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.

Gauteng Police Crack Down on Alleged Corruption After Viral Bribery Video

The South African Police Service in Gauteng has moved swiftly to institute disciplinary action against a police official implicated in an alleged bribery incident that has drawn significant public attention.

The response follows the circulation of a video on social media platforms, particularly Facebook, showing a uniformed officer allegedly returning money to a member of the public after a suspected bribery exchange. The footage has raised serious concerns about conduct within the ranks of law enforcement.

SAPS management has confirmed that the officer featured in the video has been identified. Immediate disciplinary proceedings have been initiated, while a formal departmental investigation is underway to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

The organisation has reiterated its zero tolerance stance on corruption, emphasising that the acceptance, solicitation or facilitation of a bribe constitutes a criminal offence and a serious breach of the SAPS Code of Conduct.

Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni has strongly condemned the alleged conduct, reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to integrity and accountability.

“The South African Police Service will not tolerate corruption in any form. Members who abuse their authority, compromise their integrity, or betray the trust placed in them by the public will be dealt with decisively. We are committed to ensuring that every allegation of corruption is thoroughly investigated and that appropriate disciplinary and criminal action is taken where warranted. Our communities deserve professional, ethical and accountable policing, and we remain steadfast in protecting the integrity of the organisation,” said Lieutenant General Mthombeni.

All SAPS members are expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, in full compliance with the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, the SAPS Code of Conduct, and all relevant legislative and policy frameworks.

Members of the public have been urged not to engage in corrupt activities by offering bribes, and to report any allegations of corruption or extortion involving SAPS officials through established reporting channels. These include the SAPS Anti Corruption Hotline on 0800 701 701, the National Complaints Service Centre on 0800 333 177, the Corruption Watch WhatsApp line on 072 013 5569, the Gauteng Service Complaints standby line on 082 442 2000, and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate.

SAPS has reaffirmed its commitment to rooting out corruption within its ranks, ensuring accountability, and maintaining public confidence in policing across Gauteng.