Pinetown, South Africa – Authorities have apprehended two individuals from Malawi who were allegedly attempting to sell stolen copper cables at a local property.
The arrests were carried out by officers from the South African Police Service’s Economic Infrastructure Task Team and the Provincial Firearm and Drug Unit. These units had been investigating leads connected to a criminal network active in the Durban area.
Incidents of cable theft have been reported in several locations, including Ntuzuma, Phoenix, Chatsworth, Inanda, and Durban Central.
During the operation, the suspects were found in possession of approximately 300 kilograms of copper cables sourced from Eskom and the eThekwini Municipality. The estimated value of the seized materials is R100,000.
In addition to the cables, the vehicle used by the suspects—a van—was confiscated by the police.
Over recent years, these specialized police teams have collaborated with investigators from the impacted state-owned entities to execute multiple arrests in comparable cases.
SARS Issues Ultimatum to Chippa United Owner Over R53 Million Tax Debt
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has ramped up its enforcement efforts against Siviwe “Chippa” Mpengesi, the prominent businessman and owner of Chippa United Football Club, by issuing warnings of potential asset seizures totaling R53 million. This development arises from an ongoing tax dispute involving an alleged outstanding debt of the same amount.
According to reports, SARS has progressed from standard compliance procedures to more aggressive measures, signaling that earlier resolution efforts have not succeeded. The tax issues reportedly originate from unsubmitted tax returns and unsettled assessments that span multiple years, although the exact particulars of the disagreement remain undisclosed to the public.
Mpengesi, who is widely recognized for his role in South African football through his ownership of the Premier Soccer League club Chippa United, could face the loss of substantial assets tied to his broader business operations if the seizures proceed. The R53 million figure equates to approximately $3.3 million, highlighting the scale of the financial obligations in question.
Experts in tax matters emphasize that the option of asset seizure represents a formidable mechanism employed by SARS in cases where large debts persist without settlement. Should the agency follow through, the repercussions could extend well beyond Mpengesi’s personal finances, potentially affecting employees, vendors, and other parties associated with his various enterprises.
As of now, neither Mpengesi nor his legal team has issued any public statements addressing the recent escalation from SARS. It is uncertain whether the issue will lead to courtroom proceedings or be resolved via direct discussions with the tax authority.
Arrest of Foreign National in Ficksburg After Shooting Incident at Local Cultural Event
Ficksburg, Free State – A 32-year-old man, identified as a foreign national, has been detained by authorities after an alleged attempt to murder a local resident during a traditional celebration near Meqheleng township over the weekend.
The event, described as a cultural feast, turned violent when a dispute arose between the suspect and a 58-year-old man from the Meqheleng area. According to police reports, the argument quickly intensified, resulting in the older man being shot and sustaining severe injuries. He was promptly transported to a medical facility where he remains under care.
South African Police Service (SAPS) officers arrived at the location following reports of the disturbance. Upon conducting an on-site investigation, they arrested the individual involved. A search revealed that he was carrying an unlicensed firearm along with ammunition, prompting further charges beyond the initial attempted murder allegation.
In an official SAPS statement, it was confirmed that the suspect faces accusations related to the shooting as well as the unlawful possession of the weapon and rounds. “The suspect was arrested on charges of attempted murder, as well as the illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition,” the statement noted.
The arrested man is scheduled to make his first court appearance today, February 23, 2026, at the Ficksburg Magistrate’s Court. Authorities have not released additional details about the suspect’s nationality or the specific circumstances leading to the altercation, but the incident has raised concerns about safety at community gatherings.
Police have urged anyone with further information to come forward as the investigation continues. This case highlights ongoing efforts to address illegal firearms in the region, with SAPS emphasizing their commitment to public security.
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E-Hailing Driver Shot and Hijacked in Late-Night Attack in Rylands
Cape Town, South Africa – A male e-hailing driver in his 30s remains in critical condition after being shot in the face and chest during a hijacking on Jeina Road in Rylands, Athlone. The incident took place on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at around 10:45 p.m.
According to police reports, the driver was approached by four unidentified men who opened fire on him before seizing his white Toyota Aygo vehicle and escaping the scene. The victim was immediately transported to a nearby hospital, where medical staff confirmed his serious injuries. He continues to receive treatment as authorities work to gather more details.
Athlone police have opened an investigation into charges of attempted murder and hijacking. Constable Ndakhe Gwala, a police spokesperson, provided confirmation of the event’s circumstances, including the time, location, and nature of the assault. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward by contacting Crime Stop at 08600 10111.
This attack adds to a series of recent violent incidents targeting e-hailing drivers across the region. It follows the killing of Nigerian national Isaac Satlat in Pretoria, which occurred less than two weeks earlier. In that case, the victim was also an e-hailing driver, highlighting a pattern of assaults where perpetrators often escape without immediate arrests by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
In response to the escalating threats, representatives from the e-hailing community have voiced concerns over driver safety. Siyabonga Hlabisa, chairperson of the Western Cape E-hailing Association (WCEA), noted that drivers frequently face risks as criminals view them as vulnerable targets. He pointed out that stolen mobile phones from such incidents are commonly resold within local communities.
Hlabisa emphasized the potential benefits of installing dashboard cameras in vehicles, citing their role in providing evidence during investigations. He referenced a previous event in Pretoria where such footage aided authorities. Additionally, he called on e-hailing companies to initiate discussions aimed at improving security measures for operators.
Among his specific recommendations, Hlabisa suggested that ride-hailing apps should display a photo of the customer’s face upon acceptance of a trip request. This feature, he argued, could help reduce the incidence of fraudulent bookings and related scams that endanger drivers.
The WCEA’s statements reflect broader frustrations within the industry, where drivers report feeling exposed due to the nature of their work, which often involves late-night pickups in various neighborhoods. Police records indicate that similar hijackings and shootings have occurred in multiple areas, though exact figures for the past year were not detailed in the immediate aftermath of this event.
As the investigation proceeds, law enforcement officials have reiterated their commitment to pursuing leads. The hijacked Toyota Aygo remains unrecovered, and no suspects have been identified or apprehended at this time. The victim’s identity has not been publicly released to protect his privacy during his recovery.
Community members in Rylands and surrounding areas have been alerted to the incident, with police encouraging vigilance regarding suspicious activities or sightings of the stolen vehicle. The case underscores ongoing challenges in addressing crime against transport workers in urban settings.
