Randfontein, West Rand – February 25, 2026
Authorities are intensifying efforts following the kidnapping of two young men in Toekomsrus, a area outside Randfontein on the West Rand. The incident occurred on February 15, and has since resulted in the recovery of one victim’s body from an abandoned mine shaft.
The body of 21-year-old Ashley Scheepers was found in the disused shaft, confirming a grim outcome for one of the victims. The other individual, a 17-year-old male, is still unaccounted for, with search operations ongoing to locate him.
Investigators have linked the case to alleged activities by “Zama Zamas,” a term used for illegal miners who frequently operate within abandoned mining sites. These locations in parts of Gauteng are known for their structural instability and have been connected to various criminal incidents over recent years.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) is leading the investigation into the kidnapping and related events. Current priorities include advancing the probe, coordinating search and rescue initiatives for the missing teenager, and implementing safety protocols for communities near these hazardous abandoned mines.
Local residents have expressed heightened concerns about the risks posed by such sites, which continue to attract unauthorized mining operations despite their dangers. Officials have not released further details on suspects or motives at this time, as the case remains active.
Major Drug Lab Uncovered in Umhlatuzana During Multi-Agency Operation in Chatsworth
Chatsworth, South Africa – Authorities have discovered a significant drug laboratory in the Umhlatuzana area as part of ongoing disruptive operations aimed at combating illegal activities in Chatsworth.
The operation involved a coordinated effort by multiple law enforcement units, including the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), the South African Police Service (SAPS) Special Task Force (STF), the SAPS Economic Infrastructure Task Team, the SAPS KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Counter Narcotics unit, the SAPS KZN Crime Intelligence (CI), the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs Dog Unit, and various divisions of the Metro Police such as the Drug Team, Tactical Support Unit, Economic Infrastructure Task Team (EITT), Trio Crimes unit, Business Forum Task Team, Special Projects unit, K9 unit, and Public Order Policing (POP).
During the raid, several suspects were detained at the scene. Among those taken into custody was the property owner, who had been arrested previously by the Metro Police Tactical Support Unit in the prior year.
Inside the premises, law enforcement officials recovered drugs, firearms, and packaging materials. The exact quantities of the seized items are currently under assessment as the investigation continues.
Preliminary findings indicate that the laboratory served as a primary supplier for drug dealers operating in the surrounding area, highlighting its role in the local narcotics distribution network.
The operation underscores the collaborative approach by various agencies to address drug-related crimes in the region. Further details on the arrests and seizures are expected as the quantities are finalized and the case progresses.
Shootout at Randvaal Petrol Station Leaves Officer Injured, Two Suspects Dead
Randvaal, Gauteng – A confrontation between South African Police Service (SAPS) officers and armed suspects unfolded at the Engen Blockhouse service station along the R59 highway in Randvaal on the morning of February 25, 2026. The incident resulted in one police officer sustaining gunshot wounds and two suspects being fatally shot during the exchange of fire.
The shootout took place at approximately 6:53 AM SAST, prompting an immediate response from law enforcement. Authorities established a crime scene at the location, blocking off the road leading to the petrol station and deploying multiple police vehicles to secure the area. Motorists traveling northbound on the R59 toward Johannesburg were advised to avoid the vicinity due to the ongoing police activity and resulting delays.
Details of the events leading up to the shootout indicate that the suspects were involved in robbery activities at the time of the encounter with police. The injured SAPS member was promptly attended to, though the extent of the wounds has not been disclosed. The two suspects were pronounced dead at the scene following the gunfire exchange.
The R59 highway, a major route in Gauteng connecting areas south of Johannesburg, has seen similar incidents in the past, but this event stands as a distinct occurrence on February 25, 2026. No additional casualties among civilians or further suspects have been reported in connection with this specific shootout.
Investigations into the identities of the suspects and the precise circumstances surrounding the initiation of the shootout remain ongoing as of 9:57 AM SAST. Authorities have not released further statements regarding potential motives or related arrests at this time.
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Triple Tragedy in Tongaat: 37-Year-Old Man and His Two Daughters Found Dead in Belvedere Home
Tongaat, KwaZulu-Natal – On Tuesday, 24 February 2026, the bodies of 37-year-old Leon Munsamy and his daughters, Emilia (4) and Elana (7), were discovered at a home in the Sastri Circle neighbourhood of Belvedere, Tongaat.
A school transporter contacted the girls’ mother after the children did not arrive at school that day. Neighbours reported attempting to call Munsamy with no response. Private security company On Target was alerted at approximately 1:20 pm. Officers found the house locked and could not gain immediate entry.
Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) officers were dispatched around 2 pm. Upon arrival, members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other emergency services were already on scene. Inside the residence, Munsamy was found hanged from the ceiling. The two girls were found dead in a bedroom.
It is alleged that Munsamy poisoned his daughters before taking his own life. The children were reported to have frothing at the mouths. The incident is believed to have occurred the previous night.
Munsamy, who worked for a petroleum company, had been living at the Belvedere address since June. He was separated from his wife, and the daughters resided primarily with their mother, spending weekends with their father.
Neighbours noted hearing loud music from the property the previous evening but raised no immediate concerns.
The circumstances surrounding the deaths remain under investigation by SAPS. No further details on toxicology or official cause of death have been released.
RUSA head Prem Balram stated: “Reaction officers were immediately dispatched to the property in Sastri Circle, Belvedere. Upon arrival, members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other private emergency services were already on scene. It was established that the body of a male was located hanging inside the residence. During further assessment of the property, two female children aged four and seven were found dead in a bedroom. Circumstances leading up to the minors’ deaths are subject to investigation.”
This article is compiled solely from verified reports by IOL/The Post, Daily News, and statements from emergency responders. No unconfirmed details or external commentary have been included.
