Cape Town, South Africa – A Nigerian rapper performing under the name 3GAR Baby, whose real name is Prince Daniel Obioma, has been linked to an identity fraud investigation following a high-value car crash in Cape Town.
The incident involved the total destruction of a McLaren 570S reportedly worth R7 million. The vehicle was wrecked beyond repair in the crash that took place in the city.
Investigations subsequently uncovered allegations that Obioma had stolen the identity of a South African citizen. Authorities claim the fraud was carried out by using the legitimate citizen’s fingerprints while substituting the original photograph on official documents with Obioma’s own image.
Further inquiries established that Obioma had overstayed his visitor’s visa during 2023. After the visa expired, he remained in South Africa illegally. Records also indicate he later re-entered the country without any documented arrival.
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU), in partnership with Interpol, traced the identity fraud operation. Their findings pointed to foreign nationals working with certain Department of Home Affairs officials to gain unauthorised access to identity systems and facilitate related criminal activities.
Armed Robbery Targets Cash-in-Transit Vehicle in Johannesburg Suburb
Johannesburg, February 23, 2026 – A group of armed individuals carried out a robbery on a cash-in-transit vehicle in the Yeoville area of Johannesburg this morning. The incident took place on Rockey Street, where suspects confronted the vehicle’s crew.
During the event, a shootout occurred, resulting in one suspect receiving gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel provided immediate care at the location, and the injured person was listed in critical condition. The remaining suspects escaped on foot, leaving behind a cash container they had taken from the vehicle. Weapons were found and collected by responding officers.
Police and private security teams arrived promptly, establishing a perimeter around the site. The surrounding streets, including intersections near Raleigh Street and Bedford Road, were closed off to ensure public safety. No information has been provided regarding casualties among the cash-in-transit staff or passersby, nor about the quantity of money involved.
Investigators are examining evidence from the scene as part of an active probe into the robbery. Local residents and drivers were urged to steer clear of the area while operations continued.
Arrest of Foreign National in Ficksburg After Shooting Incident at Local Cultural Event
Ficksburg, Free State – A 32-year-old man, identified as a foreign national, has been detained by authorities after an alleged attempt to murder a local resident during a traditional celebration near Meqheleng township over the weekend.
The event, described as a cultural feast, turned violent when a dispute arose between the suspect and a 58-year-old man from the Meqheleng area. According to police reports, the argument quickly intensified, resulting in the older man being shot and sustaining severe injuries. He was promptly transported to a medical facility where he remains under care.
South African Police Service (SAPS) officers arrived at the location following reports of the disturbance. Upon conducting an on-site investigation, they arrested the individual involved. A search revealed that he was carrying an unlicensed firearm along with ammunition, prompting further charges beyond the initial attempted murder allegation.
In an official SAPS statement, it was confirmed that the suspect faces accusations related to the shooting as well as the unlawful possession of the weapon and rounds. “The suspect was arrested on charges of attempted murder, as well as the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition,” the statement noted.
The arrested man is scheduled to make his first court appearance today, February 23, 2026, at the Ficksburg Magistrate’s Court. Authorities have not released additional details about the suspect’s nationality or the specific circumstances leading to the altercation, but the incident has raised concerns about safety at community gatherings.
Police have urged anyone with further information to come forward as the investigation continues. This case highlights ongoing efforts to address illegal firearms in the region, with SAPS emphasizing their commitment to public security.
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E-Hailing Driver Shot and Hijacked in Late-Night Attack in Rylands
Cape Town, South Africa – A male e-hailing driver in his 30s remains in critical condition after being shot in the face and chest during a hijacking on Jeina Road in Rylands, Athlone. The incident took place on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at around 10:45 p.m.
According to police reports, the driver was approached by four unidentified men who opened fire on him before seizing his white Toyota Aygo vehicle and escaping the scene. The victim was immediately transported to a nearby hospital, where medical staff confirmed his serious injuries. He continues to receive treatment as authorities work to gather more details.
Athlone police have opened an investigation into charges of attempted murder and hijacking. Constable Ndakhe Gwala, a police spokesperson, provided confirmation of the event’s circumstances, including the time, location, and nature of the assault. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward by contacting Crime Stop at 08600 10111.
This attack adds to a series of recent violent incidents targeting e-hailing drivers across the region. It follows the killing of Nigerian national Isaac Satlat in Pretoria, which occurred less than two weeks earlier. In that case, the victim was also an e-hailing driver, highlighting a pattern of assaults where perpetrators often escape without immediate arrests by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
In response to the escalating threats, representatives from the e-hailing community have voiced concerns over driver safety. Siyabonga Hlabisa, chairperson of the Western Cape E-hailing Association (WCEA), noted that drivers frequently face risks as criminals view them as vulnerable targets. He pointed out that stolen mobile phones from such incidents are commonly resold within local communities.
Hlabisa emphasized the potential benefits of installing dashboard cameras in vehicles, citing their role in providing evidence during investigations. He referenced a previous event in Pretoria where such footage aided authorities. Additionally, he called on e-hailing companies to initiate discussions aimed at improving security measures for operators.
Among his specific recommendations, Hlabisa suggested that ride-hailing apps should display a photo of the customer’s face upon acceptance of a trip request. This feature, he argued, could help reduce the incidence of fraudulent bookings and related scams that endanger drivers.
The WCEA’s statements reflect broader frustrations within the industry, where drivers report feeling exposed due to the nature of their work, which often involves late-night pickups in various neighborhoods. Police records indicate that similar hijackings and shootings have occurred in multiple areas, though exact figures for the past year were not detailed in the immediate aftermath of this event.
As the investigation proceeds, law enforcement officials have reiterated their commitment to pursuing leads. The hijacked Toyota Aygo remains unrecovered, and no suspects have been identified or apprehended at this time. The victim’s identity has not been publicly released to protect his privacy during his recovery.
Community members in Rylands and surrounding areas have been alerted to the incident, with police encouraging vigilance regarding suspicious activities or sightings of the stolen vehicle. The case underscores ongoing challenges in addressing crime against transport workers in urban settings.
