Westbury Under Siege: SAPS Commissioner Slams Growing Gang Involvement of Children

SAPS National Commissioner Gen. Fanie Masemola 

In response to a worrying surge in gang-related violence in Westbury, the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, has expressed deep concern over the recruitment and exploitation of minors by criminal gangs. Following a high-level briefing with Gauteng police leadership, Masemola revealed that children as young as 13 are being used as gang runners, with recent cases confirming this alarming trend across several parts of the country.

The Commissioner noted the increasing difficulty in prosecuting underage offenders, as many cases are withdrawn in court and the minors diverted to counselling or community service programmes. “We are fighting an uphill battle,” he stated, “and we will not win it without the full support of parents and guardians.”

The recent deaths of two teenagers, aged 17 and 19, in gang-related incidents have heightened urgency. The youngest survivor was just 13. Masemola confirmed that police are engaging the homeowner—who is also the mother of one of the boys—for questioning. “How was this allowed to happen?” he asked, condemning the exposure of children to environments involving gambling and smoking.

Masemola stressed that discipline and monitoring must start at home. “The family unit plays an essential role in assisting the police. These children should be in school, not on the streets.”

Westbury is one of eight gang-affected communities in Gauteng where SAPS has deployed the Anti-Gang Unit. Others include Eldorado Park, Toekomsrus, Langlaagte, Reiger Park and Nigel. Despite intensified efforts, officers continue to face hostility from residents. “It is deeply concerning that some members of the community shield gangsters and attack officers during arrests,” he said.

Since January, 19 gang members in Westbury have been arrested, with charges ranging from drug possession to gang-related murder. Eleven have been convicted. Masemola commended the Anti-Gang Unit for their ongoing collaboration with the Provincial Commissioner and confirmed the existence of a solid plan to combat gang activities. However, he stressed that police efforts alone are not enough. “We need the community to work with us and report wrongdoing.”

SAPS continues to strengthen operational capacity and adjust strategies in line with shifting crime patterns. The Commissioner reiterated that the battle against gangs will not be won through policing alone, but through collective action by families, schools, and communities.

General Masemola will visit Westbury on 22 October 2025, starting at Sophiatown Police Station and continuing to assess police deployments in the area. He concluded with a clear message: “We know who we are looking for, and we are confident we will find the perpetrators, believed to be four teenagers.”

SAPS Rapid Response Unit Arrests Three Suspects Following Kidnapping and Robbery in Bellville

Photo: SAPS national spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Van Wyk 

The South African Police Service’s National Intervention Unit (NIU) responded swiftly to a kidnapping and robbery incident in Bellville, Western Cape, resulting in the arrest of three suspects on Thursday, 9 October 2025.

According to SAPS National Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Van Wyk, initial reports indicate that a 23-year-old man was walking along a street when he was approached by four suspects. The assailants forcibly abducted him and forced him into their vehicle, which then sped away from the scene.

Lieutenant Colonel Van Wyk explained that, during the suspects’ attempt to escape, they passed a vehicle occupied by NIU members, who immediately initiated a pursuit. The suspects eventually abandoned their vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. Police apprehended three of the suspects, while one individual managed to evade arrest.

The police recovered the victim’s belongings, as well as an imitation firearm that is believed to have been utilised during the commission of the crime.

The NIU officers involved are currently deployed in the Western Cape as part of Operation Lockdown III, a nationwide initiative focused on combating drug trafficking, extortion, and violent crimes associated with organised gang activity, particularly within the Cape Flats.

Tragedy in Bronkhorstspruit: Five Dead and Six Injured in Tavern Shooting

Photo: SAPS Gauteng spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili 

In the early hours of Sunday, 5 October 2025, a violent shooting at a tavern in Zithobeni, Bronkhorstspruit, left five people dead and six others injured.  

Police responded promptly to the scene. Witnesses report that two men, known to the community, entered the establishment and demanded that a patron surrender his licensed firearm. During the confrontation, a shot was fired, prompting the suspects to fire randomly as patrons fled. The patron with the firearm was shot and injured, and his weapon was stolen.  

Brigadier Brenda Muridili, spokesperson for SAPS Gauteng, confirmed that five individuals lost their lives and six sustained injuries. The injured were transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment. To date, only one of the deceased has been identified, and all injured persons have been accounted for.  

Muridili also stated that the patron whose firearm was stolen will face charges under the Firearms Control Act, Act 60 of 2000, for negligent handling of his 9mm pistol.  

The Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit has registered cases of five counts of murder and six counts of attempted murder. The Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Tracking Team is actively pursuing the suspects.

Ivory Park Swimming Pool Complex Nears Completion

Residents of Ivory Park and surrounding communities can soon look forward to enjoying a modern, environmentally conscious swimming facility, as the Ivory Park Swimming Pool Complex nears completion.

The City of Johannesburg (CoJ) has confirmed that the development, located in the greater Midrand area, is in its final stages, with key utility connections such as water and electricity now completed. Remaining works include the installation of a bulk sewer connection for ablution facilities, testing of pumps, chlorination and water balancing, as well as final cleaning and quality assurance checks.

This facility forms part of the City's broader commitment to expanding access to social infrastructure. Once operational, the complex will serve as a crucial recreational hub for Ivory Park, Kaalfontein and neighbouring communities.

Designed with both functionality and sustainability in mind, the complex features an Olympic-style swimming pool, a splash pool for children, grandstand seating, and a suite of eco-friendly technologies. These include solar water heating, rainwater harvesting, grey-water recycling, and waterless toilet systems – all aligned with Johannesburg’s environmental goals.

Themba Mathibe, CEO of the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA), noted that the project had previously experienced delays. “This project was among those delayed in the past. Since our appointment as new management, we have prioritised addressing the challenges, including outstanding town planning matters, to ensure the pool is completed. The people of Ivory Park have waited a long time for this moment, and we are determined to deliver,” he said.

“For us at the JDA, this project is about more than building a pool. It’s about creating inclusive spaces that uplift communities, foster healthier lifestyles, and contribute to Johannesburg’s long-term sustainability.”

The Ivory Park Swimming Pool Complex will join the City’s network of over 50 public pools across its seven administrative regions. It forms part of a strategic initiative to redress historic infrastructure inequalities and to promote safe, vibrant, and liveable urban neighbourhoods.

The JDA will soon hand over the facility to the City’s Community Development Department, which will be responsible for its operation. The complex is expected to offer residents a valuable space for recreation, community interaction, and improved quality of life, while reinforcing the City's vision of a greener, more resilient Johannesburg.

Hazyview SAPS Clerk Sentenced for Running Illegal Loan Scheme Using SASSA and Bank Cards

A 53-year-old administration clerk stationed at Hazyview SAPS has been sentenced to one year of imprisonment or a R30,000 fine, both wholly suspended for five years, after he was convicted of operating an illegal money-lending business.

Bernard Ndlovu was arrested at his workplace on 21 July 2023 after being found in possession of 140 bank and SASSA cards belonging to various individuals. Following a thorough investigation, authorities confirmed that Ndlovu was running an unregistered cash loan operation in contravention of the National Credit Act.

“When clients borrowed money, Ndlovu took their cards as security to ensure repayment,” explained Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi, spokesperson for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) in Mpumalanga.

The investigation, conducted by the Hawks’ Nelspruit-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit, successfully uncovered the extent of the unlawful scheme. The team compiled evidence that led to Ndlovu's prosecution.

On Tuesday, 30 September 2025, the matter was heard in the White River Magistrate’s Court. Ndlovu was sentenced to one year’s imprisonment or a R30,000 fine, wholly suspended for five years on the condition that he is not convicted of a similar offence during that period.

The Provincial Head of the DPCI in Mpumalanga, Major General Nico Gerber, praised the investigating team and reaffirmed the commitment of the Hawks to impartial law enforcement.

“We want to assure the public that the Hawks will continue to investigate all matters thoroughly and without fear or favour,” said Major General Gerber.

The case serves as a stern warning to public servants engaged in unlawful financial dealings, particularly those that exploit vulnerable members of the community.

Counterfeit Crackdown: Mozambican Man Loses R12 Million in Fake Sportswear Bust at SA Border

In a major win against cross-border economic crime, a 46-year-old Mozambican national, Eurico Zandamela, has forfeited counterfeit sportswear worth over R12.5 million following a foiled smuggling attempt at the Lebombo Port of Entry earlier this year.

Zandamela was apprehended on 23 February 2024 while attempting to smuggle the illicit goods from Mozambique into South Africa. He was the sole occupant of a truck that was intercepted by vigilant border officials, who had grown suspicious after the vehicle was queued in the lane typically used for empty trucks.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi, spokesperson for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), also known as the Hawks, Zandamela is believed to have conspired with 32-year-old South African national, Sibusiso Ngwenya, a contracted security guard stationed at the port.

“The driver, Zandamela, was the lone occupant of the truck. He allegedly colluded with a 32-year-old South African security guard, Sibusiso Ngwenya, who allegedly tried to assist Zandamela to bypass the system,” stated Lt Col Nkosi.

The suspicious behaviour prompted Port of Entry personnel to conduct a thorough search of the vehicle, which led to the discovery of a large consignment of counterfeit sportswear concealed in the truck's trailer. The fake merchandise bore branding of globally recognised labels such as Adidas, Nike, Diesel, CAT, Puma, LaPorte, New Balance, and Redbat. The total estimated value of the seized goods was R12,526,544.

Both suspects were promptly arrested, and the matter was handed over to the Hawks’ Nelspruit-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit for further processing. Zandamela and Ngwenya were each granted bail set at R5,000.

Fast forward to Tuesday, 30 September 2025: Zandamela appeared before the Mbombela Specialised Commercial Crimes Court where he pleaded guilty to the charges. He was sentenced to a fine of R150,000 or, alternatively, three months’ imprisonment. Half of the sentence was suspended for five years, on the condition that he does not commit a similar offence during that period. All the counterfeit goods were permanently forfeited to the state.

Ngwenya, on the other hand, entered a plea of not guilty. His case has been postponed to 11 December 2025 as he seeks to prove his innocence.

The Provincial Head of the DPCI in Mpumalanga, Major General Nico Gerber, commended the sharp-eyed officials at the border for their commitment and teamwork.

"People who bring counterfeit goods, including foodstuff and medicines, into the country are the ones collapsing our economy and putting people's livelihoods at risk," said Major General Gerber.

This case underscores the importance of continued vigilance and collaboration between law enforcement agencies and border control staff in protecting South Africa's economy and consumer safety from the scourge of counterfeit goods.