POLICE - #ICHOOSEVACCINATION ON A JOURNEY TO A SAFER SOUTH AFRICA - SAPS
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JULY 2021 | 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
#ICHOOSEVACCINATION
ON A JOURNEY TO A SAFER SOUTH AFRICA
#Selfless&PatrioticService
01
CONTENTS
02 National Commissioner’s 14 EHW: Saving Money POLICE
Message The POLICE magazine is published by
the Publications and Broadcast Section
16 Flash News of Corporate Communication.
03 Honouring the Late Deputy National HEAD:
Commissioner Lt Gen Mfazi 18 Death and Escapes in Custody CORPORATE COMMUNICATION
Maj Gen Mathapelo Peters
SUB-SECTION HEAD:
04 Covid-19 Vaccination 20 Firearm Destruction INTERNAL PUBLICATIONS
Col Linda van den Berg
012 393 7075
06 Covid: All you need to know 21 Missing Persons SUBEDITOR
Lt Col Fundiswa Maphanga
012 393 7104
09 #Ichoosevaccination 22 Wanted Persons JOURNALISTS:
Lt Col Erica Holtzhausen
012 393 7106
10 Celebrating Mandela Day Capt Keitumetse Mmushi
012 393 7138
Capt Vincent Mukhathi
012 393 7088
Capt Kgabo Mashamaite
012 393 7151
Capt Ndanduleni Nyambeni
012 393 7279
W
WO Percy Sepaela
e can late DNC remembering his 39-year 012 393 7108
change contribution to the organisation with a
LAYOUT
the world and drive-through memorial (p 3). Let us in WO Henk Venter
make it a better honour of their lives do all that we can to COVER
place. It is in your contain the spread of the virus. Capt Ndanduleni Nyambeni
hands to make a LANGUAGE EDITING BY:
Scientists have found that herd immunity Lt Col Ilze-Mari Visagie
difference.” is key to eradicating the virus. Working SAPS POLICE ONLINE:
– President Nelson closely with the Department of Health, Lt Col Johan Heüer
Mandela 012 393 7030
Polmed, Gems and Labour Unions, the SAPS heuer@saps.gov.za
launched our vaccination drive on 5 July in
REPUBLISHING
Helping just one person – no matter the strife to get our over 180 000 population Permission to republish articles
how small the action – can change vaccinated (pp 4-5). National Commissioner, contained in the POLICE may be
that person’s life, thereby changing General Khehla Sitole led the charge by obtained from the Head: Corporate
Communication. The opinions
the world. The late President Mandela’s being the first uniformed officer to take the expressed in the POLICE are
philanthropic spirit lives on as people all vaccine. not necessarily those of the Head:
over the world perform charitable deeds in Corporate Communication, his staff
or of the POLICE authorities.
commemoration of Mandela Day, 18 July, Since then, scores of policewomen and
INDEMNITY
annually. policemen have been vaccinated against Contributions, photographs and
Covid-19 at one of the 108 registered sites other material sent to the POLICE for
The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in new across the country, and they lived to tell the publication must be accompanied
by a stamped and self-addressed
socio-economic challenges and exacerbated tale, which many say was without drama as envelope. Contributions are returned
old ones. Therefore, our men and women the side effects were mild and short-lived at the risk of the contributor. The
in blue went beyond the call of duty and POLICE reserves the right to effect
(p 9). Though many of our members were changes to any contribution.
celebrated the late President Mandela by excited to become vaccinated, some are still
COPYRIGHT POLICE
assisting underprivileged and vulnerable apprehensive for various reasons. Copyright reserved
people in their communities throughout
the month of July (pp 10-12). Members are The feature on Covid-19 and its vaccine (pp
encouraged to extend a helping hand to 6-8) seeks to debunk the myths, common
those in need even beyond Madiba Day. misconceptions and conspiracy theories
purported, especially on social media.
The pandemic continues to wreak havoc as Members are urged to read this feature to @ SAPoliceService
we traverse the third wave and sadly, our gain knowledge, share facts with your peers
organisation has not been spared largely and families, and clear any misconceptions South African
due to operational exposure. Amongst the in dealing with vaccine hesitance. Please Police Service
members we have lost recently is the late vaccinate to save lives. (SAPS Official Page)
Deputy National Commissioner, Lt Gen
Sindile Mfazi. The SAPS paid tribute to the Maj Gen Mathapelo Peters www.pretoriacentral@queenspark.com
02 POLICE JULY 2021 JULY 2021 POLICE 03
At the same time, members need to enforce the law with due
consideration of all limitations and within the confines of the SAPS
Code of Conduct.
Let me at this point acknowledge and appreciate the valuable role
played by our communities as many arrests, came as a result
of tip-offs that streamed in via our Crime Stop number and the
MySAPS app. Some collaborated with the police as force multipliers
as we saw in certain areas, citizens who physically ensured their
malls and shopping centres were not affected. In this regard, our
HONOURING THE LATE
endeavour to strengthen and maintain healthy community-police
partnerships, has been vindicated. DEPUTY NATIONAL COMMISSIONER
The spirit of unity and selflessness during the clean-up operations
that followed, makes me proud to be a South African and reminds
me of the late President Nelson Mandela, who always opted for
peace and helping others without expecting anything in return.
LT GEN MFAZI
By Capt Keitumetse Mmushi
As a nation, we have been in tough situations before and we have Photographs by Capt Kgabo Mashamaite
overcome them. We are a resilient nation and we will recover from
this as we have recovered from other atrocities in the past.
T
Meanwhile, we continue to face another stark reality in the form of he SAPS held a drive-by memorial service for
the Covid-19 that has since its outbreak dealt a heavy blow to the
the late Deputy National Commissioner: Crime
country and our organisation, with the number of positive cases
NATIONAL COMMISSIONER’S MESSAGE and casualties continuing to rise amidst the current third wave. Detection, Lieutenant General Sindile Mfazi, at the
Research points to herd immunisation as the key to defeating SAPS Tshwane Academy on 13 July 2021.
GENERAL KHEHLA JOHN SITOLE this deadly virus, and returning to life as we knew it prior to the
pandemic. Through our Vaccine Rollout Project we seek to ensure The official memorial service was attended by the SAPS’s top
the vaccination of all our members and employees, including management as well as the Mfazi family. All the speakers at
Reservists, Trainees at Academies and Interns. the memorial service described Lt Gen Mfazi as a dedicated
member of the SAPS who always heeded the call of duty
K
The late Deputy National Commissioner, Lt Gen Mfazi, dedicated 39 years of
waZulu-Natal and parts of Gauteng were recently We have at the same time observed a level of hesitance and to ensure that the strategic objectives of the SAPS were his life to policing in the country.
plummeted into a state of civil unrest and reluctance towards taking the vaccine and it is my belief that this is achieved.
lawlessness, which saw the blockading of national as a result of the proliferation of fake news and conspiracy theories loss of Lt Gen Mfazi had dealt the family a severe blow, but
roads, looting of businesses and destruction of especially on social media. I therefore urge our members to acquire In his tribute, the National Commissioner of the SAPS,
that knowing that he had made a contribution to the South
information on the virus from reputable sources towards making General Khehla Sitole, said that Lt Gen Mfazi was patriotic,
property. African society, gave them some comfort.
informed decisions about whether or not to take the vaccine. highly intelligent, and hardworking. “Lieutenant General
The Covid-19 vaccine helps in minimising the virus’s symptoms Mfazi worked very hard every day to advance the safety
We earlier this month, through the National Joint Operational and At the time of his passing, Lt Gen Mfazi had dedicated 39
should one become infected, and also minimises the probability of of South African communities. He gave selflessly of his
Intelligence Structure (NatJOINTS), had to mobilise maximum years of his life protecting and serving the citizens of this
spreading the virus. time and energy to the Government he had sworn to serve,
resources in response to acts of lawlessness that resulted in country. In the first 13 years of his law enforcement career, Lt
the Constitution he pledged to defend and protect, and his
looting and torching of businesses, violence, and loss of multiple Gen Mfazi served as a member of the Non-Statutory Forces
The SAPS has to date lost over 670 members to Covid-19 greatest loyalty was reserved for our country and its people.
lives, largely in KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng Province. This, it (NSF). He began his career in the SAPS after the integration
is reported, was sparked off by the incarceration of former while others are still recuperating from the long-lasting effects of all police forces in 1995, at the rank of major [lieutenant
after contracting the virus. Most recently, our Deputy National He did not regard his career in the SAPS as a vocation, but
President Jacob Zuma after the Constitutional Court found him colonel].
Commissioner for Crime Detection, Lieutenant General Sindile as his calling. I worked very closely with him for many years
guilty of contempt of court and sentenced him to 15 months’ direct
Mfazi passed away due to Covid-19 related complications. We lost and regarded him as an esteemed colleague. I can attest to
imprisonment. Lt Gen Mfazi was promoted to the rank of senior
a patriotic and selfless Executive Manager who dedicated almost the fact that every task that he executed, no matter how small
superintendent [colonel] in 1996. He was then promoted to
39 years of his life to serving the country. On behalf of the SAPS or big, he performed with sheer passion, selflessness and
The response by the security forces at the onset of these incidents the rank of director [brigadier] in 2001, and took up the post of
family, we extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends patriotism. It is a great tragedy to have lost him,” he said.
that started with the blockading of national routes and torching Assistant Commissioner in 2010 at the rank of major general.
of over 30 trucks in KZN, has been questioned and brought under and colleagues of all men and women in blue and our support Lt Gen Mfazi attained the rank of lieutenant general in 2018
personnel who lost their battle against the Coronavirus. The Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele, said that although
scrutiny. To this end, President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed a and had been serving in the top echelons of the organisation
cut short, Lt Gen Mfazi’s mission of renewing and rebuilding
panel of experts to examine all security responses to the unrest. We until his passing.
As law enforcement officers, our risk of contracting the virus several identified police stations to restore the community’s
should therefore allow this process to unfold and run its course.
remains high due to operational exposure. We must therefore, do faith in the SAPS’s ability to effectively render services, must
all that we can to protect ourselves from the effects of the Covid-19. be continued by those left behind.
After stabilising the situation across the country, we again through
Let us remain cognisant of all pharmaceutical interventions and Lieutenant General Mfazi was awarded the following
the NatJOINTS, embarked on recovery operations in support of
continue to maintain social distancing, wear masks, and sanitise “Lieutenant General Mfazi was among those rare individuals medals during his career:
government’s economic recovery plan. A number of arrests were
our hands, work stations and vehicles at all times. To protect who had a kind and gentle soul. It will be difficult to find a
effected in this regard and stolen/looted property recovered. Here
ourselves, our colleagues, and our families against the virus, let us leader of similar calibre. We are poorer without Lieutenant • SAPS 75th year Anniversary Medal
too, the legality of our operations has been questioned almost to a
all dispel the misinformation around the vaccine and get inoculated. General Mfazi, for the man had an in-depth understanding of • SAPS 10-year Commemoration Medal
point where it appears society is forgetting that looting is a crime.
crime and its root causes. It is indeed going to be difficult to • SAPS 10-year Loyal Service Medal
I want to urge members to not be discouraged or demoralised.
I took the vaccine. You should too. Towards a Covid-19-free SAPS! fill the space that he has left. He was instrumental in solving • 2010 Soccer World Cup Support Medal
We have a responsibility to enforce the law without fear or favour;
complex cases in both the Eastern and Western Cape, where • Centenary Medal
while crime in the country requires fortitude and mental strength.
he spent most of his time serving the SAPS,” he said. • Amalgamation Medal
ON A JOURNEY TO A SAFER SOUTH AFRICA The family’s spokesperson, Mr Lindela Mfazi, said that the • SAPS 20-year Loyal Service Medal
#ChooseVaccination #WalalaWasala • SAPS 30-year Loyal Service Medal
04 POLICE JULY 2021 JULY 2021 POLICE 05
VACCINATION
COVID-19 VACCINATION
CRUCIAL FOR POLICE HEALTH
By Capt Vincent Mukhathi
Photographs by Capt Ndanduleni Nyambeni
M embers of the SAPS have begun vaccinating
against Covid-19, not only to protect
themselves, but also to protect the large number
of people they come into contact with daily, while
serving the country.
A member receiving his jab at the launch of the SAPS Vaccination Drive. The National Commissioner, General Khehla Sitole receiving his jab at the
Orlando Stadium.
said: “We wish that this could have been done earlier so
that we did not have to lose those members. Of the 32 500
members infected, we thank God that over 30 000 have fully
recovered.”
The Acting Minister of Health, Ms Mmamoloko Kubayi-
Ngubane, reiterated the importance of the SAPS’s
vaccination roll-out. “Vaccinating the police is critical
because the SAPS plays an important role in assisting us to
manage the pandemic. We do our best, as the Department
of Health, in terms of hospitalisation and restrictions, but
it is law enforcement at the forefront of ensuring that
[restrictions] are implemented,” she said.
Speaking before taking his jab, General Sitole highlighted
how the vaccination of members aligned with the SAPS’s
Turnaround Vision and Police Safety Strategy. “The first
deliverable is that of building a healthy organisation.
We know that we cannot fight crime with an unhealthy
Covid-19 remains a mortal threat to everyone, but protected so that we can protect other people. We thank the workforce. Vaccination is a demonstration of this deliverable
inoculation against the virus is the key to lowering stakeholders, GEMS, Polmed and [all other] role players that – to show members of the SAPS that we invest in their
the risk of contracting, spreading, and dying from the have made this day possible,” he said. health and want to make sure that they are safe as they go
virus. Reaching herd immunisation is critical to the out to work,” he said.
renormalisation of policing in the country and life in general Minister Cele also explained that the vaccinations would
as we knew it before the pandemic. be available to every employee of the SAPS (over 180 000) General Sitole further called on all members of the SAPS to
throughout the country. “We hope it will not take too long get vaccinated and urged them to continue ensuring that the
The Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele and the National for everybody to get their jabs in the different provinces. nation complied with Covid-19 protocols.
Commissioner of the SAPS, General Khehla Sitole, were the We are not too many, we hope to finalise the vaccination
first to receive their Johnson & Johnson jabs at the launch programme in the shortest time possible. We believe we will Both police unions, the Police and Prisons Civil Rights
of the SAPS’s Vaccination Drive at the Orlando Stadium in all be much safer after that,” he said. Union and the South African Police Union welcomed the
Soweto on 5 July 2021. vaccination programme, and made a clarion call to all SAPS
However, Minister Cele also emphasised that people, though employees to be vaccinated so that they could do their work
Speaking at the launch, Minister Cele said that police vaccinated, still needed to socially distance, wear masks, as with less fear of contracting the virus.
officers who received the vaccine would be able to do their well as wash their hands and sanitise regularly.
work without the added fear of contracting or spreading the The SAPS plans to vaccinate all its employees at 108
virus. “Today, 900 of you will be injected. We believe that it Lamenting the loss of 672 members who succumbed to the registered vaccination sites across the country.
will help this family of the SAPS, to be able to work and be Coronavirus prior to the vaccination roll-out, Minister Cele
06 POLICE JULY 2021 JULY 2021 POLICE 07
COVID
COVID-19: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW Q:
A:
How much more contagious is the Delta variant, really?
It is extremely contagious – the Delta variant
appears to be about 97% more transmissible than
Covid-19 Vaccines
Scientists have found that vaccinating against Covid-19 is
the best way to curb the spreading of the virus and preserve
Compiled by Lt Col Erica Holtzhausen and Capt Keitumetse Mmushi the original SARS-CoV-2 strains. A recent preprint lives. However, some ill-informed people, especially on
study from China found that people who are social media platforms, are spreading fake news and
infected with the Delta variant have, on average, conspiracy theories about the vaccine. This has caused
about 1 000 times more copies of the virus in their people to be sceptical about being vaccinated. It is important
respiratory tracts than those infected with the to obtain credible information to differentiate between
original strain. myths and facts.
Q: Do masks protect against the Delta variant? What other things
can protect us against it?
Dispelling Myths
A: YES, masks do protect against the Delta and all
other variants of Covid-19. Masks definitely Myth: Government is complicit with big business in
help protect against infection by decreasing the pushing vaccines, despite the risks.
ability to inhale droplets, which is how Covid-19
is spread. Other measures such as regular hand Fact: Government is committed to saving lives and
washing, social distancing and, most importantly, livelihoods. The fastest way to return to our normal
getting vaccinated are the best ways to protect way of life is through ensuring that the majority of
against contracting all variants of Covid-19. the population is protected from the virus. Vaccines
are the single most effective way to do so.
Q: Do smokers get more severe symptoms of Covid-19, if infected?
Myth: The vaccines have the mark of the beast – 666.
A: YES. Available research suggests that smokers
are at higher risk of developing severe Covid-19 Fact: Vaccines have no connection to any religious
outcomes and have an increased risk of death. organisations and cannot be infused with spirits,
Smoking any kind of tobacco/e-cigarette/vape demons or other abstract ingredients. There is no
reduces lung capacity, making it harder for conspiracy to possess, bewitch or control anybody.
the body to fight off Coronaviruses and other Myth: Vaccines are unsafe and normal safety protocols
respiratory diseases. Smoking increases the have been circumvented to fast-track their
risk of contracting respiratory infections and can authorisation for use.
increase the severity of respiratory diseases,
including Covid-19 because it is an infectious Fact: The fast development and approval of vaccines
disease that primarily attacks the lungs. is a great human feat, worthy of celebration. This
has been possible because we have learnt, over
Q: Are unvaccinated people more at risk? many decades, how to make and test vaccines and
we were able to take those lessons and challenge
A: YES. People who have not been fully vaccinated ourselves to produce a vaccine much quicker.
against Covid-19 are more at risk of contracting No step in the development, testing or ratification process of
the various strains of virus. the Covid-19 vaccines have been skipped. The world was
C
able to develop these vaccines quickly because
ovid-19 has dominated our lives for over a Covid-19 Variants scientists and governments around the world
year but the rapid development of Covid-19 cooperated, and pooled resources and information.
Covid-19 is a tricky virus that has been adapting. After
vaccines has given us hope of returning to our declining steeply for six months, Coronavirus cases
normal lives. Myth: The vaccine will change my DNA.
recently rose dramatically because of the Delta variant.
This prompted some countries, including South Africa, to Fact: Vaccines work by stimulating the body the same
There has been a lot of misinformation about the virus and reinforce lockdowns in efforts to curb the spread of the way the virus would if someone was infected. This
the vaccines developed to fight it. Therefore, it is important virus. This has caused much anxiety among people. means that when you receive the vaccine, the body
that members have credible information so they can be recognises that it looks like the Coronavirus and
protected from the devastating effects of the virus, and Q: What, exactly, is the Delta Variant?
then releases certain chemicals that start a chain
make well-informed decisions about the Covid-vaccine. reaction to create immune cells that can fight
A: The Delta variant was originally discovered in India
in December 2020, and was recently claimed, by the real virus. The vaccine does not work on the DNA of the
the World Health Organisation, to be the “fastest body. Some people think that because vaccines are
and fittest” variant that is much more contagious. made by using RNA technology, that it means that
the RNA will interact with the DNA – that is not
how it works. The technology is simply the way the
vaccine is made, not what it will do to the body.
08 POLICE JULY 2021 JULY 2021 POLICE 09
COVID
Getting Vaccinated
The SAPS launched its vaccination campaign on 5 July
2021 in a bid to reduce infections, transmissions and the
Q:
A:
Should I check my antibody status after I have been vaccinated?
No, it is not necessary. While vaccination will
cause almost all people to develop antibodies to
#ICHOOSEVACCINATION
By Capt Vincent Mukhathi
mortality rate within the organisation. The SAPS has been the spike protein, a few people will not develop
Photographs by Capt Ndanduleni Nyambeni
working closely with key stakeholders and its medical aid measurable antibodies. However, even people who
partners, POLMED and GEMS, to administer the single-dose do not develop antibodies to the spike protein are
jab at over 108 sites across the country. Over 42 216 SAPS still likely to be protected on account of protective
cellular responses (T-cell responses). A few health WO Zimasa Sithole stationed at the
members had been vaccinated by 21 July 2021.
SAPS Forensic Science Laboratory,
care workers who have enrolled in the Sisonke
Biology Section, excited to receive
Q: How does vaccination work? Johnson & Johnson Trial have reported an absence her jab.
of antibody and cell-mediated responses. Sisonke
A: Vaccination is a safe and simple way to strengthen released a statement explaining the reasons for
the immune system to build resistance against this, you can read it at: https://www.samrc.ac.za/
disease-causing germs. Once vaccinated, an media-release/update-sisonke-phase-3b-study-
individual will have a level of protection (or pause-and-response-queries-regarding-antibody-
immunity) against that specific disease. Vaccines do testing
not cause a disease, they contain a part of the virus/
bacteria in a weakened, live or killed state, which
will trigger a response from the body’s immune
system. PLEASE NOTE:
P olice officers sighed with relief as they
received their Johnson & Johnson single-
shot vaccine against Covid-19.
WO Suzan Makoae stationed at the FSL,
Q: Can I still contract Covid-19 if I am vaccinated? · You must not be ill when you go for vaccination. praises SAPS for prioritising members to
Two operational members, Const Tebogo Rafapa and Sgt be vaccinated.
A: YES. Individuals who have been vaccinated may · You have to wait at least 30 days after having Natasha Govender, who were the first to receive their jabs
still be at risk of contracting Covid-19, although tested positive for Covid-19 before getting at the launch of the SAPS’s Vaccination Drive on 5 July
the virus will likely cause milder symptoms vaccinated. 2021, praised the government for prioritising the police for
in comparison to those who are unvaccinated. vaccination.
· You must wait for all flu-like symptoms or upper
More evidence is required to confirm whether
respiratory infections to clear before getting Still filled with the excitement of getting his long-awaited
the Covid-19 vaccines provide protection against
vaccinated. jab, Const Rafapa, stationed at the Diepsloot Police Station’s
asymptomatic or mild viral infection.
Crime Prevention Unit, urged his colleagues to do the same.
· Consult your GP if you are pregnant, breastfeeding,
Q: Can I still spread Covid-19 if I am vaccinated? “It is important to be vaccinated because we are working
or have any comorbidities before getting
with different people daily and our chances of contracting
A: Vaccinated people are less likely to spread vaccinated.
the virus are very high. I encourage all my colleagues to be
the virus, but, there is not enough evidence to vaccinated so that we can be protected and work together to
confidently answer ‘yes’ to this question yet. fight crime and this invisible enemy.”
Scientists are monitoring those who have received Many people are suffering from so-called ‘Covid-19 fatigue’
vaccines in order to answer this question. Vaccinated and have become too relaxed in applying preventative Relaying her feelings about being vaccinated, Sgt Govender,
people should still adhere to Covid-19 protocols of wearing measures. The biggest weapon in our arsenal to fight from the Eldorado Park Police Station, said: “I just received
masks, social distancing, as well as washing hands and COVID-19 remains strict adherence to: the vaccine and I feel fine. I wanted to get vaccinated
sanitising regularly. because so many of our members have either lost their
· Washing and Sanitising hands lives or been infected, so I could not wait for today. This
Q: What are the most common side effects people experience after
is going to let me do my job freely. I urge all my fellow
having been vaccinated? · Wearing a mask that covers your nose and mouth
colleagues to vaccinate,” she said.
A: The most common side effects include tenderness · Maintaining social distance
at the injection site, headache, fever, fatigue, chills, Sharing her experience with Covid-19, WO Zimasa Sithole,
and diarrhoea. These side effects range from mild · Avoiding gatherings stationed at the SAPS’s Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL)’s
to moderate and may feel similar to a flu-like Biology Section, said: “I saw my mother struggle with and
· Ensuring proper ventilation of spaces, especially eventually pass on because of Covid-19. I would do anything
illness for a couple of days.
vehicles and offices to reduce the severity of the virus. Taking the vaccine
Q: What should I do if I develop common side effects after receiving today makes me happy because I know I have reduced my
the vaccine? chances of becoming seriously ill from the virus.”
A: Mild flu-like symptoms are an expected immune Sharing the same sentiments, WO Suzan Makoae, also
response to the vaccine. You do not need to take stationed at the FSL, said: “I am so grateful that I received
any medication, but if you wish, you can take my shot. I personally know that Covid-19 is devastating
paracetamol. because I have lost some of my family members to the
virus. I believe that if we are all vaccinated, we would stop
losing much needed production time at the lab with the
Vaccines Work, are Safe, Save Lives. Please play your part in protecting yourself and those around you - VACCINATE. building frequently closing for decontamination due to
positive cases.”
#ChooseVaccination #WalalaWasala #YouSnoozeYouLose
10 POLICE JULY 2021 JULY 2021 POLICE 11
CELEBRATING
MANDELA DAY
By Various Provincial Communication Officers
Sarah Baartman District, Eastern Cape
The Hankey Police Station partnered with their local Spar
supermarket and served soup and bread to over 120 less
fortunate people from the Stofwolk informal settlement
in Hankey. The members also used the opportunity to
emphasise the importance of correctly wearing a mask,
social distancing, washing hands and sanitising regularly,
as well as adhering to all other Covid-19 containment and
management protocols. While members of the Women’s
Network at the Joza Police Station spent the day cleaning
holding cells and some buildings on the police station’s
premises.
Chris Hani District, Eastern Cape
The SAPS’s Men for Change in the Eastern Cape, the
Community Policing Forum in the Chris Hani District, and
the Nomaxabiso Friendly Victim Support Centre paid a visit
to the home of an 88-year-old wheelchair-bound woman to
fix her broken windows and clean her house.
Kimberley, Northern Cape
The Kimberley Police Station, Community Police Forum and
Neighbourhood Watch provided meals for the homeless at
various makeshift soup kitchens they had set up throughout
the city.
Mopani District, Limpopo
Members of the SAPS’s Women’s Network in the Mopani
N elson Mandela Day is celebrated annually
on the late president’s birthday, 18 July, to
honour his spirit of kindness and generosity.
District, Limpopo, led by the SAPS’s Mopani District
Commissioner, Maj Gen Maggy Mathebula, partnered with
Our Life Simple Life Organisation and donated 100 bags of
oranges to disadvantaged children living in the Babanana
village.
Mandela Day is a global call to action that celebrates the
idea that each person has the power to change the world – The team also paid visits to 70 needy families in Morudjie,
to make a positive difference. In heeding this call, members Mavele, Tetemu, Lwandlamuni, Malovisi and Babanana,
of the SAPS embarked on various projects to help those in where they donated food parcels sponsored by Letaba
need across the country. Milling, ZZ2, M&H Hardware and the Pick ‘n Pay in Tzaneen.
#MandelaDay #SAPSCares
12 POLICE JULY 2021 JULY 2021 POLICE 13
NEW WESTERN CAPE
EKURHULENI MEMBERS PROVINCIAL COMMISSIONER: LT GEN PATEKILE
By PAC Mgcobo Ngxukumeshe
DONATE TO ELDERLY Photographs by Capt Piet Smit
By Capt Kgabo Mashamaite
Photographs by Capt Kgabo Mashamaite and Sgt Kgabo Ramara
Newly-appointed
Western Cape Provincial
Commissioner, Lt Gen
Thembisile Patekile, is set
to tackle contact crimes
and gangsterism in the
province.
T he Western Cape has a new police
commander, Lt Gen Thembisile Patekile,
who will lead the SAPS in the fight against the
eight police stations that accounted for about 45% of contact
crimes in the province, and would immediately embark
on social interventions with communities in these policing
precinct.”
Covid-19 pandemic, gangsterism, as well as taxi
SAPS members from Eden Park Police Station and other colleagues from the Ekurhuleni District proudly displaying their donations to the Mgiba Old Age Home and gender-based violence in the province. He stressed that he would focus his attention on reducing
residents during their community outreach programme recently. the circulation of illegal firearms in the province’s streets.
The National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Khehla “We will take on crime syndicates systematically. We are
Sitole, appointed Lt Gen Patekile as the Provincial going to take down the entire gang enterprise. We have
In the spirit of the late President Nelson her home. The woman was allegedly being abused by her Commissioner of the Western Cape for the next five years already started. If we take the top guys, we collapse the
nephew, who would rape her and rob her of her pension on 1 July 2021. Lt Gen Patekile is not a newcomer in the organisations,” said Lt Gen Patekile.
Mandela, police officers from the Ekurhuleni police or the province. He has 36 years’ service in the
money. The facility is now home to 17 elderly people
District’s various police stations recently and people living with disabilities. The home survives on SAPS and has served in the Western Cape in various senior Lt Gen Patekile added that he would also tackle
demonstrated their kindness and generosity by donations by various individuals and institutions, as well as management roles at different times. socio-economic crimes, including land invasions, taxi
donating blankets and groceries to the Mgiba contributions from the residents, who receive grants. violence, counterfeit goods, and the burning of trucks, as
Old-Age Home in Palm Ridge, Ekurhuleni. Lt Gen Patekile proved his leadership capabilities during these resulted in the stagnation of the economy.
Ms Mgiba, always willing to help, also assists the SAPS with his stints as Acting Provincial Commissioner of the Western
This gesture, a brain child of Sgt Mitta Badi of the Edenpark housing victims. “Every time we have a displaced child or Cape in 2015, as well as February 2021. Lt Gen Patekile also
Police Station, was aimed at shielding the most vulnerable elderly person, we ask Ms Mgiba to assist with sheltering served as the Southern Cape Cluster Commander, the Acting
members of society, the elderly and people with disabilities that person until the family comes to fetch them. So the Provincial Commissioner of the Eastern Cape, as well as Taking the responsibility of the Western Cape on his shoulders: Police
living in the old-age home, from the harsh weather event today was to thank her for assisting us to provide the Queenstown Cluster Commander in the Eastern Cape. National Commissioner, General Khehla Sithole, and Deputy National
conditions unleashed over Gauteng during the winter shelter for displaced people, as we always refer them to His hard work and successes during these tenures led to Commissioner for Policing, Lt Gen Sehlahle Masemola, giving Thembisile
his elevation to his permanent employment as Provincial Patekile his rank of lieutenant general as the new Provincial Commissioner
season. her,” said Sgt Badi. of the Western Cape.
Commissioner of the Western Cape.
Sgt Badi learnt of the struggles that Ms Margaret Mgiba Lauding the members’ who donated to the old-age home,
went through to shelter displaced elderly people and those the SAPS’s Ekurhuleni District Social Crime Prevention uJola (Lt Gen Patekile’s clan name) was born and raised
living with disabilities, when the two met at the police Officer Capt Ntombikayise Modise said: “We would like to in the small town of Port St Johns in the Eastern Cape. He
station in 2019. Ms Mgiba had been to the police station to congratulate these members for their kind acts. The Mgiba began his career in policing as a constable in Uitenhage
have the old-age home’s residents’ IDs certified. The two Old-Age Home helps us house the elderly and disabled who in 1985, and steadily grew in the ranks up to his latest
started talking about the old-age home and how the people are left destitute because of varying circumstances. This appointment. He holds a Bachelors’ Degree in Policing
she was housing, had suffered prior to her taking them in. keeps them safe from opportunistic crimes such as rape attained at the Technikon Pretoria in 2002, and an LLB
Hearing these stories and how the home struggled to make and abuse.” obtained from the University of Fort Hare in 2012.
ends meet, inspired Sgt Badi to help.
Mrs Mgiba was all smiles during the event and could not The late Lt Gen Sindile Mfazi introduced Lt Gen Patekile to
The Mgiba Old-Age Home was established in 2020 when stop praising the police members for their good deeds. the Western Cape Premier, Mr Allan Winde, and the MEC
Mrs Mgiba took one elderly woman from Kwa-Thema into for Community Safety, prior to a digital media briefing
announcing the appointment to the rest of the country. In the
briefing, Lt Gen Patekile stated that he would prioritise the
14 POLICE JULY 2021 EHW
EHW
JULY 2021 POLICE 15
SAVING MONEY
Compiled by Kholiswa Vuthela
· Do not save what is left after spending, but SPEND WHAT IS
LEFT AFTER SAVING
Always take a percentage of your earnings,
ideally 10%, to set aside for saving first thing
· Plan for Emergencies
Emergencies are never expected and create
unplanned expenses. That is why it is important
to have an emergency fund to limit financial
after receiving your salary. This is considered frustrations when emergencies arise. The idea is
paying yourself first. Saving for yourself and to stop unplanned expenses from interfering with
your future should always be a priority, and your budget, which could cause you to borrow or use
paying yourself first, allows you to do just that. credit unnecessarily. When possible, it is a good idea
It will get you into the habit of saving. to incorporate some frequently overlooked expenses
(car repairs, new appliances, or even a medication
levy at the pharmacy into your budget) so that these
do not end up consuming your emergency fund.
· Avoid spending your money before you have it
It is important to avoid debts as much as you
can. There is a saying that “if you cannot pay for it · Reduce Debt
cash, it means you cannot afford it”. Try to spend your
money when you have it. This helps to avoid You may find it difficult to eliminate some debt right
buying items that are not in your budget and to now. The key, then, is to avoid adding more debt
avoid extra fees such as credit card and other because adding debt will only mean you are adding
interest. more on the interest that you must pay to service
your debts. Some institutions are working with
customers to help them work around their bills and
reduce interest fees during these challenging times.
· Live and spend within your means
It is better to contact creditors to negotiate payment
While we may like things that are expensive, it terms that could work for you than to stop paying
is important to determine affordability in order your debts altogether. Keep paying what you can –
to buy only what we can afford. It is important paying something no matter how small will help in
to work with a self-tailored budget in order to cutting your debts and interest fees.
realise what we can afford with the money that
we have. Spending more than you earn, leads
to a continuous reliance on credit in order to
cover all your expenses and that attracts more
expenses such as loan insurances, interest and
so on.
For more information, contact the Social Work Services’ Financial Wellness
July is considered National Savings Month. This initiative seeks to motivate people to Regaining Stability and Control over Your Finances Desk members: Lt Col Masenya on 012 393 5232, Capt Sithole on 012 393
5243, WO Maphala on 012 400 5431, or WO Vuthela on 012 393 5175.
save and educate them on how to save. This has become exceedingly important with You may find that your finances are already precarious
or that something unexpected has put a spanner in the
the strain that the Covid-19 pandemic has put on the economy. works. Do not worry because with a few changes, you
can get to a stable financial situation again. References
· Update your Budget 1. Achou, B, Boisclaire, D, D’astous, P, Fonseca, R,
Members are encouraged to regularly check on their will help everybody understand why certain financial
A budget can help keep you from spending Glenzer, F & Michaud, P. 2020. Early impact of the
finances and adjust them according to their ever-changing aspects are cut out of the budget and why some are
more than you have coming in, and allow you to covid-19 pandemic on household finances in Quebec.
needs and economic circumstances. We have compiled kept in. This understanding will help them support
create funds for saving and investments. Due to http://www.utpjournals.press/doi:10.3138/cpp.2020-
some good financial habits to get you started and keep you the endeavour and limit any conflicts that could
the Covid-19 pandemic, you may find that some 087. (Accessed on 2021-07-05).
going, if you are already saving. emanate from being kept in the dark.
expenses in your budget have changed. For 2. Chang, C, McAleer, M & Wong, W. 2020. Risk and
Good Habits for Financial Health example, you may need to get a helper to look Financial Management of COVID-19 in Business,
after your children when they have to study Economics and Finance. http://www.mdpi.com/
· Make saving money a family affair · Create money-saving goals
from home, but still have to pay full school journal/doi:10.3390/jrfm13050102. (Accessed on
It is important to involve family members when Saving requires that one develops a goal, which fees. Pay attention to variable expenses (those 2020-07-05).
planning to save, so that everybody can know, will be a driving force behind the habit of saving. that fluctuate and differ monthly), such as fuel,
understand and support money-saving habits. A savings goal can assist to determine how much entertainment and so forth. Reduce spending, 3. Pearl Insurance. 2020. Managing Finances During
Everybody, including children, should be a part of money is saved in order to meet the targeted goal, where you can, by determining what is Covid-19. http://www.acog/newsarticles/2020/11.
conversations that have to do with saving money. which could include retirement, emergencies, essential in your budget and reallocate money (Accessed on 2021-07-06).
With the pandemic, the family can look into the effect education and so on. for those expenses to where there is a need.
that Covid-19 has had on the family’s finances. This
16 POLICE JULY 2021 JULY 2021 POLICE 17
FLASH NEWS FLASH NEWS
R200 MILLION COCAINE BUST ANTI-GANG UNIT CONTINUES TO TAKE
By Capt Vincent Mukhathi
#GUNSOFFTHESTREETS
Police dealt a heavy blow to a drug syndicate after the
interception of a consignment of over 550 bricks of
cocaine with an estimated street value of R200 million, in
Johannesburg on 8 July 2021.
This follows the Booysens Police Station’s swift response The SAPS’s Anti-Gang Unit’s intelligence-driven operations
to a complaint of a suspected hijacked cargo truck in the continue to yield excellent results in retrieving firearms
Aeroton Business Park in Johannesburg. and ammunition in the Strand, Western Cape.
Police Spokesperson, Col Brenda Muridili, said: “It was Recently, the members received information about a suspect
reported that the cargo truck, which was travelling from on his way to dispose of a firearm, and pursued the matter.
the Durban Harbour, was followed by the suspects’ vehicles The members ended up in a shack on 12th Street where
from the N3 near Leondale to its destination in the Aeroton they found a man trying to hide an object under the bed.
warehouse in Gauteng. The Booysens’ police officers The suspect tried to escape, but was restrained swiftly. The
intercepted the suspects as they were about to flee the members found a loaded 9 mm pistol under the bed, and
scene,” she said. seized it. The 21-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman
who was also in the shack, were both arrested.
“Upon arrival at the scene, the police found a black Nissan
bakkie parked next to the truck with 23 big black bags In another incident on the same day, police members
containing cocaine with an estimated street value of R200 received information about an armed suspect on Petunia
million. The police immediately questioned the driver of the Avenue. The members searched the suspect and found a
bakkie and discovered that he was a police warrant officer loaded 7.65 pistol in his possession. The 24-year-old man
attached to the Zonkezizwe Police Station in Katlehong. He Police seized 552 bricks of cocaine and cash at Aeroton warehouse in Johannesburg. was arrested immediately.
was arrested on the scene with his accomplices - another
warrant officer attached to the National Investigation Unit, a The suspects are expected to appear in the Strand
Gauteng Chief Traffic Officer and a civilian,” said Col Muridili. Kia Cerato and Nissan bakkie. The suspects, aged between Magistrates’ Court on charges of the possession of
35 and 42, appeared in the Booysens Magistrates’ Court on unlicensed and prohibited firearms.
The police seized 552 bricks of cocaine, R60 000 in cash charges including robbery, dealing in drugs, and defeating
as well as four vehicles: a grey BMW, a Volkswagen GTI, a the ends of justice on 12 July 2021.18 POLICE JULY 2021 JULY 2021 POLICE 19
PREVENTING ESCAPE AND
DEATH IN CUSTODY
By Capt Kgabo Mashamaite
Members are urged to prevent detainees escaping from custody by -
· conducting frequent inspections to ensure that holding cells are serviceable and can
adequately secure persons in custody
· keeping alert at courts and adequately safeguarding persons in their custody
T he death in and escape from police custody of detainees, will soon be a thing of the past with the
implementation of the National Pan to prevent escape from and death in police custody.
·
·
deploying a sufficient number of members on all shifts
thoroughly inspecting vehicles and court trucks used to transport persons in
The plan titled ‘Prisoners and Prison Affairs, Escapes and Other Offences by Prisoners’, aims at reducing the risk of the loss custody, prior to transporting persons in custody
of life and possible litigation by preventing escape from and death in police custody through various proactive and reactive
· properly verifying persons being released from court custody or police stations to
measures. The plan makes provision for emergencies, including a contingency plan that serves as a guideline for incidents of
ensure that the correct person is released and she/he is not awaiting any trial on
escape from custody or death in custody to be used while an operational plan is being compiled to manage incidents.
any court case
The SAPS’s Annual Performance Plan requires that the number of persons who escape from lawful custody and the number of
· strictly complying with existing National Instructions and Standing Orders.
persons who die under police care, be reduced. The plan is aimed at meeting the targets set for reducing death in and escape
from lawful custody, as these targets were not achieved in the previous financial year.
Incidents of Escape from Police Custody during 2020/2021 Financial Year Circumstances and Incidents of Death in custody during 2020/2021 Financial Year
Province Incidents Initial Escapees Escapees rearrested Number of escapees Circumstances Provinces
within 24 hours excluding 24 hour
rearrest EC FS GP KZN LIM MP NW NC WC TOTAL
Eastern Cape 60 93 36 57 Belt 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 5
Shoe lace 1 0 3 1 0 3 0 2 2 12
Free State 37 49 24 25
Blanket 0 2 3 3 0 4 0 2 2 16
Gauteng 81 88 21 67
Suicide – hanging Clothes 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
KwaZulu-Natal 81 88 32 56
Other instrument 8 2 6 4 5 5 1 3 11 45
Limpopo 45 59 15 44
Total suicides 9 4 13 9 6 12 1 8 15 78
Mpumalanga 28 50 20 30
Natural causes 13 7 7 6 12 4 10 3 3 65
North West 31 50 21 29
Injuries sustained prior to being in custody 10 6 28 11 11 8 5 0 3 82
Northern Cape 19 20 10 10
Assault by inmates 0 0 2 1 2 3 1 0 1 10
Western Cape 42 48 23 25
Assault by police 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 2 5
National Total 412 545 202 343
Total 32 17 51 28 32 28 17 11 24 240
Circumstances of Escapes during the 2020/2021 Financial Year
The safety and well-being of persons in custody is of great importance to the SAPS. While
Circumstances Incidents Number of Escapees
reasonable care is taken to prevent death in custody, the reality is that it does occur due to
From police station cells 73 165 various reasons, such as injuries sustained before or during arrest, injuries sustained while
From court docks, rooms or passages 53 58 in custody, natural causes, as well as suicide.
From court cells 36 47 Members are urged to prevent death in custody by -
From hospitals 43 44
· obtaining immediate emergency medical treatment for injured persons before or
From Community Service Centres (CSC) (not 40 42 during the arrest
holding cells)
Wrongful release at courts and police stations 35 35 · obtaining immediate medical treatment for sick or injured persons in custody
From CSC holding cells 30 33 · conducting proper risk assessments of persons in custody
In transit 22 33
· frequently inspecting and visiting detainment areas to ascertain any damages/
From police stations’ loading zones 26 33 defects/problems
From loading zones at courts 16 18
· thoroughly searching for and prohibiting items which can be used to cause injury or
During further investigation 16 17 aid the commission of suicide (shoe laces, belts, strings in clothing etc)
During arrest (before taken to police station) 11 11
From CSC consultation rooms (Home Affairs etc) 2 2
From CSC fingerprint office 9 9
Total 412 54720 POLICE JULY 2021
MISSING PERSONS JULY 2021 POLICE 21
Davidi Faleng Nyaile
CLIFFORD RATANANG SIFUNDO NOMTHANDAZO
POLICE DESTROY OVER RALEBONA CEBEKHULU
24 000 FIREARMS
(25-30)
(19) Male
PLEASE HELP US
Female
Last seen:
Last seen:
2021-05-03
2021-02-26
By Capt Ndanduleni Nyambeni
LOCATE THEM… The missing person left home and has not been The missing person was supposed to leave for
seen since. He was wearing a grey tracksuit, blue Washington DC but disappeared.
trousers, and black sport shoes.
Langlaagte 2/5/2021 OR Tambo 3/4/2021
P olice continue to make inroads to eradicating
the circulation of illegal firearms in the
country,
Investigating Officer: Sgt A Mabasa
Tel: 011 473 6200
Investigating Officer: Sgt SR Mathane
Tel: 011 977 5511
STAUN MWABUTWA NORMAN MKHIZE DINO MAFUMU
The SAPS smelted 24 901 firearms at Cape Gate Steel in
Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng, on 8 July. The firearms comprising
3 610 rifles, 3 083 shotguns, 17 383 handguns and other
firearm parts, had either been seized by the police or (26) Male (27) Male (29) Male
voluntarily handed in to the police during the firearm Last seen: Last seen: Last seen:
Lt Gen Motlhala inspecting
amnesty period. one of the firearms to be 2021-05-01 2021-02-23 2021-05-10
destroyed.
The Divisional Commissioner for Visible Policing, Lt Gen
Michael Motlhala, witnessed the destruction of these The missing person left home and has The missing person left home and has not The missing person left home and has not
firearms and lauded law-abiding citizens for handing in not been seen since. He was wearing an been seen since. been since. He was wearing a black jacket,
unwanted firearms during the firearm amnesty period. orange shirt and black trousers. black jeans, and black sport shoes.
He also encouraged more citizens to take up the amnesty Honeydew 1/5/2021 Tembisa 3/3/2021 Sandringham 3/5/2021
opportunity when it becomes available again. Investigating Officer: WO KP Matshaba Investigating Officer: Investigating Officer: WO PM Manaka
Tel: 011 801 8400 Sgt PD Nemudzudzanyi Tel: 011 719 4836
Lt Gen Motlhala also urged citizens to work with the police Tel: 011 571 4066
to rid the streets of illegal firearms. “The police will continue
detecting and removing illegal firearms from the streets of THULANI KHOZA ELIZABETH MABOYANA SELLO KENNETH MOTHOBI
South Africa to create a better and safer country for all, and
we would like to encourage all law-abiding citizens to report
all illegal firearms,” he said. (40-45)
(35) Male (44) Male
Female
All the firearms that were voluntarily handed in to the Last seen: Last seen:
Last seen:
police, went through Integrated Ballistics Identification April 2021 2021-04-21
2021-04-20
System testing to check whether any of them had been used
in the commission of a crime, and none tested positive.
The missing person left home and has not The missing person left home and has not The missing person left home and has not
been seen since. He was wearing a navy blue been seen since. been seen since. He was wearing a grey
t-shirt, a black jacket, grey trousers, and jacket and cream sport shoes.
brown shoes.
Orange Farms 13/4/2021 Booysens 3/4/2021 Moroka 16/4/2021
Investigating Officer: Sgt L Seroka Investigating Officer: Sgt AV Ndaba Investigating Officer: Sgt MB Sekgoloana
Tel: 011 213 8003 Tel: 011 433 5200 Tel: 011 527 0000
SIBUSISO NGQULUNGA MATTHEWS NKOSI
(48) Male (54) Male
Last seen:
2021-05-01
Last seen:
2021-04-08
PLEASE HELP US
The missing person left home and has not The missing person left home to visit his
LOCATE THEM…
been seen since. He was wearing black girlfriend and has not been seen since. He
trousers and a black jacket. was wearing blue trousers, a black and
Firearms ready to be destroyed at white shirt, and brown boots.
Cape Gate Steel in Vanderbijlpark.
Naledi 2/5/2021 Tembisa 1/4/2021
Investigating Officer: Sgt L Quma Investigating Officer: Const D Mabusela
Tel: 011 934 2222 Tel: 011 571 410222 POLICE JULY 2021
WANTED PERSONS
The South African Police Service requests urgent assistance from members of the public in tracing the following
alleged perpertrators wanted in connection with various criminal offences committed countrywide.
MURDER ASSAULT GBH DEALING IN ILLEGAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
CHINWEMWE CHINGA JASON ENGELBRECHT SUBSTANCES THOBELA MAKULUMA
KAMBAYI FATEIMA KASSIEM
Investigating Officer: Investigating Officer: Investigating Officer: Investigating Officer:
Sgt EW November Const SH Moosa Const KA Williams Capt MP Bailey
021 954 9000 021 700 3900 021 700 3937 021 909 9500
DRIVING UNDER THE MALICIOUS DAMAGE TO THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE ASSAULT GBH
INFLUENCE PROPERTY GILBERT MANGWEKEA LAWRENCE MAGABA
UNATHI MAKADE AYANDA RALA
Investigating Officer: Investigating Officer: Investigating Officer: Investigating Officer:
Const A Yaka Sgt AM Presence Sgt M Bhunu Capt MP Bailey
021 909 9618 021 909 9500 021 974 2400 021 909 9500
SAPS CRIME STOP
08600 10111
DEALING IN ILLEGAL FAILING TO APPEAR IN
SUBSTANCE COURT
MONEEB AUGUSTUS REFILWE MAPHALA
Investigating Officer: Investigating Officer:
Sgt BM Mahamba Const A Yaka
021 700 3937 021 909 9618You can also read
