A video circulating on social media depicts a man, identified in reports as a suspected hijacker, being severely assaulted by a group of men believed to include taxi drivers in the Eastern Cape province.
In the graphic footage, the man, wearing a purple or maroon top and dark pants, is on the ground beside a white minibus-style vehicle featuring yellow and orange markings on the rear. He is repeatedly struck with objects that appear to be sticks, ropes, or cables by several individuals. A cable or rope is secured around his ankles or legs and connected to the tow hitch at the back of the white vehicle.
The man is pulled or dragged along the grassy roadside verge next to a paved road while lying on the ground. He is seen attempting to push himself up, turning his body, and reacting as the assault continues. The approximately 47-second clip shows him positioned on his side, stomach, and back on the dry grass and dirt area, with multiple people visible around the scene.
The incident is reported to have followed allegations that the man was involved in a hijacking. The exact location within the Eastern Cape, the precise time of the event, the full identity of the man, and the specific details of any preceding hijacking remain unconfirmed by official sources.
No public statements from the South African Police Service detailing arrests, the extent of injuries, or the progress of any investigation into this event have been issued. South African law prohibits acts of vigilantism, meaning any assault is subject to full criminal investigation regardless of prior allegations against the individual.
The video was shared publicly with a graphic content warning. It has generated notable public engagement and discussion regarding crime, community responses, and the taxi industry in the province.
The Eastern Cape has recorded various incidents involving taxis, hijackings, and associated violence over recent years. This specific event stands as a distinct occurrence based on available information, amid broader community frustrations with crime levels.
Authorities are anticipated to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the full sequence of events, identify all individuals involved, assess the medical condition of the assaulted man, and pursue appropriate legal action where required. No confirmed information has been released concerning the man’s current medical status, whereabouts, or any formal charges laid.
This account is compiled exclusively from details observable in the publicly available video and associated reports as of 7 May 2026. Official confirmation and updates from law enforcement will provide further verified facts as the investigation advances.
OTHER NEWS
Clare Estate Armed Robbery Suspect Fatally Shot During Early-Morning Police Operation
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal – An armed robbery suspect was killed in a shootout with police in the Clare Estate area on Thursday, 7 May 2026.
Members of the Sydenham SAPS Trio Task Team were conducting a search for the suspect in the Palmiet Road informal settlement when they came under fire. The confrontation resulted in the suspect being fatally wounded.
The deceased, known only as “Mkhwanazi”, was wanted in connection with various armed robberies in the broader area and is believed to have been a local gang leader. One firearm was recovered at the scene.
Reports indicate that Mkhwanazi allegedly opened fire on the police team first, after which officers returned fire, leading to his death at the scene. No injuries to police officers were reported.
The Sydenham SAPS Trio Task Team specialises in tackling trio crimes, including house robberies, business robberies, and vehicle hijackings. This operation aligns with ongoing efforts to address violent crime in the Clare Estate and surrounding Durban communities, particularly in informal settlements where armed criminal activity has been prevalent.
Investigations into the incident are continuing, and authorities are expected to release further details, including confirmation of the suspect’s full identity and any additional links to other cases.
Source: Dasen Thathiah
Two SAPS Tactical Response Team Sergeants Killed in Single-Vehicle Crash
Two sergeants from the South African Police Service (SAPS) Tactical Response Team (TRT) died in a single-vehicle accident on the N4 highway near eMalahleni (Witbank), Mpumalanga, on Tuesday evening, 5 May 2026.
The officers were travelling in a state vehicle, reported as a BMW, en route to Pretoria to testify in court cases. The accident occurred just after 22:00. The vehicle overturned, crashed through barriers, hit a tree, and rolled towards the Olifants River, becoming wedged between bushes. One sergeant was ejected, while the other was trapped inside.
Both members were deployed to KwaZulu-Natal as part of the eManguzi Task Team, assisting operations against cross-border crimes in the Manguzi area near the Mozambique border. They were attached to units including Thembisa TRT and Pretoria Central TRT.
The SAPS has not yet released the names of the deceased, pending notification of their families.
Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane extended condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues. “The loss of these dedicated officers is a devastating blow to the organisation. They served the country with commitment and courage,” she said.
The SAPS Employee Health and Wellness unit has been deployed to support the affected families and colleagues in the eManguzi Task Team.
Recovery operations at the scene lasted approximately eight hours due to the vehicle’s position and ongoing rain, with assistance from Van Wettens Recovery.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer David Ratau confirmed that investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing. No further details regarding passengers, mechanical issues, or other factors have been released.
