Mbombela, Mpumalanga – February 22, 2026 – The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) initiated a coordinated takedown operation early this morning in Barberton and surrounding areas within Mpumalanga province. The action focuses on 41 individuals suspected of involvement in corruption totaling 114 million rand linked to the provincial Department of Education.
The operation, which commenced following a media briefing at 06:00 at the Mbombela Stadium parking area, is being led by Major General Nico Gerber, the provincial head of the Hawks. Authorities have indicated that the targets include high-profile figures associated with a multi-million rand scandal.
Investigations reveal that some suspects extend beyond Mpumalanga, with individuals located in Limpopo, Western Cape, and Gauteng provinces. The Hawks have emphasized that details are limited to prevent compromising the ongoing efforts.
This operation aligns with broader anti-corruption initiatives in the region, building on prior probes into procurement irregularities and tender fraud in provincial departments. No arrests have been publicly confirmed at this stage, and further information is anticipated as developments unfold.
Diesel Tanker Crash Blocks N3 Northbound Near Peter Brown Avenue
A diesel tanker overturned on the N3 northbound carriageway just after the Peter Brown Avenue offramp, leading to a complete closure of the road. The incident involved the heavy vehicle rolling back slightly before it lost control and flipped onto its side, obstructing all lanes. A white bakkie managed to pass the tanker as it was overturning, avoiding impact, while other drivers stopped abruptly to prevent additional accidents.
No injuries were reported from the crash. Authorities shut down the northbound section temporarily to handle the situation. Recovery operations included righting the tanker and removing it from the site, with emergency teams managing the diesel spill on the roadway.
The event caused traffic to halt for several hours, with heavy trucks accumulating at the location and lighter vehicles diverting through Pietermaritzburg. Clean-up efforts required specialized equipment to secure the area. The cause of the overturn remains undetermined.
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Hijacking Syndicate Busted in KZN After High-Speed Pursuit
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal – Authorities disrupted a vehicle hijacking and theft operation on February 19, 2026, resulting in the arrest of three individuals connected to several cases in the region.
The incident began around 10:00 AM when intelligence indicated suspects were active in the Chatsworth area, tied to prior thefts and hijackings in Chatsworth and nearby locations. A joint team, comprising Marshall Security’s Special Operations Team, Isipingo Trio Crimes unit, Fidelity Investigations and Specialised Operations, ET Rapid Response, and Tracker SA, positioned themselves along the M1 Higginson Highway.
Officers observed the suspects in a white VW Polo near a Chatsworth shopping center, where they were in the process of stealing a blue VW Polo. When approached, both vehicles sped away, initiating a chase from the Woodhurst off-ramp toward Havenside. The fleeing suspects drove erratically, striking several other vehicles and causing accidents. Their white VW Polo eventually veered out of control, crossed the median, and crashed into a civilian car on the highway.
The highway was promptly secured to manage the scene and protect bystanders. Three suspects were apprehended on site, while the blue VW Polo escaped. The civilian driver involved in the collision suffered serious injuries and was taken to a local hospital.
A vehicle search uncovered two unlicensed firearms, including one with an erased serial number, a signal jammer, a police radio, various car-breaking tools, specialized vehicle equipment, multiple computer boxes from vehicles, and several ignitions for different cars.
The arrested individuals were held at Bayview South African Police Service station and later received medical attention under guard after requesting it. They are suspected in additional vehicle theft and attempted theft incidents in Wentworth, Mayville, Amanzimtoti, and Chatsworth. Investigations remain active.
