South Africa: Today’s latest news and headlines, Monday 30 December

Never miss a thing when it comes to the latest news in South Africa; check out all major headlines on Monday 30 December.

As South Africans prepare to bid 2019 farewell, law enforcement agencies are calling for responsible New Year’s celebrations, warning of intensified operations and a zero-tolerance approach to reckless behaviour, especially on the roads. In sports news, the Proteas have turned the tide after eclipsing England in the first test of a four-match series.

Today’s latest news in South Africa, Monday 30 December

Safer Festive Season operations net 850 arrests in Gauteng

Safer Festive Season Operations continued in Gauteng over the weekend as police arrested more than 850 suspects for various crimes.

Almost 200 suspects were arrested in Johannesburg as police were conducting roadblocks as well as stop and searches. Drunk driving topped the list as 39 offenders who have been found driving motor vehicles while under the influence of alcohol were detained.

SAPS members in Ekurhuleni worked jointly with other law enforcement officers and arrested more than 360 suspects for crime ranging from house robbery, rape, assault, malicious damage to property, possession of drugs, car hijacking, reckless and negligent driving, attempted murder and drink and driving.

The community of Gauteng should expect more operations and high police visibility as the year comes to an end.

Cops catch up with escaped convict

Africa Nkuna who escaped at Gauteng South High Court in Johannesburg early this month was rearrested by the police in Kagiso on Saturday, 28 December 2019. Five prisoners were appearing in the High Court on different cases when they escaped on 09 December 2019. Three prisoners were rearrested before they could exit the court building and one was fatally shot. Nkuna fled and has been on the run before he was rearrested after an intensive hunt.

Through crime intelligence, the police from Kagiso Crime Prevention Unit and detectives intercepted the Nissan Mpendulo Minibus that the escapee and his friend were travelling in and he was rearrested.

Charges of escaping from lawful custody and attempted murder will be added to the charge of murder Nkuna is already facing. 

Independent investigation into Nic Dlamini arrest

An independent service provider will conduct a preliminary investigation following “an unfortunate incident” in which star cyclist Nicholas Dlamini suffered a broken arm during an apparent arrest by South African National Parks (SANParks) rangers in Cape Town on Friday, according to SANParks.

Lize McCourt, acting SANParks CEO said on Saturday five rangers had been placed on precautionary suspension pending the finalisation of the investigation.

McCourt expressed regret at the turn of events which left the top cyclist with a broken arm, adding that SANParks was taking the matter seriously “and will afford Mr Dlamini and his family all the necessary support at this stage”.

The incident took place at the Silvermine section of the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) on Friday, and has since attracted a lot attention on social media platforms. (Source: ANA)

Petrol price set to decrease in January 2020

The price of petrol will drop slightly, but diesel and illuminating paraffin will increase as of midnight on Tuesday, the energy department said.

Unleaded petrol (ULP) 93 octane and lead replacement petrol (LRP) will drop by four cents a litre and 95 octane will drop by 14c/l, the department said in a statement on Saturday.

However, the wholesale price of both grades of diesel – 0.05 percent and 0.005 percent sulphur – will increase by 9c/l. The wholesale price of illuminating paraffin will increase by c/l. (Source: ANA)

Proteas begin new chapter with convincing win over England

The Proteas beat England by 107 runs on day four of the first Test at Supersport Park in Centurion.

England showed plenty of fight in their fourth innings effort but the Proteas attack chipped away and in the end got over the line comfortably.

The tourists resumed their chase on day four at 121 for 1 needing 275 runs to win.

Joe Root had won the toss and put South Africa in to bat, a decision that was questioned throughout the test, after making early inroads the Three Lions were stalled by a brilliant counterattacking 95 from Quinton de Kock that helped the Proteas make a competitive 284 in their first innings.

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