Latest news with #Gantana
The Citizen
14 hours ago
- The Citizen
Walter Sisulu University staff member killed outside entrance
Police declined to confirm the identity of the victim, and authorities have warned against speculating over a possible motive. A Walter Sisulu University staff member was fatally shot outside the Nkululekweni gate at the Mthatha campus in the Eastern Cape. Police launched an investigation on Thursday night after being alerted to a shooting incident outside the university's campus. The victim is believed to be a senior member of the faculty, but police have not yet confirmed the deceased's identity out of respect for the family. 'Motive remains unknown' Police were called to the scene shortly before 6pm on Thursday after another staff member passed by the victim's stationary vehicle. 'Preliminary forensic analysis confirms the victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds while seated in the driver's position. The motive remains unknown,' confirmed Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana. Police state that 'maximum resources' will be deployed to pursue all leads as a matter of urgency. They asked members of the public to share any information they may have with authorities. 'Forensic experts and detectives are actively processing the secured crime scene. Public speculation must be avoided to preserve the integrity of the investigation,' said Eastern Cape provincial commissioner Major General Thandiswa Kupiso. The victim's seniority and the possibility of a targeted motive have been suggested on social media, but Gantana would not confirm any details. 'At the moment, I cannot reveal the identity of the victim. I think I will leave that to the family and the Walter Sisulu University as the employer,' Gantana told eNCA on Friday. Second shooting in three months Chairperson of the higher education portfolio committee, Tebogo Letsie, shared his shock at the incident, stating that violence had no place in education. 'We are devastated to learn that an official of the Walter Sisulu University has been brutally murdered in such a callous and inhumane manner,' Letsie said. The same campus was the scene of another fatal shooting in April and Letsie urged the university to strengthen security to protect staff and students. 'The latest tragedy is deeply concerning and raises questions about safety at the institution. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased,' Letsie concluded. NOW READ: Walter Sisulu University murder case: Magistrate accused of bias after employee granted R10k bail
IOL News
4 days ago
- IOL News
Ten children rescued from trafficking attempt in Matatiele, two suspects arrested
IOL Police in Matatiele rescued ten children and arrested two men for alleged human trafficking and illegal immigration. Image: File Police in the Eastern Cape have arrested two suspects in a shocking human trafficking case involving ten children, believed to have been smuggled illegally from Lesotho. A swift police response led to the rescue of ten children and the arrest of two men, aged 40 and 20, in Matatiele on Saturday, June 14. The arrests came after a tip-off from a vigilant community member who noticed an adult male with several children near a fuel station in the Matatiele CBD. Police spokespersons Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana confirmed that the 40-year-old suspect, a Lesotho national without valid documentation, initially claimed he was transporting the children to meet their mothers in Pietermaritzburg. This narrative quickly unraveled when the children contradicted his story. "However, the children contradicted this, stating they did not know the man and that he had taken them from Qacha's Nek, Lesotho, under false pretences of reuniting them with their mothers. They confirmed illegal entry into South Africa via an unofficial crossing near Paqama," said Gantana. Authorities have opened cases under the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act as well as the Immigration Act. The suspects remain in custody and are expected to appear before the Matatiele Magistrate's Court in the coming days. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The children have since been placed in a safe location by the Department of Social Development and are receiving appropriate care and support while investigations continue to uncover the full scope of the trafficking network. Acting Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Major General Thandiswa Kupiso, lauded the swift action by police and community members. "This intervention potentially saved these children from further harm," she said. "We urge the public to report suspicious activities related to trafficking or illegal immigration to their nearest police station." The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities determined to dismantle any broader syndicates linked to this attempted trafficking operation. IOL News
The Citizen
7 days ago
- The Citizen
Woman throws husband under the bus after police find firearms in her home during a raid
All three suspects face charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition and Contravention of the Firearms Control Act (Act 60 of 2000). Police have arrested three suspects and recovered firearms during a raid in Port St. John's this week. According to Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, police conducted a coordinated intelligence-driven operation by Saps Tactical Response Teams (TRT) and Combat units from 12 to 13 June 2025. 'Acting on credible intelligence regarding illegal firearms linked to taxi violence and cash-in-transit robberies, the TRT Recce Team, supported by OR Tambo and Joe Gqabi Combat Teams, executed search warrants at two homesteads in Tombo A/A and Mthumbane,' said Gantana. Police raids At the first address (Tombo A/A), a 46-year-old woman presented a firearm license for a shotgun and 9mm pistol but failed to produce a competency certificate or valid documentation for ammunition. ALSO READ: 7 suspects, including 2 linked to Mozambican national murder, arrested for illegal firearms Her co-accused, a 52-year-old man, was found in possession of an unlicensed shotgun. Exhibits seized are as follows: 1 x Shotgun, 1 x 9mm Pistol, 1 x Pistol Magazine, 33 x 9mm Cartridges and 5 x Shotgun Shells At the second address in Mthumbane, a 38-year-old woman was found with a wooden case containing multiple rifles. She claimed no knowledge of the firearms, stating they belonged to her husband. Exhibits seized were 10 x AK-47 Rifles, 19 x Magazines, 100 x 7.62 Cartridges,10 x Cleaning Kits, 4 x 9mm Pouches and 10 x Oil Canisters. All three suspects face charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition and Contravention of the Firearms Control Act (Act 60 of 2000). ALSO READ: Alarm as lost or stolen firearms end up in hands of criminals They are scheduled to appear before the Port St. John's Magistrate's Court on Tuesday. 'This operation underscores SAPS' commitment to dismantling criminal networks that terrorise our communities. The seizure of weapons, especially military-style rifles, disrupts planned violent crimes and enhances public safety. We urge communities to report illegal firearms anonymously via Crime Stop,' said Acting Provincial Commissioner of Eastern Cape, Major General Thandiswa Kupiso. Firearms and explosives In another incident in the North West, the Hawks' Serious Organised Crime Investigation, in collaboration with the Crime Intelligence and Tactical Response Team (TRT), arrested a 32-year-old suspect on Thursday for allegedly dealing in explosives. ALSO READ: Four arrested, five firearms recovered in KwaZulu-Natal The suspect was arrested in Kanana township following an intelligence-driven operation. This follows information received about a suspect alleged to be in possession of explosives stolen from a mine, which were being sold. The team operationalised the information and nabbed the suspect soon after selling the explosives for R10 000. The suspect is expected to appear in the Orkney Magistrate's Court on Monday. READ NEXT: Clarity given on private security industry's proposed 'firearms ban'
The Citizen
04-06-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Police respond to new WSU student protest
Three WSU students were arrested during Wednesday's protest and face charges of public violence, damage to infrastructure, and damage to property. Fresh student demonstrations erupted at Walter Sisulu University's Mthatha campus on Wednesday morning, prompting police deployment and the closure of the N2 highway. Students protested the bail release of a residence manager accused of murdering a fellow student. The protests began in the early hours of Wednesday, at approximately 5 am, with students burning tyres and blocking the main N2 road between Durban and the town centre. Police responded with rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the demonstrators, who shielded themselves with cardboard and foam materials while wearing balaclavas to avoid identification. Two police officers have reportedly been injured during a confrontation with the protesting students. Background to the new WSU protest The demonstrations stem from Tuesday's court decision to release Manelisi Mampane, a 54-year-old residence manager, on R10 000 bail. Mampane faces charges of murder and two counts of attempted murder following the fatal shooting of 24-year-old student Sisonke Mbolekwa during a campus protest in April. The original April protest involved students demonstrating over poor residence conditions and maintenance issues. During that demonstration, Mbolekwa was allegedly shot and killed by the residence manager, while other students sustained injuries. Police response to WSU unrest and the suspect's release The South African Police Service (Saps) on Wednesday morning distanced itself from the judicial decision to release Mampane, while acknowledging the community's distress. Police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana emphasised that the bail decision was beyond police authority. 'Saps acknowledges the ongoing student protests at the Walter Sisulu University at Mthatha campus, concerning the court-ordered release of a murder suspect linked to the death of Sisonke Mbolekwa,' Gantana said. 'We recognise the profound distress this case has caused within the university community.' Gantana reinforced constitutional rights while emphasising legal boundaries: 'Saps affirms the constitutional right to peaceful protest (Section 17) but emphasises its mandate to ensure public safety, protect infrastructure, and uphold the rule of law without interfering in judicial independence.' Gantana explained that the suspect's release was directed by the court under standard legal procedures. 'Saps has no authority over judicial decisions,' she stated. ALSO READ: Walter Sisulu University murder case: Magistrate accused of bias after employee granted R10k bail Ongoing investigation and arrests Despite the bail release, police confirmed that their investigation remains active. 'The murder investigation remains active, prioritised, and ongoing. We continue to collaborate closely with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to pursue justice through legal channels,' Gantana indicated. Three students were arrested during Wednesday's protest and face charges of public violence, damage to infrastructure, and damage to property. Police condemned the violent aspects of the demonstration, stating: 'We condemn reported acts of vandalism, arson, road blockades, or intimidation. Such criminal conduct diverts critical resources from the investigation and undermines the pursuit of justice.' Provincial leadership appeals for calm Acting Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Major General Thandiswa Kupiso made a direct appeal to the student community. 'We appeal for calm as we patiently allow legal processes to unfold. We encourage those who are aggrieved to channel grievances through lawful avenues,' Kupiso stated. The police leadership acknowledged the emotional aspect of the situation while calling for restraint. 'Emotional solidarity is understood, but unlawful actions jeopardise the justice we collectively seek. Saps remains unwavering in its commitment to solving this crime and securing accountability through due process,' Kupiso concluded. READ MORE: Walter Sisulu University's protest shooting denial Family's allegations and legal action According to Newzroom Afrika, the victim's family expressed deep disappointment with Tuesday's bail decision, with their spokesperson alleging judicial bias. The family reportedly believes the presiding magistrate showed favouritism during proceedings and plans to file a complaint with the Judicial Service Commission. They also announced intentions to appeal the bail decision. WSU protests impact on academic activities The ongoing unrest has disrupted university operations, with academic activities reportedly halted for approximately six weeks due to the incidents surrounding Mampane's arrest and subsequent bail release. Students who spoke to the media indicated their determination to continue the protests until justice is served. The protests have also affected local traffic patterns, with the closure of the N2 highway forcing motorists to seek alternative routes through residential areas not typically used for heavy traffic flow. Police officers have been directing traffic around the protest areas. Police have appealed to students to honour Mbolekwa's memory through constructive, non-violent means while allowing the legal system to proceed through proper channels. NOW READ: Boy shot dead in Westbury as 'gang members roam freely'
IOL News
04-06-2025
- General
- IOL News
Anger at WSU as students protest bail for residence manager accused of murder
Burned tyres and rocks litter the N2 outside WSU's Mthatha campus following a protest over the release of a murder suspect. Image: Facebook Three students from Walter Sisulu University (WSU) were arrested on Wednesday after a protest over the court-ordered release of a residence manager accused of murder. The protest turned violent at the institution's Mthatha main campus after news emerged residence manager Manelisi Mampane was granted a R10,000 bail by the Mthatha Magistrate's Court on Tuesday. Mampane is accused of fatally shooting student Sisonke Mbolekwa during a protest in April this year. Videos circulating on social media showed some students throwing stones at police officers who responded to the scene. IOL News previously reported that Mampane is facing charges of murder and two counts of attempted murder after two other students were also injured in the incident. Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana confirmed the arrests and acknowledged the deep frustration in the university community following the court's decision. 'We recognise the profound distress this case has caused within the university community,' Gantana said. 'SAPS affirms the constitutional right to peaceful protest under Section 17 but emphasises our mandate to ensure public safety, protect infrastructure, and uphold the rule of law without interfering in judicial independence.' Gantana said the court determined Mampane's release under standard legal procedures, and that police have no authority over judicial decisions. She added that the murder investigation remains active, prioritised, and ongoing in collaboration with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). She condemned acts of vandalism, arson, intimidation, and road blockades during the protest. 'Such criminal conduct diverts critical resources from the investigation and undermines the pursuit of justice,' she said. 'Public order units remain deployed to facilitate peaceful dissent while safeguarding lives and property.' She said the three students are expected to face charges of public violence, damage to infrastructure, and damage to property. Police confiscated wheelbarrows and sponge mattresses used by protesters. Meanwhile, education activist Hendrick Makaneta also condemned the violent nature of the protest. 'These acts are not only unlawful but dangerously irresponsible,' Makaneta said. 'They put innocent lives at risk and disrupt the daily lives and livelihoods of ordinary South Africans.'
