SEBOKENG, South Africa – An attempted robbery of a courier van in Zone 14 turned violent when a local resident intervened with gunfire, injuring two suspects and preventing the crime.
The incident unfolded when two men targeted a vehicle belonging to Ram couriers. According to reports, the suspects approached the van with the intent to rob it, but their plan was disrupted by a community member who opened fire on them.
Both suspects sustained injuries during the confrontation. One of the wounded individuals required urgent medical attention and was airlifted to a hospital by helicopter for treatment.
Local authorities have not yet released further details on the identities of the suspects or the community member involved, but the event highlights ongoing concerns about crime in the area. The shooting effectively halted the robbery attempt, with no reports of successful theft from the van.
This marks another instance of community intervention in criminal activities in Sebokeng, where residents sometimes take matters into their own hands amid rising security challenges. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the event.
Convicted Criminal Escapes from KwaZulu-Natal Prison Farm
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa – Authorities at the Sevontein Correctional Centre in the Pietermaritzburg district are investigating the escape of an inmate serving a life sentence. The escapee, identified as Thulani Gcaleka, fled from the facility on Thursday, February 5, 2026, while assigned to duties at the prison farm.
Gcaleka was convicted of multiple serious offenses, including attempted murder, rape, attempted rape, robbery, and housebreaking with the intent to commit an offence. He had been part of a cleaning work team responsible for tasks on the prison farm grounds when the incident occurred.
In response to the escape, the Department of Correctional Services has launched an internal investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the security breach. Resources have been allocated to locate and recapture Gcaleka as quickly as possible. Members of the public with any information on his whereabouts are urged to contact the nearest police station or correctional facility to assist in the apprehension efforts.
The department has stated that it will enforce strict measures against any violations of security protocols or standard operating procedures. Following the completion of the investigation, appropriate disciplinary actions and corrective steps will be implemented in accordance with the Correctional Services Act.
This incident highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining security at correctional facilities, particularly in work programs designed for inmate rehabilitation. Officials have emphasized their commitment to addressing such breaches promptly to ensure public safety and institutional integrity
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Two Suspects Apprehended After Armed Robbery and Shootout at Mabopane Store
MABOPANE, Gauteng – Authorities have arrested two individuals in connection with an armed robbery at a local store in Mabopane, following a confrontation that escalated into a shootout with security personnel. The incident occurred on Thursday, February 5, 2026, and involved a group of five suspects who allegedly targeted the business establishment.
According to details from the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Gauteng, the robbery unfolded when the suspects entered the store and carried out the crime. Security guards at the scene engaged the group, leading to an exchange of gunfire. During this altercation, two of the suspects were subdued and taken into custody. The remaining three managed to escape initially, fleeing the area in a white Polo vehicle.
Law enforcement recovered the getaway vehicle shortly afterward, abandoned in nearby bushes within Mabopane. A search of the scene and the vehicle yielded three handguns, which are believed to have been used during the robbery and shootout. The SAPS has confirmed that these firearms were unlicensed, adding to the charges against the apprehended individuals.
The two arrested suspects sustained injuries during the incident and are currently receiving medical treatment while under police supervision. No reports indicate any harm to the security guards or other individuals present at the store. Specific details about the items taken during the robbery have not been disclosed by officials.
In response to the event, the SAPS has registered a case encompassing business robbery and the possession of unlicensed firearms. An active investigation is in progress to locate and apprehend the three fugitives who evaded capture. Authorities emphasize that the probe is ongoing, with efforts focused on gathering evidence and witness statements to build a comprehensive case.
The public has been encouraged to assist in the investigation by providing any relevant information. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or via the MySAPSApp. This appeal underscores the SAPS’s commitment to community involvement in combating crime in the region.
Incidents like this highlight ongoing challenges with armed robberies in Gauteng, where law enforcement continues to prioritize rapid response and suspect apprehension to ensure public safety. Further updates on the case are expected as the investigation develops.
Four Suspects Arrested Following Cash-in-Transit Heist on West Rand
Johannesburg – The South African Police Service has successfully apprehended four individuals linked to a cash-in-transit robbery that took place on Wednesday, 4 February 2026.
The incident occurred at approximately 16:40 along the R28 road, adjacent to Extension 11 in Mohlakeng, West Rand. According to police reports, the suspects were targeted in a swift tactical operation later that same day in Kagiso, also on the West Rand.
The arrests followed actionable intelligence gathered by police units. During the operation, officers recovered two vehicles – a Mercedes-Benz and a Toyota C-HR – along with two rifles, two magazines, ammunition, and additional items believed to be connected to the crime.
The operation demonstrated effective coordination among several specialised police units, including Crime Intelligence, the CIT Team, West Rand Tactical Response Team (TRT), Police Emergency Services (PES) Flexi, and the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Specialised Services.
All four suspects are expected to appear in the Randfontein Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 6 February 2026, where formal charges related to the cash-in-transit heist will be presented.
Police have not released further details about the suspects or the exact amount of cash targeted in the robbery, but the rapid response and recovery of evidence have been highlighted as key outcomes of the joint effort.
Authorities continue to urge members of the public with any information related to cash-in-transit crimes to come forward through the SAPS Crime Stop line or nearest police station.
