The shooting of seven teenagers in Westbury, Johannesburg, on Tuesday afternoon has triggered widespread outrage and renewed calls for decisive action against gangsterism, illegal firearms, and youth recruitment into criminal networks. Police confirmed that two teenagers aged 14 and 19 were killed while five others, all under 19, are being treated in hospital following what is believed to be a gang-related attack. The incident occurred on the first day of the 2025 National Senior Certificate examinations, heightening national concern about…

Deputy National Police Commissioner General Shadrack Sibiya on Monday appeared before the ad hoc parliamentary committee investigating the alleged capture of police and politicians, facing tough questions from Chief Evidence Leader Norman Arendse SC about his role in the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team and his links to controversial figures. The hearing, which started later than planned, was marked by sharp exchanges, political jabs, and tense moments that revealed the deep divisions within the committee itself. Sibiya had…

The South African Police Service’s Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), which once stood at the forefront of tackling KwaZulu-Natal’s deepening crisis of assassinations, continues to make headlines months after its controversial disbandment. Its successes, failures, and the political battles surrounding it are now under the microscope at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, where top police generals and suspended politicians have been called to account. This week, the Pietermaritzburg High Court handed down a double life sentence to notorious hitman Sabelo…

At its resumed sitting at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College, the Madlanga Commission has heard probing testimony from National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, particularly concerning the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT), operational authority, and high-profile cases linked to the University of Fort Hare. Appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa in August 2025, the Commission’s mandate is to investigate allegations of criminality, political interference, and corruption involving senior police and political figures. General Masemola told the Commission that the PKTT was…

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has announced a major breakthrough in the fight against political killings, but the success comes amid dramatic upheaval at the highest levels of the police and government. National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola confirmed that two suspects — a traditional chief and an alleged hitman — have been arrested in connection with the 2022 assassination of whistleblower Xolani Ndlovu Ntombela in KwaZulu-Natal. The arrests form part of renewed investigations into 121 unresolved dockets linked to…

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has vowed to fight fire with fire in the war against violent crime, warning that ruthless criminals who endanger the lives of citizens, police officers, and even elected leaders will be met with decisive force. This follows a deadly confrontation in Mamelodi East, Stoffelpark extension 15, late Tuesday, where members of the Hawks Tactical Operation Management Section (TOMS), acting on intelligence, cornered a heavily armed group suspected of terrorising communities with illegal firearms. According…

The suspension of Patriotic Alliance (PA) Deputy President Kenny Kunene has sparked widespread public and political reaction, following his presence at the Sandton residence of a murder suspect linked to the assassination of amapiano star Oupa “DJ Sumbody” Sefoka. Kunene, a controversial figure and former inmate turned businessman and politician, was placed on a 30-day leave of absence from the PA on Tuesday, after it emerged he was present during a high-profile police raid that led to the arrest of…

Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala — the Pretoria businessman at the centre of a multi-million rand police tender scandal and alleged links to senior government officials — was caught with a cellphone inside his cell at Kgoši Mampuru Correctional Centre, intensifying concerns over systemic corruption and the abuse of state institutions. Correctional Services Commissioner Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale confirmed the dramatic discovery during a routine security raid conducted over the weekend, which has since led to Matlala’s transfer to the maximum-security C-Max section…

The National police commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, has condemned the attack on Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) officers in Westbury, Johannesburg and called on the community to support police efforts against crime. This comes after AGU officers were attacked by residents while conducting an operation in the area on Tuesday afternoon. At around 3:50 p.m., officers were patrolling Steytler Street when they arrested a man found in possession of drugs. Shortly after the arrest, police…

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested four suspects in connection with the disappearance of journalist Aserie Ndlovu and his partner, Zodwa Mdhluli. The couple has been missing since 18 February 2025. The arrests, confirmed on Monday, come after a cross-province operation involving police teams from Gauteng and Mpumalanga. Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, welcomed the arrests, calling them a “significant breakthrough.” “While investigations are still underway, I want to commend the investigating team for the progress…