The Bulletin News – Page 68

Two arrested for Mkhondo tripple murder

News

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January 17, 2023

PROVINCIAL COMMISSIONER THANKFUL TO THE TEAM FOR ARRESTING TWO IN CONNECTION WITH TRIPPLE MURDER OF COUNCILLOR AND TWO OTHERS IN PIET RETIEF

Nelspruit: 17 January 2023 – The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has expressed her gratitude to the assembled team after they arrested two male suspects aged 43 and 52 in connection with the fatal shooting incident at Longhomes Township in Piet Retief whereby a Councillor, identified as Mr Sbonelo (Mthembu) Ntshangase (36), and other two that were since identified as Mr Sandile Khumalo (51) and Mr Sizwe Mbingo (40). The three were gunned down in the evening of Friday,13 January 2023 around 20h00.

Brig Mohlala

According to the report, the victims were allegedly shot by armed suspects in Mkhondo, also known as Piet Retief. It is further alleged that the suspects reportedly fired multiple shots at Mr Ntshangase who was in the yard, and also shot Mr Mbingo inside a bakkie who sadly died at the scene whilst Mr Khumalo was shot in the yard as well. Thereafter the suspects fled to unknown direction.

The Police at Piet Retief as well as the paramedics were informed about the incident whilst Mr Ntshangase and Mr Khumalo were privately taken to a nearby hospital. Mr Khumalo was unfortunately certified dead on arrival meanwhile Mr Ntshangase regrettably succumbed to his injuries moments later. A case with three counts of murder was opened and a dedicated team of experts in the field of investigation was immediately assembled under the leadership of the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela to probe this disheartening incident.

two — Mr Sbonelo (Mthembu) Ntshangase (36)

The team worked tirelessly until they made a breakthrough after receiving information on the whereabouts of the two male suspects who were arrested yesterday, Monday, 16 January 2023 and during the arrest, an automatic rifle with ammunition were confiscated. They are both charged with possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition. Police also confiscated other firearms and ammunition alleged to be owned by a certain security company however that matter is still under investigation to determine the lawful owners thereof.

Police will go as far as testing all seized firearms to determine whether they were not used previously in the commission of crime. The police investigation is still underway and the two could also be possibly faced with other charges, including the said fatal shooting if the three victims but for now the duo is expected to appear at the Piet Retief Magistrate’s Court today, Tuesday 17 January 2023 on the said charges of being found in possession of unlicensed firearm with ammunition.

The 43 year old suspect is charged with possession of unlicensed firearms and the 52 year old is charged for Fraud, Contravention of firearms control Act and Contravention of PSIRA Act.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has further urged members of the public, including families as well as colleagues of the slain victims to remain calm and allow police a space to investigate to bring all perpetrators thereof to book whilst allowing due processes of the law to take its course. “We have always stayed true and committed to our call of duty, that of preventing crime, and when crime has been committed we are obligated in terms of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, to investigate and bring perpetrators thereof to book.

We still need support from members of the public regarding further details which may assist in the investigation to come forth. We promise to treat such information with much delicacy” assured the General.

Police urge anyone with any information on Crime to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.

Kruik se Oggenddiens 15 Januarie 2023

Community news

Encee van Huyssteen

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January 15, 2023

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Welkom by Kruik se Oggenddiens van 15 Januarie 2023

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Lees ook: Kruik se Oggenddiens 8 Januarie 2023

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Councillor (+2) shot in Mkhondo

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Encee van Huyssteen

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January 14, 2023

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COUNCILLOR AND OTHER TWO VICTIMS FATALLY SHOT IN PIET RETIEF

Piet Retief – The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has strongly condemned the fatal shooting incident at Longhomes Township in Piet Retief whereby a Councillor, identified as Mr Sbonelo Mthembu (36) as well as two other males were gunned down last night, Friday 13 January 2023 around 20h00.

According to the report, the three were shot at a certain yard in Mkhondo. Further information indicates that the Councillor as well as his mechanic were dropped off by a friend who was driving a bakkie then soon appeared three armed men at the yard. The suspects reportedly fired multiple shots at the Councillor who was in the yard, and also fatally shot the friend who was still inside his bakkie. The mechanic did not escape the shooting as he was shot by the same suspects whilst in the yard as well. Thereafter the three suspects fled to unknown direction.

Also read: GMM Speaker – I’LL KILL YOU

The Police at Piet Retief as well as the paramedics were informed about the incident whilst the Councillor and his mechanic were privately taken to a nearby hospital. The mechanic was unfortunately certified dead on arrival meanwhile the Councillor regrettably succumbed to his injuries moments later.

Also read: Vosman community turns violent

On the other hand, when police and medical practitioners arrived at the scene, they found a male victim laying motionless behind a steering wheel of a white bakkie with gunshot wound then the paramedics unfortunately certified him dead.

A case with three counts of murder was opened and the suspects are still at large.

Police urge anyone with information that may assist in apprehending the perpetrators to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.

A dedicated team of experts in the field of investigation was immediately assembled under the leadership of the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela to probe this disheartening incident with an anticipation to swiftly bring perpetrators thereof to book.

Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Mr. Vusi Shongwe has condemned in the strongest possible terms the recent shooting of three people in Mkhondo, which has left three people dead.

Shongwe saps security councillor — Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Mr. Vusi Shongwe

He says such acts of cowardice do not only rob the community of its leadership but it also impact negatively on service delivery at the local level.

” We must all work together to bring to book perpetrators who deserve lengthy jail terms. This is the second time in recent months that we lost a councilor at the hands of callous criminals. Condemnation alone is not enough. Such barbaric individuals must be urgently brought to book. The police should not spare any effort to ensure justice,” says the MEC.

He is also appealing for calm in Mkhondo, saying any person who has information that may assist law enforcement agencies should come forward.

“While the anger of the community is understandable, let us not fuel lawlessness or take the law into our own hands. Our police have made breakthroughs in many complex cases. Let us, therefore, allow them space to do their work,” adds Shongwe.

He is also sending condolences to the families of the deceased , friends, colleagues, and the entire Mkhondo community.

One of the councillors in Govan Mbeki Municipality was also allegedly threatend to have her life ended, this was allegedly done by the Speaker of the municipality Cllr Magagamela. A case has since been opened by Cllr Aranda Nel-Buidendag of the VF+ at the Police and it is being investigated

Support Mayor's speech aimed at canvassing — Cllr Aranda Nel-Buidendag

death threat councillor — Cllr Aranda Nel-Buidendag

Vosman community turns violent

News

Encee van Huyssteen

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January 12, 2023

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POLICE ON HIGH ALERT AFTER TRUCKS AND OTHER VEHICLES WERE TORCHED IN VOSMAN

Vosman (Witbank) – Police are on high alert and have heightened visibility in monitoring the situation on the N4 Road and areas in-and-around Vosman near Witbank, following an incident on Wednesday night, 11 January 2023 whereby four trucks and two bakkies were set alight. Scores of other vehicles were also reportedly damaged when some members of the community pelted stones at passing vehicles.

Preliminary reports indicate that the incident erupted following reports of lack of electricity in areas like Sangweni and other places in Vosman. A case of public violence was opened as well as multiple charges of malicious damage to property were laid following the dreadful incident. No one has been arrested so far however police, including members from Public Order Policing continue to maintain their presence in the area.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has called on members of the public to refrain from acts of violence though they have a right to protest however this should be done within the ambit of the law.

Also read: ATM mombers – Breakthrough as two suspects arrested

Police urge anyone with any information on Crime to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.

ATM bombers – Breakthrough as two suspects arrested

News

Encee van Huyssteen

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January 12, 2023

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ATM bombers – Breakthrough as two suspects arrested

MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH AS MPUMALANGA POLICE ARREST TWO ALLEGED ATM BOMBERS

Nelspruit: 12 January 2023 – The multidisciplinary police team comprised of Ehlanzeni Crime Intelligence Task Team, White River Flying Squad, Tonga K9 Unit and White River K9 Unit nabbed two male suspects aged 38 and 42 who are alleged to be involved in incidents of ATM bombings or even Cash-In-Transits (CIT’s). They are expected to appear at the Nkomazi Magistrate’s Court in Tonga today, Thursday, 12 January 2023 after being arrested and found in possession of a pistol, some explosives, large number of ammunition for rifles and for pistols.

The province of Mpumalanga has had a share of incidents where suspects attacked various business premises mostly fuel stations whereby explosives were detonated to get cash from drop-in-safe’s and ATM’s. Under the leadership of the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela a team of experts was assembled to deal with this situation with a hope to arrest perpetrators hence this breakthrough. The team is working around the clock to effect more arrests. Police believe that the arrested suspects could have been responsible for a string of business robberies in areas like Tonga, Pienaar, Nhlazatshe, Acornhoek, Kanyamazane, Schoemansdal and Kamhlushwa. In one of the incidents, one person was killed during an ATM bombing at Kamhlushwa in October 2022.

The two were cornered at Mzinti and Masibekela respectively near Komatipoort. During their arrest, a Glock 9mm pistol with one magazine and 26 live ammunition, four live rounds of an R5 assault rifle, an explosive charger box as well as explosive wires were found in their possession. Police cannot rule out the possibility that the suspects might be linked to other cases and anticipates to make more arrests as the investigation continues.

Also read: DA calls for urgent financial intevention

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela was overwhelmed by the major breakthrough and applauded all members involved in the operation for their dedication in the fight against crime.

Police urge anyone with any information on Crime to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.

DA calls for urgent financial intervention

News

Encee van Huyssteen

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January 12, 2023

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DA calls for urgent financial intervention for struggling municipalities in Mpumalanga

The DA in Mpumalanga is concerned with the progress of the financial recovery approach strategy implemented to address financial challenges across various municipalities.

The program spearheaded by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) was adopted in 2018 with the aim of helping affected municipalities reduce their debts, collect revenue, save money and service creditors on time.

“Govan Mbeki, Msukaligwa, Lekwa and Emalahleni Local Municipalities are amongst the municipalities where this approach was implemented,” said Trudie Grovè-Morgan – MPL DA Spokesperson on the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.

minister Govan Mbeki Municipality placed under administration GMM calls — Trudie Grove-Morgan

The DA finds it extremely concerning to note that there has been no significant improvement in these financially distressed municipalities. Despite numerous documents and financial reports raising alarm bells, the provincial government is still very reluctant to take a hands-on approach.

“For a number of years, our financially distressed municipalities in the province have struggled with all aspects of revenue generation, inaccurate billing and an inability to collect monies owed to them for services provided,” said Trudie

Alongside this inherent inability to generate revenue, our debt to creditors such as Eskom, Rand Water and the Department of Water and Sanitation have increased drastically.

The DA condemns the fact that the Eskom accounts for both Emalahleni and Govan Mbeki was allowed to escalate to just over R10 billion, with very little intervention from the province.

According to the Section 71 report for the month of October 2022, Govan Mbeki’s inability to generate revenue from the sale of services resulted in the municipality not only being owed R3.3 billion for services provided, but it also owed Eskom and Rand Water R3.3 billion and R568 million respectively.

Equally concerning is the fact that the Eskom debt in Emalahleni grew to R7.1 billion, whilst the municipality was owed R6.8 billion for services provided. The Eskom debt is crippling these two municipalities and severely hindering their ability to deliver services.

Also read: Two (2) burnt bodies found

For the 2019/2020 financial year, the Standing Committee On Public Accounts (SCOPA) report on the 2019/20 Assessment Report of the Section 131 (b) of the Municipal Finance Management Act 56 of 2003 noted that both Emalahleni and Govan Mbeki operated at a deficit of R550 million and R650 million respectively.

These devastating developments across our municipalities are an indication of the ANC’s capabilities in governance. In this regard, the financial recovery approach is one of their many unsuccessful strategies aimed at misleading the public. The DA holds the ANC administration accountable for the collapse of these municipalities. “I have therefore written a letter to COGTA MEC Mr. Mandla Msibi to urgently determine whether this plan has produced the desired results,” said Trudie Grovè-Morgan – MPL DA Spokesperson on the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.

Two (2) burnt bodies found

News

Encee van Huyssteen

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January 11, 2023

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HORROR AS TWO BURNT BODIES FOUND IN A DUMPING SITE

Bushbuckridge – It was an astonishment and horrific experience at the discovery of two burnt bodies in a dumping site in Casteel outside Acornhoek near Bushbuckridge on Monday, 09 January 2023 at about 19h30.

Police were alerted by a community member about the gruesome discovery and upon arrival at the scene, medical practitioners were summoned who certified both male victims dead. Alongside the deceased were three carcasses of cattle. The police are in a process of finding their families so that the two could be identified. The motive behind the killing is unknown at the moment pending investigations. A postmortem will also be conducted to determine the cause of death.

Also read: Traffic officer killed on N4

Police have since launched an intensive investigation which will include on finding out the owners of the cattle. Police therefore urge anyone who might have information that may assist in the investigation to contact Detective Lieutenant Colonel Aaron Digoro on 082 318 9925 or call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has strongly condemned the senseless killing of the two individuals.

ANIMALS 101 – HELP YOUR PET WITH THESE NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS (PART 2)

Columnist

Ancois van Zyl

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January 11, 2023

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ANIMALS 101 – HELP YOUR PET WITH THESE NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS (PART 2)

YOUR PETS CAN BE HEALTHIER AND HAPPIER IN 2023 WITH SOME OR ALL OF THESE PAWSOME PET NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS!

A new year brings new goals and more than 300 days of opportunity for you and your pet to bond, develop healthier habits, and discover new ways to live a full life. Your pet can live a better tomorrow with your help. An important first step is to avoid becoming overwhelmed thinking you need to make big changes overnight. Baby steps in the right direction are the way to go. The important thing is to make a plan and move steadily forward.

Last week we looked at PART 1 of the three-part series on pawsome New Year’s resolutions for the animals you choose to share your life with.

pet — Pet New Year’s Resolutions – Image by The Paw Company

TRY A NEW ACTIVITY, LOOK AT THINGS FROM A NEW ANGLE OR GO ON AN ADVENTURE

You see so much more of the world compared to the animals in your care. To them, you, your family, and your home are their world. Let them see more! Do you have an adventurous dog breed? Or a curious cat? Try a new activity with them. Find something you both love doing. Many restaurants are now offering dog-friendly seating areas and during the off-season, more beaches are open to dogs.

INCORPORATE MORE PLAY AND FUN TIME

Besides being fun, playing has a vital role in their development. It promotes confidence. If they are confident, they tend to be less anxious or fearful. You should also play breed-specific games including scent & track, eye & stalk, chase, grab-bite, kill-bite, possess, dissect, and consume. Resolve to get at least one new toy and play with your pet, even just 5 minutes a day. For cats, you can also buy a new scratching post or build a new cat tress. Most dogs love car rides.

SCHEDULE A WELLNESS CHECK-UP WITH YOUR VET AND IMPROVE YOUR PET’S HEALTH

Regular appointments are so important for ensuring that your animals enjoy many happy and healthy years. It can help detect any potential problems early. So, consider adding more wellness appointments to your New Year’s resolution list, but do so at least once a year.

Make sure your necessary vaccinations are up-to-date.

Around the age of 8, their wellness and nutritional needs can require fine-tuning every 4 to 6 months. In older animals, it’s very important to review weight, muscle tone, joint range of motion, diet, supplement protocol, and exercise habits at least semi-annually.

Through a healthy diet, exercise, enrichment, and keeping your home safe and toxin-free, their health can improve drastically.

SEEK MORE NATURAL WAYS TO SUPPORT YOUR PET’S HEALTH

‘Integrated’ health care for domestic animals can combine the best of conventional Veterinary medicine, alongside diet and nutrition, supplements, herbal and homeopathic formulas, physiotherapy acupressure, and acupuncture. All of which can improve our pet’s quality of life.

Schedule an appointment with a natural health care practitioner to see how a more natural approach to your pet’s health care could benefit them this year…… and every year in the future.

ADD YOUR PETS TO YOUR WILL

What is the immediate and long-term plan for your pets if you die today? Are they included in your will? Will they be taken care of? It is important to list specific instructions in your will! Is there someone in your town who will be responsible for taking care of your pets in case of an emergency? You can also LEAVE A LEGACY, by donating part of your estate to an animal shelter.

MICROCHIP AND REGISTER (OR UPDATE) YOUR PET’S MICROCHIP & ID COLLAR INFO

If your pet doesn’t have a microchip, get one now! There are affordable options and it drastically improves the chances of reuniting your pet with you if they get lost. You have to register your details on a database (preferably more than one) so it can be linked to the microchip number. Otherwise, the microchip means nothing. Make sure your details are up-to-date if you moved or changed numbers. Have a recent photo ready in case they get lost. Read everything you need to know about microchips here.

pet — Pet New Year’s Resolutions – Image by Dr. Karen Becker

CLEAR OUT OLD TOYS & GET CREATIVE BY MAKING SOME NEW ONES

Take a fresh look at their toy collection and stop holding on to old, tatty, and often germ-infested pet toys. Now’s the perfect time to do a good clean and clear and to give your pet something fun and new to play with. Choose safe toys made of natural materials and clean them regularly. Read more on pet toys.

SCHEDULE SOME DAILY DIY GROOMING TIME

Grooming is important to keep the coat shiny and healthy. Like playtime, grooming is something that most pets look forward to and it’s a bonding activity. Grooming your pet is also a great way to notice if something is off. Make sure their coat/skin is in good condition, nails are trimmed, eyes and ears are clean as well as maintaining good dental hygiene.

Your pets didn’t have a choice when they came to stay with you and since you chose to have them, it is your responsibility to meet their every need! Next week we will continue with the final part of this three-part series on the pet New Year’s resolutions. Do better for your pets in 2023!

Do you have a New Year’s resolution for your pet?

WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER, DO BETTER!

Traffic officer killed on N4

News

Encee van Huyssteen

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January 10, 2023

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DCSSL traffic officer killed by a truck along N4 toll road near Middelburg

The Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison (DCSSL), has lost a traffic officer, Mr. Gijimane July Nkabinde (57) after he was hit by a truck along the N4 toll road on Monday evening around 19h30.

This happened while Nkabinde was on duty at Middelburg weighbridge. It is alleged that at the time the accident occurred, he was directing the truck to the wrighbridge situated along the road.

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragedy is already underway.

Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Mr Vusi Shongwe, has sent his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and colleagues of Nkabinde.

He has called on Nkabinde’s colleagues in the law enforcement fraternity not to be discouraged by this incident. He says they should rather continue working harder to deal with errant drivers as part of honouring the departed official.

Also read: Police Captain arrested in Witbank

“Truck drivers must at all times cooperate with law enforcement officers because the directives of these officials supersede all other signs on the road. We have noticed that some truck drivers are at times not working with our officials. There is a problem of attitude on some truck drivers who constantly disregard the rules. The attitude of some of these drivers must change and trucking companies must instill in their employees the culture of considerate and courteous driving,” says Shongwe.

Police urge anyone with any information on Crime to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.

Police Captain arrested in Witbank

Crime
News

Encee van Huyssteen

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January 10, 2023

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POLICE CAPTAIN AND TWO ARRESTED ON ALLEGED CORRUPTION, EXTORTION, KIDNAPPING AND DEFEATING THE ENDS OF JUSTICE

Three suspects including a female Police Captain were arrested on charges of corruption, defeating the ends of justice, extortion and kidnapping. The three (one female and two males) were nabbed in Witbank on Monday afternoon, 09 January 2023 around 15h30.

According to the report, 13 alleged undocumented persons were reportedly taken into a police marked van by the three suspects for hours whereby a bribe of R10 000 was demanded from them for their freedom. It is further alleged that these individuals were working at a certain construction site in Witbank. Apparently the owner of the premises was also contacted to also pay for the release of the 13. After few hours cash was allegedly paid to the three suspects and that is when they were arrested by the members of the police from Mpumalanga Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit.

Also read: Robbery at Hazyview Filling Station

The cash was also confiscated from the possession of the suspects as part of the investigation. The trio appeared at the Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court today, Tuesday 10 January 2023 and they were each granted bail of R2000 and they are expected to appear again in the same court on 01 March 2023 meanwhile the investigation continues. They were identified as Tshidi Anastacia Mamareko (56), Santi Madoda Khumalo (44), and Albert Ramuchu (41). Internal investigations surrounding the incident against the female Captain will also be conducted whereby disciplinary steps may be taken pending the outcome of the probe.

Fidelity captain — Illustration purposes

Meanwhile the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has welcomed the arrest of the three and used the opportunity to strongly warn members to stay away from involving themselves in alleged corrupt activities as it would land them in hot waters. “We cannot allow ourselves to be associated with corruption and the law will have to take its course against such who break the law, including those within our ranks without fear of favour” warned the General.

Police urge anyone with any information on Crime to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.