Tag Archives: Attempted Murder

More than 16 000 suspects nabbed for various crimes

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By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

5 August 2026 – More than 16 684 suspects were arrested for various offences as part of ongoing efforts to combat and prevent crime through the nationwide Shanela Operation, carried out between 20 and 26 July 2026. The police said during this period, they also conducted immigration enforcement operations, resulting in the arrest of 1 869 illegal migrants, with Gauteng recording the most arrests, at 795.

The national police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Vincent Mukhathi said in addition, detectives arrested 2 547 wanted individuals linked to violent offences, including murder, attempted murder, rape, carjackings, illegal possession of firearms and house and business robberies. Mukhathi said this week, amongst those arrested is a popular traditional healer from KwaMashu in Kwazulu-Natal for allegedly orchestrating the murders of African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) member Thamsanqa Kingdom Gcabashe and eThekwini Metro Police officials, Lindokuhle Madonsela and Ndumiso Thusi.

“On 25 July 2026, the police arrested an alleged mastermind (37) behind the murder of the Democratic Alliance (DA) candidate councillor, Sinovuyo Dyokwe, following a joint intelligence-driven operation involving the Western Cape Serious Violent Crime Investigation (SVCI) detectives and the Special Task Force (STF) in Parklands.

“Operation Shanela continues to send a strong message that crime and lawlessness will not be tolerated in South Africa, whether committed by locals or foreign nationals. The multidisciplinary operations yielded significant arrests,” he said.

Mukhathi further said 114 suspects were arrested for attempted murder. He added that the majority of arrests were recorded in Gauteng with 26, followed by the Eastern Cape with 24.

“More than 106 suspects were arrested for attempted murder, 152 suspects were arrested for rape, while 101 suspects were arrested for illegal possession of firearms. The Western Cape arrested 38 suspects, followed by Gauteng with 20. More than 534 suspects were arrested for possession of dangerous weapons, 660 suspects were arrested for illegal dealing in liquor and 230 suspects were arrested for dealing in drugs.

“More than 2530 suspects were arrested for possession of drugs. The province of Western Cape recorded the highest number of arrests at 1 314. More than 1383 suspects were arrested for assault GBH and 715 for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” said Mukhathi.

He said 128 unlicensed firearms seized, including handguns, shotguns, and rifles. Mukhathi said 2296 rounds of ammunition were also seized.

“Contraband goods worth more than R46 million were seized, including various types of drugs and 55 hijacked and stolen vehicles recovered. On 25 July 2026, Bloemfontein Flying Squad intercepted a white Volvo Stralis 430 truck on the N1 near Glen, suspected of transporting stolen copper cable.

“Centlec technicians confirmed some of the seized cables as company property, while Telkom and Eskom later identified additional cables worth over R300 000. A driver (43) was arrested and charged under the Criminal Matters Amendment Act for tampering with essential infrastructure and possession of stolen property. He will appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court soon,” he said.

Mukhathi said in Richwood, Bothasig, crime intelligence arrested a a suspect (29) at an apartment used as a gang storage facility. He said the police seized seven pistols, 17 magazines, 1 030 rounds of ammunition and assorted drugs valued at R10 million. He said a suspect (40) from Ebony Park was arrested by the Ekurhuleni Task Team, where nine unlicensed firearms (including five AK-47s), rounds of ammunition and four stolen vehicles (Mercedes Benz, BMW, two VW Polos) were recovered.

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A man sentenced to life imprisonment for killing police officer

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By AGISANANG SCUFF

5 August 2026 – A man (38) was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Western Cape High Court for robbery with aggravating circumstances, kidnapping, murder of a police official, attempted murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunition. This stems from November 2021, when members of Table View SAPS responded to a complaint of business robbery at Killarney Gardens.

The Hawks spokesperson in Western Cape, Lieutenant Colonel Siyabulela Vukubi said on arrival at the scene, they were confronted by armed men, who opened fire at them. Vukubi said the exchange of fire ensued which resulted in the fatal shooting of a police officer, whereas his colleague sustained gunshot wounds.

“The suspects robbed the firearms of the two SAPS members, however, they were later recovered at the crime scene. The accused, Gcinikhaya Mbukula was sentenced to life imprisonment with additional 57 years imprisonment.

“He was sentenced to 30 years imprisonment for robbery with aggravating circumstances, five years imprisonment for kidnapping, life imprisonment for murder of a police official, five years imprisonment for attempted murder, 15 years imprisonment for possession of an unlicensed firearm and two years imprisonment for possession of ammunition,” he said.

Vukubi further said the sentences imposed on count 1,2,4,5,6 and 7 are to run concurrently with the sentence imposed on count 3. He added that Mbukula will effectively serve life imprisonment.

“One of the accused on this matter, Luyanda Fuzile, has since been sentenced in 2023, to life imprisonment after he pleaded guilty. The trial for the two remaining accused, Baxolele Matolo and Vusumzi Nyanda, will resume on 11 August 2026,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Western Cape Hawks’ Head Major General Solomon Makgato applauded the resilience, perseverance and meticulous investigation and prosecution by the Hawks and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) after yet another accused was sentenced for the murder of a police official.

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1482 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela II

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Picture: Items confiscated during Operation Shanela II/Supplied 

By BAKANG MOKOTO

29 April 2026 – For the past two weeks, the police in North West in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, conducted successful, comprehensive, high-density Shanela 2 operations aimed at reducing and preventing crime, as well as enhancing community safety across the province.

These efforts resulted in the arrest of 1 482 suspects for various offences, including, amongst others, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, possession of dangerous weapons, dealing in and possession of drugs, possession of illicit cigarettes, robbery, murder, attempted murder, rape, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, burglary, and malicious damage to property.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said the operation focused on hotspot areas and included compliance inspections at liquor outlets and second-hand goods dealers, tracing of wanted suspects, searches for drugs and stolen property, as well as roadblocks, stop-and-search activities, and increased police visibility. Myburgh said during the operations, nine unlicensed liquor outlets were shut down, while 40 second-hand goods outlets were inspected.

“A total of 130 undocumented persons were detained. Detectives also arrested 585 suspects during tracing operations conducted across the province. Items confiscated during the operation included various drugs, alcohol, ammunition, copper cables, drugs, dagga, tobacco products, and firearms,” she said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended all members involved for their dedication and the successful outcomes achieved during the weekly High-Density Shanela 2 Operations. Naidoo further urged communities to actively continue working closely with the police, because the fight against crime cannot be won by the police alone, but requires active community involvement, where residence take a stand against criminality, report suspicious activities, and partner with law enforcement through the Community Police Forum (CPF) structures to safeguard all neighbourhoods.

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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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413 suspects nabbed during Operation Paseka

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Picture: Dagga confiscated during raids/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

1 April 2026 – Over 413 suspects were arrested for a multitude of offences across the Northern Cape during Operation Paseka under the auspices of Shanela II conducted by the police in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies from 23 March until 29 March 2026. The multi-disciplinary teams from all five districts in the province worked in close cooperation with traffic police, Department of Home Affairs, Department of Transport, Department of Social Development, Department of Labour and Community Policing Structures.  

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe said these integrated, intelligence-driven operations were led by senior officers at provincial and district level and station commanders with the aim of asserting the authority of the state. Litabe said the arrests were effected for offences such as dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, possession of drugs, illegal possession of firearms, attempted murder, business robbery and robbery at residential premises.

He further said these include murder, assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), common assault, housebreaking at residential premises, business burglary

, malicious damage to property, driving under the influence of alcohol, contravention of immigration law and for theft out of motor vehicles. Litabe added that operational activities also included high-visibility patrols, vehicle control points (VCPs), roadblocks, and the search of hundreds of premises, as well as thousands of individuals and vehicles.

“These efforts led to the closure of 28 unlicensed liquor premises and the tracing of wanted suspects by detectives. Furthermore, the operations resulted in the confiscation of large quantities of alcoholic beverages, ammunition, cash, dangerous weapons, dagga, crystal meth, and mandrax tablets.

“The arrested suspects are expected to appear in various courts across the province during this week,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Thabo Mphuthi, expressed her satisfaction with the outcome of the operations and commended all members and stakeholders involved and encouraged them to maintain the momentum in the fight against crime.

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A man nabbed for murder, attempted murder and arson

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By STAFF REPORTER

31 March 2026 – A man (37) was arrested by the police in connection with murder, attempted murder, and arson incident that occurred in Mogwase earlier this month. The police said following thorough investigations, the suspect was traced and arrested on 30 March 2026, in the Zeerust area through a coordinated effort involving detectives, K9, and crime prevention units.

The North West police spokesperson, Col Anne Magakoe said the suspect is expected to appear before the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, on charges of murder, attempted murder, and malicious damage to property.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the police for their swift response and dedication, stating that the arrest demonstrates SAPS’ commitment to ensuring that perpetrators of violent crime are brought to justice.

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869 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela II

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Picture: Suspected illegal firearm confiscated/Supplied

By REGINALD KANYANE

24 February 2026 – The acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo reiterated that the police across the province will continue to squeeze the space for criminals in response to serious and violent crimes through Operation Shanela 2, which focuses on enhanced crime prevention and combatting criminal activities. Naidoo said consequent to operations conducted between 16 and 22 February 2026, a total of 869 suspects were arrested for various crimes ranging from murder, attempted murder, assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and common assault, dealing in drugs, illegal dealing in liquor, possession of drugs, burglary at business and residential premises, to driving under the influence of alcohol.

He further said 59 suspected undocumented persons were taken in for processing by Immigration Officials. Naidoo added that during the operations, 491 premises, 10 839 persons and 5 916 vehicles were searched.

“Moreover, the police working together with other law enforcement agencies confiscated alcohol, ammunition, cash, cellular phones, contraband goods, a variety of drugs, nine dangerous weapons, four handguns, four rifles, a shotgun, 13kg of copper cables, 12 kg of precious metals, tobacco products, vehicles and electrical equipment.

“On Monday night, 16 February 2026, information received was operationalised and a search warrant was executed at a residence in Arendskloof, Safari Tuine in Rustenburg. Two unlicensed firearms were found with numerous rounds of ammunition that the resident could not account for,” he said.

Naidoo said the accused, Barend Johannes De Lange (32) was immediately arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, as well as the negligent handling of a firearm. He said De Lange briefly appeared before the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 18 February 2026, and was granted bail of R2 000.

“His case was postponed to 14 May 2026. In a second unrelated incident reported on Wednesday morning, 18 February 2026, information received led police to Vreesgewaagde Village, near Delareyville.

“The accused, Ezekiel Mosikimang Mongwegi (46) was arrested after a 9mm pistol with its serial number filed off, as well as ammunition, was found in his possession. He briefly appeared before the Delareyville Magistrate’s Court on 20 February 2026, for possession of a firearm and ammunition without a licence. His case was remanded in custody until 10 March 2026,” said Naidoo.

He said in a third unrelated incident reported in Bloemhof on Wednesday morning, 18 February 2026, a tuck shop was robbed in Boitumelong. Naidoo said an accused, Goitsemodimo Kenny Pitso (20) allegedly entered the tuck shop, pointed a firearm at the owner (32) and fired one shot in his direction.

“He then fled the scene without taking anything, no injuries were sustained. The community members who heard the gunshot immediately reported the incident to police, who responded swiftly. Members of Public Order Policing (POP), with the assistance of community members, traced Pitso to a nearby house where he was hiding.

“He was arrested and a 9mm firearm believed to have been used in the commission of the crime was found and confiscated. Further investigation revealed that the firearm, which belonged to a family member of Pitso, had been stolen by him. The owner of the firearm is also under investigation for the negligent handling of a firearm,” he said.

Naidoo said Pitso appeared before the Bloemhof Magistrate’s Court on charges of attempted business robbery, attempted murder and theft of a firearm on Friday, 20 February 2026. He said the case was remanded in custody until 11 March 2026.

“We welcome the results achieved. The police will remain resolute in their mission to decisively deal with serious and violent crime in the North West Province. Operation Shanela 2 demonstrates the police’s commitment to proactive policing, high-visibility operations and coordinated law enforcement efforts.

“We encouraged all law enforcement agencies to continue working tirelessly towards building safer communities and urged members of the public to cooperate with police by reporting criminal activities,” said Naidoo.

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576 suspects nabbed during Operation Shanela II

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Picture: Some suspects were searched during Operation Shanela II/Supplied

By OBAKENG MAJE

15 February 2026- More than 576 suspects were arrested for various offences, including drug-related crimes, illegal dealing in liquor, robbery, murder, attempted murder, rape, assault with the intent to cause Grievious Bodily Harm (GBH), and burglary. The arrests were made Operation Shanella across the Northern Cape.

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Cherelle Ehlers said the continued commitment of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Northern Cape was once again demonstrated through the execution of Operation Shanela II conducted across all five districts in the province. Ehlers said the operation carried out from 9 until 15 February 2026.

“This formed part of ongoing intelligence-driven initiatives aimed at preventing crime, stabilising identified hotspots and ensuring safer communities.

“The operations were led by District Commissioners and senior managers at provincial, district and station levels, supported by various law enforcement stakeholders,” she said.

Ehlers further said during the operational period, numerous premises were searched, while 12623 persons and 5006 vehicles were stopped and searched. She added that they also conducted stop-and-search operations, high-visibility patrols, vehicle check points (VCPs) and roadblocks as part of intensified crime prevention efforts.

“Several suspects were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. Detectives also executed tracing operations which led to the arrest of numerous wanted suspects who had been evading arrest for an array of crimes.

“Compliance inspections were conducted at liquor outlets, second-hand goods dealers, scrapyards, recyclers, firearm dealers, informal businesses, mines, and farms to ensure adherence to relevant legislation,” said Ehlers.

She said these inspections resulted in the closure of 16 unlicensed liquor outlets. Ehlers said during the operations, large quantities of alcohol and drugs were confiscated.

“Counterfeit goods, dangerous weapons, and money suspected of being the proceeds of crime were also seized.

“The police and Community Policing Structures (CPFs) continue to conduct awareness campaigns to address Gender-Based Violence (GBV), contact crimes and other trending crime patterns,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, and her management, welcomed the positive outcomes and reaffirmed SAPS’ commitment to safeguarding communities and maintaining safety and security across the province. Otola encouraged members of the public to continue working with law enforcement agencies in the fight against crime.

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Excessive consumption of alcohol considered main generator of contact crimes

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By REGINALD KANYANE

23 January 2026- The police in Northern Cape said the excessive consumption of alcohol is considered as the main generator or the root cause of contact crimes, include the Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) related crimes, sexual assaults, rape, murder, attempted murder, assault GBH and assault common. The police said hence the policing of contact crimes and other related crimes associated with excessive alcohol consumption remains a priority for them.  

The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said crime pattern and crime threat analysis has indicated that these crimes are prevalent during the weekends, when there is a high consumption of alcohol. Shemane said against this backdrop, communities are urged to adhere to and implement the following safety hints to prevent falling victim any form of contact crimes.

“Stay alert – awareness is your best defence. Always leave venues with friends wherever possible. Never go to the bathroom alone, always use a buddy system at public venues. Never accept drinks or lifts from strangers. Always stay in well-lit areas and never walk alone in secluded areas.

“Travel as if you know where you are going. Take the most direct route and try to stay within areas where other people are around. Trust your instincts – if you think something is wrong then act on it. Avoid flashing valuable items as it attracts criminals for robbery and sexual assault,” he said.

Shemane further said they should not carry weapons when they attending social gatherings. He added that they should ensure that they have their keys available when they reach their home or car.

“Keep money for transport and plan in advance – the expense is worth it. Carry a personal alarm and use it when necessary. If you are a victim, get help immediately. Make as much noise as you can to alert people when you in trouble.

“If you have been attacked, do not shower or change your clothes as it may destroy evidence. Always give the police all the details you have about the area and suspect if you are a victim of crime. Drink responsibly and refrain from excessive alcohol consumption– you need to give a clear account of what happened,” said Shemane.

He said they should never leave their drink unattended as it could be tampered with, leaving them to be victims of date rape. Shemane said that they should stay alert and safe.

“Do not physically intervene in fights – you could get hurt yourself, rather call police. If it is safe to do so, take a photograph or video on your mobile phone. Remember, that the police are likely to need your phone as evidence. Record details of times, number plates, descriptions and so on.

“If you do not have a pen with you, leave a voicemail message on your cell phone or write a draft text message.  Immediately get out of any abusive relationship and contact family or police.  Always have an emergency contact on speed dial,” he said.

Shemane said if they see something, they should say something. He encouraged them to call their nearest police station or the SAPS Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 when they find themselves in a dangerous situation.

“Call Stop Gender Violence Helpline 0800 150 150 or report GBVF crime to the MySAPS app,” said Shemane.

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Double murder accused, Tebogo Mnisi abandons bail

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Picture: The double murder accused, Tebogo Mnisi

By REGINALD KANYANE

31 October 2025- The double murder accused, Tebogo Mnisi (38) from Extension 17 in Mamelodi East, has abandoned his bail application at the Mamelodi Magistrate’s Court on 28 October 2025. Mnisi is facing two counts of premeditated murder, attempted murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and possession of unlawful ammunition.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said it is alleged that during the early hours of 26 October 2025, at approximately 2am, the accused shot and killed his girlfriend, Tshiyamo Sweetness Moramaga (22) and her cousin, Boleseng Mirandah Moramaga (21). Mhanjana said Mnisi also allegedly attempted to kill their friend, Desmond Semang (27), who was with the two women at Small Konka Tavern in Mamelodi East that night.

“Following police investigations, the accused was arrested at a garage on Solomon Mahlangu Drive on 27 October 2025. In court, Mnisi abandoned his bail application, and the matter was postponed to 19 January 2026 for further investigation. He remains in custody pending the finalisation of the case.

“The NPA condemns acts of gender-based violence and femicide and remains committed to ensuring that perpetrators face the full might of the law,” she said.

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