Katlehong – Members of the South African Police Service responded to reports of a group of suspects involved in a hijacking and kidnapping incident along the N12 highway.
Upon receiving the information, police immediately implemented a coordinated operational plan to trace the suspects and secure the safe release of the victims.
Acting on intelligence, officers located the suspects at a residential premises in the Dikole Section of Katlehong.
When police arrived at the property and engaged the suspects, one suspect was fatally wounded during the operation.
All victims were successfully rescued without any further harm.
The hijacked vehicle was recovered intact, together with all personal belongings belonging to the victims.
The scene remains active.
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.
Man in Twenties Shot Dead After Alleged Attack on SAPS Officer in Durban
Durban – A man believed to be in his twenties was shot dead on Botanic Gardens Road in the Berea area after he allegedly attempted to rob a member of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Emergency medical personnel responded to the shooting incident on the road just after 7:30am this morning. On arrival, they found SAPS members and multiple security personnel already at the scene.
The medical team was shown to the male victim, who had sustained a gunshot wound to the head. Paramedics carried out an immediate assessment and determined that the injuries were fatal. The man was declared deceased on the scene.
Initial information indicates that the deceased had attacked an SAPS official during the alleged robbery attempt, after which the officer retaliated. The scene on Botanic Gardens Road remains active.
All necessary authorities are present at the location and will continue to investigate the circumstances of the incident.
- Suspect wanted for Mount Edgecombe Crime Intelligence killings shot dead in Inanda police operation
- Driver in his twenties killed after hatchback hits truck trailer on N17
- 29-year-old man shot dead outside girlfriend’s home after kidnapping and robbery in Buffelsdraai
- Sydenham massacre suspect arrested in Melmoth after nearly five years
- Malawian national detained in Blackheath during immigration checks, circulating footage shows him pointing out others
Johannesburg Authorities Issue Urgent Warning Over ‘Chuff’ Trend as Teens Inhale Fire Extinguisher Contents
A video showing school learners inhaling the contents of a fire extinguisher is spreading on social media, prompting concern from officials in Johannesburg.
The activity, referred to as the ‘Chuff’ challenge, has triggered alerts from parents, teachers and emergency responders across the city.
The City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services has highlighted the serious health dangers linked to breathing in fire extinguisher substances. These risks include pneumonia, seizures and death.
Officials stated that fire extinguishers are made only to extinguish fires and are not intended for inhalation or any form of smoking.
To address safety awareness, the city operates Besafe Centres located in all seven regions. These centres provide educational programmes on life and fire safety, which cover the correct use of fire extinguishers.
Schools and members of the public are encouraged to visit the Besafe Centres or arrange for Public Education Officers to deliver these training sessions at their locations.
Parents have been called upon to speak directly with their children about the hazards of participating in the ‘Chuff’ trend.
Anyone who believes a person may be at risk from this activity is advised to contact the Emergency Management Services Command and Control Centre immediately on 011 375 5911.
The Emergency Management Services is appealing to the community to share accurate information about the dangers so that further harm can be avoided.
