We have consistently maintained that restoring the inner city takes more than cleaning streets. It demands decisive action against the criminality, illegal trading and lawlessness that undermine legitimate businesses and public safety. I welcome this SAPS-led operation. It reinforces the work we are driving through our High-Impact Service Delivery Programme and integrated by-law enforcement to restore order and rebuild confidence in Johannesburg’s economic heart.
📹WATCH :SAPS Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk.
Australia is generating so much solar power that some households now get three hours of free electricity. In South Africa they want to charge us for using solar... 😂😂😂
#sapsHQ [SAPS BID FAREWELL TO ITS LONGEST SERVING PILOT, LIEUTENANT COLONEL "DIV" DE VILLIERS, AFTER 46 YEARS OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE]
Lt Col de Villiers' retirement was celebrated with a combination of emotional and ceremonial traditions, honoring his decades in the sky. This included the iconic water cannon salute upon landing, during heartfelt mid-flight announcements.
#ServiceExcellence #SAPSCareers #SAPSEmployerOfChoice ST
#sapsHQ [SAPS BID FAREWELL TO ITS LONGEST SERVING PILOT, LIEUTENANT COLONEL "DIV" DE VILLIERS, AFTER 46 YEARS OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE]
This week, the #SAPS rendered a heartfelt farewell to its longest-serving pilot, Lieutenant Colonel Jacobus Gideon “Div” de Villiers, who retired with 46 years of distinguished service in the organisation.
Lt Col de Villiers' journey began at Pretoria Central police station when he joined the Service as a constable in 1980. His early years attending to complaints and arresting suspects laid the foundation for what would turn out to be a remarkable career in law enforcement.
As a young police officer, Lt Col de Villiers developed a passion for aviation that would define his policing career. In 1987, passion met purpose when Lt Col de Villiers completed an advanced aviation training programme at his own expense which earned him his Fixed-Wing Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL).
The sky is certainly not the limit for Lt Col de Villiers as he continued to upskill through continuous training; progressing seat for seat. Facilitated by the SAPS, Lt Col de Villiers also underwent advanced aviation training at the National Airways Corporation (NAC) in 1989 and earned a Commercial Pilot Licence for Helicopters (CPL-H) and a placement at the SAPS Airwing for the past 37 years.
Based at Wonderboom Airwing as a senior pilot, Lt Col de Villiers operated all helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft utilised by the SAPS including the PC6 Pilatus PC-6 Porter, Pilatus PC-12, King Air C90, Cessna Sovereign Jet, MD500 D, and the AS350 Squirrel, among many others.
He also holds a National Diploma in Police Administration and completed several internal and international courses throughout his career.
Career highlights are many, but one that particularly stands out from the rest was when Lt Col de Villiers had the opportunity to undergo aviation training in the United States of America (USA) whereafter he flew back a Cessna Sovereign Jet to be utilised by the SAPS.
Through years of dedication, discipline and continuous training, he became one of the organisation’s most experienced pilots, earning him the respect of colleagues and the trust of those who relied on his expertise from the air.
Beyond flying, Lt Col de Villiers played a vital role in mentoring younger pilots and air law enforcement officers (ALEO’s), passing on valuable knowledge and helping shape the next aviation generation in the SAPS.
"To those I'm leaving behind - remember, every take-off has a purpose. Whether you are tracking suspects, searching for missing people, or supporting officers on the ground. As pilots, your work makes a difference. It has been an absolute honour to wear the SAPS badge and serve my country with pride," said an emotional Lt Col de Villiers.
Before Lt Col de Villiers logged his last flight, the Acting National Commissioner of the SAPS, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane expressed her sincere appreciation on behalf of the organisation.
SAPS salutes you, farewell Lieutenant Colonel "Div" de Villiers!
#ServiceExcellence
#SAPSCareers ST
https://t.co/iLrhPlgO0b
YOUTH MONTH | 35‑year‑old Sergeant Siphosethu Tyuwa, an airborne law enforcement officer and drone operator with the Eastern Cape SAPS Air Wing, is using her skills in drone technology to assist police in crime‑fighting operations.
#sapsHQ [YOUTH MONTH - SAPS YOUTH LEADING THE RESET AGENDA: MEET SERGEANT MARLINE NIEMAND - A PASSION FOR POLICING AND A LOVE FOR HORSES]
As South Africa commemorates Youth Month, the #SAPS is celebrating the energy, dedication and leadership of its young officers through the national campaign, “SAPS Youth - Leading the Reset Agenda.”
This year's campaign recognises young men and women in blue who are playing an active role in advancing the SAPS’ vision of professional, ethical and community-focused policing.
Under the banner, “My Blood is Blue,” SAPS is highlighting inspiring stories of young officers who have committed themselves to serving and protecting the people of South Africa. Their passion, integrity and sense of duty reflect the values of the SAPS Reset Agenda and underscore the important role young people are playing in shaping the future of policing.
Today, SAPS introduces the nation to Sergeant Marline Niemand, a SAPS horse rider attached to the Ekurhuleni Mounted Unit, Gauteng province.
Niemand joined the South African Police Service in 2012 at the age of 21 after applying while serving as a volunteer at Springs Police Station. Now 35, she remains driven by an unwavering passion for policing and a determination to expand her knowledge on every aspect of law enforcement. Becoming a police officer had always been her dream, despite her mother's initial reservations about her chosen career path.
With her father being a police officer and her role model, it was only meant to be for Niemand to fall in love with the profession. She was ready to submit her application to join the organisation when she turned 18 but did not have her mother’s blessing at the time. However, Niemand refused to give up on her dream and three years later she finally got enlisted.
Niemand’s love and passion for animals attracted her to join the K9 Unit and is currently based at the Ekurhuleni Mounted Unit where she gets to work with horses. She admires horses for their intelligence and considers her four-legged colleague, “Bujo”, a loyal best friend who enables her to serve her community and fight crime in a unique way.
To the South African youth: “I joined the SAPS because it is my calling, my passion, my childhood dream. I will continue to serve my community with dignity, honour, and pride,” Sergeant Marline Niemand concluded.
My Blood is Blue. The Youth are Leading the Reset.
#ServiceWithIntegrity #SAPSYouth #LeadingTheResetAgenda #MyBloodIsBlue
https://t.co/YrRMrqggpm
#sapsHQ [YOUTH MONTH - SAPS YOUTH LEADING THE RESET AGENDA: MEET CONSTABLE CHARITY NTSAKO RAMASODI]
As South Africa commemorates #YouthMonth, the SAPS proudly celebrates the young men and women in blue who are leading from the front and helping to shape the future of policing through courage, innovation, professionalism, and service excellence.
Under the campaign theme, "My Blood is Blue – The Youth are Leading the Reset Agenda," SAPS is showcasing outstanding young officers whose dedication to protecting communities and upholding the law embodies the values of the SAPS Reset Agenda.
These officers are not only making a difference in the communities they serve but are also inspiring a new generation of public servants committed to integrity and accountability.
Today, SAPS introduces the nation to Constable Charity Ntsako Ramasodi, a detective attached to the Fezile Dabi District Operational Command Centre (DOCC), Trio Crimes Task Team.
In a world where integrity, bravery, and loyalty are tested daily, Ramasodi stands as a shining example of these values. At just 32 years old, this energetic and driven officer has already made an indelible mark in the fight against crime in South Africa.
Serving with dedication in the Fezile Dabi District Operational Command Centre (DOCC) Trio Crimes Task Team, Constable Ramasodi is at the forefront of tackling serious crimes such as Cash In-Transit (CIT) heists, armed robberies, ATM bombings, and motor vehicle thefts. His commitment to ensuring justice, no matter the stakes, is nothing short of inspiring. #ServiceWithIntegrity #SAPSYouth #LeadingTheResetAgenda #ServiceExcellence ML
https://t.co/Yv0eQcKgxB
#sapsHQ [YOUTH MONTH - SAPS YOUTH LEADING THE RESET AGENDA: MEET SERGEANT SIPHOSETHU TYUWA]
As South Africa commemorates #YouthMonth, the SAPS is celebrating young officers who are making a meaningful impact in communities across the country through dedication, innovation, and #ServiceExcellence.
These young men and women embody the future of policing and are playing a critical role in advancing the SAPS Reset Agenda through professionalism, integrity, and commitment to public safety.
Today, SAPS introduces the nation to Sergeant Siphosethu Tyuwa, a Drone Operator and Airborne Law Enforcement Officer (ALEO) based in the Eastern Cape province.
At just 35 years old, Sergeant Tyuwa has carved her place among the fearless women transforming the face of policing in the Eastern Cape. She is not just an innovator in technology-driven policing; she is also a vocal advocate for gender transformation in law enforcement.
Since joining the Service in March 2015, Sergeant Tyuwa has soared, literally and figuratively, into a specialised field that places her at the forefront of modern policing: drone operations and airborne law enforcement.
As a Drone Operator and Airborne Law Enforcement Officer (ALEO), she plays a vital role in supporting ground units through real-time aerial surveillance, intelligence collection, and search-and-rescue missions across vast and often inaccessible regions of the Eastern Cape. #ServiceWithIntegrity #SAPSYouth #LeadingTheResetAgenda ML
https://t.co/Yv0eQcKgxB
#sapsHQ [YOUTH MONTH - SAPS YOUTH LEADING THE RESET AGENDA: MEET CONSTABLE PONTSHO KEKANA – “MY BLOOD IS BLUE”]
As South Africa commemorates #YouthMonth, the #SAPS launches its national campaign, “SAPS Youth – Leading the Reset Agenda”, celebrating a new generation of young officers who are driving ethical policing, professionalism and public service across the country.
Under the campaign positioning, “My Blood is Blue”, SAPS is showcasing young members who have answered the call to serve, protect and lead with integrity. These officers represent the future of policing and the ongoing renewal of the Service through the SAPS Reset Agenda.
Today, SAPS introduces 31-year-old Constable Pontsho Lophina Kekana, attached to the National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit, whose commitment to service embodies the values of courage, discipline and dedication.
Born and raised in Pretoria, Constable Kekana joined the SAPS in 2019 with a clear mission; to make communities safer and contribute meaningfully to the fight against crime. Her journey has seen her serve at the Hillbrow Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, Diepsloot Police Station as a Designated Firearm Officer, and currently at the National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit. ST
#ServiceWithIntegrity #SAPSYouth #LeadingTheResetAgenda
https://t.co/Gsnyl5zTir…
#sapsHQ [YOUTH MONTH - SAPS YOUTH LEADING THE RESET AGENDA: MEET CONSTABLE PONTSHO KEKANA – “MY BLOOD IS BLUE”]
As South Africa commemorates #YouthMonth, the SAPS launches its national campaign, “SAPS Youth – Leading the Reset Agenda”, celebrating a new generation of young officers who are driving ethical policing, professionalism and public service across the country.
Under the campaign positioning, “My Blood is Blue”, SAPS is showcasing young members who have answered the call to serve, protect and lead with integrity. These officers represent the future of policing and the ongoing renewal of the Service through the SAPS Reset Agenda.
Today, SAPS introduces 31-year-old Constable Pontsho Lophina Kekana, attached to the National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit, whose commitment to service embodies the values of courage, discipline and dedication.
Born and raised in Pretoria, Constable Kekana joined the SAPS in 2019 with a clear mission; to make communities safer and contribute meaningfully to the fight against crime. Her journey has seen her serve at the Hillbrow Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, Diepsloot Police Station as a Designated Firearm Officer, and currently at the National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit. #ServiceWithIntegrity #SAPSYouth #LeadingTheResetAgenda ML
https://t.co/Yv0eQcKgxB
#sapsHQ [INTERPOL SA TRACES AND ARRESTS USA FATHER WANTED FOR RAPE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT OF MINOR DAUGHTER]
A 56-year-old wanted fugitive was arrested on Wednesday, 27 May 2026, at his home in Kabega Park, Gqeberha for the alleged sexual abuse of his daughter.
The suspect, a USA citizen, is wanted by INTERPOL on charges of rape and sexual assault reported by the victim’s mother to the San Antonio Police Department in 2017.
According to a report, the suspect allegedly raped his daughter and shared explicit text messages with her over a period; the victim was 12 years old at the time.
Upon completion of the investigation, the suspect had fled the United States of America and was later traced to Eastern Cape, South Africa.
INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Pretoria traced the suspect and executed a Section 5(1)(b) warrant upon receipt of the USA’s extradition request with support from the Nelson Mandela Bay District Intervention Task Team, Crime Combating Unit, and Mount Road Crime Intelligence. #EndGBVF #PartnershipPolicing ML
https://t.co/xIHycwjdSx
Police nationwide, through Operation Shanela, continue to intensify their crackdown on crime, resulting in the arrest of 14 634 suspects between 18 and 24 May.
According to police Lt Col Amanda van Wyk, during the same period, police detectives successfully traced and apprehended 2 625 wanted suspects linked to serious and violent crimes, including murder, rape, attempted murder, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), carjacking, and armed robbery.
“A major breakthrough against organised crime saw police seize 123 999 illicit tobacco products nationwide, including 1 200 boxes of illicit cigarettes valued at more than R7.4 million in Limpopo, the Free State, and Sedibeng.”
She added that significant confiscations included:
- 102 boxes valued at R600 000 in Polokwane;
- 499 boxes worth R3.1 million in Zamdela, where suspects allegedly attempted to bribe police officers with R900; and
- 599 boxes valued at R3.7 million in Sedibeng.
“In total, 42 suspects were arrested for possession and distribution of illicit cigarettes, underscoring SAPS’ determination to dismantle criminal syndicates involved in the illegal tobacco trade. Other key arrests this week include:
- 1 142 suspects arrested for assault GBH;
- 755 for common assault;
- 129 for murder;
- 90 for attempted murder;
- 121 for rape;
- 74 for armed robbery;
- 115 for illegal possession of firearms;
- 606 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
- 1 891 illegal immigrants;
- 57 for illicit mining;
- 440 for possession of dangerous weapons;
- 365 for dealing in drugs;
- 1 199 for possession of drugs;
- 606 for illegal dealing in liquor; and
- 13 for human trafficking.”
Police nationwide also confiscated and recovered
- 128 unlicensed firearms of various calibres;
- 1 344 rounds of ammunition;
- 440 dangerous weapons;
- various types of drugs; and
- 41 hijacked and stolen vehicles.
Captain Johan 'Pottie' Potgieter's actions have been praised as selfless. He led a search operation in the Komati River in Mpumalanga, which revealed gruesome details about a missing Gauteng businessman. DNA tests are yet to confirm the identity of the remains. Tune in to #eNCA, channel #DStv403
[ON AIR] Highlighting intensified intelligence-driven operations against international trafficking networks in South Africa
Mondli Makhanya is in conversation with Security Strategist, Andy Mashaile & Police spokesperson Lt Colonel Amanda van Wyk.
#POWERTalk