Fatal end for robbery gang following N12 High - Speed Pursuit

The Gauteng South African Police Service (SAPS) has successfully intercepted a dangerous syndicate linked to courier vehicle robberies following a violent confrontation on the N12 highway yesterday afternoon.

The operation, which took place at approximately 2:00 pm on 14 January 2026, resulted in three suspects being fatally wounded and a fourth sustaining serious injuries during an exchange of gunfire with law enforcement near the Diepkloof Interchange.

The intervention followed a series of intelligence reports regarding a courier vehicle robbery that had occurred earlier in Thokoza. Operational teams acted swiftly on the information, tracking the suspects to a silver Toyota Corolla.

According to Gauteng SAPS spokesperson, Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, the suspects were initially spotted on Kliprivier Road as they moved onto the N12 towards Soweto. When police attempted to intercept the vehicle, the suspects refused to comply, triggering a high speed chase.

“The suspects sped off, leading to a chase and shootout. The vehicle eventually came to a standstill on the N12 near the Diepkloof Interchange off-ramp,” confirmed Colonel Nevhuhulwi.

Upon securing the scene, police confirmed three fatalities. A fourth suspect was taken into custody with injuries. Officers also recovered two illegal firearms and a portion of the stolen courier stock from the vehicle.

Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, has formally commended the high level of coordination displayed by the multi-disciplinary team. 

The operation involved the National Counter Intelligence unit, the Gauteng Tactical Response Team, the Gauteng Traffic Police Airwing, and various private security partners.

Lieutenant General Mthombeni noted that such collaborative efforts are vital in the ongoing fight against organised crime, ensuring that those who threaten the safety of the province are brought to justice.

A Night of Divine Bliss as Guruji Graces Johannesburg

Johannesburg was bathed in a special kind of joy on Wednesday 7 January 2026 when Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda, affectionately known as Guruji. A Darshan evening was held at the Hellenic Community Centre in Bedfordview which was hosted by Bhakti Marga South Africa. More than a thousand devotees and first timers filled the venue long before dusk, drawn by a longing to meet him in person, hear his wisdom and receive Darshan. 

The event officially opened at 5:30pm though excitement had filled the air much earlier. When Guruji entered the hall at about 6:45pm the atmosphere transformed. People from across generations danced with happiness. 

Many bowed at his lotus feet in reverence. Children gathered close and rose petals were placed at his feet as an offering of gratitude for his guidance and teachings. A garland was lovingly placed around him by a devotee as voices sang joyfully and many smiled with tears of fulfilment.

Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda is the founder of Bhakti Marga, a spiritual organisation rooted in the path of devotion and the cultivation of a personal relationship with the Divine. Established to guide seekers towards a life of love forgiveness and inner harmony, Bhakti Marga now spans continents and draws people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. Its teachings highlight the importance of devotion humility service and the remembrance of God in everyday life.

Guruji’s South African tour began on 6 January and will continue until 26 January. Many devotees and volunteers travelled from countries including Germany and Switzerland to support the tour. The Johannesburg Darshan offered those in attendance a chance not only to receive blessings but to experience a rare sense of peace and belonging. Smiles filled the hall.

Conversations after the Darshan were alive with joy. First timers described a sense of calm washing over them while long standing devotees spoke of renewal and encouragement on their spiritual path. The evening lingered late into the night leaving a lasting imprint on the hearts of all who attended.

Tragedy in Fordsburg: Father Killed and Toddler Wounded in Daylight Shooting

Photo: Lt.Col Mpho Tshetlhane,  SAPS JHB District spokesperson 

 Police have launched a manhunt following a distribution of violence in Fordsburg that left a 38-year-old man dead and his two-year-old son fighting for his life.

The incident occurred at approximately 11:50 am on Tuesday, 6 January 2026. According to official reports, the victim was walking along the street with his young child when unknown assailants opened fire.

Johannesburg District SAPS spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Mpho Tshetlhane, confirmed that a case of murder and attempted murder has been opened at the Johannesburg Central Police Station.

"The 38-year-old man was fatally shot, and his two-year-old son was injured and rushed to hospital," Tshetlhane stated. She added that while the motive remains unclear, "suspects are unknown and investigations are continuing."

No arrests have been made at this stage. The South African Police Service (SAPS) is calling on the public to help bring those responsible to justice.

"We appeal to community members with information regarding the incident to contact their nearest police station," urged Lt Col Tshetlhane. Informants can also call the Crime Stop hotline on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPSApp to provide anonymous tip-offs.

City of Johannesburg Condemns Dangerous False Fire Report at Orlando West High School

Image generated by AI circulating with false information. Photos: supplied 

The City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services has strongly condemned the circulation of false information after an image falsely depicting Orlando West High School on fire was shared on social media, causing unnecessary alarm within the community.

According to Emergency Management Services, the image in question was fabricated and did not reflect a real incident. Following its circulation, emergency officials immediately initiated verification processes to establish the accuracy of the claims.

Emergency Management Services confirmed that Orlando West High School was not on fire and that no related incident was reported to or recorded by the City’s Command and Control Centre.

City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services spokesperson Kagiso Phasha described the incident as reckless and irresponsible, warning of the serious implications such actions carry.

“The creation and distribution of false emergency-related content is extremely dangerous. It causes unnecessary panic among residents, diverts critical emergency resources, and undermines public trust in emergency response systems. These resources are meant to save lives and respond to genuine emergencies,” said Phasha.

Phasha further warned that hoaxes and fabricated incidents place emergency personnel at risk by drawing them away from real-life-threatening situations where their presence may be urgently required.

Emergency Management Services emphasised that false reports and manipulated content, regardless of intent, have far-reaching consequences. Beyond spreading misinformation, such actions may result in legal repercussions for those responsible.

Residents have been urged to act responsibly by verifying information before sharing it and to refrain from circulating unconfirmed or manipulated content, particularly during emergencies.

During genuine emergencies, members of the public are reminded to contact the City’s Command and Control Centre on 011 375 5911 to ensure a swift and appropriate response.

The City of Johannesburg reiterated its commitment to safeguarding communities and ensuring that emergency services remain available and effective where they are genuinely needed.

Festive Season Operation Lungisa Delivers Strong Results in Soweto West

On Tuesday evening, Jabulani SAPS led a high-impact festive season operation in Soweto West, aimed at curbing crime and ensuring community safety as New Year’s Eve approaches. Under the leadership of Brigadier Lefa Tsotetsi as Overall Commander and Lieutenant Colonel Rajesh Balram as Operational Commander, the initiative showcased a united front of law enforcement and community partners.

The deployment included two SAPS officers, twelve members, and five vehicles, supported by four JMPD Bylaws officers with two vehicles. Crime Prevention Wardens contributed eighteen members, while Bhekani Abantu Security added three personnel. Community involvement was evident through the presence of CPF and Community in Blue patrollers.

The operation yielded significant successes. Seven arrests were made for drunk driving, reinforcing the commitment to road safety during the festive period. Two individuals were apprehended for drug possession, and a hijacked Suzuki Swift was recovered, marking a major breakthrough in vehicle crime prevention. Additionally, four arrests were recorded for illegal immigration.

Detectives handled multiple assault-related cases, including common assault, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and interference with police duties. Property-related offences were also addressed, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to law enforcement.

Proactive measures included 24 vehicle searches and 78 person searches, alongside patrols at Jabulani Mall and Jabulani Hostel. Carjacking hotspots were monitored to deter opportunistic crimes.

Operation Lungisa reflects the dedication of SAPS and its partners to safeguarding communities during high-risk periods. Through collaboration and decisive action, the team delivered tangible results, reinforcing public confidence in local policing efforts.

JMPD Arrests Viral Phone Snatcher and Dismantles Stolen Property Syndicate in Hillbrow

 A 26-year-old man captured on video snatching a cellphone from a woman at a Pretoria shopping centre has been tracked down and arrested in Hillbrow by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department’s Tactical Response Unit. The arrest follows a viral social media video that drew widespread attention to the suspect’s criminal activities.

The MMC for Public Safety, Councillor Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, emphasised that lawlessness will not be tolerated in the city and reiterated that decisive action will continue against criminal elements.

On Tuesday, 30 December 2025, officers acting on information regarding the suspect located him in a flat in Hillbrow. During a thorough search of the premises, he was found hiding on the balcony in possession of a cellphone he could not account for. Preliminary investigations linked him to multiple phone snatching incidents across Gauteng, the March 2025 hijacking of an off-duty JMPD member, and the use of a Toyota Corolla with cloned registration plates during the commission of these crimes.

Further inquiries led officers to the suspect’s associates, resulting in the arrest of three Bangladeshi nationals in Johannesburg Central. These individuals are alleged to have been involved in reprogramming or wiping stolen cellphones, commonly referred to as flushing. Officers recovered specialised equipment used for this activity during the arrests.

The primary suspect, a Zimbabwean national, was detained at Hillbrow SAPS on charges of possession of suspected stolen property, while the three Bangladeshi suspects were charged similarly and detained at Johannesburg Central SAPS. All four are expected to appear in court soon.

JMPD Chief of Police, Commissioner Patrick Jaca, praised the Tactical Response Unit for its swift action, describing the arrests as a significant breakthrough in the fight against syndicates that terrorise residents. He stated that linking the suspect to both the viral video and the hijacking of one of the department’s own members sends a clear message that there is no hiding place for criminals in Johannesburg. Commissioner Jaca also confirmed that further arrests of those involved in the stolen property network are expected.

Superintendent Xolani Fihla, spokesperson for the JMPD, highlighted the proactive approach of the department, saying the operation demonstrates the commitment of the Tactical Response Unit to combating crime in the city. He encouraged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to assist ongoing investigations.

Investigations remain ongoing, with authorities pursuing additional leads connected to the syndicate. The JMPD reaffirmed its dedication to removing criminals from the streets and dismantling networks profiting from stolen property.

Operation Lungisa Strikes Hard: Jabulani SAPS Tightens Festive Season Security

On Sunday, 28 December 2025, the Johannesburg District, Soweto West, carried out a major festive season crime prevention initiative under the banner of Operation Lungisa. The operation ran from midday until midnight and was led by Jabulani SAPS, supported by multiple law enforcement units.

The operation was commanded by Brigadier Tsotetsi, with Sergeant Mamelasigidi overseeing on-the-ground activities. Jabulani SAPS deployed a team comprising one officer, five members, and three vehicles. Additional resources included one reservist, two Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department officers with a vehicle, and four members from the GTW unit with their own vehicle.

The operation achieved notable successes in combating crime. Arrests included an undocumented foreign national and two individuals involved in domestic violence-related assaults. A significant breakthrough occurred later in the evening when officers apprehended a suspect in Zola 3 for possession of an unlicensed firearm. The arrest followed intelligence received by Naledi SAPS regarding the suspect’s involvement in a house robbery. Acting swiftly, officers located the individual at Mathebula Street and recovered the firearm. The suspect was detained, and the weapon was processed in accordance with police procedures.

Stop-and-search operations were conducted extensively throughout the day. Officers searched 30 vehicles and 88 individuals, while high-visibility patrols were carried out at Jabulani Mall, Jabulani Hostel, and Inhlazane Railway Station. In addition, hotspot areas associated with carjacking were monitored to deter criminal activity and enhance public safety.

Operation Lungisa demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated policing during the festive season. Through proactive measures and intelligence-driven interventions, law enforcement successfully disrupted criminal activities and reinforced community security in Soweto West.