Atlantis – Members of the Atlantis Crime Prevention Unit arrested a 15-year-old male on Sunday night, 5 April 2026, in Bunting Crescent, Atlantis, after he was found in possession of an unlicensed 9mm pistol.
The unit was conducting routine crime prevention patrols in the area when officers spotted a group of people standing on a street corner. As the members approached the group, one individual fled on foot. A unit member pursued the suspect and apprehended him.
During the apprehension, the 15-year-old male was found to be in possession of the unlicensed firearm. He was immediately arrested on charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm.
The suspect is scheduled to appear in the Atlantis Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 7 April 2026. No further details regarding the firearm or additional items recovered have been released at this stage.
This incident forms part of ongoing efforts by the Atlantis Crime Prevention Unit to address illegal firearms in the community.
Seven Killed in Head-On Collision on M17 Between Motherwell and KwaZakhele
A head-on collision on the M17 road between Motherwell and KwaZakhele in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, claimed the lives of seven people on Sunday afternoon, 5 April 2026, at approximately 3pm.
Dashcam footage recorded from the manganese truck shows a Renault seven-seater SUV, which was carrying seven occupants, suddenly drifting out of its lane and moving directly into the path of the oncoming truck. The vehicles collided head-on within seconds, with the truck driver having no time to take evasive action.
All seven occupants of the Renault were killed in the crash. The deceased consisted of three men and four women. No other fatalities or injuries were reported in connection with the incident.
Eastern Cape Transport Department provincial spokesperson Unathi Binqose confirmed that the crash involved the seven-seater SUV with seven occupants and the manganese truck travelling in opposite directions. A case of culpable homicide has been opened at Swartkops SAPS. Authorities are using the dashcam footage as part of the ongoing investigation to determine what caused the Renault to leave its lane. The cause of the collision remains under investigation.
Eastern Cape Transport MEC Xolile Nqatha extended condolences to the families of the deceased. Motorists using the M17 have been urged to remain cautious, stay within their lanes, and avoid any behaviour that could lead to loss of control on routes shared with heavy vehicles.
The incident occurred on a section of the M17 regularly used by both light vehicles and heavy trucks. No further details on road conditions, weather, or mechanical factors have been released at this stage.
Traffic Officer Shot During Roadside Stop on N7 Near Bulshoek Dam
A traffic officer was shot and injured on Thursday evening while conducting a routine vehicle stop on the N7 near Bulshoek Dam on the West Coast.
The officer, who is stationed at the Vredendal provincial traffic centre, was treated in hospital following the incident, which took place shortly before 19:00. Officials described the event as a targeted attack.
The officer had pulled over a vehicle after suspecting the driver was under the influence of alcohol. During the interaction, the situation escalated and the officer was shot. No fine had been issued at the time of the shooting.
The suspect fled the scene immediately afterwards and is still at large.
The injured officer used his cellphone to call for assistance. A colleague responded promptly, and emergency services reached the scene without delay.
Western Cape MEC for Mobility Isaac Sileku condemned the attack on the law enforcement officer.
“I am deeply shocked and angered by this attack on one of our dedicated officers. As we approach the busy Easter weekend, when officers are working long hours to keep travellers safe, it is unacceptable that they face such violence,” Sileku said.
He confirmed that the relevant authorities are working closely with the South African Police Service to apprehend the suspect and that support is being provided to the injured officer and his family.
Police have opened a manhunt for the suspect. Anyone with information about the incident or the vehicle involved is asked to contact the Klawer police station.
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A 14-year-old boy was killed on Sunday after the vehicle he was driving overturned on the M25 in KwaMashu, KwaZulu-Natal.
Emergency services were dispatched following multiple calls from members of the public reporting a serious motor vehicle accident. Responders arrived at the scene at approximately 15:59 and located a blue Toyota Corolla Quest that had overturned multiple times.
The boy was driving the vehicle in the eastbound lane when he failed to negotiate a bend. The car veered onto the extreme right verge before rolling several times. It came to a stop on all four wheels in the opposite lane, facing the westbound direction.
The boy’s father was a passenger in the vehicle. It is alleged that the father was under the influence of alcohol, which led to the 14-year-old operating the car.
The boy was ejected from the vehicle. Paramedics assessed him at the scene and found that he had sustained fatal injuries. He was declared deceased on arrival.
The father was handed over to the police for further investigation.
Pretoria Learner Zané de Jager Dies Unexpectedly During Voortrekker Camp at Thaba Veldwerkkamp
Zané de Jager, a Grade 11 learner at Hoërskool Waterkloof in Pretoria, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, 1 April 2026, while attending the Thaba Veldwerkkamp. The camp is located on a farm approximately 20 km northwest of Brits and forms part of the long-established Voortrekkers youth fieldwork programme, which focuses on field, survival, and life skills taught by experts and learned through practical experience.
De Jager’s parents were on vacation in Botswana when the incident occurred. Camp organisers remained in continuous contact with her commando leader, Lourens van Staden, throughout the relevant period.
Reports indicate that camp leaders, medical officers, and a doctor were present on site. Emergency protocols were followed, including the calling of a helicopter. The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed, and the incident remains under investigation.
Hoërskool Waterkloof issued a statement expressing deep sorrow: “Met groot hartseer groet ons ’n Klofie, Zané de Jager. Haar pragtige glimlag en mensweens sal vir altyd in ons gemeenskap onthou word. Ons gedagtes is by haar familie, vriende en almal wat haar geken het. Mag sy in vrede rus.” The school community has rallied around the family, offering support to De Jager’s relatives and friends.
The head management of the Voortrekkers described the loss as “’n onbeskryflike verlies” and stated that their hearts go out to her family, friends, fellow Voortrekkers, the camp management, commando leader, and all youth members of Thaba affected by the tragedy. Karin Stoffberg, head leader of the Voortrekkers, confirmed that camp organisers had maintained ongoing communication with the commando leader and offered prayers for comfort and strength for those grieving.
Condolences have also come from other affiliated groups, including Laerskool Monumentpark and various Voortrekker branches such as Sytze Wierda and Rietvallei, all expressing sympathy and prayers for the family.
The death has prompted an outpouring of messages on social media platforms, with members of the broader community noting the programme’s established safety record while some calling for a full independent investigation into the circumstances. No further details on the investigation’s progress have been released by authorities at this time.
De Jager, born on 9 November 2005, was remembered by the school and Voortrekker community for her smile and positive presence. The family has not issued any public statements beyond the support extended by the school and organisation.
