Three suspects were killed in a shootout with police in Benoni on the East Rand on March 19, 2026.
The incident occurred after a high-speed chase that stemmed from a hijacking, attempted murder and kidnapping in Crystal Park during the early hours of Thursday morning.
The suspects were fatally wounded during the high-speed chase and shootout with the Hawks Tactical Operations Management Team.
The victim from the hijacking, attempted murder and kidnapping incident was not hurt.
Police officers recovered two firearms and some of the possessions belonging to the victim at the scene.
The entire operation took place in Crystal Park, Benoni, where the initial crimes unfolded and the subsequent chase and shootout ended with the deaths of the three suspects.
SAPS Rescues Victims in N12 Hijacking and Kidnapping Operation in Katlehong
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.
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.
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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.
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.
