Tag: SAPS

Six South Africans remain unaccounted for after Nepal flash floods

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
Six South African nationals remain missing following devastating flash floods in Nepal, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) confirmed on Thursday.

At the request of the Nepalese government, DIRCO has worked with the South African Police Service to collect DNA profiles from biological relatives of the missing South Africans.

The profiles were collected through the SAPS Victim Identification Centre and sent to authorities in Nepal and Interpol in Kathmandu.

South African diplomatic missions in New Delhi and Beijing are also working with authorities in India and China to coordinate the response.

DIRCO says there is still no confirmation about the whereabouts of the six South Africans. It says it will continue monitoring the situation and provide updates to their families as more information becomes available.

Think before you share: SAPS warns against AI police images

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has warned the public against using artificial intelligence (AI) and face-swapping applications to create and share images showing themselves in SAPS uniforms or being arrested by police.

SAPS said while such images may appear to be harmless entertainment, realistic AI-generated photographs can easily be mistaken for genuine images and could have serious consequences if used to mislead or deceive others.

“The public is reminded that impersonating a police official is a criminal offence,” SAPS said.

Section 68 of the South African Police Service Act 68 of 1995 prohibits people from falsely claiming to be SAPS members or creating the impression that they are associated with the Service. Section 66 also regulates the unauthorised use of SAPS uniforms, badges and insignia.

The SAPS emblem and badge are legally protected and may not be copied, altered or used without permission. This includes displaying them on personal social media profiles or using them in other forms of personal representation.

SAPS members are also subject to restrictions governing the use of uniforms and insignia on social media under National Instruction 5 of 2017.

The police service said it was particularly concerned about AI-generated images depicting people being arrested, as these could falsely suggest that someone had been arrested or involved in criminal activity.

“SAPS stresses that simply creating an AI image does not automatically mean that a person has committed a crime. However, how the image is used, what it is intended to portray, and whether it is used to deceive or impersonate a police official will be important.”

Free State Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia said the public should exercise caution when using AI involving police uniforms or insignia.

“The SAPS uniform represents authority and public trust and should not be used as a costume or to create a false identity,” Lesia said.

“The message is simple: Think before you post. What looks like harmless fun today could have serious consequences tomorrow.”

54-year-old man arrested with suspected cocaine at OR Tambo Airport

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
A 54-year-old South African man has been arrested at OR Tambo International Airport after allegedly being found in possession of suspected cocaine while preparing to travel to Hong Kong, China.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) said the arrest on Thursday followed intelligence indicating that a suspect was travelling to Hong Kong.

Police searched the man and his luggage and allegedly discovered suspected cocaine concealed inside the luggage.

“The exact value and weight of the drugs are yet to be determined and will be confirmed in due course,” SAPS said.

The arrest comes a week after police intercepted two separate cocaine consignments at OR Tambo International Airport, with a combined estimated value of R200 million.

SAPS said it remains committed to disrupting drug trafficking networks through intelligence-led operations and targeted interventions at ports of entry.

The suspect is expected to face drug-related charges.

SAPS honours fallen police officers

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
As part of the build-up to SAPS Commemoration Day, which will be held at the Union Buildings on Sunday, the South African Police Service (SAPS) will honour 12 police officers who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving and protecting the people of South Africa.

On Monday, the SAPS paid tribute to the late Sergeant Sello Raymond Sema, who was stationed at Norkem Park Police Station and was killed in the line of duty on 29 October 2025.

Every year on 1 September, the nation remembers police officers who have lost their lives in the service and protection of the public.

The names of the fallen officers have been engraved on the SAPS Memorial Wall at the Union Buildings as a lasting symbol of gratitude for their sacrifice.

Two arrested for wildlife trafficking

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister David Maynier has welcomed the arrest of two Thai nationals in separate alleged wildlife trafficking cases at OR Tambo International Airport.

The arrests followed intelligence-driven operations involving the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s Environmental Management Inspectorate, known as the Green Scorpions, working with SAPS Crime Intelligence, Border Police and the Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit.

In the latest case, a 50-year-old Thai national was arrested on 20 August 2026 after allegedly attempting to illegally export 50 bird eggs concealed in a homemade incubator bag carried as hand luggage.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the eggs originated from parrot species protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

The arrest follows a similar incident on 16 July, when a 23-year-old Thai national was intercepted at OR Tambo while allegedly attempting to smuggle 418 parrot eggs concealed in two homemade incubator bags.

Investigations into both cases are continuing.

Maynier said the arrests highlighted the need for a coordinated response to increasingly sophisticated transnational wildlife trafficking networks.

“The success of this operation demonstrates the need for a joint approach to enforcing environmental law. The complex criminal networks that support illegal wildlife trafficking can only be challenged by a coordinated defence of our natural heritage,” he said.

The department warned that the illegal collection and trafficking of parrot eggs poses a serious threat to wild bird populations and animal welfare.

Eggs are often hidden in improvised incubation devices and transported under conditions that can severely compromise their viability and endanger developing embryos and hatchlings.

Several of the rescued eggs have since hatched, with the chicks receiving intensive veterinary and husbandry care. The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) has been assisting in safeguarding the animals.

The department said the interceptions demonstrated the effectiveness of South Africa’s National Integrated Strategy to Combat Wildlife Trafficking, which aims to strengthen cooperation between government departments, law enforcement agencies, conservation authorities, customs officials, prosecutors and international partners.

The export of species listed under CITES is strictly regulated and requires the necessary permits.

Under the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, those convicted of certain wildlife-related offences may face a fine of up to R10 million, up to 10 years’ imprisonment, or both.

The DFFE said it would continue working with local and international law enforcement partners to identify, investigate and prosecute individuals and criminal syndicates involved in the illegal wildlife trade.

“Through continued collaboration, intelligence sharing, and targeted enforcement actions, South Africa will continue to strengthen its efforts to combat wildlife crime and safeguard its natural resources for future generations,” the department said.

Police Captain Killed in Knysna Shootout During Murder Investigation

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
Western Cape police are reeling following the death of a police captain who was killed during a shootout with a suspect in Knysna in the early hours of this morning (Wednesday 26 August 2026).

The 50-year-old captain, attached to the Provincial Tactical Response Team, was deployed to the area as part of ongoing investigations into the murder of Knysna councillor and former mayor Aubrey Tsengwa, as well as two other fatal shooting incidents reported last week.

At the time of the incident, an integrated SAPS team was conducting an operation at the Sewende Laan informal settlement on Uniondale Road, following up on information relating to illegal firearms.

A shootout ensued, resulting in the deaths of the police captain and a 38-year-old suspect. Two firearms were recovered from the suspect.

Psychosocial support is being provided to members of the SAPS team who were at the scene, as well as to the captain's colleagues in Cape Town.

Meanwhile, three suspects have already appeared in court in connection with Tsengwa's murder, while investigations into the killings of Mandla Matiwane and Mandla Tyololo remain ongoing.

Western Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Sizakhele Dyantyi has conveyed her condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the fallen police officer.

Call for Increased Patrols at Garden Route Dam After Latest Attack

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
The FF Plus is urgently calling on the police and George municipal law enforcement services to immediately increase visibility and patrols at the Garden Route Dam.

The dam is a popular recreational area where residents and visitors walk, jog and cycle. The latest incident, in which a 22-year-old woman was approached from behind and grabbed around the neck while walking alone to her vehicle, highlights the serious safety risks in the area.

Several incidents in recent times indicate that the current level of visibility is insufficient. The FF Plus is requesting increased patrols at the dam and along the surrounding routes, and that all incidents continue to be reported so that crime patterns can be identified and addressed.

However, the solution cannot be for people to stay away from the dam out of fear. When residents avoid public spaces, it becomes easier for criminals to take control of them.

Visitors are instead encouraged to act responsibly, move in groups where possible and remain vigilant.

"Tourism is an important pillar of George’s economy and supports numerous businesses and jobs. The town cannot afford for a valuable tourism and recreational area to develop a reputation for being unsafe," the FF Plus said in a statement.

The political party is calling on all stakeholders to work together to make the Garden Route Dam safer, so that residents and visitors can enjoy it with greater peace of mind.

Photo by Wessel Van Heerden Photography

Two Men Arrested in Connection With Former Knysna Mayor’s Murder

Posted on by Eon Engelbrecht
Two men have been arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit murder following the fatal shooting of Knysna councillor and former mayor Aubrey Tsengwa.

Western Cape police said the suspects, aged 39 and 46, were arrested on Saturday by a multidisciplinary team comprising Serious Violent Crime detectives, Crime Intelligence, local police, the Combat Team and the drone unit.

The arrests form part of the ongoing investigation into Wednesday evening’s shooting, which left Tsengwa dead and three other people wounded.

Police said the suspects were charged after being questioned by investigators. Two vehicles, three firearms and several cellular phones have also been seized as part of the investigation.

The suspects are expected to appear in the Knysna Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 24 August 2026.

The investigation continues as police search for additional suspects and work to establish the motive behind the shooting.

Knysna police have registered cases of murder and three counts of attempted murder in connection with the incident.

Meanwhile, Visit Knysna and the greater Knysna tourism sector extend their sincere condolences to the families and loved ones affected by the recent isolated fatal shooting incidents in the community.

Knysna Municipality Local Economic Development & Tourism Manager, Ms Lungiswa Goya, said: “We recognise the concern these incidents have caused and acknowledge the seriousness of the situation. The incidents are being investigated by the South African Police Service, and we are working closely with the municipality and relevant authorities to monitor the situation.”

“We want to reassure visitors that Knysna remains open and welcoming. Tourism businesses, accommodation establishments, restaurants and attractions continue to operate. As a united destination, we remain committed to supporting our community, prioritising the wellbeing of our visitors, and ensuring that accurate and reliable information is shared.”

Greater Knysna Business Chamber Tourism Pillar Chairperson, Ms Elmay Bouwer, added: “As with any destination, visitors are encouraged to exercise normal safety awareness, remain vigilant and follow standard travel precautions. It is important to place this tragic event in context. It was an isolated incident and does not reflect the experience of Knysna as a tourism destination and there is no indication that visitors or tourism establishments are at risk because of the incident.

“Knysna remains a welcoming, vibrant and much-loved destination, and visitors can continue to enjoy its beaches, forests, lagoon, restaurants, accommodation establishments and outdoor experiences.”


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.

error:
Scroll to Top