GP SAPS Discovers Gruesome Scene Surrounding Missing Child

Photo: GP spokesperson Cpt Tinstwalo Sibeko

In a tragic development during Child Protection Week, Gauteng police uncovered the body of a child believed to be two-year-old Kutlwano Shalaba, who went missing last November.

The child's mother initially reported her daughter missing. However, during investigations, police revealed that the mother was involved in the disappearance. She was subsequently arrested and is currently in custody with bail opposed, according to GP SAPS spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko.

A second suspect, a man believed to be a sangoma, was arrested on 29 May 2025. During preliminary investigations, the police led to a shallow grave on Waterpan Road near R28, Bekkersdal, where the remains of a toddler were discovered. While suspected to be Kutlwano, DNA testing will confirm her identity.

Both the mother and the sangoma are scheduled to appear before the Vanderbiljpark Magistrate on 2 June 2025, charged with murder and human trafficking.

Peaceful Protest on K43 by Thembelihle Informal F Section Residents

Around 6 p.m. this evening (31 May 2025), residents of Thembelihle's Informal F Section held a peaceful protest along the K43 road. The demonstration was sparked by frustration over a power outage that has persisted for more than 48 hours. While electricity has been restored in neighboring Sections D and N, F Section remains without power.

Protesters burned tyres to block the road but refrained from any acts of violence or aggression toward passing vehicles.

Among the protesters were primary and high school learners who voiced their concerns about the challenges of attending online classes without electricity. Many also spoke of the harsh living conditions in their shacks, particularly during the current cold weather.

The residents called for the immediate restoration of their electricity supply.

Approximately two and a half hours after the protest began, members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) Public Order Policing (POP) units arrived to disperse the crowd. 

Police Clear Fezile Ngubane in Connection with Kidnapping and Robbery Cases

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has announced that Fezile Ngubane, who was previously identified as a suspect involved in a syndicate targeting young women, has been officially cleared of any wrongdoing.

Ngubane's father proactively handed him over to authorities at the KwaMashu police station on Friday after learning that his son was wanted in connection with the murder of Olorato Makhanya. This development follows a comprehensive investigation conducted by a multidisciplinary team.

According to SAPS national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the team was led by the Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Crime Detection in Gauteng, Major General Mbuso Khumalo. The investigation included the SAPS National Anti-kidnapping Task Team as well as the KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng Provincial Investigating Units (PIU). After a thorough interview and preliminary investigation, Ngubane was cleared of suspicion.

Brigadier Mathe further explained that Ngubane is known to earn a living by washing cars and resides in the same neighborhood as the late Philangenkosi Makhanya. Makhanya was reportedly the victim who identified Ngubane as a soft target, subsequently stealing his ID smart card. The stolen ID was allegedly used by Makhanya to RICA (register) SIM cards that facilitated his involvement in multiple kidnapping and robbery crimes targeting young women. It is also alleged that Makhanya used Ngubane’s bank card to make purchases at various clothing stores.

The investigation uncovered that Ngubane’s ID was among 27 smart cards found in Makhanya’s possession. 

In related developments, SAPS has released the parents of one of the two suspects currently under investigation, following statements taken from them. Authorities are also dealing with at least twenty cases where women have come forward, identifying the suspects as those responsible for kidnapping and robbing them. These cases have been reported across several locations, including Potchefstroom, Bloemfontein, Midrand, Ogies, Nelspruit in Mpumalanga, Pretoria, and Johannesburg.

Meanwhile, police continue their search for Bongani Mthimkulu, urging him to surrender himself at the nearest police station. The SAPS reiterates their commitment to bringing all suspects to justice and ensuring the safety of the community.

8 Suspects Arrested During Operation

The SAPS Gauteng Organised Crime Investigation (OCI) unit conducted a successful operation that led to the arrest of eight suspects on Wednesday, 28 May 2025, on the M2 highway near the Maritzburg on-ramp in the Jeppe policing precinct.

According to GP SAPS spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko, the arrests were connected to an attempted murder case that was opened in Sandringham on 3 December 2024, involving a deputy principal at a local school who was shot and injured.

“The investigation led by OCI traced three of the suspects, resulting in the apprehension of two at Jeppe and one in Phumula near Vosloorus. Upon interviewing the trio, we obtained information regarding the whereabouts of their accomplices, which we operationalized,” she stated. Captain Sibeko added that a few hours later, five additional suspects were arrested on the M2, allegedly en route to commit an armed robbery. Police seized a Toyota Corolla, along with five handguns and ammunition during the operation.

Three of the suspects have been linked to the attempted murder charge, while the remaining five have, for now, been charged only with possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

The suspects are expected to appear in court soon.

Photos: SAPS

Scammers Exploit SAPS Identity in Nationwide Fraud Scheme

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has issued a public alert about a growing scam in which fraudsters impersonate SAPS officials to deceive and extort money from unsuspecting victims across the country.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk, the scam involves counterfeit letters sent via WhatsApp that appear to be official SAPS correspondence. These fraudulent messages often display the SAPS logo and include the names and contact details of real or fabricated senior officers, along with legitimate-looking police station addresses. In some instances, scammers even reference non-existent police stations to increase the credibility of their communications.

“These criminals manipulate official-looking details to convince victims they are dealing with real police officers,” Van Wyk said. “The letters are often tailored to the victim’s location, using modified names and contact information to appear authentic.”

The scam doesn’t stop at fake documents. Victims are also targeted through phone calls from individuals posing as SAPS officials. The impersonators falsely claim that a criminal case has been opened against the recipient, then demand payment to make the charges “go away.” This tactic relies on fear and urgency to pressure victims into transferring money.

SAPS urges the public to remain vigilant and follow these precautions:

* Ignore -suspicious WhatsApp messages or calls claiming to be from SAPS

* Do not disclose personal information such as ID numbers, home addresses, or banking details

* Never send money in response to these communications

SAPS has emphasized that it does not engage with the public through WhatsApp or video calls. Anyone who receives or responds to such fraudulent messages is strongly encouraged to report the incident and open a case at their nearest police station.

Two People Fatally Wounded in Shooting Incident

A tragic shooting incident occurred in the early hours of the morning on 29 May at the Zonkizizwe Taxi Rank, resulting in the deaths of two individuals.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) is currently investigating a case of murder related to the incident. According to SAPS GP spokesperson Colonel Nevhuhulwi Dimakatso, reports indicate that a white Fortuner vehicle, occupied by approximately ten men, arrived at the taxi rank and opened fire on security officers present at the scene. During the attack, two individuals were fatally shot; one has been identified as a security officer, while the other was a member of the taxi association. Additionally, one bakkie belonging to the security officers was set ablaze, and another vehicle sustained multiple gunshot wounds.

Colonel Dimakatso noted that the motive behind the shooting is suspected to be related to ongoing taxi violence. As part of the investigation, one rifle has been seized, but no arrests have been made at this time.

In a separate incident on the same day, a police operation involving members from the Highway and Hillbrow tracing units, along with the JMPD TRU, led to the apprehension of three suspects at a warehouse in Dawnpark. The suspects were found in possession of an R5 rifle, ammunition, and three magazines. These items will undergo ballistic testing to determine if the firearm was used in any criminal activities.

The SAPS encourages anyone with information that could assist in the investigations to contact the Crime Stop Line at 08600 10111 or to report tip-offs anonymously via the MySapsApp, accessible on any smartphone. Your cooperation is vital in helping to bring those responsible to justice.

Photos: SAPS