Johannesburg – February 23, 2026 – Two officers from the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department’s Region G unit rescued a kidnapped Ethiopian businessman and arrested two suspects during a patrol in Lenasia on the evening of February 22, 2026.
The incident began when the officers, patrolling Nirvana Drive, were alerted by a concerned individual that his brother had been abducted at gunpoint in Lenasia Extension 13. The victim was reportedly forced into a white Nissan 1400 bakkie by two armed men as he closed his shop.
Responding to the scene on Airborne Street, the officers gathered details from witnesses while awaiting assistance from the South African Police Service. During this time, they observed a vehicle matching the description passing by.
The officers trailed the bakkie to a dead-end on the street, where the two occupants exited and went into a nearby tavern. Upon questioning, the officers searched the vehicle and found three small keys. The passenger stated they were house keys, but the officers tested them at the victim’s shop, where one key opened the security gate, connecting the suspects to the abduction site.
The suspects were arrested and then revealed the victim’s location in Phiri, Soweto. At the site, officers found the businessman bound with cable ties on his hands and feet. They also recovered two firearms believed to have been used in the kidnapping.
The victim was freed unharmed. A case has been registered at Lenasia SAPS, and the Nissan 1400 bakkie has been impounded as evidence.
JMPD Chief of Police Commissioner Patrick praised the officers, stating, “The bravery and investigative prowess shown by our officers exemplify the dedication of the JMPD to the safety of our residents. We thank the community for their cooperation, which was vital in ensuring a swift and positive outcome.”
Two Arrested in Pinetown for Attempted Sale of Stolen Copper Cables
Pinetown, South Africa – Authorities have apprehended two individuals from Malawi who were allegedly attempting to sell stolen copper cables at a local property.
The arrests were carried out by officers from the South African Police Service’s Economic Infrastructure Task Team and the Provincial Firearm and Drug Unit. These units had been investigating leads connected to a criminal network active in the Durban area.
Incidents of cable theft have been reported in several locations, including Ntuzuma, Phoenix, Chatsworth, Inanda, and Durban Central.
During the operation, the suspects were found in possession of approximately 300 kilograms of copper cables sourced from Eskom and the eThekwini Municipality. The estimated value of the seized materials is R100,000.
In addition to the cables, the vehicle used by the suspects—a van—was confiscated by the police.
Over recent years, these specialized police teams have collaborated with investigators from the impacted state-owned entities to execute multiple arrests in comparable cases.
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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.
