Riet River, KZN – Authorities in KwaZulu-Natal are investigating the discovery of a decapitated male body near the Sri Emperumal Temple on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
The remains were located about 50 meters from the temple in thick bushland after a tip-off to the Reaction Unit South Africa Operations Center prompted a response from officers.
Upon reaching the site, responders were guided to the area where they found the body on the ground, with the skull positioned several meters away. The body showed significant decomposition, and the skull had no remaining flesh.
Local residents reportedly learned of a body in the same location around two months earlier, in December 2025, but dismissed the sighting due to the reporter being a recognized drug user. As a result, no report was made to police at that time.
The deceased’s identity remains undetermined, and the cause of death has yet to be established.
Hijacking Suspects Arrested Following High-Speed Chase and Crash in Chatsworth
Three individuals suspected of hijacking were apprehended in Chatsworth after a pursuit ended in a collision on Higginson Highway. The incident occurred when the suspects, attempting to evade authorities, veered into oncoming traffic and struck a civilian vehicle.
The driver of the impacted vehicle sustained serious injuries as a result of the crash. Authorities identified the suspects shortly after they carried out a robbery in the area. The operation involved officers from the Isipingo SAPS Trio Crimes Unit, supported by security teams from Marshall SOT, ET Rapid Response, Tracker Connect, and Fidelity SIU.
During the search of the suspects’ vehicle, law enforcement recovered two firearms, various tools used for vehicle theft, a signal jamming device, and a police radio. The crash site, located on the M1 section of Higginson Highway near Havenside, was secured as a crime scene, leading to temporary road closures.
Officials have confirmed that the investigation into the robbery and related activities remains active.
Teen Arrested in Roodepoort with Explosives Linked to Serious Crimes
Roodepoort, Gauteng – A 16-year-old was taken into custody earlier this week following the discovery of a significant quantity of explosives at a local address.
The arrest was carried out by the National Intervention Unit and Gauteng Crime Intelligence officers, who acted on intelligence regarding the sale of explosives in the Motlhakeng area and surrounding regions.
Upon arriving at the specified location in Roodepoort, authorities apprehended the individual and confiscated 50 blasting cartridges, 25 safety fuse connectors, and detonating cords.
Ongoing probes aim to uncover any associated criminal groups involved in the unlawful handling and supply of such materials.
Items of this nature are frequently employed in high-risk offenses, including cash-in-transit heists and unauthorized mining operations.
Bus Accident Leads to Full Closure of N1-29 Near Ingwe Lodge
Makhado, Limpopo – Authorities have shut down the N1-29 highway in both directions following a bus accident at Ingwe Lodge, located outside Makhado. The incident took place around 06:40 on February 19, 2026, when the bus veered off the roadway and ended up in a ditch.
Emergency responders are currently at the site managing the situation, with additional information expected to be provided as it becomes available. No details regarding injuries or the number of passengers involved have been disclosed at this time.
Motorists are urged to avoid the area and take detour routes, including the R523 Nzhelele Road. This stretch of road has previously been the site of similar bus-related accidents.
Updates on the road’s reopening and further developments will follow from local transport officials.
