Suicide Warning
This article discusses suicide and contains descriptions of self-harm. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress, please seek immediate help. In South Africa, contact the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) at 0800 567 567 or SMS 31393, or Lifeline South Africa at 0861 322 322. For international support, reach out to local crisis hotlines or emergency services.
Brakpan, Gauteng – Wiandre Pretorius, a 41-year-old former police reservist and informant, died after shooting himself in the head at a petrol station in Brakpan on the East Rand. The incident occurred around 22:00 on Saturday, February 7, 2026, following an argument with his partner.
Police confirmed that Pretorius arrived at the Astron petrol station with his fiancée, where the two engaged in a heated dispute. CCTV footage from the site, now in possession of investigators, shows Pretorius stumbling as if intoxicated, waving a firearm during the altercation, and then pointing the weapon at his own head before firing a single shot. He collapsed immediately and was pronounced dead at the scene from the self-inflicted wound to his upper body.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has opened an inquest docket to examine the circumstances surrounding the death. SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe stated that detectives are analyzing the CCTV recordings as part of the ongoing probe. The footage, described as lasting several minutes, captures the sequence of events leading up to the shooting, including the couple’s argument inside and outside their vehicle.
Pretorius had been a figure of interest in recent high-profile investigations. He was implicated in the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry for his alleged role in the 2022 torture and extrajudicial killing of Emmanuel Mbense. Additionally, he was considered a person of interest in the murder of Marius van der Merwe, known as Witness D, who had testified against Pretorius before being assassinated.
Just days prior to his death, Pretorius survived an apparent assassination attempt outside a residence in Boksburg, where assailants fired at least 16 rounds into his vehicle. Police have noted the presence of multiple security cameras in the area of that incident and have been reviewing footage from nearby homes to aid their investigation.
Following the suicide, portions of the CCTV video from the petrol station have begun circulating on social media platforms, prompting police to urge the public to refrain from sharing unverified content. Operations manager at the Astron station, Shaun Mim, confirmed that the footage was handed over to authorities shortly after the event.
Investigators have identified four persons of interest in connection with the earlier killing of Emmanuel Mbense, though details remain limited as the inquiry continues. The Madlanga Commission, focused on police corruption and related crimes, had highlighted Pretorius as a key individual based on witness testimonies.
No further suspects have been named in relation to Pretorius’s death, which authorities have classified as a suicide based on the available evidence. The police have emphasized that the investigation will thoroughly review all aspects, including the CCTV material, to confirm the sequence of events.
Daring Daylight Robbery at Limpopo Airport: Armed Suspects Steal Gold and Copper Parcels
TZANEEN, Limpopo – A group of six armed suspects carried out a bold robbery at Tarentaal Airport on February 6, 2026, targeting a delivery of precious metals. The incident occurred at approximately 09:30 at the privately operated airstrip located near Letsitele in the Mopani District.
The suspects, who were wearing balaclavas, accosted a 26-year-old man from Gauteng Province as he was collecting gold and copper parcels from security company officers. The man was proceeding toward a truck when the group confronted him, robbing him of the parcels, which weighed a total of approximately 21.276 kilograms.
During the robbery, the suspects disarmed two security officers of their service firearms. No major injuries were reported among the victims or any other individuals at the scene.
The perpetrators fled the area in two vehicles: a grey Ford Bantam bakkie and a white Hyundai Getz. While escaping, they dropped the stolen firearms along with live rifle ammunition, which authorities believe is linked to the group. Police recovered these items at the scene.
Tarentaal Airport serves primarily for chartered flights, agricultural activities, and the transportation of high-value cargo, including consignments related to mining operations. The security company involved in the delivery has been identified in reports as G4S, with the armoured vehicle ambushed during the process.
In response to the crime, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has opened a case of business robbery and initiated an extensive manhunt for the suspects, who remain at large and are considered armed and dangerous. The investigation is being handled by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks.
Senior SAPS officials, including Acting District Commissioner Brigadier Mary Mashila, the District Detectives Commander, and the local Station Commander, attended the scene. They were supported by a multidisciplinary task team that includes provincial and district units, as well as the Local Crime Record Centre (LCRC).
Authorities have urged the public to provide any information that could assist in locating the suspects. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stop at 08600 10111, the nearest police station, or via the My SAPS App. No arrests have been made as of February 8, 2026.
Tragic Head-On Crash on N7 in Piekenierskloof Pass Claims Lives
A devastating head-on collision between a heavy motor vehicle and another vehicle has occurred in Piekenierskloof Pass along the N7 highway, resulting in fatalities. The incident has prompted the immediate closure of the road in both directions, with no estimated time for reopening provided yet.
Emergency response teams, including medical personnel and law enforcement, have arrived at the scene to manage the situation and provide necessary assistance. Officials are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash to determine its exact cause.
The collision has caused significant delays and backups for commuters in the area. Drivers are strongly encouraged to steer clear of the N7 near Piekenierskloof Pass and seek out detour options to minimize further congestion.
Authorities emphasize the importance of patience among road users during this disruption and recommend monitoring verified traffic reports for the latest developments on road status and safety advisories.
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Tragic Discovery: Body of Missing 23-Year-Old Found in Shallow Grave in Mpumalanga
Kwaggafontein, Mpumalanga – Authorities have recovered the body of a 23-year-old man who had been reported missing in Kwaggafontein, Mpumalanga, on Sunday. The discovery was made by the police’s search and rescue team, marking a somber end to the search efforts.
The body was located buried in a shallow grave behind a home in the nearby area of Vlaklaagte 2. Police officials confirmed the find, which has prompted an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the man’s death.
According to reports, the deceased was last seen in the company of a 30-year-old male individual. This person is known to the police and remains at large as authorities continue their efforts to locate him.
At this stage, the exact cause of the incident remains unclear. However, it has been reported that an argument occurred between the two men prior to the disappearance, which may provide a potential lead for investigators.
Police have not released further details about the identities of those involved or any additional evidence uncovered at the scene. The investigation is active, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in clarifying the events that led to this tragic outcome.
Five Lives Lost in Devastating Head-On Crash on N1 Highway South of Bloemfontein
Tierpoort, Free State – A fatal head-on collision on the N1 highway has resulted in the deaths of five individuals late Saturday night, authorities confirmed.
The incident occurred shortly after 23:00 in the Tierpoort area, approximately 40 kilometers south of Bloemfontein. Emergency response teams, including the Priority-Care Ambulance Service and Mangaung Fire and Rescue, were dispatched to the scene following reports of the crash.
All five occupants involved in the two vehicles were declared deceased at the location by medical personnel. No additional injuries have been reported from the collision.
The vehicles collided directly in a head-on manner, though specific details regarding the makes or models of the vehicles remain undisclosed at this stage. Investigations into the precise circumstances leading to the accident are underway by local police authorities.
This stretch of the N1, a major route connecting Bloemfontein to southern regions of the Free State, has seen multiple serious incidents in recent years, though no prior warnings were issued for this particular section ahead of the weekend.
Responders worked through the night to secure the area and manage the aftermath, with traffic flow on the highway temporarily disrupted as recovery efforts proceeded. The southbound lanes were the primary focus of the response, ensuring minimal further risk to other motorists.
Police have urged drivers to exercise caution on national highways, particularly during nighttime hours when visibility can be compromised. Further updates on the investigation are expected as forensic teams complete their analysis of the scene.
The incident marks a somber start to the weekend for the Free State community, highlighting the ongoing challenges of road safety in rural highway corridors.
Manhunt Underway in Bloemfontein After Three Women Fatally Shot in Separate Incidents
Bloemfontein – Authorities in the Free State province are actively searching for suspects after three women were killed in two distinct shooting events over the weekend in the Bloemspruit and Namibia Square neighborhoods.
The most recent case was reported early on Sunday morning, February 8, 2026, at approximately 1:50 a.m. Officers from the Bloemspruit Crime Prevention unit, while conducting standard patrols, came across the bodies of two women near a home in Namibia Square. Both individuals, thought to be in their late 20s, had been shot in the back of the head. Paramedics confirmed their deaths upon arrival at the location.
Descriptions provided by investigators indicate that one victim was clad in light blue jeans paired with a green hoodie, and the other wore a blue denim shirt along with black denim jeans.
This followed a similar discovery on Saturday, February 8, 2026, when the remains of a woman in her mid-30s were located beside Meadows Road in Bloemspruit. She too had suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head.
Police have noted that none of the victims carried identification, leaving their names unconfirmed at this time. The reasons behind these shootings are still being examined, with no suspects in custody yet.
“The identities of the three deceased are not yet known since no documents were recovered from the scenes. We are probing the motives, and there have been no apprehensions so far,” stated Police Spokesperson Mahlomola Kareli.
Individuals with details about who the victims might be or leads on those responsible are encouraged to reach out to Detective Sergeant Machalotsa at 073 729 1732.
