KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Task Team Executes Tactical Arrest of Former Special Task Force Member Linked to Witness Murder

Durban – 19 March 2026 – On 14 March 2026, members of the South African Police Service’s KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Task Team carried out a coordinated tactical operation that resulted in the arrest of a suspect in the murder of a witness referred to as “Witness D”.

CCTV footage recorded from the St David control room at approximately 15:41 shows the sequence from multiple camera angles. A white minibus van is positioned on a street adjacent to a parking area filled with other vehicles. Several officers arrive in unmarked and official vehicles. They exit rapidly, with some personnel disembarking while the vehicles are still moving.

The officers, wearing tactical gear and carrying firearms, advance in formation toward a group of individuals standing near the open side door of the white van. Within seconds, the team surrounds the suspects, restrains them on the ground, and secures the scene. The operation concludes without visible hesitation or prolonged engagement.

The primary suspect arrested is a former member of the SAPS Special Task Force who previously served under the command of KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi has publicly confirmed that he personally assisted in the apprehension of this individual.

The arrest forms part of investigations into the murder of Witness D, a case that has featured in broader inquiries into criminal activity within the justice system.

Lieutenant General Mkhwanazi is currently testifying before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. Established in September 2025, the commission is examining allegations of criminality, political interference, and corruption across the South African criminal justice system, including within the police service.

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Task Team operates under the provincial commissioner’s oversight and has been referenced during commission proceedings in relation to its operational effectiveness and prior decisions regarding specialised units in the province.

No further details on additional charges or court appearances have been released by SAPS at this stage. The footage remains the primary public record of the 14 March operation.

Armed Couple Fights Back Against Robbers on N12 in Witbank Killing one Suspect

WITBANK – Alleged robbers picked up a husband and wife as passengers on the N12 highway in Witbank, apparently believing the pair would be easy targets for their planned attack.

The suspects carried out their plan when they attempted to pull a move on the unsuspecting couple during the journey.

In response, the husband drew his own firearm and fought back against the alleged robbers.

The confrontation left two of the suspects shot.

One suspect died on the scene as a direct result of the shooting.

A second suspect was injured in the incident and was arrested.

A third suspect managed to escape from the scene.

The incident unfolded entirely on the N12 in Witbank and involved only the husband and wife as the passengers targeted by the alleged robbers.

No further details on the sequence beyond the picking up of the passengers, the attempted move, the husband’s armed response, the shooting of two suspects, the death of one, the injury and arrest of another, and the escape of the third have been established in reports of the event.

The husband and wife were the victims who turned the tables on the group through the man’s use of his firearm in self-defence during the attempted robbery.

Single Vehicle Crash Disrupts Traffic on Mariannhill Road Near KwaDengezi Bus Depot

A single vehicle crash has taken place on Mariannhill Road in the vicinity of the Bus Depot in KwaDengezi.

The incident involves one vehicle only and has prompted authorities to issue an immediate advisory to motorists travelling in the area.

Traffic flow along Mariannhill Road is expected to experience delays and possible congestion as a direct result of the crash.

Emergency personnel are currently on scene attending to the situation.

Motorists are strongly urged to exercise extreme caution while navigating the affected stretch of road. Drivers should reduce their speed significantly, maintain heightened awareness of surrounding conditions, and pay particular attention to the presence of emergency vehicles and personnel working at the site.

Commuters are encouraged to consider alternative routes where possible until the scene is cleared and normal traffic movement resumes.

No further details regarding the cause of the crash or any injuries have been released at this time. Motorists are reminded to remain vigilant and adhere to all traffic safety instructions in the KwaDengezi area.

DURBAN METRO POLICE SERVICE MAKES SWIFT ARREST IN PHOENIX ROBBERY INCIDENT

Durban Metro Police Service officers carried out a swift arrest following a robbery that targeted a school learner in the Phoenix area.

The incident took place outside Stonebridge Primary School, where a learner from Phoenix Secondary School was approached by a suspect. The suspect allegedly robbed the learner of her cellphone.

Reports state that the suspect used a pellet gun while committing the offence. The Durban Metro Police Service responded promptly to the situation, leading to the immediate apprehension of the suspect at the scene.

The arrested individual has been taken into custody. Authorities are now processing the matter according to standard procedures.

Three Suspects Killed in Benoni Shootout Following High-Speed Chase

Three suspects were killed in a shootout with police in Benoni on the East Rand on March 19, 2026.

The incident occurred after a high-speed chase that stemmed from a hijacking, attempted murder and kidnapping in Crystal Park during the early hours of Thursday morning.

The suspects were fatally wounded during the high-speed chase and shootout with the Hawks Tactical Operations Management Team.

The victim from the hijacking, attempted murder and kidnapping incident was not hurt.

Police officers recovered two firearms and some of the possessions belonging to the victim at the scene.

The entire operation took place in Crystal Park, Benoni, where the initial crimes unfolded and the subsequent chase and shootout ended with the deaths of the three suspects.

Six Suspects Arrested After Armed Robbery at Brooklyn Mall in Pretoria

Pretoria – An armed robbery occurred at Brooklyn Mall on Wednesday, 18 March 2026, at approximately 10:00. A security officer was shot and injured during the incident. The officer was airlifted to a nearby medical facility and is in a stable condition.

Shoppers scrambled for safety and took cover inside stores as the mall’s outlets went into immediate lockdown. Shots were fired, causing widespread panic. Initial confusion arose near the Mugg & Bean area, where the sound of the first shot was mistaken for something dropping. No other shoppers or staff were reported injured.

Police, private security companies and emergency services responded swiftly and remained on scene. Multiple law enforcement agencies and security teams were active at the mall, with members of the public urged to avoid the area.

Police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk confirmed that six suspects were arrested. One suspect was wounded during a shootout with officers. A rifle and a hijacked vehicle linked to the robbery were recovered.

The investigation is ongoing. No further details on the exact target of the robbery or items taken have been released by police at this stage.

Taxi Boss and Wife Fatally Shot in Suspected Targeted Attack Near Palm Taxi Rank, Delft South

Cape Town – Zwelakhe Lingani, a 50-year-old rank manager for the Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Associations (CODETA), and his wife were shot and killed on Monday evening, 16 March 2026.

The double murder occurred at about 20:15 near the Palm taxi rank in Delft South. Police confirm the couple was travelling in a silver Toyota Fortuner when unknown suspects approached the vehicle and opened fire before fleeing the scene.

Both victims sustained multiple gunshot wounds to their bodies and heads. They were declared dead on the scene by medical personnel.

Delft police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg stated: “Delft police responded to a complaint of a shooting on Monday evening, 16 March 2026, at about 20:15, near the Palm taxi rank, Delft South, and upon arrival on the scene, they found a 50-year-old male and an adult female who sustained multiple gunshot wounds to their bodies. Both victims were declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel. According to reports, the victims were driving in a silver Toyota Fortuner when they were approached by unknown suspects who shot them before fleeing the scene. The motive for the attack is believed to be taxi-related.”

Police recovered 85 R5 cartridges and 13 9mm cartridges at the scene.

Delft detectives are investigating two counts of murder. No arrests have been made and no suspects have been identified.

CODETA spokesperson Nceba Enge confirmed that Lingani was a member of the association.

This incident follows a triple murder at the Voorbrug taxi rank on Delft Main Road on 12 March 2026, in which three taxi operators were killed.

Police have urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app anonymously. Investigations continue.