Latest news with #JMPD
The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
Wanted Mozambican kidnapper killed during raid in Johannesburg
Police have shot and killed a Mozambican man wanted in connection with multiple kidnappings. Mauro Mucambe Junior had an outstanding... Police have shot and killed a Mozambican man wanted in connection with multiple kidnappings. Mauro Mucambe Junior had an outstanding warrant of arrest which had been issued by Maputo police back in August 2024. Police's anti-kidnapping unit were tracing a kidnapped Pakistani businessman when they encountered the wanted 40-year-old at a residential complex in Fourways earlier this week. Police kill suspect The operation began in Midrand where officers seized a Mercedes-Benz and an SUV while securing the arrest of two kidnapping suspects. 'They proceeded to Fourways where the task team announced their arrival and a shoot-out ensued,' confirmed national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe. Following the incident, police identified the deceased suspect as a Mozambican kingpin wanted in connection with several kidnappings 'One unlicensed firearm used by the fatally wounded fugitive of justice was seized, including 10 rounds of ammunition. Four cellphones and four bank cards have also been seized,' confirmed Mathe. The kidnapped Pretoria businessman is still being held by his captors and a ransom demand was made made to his family. 'Police have full faith and confidence in the work of the anti-kidnapping task team to rescue the kidnapped businessman,' stated Mathe. Increase in kidnappings Kidnappings have surged in South Africa, with police making over 170 ransom-related arrests since January last year. 'More than R1.2 million has been recovered. More than 100 victims rescued mainly in Gauteng and more than 40 vehicles used in kidnapping crimes were also seized by the team,' police confirmed. Earlier this week, a female kidnapping victim was saved by passing Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officers along the N1. The victim screamed for help from a moving car prompting a high speed chase that ended a few kilometers from the Gordon Road offramp. 'The officers rescued the woman, who confirmed she had been kidnapped by her ex-boyfriend from her workplace in Midrand, where she was on night shift,' confirmed JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla. NOW READ: Kidnapping on the rise: What to look out for in 2025
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Law vs livelihood: JMPD removes informal traders from Winnie Mandela Drive
The streets between Winnie Mandela Drive and Boulevard Road, just before Fourways Mall, are usually bustling with activity, and it is all thanks to the informal traders who call this spot their workplace. That all changed on June 19 when JMPD officers swooped in, removing the informal traders and their stalls. The move was based on a call to action from the Fourways Improvement District, a non-profit company, Fourways Mall, and Ward 94 councillor David Foley, who said it is for a very specific reason: 'It's against the law to trade on provincial roads.' Also read: Informal traders, pointsmen, and traffic light tamperers, your days in Fourways are numbered Foley said that the area is slated for a beautification project, aimed at making the spot more welcoming to the visitors and shoppers at Fourways Mall. 'We are planning to beautify the area with plants, so that it is welcoming for people who plan to come to the businesses. It will also be easier for officers to monitor the area.' What does this mean for the informal traders who rely on this spot to make a living? Fatima Mashaba, from Diepsloot, said she started trading in the area in 2022. 'I don't know where to go because this is my only means of income. What is it that my kids are going to eat? I am aware it is against the law, because this is not the first time that the police came to remove us from the area, but there are no jobs. What can we do?' Also read: Community funding initiative continues in order to fence off informal settlement @caxtonjoburgnorth An informal trader on Winnie Mandela Drive and Boulevard Road in Fourways tries to negotiate if authorities can place them elsewhere to trade after being removed from the area. Video: Ditiro Masuku ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North She is not the only one, a second trader, who asked not to be identified, said the authorities should've issued them a warning about their visit, so that they could plan. 'It is not fair because it means today I did not make enough money. If they told us that they were coming, or said: 'Okay, today is your last day, tomorrow don't come here', it would've been better.' Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The South African
3 days ago
- The South African
90 undocumented foreigners found illegally living in Joburg home
Authorities in Johannesburg have arrested a rent collector and uncovered an illegal settlement of undocumented foreign nationals living in squalid conditions in the upmarket suburb of Houghton. The City of Johannesburg's Public Safety Department and JMPD raided a house in Houghton on Wednesday, 18 June. Inside, they found 90 undocumented foreigners living in overcrowded conditions, with the space crudely divided by curtains. Public Safety MMC Dr Mgcini Tshwaku said another undocumented migrant collected rent from the occupants, who were mostly foreign nationals without legal documentation. That individual, in turn, reported to a third party a white male who remains under investigation. Police arrested the undocumented rent collector after they found him hiding in overgrown grass behind the property. He remains in custody and faces questioning about his role in the illegal occupation and possible links to those running the operation. 'This discovery highlights the organised and concealed nature of illegal settlements facilitated by undocumented individuals exploiting others,' Tshwaku said. Law enforcement officers searched the premises for signs of human trafficking or narcotics but found no such evidence. Authorities confirmed the main violations related to immigration offences and unauthorised occupation of private property. Officials have now marked the building for closure. The JMPD will monitor the site to prevent reoccupation as the city finalises legal steps. Authorities expect to deport most of the 90 undocumented individuals or hold them for further legal proceedings. Dr Tshwaku called on residents to remain vigilant and report illegal settlements and bylaw violations. 'Tip-offs about unlawful property use and undocumented occupants are essential to maintaining law and order in our city,' he said. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
4 days ago
- The Citizen
Authorities raid property as crackdown on illegal occupation intensifies
A residential property in the suburb of Houghton Estate was officially shut down on June 18, following a co-ordinated raid by municipal authorities. This is part of a broader clampdown by the City of Johannesburg on illegal land use and unlawful property occupation. The operation was led by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD). ♦️Happening Now♦️ 📍Houghton Estate Property Raid The premises have been officially marked for closure, with the remaining residents being processed and either deported or held for legal proceedings. The JMPD will maintain a monitoring presence to ensure no further illegal occupancy… — COJ People's MMC Public Safety (@PublicSafetyMMC) June 18, 2025 According to the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) of Public Safety, Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, the remaining occupants at the premises are either facing deportation or are being held for further legal proceedings. Also read: Smile Foundation changed 23 lives during Smile Week at the Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital The premise has been set for full closure, and JMPD officers will maintain a visible presence to prevent any attempts at reoccupation. City officials have not disclosed the total number of residents affected. Speaking on behalf of the city, the MMC Tshwaku emphasised the importance of citizen involvement in identifying similar violations. Read more: Local dad competes in Mr South Africa and advocates for orphans and vulnerable children 'We urge the public to play their part – spot illegal factories, unlawful property settlements, or major by-law infringements, and bring them to us,' said Tswaku. The city has not yet confirmed what the future use of the Houghton Estate property will be, but monitoring will remain in place until the legal closure process is finalised. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
4 days ago
- The Citizen
Kidnapping victim saved during chase on N1 in Johannesburg
Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officers successfully intervened in a kidnapping incident in the early hours of yesterday. According to Northcliff Melville Times, at approximately 04:00, officers were on patrol on the N1 South highway, heading towards 14th Avenue in Northcliff, when they observed a silver-grey Hyundai travelling without its headlights on. As the officers pulled alongside the vehicle to alert the driver, a woman inside the Hyundai screamed for help through an open window, stating she was being kidnapped. The officers immediately activated their blue lights and sirens. The driver of the Hyundai then accelerated, leading to a chase. The suspect's vehicle exited the highway at the Gordon Road off-ramp and was successfully cornered on 6th Street in De La Rey. According to JMPD, upon stopping, the driver of the Hyundai abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot. Backup was immediately called, and the officers rescued the woman, who confirmed she had been kidnapped, allegedly by her ex-boyfriend, from her workplace in Midrand where she was on night shift. A case of kidnapping was opened at the Florida SAPS, and the vehicle used in the commission of the crime was seized for further investigation. JMPD chief of police commissioner Patrick Jaca stated: 'I commend the exceptional bravery and swift action of our officers. Their vigilance and decisive response directly led to the safe rescue of a vulnerable citizen. 'This incident underscores the JMPD's unwavering commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety of all residents in Johannesburg. We will continue to pursue the suspect involved in this heinous act.' The JMPD commended the quick thinking and decisive action of their officers, which led to the safe rescue of the victim. Investigations into the incident are ongoing. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
