SAPS Gauteng Commemoration Day: Honouring Fallen Heroes

On Sunday, 14 September 2025, a solemn gathering took place at the Linden SAPS, Boundary Road, Linden, to commemorate the lives of four police officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty during the 2024/2025 financial year. These fallen heroes from Gauteng—Warrant Officer Sello Joel Masedi (SAPS Mohlakeng), Warrant Officer Mzukisi November (Katlehong North SAPS), Sergeant Winnie Elizabeth Ntila (SAPS Vosloorus), and Captain Wynand Du Toit (Springs SAPS)—were remembered for their courage, commitment, and dedication to serving the people of South Africa.

The event, which was part of the annual Provincial SAPS Commemoration Day, was marked by heartfelt tributes from various dignitaries, SAPS officials, and family members of the fallen officers.

General Mathapelo Peters, the Deputy Provincial Commissioner Support Services in Gauteng began by expressing his deep gratitude to everyone present, acknowledging the presence of distinguished guests, including the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee for Community Safety, Dr. Vandile Masuko, Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department Chief of Police Patrick Jaca and Lieutenant General Tommy Mtombeni, Provincial Commissioner for SAPS Gauteng, and Major General Temba, Acting Divisional Commissioner for Human Resource Management.

General Peters noted that the event was held exactly one week after the National Commemoration Day, which was officiated by the Deputy President of South Africa, Mr. Mashatini, at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. Despite having attended the national commemoration, many of the families and attendees had traveled to Linden to show their support, and General Peters expressed his appreciation for their presence. He remarked, "We do not take it for granted that you intentionally chose to set aside time to be with us in our moment of need."

In his address, General Peters paid tribute to the fallen officers, stating that they embodied the courage, dedication, and sacrifice that are central to the police service’s mission to ensure a safe and secure Gauteng. "We are here therefore to posthumously commend our fallen colleagues for staying true and committed to this mandate, right up until they took their last breath," he said. The families of the fallen officers were also recognised for their strength in the face of their loss, with General Peters expressing heartfelt condolences.

Lieutenant Colonel Nicholas Mashiane, who also serves as a Reverend, led the gathering in prayer, offering words of comfort and gratitude. Drawing from Romans 8, he reminded those present of the strength and support that comes from faith, even in the most difficult times. His prayer was a heartfelt tribute to the officers who had fallen in the line of duty and to their families, whose lives were forever changed by their sacrifice.

He prayed, "Today is a loving day. Our hearts are mended for we salute the combatants of yesterday who paid a high price for the striving of a safer tomorrow."

Lieutenant General Tommy Mtombeni, the Provincial Commissioner of SAPS Gauteng, also addressed the gathering. He began by acknowledging the special presence of Dr. Vandile Masuko, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee for Community Safety, and Major General Temba, Acting Divisional Commissioner for Support Services.

General Mtombeni expressed his gratitude to all the stakeholders and the community for their continued support of SAPS and its officers. He said, "It is clear from the collective presence here today that we are united in our commitment to honouring our fallen heroes and heroines and ensuring that their sacrifices are never forgotten."

The Provincial Commissioner reflected on the young age of some of the fallen officers, with the youngest among them, Sergeant Winnie Elizabeth Ntila, being only 41 years old. "41 years old is still young in the SAPS, where officers typically serve for many years after reaching that age," he remarked solemnly.

He also highlighted the recent tragedy involving Constable Nkhungwani, who had been shot and killed while on duty. This loss, he said, served as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by police officers daily as they work to protect the community. "They stand firm and defend the defenceless," General Mtombeni noted. "Our fallen officers did not flee when faced with danger. They remained true to their oath."

Major General Nonhlanhla Kubheka, SAPS Johannesburg District Commissioner, also took the opportunity to reflect on the significance of the event. "Today, we not only remember but honour the brave men and women who paid the ultimate price," she said. "Their courage, sacrifice, and devotion to protecting our communities will forever remain engraved in our hearts."

Major General Kubheka thanked all the contributors who made the commemoration possible, including the Community Policing Forums (CPF), sponsors, and labour unions. She also recognised the efforts of the teams responsible for maintaining the memorial garden, which she described as a symbol of the enduring legacy of the fallen officers.

The emotional climax of the ceremony came with the tributes from the families of the fallen heroes. Nthabiseng November, the wife of Warrant Officer Mzukisi November, spoke movingly about her late husband’s life and legacy. She shared how he had started his police career in 2001 and had been a dedicated officer, even taking on the difficult role of a missing persons officer. Her voice choked with emotion, she recalled the tragic day of his death: "He went to work on the morning of 5 July 2024, and two hours later, I received the news that my husband was no more. It was a shock of my life."

Nthabiseng fondly remembered her husband’s sense of humour and his deep love for his family. "He was always joking with us and wanted everything to be done exactly as he envisioned," she said. Her sister-in-law, Ndiviwe Lufhuno, also spoke of the loving and protective nature of her brother, recalling how he had always shown concern for his family’s well-being.

Both women, though grieving, expressed gratitude for the love and dedication their husband and brother had shown in his service to the community. "He was a real hero," Ndiviwe said. "I know where he is, he is happy, and I hope he is thriving as he used to."

As the ceremony drew to a close, Major General Kubheka once again thanked all attendees for their presence and support. She reminded everyone that the true meaning of the commemoration was not just about remembering the fallen officers but about ensuring that their sacrifices were not in vain. "Let us commit ourselves to upholding the values they stood for: courage, justice, and service above self," she urged.

The event concluded with a moment of silence, followed by the symbolic release of doves, as attendees reflected on the profound sacrifices made by the fallen heroes. Their memories, embodied in the continued service of their colleagues, will forever be honoured, ensuring that their legacy lives on in the hearts of all South Africans.

May their souls rest in peace, and may we continue to carry forward their noble mission of service and protection for a safer South Africa.

SAPS Ramps Up Fight Against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide

The South African Police Service (SAPS) continues to implement its nationwide operations to prevent and combat gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), yielding significant results. In a concerted effort to ensure public safety and security, operations carried out from 01 to 07 September 2025 led to the arrest of 196 rape suspects across the country. According to SAPS National Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Vincent Mukhathi, in addition to these arrests, police apprehended 96 wanted suspects for rape and 13 suspects for sexual offences were tracked down across multiple provinces.

Lieutenant Colonel Vincent Mukhathi added that the SAPS prioritises the fight against GBVF through various initiatives, including a 90-day blitz to accelerate efforts focusing on GBVF and sexual offences committed against vulnerable groups, especially women, children and people with disabilities. Furthermore, the specialised Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) investigators continue to focus on ensuring sexual predators are brought to justice and secured lengthy convictions for perpetrators of GBVF.

On 11 September 2025, the Gauteng Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences members arrested a 41-year-old serial rapist in connection with a series of serious crimes, including rape, kidnapping, robbery and assault. The suspect is linked to 45 cases reported at Diepkloof police station and Orlando police station, while two cases were reported in the North West Province between 2008 and 2025. He targeted female victims between the ages of 14 and 55 years and threatened them with a firearm and knife while wearing a balaclava and a mask to conceal his identity.

Notable convictions highlight the SAPS's commitment to justice. In Limpopo, a 24-year-old accused, Kabelo Rodger Sebetha, was sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment for the rape of a 21-year-old woman at Ga-Maponto in January 2022. In the Free State, a 34-year-old Mothae Augastina Rahlao was sentenced to life imprisonment for raping a 15-year-old minor on 24 November 2022 in Meloding. Still in the Free State, a 51-year-old accused, Tsotang Francis Dineka, was sentenced to 20 years' imprisonment for the rape of a 21-year-old woman and contravention of a protection order. In the Northern Cape, a 19-year-old accused, Alex Thato Tshipagaebonwe was sentenced to life term imprisonment for raping a 6-year-old girl in Batlharos near Kuruman in September 2021. In Gauteng, a serial rapist Musa Maicana (27) who was linked to several cases of rape in and around Tembisa was sentenced to three life terms imprisonment and an additional 300 years for 43 counts, ranging from rape, armed robbery, pointing of firearm and possession of dangerous weapons.

The SAPS calls on citizens to join the fight against GBVF by reporting perpetrators and standing against abuse. The fight against GBVF requires collective action from communities, civil society, and all stakeholders to create a safer environment for the victims.

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United Front Against Crime: National and Provincial Leaders Reinforce Safety Partnership in the Western Cape

Cape Town Premier Alan Winde and Acting Police Minister Feroz Cachalia

In a significant show of intergovernmental cooperation, the Minister of Police, Professor Firoz Cachalia, convened a high-level meeting with Western Cape Premier Alan Winde on Friday, joined by the Mayor of Cape Town, the MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety, and the City’s MMC for Safety and Security.

The meeting focused on the persistent challenges of crime and public safety in the province, and explored strategies to strengthen collaboration across national, provincial, and local government structures.

Central to the discussions was the reaffirmation of the Cooperation Agreement signed in September last year by the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Civilian Secretariat for Police Service, the Western Cape Government, and the City of Cape Town. The agreement sets out a framework for joint action to enhance safety and security across communities in the province.

Professor Cachalia emphasised the importance of turning the agreement into tangible outcomes: “The agreement will now be thoroughly unpacked and reviewed to ensure that it delivers practical, implementable measures that enhance safety outcomes for residents. We are committed to identifying and exploiting every possible avenue for improved collaboration and integration across all levels of government. The fight against crime is a national imperative that requires a whole-of-government approach. No single sphere of government can succeed alone. National, provincial, and local governments must work together, drawing on their respective mandates, resources, and capacities. We must continue to build trust with communities by delivering results through coordinated action, accountability, and a shared commitment to making South Africa safer for all.”

Premier Winde welcomed the engagement and reiterated the province’s commitment to cooperative governance: “We welcome Minister Cachalia’s willingness to engage with us in the interest of our residents. This is a crucial step in fostering closer partnerships in addressing the pressing issue of violent and organised crime in our communities. I am keenly aware of the urgent need for greater collaboration and cooperation to deal with crime decisively. I look forward to growing this partnership going forward, in the spirit of cooperative governance. We must act definitively and urgently against this scourge that continues to rob too many of our residents of their right to security and dignity.”

The meeting marks a renewed commitment to unified action against crime, with all spheres of government pledging to work together more closely to deliver safer communities across the Western Cape.

Serial Attacker Arrested After 17-Year Crime Spree Across Gauteng and North West

SAPS GP spokesperson Cpt Tintswalo Sibeko 

A 41-year-old man has been arrested by Gauteng police in connection with a series of violent crimes — including rape, kidnapping, robbery, and assault — committed over a span of 17 years across Diepkloof, Orlando, and parts of the North West Province.

The arrest follows an extensive and coordinated investigation led by specialised units within the South African Police Service (SAPS).

According to SAPS Gauteng spokesperson, Captain Tintswalo Sibeko, 45 cases were reported between 2008 and 2025. These include 38 cases registered at Diepkloof SAPS, five at Orlando SAPS, and two in the North West. The victims — all women aged between 14 and 55 — were allegedly attacked by a lone perpetrator who used a firearm and knife, frequently disguising himself with a balaclava or mask.

“This individual preyed on vulnerable women over many years, using weapons and concealment to instil fear and evade capture,” said Captain Sibeko. “The emotional and psychological toll on the victims has been profound, and we commend their strength and bravery in coming forward.”

The investigation was driven by the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, with collaborative efforts from the National Head Office, Provincial FCS, and Orlando FCS.

“This significant breakthrough is the result of tireless investigative work and unwavering dedication from our teams,” Sibeko continued. “Above all, it reflects the courage of the victims whose testimonies proved critical. This arrest marks an important milestone in our fight against gender-based violence.”

The suspect was apprehended in Diepkloof on Wednesday, 10 September 2025, and is scheduled to appear in the Protea Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 15 September 2025.

SAPS has praised the efforts of all officers involved and reaffirmed its commitment to delivering justice for victims of violent crime.

“Our top priority remains the safety and security of all communities,” concluded Captain Sibeko. “This arrest serves as a powerful reminder that while justice may be delayed, it will never be denied.”

Four Suspects Fatally Shot by Police Following Robbery Spree

Gauteng Highway Patrol, in collaboration with a private security company, fatally shot four suspects allegedly linked to a spate of house robberies that had been terrorising residents in the Tshwane South and Johannesburg North suburbs.

Acting on crime intelligence, the teams conducted a tracing operation on the afternoon of Thursday, 11 September 2025. At approximately 15:00, officers identified a vehicle matching the description of the suspects’ getaway car travelling on the R55 in Centurion and attempted to intercept it.

“The suspects fled, prompting a high-speed pursuit. The Gauteng Traffic Police Air Wing was called in to assist with aerial surveillance. The suspects proceeded onto the N14 on-ramp towards Pretoria, and as officers closed in, the suspects opened fire on police,” said SAPS Gauteng spokesperson, Brigadier Brenda Muridili.

She confirmed that officers returned fire, fatally wounding all four suspects. A search of the vehicle uncovered three handguns, ammunition, and housebreaking tools.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the vehicle, a white Hyundai sedan, was fitted with false number plates and a counterfeit licence disc. The suspects have already been linked to 18 incidents of house robbery,” Brigadier Muridili added.

SAPS Forensic Crime Scene Management attended the scene, along with the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), which will conduct an independent investigation as per protocol.

Crackdown on Cable Theft: Six Arrested in 24 Hours Amid City Power Security Blitz

In a major breakthrough against infrastructure crime, City Power Security—working in close collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and members of the community—has arrested six individuals linked to cable theft and tampering with electricity infrastructure across Johannesburg within a 24-hour period.

The suspects, aged between 21 and 37, were apprehended during three separate operations in Johannesburg’s CBD, Alexandra, and Bramley View. The arrests form part of City Power’s intensified campaign to protect critical infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted power supply to residents.

The most significant operation took place in the early hours of Wednesday, 10 September, inside Johannesburg’s underground service tunnel network. At approximately 02:11, City Power Tactical Officers and patrollers, conducting a routine sweep of the tunnels between the Central and Kazerne substations, encountered three individuals dragging large communication cables.

Upon being spotted, the suspects attempted to flee, leading to a dramatic underground pursuit. One suspect was caught as he tried to escape through a Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) manhole at the corner of Quinn and Carr Streets, while the remaining two were apprehended near Mainreef Bridge. A quantity of aluminium cabling was recovered at the scene. The suspects, all foreign nationals, are aged 21, 24, and 37.

“This incident highlights both the increasing boldness of cable theft syndicates and the relentless efforts by our teams to dismantle them,” said City Power CEO, Tshifularo Mashava.

Later that same day, at approximately 18:30, City Power Security responded to a community tip-off in Alexandra. Upon arrival, security officers found two suspects already restrained by members of the community, who reported the individuals for allegedly tampering with City Power infrastructure.

One of the suspects reportedly claimed to be an employee of City Power’s Alexandra Service Delivery Centre. An internal investigation is currently underway to verify this claim. “Should it be established that this individual is indeed on our payroll, we will take decisive disciplinary and legal action,” Mashava confirmed.

“We commend the community of Alexandra for their vigilance and quick reporting. This is precisely the type of public cooperation we need to successfully combat infrastructure crime,” Mashava added. “City Power maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward any criminal activity involving its employees or contractors.”

A third incident occurred around 20:15 in Bramley View, where a suspect was caught in the act of cutting live electricity cables along The Glen Road. While one accomplice escaped, the remaining suspect was restrained by community members and later handed over to private security and SAPS. The suspect, who sustained injuries during the apprehension, is currently under police guard in hospital. A criminal case is being processed.

City Power has praised the rapid response of SAPS, security teams, and community members across all three incidents. “These arrests demonstrate that City Power and its partners are intensifying efforts to combat the sabotage of essential infrastructure, which severely disrupts electricity supply to our residents,” Mashava stated.

All suspects face charges related to theft and tampering with essential infrastructure. Investigations are ongoing.

Justice Served: Seven Chinese Nationals Jailed for Human Trafficking and Labour Exploitation in Ekurhuleni

The High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division in Johannesburg on Wednesday, 10 September 2025, has handed down lengthy prison sentences to seven Chinese nationals for the trafficking and exploitation of 98 Malawian nationals—among them three minors—for forced labour in Ekurhuleni. The convicted individuals, identified as Kevin Tsao, Shu-Uei, Chen Hui, Qin Li, Jiaqing Zhou, Ma Biao, Dai Junying and Zhang Zhilian, were sentenced on 25 February 2025 alongside their company, Beautiful City, which was also found guilty.

Each of the accused received a 20-year sentence for human trafficking, 10 years for kidnapping, and an additional 22 years for multiple violations of South Africa’s labour laws. They were further sentenced to three years for financial facilitation of the criminal enterprise. However, the court ruled that all sentences, except the trafficking charge, would run concurrently—resulting in an effective 20-year term for each. The company, Beautiful City, was ordered to pay a fine of R300,000.

The convictions follow a joint investigation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), also known as the Hawks, and labour inspectors from the Department of Labour. The operation was launched after a tip-off to the South African Police Service about a suspected illegal immigrant being harboured at a business premises. This led to a raid on 12 November 2019, where law enforcement uncovered over 100 workers operating under exploitative and inhumane conditions at the Beautiful City factory in Ekurhuleni.

Further investigations by Warrant Officer Lulama Kona from the DPCI’s Serious Organised Crime Investigation revealed that the workers were trafficked into South Africa without documentation, transported in trucks under life-threatening conditions, and then distributed across various factories in Croesus, Boksburg and Benoni before being consolidated at Beautiful City. These individuals were paid well below the minimum wage and forced to work without protective gear, with some suffering serious injuries.

Senior State Advocate Valencia Dube urged the court to impose a sentence reflective of the severity of the crimes, arguing that human trafficking is not only an economic and humanitarian crisis but also contributes to South Africa’s continued greylisting by international financial crime watchdogs. She argued that the exploitation of foreign nationals at lower wages exacerbates local unemployment and deepens socio-economic inequalities.

In sentencing, Acting Judge David Mango noted the systemic nature of the abuse and the disturbing conditions under which the victims were held. While acknowledging that the accused were not the ultimate owners of the operation—one of whom is still at large—the judge stressed that the crimes were committed with full knowledge and intent. The factory owner remains under investigation.

Reacting to the judgment, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Regional Spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane stated that while the NPA respects the court’s discretion, it remains disappointed that the full weight of the law was not applied given the magnitude of the offences. She reiterated that trafficking in persons is a serious crime that strips victims of their dignity and freedom. The NPA believes the sentence sends a message, but more must be done to bring all those involved—particularly those at the helm—to justice.

Colonel Katlego Mogale, spokesperson for the DPCI, welcomed the conviction and highlighted the effectiveness of inter-agency collaboration in combatting human trafficking and transnational organised crime. She stressed that South Africa is not a safe haven for traffickers and that the Hawks will continue to pursue those who exploit vulnerable people for profit. Mogale added that while this case has seen justice for the victims, the DPCI remains committed to ensuring the arrest and prosecution of all responsible parties, including the factory owner who remains unaccounted for.

This case stands as a stark reminder that forced labour and trafficking remain a critical concern in South Africa, and that law enforcement agencies are increasingly determined to root out these crimes and protect the rights and dignity of all who live within the country’s borders.

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