Tag: SAPS

Two Men Shot Dead in Knysna After Tsengwa Murder

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
Western Cape Serious Violent Crime detectives have launched a manhunt for the gunmen responsible for a shooting that claimed the lives of two men in Knysna on Thursday evening, just a day after former Knysna executive mayor and ANC Ward 8 councillor Aubrey Tsengwa was shot and killed in the town.

According to preliminary information, the two victims, aged 47 and 48, were in a vehicle in Bongani at about 21:00 on Thursday when unidentified gunmen opened fire.

The latest shooting follows the murder of Tsengwa in Ngxalo Street, Joodsekamp, at approximately 21:20 on Wednesday, 19 August.

Police have opened a murder case and three cases of attempted murder following that attack. Tsengwa was reportedly travelling home with three other people when an unidentified gunman approached the vehicle and opened fire before fleeing the scene.

Tsengwa, who was driving at the time, sustained fatal gunshot wounds and was declared dead at the scene. The three other occupants were injured and taken to a medical facility for treatment.

The Provincial Serious Violent Crime detective team, which was already investigating Tsengwa's murder, has since been reinforced, with additional detectives deployed to investigate both shootings.

Police have not yet established the motives for either attack and are investigating whether the two shootings are linked.
No arrests have been made, with detectives continuing to follow up on all available leads.

Tsengwa served as executive mayor of Knysna from August 2022 until February 2025. He was removed from office following a successful motion of no confidence. He returned to the Knysna Municipal Council in June 2025 after being elected as the ANC's Ward 8 councillor in a by-election.

Tributes have since begun pouring in following his death.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigations is urged to contact SAPS Sergeant Nobuntu Thundezwa on 082 522 1251, contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit information anonymously through the MySAPS mobile application.

Minister Marais Condemns Killing of Former Knysna Mayor Aubrey Tsengwa

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety Anroux Marais has condemned the killing of former Knysna mayor and ANC ward councillor Aubrey Tsengwa.

Tsengwa was shot and killed in Knysna on Wednesday evening, 19 August 2026.

Marais extended her condolences to Tsengwa’s family, friends and colleagues, describing the killing as “brutal” and “senseless”.
“I strongly condemn this brutal, senseless killing,” Marais said.

She welcomed the deployment of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Provincial Serious and Violent Crime Unit to investigate the murder.

“Every possible avenue must be followed so that those responsible can be identified, arrested, and brought to justice,” she said.

Marais said the motive for the killing remains under investigation, but warned that Tsengwa’s murder comes during an increasingly sensitive political period ahead of the local government elections.

“We must be vigilant against any form of political violence,” she said.

Marais added that she would closely monitor the progress of the investigation.

Western Cape teenager to appear in court over alleged possession of child sexual abuse material

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
A 16-year-old teenager has been arrested in Malmesbury, Western Cape, for allegedly accessing, possessing, facilitating and downloading child sexual abuse material.

The teenager is expected to appear in the Malmesbury Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday following his arrest on Monday in an operation involving the South African Police Service (SAPS) and international law enforcement agencies.

SAPS said several child victims have been identified as part of the investigation.

“A preliminary on-site analysis of the suspect’s electronic devices uncovered explicit images and videos depicting child sexual abuse and animal mutilation,” police said.

The devices will undergo a full forensic examination to establish the extent of the alleged offences. Investigators are also probing possible charges linked to fraud and money laundering.

The investigation was launched after the SAPS National Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations (SECI) Team received intelligence from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the US Embassy and the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).

The intelligence reportedly linked the teenager to “764”, a violent international online network associated with child exploitation and the coercion of minors into sexual abuse, animal torture and other criminal activity.

Following an extensive investigation, the National SECI Team traced the suspect to an address in Malmesbury, where he was arrested.

The operation was supported by SAPS Head Office’s Occult Unit, the Paarl Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, the Paarl K9 Unit and the Western Cape Crime Scene Investigation Unit.

Agents from the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) at the US Embassy also assisted in the operation.

The investigation is continuing, with forensic analysis expected to determine whether further victims or offences can be identified.

SAPS sergeant arrested for alleged corruption at Mitchell’s Plain police station

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
A South African Police Service (SAPS) sergeant has been arrested on corruption charges after allegedly accepting cash to smuggle dagga and tobacco into the holding cells at Mitchell’s Plain SAPS in Cape Town.

The arrest took place on Sunday, 16 August 2026, during a sting operation conducted by members of the SAPS Anti-Corruption Unit.

According to police, the sergeant was caught in the act after allegedly accepting cash in exchange for taking the contraband into the cells. The money was found in his possession, while the dagga and tobacco were confiscated.

Western Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Sizakhele Dyantyi has issued a stern warning to police officers involved in corrupt activities, saying SAPS is taking a zero-tolerance approach to bribery and the abuse of police powers.

“The adult male suspect is expected to appear in the Mitchell’s Plain Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 18 August 2026, on a charge of corruption,” SAPS said.

The arrest forms part of ongoing efforts by the Anti-Corruption Unit to tackle corruption within the police service.

R310,000 Worth of Dagga Seized in Prince Albert Bus Operation

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
SAPS members in the Central Karoo have arrested a 50-year-old woman after dagga worth an estimated R310,000 was discovered aboard a passenger bus in Prince Albert.

The arrest followed a vehicle checkpoint conducted by the Central Karoo Flying Squad along Prince Albert Road at about 06:55 on Saturday, 8 August 2026.

Police stopped and searched a passenger bus, where they discovered a suitcase containing 38.70kg of dagga. The drugs were positively linked to the woman, who was arrested on a charge of dealing in drugs.

She is expected to appear in the Prince Albert Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 11 August 2026.

More than 660 litres of liquor seized

Meanwhile, police operations in the Garden Route District also resulted in the seizure of more than 660 litres of liquor from an unlicensed liquor outlet in De Rust.

Later on Saturday at about 21:10, Dysselsdorp police conducted a sting operation in Dahlia Street, Dysselsdorp, outside Oudtshoorn.

Officers confiscated 62 crates of beer and 20 containers filled with liquor. A 57-year-old woman was arrested for allegedly selling liquor without a licence. She is expected to appear in court once formally charged.

Police target illicit goods

SAPS says the strategic deployment of Flying Squad members along entry and exit routes into the region will continue as part of efforts to prevent illicit drugs and alcohol from entering the province.

The district commissioners commended police members for their vigilance in tackling drug- and alcohol-related offences and working to improve safety in the Central Karoo and Garden Route.

Two SAPS members to appear in court for corruption, kidnapping and intimidation

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht

Western Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Sizakhele William Dyantyi has issued a strong warning that corruption within the South African Police Service (SAPS) will not be tolerated, saying any officer found breaking the law will face prosecution.

The warning follows the arrest of a 25-year-old constable attached to Mitchells Plain SAPS by members of the Western Cape Anti-Corruption Unit on Wednesday, 5 August 2026. The officer faces charges of corruption, kidnapping and intimidation.

According to police, the incident dates back to Wednesday, 22 July 2026, when officers conducted a search for drugs and firearms at a property in Du Toitskloof Street, Tafelsig, Mitchells Plain.

Although no drugs or firearms were found, a man was arrested. Police allege that when the man's family contacted the officers to ask why he had been detained, they were allegedly asked to pay money in exchange for his release.

The family was reportedly only able to raise half of the amount demanded, which the officers allegedly agreed to accept. The conversation was recorded, the payment was made and the man was subsequently released.

The incident was reported to the Western Cape Anti-Corruption Unit, which launched an investigation. After gathering evidence, the case was referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions, who authorised charges of corruption, kidnapping and intimidation.

A warrant of arrest was issued by the Mitchells Plain Magistrate's Court, leading to the arrest of one of the officers.

Police said a second member, who is currently in Gauteng, has arranged to hand himself over to authorities on Thursday, 13 August 2026, upon his return.

The arrested constable is expected to appear in the Mitchells Plain Magistrate's Court on Thursday, 6 August 2026.

Over 15,700 Suspects Arrested in Nationwide SAPS Crime Crackdown

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
More than 15,700 suspects have been arrested during the latest nationwide Operation Shanela II crime-fighting campaign, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has announced.

Police said 15,798 suspects were arrested during coordinated operations conducted with other law enforcement agencies and government departments between 27 July and 2 August 2026.

Among those arrested were 329 alleged drug dealers and 3,242 people found in possession of illegal drugs.

A major breakthrough came on 31 July when police seized cocaine worth an estimated R28 million at OR Tambo International Airport. The shipment had arrived on a flight from São Paulo, Brazil, and was intercepted by SAPS, Customs officials and Menzies Aviation personnel.

During the week-long operation, police also confiscated 153 illegal firearms, including handguns, rifles and shotguns. The Eastern Cape recorded the highest number of handgun recoveries (29), followed by KwaZulu-Natal (27) and the Western Cape (23).

Officers also recovered 86 stolen or hijacked vehicles.

In Johannesburg's CBD, the National Counterfeit and Illicit Goods Unit led a multi-agency raid that uncovered counterfeit goods worth more than R5 million. Eight people were also arrested for immigration-related offences following on-site inspections by the Department of Home Affairs.

Meanwhile, a separate series of raids carried out by the Gauteng Provincial Counterfeit Unit between 27 and 30 July resulted in the seizure of counterfeit and illicit goods valued at more than R27 million across Tshwane, Johannesburg, the West Rand and Sedibeng.

In the Eastern Cape, four suspects were arrested following an armed robbery at a jewellery store in Jeffreys Bay on 2 August.

In KwaZulu-Natal, the Mthunzini High Court sentenced five convicted criminals to two life sentences plus an additional 100 years for murder, conspiracy to commit murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. The convictions relate to a deadly robbery in KwaNongoma in November 2022.

In Mpumalanga, an intelligence-led operation by the Middelburg Flying Squad led to the arrest of a 40-year-old man and the recovery of a suspected stolen Toyota Hilux GD6 and stolen mining equipment.

In the North West, police arrested 27-year-old Lesotho national Thabiso Sholo Potsoko in connection with the Kanana tavern mass shooting, in which five people were killed and five others injured. The arrest followed a coordinated intelligence-driven operation involving several specialised police units.

In the Western Cape, Operation Prosper officers arrested two suspects during separate drug busts in crime hotspot areas. Police confiscated 139 mandrax tablets, 126 heroin straws and 61 packets of crystal meth from one suspect, while a second raid in Khayelitsha's New Monwabisi informal settlement uncovered additional crystal meth and mandrax tablets, leading to another arrest.

SAPS said the nationwide operations remain focused on removing dangerous criminals, illegal firearms, drugs and counterfeit goods from communities while strengthening public safety across South Africa.

Four Suspects Arrested After R3 Million Jewellery Store Robbery in Jeffrey’s Bay

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
Four suspects have been arrested and jewellery worth an estimated R3 million recovered just hours after an armed robbery at a jewellery store in Jeffrey's Bay, thanks to a rapid police response and the use of technology.

According to the South African Police Service, the robbery took place at around 10:15 on Sunday, 2 August. Two armed suspects entered the store, threatened staff and customers with firearms, and ordered everyone to lie on the floor. Moments later, additional suspects entered and smashed display cabinets before stealing a large quantity of jewellery. No shots were fired and no injuries were reported.

Police immediately reviewed CCTV footage and circulated descriptions of the suspects' vehicles through local security networks and the NAVIC tracking system. Members of the Gqeberha Flying Squad later spotted one of the vehicles travelling at high speed on the N2 from Jeffrey's Bay towards Gqeberha.

The vehicle was intercepted on the highway, leading to the arrest of four suspects aged between 24 and 36. Officers recovered a large quantity of jewellery still bearing the store's tags, one round of AK-47 ammunition, and clothing matching that worn during the robbery.

The suspects remain in custody and are expected to appear in court on charges of possession of suspected stolen property and unlawful possession of ammunition.

Sarah Baartman District Commissioner Major General Thandiswa Kupiso praised the coordinated operation, saying the successful arrests demonstrated the value of collaboration between police, technology, intelligence sharing, and security partners. She added that the recovery of the stolen jewellery and the seizure of illegal ammunition marked a significant victory in the fight against aggravated robberies.

SAPS Seizes R28 Million Cocaine Shipment at OR Tambo International Airport

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has seized 95kg of cocaine worth an estimated R28 million at OR Tambo International Airport in a major drug bust targeting international drug trafficking.

Police said the cocaine was intercepted on Friday during an intelligence-led operation after SAPS Crime Intelligence's Border Integrity Unit received information about a suspected drug shipment.

The operation involved SAPS Visible Policing officers at OR Tambo International Airport, Customs officials and Menzies Aviation staff.

The cocaine was found in cargo that arrived on a flight from São Paulo, Brazil, shortly after 1pm. Officers seized the 95kg shipment before it could leave the airport.

No arrests have been made, but police have launched an investigation to identify and arrest those behind the attempted drug smuggling operation.

SAPS said the successful operation highlights its ongoing efforts to combat organised crime, drug trafficking and cross-border smuggling. Police added that they will continue working with law enforcement partners to protect South Africa's borders and ports of entry from criminal exploitation.
error:
Scroll to Top