BOKSBURG – A police officer implicated during testimony at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into criminality in the South African Police Service survived a targeted shooting attack in Van Dyk Park, Boksburg, on Thursday morning.
The incident took place shortly before 10:00 on Klapper Street, when three gunmen opened fire on the officer’s bakkie. Multiple shots struck the vehicle, but the officer, Viandre Pretorius, managed to escape the attack unharmed and fled the scene.
In a voice note shared shortly after the shooting, Pretorius can be heard urgently requesting help: “Klapper Street, Van Dyk Park. Come and assist me here. They shot my bakkie up. I don’t know if it’s a hit or something. I managed to get out.”
Pretorius was named by Witness D, Marius van der Merwe, during his testimony at the Madlanga Commission. Van der Merwe, who was later shot and killed outside his home in Brakpan, linked Pretorius and several other officers to the 2022 death of Emmanuel Mbhense.
According to van der Merwe’s evidence, Mbhense was abducted during an unauthorised operation in Brakpan. He was allegedly tortured, including being suffocated with a plastic bag placed over his head and secured around his neck. The officers allegedly present during the incident included Constable Zander Frits, Viandre Pretorius, Kershali Stolls, Aiden McKenzie, Jaco Hanekom, and Etienne van der Waal.
Van der Merwe testified that after Mbhense died, the group dumped his body in a lake near Germiston on the instructions of controversial Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department official Julius Mkhwanazi, in an effort to conceal evidence.
The attempted shooting of Pretorius comes after the murder of Marius van der Merwe, who was gunned down outside his Brakpan home following his appearance at the commission. The vehicle allegedly used in van der Merwe’s killing was later recovered in Alexandra.
The Madlanga Commission is investigating allegations of corruption, criminal syndicates, and misconduct involving members of the police service and related agencies. No arrests have been reported in connection with Thursday’s shooting, and police investigations remain ongoing. The incidents have raised serious concerns about the safety of witnesses and individuals linked to the commission’s proceedings.
Drunk Driver Arrested After Crashing Through Wall into Swimming Pool in Kempton Park
Kempton Park, Gauteng – 4 February 2026
A motorist was arrested on charges related to driving under the influence and damage to property after a vehicle smashed through a residential boundary wall and ended up submerged in a swimming pool in Glen Marais, Kempton Park.
The incident occurred on the evening of 25 January 2026. Security personnel from Blue Hawk Tactical, while carrying out routine patrols in the area, came upon the scene where a blue sedan had crashed through the wall of a private property and come to rest partially submerged in the home’s swimming pool. The vehicle showed visible damage, with its lights still active, and oil slicks were evident spreading across the stagnant, green-tinged water in the pool.
Responders from multiple agencies quickly converged on the location. Emergency medical services from ER24 were already on site, alongside personnel from several private security companies, local Community Policing Forum (CPF) members, towing services, City of Ekurhuleni Fire Department, Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), and SaferCity.
Once officers from EMPD arrived, they conducted an assessment and determined that the driver was under the influence of alcohol. The individual was placed under arrest at the scene for drunk driving and malicious damage to property.
No injuries were reported from the crash, which caused significant structural damage to the residential wall and affected the private swimming pool. The presence of multiple response units highlighted the rapid coordination often seen in community safety networks in the area.
Authorities have not released further details about the driver’s identity or the exact circumstances leading to the loss of control of the vehicle. The case remains under investigation by the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department.
This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of driving under the influence, particularly in residential areas where such crashes can result in extensive property damage and potential risk to residents.
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Cash-in-Transit Robbery Involving Explosives Reported on R28 in Mohlakeng
Mohlakeng, West Rand – 4 February 2026
A cash-in-transit (CIT) robbery involving the use of explosives occurred on the R28 highway in Mohlakeng, West Rand, Gauteng, on Wednesday afternoon.
The incident took place at approximately 16:41 on the R28 between Ngqonyela Street and the R559.
Reports from multiple security and traffic monitoring sources describe the event as an armed robbery accompanied by explosions, consistent with a CIT heist where explosives are used to gain access to the vehicle.
Police are on the scene and responding to the situation.
Motorists are strongly advised to avoid the area and use alternative routes to prevent congestion or potential risks.
No further details on injuries, suspects, or the amount involved have been confirmed at this time. Authorities have not released an official statement, and the situation remains active.
This follows a pattern of CIT attacks in Gauteng, where such robberies often involve coordinated groups and explosives.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
