Mpumalanga, South Africa – A multi-vehicle collision inside the Waterval Boven Tunnel on the N4 toll route resulted in one fatality and injuries to two people on February 19, 2026. The incident took place around 4:44 PM local time near Emgwenya in the Elands Valley region.
The crash began when a truck heading toward Mbombela experienced a mechanical breakdown, prompting a stop-and-go traffic control measure. A second truck, suffering from brake failure, then collided with the stationary vehicles from behind at high speed. This impact triggered a chain reaction involving three trucks, a minibus taxi, a passenger bus, and multiple other light vehicles.
Dashcam footage from one of the affected trucks captured the sequence, showing the runaway truck barreling into the queued vehicles, causing a pile-up with debris scattering in the confined tunnel space. The recording vehicle was among those struck in the collision.
One person died at the scene, while two passengers sustained injuries ranging from light to serious. Emergency services, including paramedics, fire crews, rescue teams, traffic authorities, and the South African Police Service, arrived promptly to assist the injured and manage the site. Recovery operations followed to clear the wreckage.
The N4 was fully closed in both directions for several hours due to the obstruction, with traffic diverted via the Schoemanskloof route using the R36 and R539 roads. The tunnel reopened later that evening after the scene was cleared.
Investigations into the exact circumstances remain ongoing, with brake failure confirmed as a factor in the second truck’s involvement. TRAC N4 spokesperson Solange Soares stated that the mechanical issues led to the initial stoppage and subsequent rear-end collision.
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.
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Tragic Discovery: Missing Woman’s Body Found in River Near Nelspruit
Nelspruit, Mpumalanga – Authorities are investigating the death of a 40-year-old woman whose body was recovered from a river this week, following her disappearance after heading to a job-related meeting.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) announced that the remains of Madeline Thandazile Ngomane were located on Wednesday, 18 February 2026, floating in a river next to Nelspruit Crushers. The discovery came two days after she was reported missing.
Ms. Ngomane, a resident of Nelspruit, was last observed leaving her home on the morning of Monday, 16 February 2026. Family members reported that she planned to take a bus into town to attend a scheduled meeting about a potential new employment opportunity. The appointment was set for around 07:00 that day.
When she failed to return home, relatives grew concerned and initiated a search while filing a missing person report with the police. The efforts concluded tragically with the finding of her body, which has been formally identified by a next of kin.
Police have not yet established the cause of death, and the details of the incident remain under active investigation. No further information on potential foul play or other circumstances has been released at this time.
The SAPS is urging anyone with relevant information to come forward to aid the inquiry. Individuals can contact Detective Sergeant Lucky Mashigo at 076 889 6780. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the SAPS Crime Stop line at 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App.
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.
