Bloemfontein – Authorities in the Free State province are actively searching for suspects after three women were killed in two distinct shooting events over the weekend in the Bloemspruit and Namibia Square neighborhoods.
The most recent case was reported early on Sunday morning, February 8, 2026, at approximately 1:50 a.m. Officers from the Bloemspruit Crime Prevention unit, while conducting standard patrols, came across the bodies of two women near a home in Namibia Square. Both individuals, thought to be in their late 20s, had been shot in the back of the head. Paramedics confirmed their deaths upon arrival at the location.
Descriptions provided by investigators indicate that one victim was clad in light blue jeans paired with a green hoodie, and the other wore a blue denim shirt along with black denim jeans.
This followed a similar discovery on Saturday, February 8, 2026, when the remains of a woman in her mid-30s were located beside Meadows Road in Bloemspruit. She too had suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head.
Police have noted that none of the victims carried identification, leaving their names unconfirmed at this time. The reasons behind these shootings are still being examined, with no suspects in custody yet.
“The identities of the three deceased are not yet known since no documents were recovered from the scenes. We are probing the motives, and there have been no apprehensions so far,” stated Police Spokesperson Mahlomola Kareli.
Individuals with details about who the victims might be or leads on those responsible are encouraged to reach out to Detective Sergeant Machalotsa at 073 729 1732.
Shootout at Blyvooruitzig Gold Mine Leads to Arrests of Armed Illegal Miners
Carletonville, South Africa – In an early morning operation on February 8, 2026, members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) National Intervention Unit from Pretoria apprehended four suspects involved in illegal mining activities at the Blyvooruitzig Gold Mine. The incident unfolded around 04:00 when police acted on intelligence reports indicating the presence of heavily armed individuals at the site.
Upon the arrival of the police unit, the suspects attempted to evade capture by fleeing the area while blowing whistles, a tactic possibly used to alert others. This escalation resulted in an exchange of gunfire between the officers and the miners. During the confrontation, two suspects sustained fatal injuries. No injuries were reported among the police personnel involved in the operation.
The arrested individuals, numbering four in total, were taken into custody following the shootout. Law enforcement officials recovered several firearms from the scene, including one AK47 assault rifle and two 9mm pistols, along with associated ammunition. Additionally, a state-owned vehicle was damaged amid the chaos of the encounter.
The Blyvooruitzig Gold Mine, located in Carletonville, has been a known hotspot for illegal mining operations, often referred to as “zama zamas” in local parlance. These activities typically involve unauthorized extraction of minerals from disused or active mines, posing significant risks to public safety and infrastructure.
The SAPS National Intervention Unit, specialized in handling high-risk situations, was deployed specifically to address the threat posed by the armed group. The operation highlights ongoing efforts by authorities to curb illegal mining, which has been linked to violence, environmental degradation, and economic losses in the region.
As of now, the investigation remains active, with police continuing to gather evidence and process the scene. The identities of the arrested suspects and the deceased have not been released pending further inquiries. Authorities have indicated that charges related to illegal mining, possession of unlicensed firearms, and possibly attempted murder could be forthcoming based on the evidence collected.
This incident underscores the dangers faced by law enforcement in tackling organized illegal mining syndicates, which often operate with sophisticated weaponry. The recovery of high-caliber firearms like the AK47 points to the potential for escalated violence in such confrontations.
Police have urged the public to report any suspicious activities around mining sites to assist in preventing similar occurrences. The operation at Blyvooruitzig serves as a reminder of the persistent challenges in securing South Africa’s mining heritage against unlawful exploitation.
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Daring Daylight Robbery at Limpopo Airport: Armed Suspects Steal Gold and Copper Parcels
TZANEEN, Limpopo – A group of six armed suspects carried out a bold robbery at Tarentaal Airport on February 6, 2026, targeting a delivery of precious metals. The incident occurred at approximately 09:30 at the privately operated airstrip located near Letsitele in the Mopani District.
The suspects, who were wearing balaclavas, accosted a 26-year-old man from Gauteng Province as he was collecting gold and copper parcels from security company officers. The man was proceeding toward a truck when the group confronted him, robbing him of the parcels, which weighed a total of approximately 21.276 kilograms.
During the robbery, the suspects disarmed two security officers of their service firearms. No major injuries were reported among the victims or any other individuals at the scene.
The perpetrators fled the area in two vehicles: a grey Ford Bantam bakkie and a white Hyundai Getz. While escaping, they dropped the stolen firearms along with live rifle ammunition, which authorities believe is linked to the group. Police recovered these items at the scene.
Tarentaal Airport serves primarily for chartered flights, agricultural activities, and the transportation of high-value cargo, including consignments related to mining operations. The security company involved in the delivery has been identified in reports as G4S, with the armoured vehicle ambushed during the process.
In response to the crime, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has opened a case of business robbery and initiated an extensive manhunt for the suspects, who remain at large and are considered armed and dangerous. The investigation is being handled by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks.
Senior SAPS officials, including Acting District Commissioner Brigadier Mary Mashila, the District Detectives Commander, and the local Station Commander, attended the scene. They were supported by a multidisciplinary task team that includes provincial and district units, as well as the Local Crime Record Centre (LCRC).
Authorities have urged the public to provide any information that could assist in locating the suspects. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stop at 08600 10111, the nearest police station, or via the My SAPS App. No arrests have been made as of February 8, 2026.
