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.
Five Dead, Dozens Injured in Limpopo Bus Accident on N1 Highway
MAKHADO – A bus accident on the N1 highway in Limpopo province claimed five lives and left 32 others injured early on February 19, 2026. The incident occurred at approximately 2:50 AM near Ingwe Lodge in the Vhembe District, outside Makhado, also known as Louis Trichardt.
The Marcopolo bus was traveling from Gauteng province toward Musina, with passengers intending to continue to Zimbabwe. Preliminary reports indicate the driver lost control of the vehicle, causing it to veer off the roadway and plunge into a ditch or embankment.
Among the deceased were the male driver, one female passenger, and three male passengers. Of the injured, four sustained serious injuries, ten were critically hurt, and eighteen had minor injuries. All survivors were transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment.
The N1-29 road was closed in both directions following the crash, with emergency services, traffic officers, and investigators remaining on site to clear the area and conduct a full probe. Motorists were advised to use alternative routes due to expected delays.
This location is the same spot where a previous bus crash in October 2025 resulted in at least 42 fatalities, involving passengers traveling to Zimbabwe and Malawi. Survivors of the recent incident have called for an investigation into road safety at the site, citing similarities to the prior tragedy. Transport ministers have instructed the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) to develop engineering solutions for the curve just after Makhado, where crashes have increased.
Limpopo’s MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Violet Mathye, visited the scene and expressed condolences to the families of the deceased while wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. An official investigation into the exact cause, including potential factors like overloading, is ongoing.
Modimolle Man Receives 25-Year Sentence for Series of Hijackings and Kidnappings
Modimolle, Limpopo – A 38-year-old man, Satiel Ramadikela Molobi, has been sentenced to an effective 25 years in prison by the Modimolle Regional Court after being convicted on charges related to violent crimes against women in the area.
Molobi was found guilty on two counts of robbery with aggravating circumstances, each carrying a 20-year sentence; two counts of kidnapping, resulting in a combined five-year term; and one count of theft from a motor vehicle, with a five-year sentence. The court ruled that these sentences would run concurrently, leading to the effective 25-year imprisonment without parole options.
Additionally, Molobi has been declared unfit to own or possess any firearm or ammunition under Section 103(4) of the Firearms Control Act.
The crimes occurred in February 2024, when Molobi targeted female drivers in Modimolle town. He positioned himself near residential gates, entering and concealing himself in vehicles while victims stepped out to open the gates. Once the women returned and began driving, he threatened them with a knife, compelling them to travel around the town as he stole cash, cellphones, and jewelry before escaping on foot.
The Modimolle Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit conducted the probe that led to Molobi’s arrest, following the sharing of details about the incidents and targeted investigative efforts.
Limpopo’s Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commended the lead investigator for their diligence in securing the conviction and protecting the community from further harm.
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Arrest of Robert Mugabe’s Son Follows Shooting Incident in Johannesburg
Johannesburg, South Africa – Authorities have detained Bellarmine Chatunga Mugabe, son of the late Zimbabwean leader Robert Mugabe, in connection with a shooting at his residence in the upscale Hyde Park area.
The event unfolded early Thursday morning when a gardener working at the property sustained gunshot wounds. The victim remains in critical condition at a local hospital.
Law enforcement officials arrived at the scene and took two individuals into custody, one of whom is Mugabe. An investigation into attempted murder has been launched, with police actively seeking the weapon involved in the incident.
According to accounts from witnesses, Mugabe at first declined to allow access through the gates but later complied with the officers’ demands.
Details regarding the reason behind the shooting remain unclear as the probe continues.
