Pretoria – The Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department (TMPD) Cable Theft Unit has arrested three male suspects in connection with the possession of suspected stolen copper cables in Pretoria West.
The operation unfolded on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, when TMPD officers were conducting routine patrols along Bremer Street. During the patrol, members stopped a white bakkie carrying three occupants for a routine inspection.
A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a white bag containing copper cables. When questioned, the suspects could not provide any satisfactory explanation for the presence of the cables, nor could they produce any valid documentation proving ownership or lawful possession.
The three men were immediately placed under arrest on charges of possession of suspected stolen property. They were transported to a local police station, where they remain in custody as investigations continue.
In a statement following the arrests, the TMPD emphasised its firm stance against cable theft and related offences. The department made it clear that it will not tolerate any form of vandalism or damage to essential infrastructure and will continue to intensify its operations to combat these crimes.
The TMPD reiterated that such proactive measures are essential to protect critical services and ensure the safety of residents across Tshwane.
No further details about the suspects have been released at this stage, pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
Fatal Shooting in Milnerton: 35-Year-Old Man Killed in Broad Daylight
Milnerton police are investigating a murder following a fatal shooting in the Rugby area of Milnerton on Thursday, 12 February 2026.
Emergency services were called to Albow Road shortly after 12:40 pm, where a 35-year-old man was found with multiple gunshot wounds. He was declared dead at the scene by medical personnel.
According to police reports, the victim was walking along the street when a light blue Ford Fiesta pulled up beside him. One of the vehicle’s occupants exited and opened fire on the man before the vehicle sped away from the scene.
The victim, a father, had been on his way to collect his children from school at the time of the incident.
Milnerton police have opened a murder docket. Sergeant Wesley Twigg, the police spokesperson, confirmed the details: “Milnerton police registered a murder case for investigation following a shooting incident on Thursday afternoon, 12 February 2026, at about 12:40, in Albow Street, Rugby, where a 35-year-old male was shot and fatally wounded. The victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his body and was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel. According to reports the victim was walking in the street, when a light blue Ford Fiesta stopped next to him. One of the occupants of the vehicle got out and opened fire on the victim before fleeing the scene.”
The motive for the attack is still under investigation and has not been established.
Police have appealed to the public for assistance. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit details anonymously via the MySAPS mobile application.
The incident is the latest in a series of shootings reported in the Milnerton policing area in recent months.
- E-Hailing Driver Murdered in Pretoria West: Viral Dashcam Footage Prompts Arrest and Ongoing Manhunt
- Three Men Arrested in Pretoria West for Possession of Suspected Stolen Copper Cables
- Two Men Arrested in Pietermaritzburg for Firearm Robbery and Unlicensed Possession
- Three Young Men Arrested in Intelligence-Led Firearms Operation in OR Tambo District
- Fatal Shooting in Milnerton: 35-Year-Old Man Killed in Broad Daylight
Transnet Dismisses Employee After Video Imitating Child with Disability Sparks Outrage
Johannesburg – Ndzudzeni Ratshilumela, a content creator employed as a locomotive worker at Transnet in Ladysmith, has been dismissed by the state-owned logistics company following the circulation of a video in which he imitated the dance movements of a child with a disability.
The video, which has since been removed, showed Ratshilumela seated on a couch wearing a yellow t-shirt and jeans as he replicated the child’s movements. The clip spread rapidly on social media platforms, drawing criticism for its portrayal of the child’s condition.
Reports indicate that Ratshilumela, who is Venda-born, had previously posted similar content involving individuals with disabilities. This pattern contributed to the intensity of the public response after the latest video surfaced.
In the days following the video’s viral spread, Ratshilumela’s main Facebook account, which had accumulated more than 700,000 followers, was deactivated. His TikTok account was also suspended amid a wave of reports from users.
Transnet confirmed it had received complaints about the posts and launched an internal investigation. The company stated that the conduct conflicted with its organisational values of respect, dignity, inclusion, and care. It emphasised that discrimination and the humiliation of others have no place in the company or the communities it serves. Following the disciplinary process, Transnet terminated Ratshilumela’s employment.
The incident took place while Ratshilumela was off duty. He later issued an apology, describing the video as an honest joke and posting a response that included the phrase “Ndori sorry” on a backup Facebook page he opened after the deactivation of his primary account.
The events have highlighted the rapid consequences that can follow from social media content. Users across platforms expressed strong views on the responsibilities of content creators when depicting vulnerable individuals, particularly children with disabilities. The case has also prompted renewed online conversations about the boundaries of imitation and humour in digital spaces.
Ratshilumela’s dismissal marks the conclusion of Transnet’s response to the matter, with the company reinforcing its position against any form of conduct that undermines respect for others. The full sequence—from the video’s posting to the loss of social media accounts and employment—unfolded over a short period in early February 2026.
