Kidnapped businessman rescued, wanted Mozambican kidnapper fatally wounded

-
Image
KEMPTON PARK - The South African Police Service (SAPS) Anti-Kidnapping Task Team has safely reunited an Indian businessman with his family following a shootout with an alleged mastermind behind the businessman’s kidnapping. The businessman was found in Alexandra in a shack shortly after midnight on Thursday, 04 September 2025. His rescue follows a shooting in which the alleged mastermind behind his kidnapping was shot and killed during confrontation with police officers near the R21 in Kempton Park on Wednesday evening. The suspect who goes by the nickname “Dollarman” is a wanted kidnapping kingpin in both SA and in Mozambique. He is on SERNIC which is Mozambique’s wanted persons database where he was a wanted for several kidnapping for ransoms cases. In SA he was also linked to at least five kidnapping for ransom cases as well as other cases of housebreaking, carjacking and possession of unlicensed firearms. From July 2021 to date more than 337 kidnappers have been arrest...
Post a Comment

Umzimkhulu River Bridge to officially close for six months rehabilitation

-
KWAZULU-NATAL - Umzimkhulu River Bridge will close officially at 15h00 today (Monday,17 March) – marking the beginning of the emergency repairs and rehabilitation of the bridge built in 1958, says the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport.

 The MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma in conjuction with Inkosi Mhlabunzima Maphumulo House conducted an oversight of UMzimkhulu River before the commencent of repair work yesterday.

"This marks the beginning of the emergency repairs and rehabilitation of this bridge, which was built in 1958—using the old caisson construction system.

"The repairs of the bridge will reinstate its durability for around 25 years and more," said MEC Duma.

STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY COMPROMISED

According to the Departmet, prolonged rainfall and floods undermined the piers of the bridge. The flow of water caused the bridge piers to rotate, making the bridge unstable and dangerous to the motorists. 

"This necessitated the closure to ensure the safety of the public.
"We postponed the closure as we wanted to engage with key stakeholders. We all acknowledge that the closure will affect all residents—rich and poor. It is for these reasons that we agreed to hold hands and pull behind a common goal of Inspiring Hope for a Better Future," said Duma.

ANNOUNCEMENTS OF THE PROJECT

1. P464 will be used as an alternative route for now as we await the National Minister Babra Creecy’s approval to waive toll fees at the Oribi Toll Gates Ramps North and South.

2. If the toll waiver for the N2 is granted, there would be concurrent repair of P464 alongside the bridge, ensuring a safer and more efficient travel route for all users.

3. R190 million has been allocated for this project which will take 6 months.

4. About 121 local community members will be employed and will work 528 days with combined salaries of around R11, 7 million.

5. By 28th March 2025, a public liaison committee shall be appointed through the municipality and the department of transport with nominated members representing various community organizations.

6. The recruitment and selection of the Community Liaison Committee shall take place from the 11 April 2025

7. The commencement of work on site shall begin on the 11 May 2025 after the approval of work permit.

8. The estimated value of contracts to be allocated to emerging contractors is approximately R 7 632 000 (R7, 6 million)

9. South African Police Service, who were present in the meeting, will act firmly against aby rogue elements or construction mafias attempting to extort money or to stop the repairs.

Location: Umzimkulu, 3297, South Africa

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Kidnapped businessman rescued, wanted Mozambican kidnapper fatally wounded

-
Image
KEMPTON PARK - The South African Police Service (SAPS) Anti-Kidnapping Task Team has safely reunited an Indian businessman with his family following a shootout with an alleged mastermind behind the businessman’s kidnapping. The businessman was found in Alexandra in a shack shortly after midnight on Thursday, 04 September 2025. His rescue follows a shooting in which the alleged mastermind behind his kidnapping was shot and killed during confrontation with police officers near the R21 in Kempton Park on Wednesday evening. The suspect who goes by the nickname “Dollarman” is a wanted kidnapping kingpin in both SA and in Mozambique. He is on SERNIC which is Mozambique’s wanted persons database where he was a wanted for several kidnapping for ransoms cases. In SA he was also linked to at least five kidnapping for ransom cases as well as other cases of housebreaking, carjacking and possession of unlicensed firearms. From July 2021 to date more than 337 kidnappers have been arrest...
Read more

President Ramaphosa remembers veteran Journalist Tshidi Madia

-
Image
PRETORIA -  President Cyril Ramaphosa has paid tribute to fallen veteran journalist Matshidiso "Tshidi" Madia. "My thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of journalist, political commentator, radio host and moderator Tshidi Madia who has passed away in the prime of her life. "Tshidi loved our country and this was the backdrop to her tough questions and her hopeful vision of a South Africa that can and should be better," said Ramaphosa. "We shall continue to work for Tshidi’s South Africa with her now silent pen and voice in our memories and hearts. Her passing during Women’s Month reminds us of her stature as a remarkable citizen and thought leader presented to the nation as an outstanding woman," the President added. Tshidi passed away in hospital on Wednesday morning, 27 August 2025, after a short illness. Mzo Jojwana, Primedia Broadcasting’s Chief Content Officer, said “We have lost one of the most respected voices in Sou...
Read more

GRAPHIC: One person has died, vehicles linked to e-hailing services torched at Maponya Mall

-
Image
SOWETO - One person has been declared dead and two injured after e-hailing vehicles were attacked by unknown suspects at Maponya Mall this evening, 13 August 2025. According to information at hand, an ehailing vehicle was seen stopping at the entrance when about four men approached the driver and shot at him before torching the vehicle.  Another vehicle which was nearby was shot at and the driver managed to flee and his vehicle was also torched.  It was later discovered that the driver and another passerby sustain gun shot wounds and were taken to hospital.  A case of murder, attempted murder with two counts and arson is opened for further investigations.  The SAPS and JMPD are on the scene to monitor the situation which is suspected to be taxi violence related.
Read more