On Monday, February 23, 2026, a cash-in-transit robbery turned violent on Old Inanda Road in Brindhaven, near Verulam, KwaZulu-Natal. Around 13:25, suspects in two vehicles—identified as a white Toyota Corolla Cross and a white Toyota Corolla—intercepted an armored cash vehicle, with approximately 10 heavily armed individuals involved. The attackers opened fire on the vehicle and detonated explosives to access its contents, making off with an undisclosed amount of cash and firearms taken from the guards.
Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) received multiple public reports of the robbery and explosions, prompting an immediate dispatch of officers. Upon arrival, RUSA personnel encountered suspects acting as spotters, armed with high-calibre rifles, leading to an exchange of gunfire. One RUSA response vehicle was struck by two bullets during the shootout, but no officers sustained injuries. The suspects fled toward Inanda, firing shots into the air and abandoning several money boxes at the scene.
In response, RUSA deployed a Robinson R44 helicopter around 13:52 to conduct an aerial search, while ground teams swept the area. The helicopter pilot maintained a safe distance due to the suspects’ armament. Following a tip from a female member of the public about suspicious activity near a farm in Inanda, the helicopter crew landed in a mint farm and conducted a ground search, recovering three firearms: one rifle and two 9mm pistols, believed to have been discarded by the fleeing suspects.
KZN VIP Security and Emergency Medical Teams also attended the scene, assessing three occupants from the cash-in-transit vehicle as a precautionary measure, with no injuries reported. All emergency services were present, and Jabu Ngcobo Road—part of Old Inanda Road—was closed between Dawncrest and Mountview to facilitate the South African Police Service (SAPS) investigation. Motorists were advised to avoid the area and use alternative routes.
No arrests have been made, and it remains unclear if any suspects were injured during the incident. Investigations continue, with no official statement from SAPS available at the time of reporting.
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.
Arrest of Foreign National in Ficksburg After Shooting Incident at Local Cultural Event
Ficksburg, Free State – A 32-year-old man, identified as a foreign national, has been detained by authorities after an alleged attempt to murder a local resident during a traditional celebration near Meqheleng township over the weekend.
The event, described as a cultural feast, turned violent when a dispute arose between the suspect and a 58-year-old man from the Meqheleng area. According to police reports, the argument quickly intensified, resulting in the older man being shot and sustaining severe injuries. He was promptly transported to a medical facility where he remains under care.
South African Police Service (SAPS) officers arrived at the location following reports of the disturbance. Upon conducting an on-site investigation, they arrested the individual involved. A search revealed that he was carrying an unlicensed firearm along with ammunition, prompting further charges beyond the initial attempted murder allegation.
In an official SAPS statement, it was confirmed that the suspect faces accusations related to the shooting as well as the unlawful possession of the weapon and rounds. “The suspect was arrested on charges of attempted murder, as well as the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition,” the statement noted.
The arrested man is scheduled to make his first court appearance today, February 23, 2026, at the Ficksburg Magistrate’s Court. Authorities have not released additional details about the suspect’s nationality or the specific circumstances leading to the altercation, but the incident has raised concerns about safety at community gatherings.
Police have urged anyone with further information to come forward as the investigation continues. This case highlights ongoing efforts to address illegal firearms in the region, with SAPS emphasizing their commitment to public security.
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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.
Police Shootout in Tlokoeng Results in Three Suspects Fatally Wounded
Tlokoeng, South Africa – On Sunday, February 22, 2026, a confrontation unfolded between members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and a group of suspects in the area of Tlokoeng. The incident escalated into a shootout, during which three suspects sustained fatal injuries.
According to an official statement issued by SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, the exchange of gunfire occurred earlier that day. Brigadier Gantana confirmed the deaths of the three individuals involved, noting that the location remains an active crime scene under investigation. She emphasized that additional information regarding the circumstances leading to the shootout would be made available at a later time, as the inquiry progresses.
The SAPS has not yet released details about the identities of the deceased suspects or the specific reasons for the initial police engagement. No reports of injuries to police officers or bystanders have been mentioned in the available statements. The incident is being handled as part of ongoing law enforcement operations in the region, with authorities prioritizing the collection of evidence at the site.
As of February 23, 2026, the investigation continues, and the public is advised to await official updates from the SAPS for any further developments. This event highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing criminal activities, with the police service committed to providing more clarity as facts are established.
