March 2, 2026 – eRadio SA – Live from the Garden Route

Airport robber allegedly linked to 42 cases arrested

Posted on by

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested a 64-year-old man who is allegedly linked to 42 cases of armed robberies that date as far back as 1998.

The arrest by the police at OR Tambo International Airport follows an armed robbery of three high-ranking senior police officials from one of the African countries.

Three senior officers were making their way to the airport in an e-hailing service on Saturday afternoon when the vehicle they were travelling in was pulled over by four men travelling in a silver Suzuki Swift.

Once the e-hailing driver had pulled over on the side of the R24, the men posed as police officers and thereafter robbed the police general and two other officers of money, watches, and cellphones.

Within a few hours, police traced the vehicle and arrested the serial robber. Police have impounded the vehicle.

The Suzuki Swift has reportedly been used numerous times in the commission of crimes on the R24 near the Barbara off-ramp towards OR Tambo International Airport.

“During the investigation, police found that the serial robber has 42 other cases where he was arrested and charged for armed robbery, the possession of an unlicensed firearm, fraud, and impersonating a police officer. These cases date as far back as 1998,” SAPS said.

Police believe they have broken the back of a syndicate operating at the airport.

The suspect is expected to appear in the Kempton Park Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, 03 March 2026.
Police are searching for three other suspects involved in this crime.

SA Tourism monitors Middle East flight disruptions

Posted on by

South African Tourism is monitoring developments of the global flight disruptions linked to the evolving situation in the Middle East and associated airspace closures, which are impacting international travel schedules.

“South African Tourism is aware of confirmed global flight disruptions and cancellations linked to the evolving situation in the Middle East and associated airspace closures, which are impacting international travel schedules.

We are closely monitoring developments in collaboration with aviation authorities, airports, airlines, and tourism partners to remain informed of any implications for travellers to and from South Africa,” South African Tourism said in a statement on Sunday.

South African Tourism, which is the tourism marketing arm of the South African government, has encouraged all travellers to contact their airlines, travel agents, or relevant airports directly to confirm the latest flight information before proceeding with travel arrangements.

It also advised affected travellers to engage their booking agents or airlines regarding rebooking and onward travel assistance. It added that the safety and well-being of visitors remain our highest priority. South Africa values every visitor who has chosen to visit our country.

"During this period of disruption, South African Tourism has no doubt that, in the true South African spirit of ubuntu, the tourism industry will ensure that affected travellers are supported while they await onward journeys to their respective homes. This collective care is a reflection or our humanity and reinforces South Africa’s reputation as a welcoming and responsive tourism partner,” said Acting Chief Executive Officer of South African Tourism, Dr Shamilla Chettiar.

Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated his call for intensified diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and create space for continued meaningful negotiations.

In addition, Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has confirmed that the current closure of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) airspace is having an impact on flights operated by Emirates and Qatar Airways, thus far.

The current flight disruptions are as follows:
• O.R. Tambo International (JNB): eight cancellations (seven outbound and one inbound).
• Cape Town International (CPT): four cancellations (outbound).
• King Shaka International (DUR): two cancellations (outbound).

Weather Outlook: 2 – 8 March 2026

Posted on by

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has advised that parts of the country will experience isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers this week.

These weather conditions will affect the North West, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Limpopo.

“South Africa will this week experience a surface trough that will dominate the western interior, with a high-pressure system continuing to ridge over the eastern areas of the country throughout the week.
“The South African Weather Service will continue to monitor the weather conditions and issue severe weather warnings when the need arises."

This week’s weather conditions are as follows:

Monday: Cloudy and cool conditions will persist over the eastern parts of the country, with scattered to widespread rain and thundershowers. Otherwise, the weather will be partly cloudy and warm. Severe thunderstorms are possible from the afternoon over Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

Tuesday: Cloudy and cool conditions will persist over the eastern parts of the country, with scattered to widespread rain and thundershowers possible over Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal into the afternoon. Otherwise, partly cloudy and warm conditions are expected with isolated showers and thundershowers over the North West, Gauteng and Free State.

Possible flooding due to heavy downpours:
Monday: low to medium chance (40 - 60% ): Limpopo and Mpumalanga.
Tuesday: low to medium chance (40 - 60%): Limpopo (South western regions) and eastern parts of the North West.
Wednesday: Low (40%) chance: Northern Cape and escarpment of Mpumalanga.
Thursday: Low to medium chance (40 - 60%): Northern Cape, Free State, Eastern Cape, and eastern parts of the Western Cape.
Friday: Medium chance (60%): Free State, North West, Gauteng, eastern half of the Eastern Cape and Limpopo(southern parts) and Mpumalanga.
Saturday: Low to medium chance (40 - 60%): Gauteng, North West, KwaZulu-Natal (especially the northern parts), Mpumalanga, Free State and Limpopo.
Sunday: Low to medium chance (40 - 60%): Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

Possible severe thunderstorms:
Monday: low to medium chance (40 - 60%): Limpopo and Mpumalanga.
Tuesday: low to medium chance (40 - 60%): Limpopo (South western regions) and eastern parts of the North West.
Wednesday: Low chance (40%): Northern Cape and escarpment of Mpumalanga.
Thursday: Low to medium chance (40 -60%): Northern Cape, Free State, Eastern Cape and eastern parts of the Western Cape.
Friday: Medium chance (60%): Free State, North West, Gauteng, eastern half of the Eastern Cape and Limpopo(southern parts) and Mpumalanga.
Saturday: Low to medium chance (40 - 60%): Gauteng, North West, KwaZulu-Natal (especially the northern parts), Mpumalanga, Free State and Limpopo.
Sunday: Low to medium chance (40 - 60%): Limpopo and Mpumalanga.