Saturday, May 28, 2011
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Saturday, April 9, 2011
I normally leave for work early in the morning, when it’s still dark, but last week I was in for a surprise unless I’m really stupid. The reason being that since uploading “Crimes of the South African Police” I noticed on this particular morning there was a truck parked in the road facing my vehicle but with its hazard lights on. The same place where a black man in full military camouflage stood on a previous occasion. Driving on I approached a robot which turned green and as I neared the traffic light a huge gold Toyota 4x 4 cab pulled up beside me and drove slowly down the road with me virtually side by side. I turned left and it proceeded on but at another spot a white utility was parked inappropriately near another traffic light. Again I turned right and proceeded on. At a stop sign another white utility was parked on the curb. After work on my arrival home a white utility had parked outside my property. The interesting thing about all the above is that my son’s vehicle is gold, and the vehicle parked outside my property was the same model as his vehicle, except that the parked vehicle was a utility. By the way i also drive a white utility. The following day as I left for work another white utility was parked on the pavement at a calming circle in a totally inappropriate spot again. Makes you think!
Crimes of the South African Police Service
Specialised traffic unit, Jaws of Life, cop clocked at 246km/h
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Klerksdorp - A traffic officer from the elite Jaws of Life traffic unit in North West province was recently caught on a speed camera doing 246km/h in a 120km/h zone.
A complaint received via Beeld about the alleged lawless behaviour of this unit (which replaced the former Transvaal Provincial Administration's traffic department in this province) was called "unconvincing" by the spokesperson of the responsible MEC, Frans Vilakazi.
But when asked to comment on the officer's behaviour, he backtracked.
"Unfortunately I can't discuss this with the media. There are security measures that need to be taken into account when I give out information," said Mandla Mathebula, spokesperson for North West's MEC for roads, safety and public security.
The traffic violation was allegedly committed on the N12 near Wolmaransstad.
Unpaid fines
According to a document seen by Beeld, Jaws has accumulated unpaid fines of R216 978 at the Maquassi Hills municipality only.
"We are not aware of this outstanding amount. The fact that you know about it and we don't makes me smell a rat," said Mathebula.
About two weeks ago, Dewald du Bruyn, a businessman from Kosmos near Hartbeespoort, complained to Beeld that three Jaws vehicles had forced him off the Mooinooi-Brits road when they passed a truck at high speed against a solid white line.
De Bruyn's BMW 320D's custom alloy wheels were bent, causing thousands of rand of damage when he had to drive off the road to avoid an accident.
VIP escort
Mathebula told Beeld on Sunday that he was not convinced that this incident actually took place.
"We have not received a complaint about this. Nobody has told us about this, except you."
He said the Jaws team's vehicles were emergency vehicles that were used to get to emergency situations like accidents and traffic jams. They were also used to escort VIPs.
He denied in the strongest terms that it was irresponsible to drive that fast on the province's "bad" roads. Mandla Mathebula:- Head of Communications
"What do you mean by the roads are bad? I was in the Maquassi Hills area a long time ago, but the province's roads aren't that bad," Mathebula had said earlier.
Spot fine for farmer
A farmer from Wolmaransstad, Klasie Visser, had his bakkie keys confiscated at a Jaws roadblock due to an alleged outstanding traffic fine of R100.
He had to pay R300 on the spot before they would let him go.
When he produced the receipt for the R100 fine a few days later, he was told via Beeld's reporter: "Come to the department (about 200 km from Wolmaransstad) and come get your R300 and your apology".
Mathebula said more people were satisfied with the work Jaws did than the other way round.
Condoning speeding
Chris Hattingh, DA leader in North West, said it was disturbing that the MEC openly condoned speeding of this nature by travelling in speeding convoys.
The MEC also stated in an answer to a question in the legislature that provincial traffic officers were exempt from speeding regulations in the course of duty.
"All indications are there that most of the Jaws traffic violations have nothing to do with law enforcement, but with travel to and from places of work," Hatting said.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Klerksdorp - A traffic officer from the elite Jaws of Life traffic unit in North West province was recently caught on a speed camera doing 246km/h in a 120km/h zone.
A complaint received via Beeld about the alleged lawless behaviour of this unit (which replaced the former Transvaal Provincial Administration's traffic department in this province) was called "unconvincing" by the spokesperson of the responsible MEC, Frans Vilakazi.
But when asked to comment on the officer's behaviour, he backtracked.
"Unfortunately I can't discuss this with the media. There are security measures that need to be taken into account when I give out information," said Mandla Mathebula, spokesperson for North West's MEC for roads, safety and public security.
The traffic violation was allegedly committed on the N12 near Wolmaransstad.
Unpaid fines
According to a document seen by Beeld, Jaws has accumulated unpaid fines of R216 978 at the Maquassi Hills municipality only.
"We are not aware of this outstanding amount. The fact that you know about it and we don't makes me smell a rat," said Mathebula.
About two weeks ago, Dewald du Bruyn, a businessman from Kosmos near Hartbeespoort, complained to Beeld that three Jaws vehicles had forced him off the Mooinooi-Brits road when they passed a truck at high speed against a solid white line.
De Bruyn's BMW 320D's custom alloy wheels were bent, causing thousands of rand of damage when he had to drive off the road to avoid an accident.
VIP escort
Mathebula told Beeld on Sunday that he was not convinced that this incident actually took place.
"We have not received a complaint about this. Nobody has told us about this, except you."
He said the Jaws team's vehicles were emergency vehicles that were used to get to emergency situations like accidents and traffic jams. They were also used to escort VIPs.
He denied in the strongest terms that it was irresponsible to drive that fast on the province's "bad" roads. Mandla Mathebula:- Head of Communications
"What do you mean by the roads are bad? I was in the Maquassi Hills area a long time ago, but the province's roads aren't that bad," Mathebula had said earlier.
Spot fine for farmer
A farmer from Wolmaransstad, Klasie Visser, had his bakkie keys confiscated at a Jaws roadblock due to an alleged outstanding traffic fine of R100.
He had to pay R300 on the spot before they would let him go.
When he produced the receipt for the R100 fine a few days later, he was told via Beeld's reporter: "Come to the department (about 200 km from Wolmaransstad) and come get your R300 and your apology".
Mathebula said more people were satisfied with the work Jaws did than the other way round.
Condoning speeding
Chris Hattingh, DA leader in North West, said it was disturbing that the MEC openly condoned speeding of this nature by travelling in speeding convoys.
The MEC also stated in an answer to a question in the legislature that provincial traffic officers were exempt from speeding regulations in the course of duty.
"All indications are there that most of the Jaws traffic violations have nothing to do with law enforcement, but with travel to and from places of work," Hatting said.
Crimes of the South African Police Service
Ximba ‘jumped 7 ranks in one day’
April 3 2011 at 03:18pm
________________________________________
Piet Viljoen drives the head of Crime Intelligence Richard Mdluli from the Boksburg Magistrate's court. Photo: Chris Collingridge, The Star
Police crime intelligence boss Lieutenant-General Richard Mdluli allegedly ensured that a man now facing a murder charge with him was promoted seven ranks in one day, the Sunday Times has reported.
Mdluli and Colonel Nkosana Sebastian Ximba were arrested this week for an alleged murder 12 years ago.
Last year, Ximba was promoted from the rank of a constable to that of colonel by Mdluli, who was described in the newspaper as his “father figure”.
The Sunday Times reported that the promotion was now the subject of an internal investigation by the Hawks, who arrested the men for the murder of Oupa Ramogibe.
Ramogibe, who was killed in Vosloorus, Boksburg, in 1999, was apparently in a love triangle involving with Mdluli and a woman.
At the time, Mdluli was the station commander at the Vosloorus police station, where Ximba also worked.
The two face charges of murder, kidnapping and defeating the ends of justice with Warrant Officer Samuel Dlomo and a fourth man, who is also a colonel. - Sapa
http://www.iol.co.za/news/crime-courts/ximba-jumped-7-ranks-in-one-day-1.1051261
"Officers committing serious criminal offences must be removed from the SAPS without delay, and the DA reiterates its call for the introduction of a new code of conduct for the VIP unit, to assist in holding its officers to rigorous standards," said Kohler-Barnard.
See also
VIP unit 'deletes' SABC footage
Cop union welcomes VIP probe
Cops 'got VIP crash info wrong'
Only 2 VIP bullies fired - DA
Man 'shot' after convoy crash
VIP unit in scuffle with SABC
Posted by ZeroTolerance at 8:34 AM
http://southafrica-pig.blogspot.com/2009/01/vip-unit-from-hell.html
April 3 2011 at 03:18pm
________________________________________
Piet Viljoen drives the head of Crime Intelligence Richard Mdluli from the Boksburg Magistrate's court. Photo: Chris Collingridge, The Star
Police crime intelligence boss Lieutenant-General Richard Mdluli allegedly ensured that a man now facing a murder charge with him was promoted seven ranks in one day, the Sunday Times has reported.
Mdluli and Colonel Nkosana Sebastian Ximba were arrested this week for an alleged murder 12 years ago.
Last year, Ximba was promoted from the rank of a constable to that of colonel by Mdluli, who was described in the newspaper as his “father figure”.
The Sunday Times reported that the promotion was now the subject of an internal investigation by the Hawks, who arrested the men for the murder of Oupa Ramogibe.
Ramogibe, who was killed in Vosloorus, Boksburg, in 1999, was apparently in a love triangle involving with Mdluli and a woman.
At the time, Mdluli was the station commander at the Vosloorus police station, where Ximba also worked.
The two face charges of murder, kidnapping and defeating the ends of justice with Warrant Officer Samuel Dlomo and a fourth man, who is also a colonel. - Sapa
http://www.iol.co.za/news/crime-courts/ximba-jumped-7-ranks-in-one-day-1.1051261
"Officers committing serious criminal offences must be removed from the SAPS without delay, and the DA reiterates its call for the introduction of a new code of conduct for the VIP unit, to assist in holding its officers to rigorous standards," said Kohler-Barnard.
See also
VIP unit 'deletes' SABC footage
Cop union welcomes VIP probe
Cops 'got VIP crash info wrong'
Only 2 VIP bullies fired - DA
Man 'shot' after convoy crash
VIP unit in scuffle with SABC
Posted by ZeroTolerance at 8:34 AM
http://southafrica-pig.blogspot.com/2009/01/vip-unit-from-hell.html
Crimes of the South African Police Service
Richard Mdluli Head of Police Crime Intelligence
South Africa, Government & Public Administration, Police. He was Head, Police Crime Intelligence, South Africa, Station Commander, Vosloorus police station, and also Deputy Head, Gauteng Police
Police mum on top cop arrest rumours
31 March 2011
Sapa
POLICE spokespeople remain tight-lipped amid rumours that crime intelligence boss Lieutenant-General Richard Mdluli has been arrested for murder.
Police are working. Let's allow the police to work. Any comment I can give you on this may compromise the work of the police," said Major General Nonkululeko Mbatha, spokeswoman for national police commissioner General Bheki Cele.
The National Prosecuting Authority also declined to comment on Thursday.
Several police sources informed the media on Wednesday night that a warrant of arrest had been issued for Mdluli.
The Mail & Guardian reported last week that the Hawks were probing Mdluli and Gauteng crime intelligence boss Joey Mabasa over allegations that they interfered with the Hawks' investigation into Czech fraud accused Radovan Krejcir.
But newspaper reports on Thursday morning suggested that Mdluli was being investigated for the death of an ex-lover's husband who was shot dead in February 1999.
The slain husband, Oupa Ramogibe, apparently received death threats after marrying Mdluli's ex-lover. He was allegedly told to leave her or he would be killed.
At the time, Mdluli was station commander at Vosloorus police station, east of Johannesburg, reported Beeld.
The Afrikaans daily said that 14 family members close to the murder case were put into a witness protection programme last week.
Both Beeld and The Star reported that Mdluli was supposed to have handed himself over to police on Tuesday, but failed to do so. An accomplice, however, allegedly did hand himself over.
The City Press newspaper reported earlier in March that tensions between national police commissioner General Bheki Cele and Mdluli was "sky high" after two police "spies" raided the public protector's office.
Cele was reported to be livid when he found out about the "unannounced visit" to Public Protector Thuli Madonsela's Pretoria office.
Police management suspended the two counter-intelligence officers.
"An inside source told City Press that tension between Cele and Mdluli had been simmering for a while, with Mdluli being seen by Cele and his supporters as the last senior official left in the police from the Jackie Selebi era," the newspaper reported.
Mdluli was promoted from deputy head of Gauteng police to head of national crime intelligence on July 1 2009 by acting police chief Tim Williams.
http://www.peherald.com/news/article/1021
South Africa, Government & Public Administration, Police. He was Head, Police Crime Intelligence, South Africa, Station Commander, Vosloorus police station, and also Deputy Head, Gauteng Police
Police mum on top cop arrest rumours
31 March 2011
Sapa
POLICE spokespeople remain tight-lipped amid rumours that crime intelligence boss Lieutenant-General Richard Mdluli has been arrested for murder.
Police are working. Let's allow the police to work. Any comment I can give you on this may compromise the work of the police," said Major General Nonkululeko Mbatha, spokeswoman for national police commissioner General Bheki Cele.
The National Prosecuting Authority also declined to comment on Thursday.
Several police sources informed the media on Wednesday night that a warrant of arrest had been issued for Mdluli.
The Mail & Guardian reported last week that the Hawks were probing Mdluli and Gauteng crime intelligence boss Joey Mabasa over allegations that they interfered with the Hawks' investigation into Czech fraud accused Radovan Krejcir.
But newspaper reports on Thursday morning suggested that Mdluli was being investigated for the death of an ex-lover's husband who was shot dead in February 1999.
The slain husband, Oupa Ramogibe, apparently received death threats after marrying Mdluli's ex-lover. He was allegedly told to leave her or he would be killed.
At the time, Mdluli was station commander at Vosloorus police station, east of Johannesburg, reported Beeld.
The Afrikaans daily said that 14 family members close to the murder case were put into a witness protection programme last week.
Both Beeld and The Star reported that Mdluli was supposed to have handed himself over to police on Tuesday, but failed to do so. An accomplice, however, allegedly did hand himself over.
The City Press newspaper reported earlier in March that tensions between national police commissioner General Bheki Cele and Mdluli was "sky high" after two police "spies" raided the public protector's office.
Cele was reported to be livid when he found out about the "unannounced visit" to Public Protector Thuli Madonsela's Pretoria office.
Police management suspended the two counter-intelligence officers.
"An inside source told City Press that tension between Cele and Mdluli had been simmering for a while, with Mdluli being seen by Cele and his supporters as the last senior official left in the police from the Jackie Selebi era," the newspaper reported.
Mdluli was promoted from deputy head of Gauteng police to head of national crime intelligence on July 1 2009 by acting police chief Tim Williams.
http://www.peherald.com/news/article/1021
Crimes of the South African Police Service
The VIP unit from hell
Friday, January 9, 2009
During the past four years, 111 members of the police's elite VIP Protection Unit - responsible for protecting the president, among others - have been charged with crimes such as murder, attempted murder, rape, armed robbery and the abuse of power.
The revelation comes in the wake of an undertaking by the Independent Complaints Directorate to begin a full-scale investigation into the VIP unit, which, during the past few years, has gained notoriety as road bullies.
According to the office of Safety and Security Minister Nathi Mthethwa, between 2005 and 2008:
• Six officers faced charges of murder or attempted murder;
• 10 officers faced charges of assault, or assault with intent to commit grievous bodily harm;
• One officer faced a rape charge;
• 26 faced driving-related charges, most involving reckless or negligent driving. Eight of those were for driving under the influence of alcohol;
• Two officers faced charges of damage to property;
• Three faced charges of pointing a firearm, or handling a firearm under the influence of alcohol; and
• One officer faced a charge of armed robbery.
During the same period, six officers were charged with abuse of power, two for dereliction of duty and 56 for misconduct.
But according to Mthethwa, during the past five years only two members of the unit were dismissed. Five were suspended.
"The disciplinary regulations of the SAPS prescribe both remedial and punitive measures which are used as reactive responses to incidents of misconduct," he said.
"In addition, members are subjected to proactive measures, including in-service courses such as disciplinary management, customer service and labour relations.
"Personnel are also debriefed in sessions with commanders where performance is reviewed and incidents and deviations discussed, with the objective of preventing misconduct and improving operational functioning," the minister said.
The VIP unit is broken into two components - the VIP Protection Services, which has 935 members, and the Static and Mobile Security Services, with 2 371 members.
DA MP Dianne Kohler-Barnard believes that VIP officers are getting away with their criminal actions without any proper disciplinary measures being taken against them.
"The data released by the minister of safety and security illustrates how a rudderless police service has lost all ability to hold police units to account, and underscores the importance of Monday's decision by the Independent Complaints Directorate to conduct a full investigation into the unit.
"Officers committing serious criminal offences must be removed from the SAPS without delay, and the DA reiterates its call for the introduction of a new code of conduct for the VIP unit, to assist in holding its officers to rigorous standards," said Kohler-Barnard.
See also
VIP unit 'deletes' SABC footage
Cop union welcomes VIP probe
Cops 'got VIP crash info wrong'
Only 2 VIP bullies fired - DA
Man 'shot' after convoy crash
VIP unit in scuffle with SABC
Posted by ZeroTolerance at 8:34 AM
http://southafrica-pig.blogspot.com/2009/01/vip-unit-from-hell.html
Friday, January 9, 2009
During the past four years, 111 members of the police's elite VIP Protection Unit - responsible for protecting the president, among others - have been charged with crimes such as murder, attempted murder, rape, armed robbery and the abuse of power.
The revelation comes in the wake of an undertaking by the Independent Complaints Directorate to begin a full-scale investigation into the VIP unit, which, during the past few years, has gained notoriety as road bullies.
According to the office of Safety and Security Minister Nathi Mthethwa, between 2005 and 2008:
• Six officers faced charges of murder or attempted murder;
• 10 officers faced charges of assault, or assault with intent to commit grievous bodily harm;
• One officer faced a rape charge;
• 26 faced driving-related charges, most involving reckless or negligent driving. Eight of those were for driving under the influence of alcohol;
• Two officers faced charges of damage to property;
• Three faced charges of pointing a firearm, or handling a firearm under the influence of alcohol; and
• One officer faced a charge of armed robbery.
During the same period, six officers were charged with abuse of power, two for dereliction of duty and 56 for misconduct.
But according to Mthethwa, during the past five years only two members of the unit were dismissed. Five were suspended.
"The disciplinary regulations of the SAPS prescribe both remedial and punitive measures which are used as reactive responses to incidents of misconduct," he said.
"In addition, members are subjected to proactive measures, including in-service courses such as disciplinary management, customer service and labour relations.
"Personnel are also debriefed in sessions with commanders where performance is reviewed and incidents and deviations discussed, with the objective of preventing misconduct and improving operational functioning," the minister said.
The VIP unit is broken into two components - the VIP Protection Services, which has 935 members, and the Static and Mobile Security Services, with 2 371 members.
DA MP Dianne Kohler-Barnard believes that VIP officers are getting away with their criminal actions without any proper disciplinary measures being taken against them.
"The data released by the minister of safety and security illustrates how a rudderless police service has lost all ability to hold police units to account, and underscores the importance of Monday's decision by the Independent Complaints Directorate to conduct a full investigation into the unit.
"Officers committing serious criminal offences must be removed from the SAPS without delay, and the DA reiterates its call for the introduction of a new code of conduct for the VIP unit, to assist in holding its officers to rigorous standards," said Kohler-Barnard.
See also
VIP unit 'deletes' SABC footage
Cop union welcomes VIP probe
Cops 'got VIP crash info wrong'
Only 2 VIP bullies fired - DA
Man 'shot' after convoy crash
VIP unit in scuffle with SABC
Posted by ZeroTolerance at 8:34 AM
http://southafrica-pig.blogspot.com/2009/01/vip-unit-from-hell.html
Crimes of the South African Police Service
Another VIP cop charged with assaulting a motorist
Sunday, November 23, 2008
A 27-year-old VIP unit police officer will appear in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court on Monday after he attacked a motorist in a road rage incident on Friday around 6pm in Villieria, Pretoria.
"The officer bumped the man's car off the road. He then proceeded to open the door of his victim's car, pulled him out and attacked him with his fists." Van der Kooi said the police officer was arrested shortly after eyewitnesses called the police. He was detained at the Villieria police station overnight.
"The officer was released on a warning on Saturday morning. He will appear on charges of common assault and reckless or negligent driving in court on Monday."
The victim was taken by an ambulance to a nearby hospital where he was still recovering, van der Kooi said.
According to Sunday's Rapport newspaper, the victim, auditor and businessman Henk Griesel, 47, had three of his teeth knocked out when the policeman assaulted him with a piece of metal. The officer, a constable, worked for the VIP protection unit in Pretoria.
http://southafrica-pig.blogspot.com/2008/11/vip-constable-smashes-motorist-in-face.html
Sunday, November 23, 2008
A 27-year-old VIP unit police officer will appear in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court on Monday after he attacked a motorist in a road rage incident on Friday around 6pm in Villieria, Pretoria.
"The officer bumped the man's car off the road. He then proceeded to open the door of his victim's car, pulled him out and attacked him with his fists." Van der Kooi said the police officer was arrested shortly after eyewitnesses called the police. He was detained at the Villieria police station overnight.
"The officer was released on a warning on Saturday morning. He will appear on charges of common assault and reckless or negligent driving in court on Monday."
The victim was taken by an ambulance to a nearby hospital where he was still recovering, van der Kooi said.
According to Sunday's Rapport newspaper, the victim, auditor and businessman Henk Griesel, 47, had three of his teeth knocked out when the policeman assaulted him with a piece of metal. The officer, a constable, worked for the VIP protection unit in Pretoria.
http://southafrica-pig.blogspot.com/2008/11/vip-constable-smashes-motorist-in-face.html
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