Daily Archives: December 30, 2025

JMPD Tactical Response Unit apprehends viral phone snatcher

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Picture: Suspected cellphone snatcher

OBAKENG MAJE

30 December 2025- The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) Tactical Response Unit has successfully apprehended a man (26) linked to a series of phone snatching incidents across Gauteng, along with three other suspects involved in a suspected stolen property syndicate. On 30 December 2025, JMPD officers acted on information regarding a suspect who had gained notoriety through a viral social media video.

Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department spokesperson, Superintendent Xolani Fihla said in the footage, the suspect is seen snatching a cellphone from a woman before fleeing the scene. Fihla said the investigative trail led the Tactical Response Unit (TRU) to a flat in Hillbrow.

“During a thorough search of the premises, officers discovered the suspect hiding on the balcony. He was found in possession of a cellphone for which he could not account.

“Following a preliminary investigation, the suspect has been positively linked to numerous phone snatching cases across the province, the March 2025 hijacking of an off-duty JMPD member as per the Diepsloot SAPS case and the use of a Toyota Corolla with cloned registration plates during the commission of these crimes,” he said.

Fihla further said the operation was extended as officers followed up on additional information regarding the suspect’s associates. He added that this led to the arrest of three Bangladeshi nationals at Wanderers Street in Johannesburg Central.

“These individuals are alleged to be responsible for “flushing” (reprogramming/wiping) stolen cellphone devices. During the arrest, officers recovered specialised equipment used in the flushing of cellphones.

“The primary suspect, a Zimbabwean national, was arrested and detained at Hillbrow SAPS on charges of possession of suspected stolen property. The three Bangladeshi suspects were charged with possession of suspected stolen property and detained at Johannesburg Central SAPS,” said Fihla.

He said the four suspects will appear at their respective courts soon.

Meanwhile, the JMPD Chief of Police, Commissioner Patrick Jaca, commended the Tactical Response Unit for their swift action. Jaca said the arrest of these individuals is a significant breakthrough in our ongoing efforts to dismantle syndicates that terrorise the residents.

“By linking this suspect to both the viral video and the hijacking of one of our own members, we are sending a clear message that there is no hiding place for criminals in Johannesburg. Our officers are working tirelessly to ensure that all those involved in the value chain of stolen property are brought to book.

“Investigations are ongoing and the search and arrest of more suspects linked to this syndicate is imminent.

“The JMPD remains committed to removing criminals from our streets and dismantling the networks that profit from the theft of personal property,” said Jaca.

He urged the public to remain vigilant and continue reporting suspicious activities.

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Weather Service issues disruptive rain, fire danger warning across South Africa

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30 December 2025- The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a weather warning for disruptive rains and severe thunderstorms across the country for today. 

The warnings for rain are as follows:

Orange level 5 warning: Disruptive rain resulting in flooding of settlements (both formal and informal) and roads, low-lying bridges, as well as damage to mud-build houses is expected over the northern and eastern parts of Limpopo.

Yellow level 4 warning: Disruptive rain resulting in flooding of settlements (both formal and informal) and roads, low-lying bridges, as well as damage to mud-build houses is expected in the northern parts of Mpumalanga and southwestern Limpopo, except in the extreme southeast. Yellow level 4 warning: Severe thunderstorm, leading to heavy downpours, excessive lightning, strong damaging winds and large amounts of small hail and/or large hail a populated are expected over Gauteng, extreme southwestern parts of Limpopo, southern parts of Mpumalanga, eastern parts of North West, eastern parts of Free State, as well as the western parts KwaZulu-Natal.

Yellow level 1 warning: Severe thunderstorms, leading to localised flooding of susceptible roads, settlements and low-lying bridges/areas, excessive lightning, strong damaging winds and large amounts of small hail and/or large hail are expected over the north-central parts of the Northern Cape. The weather service also issued warnings for possible fire danger in parts of the Northern and Western Cape provinces.

“Extremely high fire danger conditions are expected over the western parts of the Northern Cape, as well as in places over the northern parts of the Western Cape.

“Extremely hot and uncomfortable conditions are expected in places over Namakwa district in the Northern Cape, as well as in places over the Western Cape, except along the south coast and adjacent interior,” the SAWS said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Suspected criminal mastermind Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala moved to super maximum correctional facility

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Picture: Suspected criminal mastermind Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala

30 December 2025- Suspected criminal mastermind, Vusimuzi ‘Cat’ Matlala, has been transferred from Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre (C-Max) to the super maximum eBongweni Correctional Facility in Kokstad. Matlala is allegedly linked to, among others, the coordinated syndicates responsible for the looting of over R2 billion meant for healthcare in Gauteng, the attempted murder of his ex-lover and is believed to have played a role in the capture of some key members within law enforcement agencies.

The Department of Correctional Services said the transfer of remand detainees and sentenced offenders between correctional facilities is a standard operational practice informed by a range of considerations, primarily security, safety, operational requirements, and effective inmate management across the correctional system.

“In terms of Section 6 of the Correctional Services Act, 1998, the National Commissioner of Correctional Services is legally empowered to detain an offender or remand detainee at any correctional centre, notwithstanding the wording of a warrant.

“This provision exists to enable the department to respond appropriately to security assessments and operational demands. Furthermore, the department emphasised that its core mandate is to ensure the safety and security of all facilities which are “conducive to humane detention, while enabling the delivery of rehabilitation and care programmes,” said the Department of Correctional Services said.

The department said in this regard, the safety and security of detainees, officials and the broader correctional environment remain paramount. It said where enhanced security measures are required, these considerations take precedence.

“It must be emphasised that the transfer of a detainee does not prejudice their legal rights or access to services. All detainees continue to receive appropriate care, and necessary arrangements are made to ensure that court appearances and legal processes are honoured without impediment.

“Given the sensitive nature of security-related decisions, the department will not engage in public discussions, interviews or further commentary on the specific security considerations underpinning this transfer,” the department explained. – SAnews.gov.za

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Bafana through to the Last 16 stage of the Africa Cup of Nations

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Picture: Bafana Bafana players against Zimbabwe

By AGISANANG SCUFF

30 December 2025- Bafana Bafana are through to the Last 16 stage of the Africa Cup of Nations after beating Zimbabwe 3-2 in a pulsating five-goal thriller played at the Marrakech Stadium on Monday night. A lot was at stake in this final Group B match and the two COSAFA neighbours started the game with an opportunity to qualify for the knockout stages of the tournament.

But it was coach Hugo Broos’ charges who raced to an early lead when Tshepang Moremi scored the opening goal of the match in the seventh minute after his goal-bound shot was deflected into the back of the net by Zimbabwe’s Divine Lunga. To their credit, the Zimbabweans did not drop their heads after the setback and took the game to the South Africans instead, to the delight of the sizable crowd that was in attendance.

They were eventually rewarded when the troublesome Tawanda Mashwanhise found the back of the net in the 19th minute after dribbling his way past the Bafana Bafana rear-guard. The South Africans reclaimed the lead in the second half after Lyle Foster beat goalkeeper Washington Arubi in the air and headed his effort into the back of the net in the 50th minute.

But the stubborn Zimbabwe equalised again after a shot from Maswanhise hit Aubrey Modiba and ricocheted into the back of the net in the 73rd minute. Bafana Bafana were awarded a penalty after Zimbabwe captain Marvelous Nakamba handled the ball inside the area very late in the game.

Man of the match Oswin Appollis calmly stepped up and converted the winning goal of the match from the spot in the 82nd minute.

Meanwhile, Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie joined the fans in the stands and added his voice to the many that cheered Bafana Bafana during this exciting showdown between the two neighbouring countries. The South African senior men’s national team will remain in Marrakech until towards the end of the week before travelling to Rabat for their Last 16 match.

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Police looking for missing Mojaki Stoun

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Picture: Missing Mojaki Stoun/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

30 December 2025- The police in Stella request the assistance of the community in locating a missing man, Mojaki Stoun (61), of Marst Street in Stella, near Vryburg. Stoun was last seen by his nephew at around 15:15pm on 9 December 2025, when he left his place to go to the farm.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said, however, he never returned. Mokgwabone said a search was conducted around the surrounding areas without success.

“Investigations were done and all leads were followed up, but that did not yield positive results. At the time of his disappearance, Stoun was wearing black jean trousers with brown and black stripes t-shirt.

“He is dark in complexion, 1.85m tall, medium built with short grey hair, short grey beard and grey moustache. The police request anyone who may have information regarding the missing person’s whereabouts to contact the Investigating Officer, Constable Dikatso Nkoto on 076 838 5933,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said, alternatively, one can call the nearest local police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. He added that, anonymously tip-offs can also be communicated via the MySAPS App.

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A man nabbed for harbouring creep of tortoises

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Picture: Tortoises seized by the police during raid/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

30 December 2025- The multidisciplinary high-density Shanela 2 Safer Festive Season Operation which seeks to intensify the fight against crime, yielded positive results when numerous suspects were arrested in the Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 2.

The operations, which were simultaneously and jointly conducted by members from Mogwase, Sun City, Mabeskraal, Dwarsberg Police Stations, as well as the Rustenburg Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, targeted among others, businesses trading illegally and in counterfeit goods, enforcement of the Firearms Control Act (Act 60 of 2000) and Road Traffic Management Corporation Act (Act 20 of 1999) as well as tracing of wanted suspects.

The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sam Tselanyane said during the operation, 145 vehicles were stopped and searched together with 215 occupants. Tselanyane said a total of 49 traffic fines to the value of R26 400 were issued to drivers.

“Additionally, 20 suspects were arrested for crimes such as assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH) and common, rape and malicious damage to property.

“Moreover, firearms compliance inspections led to the registration of two cases for contravention of Section 120(8)(a) of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (failure to store firearms in prescribed safe / strong room) and one illegal immigrant was apprehended for contravention of section 49 of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act 13 of 2002),” he said.

Tselanyane further said as if that was not enough, the police received a tip-off regarding someone who was harbouring a creep of tortoises and operationalised it. He added that, upon arrival at the suspect’s address, the police found tortoises and arrested the suspect (55), for possession of protected species.

“All arrested suspects are expected to appear soon before various courts,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, applauded the police for a sterling job and continued commitment of ensuring the safety of our communities.

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A possession of suspected stolen livestock case postponed

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Picture: The suspected stolen goats/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

30 December 2015- A possession of suspected stolen livestock case against the accused, Tebogo Kelokilwe (32), has been postponed to 6 January 2026 by the Vryburg Magistrate’s Court, for a bail application. Kelokilwe was arrested by Vryburg Visible Policing members on 27 December 2025, for possession of suspected stolen livestock.

The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the vigilant police officers were on routine patrol duties on the N14 (Kuruman / Vryburg) road when they stopped a suspicious white Toyota Hilux bakkie. Mokgwabone said in the process of questioning the accused, the police lifted the bakkie’s back green cover and found 19 goats worth R30 000.

“Kelokilwe was subsequently placed under arrest after failing to account for the stock. The vehicle, 19 goats and three cell phones were confiscated,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General ( Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the police for their attentiveness that led to the arrest and the recovery.

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Molapisi sends condolences to the Booi family following the death of their child

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Picture: The deceased, Onalenna Booi/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

30 December 2025- North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi has sent his heartfelt condolences to the Booi family following the death of their child, Onalenna Booi (19). Onalenna passed away after undergoing the customary initiation at Dithakong village, in Mahikeng.

Molapisi said it is alleged that he was forcefully initiated and collapsed during the pass-out ceremony last weekend. He added that, Onalenna was certified dead at the home of the initiation principal.

“A case has been opened with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and no arrests have been made at this stage. We appeal for a speedy investigation to establish the cause of Onalenna’s death and to determine if all regulations as per the Customary Initiation Act of 2021 were followed.

“We send our deepest condolences to the Booi family and wish them strength during this difficult period. We also appeal to the SAPS to speedily investigate the circumstances that led to his tragic death,” he said.

Molapisi further said if the postmortem results indicate foul play, those responsible must be arrested immediately and face prosecution. He added that, where possible, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) must impose a harsher sentence so that this serves as a deterrent to those who want to contaminate our sacred cultural practices.

“The death of Onalenna brings the total number of initiates who have died during this Summer Initiation Season to three. To date, the Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC) has shut down seven illegal initiation schools and rescued 68 initiates.

“SAPS has effected six arrests, with all suspects charged with contravening Section 33 of the Customary Initiation Act of 2021. The pass-out of initiates began two weeks ago and will continue until all initiation schools close on 9 January 2026,” said Molapisi.

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