Category: News

Concern over heavy motor vehicle incidents

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The Western Cape Mobility Department has expressed concern over the high number of heavy motor vehicle accidents recorded since the start of December 2025.

“From 1 December 2025, the province has recorded 43 incidents involving heavy motor vehicles on Western Cape roads. These include breakdowns, collisions, and overturned vehicles. This trend is worrying, especially ahead of the expected high traffic volumes as residents and visitors travel in and out of the province for the holidays,” the department said in a statement on Friday.

The department said that heavy motor vehicle incidents not only pose a serious safety risk to drivers, passengers and pedestrians, but also cause major traffic delays and disrupt economic activity. Clearing these scenes can take between two to six hours, or longer, depending on the nature of the incident.

"Road safety is a shared responsibility. Every overturned truck is a preventable tragedy that endangers lives and hampers mobility. We urge the freight industry to take immediate action to improve safety standards and protect all road users,” said Western Cape Mobility MEC, Isaac Sileku.

The department said it values the critical role that the freight industry plays in keeping the economy moving and urged operators and drivers to partner with it in prioritising safety during this peak travel period.

Freight operators and drivers are encouraged to take the necessary precautions by:
•    Ensuring vehicles are properly maintained and roadworthy.
•    Adhering to speed limits and load regulations.
•    Managing driver fatigue through adequate rest periods.
•    Avoiding reckless overtaking.
•    Complying with all road rules and instructions from traffic authorities.

It added that Provincial Traffic Law Enforcement will be on duty 24/7 across all key routes this weekend to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.

With high traffic volumes expected this weekend, motorists and pedestrians are also urged to take extra care.

Motorists:
•    Check your vehicle before travelling, tyres, lights, indicators, brakes, and fluid levels.
•    Obey all road signs, rules, and instructions from traffic officers.
•    Expect congestion in certain areas and plan extra time for your trip.
•    Be patient and courteous; avoid speeding and reckless overtaking.
•    Take regular rest breaks on long journeys.
•    Make mindful decisions; your safety and the safety of others depends on you.
•    Remember: arriving late is better than not arriving at all.
Pedestrians:
•    Cross only at designated places and make sure you are visible, especially at night.
•    Do not walk on highways or along poorly lit roads and avoid roadways if intoxicated.
•    Avoid distractions such as cellphones or headphones when walking near traffic

Holiday Roads Ahead: Eight Essential Tips to Protect Your Car – and Your Family – this Festive Season

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As thousands of South Africans prepare to hit the road for the festive season, ensuring your vehicle is ready for the journey is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family. Whether you’re driving to the coast, visiting relatives upcountry, or moving between holiday gatherings, long-distance trips place extra pressure on your car – and many of the breakdowns that occur on South African roads every Festive Season are entirely preventable.

According to Bhavish Vallabhjee, Product Manager at Engen, a few simple checks can mean the difference between a stress-free trip and hours stranded on the roadside. “You don’t need to be a technical expert to keep your car safe,” he says. “With a bit of preparation and the right products, you can avoid most mechanical issues that typically occur during the December rush.”

1. Start with Your Tyres
Tyres are one of the most common causes of holiday breakdowns, yet they remain one of the most overlooked components. Vallabhjee explains that tyre pressure changes significantly when a vehicle is fully loaded or towing, which is why it’s essential to check the manufacturer’s recommended pressure before you leave. Drivers should also take a moment to inspect tread depth, look for cracking or uneven wear, and ensure their spare tyre is in good condition and that they have the locknut key if the vehicle uses anti-theft wheel nuts. Rotating tyres at each service also extends their lifespan and promotes even wear.

2. Don’t Neglect the Heart of Your Engine: Your Oil
Engine oil is vital to your car’s health. As Vallabhjee puts it, “Oil doesn’t just lubricate – it cools and cleans your engine. Running low or using the wrong grade can cause severe and costly damage.” Before heading off on a long trip, motorists should check their oil levels and top up if necessary, then recheck after a few hundred kilometres. Oil should be replaced annually or at the service intervals recommended by the manufacturer, and it’s crucial to use the correct grade specified for the vehicle.

3. Why the Right Oil Matters
Not all engine oils are created equal. Vallabhjee emphasises that South Africa’s environment – with its heat, dust and varied terrain – places unique demands on vehicles. “Engen Xtreme oils are formulated specifically for local conditions,” he says. “Whether you drive an older model, a taxi or a modern vehicle, there’s an Engen Xtreme product suited to your engine.” He urges motorists to request their preferred oil brand when servicing their vehicles.

4. Check All Fluids – Not Just Oil
Several other fluids play a crucial role in vehicle safety and reliability. Coolant prevents overheating (especially important in hot, dry regions), brake fluid enables safe stopping distances, power steering fluid ensures smooth and responsive steering, and windscreen washer fluid improves visibility by removing insects and road grime. Vallabhjee recommends adding a small amount of liquid soap or specialised cleaner to the wash water to help clear stubborn debris from the windscreen.

5. Make the Most of Your Forecourt Stop
A quick stop at a service station can prevent major problems later. Engen forecourt staff are trained to help motorists with tyre pressure checks, wiper inspections, window cleaning, oil top-ups and windscreen wash refills. “Engen service stations are equipped to assist with these basic checks,” says Vallabhjee. “Take the time. It improves safety and could save you money in the long run.” He also reminds drivers to look after themselves: stay hydrated, take regular breaks, and grab a Brazmata coffee or snack to remain alert.

6. Fuel Matters Too
High-quality fuels can make a noticeable difference in performance, especially on long trips. Vallabhjee notes that products such as Engen Primax Unleaded and Engen’s ultra-low sulphur diesel (10 ppm) help keep engines clean, protect injectors and improve fuel efficiency over time.

7. Plan Your Route – and Know Help Is Close
With the country’s largest service station footprint, Engen ensures that help is never far away. Vallabhjee points out that many of Engen’s 1 040+ forecourts can be found on all major routes and in most towns across South Africa, offering motorists peace of mind during long journeys.

8. A Small Habit That Makes a Big Difference
If he had to offer just one rule, Vallabhjee says it would be this: “Stop at an Engen service station before and during your trip. Let the team run through the key checks – it gives you peace of mind and keeps your family safe.”

Drive Safe, South Africa
As we head into the busiest travel season of the year, a few minutes of preparation can prevent mechanical failures, reduce roadside emergencies and save you from costly repairs. Safe cars save lives. 

Take your time, check your vehicle, and enjoy a smooth journey this festive season.

Source: Arrive Alive

Two officials suspended over matric exam paper leaks

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Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has confirmed that two officials from the Department of Basic Education (DBE) have been suspended with immediate effect following a breach that saw matric exam papers leaked to learners in Pretoria.

Gwarube revealed the development during a media briefing on Thursday, saying the leak was detected through the system’s stringent marking processes. 

This year, over 900 000 candidates sat for the 2025 exams across 7 000 centres, supported by thousands of invigilators and more than 51 000 markers and moderators. 

“The National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination is one of the largest and most complex national undertakings in our democracy.  

“It is through our markers’ diligence that we were able to detect a breach in our exams. This morning, I want to inform the country that our systems worked exactly as they were designed to do: to detect, isolate, investigate and address any manipulation of the NSC exams,” the Minister said. 

How the breach was detected
Marking began on 1 December at 183 centres nationwide, and early in the process, markers in Gauteng picked up an anomaly in six English Home Language Paper 2 scripts.

“The Gauteng Department of Education officially alerted the national Department of Basic Education, on 02 December 2025, to an unusual similarity between the answers provided by a candidate with the answer provided in the marking guideline for English Home Language Paper 2,” she said. 

The Minister said a preliminary investigation confirmed the suspicion.

“The breach did not come to light through rumours. It was not discovered by chance. It was detected because markers… are equipped to know the difference between authentic learner responses and content that should only be accessible to markers,” she said. 

Extent of the leak
Gwarube said interviews with 26 learners revealed that they had gained access to question papers and marking guidelines prior to examinations. Investigators traced the material back to the DBE’s national office. 

“Of the 162 papers that we had set, only 3 subjects were accessed prior to the examination: English Home Language Papers 1, 2 and 3; Mathematics Papers 1 and 2; and Physical Sciences Papers 1 and 2,” she said.
 
These papers were distributed through a USB device, with the leak confined to seven schools in one Pretoria area.

“Our systems are robust. They have allowed us to identify that the suspect involved is an employee of the Department of Basic Education who has a child in Grade 12. Evidence suggests that she received the question paper from another DBE employee who works within the examination unit,” the Minister said.

The Minister said that both staff members have since been suspended.

Independent investigation launched
To ensure full accountability, Gwarube announced the establishment of a National Investigative Task Team (NITT), which will begin work within 24 hours.

The NITT will include an independent chairperson; Umalusi; Universities South Africa; Teacher Unions; SAQA; DBE officials; and a private forensic investigator.

Its mandate includes confirming the source and spread of the breach, identifying all implicated learners, safeguarding the credibility of the 2025 NSC, and recommending measures to prevent future breaches. 

Additional processes including investigative marking, verification of scripts, interviews, statistical analysis, and correlation of exam marks with school-based assessments are being deployed.

Umalusi informed, results not affected

The Minister said that Umalusi has been formally notified and will receive both a preliminary and final report before results approval.

“We want to reassure the country that no results have been finalised; no certification processes have begun and a preliminary report will be provided to the National Examination Irregularities Committee on 29 December 2025, and the final report will be submitted to both the Minister and Umalusi on 31 December 2025,” she said.

The Minister will work with the team to study the report to ensure that the department is ready to announce the results on 12 January 2026. 

“Our investigations show that this incident was limited to a few individual learners in 7 schools. There is no evidence of systematic and widespread breaches and as such we don’t expect it to affect the credibility of the NSC,” she said. 

Zero tolerance for cheating
Gwarube said the exam system is designed with multiple layers of protection, including secure setting and printing; strict distribution protocols; locked storage; trained invigilators; multi-tiered marking by skilled markers; moderation and advanced statistical verification. 

“The fact that only a limited number of scripts triggered our alarms; that markers escalated their observations as per their training; and the system responded immediately and in full force, demonstrates that our system is functioning and able to address the matter immediately.

“This sends a clear message to the public - you cannot cheat the NSC system and get away with it. We will detect it; we will investigate it; and there will be consequences,” she said. 

The Minister further urged learners to uphold integrity. 

“Your matric certificate is a symbol of your effort, your resilience, and your integrity. When you cheat, you not only break the rules but you undermine your own future.”

The Minister assured that the department “will leave no stone unturned” and that criminal investigations are underway, with the South African Police Service notified of the possession of stolen state property.

“South Africa can rest assured that any cheating in the NSC examinations will be detected. Our systems are strong, our professionals are vigilant, and we will always act to protect the integrity of our national examinations,” she said.

Next steps for the affected learners and communities
Gwarube urged calm among parents and school communities in the affected Pretoria area, stressing that the department was moving decisively while ensuring fairness. 

She said the DBE would be communicating directly with the schools involved and confirmed that the staff members suspected of orchestrating the leak have been immediately suspended.

She added that implicated learners would not be prejudged. 

“Learners who are implicated will be afforded due process and treated in accordance with established prescripts. We are not making assumptions about guilt – each case will be individually assessed,” she said. 

“We follow a zero-tolerance approach to cheating in the NSC exams and are committed to supporting innocent learners who worked hard and played no part in this breach,” said the Minister.

NSRI urges caution as the holidays begin: Stay safe this festive season

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As the summer school holidays start, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) would like to take this opportunity to wish everybody a safe and joyful festive season. We hope that everyone enjoys time with loved ones, takes the opportunity to recharge, and steps into the New Year refreshed.

At the same time, we strongly encourage people to prioritise safety, especially in and around water.

Over the past three weeks, NSRI rescue crews have seen a notable increase in emergency responses, many involving families and children on holiday at beaches, rivers, dams, and swimming pools.

"Public vigilance, lifeguard services, and community collaboration continue to save lives every day," says Andrew Ingram, NSRI Communications Manager.

“Pink Rescue Buoys have now been used in 230 rescues that we know of, with the most recent rescue where a Pink Buoy was used being for a father and his daughter at Brenton-On-Sea near Knysna. The impact of Public Rescue Equipment and emergency flotation cannot be overstated.”

Recent Stats at a Glance:
*NSRI volunteers have responded to 13 drownings in progress in the past three weeks. Tragically, 7 of these were fatal drownings. This does not include incidents that the NSRI was not called-out to.
*A combination of NSRI volunteers, NSRI lifeguards, and members of the public has saved twenty-five lives over this period.
*5 people have been rescued using Pink Rescue Buoys.
*Widespread use of the Free NSRI SafeTrx App and positive, proactive public involvement have all saved lives.
*This holiday season, the NSRI encourages everyone, families, and communities to help prevent tragedies by staying informed and prepared.

NSRI's Top 5 Holiday Water Safety Tips

1. Avoid alcohol when swimming or boating
Alcohol impairs judgment and may put your life at significant risk if you swim after drinking alcohol. When drinking alcohol, ask another responsible adult to supervise children in or near water. The same rules that apply to drinking and driving also apply to water.

2. Always supervise children
Drowning is silent. There is often no splash or cry for help. Keep young children within arm’s reach and never take your eyes off them near water. Do not be distracted by your phone.

3. Swim where lifeguards are present
Choose to visit a beach where lifeguards are on duty and swim between the lifeguard flags. Most beachgoers can’t identify rip currents. Lifeguards can. If you’re caught in a current, float, wave for help, and swim sideways out of the current before heading back to shore.

If someone else is in danger in the water:
*Call for help.
*Give them something that floats (such as a Pink Rescue Buoy).
*Only attempt a rescue if you have flotation and are confident in your ability. Even strong swimmers should not enter the water to attempt a rescue without something that floats.

4. Save emergency numbers
*Call 112 from any cell phone (a free call which connects to all emergency services).
*NSRI Emergency Operations Centre: 087 094 9774. One call can activate any Sea Rescue station nationwide.
*Save these numbers before your holiday starts. If you don’t have them in an emergency, Google "NSRI emergency number" in a crisis.

5. Take extra care during summer rain and flooding
*Never try to cross fast-flowing rivers on foot or in a vehicle.
*Don’t enter the water to assist someone without flotation.
*In flood situations, call for help and stay safe. Don’t become a second victim.

For more safety information or to support the NSRI, visit www.nsri.org.za.

Historic Milestone: First black-owned wine cellar opens in South Africa

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The Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, this week celebrated a landmark achievement in South Africa’s wine industry - the official opening of Klein Goederust Wine Cellar, the country’s first Black-owned wine cellar, located in Franschhoek.

Speaking at the event, Minister Meyer hailed the opening as “a triumph for real transformation and inclusive growth in one of South Africa’s most iconic sectors.” He emphasized that this milestone demonstrates what is possible when government, industry, and entrepreneurs work together.

Acquired in 2019 by owner Paul Siguqa, Klein Goederust has been transformed from a neglected farm into a thriving boutique winery and tourism destination.

“This is the classic case of farm workers who gave their children a vision of the future. They did not only dream - they worked hard, invested their own resources, and partnered with industry to turn that vision into reality,” Meyer added.

The wine industry contributes over R56 billion to GDP and supports more than 290,000 jobs, with 98% of wine cellars located in the Western Cape. Through programmes such as the Comprehensive Agricultural Support Programme (CASP), the Western Cape Department of Agriculture provided funding for vineyard establishment, equipment, and production inputs.

“This project aligns with my four ministerial priorities: Agricultural Support, Food Security, Market Access, and Business Support,” said Meyer. These interventions ensure that success is not reserved for a few but shared across communities, creating pathways for growth and dignity.

Driving growth through Agriculture

The initiative also aligns with the Western Cape’s Growth for Jobs (G4J) strategy, which aims to achieve breakout economic growth of 4%-6% by leveraging high-potential sectors such as agriculture and agri-processing. Klein Goederust integrates farming, tourism, and hospitality, creating jobs and celebrating cultural heritage.

Minister Meyer: “98% of all wine cellars are based in the Western Cape, creating thousands of jobs.

Growing the economy and creating jobs are the Western Cape Government’s top priorities. The opening of Klein Goederust Wine Cellar in Franschhoek will contribute to economic growth and job creation.

"The owner’s hard work, compassion, and perseverance led to the opening of this wine cellar. Both the owner, Paul Siguqa, and the wine Rodney Zimba are children of farm workers.  This is the classic case of farm workers who gave their children a vision of the future. They did not only dream, but put hard work and their own resources, and their support from many in the industry into their vision, from farmer to farm owner, and now the owner of a wine cellar is a success story in the Western Cape”.

“Klein Goederust is a beacon of hope and excellence. It shows that genuine transformation is not only necessary—it is achievable and sustainable,” Meyer concluded.

Scam targeting teachers

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The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has been alerted to a concerning scam targeting new, unemployed and substitute teachers. This fraudulent scheme misleads educators into believing they have been selected for permanent teaching posts and then solicits payment under false pretenses.

Several schools have recently reported incidents involving WhatsApp messages sent to young teachers.

These messages typically claim to be from a district official or school principal, stating that a permanent post has become available at a particular school and that the recipient is the preferred candidate.

The message instructs the teacher to report to a school with specific documentation. 

Critically, it concludes with a request for a “once-off fee” of approximately R2 800 allegedly required for the “authorisation of an appointment letter” at district offices, accompanied by banking details.

Regrettably, some teachers have fallen victim to this scam, arriving at schools having paid the so-called “authorization fee,” only to discover that no such post exists.

"This deception has caused significant distress to the affected individuals and has the potential to damage the reputations of schools, principals, and district officials who are being impersonated. We urge all affected individuals to report these incidents to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for investigation".

While investigations are ongoing, the Department wishes to warn the broader public to be aware of this scam and to note the following:

-Permanent teaching posts are advertised only through the WCED’s Directorate: Recruitment and Selection.
-The WCED (including Head Office, District Offices, and Schools) will never request payment for job applications or appointments.
-The online E-Recruitment System is the official platform for advertising and applying for posts.
-Unemployed educators must register and apply via the E-Recruitment System.
-Temporary appointments are managed directly by schools; applicants must verify the legitimacy of any advertised post.
-No payment is required for any appointment within the WCED.
-Suspicious activity must be reported immediately to the WCED and SAPS.

The WCED says it remains firmly committed to upholding the integrity of its recruitment processes and safeguarding the wellbeing of all educators. 

"We sincerely hope that no further individuals fall victim to this malicious scam, which not only undermines the reputation of our staff and institutions, but also shatters the aspirations of young professionals seeking meaningful employment opportunities in education".

This is what the scam looks like:
MR10Dec25 - scam-targeting-teachers.png

W Cape records 28 fatalities in first week of festive season

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The Western Cape Mobility Department is deeply concerned about the alarming number of road incidents recorded in the first week of the festive season, from 1 to 7 December 2025.

According to the provincial government, a total of 21 fatal crashes were reported across the province during this period, resulting in 28 fatalities on provincial roads.

Pedestrian deaths remain a significant and persistent challenge on Western Cape roads. 

Of the 28 fatalities recorded, 12 were pedestrians, making them the single largest group affected this past week. 

The other fatalities include 10 passengers, three drivers, two motorcyclists, and one cyclist.

Western Cape Mobility Minister Isaac Sileku said the numbers are extremely troubling, especially considering that the peak travel period has not even begun. 

“Every life lost is a tragedy, and every family affected enters the festive season carrying pain instead of joy. Pedestrian safety remains one of our greatest concerns. We urge every road user, whether behind the wheel or walking alongside our roads, to exercise heightened caution.

“The mental and physical fitness of drivers who are undertaking long journeys is also of paramount importance to reducing the number of incidents,” Sileku said. 

During the reporting period, Provincial Traffic Services conducted over 200 integrated operations, including roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, and speed control activities. 

Over 33 000 vehicles were stopped and checked, and just over 10 000 fines were issued for a range of traffic violations relating to both driver and vehicle fitness.

In addition, 43 motorists were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol during this period. 
As holiday travel increases, the department warns that drunk driving, speeding, and pedestrian behaviour continue to be major contributors to serious and fatal crashes.

Chief Director of Traffic Management, Maxine Bezuidenhout, stated that their teams are fully deployed across the province; however, enforcement alone cannot prevent crashes.

“We need every motorist, pedestrian, cyclist, and passenger to take responsibility. Simple decisions, like crossing only at safe points, not drinking and driving, and sticking to the speed limit, can save lives. The festive season should be a time of celebration, not mourning,” said Bezuidenhout. 

As the province prepares for increased traffic volumes in the coming weeks, the Western Cape Mobility Department calls on all road users to remain vigilant and responsible.

“Let us work together to bring these numbers down. Your loved ones are waiting for you. Let’s make sure every journey ends with a safe arrival,” Sileku added. 

Road safety tips for a safer festive season: 
•    Slow down and obey the posted speed limits; speeding remains a leading cause of fatal crashes.
•    Never drink and drive. Plan by arranging a designated driver, e-hailing service, or alternative transport if consuming alcohol.
•    Be extra vigilant at night, especially for pedestrians, who are most at risk during dark, early morning, or in low-visibility conditions.
•    Cross roads only at safe, designated points and wear visible or reflective clothing when walking near roadways.

Suspect Arrested After Fatal Smash-and-Grab Attack on Jakes Gerwel Drive

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A 33-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the fatal smash-and-grab attack that claimed the life of a 64-year-old woman travelling along Jakes Gerwel Drive in Cape Town.

The victim, Mrs Karin van Aardt from Bloemfontein, was travelling with her husband to Vredenburg on Friday evening when attackers allegedly smashed the window of their vehicle and tried to grab belongings inside. During the struggle, she was stabbed. Her husband rushed her to hospital, where she was later declared dead.

Following the incident, integrated teams from the South African Police Service and City of Cape Town law enforcement launched an intensive search for the suspects. Acting on key intelligence, officers traced a suspect to Langa, where he was apprehended and questioned by detectives. He has since been charged with murder and aggravated robbery.

Police say additional arrests are likely as the investigation continues.

The arrested suspect is expected to appear in the Bishop Lavis Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 11 December 2025.

With the festive season in full swing and public spaces becoming busier, authorities have increased deployments in crime hotspots as part of the Safer Festive Season plan.

Police have urged communities to come forward with any information that can help prevent similar crimes and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

Coastal Erosion Threatens Homes and Infrastructure Along Western and Eastern Cape

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“Coastal erosion is a harsh reality along the Western and Eastern Cape coastlines. The damage is visible, measurable, and ongoing as rising sea levels and increasingly severe storm surges take their toll,” says Cobus Meiring, Chairperson of the Garden Route Marine and Coastal Committee.

Coastal degradation is now a high priority for towns and cities along the coast, with planning increasingly focused on relocating infrastructure out of harm’s way. The Committee recently raised these concerns in a meeting which included municipalities, SANParks, and CapeNature, highlighting the urgent need for the implementation of proactive coastal management strategies.

The issue also received attention at the Eastern Cape Sustainability Seminar hosted at Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha in early December.

In Cape St. Francis, there are growing fears that the marina and properties bordering the canals from the Krom River could be flooded if the dune system protecting them from the ocean collapses. This erosion results largely from human interventions that disrupted large scale natural dune movement, leaving dune systems exposed and unable to perform their protective function.

Different approaches have been tried along the coast. Langebaan required hard engineering interventions, while in Buffels Bay, softer methods like heavy sandbagging have shown some success.

Despite these efforts, landowners with sea-front properties remain at risk, and unregulated attempts to protect property can worsen erosion on neighbouring land due to the shifting of kinetic energy of surging waters.
The problem extends beyond property damage. Sand build-up in river mouths such as the Touw river and estuaries disrupts ecosystems, while ongoing drought conditions in 2025 have reduced freshwater flow, contributing to the water crisis in Buffels Bay.

Looking ahead, municipalities and landowners face a complex challenge. More research, smart planning, and innovative engineering solutions are essential to manage the changing coastline.

The Garden Route Environmental Forum provides a public platform for landowners, managers, and climate change experts to share knowledge, explore solutions, and promote sustainable coastal management. (www.grefecsf.co.za)

Over 16 000 suspects arrested for various crimes

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Police have arrested 16 817 suspects in connection with various crimes as authorities intensify their nationwide Safer Festive Season Operation running alongside Operation Shanela II.

“In the past week, these crime-fighting initiatives and tracking operations saw police apprehending 2 626 wanted suspects for serious and violent crimes including murder, attempted murder, rape, car-hijackings, sexual offences, house and business robberies.

“In addition, a total of 1 013 suspects were arrested for illegal liquor trade as well as 771 suspects for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including confiscating 25 117 litres of alcohol,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a statement.

The police recorded the following arrests:
*146 suspects were arrested for murder. KwaZulu-Natal recorded the highest number of arrests with 46, followed by the Western Cape with 22, Mpumalanga with 19, and then the Eastern Cape with 17.
*141 suspects were arrested for rape, with the majority of arrests in Gauteng at 30.
*131 suspects were arrested for attempted murder across multiple provinces.
*1 580 suspects arrested for assault GBH.
*2 978 suspects arrested for possession of drugs, with the Western Cape recording the highest number of arrests with 1 708, followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 360, Gauteng 287, and then the Eastern Cape with 279.
*279 suspects for dealing in drugs for the past week.
*82 suspects were apprehended for illegal possession of unlicensed firearms.
*417 for possession of dangerous weapons.
*27 arrested for human trafficking.

The following major seizures and recoveries were recorded in the same period: 1 709 rounds of ammunition; 128 unlicensed firearms; 1 916 dangerous weapons; contraband goods worth more than R20 million and 65 stolen and hijacked vehicles were recovered.

Two Mozambican foreign nationals were arrested after police recovered two firearms stolen from officers who were shot and killed in Ivory Park on 01 December 2025. Seizures included the SAPS-issued R5 rifle and one pistol, and police investigation is ongoing.

Two bodyguards, aged 24 and 36 years old, were arrested outside the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court for possession of a semi-automatic AKM rifles and ammunition. A vehicle, rifles, and ammunition were seized.

In the Western Cape, police uncovered an illicit alcohol manufacturing plant in Lansdowne and arrested two suspects aged between 26 and 39 years old. They were arrested for the illegal manufacturing and distributing liquor. Seizures included manufacturing equipment, an assortment of alcohol branding stickers, and unknown liquids.

Still in Western Cape, members of the Provincial Organised Crime Investigation Narcotics Unit intercepted a truck on the N12 en route from Johannesburg to George carrying drugs. A box containing cocaine worth R3.6 million was seized and arrested a 46-year-old suspect for dealing in cocaine.

In Mpumalanga, police acting on intelligence intercepted a truck pulling two trailers with 12 water tanks with 5000-litre capacity packed with cartons of illicit cigarettes. 

The seized consignment consisted of 25 pallets of illicit cigarettes worth R17.4 million. A 43-year-old foreign national from the Kingdom of Eswatini was arrested after the discovery of illicit cigarettes hidden inside water tanks in Sundra on 05 December 2025.

Also in Mpumalanga, two Zimbabwean foreign nationals were arrested for dealing in dagga. This is after police intercepted a truck on the N2 Road from Empangeni en route to Zimbabwe and discovered six big bags of compressed dagga to the value of R1.2 million on 04 December 2025.

In the Northern Cape on 04 December 2025, police intercepted a vehicle allegedly transporting a rhino horn on the N14 and arrested three suspected rhino poachers, aged between 42 and 48 years. Seizures included a rhino horn, a pistol, and ammunition.

In KwaZulu-Natal, an intelligence-driven operation conducted at Oshayanyawo, Ekombe led to the arrest of a 49-year-old suspect for possession of unlicensed firearms. They seized an AK47 assault rifle with three rounds of ammunition, an HMC pistol with 14 rounds of ammunition, as well as a shotgun with 13 rounds of ammunition.

In a separate operation, three suspects aged between 50 and 61 years were arrested at Makhasaneni for unlawful possession of firearms on 02 December 2025. During the operation, police recovered five homemade firearms, one homemade shotgun, one 38 special revolver, one pistol and ammunition.

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