Daily Archives: April 8, 2026

Missing helicopter found with occupants unharmed

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Picture: A missing chopper found/Supplied 

By REGINALD KANYANE

8 April 2026 – The South African Police Service (SAPS) said the helicopter that went missing on Monday with four occupants, including the pilot, has been successfully located this morning with all individuals found alive and unharmed. The group, which includes two SAPS investigators, along with an Environmental Crime Investigator, had safely landed in a remote area on Monday.

The national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said, however, as they attempted to navigate through the thick bush, they could not find the chopper. Mathe said following their rescue, it has been confirmed that all the occupants are safe.

“The chopper disappeared on Monday during an investigation after a report was brought to the attention of law enforcers that there was a carcass discovered in the Kruger National Park, hence the probe to find out circumstances thereof.

“A report indicates that the team departed in the morning around 9am and did not return as anticipated. Some efforts to establish communication with the helicopter crew yielded no results due to poor signal and it is suspected that the chopper could have been flying low,” she said.

Mathe further said all attempts to reach them via their mobile phones and other means were unsuccessful. She added that it was only in the evening that it was realised that something was wrong, prompting immediate action to locate them.

“In response to the situation, another helicopter equipped with night vision capabilities, alongside drones, was swiftly deployed to assist in the search efforts. Unfortunately, due to poor weather conditions, the helicopter had to be withdrawn. “However, the drones continued their search throughout the night,” said Mathe.

Meanwhile, the acting Mpumalanga Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, remarked that the committed members were carrying out their duties even on a day that is recognized as a holiday in the country.

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Suspects arrested during Easter holiday

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

8 April 2026 – Twelve suspects were arrested by the police in Thabo Mofutsanyana District during Easter holiday operations for various serious offences, including murder, attempted murder, rape, possession of illegal firearms and drug-related crimes. The intensified, high-visibility policing operations yielded positive results in both police-driven and community-reported crimes.

However, the district also recorded an increase in cases of murder, attempted murder and rape. The police said six suspects were arrested in connection with murder cases reported across Nketoana, Setsoto, Maluti-a-Phofung and Phumelela municipalities.

“Among the victims were two women, who were murdered in separate incidents in Reitz and Warden. In Marquard, five suspects were arrested for possession of illegal firearms, ammunition and drugs. The confiscated drugs include crystal meth and mandrax.

“Several attempted murder cases were also reported, stemming from shooting incidents and stabbings, often occurring in public spaces where individuals were under the influence of alcohol. The police also reported disturbing rape incidents involving vulnerable victims, including a 66-year-old person and minors,” the police said.

The police said in one particularly case in the Bluegumbosch Disaster Park Section, a woman was allegedly raped by seven suspects while walking home from a local tavern. They said furthermore, four additional suspects, including a police officer, were arrested for illegal possession of firearms and defeating the ends of justice.

“A total of four illegal firearms were seized during operations conducted in Harrismith, Phuthaditjhaba and Tseki. An undocumented foreign national was also arrested during these operations.

“All arrested suspects appeared before various Magistrate Courts yesterday. The police commended community members, who provided valuable information leading to these arrests,” the police said.

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Macpherson welcomes $1bil investment unlocked through Infrastructure SA

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Picture: The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson/Supplied 

By BAKANG MOKOTO

8 April 2026 – The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson has welcomed Infrastructure South Africa’s contribution to the successful hosting of the South African Investment Conference in Sandton last Tuesday. Macpherson also welcomed its role in helping to unlock a $1 billion investment pledge by global agricultural company UPL, announced at the conference.

He further said the investment amounting to approximately R17 billion and led by UPL Chairman and Group CEO Jai Shroff, is linked to a large-scale bioethanol production facility in South Africa. Macpherson said the project will utilise sugarcane and maize as a feedstock and support the development of an integrated agricultural and energy value chain.

“Infrastructure South Africa, an entity of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, played a key facilitative role in advancing the project by bringing together stakeholders across the agricultural, energy and financial sectors.

“This included supporting engagements between UPL and a major development finance institution to explore project

preparation and financing opportunities, as well as broader collaboration to move the project towards implementation,” he said.

Macpherson further said the project has significant potential, including the cultivation of approximately 400 000 hectares of sweet sorghum and the production of up to 1.3 billion litres of bioethanol annually. He added that this will inject significant amounts of money directly back to small- and large-scale farmers.

“This positions South Africa as a potential leader in the biofuels sector, while supporting rural development and job creation. Infrastructure South Africa is playing an increasingly important role in unlocking investment by removing bottlenecks, coordinating stakeholders, and supporting project preparation.

“When I was appointed Public Works and Infrastructure Minister 21 months ago, I committed to turning the department into the economic delivery unit of South Africa to help grow the economy and create much-needed jobs,” said Macpherson.

He said the $1 billion investment, facilitated by Infrastructure South Africa, is clear evidence of the progress they are making in achieving that goal. Macpherson said this investment demonstrates what is possible when the government plays an active role in facilitating partnerships, removing obstacles, and aligning stakeholders behind a common objective.

“It also highlights the growing importance of Infrastructure South Africa in ensuring that projects of this scale move from concept to implementation as we work to build a better South Africa,” he said.

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