Mpumalanga Commissioner Mkhwanazi Departs, Praising Collective Efforts Against Crime

Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi. Photo: Supplied

Departing Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has paid tribute to the province's residents, law enforcement partners, government institutions and community structures for their unwavering support in the fight against crime during his tenure.

As he officially concludes his leadership role, Mkhwanazi reflected on what he described as a collective effort to create safer communities across Mpumalanga, emphasising that progress in policing had been made possible through strong partnerships and shared responsibility among stakeholders.

The outgoing Acting Provincial Commissioner extended special appreciation to the Member of the Executive Council for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Mr Jackie Macie, for his continued support and commitment to improving community safety throughout the province.

He also acknowledged the contribution of SAPS National and Provincial Management teams for providing strategic direction and operational support during his time in office. Recognition was further given to the Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (ProvJoints), led by representatives of the South African National Defence Force and the State Security Agency, for their role in coordinating integrated crime fighting and security operations.

Mkhwanazi reserved praise for police officers at all levels of the organisation, including District Commissioners, senior managers, commissioned officers and non commissioned officers, commending their dedication and commitment to serving communities under often demanding circumstances.

He also highlighted the significant role played by labour unions in promoting the welfare and interests of SAPS members, describing them as important partners within the policing environment.

Community structures were among those singled out for recognition, with Community Policing Forums receiving special mention for their contribution in building trust between communities and the police. Mkhwanazi described the forums as a vital source of information and support in efforts to prevent and combat crime.

The business sector, Business Against Crime, POLSEC structures, government departments, law enforcement agencies and other state institutions were also thanked for their collaboration in enhancing safety and security throughout the province.

Reflecting on his journey, Mkhwanazi said serving the people of Mpumalanga had been a privilege and an honour. He expressed confidence in the newly appointed Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nkankoane Apaphia Modise, and called on all stakeholders to continue providing the same level of support to SAPS under the new leadership.

He stressed that lasting success in the fight against crime depends on continued cooperation between communities, law enforcement agencies and other partners, urging residents to remain actively involved in efforts to make Mpumalanga safer.

In his farewell message, Mkhwanazi thanked the people of the province for the trust they had placed in the police and acknowledged the role played by communities in providing information that assisted law enforcement in preventing and solving crime.

As he hands over the reins of leadership, Mkhwanazi leaves with a message of unity, urging all sectors of society to continue working together to protect communities and strengthen safety and security across Mpumalanga. 

Intelligence-Led Operation Nets 95kg Cocaine Haul at OR Tambo

 Law enforcement officers at OR Tambo International Airport intercepted a massive drug consignment on Friday morning, seizing 95 kilograms of cocaine flown in from São Paulo, Brazil.

The early morning bust, executed around 1pm, was the result of a swift, intelligence-driven operation coordinated by the SAPS Crime Intelligence Border Integrity Unit. Ground teams from the SAPS Visible Policing Unit, working hand-in-hand with customs officials and Menzies Aviation personnel, successfully targeted and intercepted the consignment the moment it touched down.

While no arrests have been made yet, police confirm that rigorous investigations are already underway to track down everyone involved in the cross-border smuggling ring.

National SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe emphasized that law enforcement remains fully focused on dismantling these underground networks.

"This arrest forms part of ongoing intelligence-driven operations targeting transnational drug trafficking networks operating through South Africa's largest port of entry," said Brigadier Mathe. "The interception of drug traffickers has gone a long way in disrupting the supply of illicit drugs and strengthening the fight against organised crime."

She added that security forces will continue working closely with local and international partners to ensure South Africa's borders and ports of entry are shielded from criminal exploitation.

Police, Muslim leaders establish task team to improve law enforcement at places of worship

Photo of Acting Police Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia 

Acting Police Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia has announced the establishment of a dedicated task team aimed at improving the way law enforcement operations are conducted in and around places of worship following concerns raised by Muslim religious leaders.

The announcement was made after Cachalia met with representatives of the United Ulama Council of South Africa (UUCSA) on Thursday, 30 July 2026. The meeting was also attended by Member of Parliament Imraan Subrathie.

The engagement followed a letter from the UUCSA, a national umbrella body representing several of South Africa's leading Muslim theological councils, highlighting concerns over South African Police Service immigration enforcement operations conducted near places of worship.

According to the organisation, some operations had caused considerable anxiety among congregants and created a perception that places of worship were becoming focal points for immigration related enforcement activities.

Following discussions with all stakeholders, Cachalia announced that a task team comprising representatives from the UUCSA, the SAPS operational environment and the Ministry of Police would be established.

The task team has been tasked with developing practical protocols to guide law enforcement operations in a way that ensures policing remains effective while minimising disruption during religious services and protecting the dignity and sanctity of places of worship. The team will report its recommendations to both the Minister and the leadership of the UUCSA.

Cachalia also said he would engage the Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, who would work with Provincial Commissioners to ensure the outcomes of the meeting are reflected in operational leadership and promote greater consistency in policing practices across the country.

The initiative is expected to strengthen cooperation between law enforcement and religious communities while ensuring that policing is carried out with respect for constitutional rights and freedom of worship.

Missing EFF member found dead as Gauteng Political Killings Task Team intensifies murder investigation

Photo of 51 year old Aaron Makola found deceased 

The body of a missing Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) member has been found in Delmas following an extensive investigation by the Gauteng Political Killings Task Team (GP PKTT).

The victim, 51 year old Aaron Makola, was reported missing after he disappeared in Bronkhorstspruit on 10 July 2026. His vehicle was discovered abandoned the following day, raising concerns about his whereabouts.

The Gauteng Political Killings Task Team officially took over the investigation on 20 July 2026 after engaging with Makola's family and obtaining crucial information relating to his disappearance.

Following days of intensive investigative work, members of the specialised unit traced the case to Delmas on Thursday, 30 July 2026, where Makola's body was discovered in a bush. Preliminary investigations indicate that he had been shot before his body was dumped at the scene.

His family has since positively identified the deceased.

South African Police Service National Spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, said investigators are making significant progress in the case.

"Investigations are at an advanced stage to identify and apprehend those responsible for the murder, including both the perpetrators and any individuals who may have orchestrated the crime," said Mathe.

Police are continuing with their investigation to determine the motive behind the killing while efforts to trace those responsible remain ongoing.

No arrests have been made at this stage. Authorities have appealed for anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward as detectives work to bring those responsible to justice.

SARS and Hawks Strike Another Major Blow Against Drug Smuggling at Durban Port

 

The South African Revenue Service (SARS), in partnership with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, has dealt another significant blow to international drug trafficking networks following the seizure of 30 bricks of cocaine at the Port of Durban.

The latest interception, carried out on 9 June 2026, comes just days after authorities uncovered approximately 90 kilograms of cocaine concealed in trucks arriving from Brazil at the same port. The successive seizures highlight both the growing attempts by organised crime syndicates to exploit South Africa's trade routes and the increasing effectiveness of coordinated law enforcement operations aimed at disrupting these activities.

The operation formed part of ongoing collaboration between SARS and its local and international law enforcement partners in combating illicit trade and transnational organised crime. Through intelligence driven risk profiling and targeted assessments, officials identified a container vessel originating from South America for inspection upon its arrival in Durban.

Customs officers boarded the vessel and located the targeted container, which had been positioned below the waterline. During the inspection, officials detected signs of tampering on parts of the container apparatus, prompting a more extensive search. The investigation led to the discovery of concealed narcotics, with mobile testing confirming the substance as pure cocaine packaged in 30 bricks.

Authorities said the shipment had been identified through intelligence led profiling and risk assessment conducted by SARS Customs officials. The successful recovery was further supported by detector dogs and targeted on site inspections.

SARS Commissioner Dr Johnstone Makhubu and Acting National Head of the Hawks Lieutenant General Sphesihle Nkosi praised the close cooperation between agencies, describing the operation as an example of government departments working together effectively to combat serious organised crime.

Dr Makhubu said the seizure demonstrated how intelligence sharing and coordinated enforcement actions were helping to close opportunities for criminal syndicates. He emphasised that authorities were strengthening cargo monitoring systems and enhancing targeted inspections at ports of entry to prevent illicit goods from entering the country.

He also warned of the devastating impact of drug trafficking on families, communities and the broader economy, stressing that law enforcement agencies would continue working with local and international partners to dismantle criminal networks and protect South Africans.

Lieutenant General Nkosi said the latest success reflected the value of disciplined cooperation between law enforcement agencies. He described drug trafficking as a national threat that fuels violence, weakens communities and places future generations at risk.

Nkosi reaffirmed the commitment of authorities to pursue those responsible for trafficking narcotics into South Africa, regardless of where they operate, and to ensure they are brought before the courts. He added that law enforcement agencies remain united in their efforts to strengthen the country's response to organised crime.

SARS and its law enforcement partners have pledged to continue enhancing controls at all ports of entry as part of a broader strategy to dismantle organised criminal syndicates, safeguard legitimate trade and protect communities from the harmful effects of illicit drugs.

SAPS Deploys National Specialised Teams to Intensify Cleveland Mass Shooting Investigation

Photo:Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane as the Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS)

The South African Police Service has reinforced its investigation into the deadly mass shooting in Cleveland, Johannesburg, by deploying additional specialised national resources to support provincial teams as efforts intensify to bring those responsible to justice.

Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane has commended the swift response by the Gauteng Provincial Commissioner and operational teams following the attack, which claimed the lives of 12 people.

To strengthen the ongoing investigation, Lieutenant General Dimpane has authorised the deployment of specialised national units, including Forensic Services, Tactical Response Teams and other expert investigative resources. The additional capacity is aimed at accelerating efforts to identify, trace and apprehend the suspects involved.

A multidisciplinary task team comprising provincial and national specialists has been established and will work around the clock to pursue all investigative and intelligence leads. Particular attention is being given to tracing a white Toyota Quantum believed to be linked to the incident.

Lieutenant General Dimpane said the deployment of additional specialised resources demonstrates SAPS' commitment to ensuring the investigation progresses swiftly and effectively.

"We have reinforced provincial efforts with additional national specialised resources to ensure that the investigation is expedited and that those responsible are swiftly brought to justice," she said.

The Acting National Commissioner extended her condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished the injured a full and speedy recovery.

Police investigations remain ongoing. Members of the public with information that could assist investigators are urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or provide information anonymously through the MySAPS App.

Police Hunt for Gunmen After 12 Killed in Cleveland Mass Shooting

Gauteng police have launched an intensive manhunt for a group of armed suspects following a deadly mass shooting that claimed the lives of 12 people and left several others injured at the Jumpers Informal Settlement in Cleveland on Tuesday night.

According to preliminary reports, members of the South African Police Service responded to reports of a shooting in progress at approximately 11:10pm on 9 June 2026. Upon arrival, officers discovered multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds across the informal settlement.

Emergency medical personnel were immediately dispatched to the scene. Eleven victims, comprising eight men and three women, were declared dead at the scene, while a twelfth victim later succumbed to injuries in hospital. At least nine other people were transported to various medical facilities for treatment.

Investigations indicate that more than 10 suspects were allegedly dropped off near a petrol station in Cleveland by a white Toyota Quantum. The suspects reportedly entered the settlement through different access points before opening fire on residents at multiple locations. After carrying out the attack, the group fled the area in the same vehicle.

SAPS Gauteng Provincial spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed that a multidisciplinary team, including provincial and district detectives, crime intelligence operatives and forensic specialists, has been mobilised to investigate the incident and track down those responsible.

"The motive for the attack remains unknown at this stage and forms part of the ongoing investigation. No arrests have been made, and police are pursuing all available leads to locate the suspects," said Nevhuhulwi.

The mass shooting has sent shockwaves through the community and adds to growing concerns around violent crime in parts of Gauteng.

Police are appealing to anyone who may have information that could assist the investigation to contact the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or submit information anonymously through the MySAPS mobile application.