TZANEEN, Limpopo – A pedestrian was struck by a white sedan at the South African Police Service station in the Tzaneen central business district on February 18, 2026.
The incident occurred in the morning hours, prompting local traffic authorities to issue a caution to drivers approaching the area.
Details on the pedestrian’s condition or the circumstances leading to the collision remain unavailable at this time.
The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety has been involved in disseminating information about the event.
Family Brings Deceased Relative to Capitec Stanger Branch in Dispute Over Insurance Claim
Stanger, KwaZulu-Natal – February 18, 2026
A routine visit to Capitec Bank’s Stanger branch escalated into an extraordinary disruption this morning when a family, seeking to process a life insurance or funeral policy claim, reportedly arrived with the body of their deceased relative as proof of death.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the incident unfolded around 11:20 AM in the bustling Stanger Central Business District (CBD). The family had initially approached the bank to access funds related to the policy but were informed by staff that additional documentation, specifically proof of the death, was required to proceed with the claim.
In response, the family allegedly returned to the branch shortly afterward, carrying the body inside the premises. This action prompted immediate panic among customers and employees present at the time. Reports confirm that individuals evacuated the building rapidly, leading to the branch’s abrupt closure.
Local authorities, including police, were quickly summoned to the scene. The surrounding streets in the Stanger CBD were cordoned off temporarily, halting normal business activities and creating a standstill in the area. Emergency services and health officials are now involved in managing the situation, with the site marked by police vehicles and flashing lights.
Shocked bystanders and shoppers in the vicinity described the atmosphere as tense, with many opting to leave the area entirely. Authorities have advised residents to steer clear of the Capitec Stanger branch and adjacent roads while the matter is resolved.
The event has sparked discussions among locals about the clarity of banking procedures for such claims. Some residents noted the irony, with one commenting that the bank requested proof without detailing the acceptable forms.
This remains an active and developing situation, with further updates anticipated as officials continue their investigation and the branch assesses when it can reopen. No additional details on the family’s identity or the deceased have been released at this time.
Armed Heist at Limpopo Truck Stop: Copper Cargo Worth R4 Million Stolen
Mookgophong, Limpopo – In a bold overnight robbery, over 20 armed individuals targeted a truck stop on the R101 highway, making off with two trailers containing copper estimated at R4 million in value.
The attack unfolded between 11:00 PM on February 15, 2026, and 3:00 AM on February 16, 2026. The perpetrators entered the site, subdued a security officer, and seized his 7.65mm Bersa pistol. They then detained several truck drivers and employees, holding them captive during the operation.
In addition to the trailers, the group stole R22,000 in cash from the premises before escaping.
Law enforcement acted quickly following the report. On February 16, officers stopped a white Nissan NP200 vehicle near Musina, which was linked to the crime, and took one person into custody.
Subsequent leads directed police to a Hyundai Staria minibus at a fuel station in Makhado. As authorities approached, multiple passengers escaped on foot. The driver was arrested immediately, and with assistance from drone surveillance and ground teams, three more individuals were captured.
The four detained suspects are undergoing questioning as part of the ongoing probe.
- Armed Suspects Disrupt Traffic in Attempted Hijacking on Cape Town’s N2 Highway
- Foiled Robbery Attempt at Dikwena Sasol Garage in Limpopo
- Cash-in-Transit Robbery Reported on Khoza Street in Atteridgeville
- Tragic Two-Vehicle Collision Shuts Down N1 at Capricorn Toll Plaza in Limpopo
- Pedestrian Struck by Vehicle at Tzaneen Police Station
Major Firearm Seizure in Middelburg Highlights Ongoing Compliance Issues
In a recent operation, the South African Police Service (SAPS) conducted 3,728 compliance inspections at business premises, including gun dealers and security companies, under the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000. This Act requires licence holders to ensure safe storage, proper authorisation, and full accountability for all licensed firearms and ammunition. All firearm owners must hold a valid competency certificate along with a valid licence or permit.
The National Tracking and Tracing Task Team, as part of Operation Buyisa, arrested a 55-year-old gun dealer in Middelburg for non-compliance with the Act. During the operation, 537 licensed firearms and ammunition were seized. These firearms were stored at an unlicensed facility on a plot outside eMalahleni. A related security company was found operating with expired firearm licences. The dealer had reportedly exceeded storage capacity at the registered premises.
Under Section 120(1) of the Act, offences include contravening provisions of the Act, breaching licence conditions, and disregarding lawful notices or requirements. Such inspections enforce accountability and accurate record-keeping for licensed firearms and ammunition.
Mpumalanga, where Middelburg is located, recorded 332 murders between April and June 2024, averaging three per day. Firearms and knives were the primary weapons used in these incidents. In the 2023/24 period, Mpumalanga accounted for 532 firearm-related murders, representing 4.5% of the national total. Five provinces, including Mpumalanga, accounted for 93.5% of all firearm murders in South Africa during that time. Illegal possession of firearms and ammunition increased by 29.6% in Mpumalanga in a recent reporting period. In the fourth quarter of 2022/23, Mpumalanga saw multiple-victim murders and incidents linked to domestic violence.
Nationally, South Africa recorded over 26,000 homicides in 2024, averaging more than 70 per day. Firearms accounted for a large share of these deaths. Between 2019 and 2024, more than 3,400 SAPS firearms were lost or stolen, with only a fraction recovered. In the October to December 2024 period, firearms were used in 2,886 murders. During the same quarter, 1,952 suspects were arrested for illegal possession of firearms, and 1,380 for illegal possession of ammunition. Firearms were involved in 42% of murders and 58% of attempted murders in that period. In the fourth quarter of 2024/25, 4,023 cases of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition were registered, marking a 2.7% increase from the previous year. Guns were used in 71.1% of home robberies in 2024/25. In assaults during the same year, guns were involved in 18.4% of cases. Between January and March 2025, 5,727 murders occurred nationally, averaging 62 per day, alongside 6,985 attempted murders, averaging 75 per day.
