Vryheid, KwaZulu-Natal – On Friday, 13 March 2026, members of the South African Police Service arrested a 55-year-old man in the Bhekuzulu township following an intelligence-driven operation.
Police acted on specific information that the individual was in possession of two unlicensed firearms. During the operation, officers recovered an assault rifle together with 29 rounds of ammunition and a 9mm pistol together with 15 rounds of ammunition.
The suspect failed to produce any valid documentation authorising possession of the firearms or ammunition. He was immediately arrested and charged with unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
In addition to the firearms and ammunition, police seized the suspect’s vehicle for further investigation. The vehicle was found to be fitted with an expired licence disc dating back to 2020 and was being driven without number plates on both the front and rear.
The arrested man is due to appear in the Vryheid Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 16 March 2026, where he will face the charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
All recovered items have been taken into police custody as evidence in the ongoing case.
Suspect Arrested in Connection with Murder of Witness Linked to Madlanga Commission
Johannesburg – South African Police Service (SAPS) officers have arrested a suspect in the murder of Marius van der Merwe, who was known as Witness D in proceedings connected to the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.
In an official statement released on Saturday, 14 March 2026, police confirmed that a specialised task team appointed by National Commissioner Fannie Masemola achieved a significant breakthrough in the investigation. Investigators gathered what they described as overwhelming evidence pointing to the suspect as the individual responsible for the shooting that claimed Van der Merwe’s life.
The arrest took place in Johannesburg earlier today. Police sources indicated that the suspect is believed to be the shooter directly involved in the incident. Following the arrest, officers immediately launched search-and-seizure operations at multiple addresses associated with the suspect. During these operations, authorities also seized the vehicle allegedly used in the murder.
National Commissioner Fannie Masemola commended the task team for their rapid response and dedication, stating that their swift action had advanced the case substantially. He emphasised that investigations remain ongoing as detectives continue to build on the evidence already secured.
The arrested suspect is scheduled to make his first court appearance at the Brakpan Magistrates Court on Monday, 16 March 2026. Police have not yet released the suspect’s identity, citing the active nature of the investigation and the need to protect court processes.
The development marks a key moment in the probe into the killing of Van der Merwe, whose testimony as Witness D formed part of the broader Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. Authorities have urged anyone with additional information related to the case to come forward through official SAPS channels.
This arrest follows sustained efforts by the specialised unit to link physical evidence, witness accounts, and forensic material collected since the murder. SAPS confirmed that all operations were conducted in accordance with standard legal procedures, with full documentation in place for the upcoming court proceedings.
Further updates on the matter are expected once the suspect appears in court and as the investigation progresses.
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Home Affairs Staff Worried About Job Security and Being Retrenched Due to Digitisation and Outsourcing of Services
15 March 2026
Some staff members at the Department of Home Affairs have expressed concern about the department’s services being digitised and outsourced to banks and private institutions.
The concerns centre directly on the planned shift to digitised processes for Home Affairs services and the transfer of operational responsibilities to external banks and private institutions.
This development was reported on 15 March 2026, highlighting unease among certain Home Affairs employees regarding the direction of service delivery changes.
The reported concerns remain focused exclusively on the digitisation of Home Affairs services and their outsourcing to banks and private institutions, with no additional details released at this stage.
