Gauteng Police Pursue Leads After 17 Killed in Wedela Tavern Mass Shooting

Gauteng police have launched an extensive manhunt following the fatal shooting of 17 people at a tavern in Wedela, near Carletonville, on Saturday night.

The attack, which unfolded at around 9:30pm in Extension 3, has left residents shocked and grieving, while investigators work to track down eight armed suspects believed to be responsible.

According to police, patrons were gathered inside and outside the tavern when the suspects arrived armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols. The gunmen allegedly opened fire on people outside before entering the premises and continuing the attack on those inside.

In addition to the shooting, the suspects reportedly robbed some patrons of their personal belongings, including cellphones, before fleeing the scene in two unidentified vehicles. Two vehicles at the scene were also set alight, leaving them completely destroyed.

Emergency Medical Services confirmed that 17 people, including 13 men and four women, died at the scene. Fifteen others sustained gunshot wounds and were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni described the incident as a tragedy and said a specialised multidisciplinary team had been established within hours of the shooting to drive the investigation.

The team includes Crime Intelligence, detectives, Crime Scene Management, the Criminal Record Centre and tracking specialists. Community members are also being encouraged to assist police by providing any information that may help identify and locate the suspects.

Mthombeni said investigators have already received valuable information and are following several leads.

"We are convinced that we will be able to follow up on the information we have received and make progress in this investigation," he said.

Police are still in the process of formally identifying all the victims. At the time of the briefing, only three of the deceased had been positively identified. Authorities confirmed that one was a South African citizen, while others identified so far include nationals from Lesotho.

Among the injured victims, 11 are South African citizens, one is an Ethiopian national and three are from Lesotho.

While the motive remains under investigation, police believe robbery may have been a significant factor in the attack. The theft of personal belongings during the shooting forms part of the evidence being examined by investigators.

However, Mthombeni said police have not ruled out the possibility that the killings may be linked to ongoing conflicts associated with illegal mining activities in the region. Wedela is situated within a mining belt that has experienced criminal activity related to illicit mining operations.

The Provincial Commissioner emphasised that Operation Prosper, which targets illegal mining and organised crime, remains active across the West Rand. He noted that law enforcement agencies, including members of the South African National Defence Force, have already been operating in surrounding areas as part of broader crime-combating efforts.

Recent operations have resulted in the seizure of explosives, ammunition and illegal firearms, as well as the arrest of numerous suspects linked to criminal activity.

Mthombeni also addressed concerns regarding compliance within the liquor industry. He confirmed that police continue to work closely with the Gauteng Liquor Board to verify licences and ensure that liquor establishments operate legally.

Police have opened 17 counts of murder, 15 counts of attempted murder and two counts of malicious damage to property. No arrests have been made and investigations remain ongoing.

Anyone with information that may assist investigators is encouraged to contact the Crime Stop Line on 08600 10111 or provide information anonymously through the MySAPS App.

As investigations continue, families of the victims are waiting for answers while police intensify efforts to bring those responsible for one of Gauteng's deadliest mass shootings to justice.

Police Net Suspect Hours After Discovery of Woman’s Body at Mooifontein Cemetery

A swift police operation has led to the arrest of a suspect in connection with the murder of a woman whose body was discovered at Mooifontein Cemetery in the Vusimusi section of Tembisa on Saturday, 26 September 2026.

The victim, Ntombifuthu Nxumalo, was found behind the cemetery near the Vusimusi informal settlement.

Investigators tracked the suspect to Tembisa before establishing that he had travelled to Limpopo. A multidisciplinary team comprising Ekurhuleni District Crime Intelligence, Tembisa South detectives and SAPS Head Office Investigations Psychology Services travelled to Mohlabaneng Village, where they enlisted the assistance of SAPS Bolobedu.

The suspect was located asleep in his room and arrested.

According to preliminary investigations, Nxumalo had been drinking at a local tavern with a female acquaintance before leaving with an unidentified man.

Residents living near the cemetery told investigators they heard a woman screaming and pleading for her life at about 23:00.

Police said Nxumalo was found naked and had sustained severe head injuries. Stones were discovered around her body, leading investigators to suspect that she may have been stoned to death. No visible stab wounds were observed at the scene.

Acting National Commissioner of SAPS, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, praised the coordinated efforts of the investigating team.

"I commend this multidisciplinary team for their swift response, coordination and determination, which resulted in the apprehension of the suspect on the same day. This is the kind of policing we expect from our members. We will continue to pursue perpetrators of murder and gender-based violence and femicide and ensure that they face the full might of the law," said Dimpane.

The arrest comes amid growing concern over several cases involving women whose bodies have recently been discovered across Ekurhuleni.

During a visit to the crime scene on Saturday, the *Lenasia Times Group of Newspapers* interviewed Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, who addressed public concerns over whether the incidents could be linked.

Mthombeni said a dedicated team had been assembled to investigate the cases and that progress was being closely monitored.

He explained that specialist resources, including investigative psychologists, were assisting detectives with victimology studies and behavioural analysis to better understand the circumstances surrounding the crimes and identify those responsible.

Police have also announced a R400,000 reward for information that could assist in solving the cases.

Mthombeni said the response extends beyond SAPS, with a Joint Operational Centre established in Kempton Park to coordinate intelligence, deployments and investigations. The operation includes collaboration between law enforcement agencies, community structures, non-governmental organisations and business crime-prevention initiatives.

He also urged families to report missing persons immediately.

"There is no waiting period to report missing persons," he said.

Mthombeni noted that people often travel between provinces in search of employment and may lose contact with relatives, making it vital for concerns to be reported without delay.

Addressing speculation that the cases may be linked to a serial offender, Mthombeni cautioned against drawing premature conclusions.

While investigators have identified similarities in some of the cases, he said police must first establish clear evidential links before determining whether one perpetrator is responsible.

"We cannot conclusively say there is a serial killer," Mthombeni said, adding that police could also not rule out the possibility while investigations remain ongoing.

He further warned against comparing the current investigations to notorious serial murder cases of the past, noting that those matters had already been investigated and successfully prosecuted.

At the time of the interview, Mthombeni emphasised that the Mooifontein murder investigation was still in its early stages and that detectives would continue working to determine whether it is connected to other cases under investigation.

The arrest marks a significant breakthrough in the Mooifontein murder investigation, while police continue to pursue all available leads in a broader effort to establish whether any links exist between the cases reported across Ekurhuleni.

The suspect is expected to appear in court as investigations continue.

SAPS Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni 

Multi-Agency Raid Cracks R600 Million Drug Syndicate in Musina With Five Arrests

 A sprawling Limpopo farm has served as the covert headquarters for an industrial-scale crystal methamphetamine manufacturing operation before a multi-agency security sweep shut it down on Thursday evening, 20 August 2026.

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, widely known as the Hawks, spearheaded the intelligence-driven raid alongside the South African Police Service, the South African Narcotics Bureau, Crime Intelligence, the Special Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Agency, and Homeland Security. Investigators descended upon the remote rural property in the Vhembe District during the late hours, bringing a complex two-month surveillance operation to a decisive head.

Law enforcement officers apprehended five suspects at the scene, ranging in age from 20 to 47 years old. The arrested group comprises two Mexican nationals, two Zimbabwean nationals, and one Malawian national, pointing to an international syndicate orchestrating the clandestine trade from the northern border town.

Authorities seized a staggering quantity of finished narcotics, advanced laboratory manufacturing equipment, and an undisclosed amount of cash, carrying a combined estimated street value of R600 million. This tactical intervention marks the third clandestine drug laboratory dismantled within the Limpopo province during the ongoing crackdown on organised crime.

Major General Adv. Gopz Govender, the Provincial Head of the Hawks in Limpopo, emphasised the severity of the blow dealt to criminal networks.

"We have struck at the machinery behind the drug trade," Govender stated. "This R600 million seizure is not merely a quantity of drugs taken off the streets; it represents the disruption of an entire criminal enterprise. We will follow the money, the networks, and every person connected to this operation. There will be nowhere to hide."

Echoing those sentiments, the Provincial Commissioner of SAPS Limpopo, Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers, underscored the determination of police forces to safeguard local neighbourhoods from the influx of illicit substances.

"We will not allow our communities to become markets for criminal syndicates," Scheepers noted. "Those who manufacture and distribute these dangerous substances must know that law enforcement is closing in on them. This operation demonstrates that we will act decisively against the drug trade."

The five suspects remain in police custody and are scheduled to make their first appearance before the Musina Magistrate's Court on Monday, 24 August 2026. They face preliminary charges relating to the manufacturing and possession of illicit drugs, though investigators anticipate that additional charges will be added as inquiries unfold.

                       Photos : Supplie

Four Suspects Appear in Court After Kidnapped Victim Rescued in Cleveland

Four men appeared before the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 19 August 2026, following their arrest in connection with the alleged kidnapping of a businessman in Cleveland.

The victim was allegedly kidnapped at his business premises in Cleveland on Saturday, 15 August 2026, by unknown suspects.

According to police, several transactions were allegedly made from the victim’s bank account during his ordeal, while a ransom demand was also made for his release.

A multidisciplinary team comprising the Provincial Tracking Team, Crime Intelligence, Anti Kidnapping Unit, PES Flexi, Cleveland Detectives, HNT Gauteng, Fidelity Specialised Services, Vision Tactical and BSG conducted an operation on Tuesday, 18 August to secure the victim’s release.

A controlled drop off was arranged as part of the operation. Police then moved in and arrested four men when the suspects arrived at the designated location.

Two vehicles and four cellphones believed to have been used in the commission of the crime were seized during the operation. The victim was rescued unharmed.

Gauteng SAPS spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi commended the multidisciplinary team for its swift response and coordinated efforts in securing the victim’s safe rescue.

“Through the collaboration of the various law enforcement and private security partners, the victim was rescued unharmed and four suspects were arrested. The investigation is continuing and police are also looking into possible links to other crimes,” said Colonel Nevhuhulwi.

The four accused made their first court appearance on 19 August 2026. The matter is expected to proceed through the court process as police investigations continue.

Police are also investigating whether the suspects may be linked to other kidnapping or serious criminal activities.

Colonel Nevhuhulwi urged members of the public to remain vigilant and to report any information that could assist investigators with ongoing cases.

                            Photos: Supplied 

SAPS Appeals for Public Assistance to Locate Wanted Murder Suspect

Police sought 40-year-old Hlengiwe Goodness Buthelezi. Photo: Supplied 

South African Police Service detectives attached to the Provincial Investigation Unit for Serious and Violent Crimes in Gauteng are appealing to the public for assistance in locating a woman wanted in connection with an alleged conspiracy to commit murder and murder in Johannesburg Central.

The incident occurred on 16 December 2025. Police are seeking 40 year old Hlengiwe Goodness Buthelezi in connection with the investigation.

Gauteng SAPS spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko said the police investigation remains ongoing and detectives are appealing to anyone who may have information that could assist in locating Buthelezi to come forward.

“Members of the public are urged to assist the police by providing any information that may lead to the whereabouts of the wanted suspect. Information from the community can be vital in helping investigators progress with the case and ensure that the suspect is brought before the court,” said Captain Sibeko.

Anyone with information regarding Buthelezi’s whereabouts is requested to contact the investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Nengovhela, on 082 967 9362.

Information can also be provided anonymously through the MySAPS App or by contacting Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

Captain Sibeko further appealed to members of the public to exercise caution and not to approach or confront the suspect if they recognise her.

“Should anyone recognise the suspect or have information about where she may be, they should not attempt to apprehend her themselves. They are encouraged to immediately contact the investigating officer or the police and allow law enforcement officials to deal with the matter,” said Sibeko.

SAPS has released photographs of the wanted suspect as part of the appeal for assistance.

“Every piece of information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could assist our detectives in locating the suspect and advancing the investigation,” Sibeko said.

Wanted Soweto murder suspect arrested in North West after public appeal

37-year-old Jabulisile Josephina Tshabalala who was stabbed to death. Photo: Supplied 

A 27 year old man wanted in connection with the murder of his girlfriend in Orlando East, Soweto, has been arrested in the North West following an urgent appeal by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and assistance from the public and media.

Simiso Silomo Phakathi was arrested on Wednesday, 19 August 2026, after members of the Joubertina community in Klerksdorp reportedly recognised him from his photograph, which had been widely circulated across television, radio, social media and online platforms.

Phakathi had been wanted in connection with the murder of his 37 year old live in girlfriend, Jabulisile Josephina Tshabalala, whose body was discovered on 13 August inside the backroom where the couple had been living in Orlando East.

Tshabalala was last seen alive on 7 August. According to SAPS, she had allegedly been stabbed to death and her body was found covered with blankets and clothing. A warrant for Phakathi's arrest on a murder charge had subsequently been issued.

SAPS issued an appeal for Phakathi to hand himself over to police and warned that he was considered dangerous. The appeal was circulated widely by media organisations and members of the public on social media.

Within four hours of SAPS releasing his details, information from members of the Joubertina community assisted police in locating and arresting him.

Acting National Commissioner of SAPS, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, commended the community and the media for their assistance in bringing the suspect to the attention of police.

“More can be achieved when communities and the media support the work of the police. The swift response from the people of Klerksdorp shows that communities have a critical role to play in keeping our country safe. We thank every person who shared the suspect’s photograph, provided information and helped us bring him within reach of the law,” Dimpane said.

Phakathi is expected to be transported back to Johannesburg, where he will face the legal process in connection with Tshabalala's murder.

The arrest comes as SAPS observes Women's Month and continues to intensify its efforts to combat Gender Based Violence and Femicide, with a particular focus on ensuring that perpetrators of violence against women are identified, arrested and brought before the courts.

SAPS has urged communities to continue providing information when they recognise wanted suspects, stressing that members of the public should not harbour or assist people wanted for serious and violent crimes.

The police service said the arrest demonstrates the importance of cooperation between law enforcement, communities and the media in ensuring that suspects are brought before the courts.

27-year-old Simiso Silomo Phakathi who was arrested by police within 4-hours. Photo: Supplied 

Lenasia power crisis: City Power response leaves key questions unanswered

Lenasia residents continue to face frustration over prolonged and recurring electricity outages, with concerns mounting over the impact on households, businesses, security and vulnerable residents who rely on electricity for essential medical equipment.

City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena confirmed that the utility was aware of community protest action at Nirvana Substation on 12 August 2026 following electricity supply interruptions affecting Thembelihle, Lenasia Extension 3, parts of Extensions 5 and 13 and surrounding areas.

According to Mangena, Nirvana Substation tripped at approximately 17:20 after its incomer operated on overload. City Power teams were dispatched and began progressively restoring electricity while managing the load to prevent the entire substation from tripping again.

As part of the restoration process, the Thembelihle and Dewel Street distributors were temporarily switched off to reduce the load before the incomer was switched back on. The load was subsequently split, allowing electricity to be restored to some affected customers.

However, City Power said the Thembelihle and Jewel Street distributors remained off because demand was still too high for the network to safely accommodate.

Mangena said the overloading challenges affecting the Lenasia network were linked to a combination of high electricity consumption, illegal connections, meter bypasses and extremely low electricity purchasing levels in some areas.

Current vending information supplied by City Power indicated that only about five per cent of customers in Thembelihle and 10 per cent of customers supplied through the Dewel Street distributor were purchasing electricity, despite the significantly higher amount of electricity being consumed in those areas.

City Power said Thembelihle continued to experience widespread illegal connections, including connections from surrounding informal settlements drawing electricity from the network.

Patsing was also identified as an area presenting challenges, with low vending despite continued electricity consumption. In parts of the Lenasia extensions, bypassed and tampered meters were contributing to unmetered consumption.

According to City Power, although electricity consumed through illegal connections, bypasses and tampered meters is not properly measured or paid for, the demand is still carried by its infrastructure.

The utility said uncontrolled consumption places excessive pressure on transformers, cables and other network infrastructure, contributing to overloading and repeated trips. It also affects customers who purchase electricity legally, as excessive demand can result in wider and longer outages.

The situation at Nirvana Substation was further complicated by reduced transformer capacity.

The substation has three transformers, but City Power said only one was operational. A second transformer was unavailable after its breakers were stolen when criminals allegedly vandalised the substation, while the third transformer had temporarily been moved to assist with supply in Lehae, where infrastructure had also been vandalised.

City Power said its teams would source material on 13 August 2026 to stabilise Nirvana Substation and enable a second transformer to operate, providing additional capacity to manage the increased load.

The utility, however, acknowledged that additional transformer capacity would not resolve the underlying causes of excessive and unregulated electricity demand.

City Power said it would therefore conduct meter audits and network normalisation in affected areas. The programme includes identifying and removing illegal connections, addressing bypassed and tampered meters, verifying customer connections and ensuring that electricity consumed from the network is properly metered and paid for.

The utility said these interventions had been communicated to community leadership, including councillors.

City Power also urged customers who currently had electricity to reduce their consumption, particularly by avoiding the simultaneous use of heaters, geysers, stoves and other high consumption appliances.

Customers who remained without electricity were asked to unplug appliances to prevent a sudden surge in demand when supply was restored.

The utility also appealed to protesters at Nirvana Substation to allow its teams to work safely and without interference, stressing that access to the substation needed to remain clear and employees needed to be protected.

However, while City Power's response provided an explanation of the network challenges and outlined planned interventions, a number of specific questions submitted by the Lenasia Times remained unanswered.

The questions were submitted on 13 August 2026 by Priya Ranchod for the Lenasia Times Newspaper **via a Google Form** following the prolonged outages and protest action in Lenasia.

The questions sought specific answers from City Power regarding the cause of outages lasting more than 36 hours, repairs already completed, outstanding work and the number of City Power employees deployed to address the problem.

City Power was also asked what it was doing to ensure that Lenasia Substation and Nirvana Substation were fully secured, particularly given the recurring nature of electricity interruptions and the reported vandalism and theft of infrastructure.

Questions were further raised about whether City Power was struggling to maintain its infrastructure and whether major substations, transformer substations and pole boxes were adequately maintained or were old and experiencing wear and tear.

The newspaper also asked why City Power appeared to move on to other locations before completing work at an existing problem site and what measures were being implemented to protect and maintain its infrastructure.

City Power was asked to explain how it works with people found connecting electricity illegally and what measures are taken to address illegal connections.

Residents were also seeking clarity on how they could reduce electricity demand and why they were being asked to do so.

A major concern raised was the impact of prolonged outages on vulnerable residents.

City Power was specifically asked whether it recognised that elderly people, young children, babies and residents dependent on oxygen could require electricity around the clock to operate essential equipment, and what assistance was available to them.

The newspaper also questioned City Power about protest action that occurred at three locations on 12 August and why the situation was allowed to continue while residents remained without electricity.

Questions were also submitted about how City Power intended to work with residents to resolve electricity problems more quickly and whether the utility had a dedicated budget for infrastructure maintenance.

Residents' concerns over communication were also raised, with City Power asked why updates were not being provided more frequently and what it was doing to ensure that communities received regular and accurate information rather than being left uncertain about when electricity would return.

Given the reported death during the prolonged outage and concerns surrounding residents dependent on oxygen, City Power was asked what immediate measures it was taking to protect vulnerable residents, restore electricity as quickly as possible and prevent a similar situation from occurring again.

The newspaper also asked whether City Power had received complaints relating to food spoilage, businesses losing income, security concerns, water supply problems and other serious consequences caused by the prolonged outage.

City Power was further asked whether its officials, the City of Johannesburg, emergency medical services or other relevant authorities had worked together to identify and assist residents dependent on oxygen during the outage.

The final question sought details on City Power's emergency procedures for residents who rely on oxygen concentrators, ventilators or other essential medical equipment during prolonged electricity outages.

### Questions submitted to City Power

The following questions were submitted via a Google Form on 13 August 2026 by Priya Ranchod for the Lenasia Times Newspaper:

1. What was the exact cause of the power outage affecting some streets in Extensions 3 to 13 for more than 36 hours?

2. What repairs have been carried out so far, what work remains outstanding and how many City Power team members are working on the issue?

3. This is an ongoing occurrence weekly. What is City Power doing to ensure that Lenasia Substation and Nirvana Substation are secured fully to avoid such outages?

4. Is City Power struggling to maintain infrastructure? And are all major substations, transformer substations or pole boxes maintained, or are they old and at a stage of wear and tear?

5. Why does City Power not finalise a job before moving on to a new place?

6. What is City Power doing about protecting its infrastructure and ensuring it is well maintained?

7. Take us through briefly how City Power works with those connecting power illegally.

8. How can residents reduce the load and why should they?

9. Does City Power care that there are elderly people, young children, babies and others who could be on oxygen and require electricity 24/7 to be able to use the oxygen? If yes or no, explain fully.

10. Protest action occurred in three places on 12 August. Why did City Power allow this to prolong while restoring power?

11. How will City Power work with residents to resolve these issues faster?

12. Does City Power have a budget to maintain its infrastructure?

13. Residents are frustrated. Why does City Power cause more frustration by not updating residents more often?

14. Given the reported death and the number of residents dependent on oxygen, what immediate measures is City Power taking to protect vulnerable residents, restore electricity as quickly as possible and prevent a similar situation from occurring again?

15. What is City Power doing to ensure that residents receive regular and accurate updates rather than being left uncertain about when their electricity will return?

16. Has City Power received complaints from residents about food spoilage, businesses losing income, security concerns, water supply problems or other serious consequences resulting from the prolonged outage?

17. Have City Power officials, the City of Johannesburg, emergency medical services or other relevant authorities been working together to identify and assist residents dependent on oxygen during this outage?

18. What emergency procedures does City Power have in place for residents who depend on electricity for oxygen concentrators, ventilators or other essential medical equipment during prolonged outages?

While City Power's response addressed the network overload, illegal connections, vandalism, transformer capacity and restoration process, the specific questions above were not answered individually.

For residents who have experienced repeated and prolonged outages, the outstanding questions remain critical. The community is not only seeking the restoration of electricity but also clear answers about infrastructure maintenance, security, emergency support, communication and what City Power is doing to prevent the same problems from happening again.

As Lenasia continues to deal with recurring electricity disruptions, residents are looking to City Power and the City of Johannesburg for greater accountability, regular communication and practical measures that will provide a more reliable electricity supply and protect those most vulnerable during prolonged outages.