Crime Line leaps towards 2000 arrests
The anonymous crime tip-off service, Crime Line is fast approaching the 2 000 mark in arrests ahead of its fifth anniversary in June, almost doubling arrests in so many months. To date over 1 800 suspects have been arrested due to tip-offs sent by the public to Crime Line via its 32211 SMS service and its website www.crimeline.co.za.
“Since our launch in 2007, Crime Line has made incredible strides in giving voice to the millions of South Africans out there by giving them a platform to blow the whistle on crime anonymously. Five years is a landmark for us and we will continue to grow the service with exciting developments planned for the future,” said Head of Crime Line, Yusuf Abramjee.
Crime Line is endorsed by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and has to date also been responsible for R40 million in seizures.
“We are proud to be involved in a public private partnership that encourages whistleblowing and allows for communities to become our eyes and ears in the fight against crime. The police are committed to further growing the partnership,” said Brigadier Lindela Mashigo from the SAPS National Media Centre.
In a recent breakthrough Crime Line and the SAPS assisted with an extortion case in Kroonstad, Free State. With the help from Detective Services, led by Major-General Charles Johnson a sting operation was set up and seven Pakistani nationals were arrested in Kroonstad on Wednesday. It is believed that the men have extorted a number of businesses in the area.
Last year Crime Line was also at the forefront of efforts to bring some of South Africa’s most wanted criminals to book.
In May the tip-off service partnered with the SAPS in the hunt for a gang of bank robbers responsible for scores of robberies in Gauteng. Within a week police arrested cousins Khumbulani (37) and Thabane Sibanda (32) during a police operation in Norwood, Johannesburg. Police also arrested a Boksburg prison warden, who allegedly assisted the suspects in their escape from the facility on 29 March 2011.
Within days of their arrest police nabbed kingpin Bongani Moyo at Beitbridge, Limpopo. He has been linked to over 35 robberies. He escaped from custody again in August, but was re-arrested in Hillbrow the same month thanks to tip-offs.
Crime Line again aided police in a manhunt for a gang of ATM bombers after a brazen attack on a filling station in Pimville, Soweto. Police reservist, Constable Busisiwe Mehlwana (33) was shot and killed on the scene.
“To date eight gang members have been arrested, while three are dead. The Hawks are still searching for seven suspects, including Menzi Mabaso who in December escaped from the Protea Magistrate Court in Soweto. He is still on the loose,” said Mashigo.
Mabaso (29) was on trial alongside Sifiso Shezi and Nkosinathi Masina for a string of ATM bombings in Gauteng. It is believed that Mabaso and his accomplices played a role in the fatal shooting of Constable Mehlwana.
“We again appeal to the public to pass on any information about his whereabouts to Crime Line’s 32211 SMS service, online at www.crimeline.co.za or to Crime Stop on 08600 10111. It is imperative that we get him back behind bars and someone somewhere knows exactly where he is hiding. Blow the whistle,” said Abramjee.
In a recent breakthrough, the Hawks in KwaZulu Natal arrested 27-year-old Muzokhanyayo Sphamandla Dube, also known as Bhebas Cansas Chonco, in Wasbank on January 21 after they were tipped off about his whereabouts. It is believed that he was not only involved in the Pimville attack, but also behind the ATM bombing in Emondlo, Vryhedi where a security guard was shot and killed by the gang.
Meanwhile, Simphiwe Mkhize (25), also wanted in connection with the Pimville attack, shot himself on January 18 after he was pulled over by traffic officials in Mthubathuba, KwaZulu Natal. He was allegedly also involved in the Emondlo attack, including at least six ATM bombings on the West Rand during September and October last year.
In January another gang member, Lindelani Anthony Majola (31) was arrested by local police in Ulundi. He was allegedly involved in both the Pimville and West Rand attacks.
“South African citizens have a choice. We can reclaim our streets and ensure safer communities for our children. Whatever the crime, be it drug dealing, cable theft, murder, robbery, theft. If you have information that can assist the police in arresting the suspects, report it. Crime Line is anonymous, so no one will ever know who you are,” said Abramjee.
The tip-off service also appealed to the public to support Operation Khanyisa, an Eskom led initiative to curb electricity and cable theft. The initiative was launched in 2010 along with Crime Line, Business against Crime, Proudly South Africa and others. Scores of illegal connections have since been disconnected and numerous arrests have been made.
The initiative provides a platform for members of the public to blow the whistle on electricity crimes and more details are available on their website, www.operationkhanyisa.co.za.
Media enquires:
Marisa Oosthuizen
Cell: 071 674 5089
E-mail: MarisaO@primedia.co.za
Brigadier Lindela Mashigo
Cell: 082 778 4310
Yusuf Abramjee
Cell: 082 441 4203
