In just under 21 days, twenty individuals have been arrested and R572 000 worth of goods seized as a direct result of anonymous tip-offs to Crime Line (sms 32211 or website http://www.crimeline.co.za), a joint venture between the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Primedia Group.
One of the most significant successes during this period was the arrest of a member of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) on a charge of murder in the Free State.
The initial sms to 32211 reported that an argument broke out between a soldier and the deceased in a taxi en route from Bloemfontein to Dikgomong Phase 5 and that a body could be found at a certain location.
SAPS members discovered the corpse and an autopsy revealed that the victim, Mr Lefu Mofokeng, 37 years of age, had died as a result of a gunshot wound to the head.
"Old fashioned and thorough detective work by Inspector Wynand Serfontein led to the arrest of Staff Sergeant Percy Khumalo, 37 years, on a charge of murder. It is alleged that the deceased and the accused argued in a taxi and that Khumalo produced a firearm and shot Mofokeng who died instantly," said Director Sally de Beer, from the Office of the National Police Commissioner.
Khumalo was arrested on 2 November 2008, has appeared and court and is still in custody. A privately owned licensed firearm was found in his possession and he was pointed out by two witnesses at an identity parade. He is due to apply for bail on 20 November in the Bloemfontein Magistrate's Court.
Another noteworthy case emanating from Cape Town resulted in Mr Fuad Morris being arrested after an anonymous sms reported that he was wanted for housebreaking and an accurate address was provided. The suspect was traced and it was established that he was wanted for motor vehicle theft. He was also found in possession of stolen property and dagga and will stand trial on all three charges.
A Crime Line tip-off also led to the arrest of two persons in Wierdabrug, Gauteng on charges relating to drug-dealing. The two suspects were found in possession of cocaine with a street value of more than R500 000.
"Congratulations to all civic-minded members of the community who are providing quality information on serious crimes and criminals via Crime Line," said De Beer. "They are contributing to ensuring that South Africa enjoys a safe and secure festive season by ridding our streets of the criminal element."
The total number of arrests since the launch of Crime Line in June last year now stands at 554 and the value of confiscated stolen goods, drugs and counterfeit property is R23,4 million.
Crime Line head, Yusuf Abramjee, said it was "heartening to see the arrest rate increasing by the day. The authorities are also getting to the organised crime syndicates and it's important that we continue and grow the culture of tip-offs … It is our moral and civic duty.
"With the holiday season fast approaching, we also need to intensify our efforts and give the criminals flashing lights this festive season. Crime usually increases this time of the year and we can reduce and stop it if we blow the whistle on those involved in wrongdoing," said Abramjee.
"The quality of anonymous tip-offs to Crime Line from the public is also improving. We are starting to get detailed information and this is vital. Several investigations are underway following tip-offs and we hope to have more breakthroughs very soon," he added.
A senior delegation of Crime Stoppers International (CSI) will be visiting South Africa next week. The delegation will be headed by CSI vice-president Michael Gordon-Gibson. He will also be accompanied by senior representatives from the United States (US) and Australia, David Cording and Tony Carter and operational officers from the United Kingdom (UK).
"We are looking forward to exchanging ideas and again sharing the South African experience. We introduced sms technology with the launch of Crime Line and many foreign countries have taken our lead and others are planning to do so shortly. The successes achieved via Crime Line have impressed the international organization," added Abramjee.
Enquiries:
Director Sally de Beer
Cell: 082 779 8658
Yusuf Abramjee
Cell 082 441 4203
Issued by: South African Police Service
12 November 2008
