Tragedy in Bronkhorstspruit: Five Dead and Six Injured in Tavern Shooting

Photo: SAPS Gauteng spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili 

In the early hours of Sunday, 5 October 2025, a violent shooting at a tavern in Zithobeni, Bronkhorstspruit, left five people dead and six others injured.  

Police responded promptly to the scene. Witnesses report that two men, known to the community, entered the establishment and demanded that a patron surrender his licensed firearm. During the confrontation, a shot was fired, prompting the suspects to fire randomly as patrons fled. The patron with the firearm was shot and injured, and his weapon was stolen.  

Brigadier Brenda Muridili, spokesperson for SAPS Gauteng, confirmed that five individuals lost their lives and six sustained injuries. The injured were transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment. To date, only one of the deceased has been identified, and all injured persons have been accounted for.  

Muridili also stated that the patron whose firearm was stolen will face charges under the Firearms Control Act, Act 60 of 2000, for negligent handling of his 9mm pistol.  

The Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit has registered cases of five counts of murder and six counts of attempted murder. The Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Tracking Team is actively pursuing the suspects.

Ivory Park Swimming Pool Complex Nears Completion

Residents of Ivory Park and surrounding communities can soon look forward to enjoying a modern, environmentally conscious swimming facility, as the Ivory Park Swimming Pool Complex nears completion.

The City of Johannesburg (CoJ) has confirmed that the development, located in the greater Midrand area, is in its final stages, with key utility connections such as water and electricity now completed. Remaining works include the installation of a bulk sewer connection for ablution facilities, testing of pumps, chlorination and water balancing, as well as final cleaning and quality assurance checks.

This facility forms part of the City's broader commitment to expanding access to social infrastructure. Once operational, the complex will serve as a crucial recreational hub for Ivory Park, Kaalfontein and neighbouring communities.

Designed with both functionality and sustainability in mind, the complex features an Olympic-style swimming pool, a splash pool for children, grandstand seating, and a suite of eco-friendly technologies. These include solar water heating, rainwater harvesting, grey-water recycling, and waterless toilet systems – all aligned with Johannesburg’s environmental goals.

Themba Mathibe, CEO of the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA), noted that the project had previously experienced delays. “This project was among those delayed in the past. Since our appointment as new management, we have prioritised addressing the challenges, including outstanding town planning matters, to ensure the pool is completed. The people of Ivory Park have waited a long time for this moment, and we are determined to deliver,” he said.

“For us at the JDA, this project is about more than building a pool. It’s about creating inclusive spaces that uplift communities, foster healthier lifestyles, and contribute to Johannesburg’s long-term sustainability.”

The Ivory Park Swimming Pool Complex will join the City’s network of over 50 public pools across its seven administrative regions. It forms part of a strategic initiative to redress historic infrastructure inequalities and to promote safe, vibrant, and liveable urban neighbourhoods.

The JDA will soon hand over the facility to the City’s Community Development Department, which will be responsible for its operation. The complex is expected to offer residents a valuable space for recreation, community interaction, and improved quality of life, while reinforcing the City's vision of a greener, more resilient Johannesburg.

Hazyview SAPS Clerk Sentenced for Running Illegal Loan Scheme Using SASSA and Bank Cards

A 53-year-old administration clerk stationed at Hazyview SAPS has been sentenced to one year of imprisonment or a R30,000 fine, both wholly suspended for five years, after he was convicted of operating an illegal money-lending business.

Bernard Ndlovu was arrested at his workplace on 21 July 2023 after being found in possession of 140 bank and SASSA cards belonging to various individuals. Following a thorough investigation, authorities confirmed that Ndlovu was running an unregistered cash loan operation in contravention of the National Credit Act.

“When clients borrowed money, Ndlovu took their cards as security to ensure repayment,” explained Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi, spokesperson for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) in Mpumalanga.

The investigation, conducted by the Hawks’ Nelspruit-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit, successfully uncovered the extent of the unlawful scheme. The team compiled evidence that led to Ndlovu's prosecution.

On Tuesday, 30 September 2025, the matter was heard in the White River Magistrate’s Court. Ndlovu was sentenced to one year’s imprisonment or a R30,000 fine, wholly suspended for five years on the condition that he is not convicted of a similar offence during that period.

The Provincial Head of the DPCI in Mpumalanga, Major General Nico Gerber, praised the investigating team and reaffirmed the commitment of the Hawks to impartial law enforcement.

“We want to assure the public that the Hawks will continue to investigate all matters thoroughly and without fear or favour,” said Major General Gerber.

The case serves as a stern warning to public servants engaged in unlawful financial dealings, particularly those that exploit vulnerable members of the community.

Counterfeit Crackdown: Mozambican Man Loses R12 Million in Fake Sportswear Bust at SA Border

In a major win against cross-border economic crime, a 46-year-old Mozambican national, Eurico Zandamela, has forfeited counterfeit sportswear worth over R12.5 million following a foiled smuggling attempt at the Lebombo Port of Entry earlier this year.

Zandamela was apprehended on 23 February 2024 while attempting to smuggle the illicit goods from Mozambique into South Africa. He was the sole occupant of a truck that was intercepted by vigilant border officials, who had grown suspicious after the vehicle was queued in the lane typically used for empty trucks.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi, spokesperson for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), also known as the Hawks, Zandamela is believed to have conspired with 32-year-old South African national, Sibusiso Ngwenya, a contracted security guard stationed at the port.

“The driver, Zandamela, was the lone occupant of the truck. He allegedly colluded with a 32-year-old South African security guard, Sibusiso Ngwenya, who allegedly tried to assist Zandamela to bypass the system,” stated Lt Col Nkosi.

The suspicious behaviour prompted Port of Entry personnel to conduct a thorough search of the vehicle, which led to the discovery of a large consignment of counterfeit sportswear concealed in the truck's trailer. The fake merchandise bore branding of globally recognised labels such as Adidas, Nike, Diesel, CAT, Puma, LaPorte, New Balance, and Redbat. The total estimated value of the seized goods was R12,526,544.

Both suspects were promptly arrested, and the matter was handed over to the Hawks’ Nelspruit-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit for further processing. Zandamela and Ngwenya were each granted bail set at R5,000.

Fast forward to Tuesday, 30 September 2025: Zandamela appeared before the Mbombela Specialised Commercial Crimes Court where he pleaded guilty to the charges. He was sentenced to a fine of R150,000 or, alternatively, three months’ imprisonment. Half of the sentence was suspended for five years, on the condition that he does not commit a similar offence during that period. All the counterfeit goods were permanently forfeited to the state.

Ngwenya, on the other hand, entered a plea of not guilty. His case has been postponed to 11 December 2025 as he seeks to prove his innocence.

The Provincial Head of the DPCI in Mpumalanga, Major General Nico Gerber, commended the sharp-eyed officials at the border for their commitment and teamwork.

"People who bring counterfeit goods, including foodstuff and medicines, into the country are the ones collapsing our economy and putting people's livelihoods at risk," said Major General Gerber.

This case underscores the importance of continued vigilance and collaboration between law enforcement agencies and border control staff in protecting South Africa's economy and consumer safety from the scourge of counterfeit goods.

Nationwide Crime Blitz Nets Over 17,000 Arrests as Police Tighten Grip on Violent Offenders

Photo: Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Van Wyk,  SAPS national spokesperson 

In a show of intensified policing and strategic enforcement, law enforcement agencies across South Africa have arrested more than 17,000 individuals in the latest nationwide rollout of Operation Shanela 2. The sweeping crackdown, conducted over the past week, reflects the South African Police Service’s firm stance on tackling serious and violent crime.

Among those taken into custody were nearly 200 suspects linked to murder cases. Of these, 63 were wanted fugitives who were traced and arrested in various parts of the country. The highest number of arrests in this category were recorded in Gauteng and the Eastern Cape, with 41 and 40 arrests respectively. Police confirmed that the use of firearms continues to be the most prevalent method in the commission of such crimes, particularly murder.

According to SAPS National spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Van Wyk, police seized 123 unlicensed firearms during the operation, including handguns, shotguns, and rifles, as part of their concerted effort to remove illegal weapons from circulation. This latest recovery follows the destruction of 12,499 firearms earlier this year—part of SAPS’s ongoing firearm destruction initiative, which has seen over 292,000 firearms destroyed over the past six years.

Efforts to dismantle organised criminal networks also saw hundreds of arrests for serious offences, including attempted murder, rape, sexual assault, drug trafficking, and drug possession. In just one week, 335 suspects were arrested on rape charges, and a further 155 were taken into custody for attempted murder. Drug-related arrests remained high, with 279 individuals arrested for dealing and over 3,000 arrested for possession, particularly in provinces such as the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Eastern Cape.

Police also reported a significant haul of illegal items and contraband. Nearly 1,000 dangerous weapons were confiscated nationwide, along with over 1,600 rounds of ammunition. In addition, 53 stolen or hijacked vehicles were recovered during routine operations and targeted interventions.

Several notable successes were reported across the provinces. In the North West, police confiscated over 86,000 counterfeit goods with an estimated value exceeding R260 million during coordinated takedown operations. In KwaZulu-Natal, a suspect was arrested in the Amajuba District after being found in possession of a stolen vehicle, unlicensed firearms, and pieces of police uniform—thanks to the vigilance of an off-duty officer and a multi-agency collaboration involving the Road Traffic Inspectorate and private security.

In Gauteng, a high-intensity shootout in Atteridgeville on 23 September 2025 ended with three suspects fatally wounded and two others injured. The suspects, allegedly linked to a string of hijackings around Pretoria, were intercepted by the SAPS Highway Patrol and private security teams acting on tip-offs. Police recovered unlicensed firearms, ammunition, signal jammers, and equipment used in vehicle-related crimes.

In the Free State, Reitz police made seven arrests following the brutal murder of a 23-year-old man in Petsana. The victim and another man were accused of stealing a low-value electricity cable and were subjected to a violent mob assault. Tragically, the victim later succumbed to his injuries, while the second individual managed to escape.

The SAPS has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting communities and ensuring perpetrators of crime face justice. Police leadership has urged the public to continue working with law enforcement by reporting suspicious activity and providing information that may assist in ongoing investigations. According to police, each successful arrest marks progress in building safer, crime-free communities across South Africa.

Operation Shanela Strikes Again: Over 1,500 Suspects Nabbed in Gauteng Crime Crackdown

In a continued show of force against criminal activity, Gauteng police have once again demonstrated their unwavering commitment to law and order with another successful execution of *Operation Shanela*. Carried out over the weekend of 26 to 28 September 2025, the large-scale operation resulted in the arrest of 1,567 suspects*

 across the province.

The operation, conducted by a multidisciplinary team of law enforcement agencies, formed part of an ongoing strategic campagn to rid communities of criminal elements and reinforce the authority of the State. Activities took place simultaneously across all five districts in Gauteng, targeting a wide spectrum of offences.

“A number of crime prevention actions were undertaken throughout the province, including the strategic placement of roadblocks in high-risk areas, stop-and-search operations, liquor compliance inspections, high-visibility patrols, and vehicle checkpoints,” confirmed Gauteng SAPS spokesperson, Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi.

Among those apprehended, 1,378 were wanted suspects linked to serious and violent crimes such as murder, attempted murder, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, rape, robbery, and hijackings. In a focused effort to combat crimes against women and children, police also arrested 180 individuals in connection with gender-based violence.

Additional charges faced by suspects included drug dealing, possession of stolen property, contravention of the Immigration Act, and driving under the influence of alcohol.

Those arrested are scheduled to appear before various Magistrates’ Courts from 29 September 2025, while others have already been released after paying admission-of-guilt fines.

Police have reiterated their call for public cooperation in the fight against crime. Members of the community are encouraged to report any suspicious or criminal activity by contacting the Crime Stop Hotline on 08600 10111, or by submitting anonymous tip-offs via the MySAPS mobile app, available for download on all smartphones.

Violent Outburst in Laudium: Suspect Restrained and Taken for Evaluation

 A man was forcibly restrained and placed into a police vehicle following a violent incident in Laudium on 24 September 2025, where he allegedly assaulted members of the public without provocation.

According to SAPS Gauteng spokesperson, Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, officers responded swiftly to the scene after receiving reports of an aggressive individual assaulting people in the area.

“Upon arrival, police found the suspect to be extremely aggressive and uncooperative. Due to the nature of his behaviour, officers were compelled to use necessary force to restrain him and place him inside a police vehicle for his own safety and that of others,” said Colonel Nevhuhulwi.

The suspect was transported to a nearby hospital for medical evaluation.

“One of the victims has since opened a case of common assault against the suspect,” added Colonel Nevhuhulwi.

Police investigations into the incident are currently ongoing.