Gauteng, South Africa – 25 March 2026
A coordinated, intelligence-driven police operation disrupted a suspected airport follow-home robbery syndicate in Gauteng on Wednesday, 25 March 2026, at approximately 05:30, resulting in a shootout in which four suspects were fatally wounded and one was injured and arrested.
Members from the South African Police Service (SAPS) Counter Intelligence Investigation Head Office, SAPS Gauteng Tactical Response Team (TRT), Gauteng Traffic Police Airwing, CAP Specialised Operations, and Tracker Connect took part in the multidisciplinary operation. Officers acted on analysed intelligence about a group of suspects linked to follow-home armed robberies targeting victims arriving at the airport.
The suspects were traced to the Bruma Lake area, where their vehicles were spotted travelling towards Yeoville while allegedly following a potential victim from the airport. Police attempted to intercept the group to prevent an imminent robbery. This led to a high-speed chase that escalated into an exchange of gunfire.
The suspects, travelling in a Suzuki Swift fitted with false registration plates and an additional vehicle, reportedly exited their vehicle and continued firing at the officers. The Suzuki Swift eventually came to a stop in Yeoville.
Three unlicensed firearms along with ammunition were recovered at the scene.
Preliminary investigations have linked the suspects and the vehicle to a previous armed robbery incident in Rosebank earlier this month, in which victims were also followed from the airport. The vehicles were allegedly used in the commission of these crimes.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the suspects’ involvement in other related incidents.
Helicopter Operated by Working on Fire Crashes on Hout Bay Mountainside During Veld Fire Operations in Table Mountain National Park
Cape Town – On Wednesday 25 March 2026, a helicopter contracted to Working on Fire crashed on the mountainside above Hout Bay while assisting with firefighting operations in the Table Mountain National Park.
The aircraft was engaged in water-bombing duties as part of efforts to contain an active veld fire burning in the Vlakkenberg area and spreading across slopes above Hout Bay and towards Constantia Valley. The helicopter’s main rotor blade struck the rocky mountainside during a water drop, causing the aircraft to lose control and come down on the steep terrain. Video footage of the incident shows the helicopter flying low over burning vegetation before the impact and subsequent plume of smoke.
Both pilots on board survived the crash. Initial reports from emergency services and Working on Fire confirm that the crew members are safe. Rescue and assessment operations were immediately launched.
The City of Cape Town activated Incident Management Team 5 in response. Specialised rescue technicians were deployed up the mountain to reach the crash site, and law enforcement officers were sent to secure the area. Emergency crews remain on scene.
The fire that prompted the aerial operation broke out on Tuesday 24 March 2026 in the vicinity of Grotto Road, Pipe Track and Ruyteplaats Estate in Hout Bay. It moved up the mountain, cresting the ridge and advancing along the back of Vlakkenberg while threatening areas toward Constantiaberg and Constantia Valley. Ground crews from SANParks Table Mountain National Park, Working on Fire, the Volunteer Wildfire Services and the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service have been deployed alongside aerial support. The blaze has seen flare-ups despite earlier rain, and firefighting efforts continued into Wednesday evening.
Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security JP Smith confirmed the incident, stating that while assisting SANParks with the fire, one of the contracted helicopters appeared to have clipped the mountain with its main rotor and crashed. He noted that the pilot had survived and that the City’s response teams had been activated.
Trevor Abrahams, managing director of Working on Fire, said it was still too early to determine the cause of the crash. The South African Police Service and the South African Civil Aviation Authority are expected to conduct a formal investigation.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid all hiking paths and trails in the Constantia and Constantia Nek areas and to refrain from gathering near the scene so that emergency vehicles can move freely. Firefighting operations in the area remain ongoing.
No further details on the extent of any secondary fires caused by the crash or on the precise condition of the pilots beyond their safety have been released at this stage. Updates will be provided as official information becomes available.
Kempton Park Residents Urged to Attend Public Consultation on Renaming Kafferboom Crescent in Birchleigh
KEMPTON PARK – The City of Ekurhuleni has issued a fresh call for residents to take part in a public consultation process to rename Kafferboom Crescent in the Birchleigh suburb.
The meeting is set for Saturday, 28 March 2026, starting at 09:00 at Coen Scholtz Hall in Kempton Park. Residents are invited to propose and discuss a new street name that promotes community unity, social cohesion and shared values while avoiding division.
According to the city’s geographical naming and renaming policy, the process is designed to eliminate offensive, discriminatory or derogatory names and to ensure decisions are fair, equitable and based on broad public participation. The current name has been identified as racially offensive and inappropriate in a democratic South Africa, with officials noting it represents division and exclusion and runs counter to efforts at reconciliation.
The renaming forms part of a wider initiative first publicised by the City of Ekurhuleni in February 2024 to address public facilities carrying names linked to past injustices. At that time Kaffirboom Crescent (as it was then referenced) was listed among roads targeted for change through the Department of Sport, Heritage, Recreation, Arts and Culture. Public meetings on the broader renaming programme were held in February and March 2024 at venues including Coen Scholtz Recreation Centre in Birchleigh.
Ward 15 Councillor Amanda Davison has repeatedly highlighted the issue. She submitted a formal renaming request in 2019, followed by resubmissions, and has described the name as a racial slur that undermines dignity and inclusivity. In October 2025 she demanded urgent council action, pointing out that a public participation process planned for 2024 had been postponed indefinitely while residents continued to live with the contentious address. Davison has proposed Koraalboom (Coral Tree) as a replacement to reflect the street’s botanical roots and South Africa’s post-apartheid identity. She has vowed to continue pressing the matter until it is resolved.
The consultation on 28 March represents the latest step in fulfilling the city’s commitment to the process. Residents who cannot attend but wish to submit comments or obtain further information may contact Senior Manager for Heritage and Museum Services Fhatuwani Rambau on 011 999 6833, 084 454 6912 or at Fhatuwani.rambau@ekurhuleni.gov.za.
City officials have emphasised that the outcome must reflect the views of the community and contribute to a more inclusive environment in Kempton Park and across Ekurhuleni. Residents in Birchleigh and surrounding areas are encouraged to attend the session and have their say on the future name of the crescent.
- Driver Busted After Offering R10,000 Bribe to National Traffic Police Officer Over Dagga Possession
- Armed Robbery Reported on N12 Highway Near Eldorado Park
- Four Suspects Fatally Wounded, One Arrested in Early-Morning Shootout During Police Operation Against Airport Follow-Home Robbery Syndicate in Yeoville
- Head-On Collision Between Volkswagen Polo and Heavy Vehicle Near Chintsa
- Helicopter Operated by Working on Fire Crashes on Hout Bay Mountainside During Veld Fire Operations in Table Mountain National Park
12 SAPS Officers Detained in IDAC Probe into R360 Million Health Services Tender
Twelve members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) were taken into custody by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) on Tuesday night, 24 March 2026.
The arrests form part of an active corruption investigation focused on the award of a R360 million contract for health and wellness screening services to SAPS personnel. The contract was granted to Medicare24 Tshwane District, a company linked to businessman Vusimuzi Matlala.
Investigators have determined that the procurement process followed irregular procedures and are examining the specific involvement of the arrested police officials in securing the tender.
The twelve officers are due to appear in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court, where they will face charges of corruption, fraud, and contravention of the Public Finance Management Act.
The R360 million tender has been the subject of close examination for several months. Concerns about possible fronting, procurement irregularities, and connections between the contractor and individuals inside law-enforcement structures were first raised during parliamentary oversight meetings and internal SAPS reviews.
The same tender has also featured in proceedings before the Madlanga Commission, which is inquiring into allegations of corruption and interference in the criminal-justice system.
IDAC has confirmed that its investigation remains ongoing and has indicated that further arrests are possible as authorities continue to examine every aspect of the contract award.
