came to the fore to donate the
large sum of R200 000 and close to 300 boxes of
Lego blocks with an estimated value of
R1 000 each, to the Trust’s offices in Tulbach
Park, Hatfield in Pretoria on 18 February 2020.
This is by far the largest financial contribution that African
Icon, a cycling invitational, has ever made to the Fund since
their partnership started in 2018, after having generously
donated about R56 816 from the proceeds of the 2018
invitational African Icon cycling tour. The staggering
R200 000 donation stems from the 2019 invitation cycling Mr Rory Steyn from Tourvest Africa Icon presents a R200 000 cheque to the
tour that included well known sporting and cultural icons Executive Secretary of the SAPS Education Trust Brig Nontobeko Sithole and
in the country, who have been cycling for a worthy cause. her team during a handing over ceremony.
The African Icon’s objective is to raise funds for the orphans
and the widows of SAPS members who lost their lives while
serving the nation, among other charities. through generous donations. The R200 000 will go a long
way in ensuring that those children whose parents met their
When handing over the cheque, Mr Rory Steyn, a former untimely death at the hands of criminals continue to receive
police officer of 17 years, said: “It takes a determined and the best education as their parents would have wished. Your
brave, yet ordinary member of society to join the SAPS generous donation will ensure that the orphaned children
because policing is a calling. Almost daily we hear of the complete the qualifications of their choice, attain skills and
tragic and pointless deaths of brave South Africans serving become employable. Once again, we are humbled by this
on the frontline of our Police Service, killed in the line of generous donation handed over for the education of the
duty. Sadly, we do not always realise the full implications of SAPSET beneficiaries. This is a great gesture that opens
their deaths and the destitute families they leave behind. In up more possibilities in the SAPS, and creates concrete
some instances they are the breadwinners and supporters cooperation between the community, the business fraternity
of more than just their own immediate families. This is and the SAPS,” said Brig Sithole.
therefore our humblest contribution to a very worthy cause,
to ensure that the families of these brave men and women
in blue continue to receive the best care and education that
the fallen heroes would have been proud of.” SAPSET always appreciates donations and no donation is
too big or too small. Any monetary donation may be paid
In her acceptance speech, the SAPSET Executive Secretary, into the following bank account:
Brig Nontobeko Sithole, said that the fund was grateful for
the generosity demonstrated by organisations such as the Beneficiary’s name: SAPSET Education Trust
African Icons in ensuring that the SAPSET continues to fulfil Bank account number: 1003359825
its objectives. Bank’s name: Nedbank
“On behalf of the fund and the entire organisation, we For any other form of donation, individuals and groups or
would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Tourvest corporations are advised to contact Brigadier Nontobeko
and African Icons which enable the SAPSET to sustain itself Sithole on 012 telephone number 432 7595, email
SitholeNontobeko@saps.gov.za or Col LM Sitole on
telephone number 012 432 7504 or SitoleLM@saps.gov.za.12 POLICE FEBRUARY 2020
BACK-TO-SCHOOL
SAFETY CAMPAIGN
By WO MR Magoro
T he Deputy Minister of Police, Mr Cassel
Mathale and the SAPS management, the
Department of Home Affairs, the Department
opportunity and paid a visit to the stalls to establish what
the organisation had in store for the learners, particularly
on pressing issues such as drugs, bullying, dangerous
weapons and misbehaviour at schools.
of Education and the Secretariat of the Police,
paid a visit to the Willows stadium at the Willows The event started with a kidnapping simulation by members
village on 10 February 2020 to meet with the of the Provincial Operational Response Services, who
learners of Makhutswe and Lepelle circuit, as displayed to the thousands of learners the capabilities of the
SAPS in responding to hostile and tense situations.
part of the ‘Back to school’ and ‘School Safety’
campaigns. As the day progressed, various speakers including the
Divisional Commissioner for Visible Policing, Lt Gen
The campaigns mainly focused on ensuring a Moeketsi Sempe, the Junior Deputy National Commissioner,
high level of support to learners in rural and Ms Ayanda Malapane, Kgosigadi Mametja, the Tzaneen
underprivileged communities. Community Police Forum Chairperson, Mr Kroh, Head
of Department for Home Affairs, Mr Matsaung and
More than 3 000 Grade 11 and 12 learners from various representatives from the Department of Education and
schools in Maruleng Municipality, attended the event. Maruleng Municipality, took turns in encouraging the
Learners and the Deputy Minister of Police seized the learners to behave appropriately at school and refrainFEBRUARY 2020 POLICE 13
BACK-TO-SCHOOL PROJECT
from criminal activities. In addition, the learners were also In his vote of thanks the Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo,
informed about the processes of applying for careers in the Lt Gen Nneke Ledwaba, clearly explained the correlation
SAPS. between a lack of education and criminal behaviour. “He who
opens a school door, closes a prison door,” he said.
In his keynote address Deputy Minister Mathale commended
the schools that performed exceptionally well in the previous Lt Gen Ledwaba believes that the campaign will surely
year’s exams. At the same time, he encouraged those who open doors and new avenues for many who did not have
did not do very well to study harder, focus on education and information about government services prior to attending
resist from entertainment and good times. “Monate ga o fele, the event. He added that it was the duty of government
go na le polelo ka sezulu ere, ‘eGoli’, kwandonga z’yaduma, departments, parents, communities and other official
kwanyama ay’pheli, kuphela amazinyo endoda…”, he said. structures to give children guidance and support.
He further emphasised the need for a paradigm shift in the The event served as a stepping stone and an initiative that will
child’s way of thinking and doing things, particularly regarding ensure that all children go to school with a sense of purpose
self-empowerment and realisation. Moreover, he encouraged that will allow them to become better and productive people
learners to study Maths and Science in order to stand a good in the future. “Zizojika izinto” - Turning the tide against crime.
chance of being enrolled in programmes that will enable them
to become productive people in the 4th industrial revolution,
since most of the careers such as pilots, engineers and
forensic scientists, need those subjects.14 POLICE FEBRUARY 2020 EHW
A PARENT’S ROLE IN PREVENTING
SUBSTANCE USE
Compiled by Capt Tshetlanyane
Parenting is an important component in the family system and plays a
key role in preparing children to assume diverse responsibilities. Parents
are expected to meet the basic needs of their children. They will do
almost anything to keep their children safe, however in their parenting
experiences, they are sometimes faced with considerable challenges such
as talking about substance use.
The importance of talking to your children about parents, they will seek clarity elsewhere, even if their
substance use and dependency sources are unreliable. Children who are not properly
informed, are at greater risk of engaging in unsafe
Talking to your children about substance use is a behaviour and experimenting with drugs.
conversation that parents need to have as drugs can ruin
a child’s life. As children grow older, they are influenced Why children try drugs
by the things they see on TV, the internet, social media
and what their peers say. As a result, they receive mixed Children use alcohol and other drugs for a number of
messages and they have to determine which information reasons. They usually try addictive substances because of
to believe. When they do not feel comfortable talking to peer pressure or their own curiosity. Other reasons include
the following:EHW FEBRUARY 2020 POLICE 15
• Availability of drugs in the neighbourhood List of organisations for support
• Prevalence of drug use among peers
• Exposure to violence or trauma Al-Anon
• Parental alcohol or drug use Al-Anon is a mutual support group of family members who
• To have fun and feel good are affected by a loved one’s problematic drinking. Al-Anon
• To look cool and fit in with friends. meetings are held across the country.
Contact number: 011 867 0731
How to discuss substance use with your child Email: alanongso@iafrica.com
24-hour helpline: 0861 252 666
Many children do not like being told what to do, and they
dislike being lectured. When communicating with them, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
parents should allow children’s input in the conversation. AA meetings are for people who have a drinking problem
Ask them what their views on drugs are and listen to their and want to stop drinking.
questions. A warm, open family environment where children Contact number: 012 993 5827
can talk about their feelings, where their achievements are Email: npaa@aasouthafrica.org.za
praised, and where their self-esteem is boosted encourages 24-hour helpline: 0861 435 722
children to raise questions and concerns. When you talk
about the dangers of alcohol and other drugs, emphasize South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug
the negative side effects that can result from substance Dependence (SANCA)
abuse. SANCA organisations render various treatment services
ranging from early intervention, detoxification, in- and out-
Helping yourself patient services and aftercare.
Contact number: 012 542 1121/ 081 318 1511
The parents of children who use drugs, often develop Email: info@sancapta.co.za
feelings of guilt or shame. If your child develops substance
use disorder, that does not mean you have failed as a References
parent. It means your child needs more attention and Borwick K - A Substance Abuse Guide for Parents
support. You can find support for yourself by seeking Kalam A & Mthembu TG - Parent’s experiences of parenting
assistance from organisations that assist parents or family an adolescent abusing substances.
members affected by addiction. Talking to other people who
are experiencing situations that are similar to yours, can be
therapeutic and beneficial.
If you need any support or further information about substance-related matters,
feel free to contact the divisional or provincial social worker OR the Substance Desk
team members:
Lt Col TL Mathole - 012 393 5232 or MatholeT@saps.gov.za
Capt S Manyike - 012 393 5173 or KhubebaMD@saps.gov.za
Capt D Tshivhase - 012 393 5234 or TshivhaseD@saps.gov.za
Capt BV Tshetlanyane - 012 393 5177 or TshetlanyaneB@saps.gov.za
WO LN Mthimkhulu - 012 393 5203 or MthimkhuluL@saps.gov.za
WO P Mokebe - 012 393 5186 or MatholeT@saps.gov.za
You may also contact the social worker on standby (after hours) at
082 301 2138.16 POLICE FEBRUARY 2020
FLASH NEWS
EASTERN CAPE SAPS PARTNERS WITH OLD MUTUAL IN HANDING OVER
CLASSROOMS TO A DISADVANTAGED SCHOOL
By PO V Nyamakazi
S chool Safety Month is a time when special The infrastructure of this school was not conducive to
attention is given to reducing the leading learning, and it was then that the local businessman Mr
Sicelo Nabile, owner of Sicelonkosi Funeral Parlour, the
causes of injury and possible death in the community and the youth of Fama, came together and
workplace, the roads, in our homes and more contributed to the building of this school.
especially safety in our schools.
“Those were tough times, we did the best we could” as he
On Thursday, 20 February 2020 in Flagstaff, the community pointed at the classrooms that had been built with mud,
of Fama Village, a small village situated at the OR Tambo which became dilapidated, “but because the cries of the
District, witnessed a joint partnership between Old Mutual, parents were too loud, we were determined to give our
the police in Eastern Cape and the Eastern Cape Department children the greatest gift of life, education,” said Mr Ntata.
of Education when two classrooms were handed over and
officially opened at Fama Senior Primary School. Giving his purpose of the day address, Mr Khaya Ndamase,
the Regional Head of Old Mutual, explained to the crowd
Mr Sithethi Ntanta, a retired school principal, gave a brief that the company took priority in social responsibilities and
background of the school. “This school was built in 1976 by social economic development.
the community of Fama under the leadership of the former
school principal, Ms Nomahlubi Rosemarry (MaNdlovu) “During this month, with our stakeholders, we saw it
Jarha. It is unfortunate that she is no more. We know her fitting that we give two prefabricated classrooms to this
spirit is with us as she continues to rest in peace,” he school. The infrastructure of most schools situated in
expressed. disadvantaged areas remains a challenge in our country.
Success does not happen overnight. It takes time, endurance
and determination. Old Mutual is committed to supportingFEBRUARY 2020 POLICE 17
FLASH NEWS
our local schools in every possible way,” he vowed. the protection of learners from violence, exposure to
Also honouring this event was Mr Andile Cwele, the Principal dangerous weapons and threats, theft, bullying, and dealing
of Mali Junior Secondary School, Mr Phumzile Mayekiso in illegal substances on school grounds. We as the Eastern
from the local office of the Department of Education, the Cape Police Service, will not tolerate negative behaviour,”
School Student Governing Body, representatives of various she emphasized.
Ward Committees under the Ingquza Local Municipality,
representatives of the Traditional Leaders and the Women’s The learners took this opportunity to render an historical
fellowship from different churches. dance abstracted from the South African Musical Sarafina,
to entertain the crowd and to showcase their talents and
In her crime awareness message of support, the Cluster appreciation of this wonderful gesture.
Communication Official, Captain Dineo Koena, addressed the
learners about social crime prevention. “The South African In his closing remarks, Mr Zandisile Fada, the School
Police Service has developed a strategy for the prevention Principal, said: “No words can explain our gratitude. It
and management of alcohol and drug use among learners is important for parents and communities to actively
in schools. As schools mirror communities, curbing drug participate in addressing and promoting school safety.
use in schools will, in turn, prevent drug use within the Parents and communities are well positioned to ensure
communities and render them safe for all citizens. You that children are safe wherever they are. This school has
are the future of this province, the country and the nation. produced graduates who make us proud. To the SAPS Band,
School safety can be defined as schools and school-related who would have thought that we would ever have the SAPS
activities where learners are safe from violence, bullying, Band coming to our school? You have coloured this joyful
harassment, and substance abuse. Safer schools promote event beautifully. We thank you.”18 POLICE FEBRUARY 2020
JCPS CLUSTER
ENHANCES ALEXANDRA POLICING AND
COMMUNITY RELATIONS
By Capt Kgabo Mashamaite
Mr Linda Thwala, a highly respected community member and acclaimed philanthropist in the Alexandra Township, outlining the residents’ challenges during the
Ministerial Imbizo convened by the Ministry of Police and the SAPS Top Management.
T he community of Alexandra responded in
their numbers to the Ministerial Imbizo
convened by the Ministry of Police and the
implementation of the Alexandra Renewal Programme as
part of the environmental design, will greatly help the police
officers to effectively patrol this area. Working with the JCPS
Cluster, we can defeat criminal syndicates and ensure that
SAPS’s top management at the Alexandra Alexandra is safe.
Stadium on 16 February 2020.
The City of Johannesburg’s MMC for Public Safety, Cllr
The objective of the event was to engage with community Mally Mokoena, said that the strict enforcement of the
members on policing matters, with the aim of enhancing city’s by-laws would be effected to ensure that individuals
policing and community relations. refrain from erecting illegal structures on pavements and
directly in front of people’s driveways. Cllr Mokoena said
In his keynote address, the Deputy Minister of Police, that other tenants would deliberately build walls to block
Mr Cassel Mathale, said that the event was a form of landlords in their own yards, and so deliberately avoided
government, particularly the Justice, Crime Prevention paying rent according to their agreement. She also said that
and Security Cluster (JCPS) departments to account to the her department would ensure that those corrupt municipal
people. officials who illegally sell RDP houses to undeserving
recipients, would be dealt with harshly.
“We have made a commitment to ensure that this will be
a people-centered government where we draw a mandate National Police Commissioner, General Khehla Sitole, said
from different communities in order to ensure proper that the imbizo provided the police with the opportunity
service delivery to communities. We have brought along to share the SAPS’s crime-fighting strategies designed
departments such as the National Prosecuting Authority, specifically to deal with the challenges faced by the
the Justice Department and the Independent Police community in the area. “Through the SAPS’s Turnaround
Investigative Directorate (IPID), among others, in order to Vision with the theme ‘Journey to a safer society’, the
provide feedback and to explain to the community what journey will start here in Alexandra as it was pronounced
their functions entail, what happens after a suspect has by the President of the country in his State of the Nation
been arrested, what are the processes taken when that Address last year where he called on all community
person receives bail, and what are the factors that are being members to work with the police to ensure that peace and
considered when bail is granted. We call upon community stability are maintained in the country. The Alexandra Police
members and youth organisations to work with us to Station has been identified as one of the most troublesome
ensure that we eradicate all forms of crime in the area. TheFEBRUARY 2020 POLICE 19
to provide service delivery to the community, and compile
a report and also deploy seasoned investigating officers to
deal with the backlog of cold cases and probably reopen
the investigations.
General Sitole also promised members of the community
that the Safer City project and the proposed Alexandra
Online Action Plan APP, as well as the possibility of using
drones as a form of policing in the near future, would
greatly assist the police in improving policing in the area.
In his response with regard to the shooting incident
between the SAPS’s members and criminals where a
woman lost her life after having been hit by a stray bullet,
the Acting Head of the IPID, Mr Victor Senne, assured
the community that the investigation had almost been
completed and the directorate was awaiting the post-
mortem results and the ballistics report.
The Deputy Minister of Police Mr Cassel Mathale addressing the community of
Alexandra during the Ministerial Imbizo.
policing areas and fortunately, it falls within the 10 policing
focus areas in Johannesburg’s safer city pilots. This is also
informed by the Community Policing Strategy – the Service
Charter which demands of us, as police members, to come
and engage with members of the public to measure the
impact of service the community receives from the police and
what those policing aspects that the community would like
the SAPS to look at, are in order to ensure effective policing
in the area,” said General Sitole.
Members of the community were afforded an opportunity to
ask questions and air their views, especially with regard to
the security services rendered within the Alexandra policing
area.
Mr Linda Thwala, a highly respected community member Members of the community of Alexandra responded in their numbers to
and an acclaimed philanthropist of the Alexandra Township, attend the Ministerial Imbizo convened by the Ministry of Police and the
remarked that it was about time that the government built SAPS Top Management at the Alexandra Stadium.
the elderly an old-age home that would look after them as
they were always vulnerable to criminal elements.
According to the Alexandra Youth Desk chairperson, Mr
Marvin Tsotetsi, drug abuse among the youth in the area
remained a primary concern because most of youngsters
were unemployed and sitting idle, creating a conducive
environment for criminal syndicates to take advantage of.
The Gauteng Provincial Community Policing Forum
chairperson, Mr Thokozani Masilela, urged community
members to enrol for the police’s informer network in order
to effectively uproot crime in the area. Mr Masilela further
warned about the increase of unregulated and unregistered
churches as a cause for concern.
Responding to the concerns about the police’s apparent
lack of response to complaints and the so-called cold cases,
General Sitole said that within seven days, he would deploy The Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lt Gen Elias Mawela addressing
a team consisting of the Visible Policing and Inspectorate the briefing with the Deputy National Commissioner Assets and Legal
Management Lt Gen Francinah Vuma and the Divisional Commissioner of
members to investigate all the processes that were followed Visible Policing Lt Gen Moeketsi Sempe.20 POLICE FEBRUARY 2020
GENERAL MAWELA HOLDS IMBIZOS
TO IMPROVE POLICING IN GAUTENG
By Capt Vincent Mukhathi
Photographs by WO Theo van Wyk
T he Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen
Elias Mawela, held a series of successful
imbizos in the four districts to interact and
engage with members, and to share his vision
on improving policing in Gauteng.
This was his third Provincial Commissioner’s imbizo
to engage with junior members from level 1-10 in the
Tshwane district. It was held at the Herlewing Sentrum,
Wonderboompoort in Pretoria North on 19 February 2020,
following the other two held at the Central Johannesburg
and East Rand Districts. The last one was held in the West
Rand district.
Before Lt Gen Mawela addressed the police officials
and public servants, they were given the opportunity to
voice their concerns regarding promotions, their working
environment as well as their proposed ways of improving Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lt Gen Elias Mawela outlining his vision and
policing and police safety, combating crime and the role of plans to combat crime during the Provincial Commissioner Imbizo.
technology in the fight against crime.
“I call upon you to go out there and arrest these wanted
Giving feedback to members at the imbizo after he had suspects and stop them from committing crime. We can do
held consultative meetings with the various stakeholders it together, and we can make a positive difference,” said Lt
and community forums, Lt Gen Mawela indicated that they Gen Mawela.
had all told him that the police were involved in corrupt
activities. They explained that the police members were Lt Gen Mawela welcomed suggestions by the members
colluding with drug dealers and using State resources to to implement the use of new technology tools that would
protect them. He warned the police members that they could assist the police to improve fighting crime and protecting
not fool the public, nor could they hide their dirty deeds. the public, as well as safeguarding themselves when
performing their duties.
“Community members demand that serious steps be taken
against members who are involved in criminal activities. “The SAPS is currently working on new laws in order
If we catch you, there will be very serious consequences. to incorporate the use of drones. E–policing will be
Any police officer who decides to commit criminal activities, implemented in Gauteng soon. We will be the first to
must know that they will not get any protection from us and implement E-policing in the fight against crime. I like the
they are not part of us,” said Lt Gen Mawela. idea of dashboard cameras and body cameras in order
to improve ways to deal with car hijacking incidents or to
He also pointed out that it was time for members to redeem capture incidents digitally,” he said.
themselves and the organisation, so that the organisation
will be respected, trusted and taken seriously by the public. Concluding his remarks, Lt Gen Mawela urged junior
He urged members to change the negative perceptions members to support and to participate in the Junior
about police officials in the country. Management Core initiative. “This initiative will benefit us
all and it will produce brilliant future leaders and ensure
Giving the strategic direction in the fight against crime, Lt a succession plan to come into fusion within the SAPS. It
Gen Mawela highlighted that Gauteng contributed 50% to the is an opportunity for you to devise new ideas to take this
National Crime Statistics – more than any other province. He organisation to greater heights,” said Lt Gen Mawela.
told members to walk the extra mile in order to combat and
reduce the high rate of cash-in-transit cases and to arrest
the most wanted suspects on the streets of Gauteng.You can also read
