Johannesburg, South Africa – February 24, 2026
A video posted on X on February 24, 2026, by the account sa_crime depicts South African Police Service (SAPS) officers at Johannesburg Park Station interacting with individuals identified as undocumented foreign nationals. The post includes an 85-second video showing officers conducting arrests and instances where money changes hands.
The South African Police Service in Gauteng launched a threat and risk assessment on February 23, 2026, following social media claims that officers at Hillbrow and Johannesburg Central stations arrest foreign nationals, both documented and undocumented, and release them after receiving payments between R500 and R5,000.
SAPS issued a statement indicating that corruption or extortion by its members will not be tolerated and urged the public to report such incidents through designated channels.
Crime expert Yusuf Abramjee shared reports on February 22 and 23, 2026, detailing allegations that police in Hillbrow and Johannesburg areas confiscate documents from foreigners and demand payments for their release.
Additional reports describe SAPS Railway Police at Johannesburg Park Station performing routine stop-and-searches near the Zimbabwean bus rank in Braamfontein, targeting illegal immigrants boarding cross-border buses to SADC countries, and requesting bribes. One officer is referred to as “shorty” in these accounts.
A social media post dated February 22, 2026, claimed that SAPS officers in areas such as Rabie Ridge, Ivory Park, and Hillbrow generate up to R10,000 daily by establishing roadblocks to arrest migrants in taxis and collect bribes.
Another post from the same date stated that similar extortion activities by SAPS have taken place across the country for years, affecting both foreigners and locals.
A witness account posted on February 22, 2026, described observing three police trucks at the intersection of Jeppe and Mooi streets in Johannesburg, where lines of people formed to pay for the release of arrested illegal immigrants.
Public responses to the February 24, 2026, video on X include over 70 reposts and expressions of demand for accountability from SAPS, with calls for punishment of the officers involved.
No further verified details specific to the February 24, 2026, incident at Johannesburg Park Station have been reported beyond these related accounts.
JMPD Officers Rescue Kidnapped Businessman in Lenasia Operation
Johannesburg – February 23, 2026 – Two officers from the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department’s Region G unit rescued a kidnapped Ethiopian businessman and arrested two suspects during a patrol in Lenasia on the evening of February 22, 2026.
The incident began when the officers, patrolling Nirvana Drive, were alerted by a concerned individual that his brother had been abducted at gunpoint in Lenasia Extension 13. The victim was reportedly forced into a white Nissan 1400 bakkie by two armed men as he closed his shop.
Responding to the scene on Airborne Street, the officers gathered details from witnesses while awaiting assistance from the South African Police Service. During this time, they observed a vehicle matching the description passing by.
The officers trailed the bakkie to a dead-end on the street, where the two occupants exited and went into a nearby tavern. Upon questioning, the officers searched the vehicle and found three small keys. The passenger stated they were house keys, but the officers tested them at the victim’s shop, where one key opened the security gate, connecting the suspects to the abduction site.
The suspects were arrested and then revealed the victim’s location in Phiri, Soweto. At the site, officers found the businessman bound with cable ties on his hands and feet. They also recovered two firearms believed to have been used in the kidnapping.
The victim was freed unharmed. A case has been registered at Lenasia SAPS, and the Nissan 1400 bakkie has been impounded as evidence.
JMPD Chief of Police Commissioner Patrick praised the officers, stating, “The bravery and investigative prowess shown by our officers exemplify the dedication of the JMPD to the safety of our residents. We thank the community for their cooperation, which was vital in ensuring a swift and positive outcome.”
Nigerian Rapper Accused of Identity Fraud After Crashing R7 Million McLaren in Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa – A Nigerian rapper performing under the name 3GAR Baby, whose real name is Prince Daniel Obioma, has been linked to an identity fraud investigation following a high-value car crash in Cape Town.
The incident involved the total destruction of a McLaren 570S reportedly worth R7 million. The vehicle was wrecked beyond repair in the crash that took place in the city.
Investigations subsequently uncovered allegations that Obioma had stolen the identity of a South African citizen. Authorities claim the fraud was carried out by using the legitimate citizen’s fingerprints while substituting the original photograph on official documents with Obioma’s own image.
Further inquiries established that Obioma had overstayed his visitor’s visa during 2023. After the visa expired, he remained in South Africa illegally. Records also indicate he later re-entered the country without any documented arrival.
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU), in partnership with Interpol, traced the identity fraud operation. Their findings pointed to foreign nationals working with certain Department of Home Affairs officials to gain unauthorised access to identity systems and facilitate related criminal activities.
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SARS Issues Ultimatum to Chippa United Owner Over R53 Million Tax Debt
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has ramped up its enforcement efforts against Siviwe “Chippa” Mpengesi, the prominent businessman and owner of Chippa United Football Club, by issuing warnings of potential asset seizures totaling R53 million. This development arises from an ongoing tax dispute involving an alleged outstanding debt of the same amount.
According to reports, SARS has progressed from standard compliance procedures to more aggressive measures, signaling that earlier resolution efforts have not succeeded. The tax issues reportedly originate from unsubmitted tax returns and unsettled assessments that span multiple years, although the exact particulars of the disagreement remain undisclosed to the public.
Mpengesi, who is widely recognized for his role in South African football through his ownership of the Premier Soccer League club Chippa United, could face the loss of substantial assets tied to his broader business operations if the seizures proceed. The R53 million figure equates to approximately $3.3 million, highlighting the scale of the financial obligations in question.
Experts in tax matters emphasize that the option of asset seizure represents a formidable mechanism employed by SARS in cases where large debts persist without settlement. Should the agency follow through, the repercussions could extend well beyond Mpengesi’s personal finances, potentially affecting employees, vendors, and other parties associated with his various enterprises.
As of now, neither Mpengesi nor his legal team has issued any public statements addressing the recent escalation from SARS. It is uncertain whether the issue will lead to courtroom proceedings or be resolved via direct discussions with the tax authority.
E-Hailing Driver Shot and Hijacked in Late-Night Attack in Rylands
Cape Town, South Africa – A male e-hailing driver in his 30s remains in critical condition after being shot in the face and chest during a hijacking on Jeina Road in Rylands, Athlone. The incident took place on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at around 10:45 p.m.
According to police reports, the driver was approached by four unidentified men who opened fire on him before seizing his white Toyota Aygo vehicle and escaping the scene. The victim was immediately transported to a nearby hospital, where medical staff confirmed his serious injuries. He continues to receive treatment as authorities work to gather more details.
Athlone police have opened an investigation into charges of attempted murder and hijacking. Constable Ndakhe Gwala, a police spokesperson, provided confirmation of the event’s circumstances, including the time, location, and nature of the assault. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward by contacting Crime Stop at 08600 10111.
This attack adds to a series of recent violent incidents targeting e-hailing drivers across the region. It follows the killing of Nigerian national Isaac Satlat in Pretoria, which occurred less than two weeks earlier. In that case, the victim was also an e-hailing driver, highlighting a pattern of assaults where perpetrators often escape without immediate arrests by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
In response to the escalating threats, representatives from the e-hailing community have voiced concerns over driver safety. Siyabonga Hlabisa, chairperson of the Western Cape E-hailing Association (WCEA), noted that drivers frequently face risks as criminals view them as vulnerable targets. He pointed out that stolen mobile phones from such incidents are commonly resold within local communities.
Hlabisa emphasized the potential benefits of installing dashboard cameras in vehicles, citing their role in providing evidence during investigations. He referenced a previous event in Pretoria where such footage aided authorities. Additionally, he called on e-hailing companies to initiate discussions aimed at improving security measures for operators.
Among his specific recommendations, Hlabisa suggested that ride-hailing apps should display a photo of the customer’s face upon acceptance of a trip request. This feature, he argued, could help reduce the incidence of fraudulent bookings and related scams that endanger drivers.
The WCEA’s statements reflect broader frustrations within the industry, where drivers report feeling exposed due to the nature of their work, which often involves late-night pickups in various neighborhoods. Police records indicate that similar hijackings and shootings have occurred in multiple areas, though exact figures for the past year were not detailed in the immediate aftermath of this event.
As the investigation proceeds, law enforcement officials have reiterated their commitment to pursuing leads. The hijacked Toyota Aygo remains unrecovered, and no suspects have been identified or apprehended at this time. The victim’s identity has not been publicly released to protect his privacy during his recovery.
Community members in Rylands and surrounding areas have been alerted to the incident, with police encouraging vigilance regarding suspicious activities or sightings of the stolen vehicle. The case underscores ongoing challenges in addressing crime against transport workers in urban settings.
