Vehicle Smuggling Ring Busted in Kosi Bay, KZN

A specialized task team from the South African Police Service (SAPS) deployed in Emanguzi has made significant progress in its ongoing crackdown on cross-border criminal activity in northern KwaZulu-Natal.

In a series of intelligence-driven operations over recent weeks, SAPS officers arrested five suspects allegedly involved in vehicle smuggling. The operations also led to the recovery of 20 stolen vehicles, including 11 bakkies, seven SUVs, a minibus, and a sedan. According to police, these vehicles were intercepted before they could be smuggled across the Kosi Bay border into Mozambique.

SAPS national spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Van Wyk, confirmed that the recovered vehicles had been reported stolen from several areas in and around Durban, including Durban Central, Durban North, Westville, Chatsworth, Pinetown, and Umhlali.

In the latest operation, conducted on Monday, 9 June 2025, police intercepted a vehicle suspected of being prepared for illegal export through the Kosi Bay border. One suspect was arrested and found in possession of fraudulent documentation intended to facilitate the cross-border movement of the stolen vehicle.

“Preliminary investigations suggest the suspect may be linked to vehicle insurance fraud. Further investigations are currently underway,” said Van Wyk.

She also highlighted the role of a national SAPS intervention unit in tackling cross-border crimes. This unit integrates resources and expertise from crime intelligence, detective services, and both proactive and reactive policing units.

The SAPS has identified a range of crimes associated with the KZN-Mozambique border region, including vehicle theft, house and business robberies, hijackings, as well as violent crimes such as murder and attempted murder.

Authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to dismantling smuggling syndicates and protecting communities affected by organized cross-border crime.

Three Arrested and 10 AK-47 Rifles Seized in Port St. John’s SAPS Operation

A major breakthrough in the fight against violent crime was achieved this week when a coordinated intelligence-led operation by SAPS Tactical Response Teams (TRT) and Combat units led to the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of high-powered firearms and ammunition.

The operation, conducted between 12 and 13 June 2025, targeted two homesteads in the Tombo A/A and Mthumbane areas following intelligence linking the premises to illegal firearms used in taxi-related violence and cash-in-transit robberies.

“At the first address in Tombo A/A, a 46-year-old woman presented a license for a shotgun and a 9mm pistol but failed to produce a competency certificate or valid documentation for the ammunition,” said SAPS Eastern Cape spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana. “A 52-year-old male suspect at the same location was found in possession of an unlicensed shotgun.”

Items seized from this property included one shotgun, one 9mm pistol, one pistol magazine, 33 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and five shotgun shells.

At the second location in Mthumbane, a 38-year-old woman was discovered with a wooden case containing several rifles. She claimed the firearms belonged to her husband and denied any knowledge of their presence.

Officers recovered 10 AK-47 rifles, 19 magazines, 100 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 10 cleaning kits, four 9mm pouches, and 10 oil canisters from the site.

All three suspects have been charged with illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, as well as contravention of the Firearms Control Act (Act 60 of 2000). They are expected to appear before the Port St. John’s Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 17 June 2025.

Acting Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Major General Thandiswa Kupiso, praised the operation, saying it demonstrated SAPS’s commitment to rooting out armed criminal networks. “The seizure of these military-grade weapons has dealt a significant blow to planned violent crimes. We continue to urge communities to report illegal firearms anonymously through Crime Stop.”

Five people die during crash

Five people were killed in a crash on the N2 between Ermelo and Mkhondo (formerly Piet Retief), near Ngwempisi in Mpumalanga, on Friday afternoon. 13 June 2025. The accident involved two sedans and a truck.

Preliminary reports suggest one of the sedan drivers was allegedly speeding at over 170 km/h. He reportedly failed to stop in time and crashed into another sedan on the same stretch of road.

The impact caused the speeding vehicle—carrying four passengers—to lose control and collide head-on with an oncoming truck.

Police Investigate Triple Murder in Tshepisong

Photo of GP spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko. 

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched an investigation into three counts of murder following the discovery of three male bodies in an open veld in Tshepisong Phase 6, Soweto on Thursday, 12 June 2025.

The victims, all reportedly in their early twenties, were declared deceased at the scene.

According to SAPS Gauteng spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko, a fourth individual, believed to have survived the attack, is currently at large. The motive behind the killings remains unknown, and no arrests have been made at this stage.

 “Police investigations are underway,” said Captain Sibeko. “We are appealing to the public for any information that may assist in the case.”

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or report anonymously via the MySAPS App. All information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.

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Police Offer R60,000 Reward for Arrest of Murder Suspect in IFP Deputy Chief Whip Cas

 The South African Police Service in Gauteng is offering a reward of R60,000.00 for information leading to the arrest and successful conviction of Zamani Ngila Ximba, who is wanted in connection with the murder of Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) Deputy Chief Whip, Mr. Khethamabala Sithole, and the attempted murder of two other individuals.

The incident occurred on 31 May 2025** at Buyafuthi Hostel in Katlehong

The suspect, Zamani Ngila Ximba, is described as:

* Tall

* Dark in complexion

* Armed and extremely dangerous

Police are urging anyone with information on the whereabouts of the suspect to come forward. All information received will be handled with the **strictest confidentiality**.

Please contact:

* Major General Mbuso Khumalo: 082 556 8642

* Captain Abe Montoedi: 082 461 4794

* Crime Stop: 08600 10111

* Or via the **MySAPS App

The police appeal to the public to assist in bringing this dangerous suspect to justice and ensuring safety in the community.

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Ex-Prosecutor and Alleged Accomplice Appear in Court on Corruption Charges

Former state prosecutor Siphokazi Magangana (53) and Mandisa Yolanda Jamjam (45) appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 13 June 2025, following their arrest the day before on charges of corruption.

According to Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Thatohatsi Mavimbela, the investigation began after the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) received complaints about a prosecutor at Westgate Court in Johannesburg who was allegedly soliciting money from job seekers. Victims were reportedly asked to pay R10,000 in exchange for promises of employment.

Investigators later found that the bank account used to receive the funds was registered under Magangana’s daughter’s name. Magangana allegedly worked with Jamjam, who is accused of posing as an attorney and also accepting payments through her own account. Magangana resigned from her post while the investigation was still ongoing.

Both women were arrested at their residence in Roodepoort on Thursday, 12 June. They made their first court appearance the following day. The case was postponed to Tuesday, 17 June for a formal bail hearing.

Toll Operator Arrested for Possessing Card Skimming Device:

In a separate incident, Quinton Seleka (36), a toll operator at the Dalpark Toll Plaza, was arrested on Thursday, 12 June by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Unit after being found in possession of a handheld card skimming device.

Seleka appeared in the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 13 June. He was granted bail of R1,000. The case was postponed to 18 July 2025 for further investigation.

Fraud Accused in Court Over R6 Million VAT Scam

                         Photo: Google 

Jenny Blane, 49, appeared in the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Tuesday, 10 June 2025, facing charges related to tax fraud under the Value Added Tax Act 89 of 1991.

Blane, the sole director of Gusto Consulting (Pty) Ltd, is accused of submitting fraudulent VAT201 returns to the South African Revenue Service (SARS) between 2016 and 2018. According to Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Thatohatsi Mavimbela the alleged scheme resulted in SARS paying over R6 million into the company’s account.

She was arrested on Monday, 9 June 2025, after a warrant was executed. Blane was granted bail of R10,000, and the case was postponed to 1 July 2025.