On Sunday, 21 June 2026, a match official was severely assaulted at Giant Stadium in Soshanguve immediately after the Tshwane Inter-MRL Positional Playoffs match between Mamelodi All Stars FC and Spartans FC.
The fixture formed part of the Positions 1 and 2 Playoffs in the Tshwane Regional Football Association (TRFA) Men’s Regional League. Mamelodi All Stars FC hosted Spartans FC in what served as the decisive second leg. The match ended in a 1-1 draw. Spartans FC were declared champions of Tshwane based on the aggregate score of 2-1.
In the first leg, played earlier at LC de Villiers Sports Ground, Spartans FC had defeated Mamelodi All Stars FC 1-0.
Ugly scenes of violence erupted on the pitch right after the final whistle. Video footage from the stadium shows a group of individuals surrounding and assaulting the match official, with the official on the ground amid the confrontation as others moved around the area.
The Tshwane Regional Football Association issued a preliminary report strongly condemning the acts of violence. The association stated it would lodge a misconduct case regarding the incident. It advised the affected match official to lodge an assault case with the police.
In its statement, the TRFA extended a sincere apology to the Soshanguve Local Football Association (SOLFA) and the people of Soshanguve for the violence occurring within their jurisdiction. The apology was also directed to all 18 members of the region (16 affiliate and 2 associate), as well as to mother bodies and partners. The association noted that this incident does not represent the football it aims to develop and promote.
The TRFA acknowledged some omissions on its part in terms of event hosting and safety precautions, including risk management and mitigation measures, while emphasizing that this does not absolve responsibility for the violence itself. Due to the incident, post-match interviews for the fixture were not conducted, and the awards presentation did not take place in the usual manner. Team managers received trophies and medals directly.
During the match itself, Mamelodi All Stars FC initiated a protest, leading to some judicial issues that may remain unsettled for the time being.
The playoffs concluded with Spartans FC as overall winners, followed by Mamelodi All Stars FC in second place. The full Top 8 standings from the positional playoffs are: 1. Spartans FC, 2. Mamelodi All Stars FC, 3. Zwashu Academy FC, 4. Titans FC, 5. Silverton FC, 6. Dlalisa Moyeni FC, 7. Chillie Boys FC, and 8. Mighty Kings FC.
This incident occurred in the context of the Regional League Playoffs under the auspices of the SAFA Tshwane structure, aimed at determining promotion and positioning within the regional men’s league. Further developments, including any disciplinary actions or police investigations, are expected following the formal lodging of cases by the relevant authorities.
Highway Patrol Apprehends Suspect and Recovers Hijacked Vehicle in Dramatic Chase at Nicolway Shopping Centre
Johannesburg, 22 June 2026 – In a swift and coordinated operation, members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Highway Patrol successfully arrested one suspect and recovered a vehicle reported hijacked earlier in the day. The incident unfolded at Nicolway Shopping Centre in the afternoon, highlighting the effectiveness of rapid response tactics in combating vehicle hijackings in Gauteng.
According to police reports, Highway Patrol officers spotted a vehicle that matched the description of one circulated in connection with a hijacking incident in the Norwood area. Acting on the intelligence, the officers immediately initiated a pursuit. The suspects, aware of the police presence, attempted to evade capture but eventually brought the vehicle to a stop within the premises of the busy Nicolway Shopping Centre.
As the vehicle halted, approximately five occupants exited hastily and scattered in different directions on foot, seeking to disappear into the surrounding area. Police acted decisively, managing to apprehend one of the individuals during the foot chase. The remaining suspects, however, were able to evade immediate arrest despite the officers’ efforts to contain the situation.
The operation resulted in the full recovery of the hijacked vehicle, which was secured by police at the scene. A search of the vehicle yielded additional evidence in the form of signal jammers, devices commonly associated with sophisticated hijacking syndicates to disrupt tracking systems and communication during criminal activities. These items have been seized for further forensic analysis.
Authorities have emphasised that the search for the outstanding suspects remains active, with dedicated teams following up on leads generated from the incident. Investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the hijacking, the identities of those involved, and any potential links to broader criminal networks operating in the region.
This incident serves as a reminder of the persistent threat posed by vehicle hijackings in urban and suburban areas of Gauteng. Law enforcement agencies continue to urge motorists to remain vigilant, install reliable tracking devices, and report suspicious activities promptly. The successful recovery of the vehicle and the arrest of at least one suspect demonstrate the commitment of the SAPS Highway Patrol to disrupting such crimes and restoring stolen property to rightful owners.
Community members in the vicinity of Nicolway Shopping Centre and Norwood have been asked to cooperate with police by providing any relevant information that could assist in locating the fleeing suspects. No injuries were reported during the pursuit or apprehension, allowing authorities to focus on the investigative aspects without additional complications.
As details emerge, police have indicated that further updates will be provided as the case progresses. This operation underscores the importance of integrated policing strategies that combine intelligence, rapid response, and thorough follow-up in the fight against organised crime.
