Operation SA

LIMPOPO POLICE ARREST SUSPECT FOR ALLEGED CONTRAVENTION OF THE ELECTORAL ACT AT VOTING STATION IN LULEKANI Police in Lulekani have arrested a suspect for contravention of the Electoral Act 73 of 1998. This follows allegations that two male voters photographed their marked ballot papers using cellphones at the Chuchekani Primary School voting station in Humulani settlement on Monday, 02 November 2026. According to reports, the first incident occurred at about 10:00 when a 32-year-old male voter allegedly photographed his ballot papers after casting his vote. The presiding officer confronted him and informed him that photographing marked ballot papers is against electoral rules. A second incident occurred at about 13:40 when another male voter allegedly photographed his marked ballot papers. When confronted by the presiding officer, he reportedly became aggressive, verbally insulted her and left the voting station. At about 13:50, one of the voters allegedly posted an image of his marked ballot paper on his social media status. The presiding officer subsequently reported both incidents to the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) and was advised to open a case with the Police. The case was reported after the voting station had closed and both suspects had already left the premises. One male suspect, aged 32, was arrested on Tuesday, 03 November 2026. He is expected to appear before Lulekani Magistrate's Court on Thursday, 04 November 2026. Meanwhile, a manhunt for the remaining suspect is underway. Police investigations are continuing.

WARNING: DO NOT TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS INSIDE THE POLLING BOOTH! Photographing marked ballot papers is against electoral rules and can lead to criminal charges under the Electoral Act. Follow the rules. Respect the voting process. Do NOT take photographs inside the voting booth. @SAPoliceService @IECSouthAfrica

ARSON INVESTIGATED AFTER WARD COUNCILLOR CANDIDATE’S HOME SET ALIGHT Police are investigating arson after a home belonging to a Ward 50 councillor candidate in Kariega EC was petrol-bombed at approximately 22:35 on Monday night. The suspects allegedly broke a window, poured petrol into a room and set it alight while a 17-year-old girl was sleeping inside. The fire spread rapidly, engulfing several rooms. The teenager sustained burn injuries and was taken to hospital. The councillor candidate and other family members managed to escape. The SAPS District Task Team is investigating. No arrests have been made. Anyone with information is urged to contact CrimeStop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS App.

TWO MEN SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR TRIPLE MURDER @NPA_Prosecutes The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the effective sentence of life imprisonment imposed by the Scottburgh Regional Court on Bonokwakhe Mbhele and Lungelo Madonsela following their conviction for the murder of three men in the KwaMgayi area of Pennington, on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, in July 2022. Evidence presented in court revealed that on 17 July 2022, the deceased, all adult males from the same family, were at home with their families performing a traditional cleansing ritual following a funeral held the previous day. Approximately 50 people, including relatives and neighbours, were gathered in the yard. A group of approximately 10 men, including Mbhele and Madonsela, arrived in a minibus and approached the home. The group, armed with firearms, opened fire on the people gathered in the yard, fatally shooting three men from the same family. The accused fled the scene on foot, leaving the minibus behind. The matter was reported to the police, and subsequent investigations resulted in the arrest of the accused a few months later. Advocates Zukiswa Dyasi and Lungile Zondi represented the State. The prosecution presented evidence from eyewitnesses who knew the accused, as well as cellphone evidence that placed them at the scene of the crime. In aggravation of sentence, the prosecution led the evidence of the investigating officer, who testified that the KwaMgayi community was appalled by the incident and had shown a keen interest in the outcome of the case. He further testified that an appropriate sentence would serve as a deterrent to like-minded offenders. Mbhele and Madonsela were each sentenced to an effective term of life imprisonment and were declared unfit to possess a firearm. The NPA welcomes the conviction and sentence. This outcome demonstrates the NPA's commitment to holding perpetrators of violent crime accountable and ensuring that those who terrorise communities face the full consequences of the law. Communities have a constitutional right to live in freedom and security, and the NPA will continue to prosecute serious and violent crime without fear, favour, or prejudice. Issued by: Natasha Ramkisson-Kara NPA Regional Spokesperson KwaZulu-Natal Division

WEDNESDAY IS ELECTION DAY! SOUTH AFRICA, GET OUT AND VOTE! This Wednesday, every eligible South African has an opportunity and a responsibility to help shape the future of our communities. DO NOT STAY AT HOME. DO NOT SIT THIS ONE OUT. MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT! Local government elections matter because municipalities affect our daily lives. They are responsible for the water coming out of our taps, electricity infrastructure, roads, refuse removal, sanitation, streetlights, stormwater drains and the maintenance of public spaces. These are not luxuries. They are basic services that residents have a right to expect. We need municipalities that work, competent councillors, ethical leadership, sound financial management and accountability. Corruption, political infighting, mismanagement and empty promises must come to an end. Our taxes and rates must translate into better services. Municipal budgets belong to residents and must be spent on improving communities. SAFETY AND SECURITY MUST ALSO BE A PRIORITY. Municipalities must play their part through visible metro police, better street lighting, CCTV surveillance, effective by-law enforcement and closer cooperation with SAPS, community policing forums, neighbourhood watches and private security. Our children must be able to play in parks. Residents must be able to walk in their neighbourhoods without fear. Businesses must be able to operate without being threatened by criminals. When you vote on Wednesday, don’t vote blindly. Look at the candidates, their integrity, their track records and their ability to deliver. Vote for competence, accountability and service. I understand the frustration and disillusionment. Many South Africans are tired of corruption, poor service delivery and politicians who make promises but fail to deliver. But staying away from the ballot box is NOT the answer. Abstaining gives others the opportunity to decide your future. YOUR VOTE IS YOUR VOICE. YOUR VOTE IS YOUR SECRET. NOBODY HAS THE RIGHT TO INTIMIDATE YOU OR DICTATE YOUR CHOICE. Democracy does not end when you cast your ballot. We must continue questioning, demanding answers and holding councillors and municipalities accountable. THIS WEDNESDAY: GET UP, GET OUT AND VOTE! Encourage your family, friends, colleagues and neighbours to do the same. This is about more than political parties. It is about the water in your tap, the lights in your street, the condition of your roads, the safety of your family and the future of your community. South Africa deserves municipalities that work and leaders who put people before party politics. DON’T SURRENDER YOUR VOICE. DON’T WASTE YOUR VOTE. MAKE IT COUNT! 🇿🇦 @IECSouthAfrica

The illicit trade remains a serious and growing threat to South Africa, particularly the illegal cigarette trade. Authorities need to follow the money, dismantle the criminal networks and arrest the kingpins. Go after those who finance, manufacture, distribute and profit from this criminal industry. Follow the money. Expose the networks. Seize the criminal assets. Shut down illegal factories. Revoke the licences of those involved. Arrest and prosecute the kingpins. It’s time to hit organised crime where it hurts – in its pockets and at the top. The fight against illicit trade must be intensified. @TaxJustice_SA @sarstax @SAPoliceService @NPA_Prosecutes

TWO SUSPECTS ARRESTED FOR IMPERSONATING AN IEC OFFICIAL AT NGCOBO POLICE STATION Two suspects have been arrested on 03 November 2026 following an incident at Ngcobo Police Station in which voting material was allegedly collected by individuals impersonating an official of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). It is alleged that at about 04:30 on 02 November 2026, two suspects arrived at Ngcobo Police Station and collected voting material, claiming they had been sent by the presiding officer. However, the presiding officer was already present in the queue and had not sent anyone to collect the material. The suspects were identified before they left the station, and the voting material was confiscated. The two suspects have been arrested and are being processed. They are two females aged 57 and 61 years old. A case has been opened under Act 27/2000, Section 68(d), impersonating an IEC official. Further details will be shared in due course. The Provincial Commissioner of Eastern Cape, Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata, has condemned this act. “We will not tolerate any interference with the electoral process. The arrest of the two suspects demonstrates our commitment to upholding the integrity of the elections. Anyone who impersonates an IEC official will face the full might of the law,” remarked Lieutenant General Ncata.

WANTED GANG MEMBER ARRESTED AFTER SHOOTOUT WITH POLICE NEAR MANENBERG - Cape Town, VOTING STATION A 32-year-old wanted gang member has been arrested following a shootout with SAPS Anti-Gang Unit members deployed for the 2026 Local Government Elections. Police spotted the suspect in Ruimte Road, approximately 150 metres from a voting station. He allegedly opened fire on officers, who returned fire and arrested him. A firearm fitted with an extended magazine and 32 rounds of ammunition was seized. No injuries were reported. The suspect is expected to appear in court on charges of attempted murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm. Western Cape police management commended the Anti-Gang Unit for its vigilance and swift response, which prevented a potentially serious shooting incident.

Last week, authorities found a massive warehouse in Durban and seized cigarettes valued at over R41-million. Why are the kingpins not behind bars as yet? @TaxJustice_SA @sarstax @SAPoliceService

Search teams return to Burma Road as murder investigation continues: SAPS Search and Rescue teams, accompanied by a forensic team from Pretoria, are conducting further investigations along Burma Road this Tuesday morning, November 3. Teams have started digging in the area as investigations continue into the murder of a 37-year-old man whose body was recovered in a shallow grave off Burma Road. The latest operation follows the arrest of three suspects, who appeared in the Ladysmith Magistrate's Court on Monday, November 2, facing murder charges. The accused, aged between 34 and 44, are Raees Khan, Tholani Sithole and Lenardo Gumede. The matter was postponed to Friday, November 6, while police investigations continue. -Ladysmith Herald

27-YEAR-OLD WOMAN WOUNDED IN BELLVILLE SOUTH SHOOTING A 27-year-old woman was wounded in a shooting in Bellville South, Cape Town, at approximately 18:30 last night after a suspect allegedly opened fire on a group of people at a street corner. She was treated at the scene before being transported to hospital. Police are appealing to the community for information to assist with the investigation. Residents are also urged to report criminal activities, including shootings, robberies, illegal firearms and drug dealing, and to open formal cases. 📞 Bellville South Detectives: 021 950 1306 📞 Crime Stop: 08600 10111 Police urge residents to break their silence and work with law enforcement to help combat crime.

CONFIRMED: TWO PEOPLE SHOT DEAD INSIDE TOYOTA URBAN CRUISER IN KLIPSPRUIT WEST 📍 KLIPSPRUIT WEST, JOHANNESBURG Police are investigating a double murder after a man and a woman were shot dead inside a Toyota Urban Cruiser at the Klipspruit West off-ramp on Monday. According to police, officers received a call reporting a shooting at the off-ramp on 2 November. When they arrived, they found a Toyota Urban Cruiser with several bullet holes in the driver’s door. Two occupants were inside the vehicle: a woman in the driver’s seat and a man in the front passenger seat. Both had sustained fatal gunshot wounds. Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Isaac Mudau confirmed that emergency services certified both victims dead at the scene. He confirmed that police have opened a case of two counts of murder. No arrests have been made at this stage, and investigations are continuing. The circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the motive and identities of the victims, have not yet been established. -The female victim was attorney Nadine Meintjies.

TSHWANE WATER CRISIS: BRONKHORSTSPRUIT PLANT RECOMMISSIONED, BUT WATER NOT YET CLEARED FOR CONSUMPTION @CityTshwane @nasiphim Tshwane Executive Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya says significant progress has been made in rehabilitating the Bronkhorstspruit Water Treatment Works, with water restoration expected to advance over the coming days. The plant was recommissioned on Monday, 2 November, at 14:30 to supply treated water to the Ekandustria reservoirs for further shock chlorination. Rand Water was appointed on 21 October to lead the urgent rehabilitation and stabilisation of the facility after serious operational failures compromised its ability to consistently produce safe drinking water. Water is not yet safe for consumption. Moya said further disinfection, flushing, valve installations and laboratory testing are still required. Testing detected low levels of E. coli in water discharged during the cleaning of the clear-water sump. Disinfection will be repeated until tests confirm that the contamination has been eliminated. Once water quality has been verified, reservoirs will need to refill and pipelines repressurised. Supply will therefore return gradually, with some communities potentially waiting longer than others. 🚰 WATER SHORTAGES ACROSS TSHWANE The City says its bulk-water network remains under pressure, particularly in Regions 1, 3, 4 and 6. Region 1: Soshanguve L reservoirs have moderate storage, but a power failure is preventing pumping to the Soshanguve L Tower. Kruisfontein East is empty. Region 3: The worst-affected region, with Klapperkop, Heights HL and Carina reservoirs critically low. Hercules and Pretoria West are also under pressure. Region 4: Relatively stable, but Brakfontein, Bakenkop, Clifton and Doringkloof remain under pressure. Laudium, The Reeds and Rooihuiskraal require continued monitoring. Region 6: Some improvement in Garsfontein, Elardus Park and Moreleta, but Mamelodi R1 is empty and Mamelodi R3 critically low. Parkmore LL and Derdepoort also have low storage. The City has appealed to residents with water to reduce unnecessary consumption to help reservoirs recover. FORENSIC INVESTIGATION INTO WATER CRISIS Moya has ordered a broader independent forensic investigation into the failures that led to the Bronkhorstspruit water crisis. A preliminary investigation identified serious shortcomings by the plant manager, including inadequate monitoring of chlorine stocks, poor inventory controls and failure to escalate the impending chlorine shortage to senior management. The plant manager has been placed on precautionary suspension. However, Moya said she was dissatisfied with the limited scope of the preliminary investigation, arguing that responsibility should not rest with one individual alone. The independent investigation will examine procurement, supply-chain management, operational failures, management oversight and the City’s failure to communicate potential water-safety risks to residents timeously. She said officials found guilty of negligence, misconduct or dereliction of duty must face consequences. Moya emphasised that restoring safe drinking water is the immediate priority, but accountability and preventing a recurrence remain equally important. She also confirmed that this would be her final consolidated mayoral briefing on the crisis ahead of the local government elections, but said the rehabilitation programme and investigations would continue irrespective of changes in political leadership.

THREE SUSPECTS KILLED IN SHOOTOUT WITH SAPS TRT IN NGQELENI 📍 NOTHINTSILA, NGQELENI | EASTERN CAPE Three suspected extortionists have been fatally wounded during a shootout with SAPS Tactical Response Team (TRT) members in Ngqeleni. Police received intelligence about three men allegedly extorting money from local businesses. TRT members from Mthatha encountered the suspects on the Nothintsila gravel road. When officers approached, the suspects allegedly opened fire, prompting police to retaliate. All three suspects were fatally wounded. No police officers were injured. Three pistols, all with filed-off serial numbers, were recovered at the scene. The suspects have not yet been identified. IPID has been notified and will investigate the deaths resulting from police action. Cases of attempted murder and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition have been opened. SAPS is appealing to anyone with information about the suspects’ identities or alleged extortion activities to come forward.

FORMER POLICE SERGEANT ARRESTED FOR KIDNAPPING, EXTORTION, AND IMPERSONATING POLICE OFFICIALS IN BOTSHABELO @SAPoliceService A former South African Police Service sergeant has been arrested for kidnapping, extortion, impersonating police officials and theft of a motor vehicle following an intelligence-led operation by the Mangaung Metro District Operational Command Centre Crime Combating Unit. According to the report, on 23 October 2026 at about 23:30, a group of suspects, some wearing police reflector jackets and impersonating police officials, entered a house in A-Section, Botshabelo. They kidnapped two victims, a couple, under the pretext that they were being arrested. The victims were blindfolded and taken in a white VW Polo Vivo, while their grey Toyota Corolla was also taken and driven to an unknown address. On 24 October 2026, family members of the victims were alerted by the victims banking institution about suspicious withdrawals of huge amounts from the victims’ bank account and that they could not be reached telephonically for confirmation. When the family managed to contact the victims, the victims informed them under duress that they were relaxing at a hotel in Bloemfontein and would return on Sunday. The victims were later released by the suspects on Sunday but did not report the crime to the police as the suspects threatened to kill them and their family members should they report. The victims were extorted an undisclosed amount of money. The case was only opened on Monday, 26 October 2026, at Botshabelo SAPS. On 26 October 2026 at about 09:30, members of Provincial Crime Intelligence [MDOC] shared information with the Mangaung Metro Operational Command Centre Crime Combating Unit that they had received a telephone call from Evaton SAPS requesting assistance to identify the owner of given cellphone number, as the owner was reported to be from Botshabelo and was communicating with an individual who reported suspicious deposits into his bank account at Evaton SAPS. Tasking was given to members of Selosesha Crime Intelligence by the Mangaung Metro Operational Command Centre to identify the owner of the cellphone number. The 33-year-old owner was successfully identified, a former SAPS sergeant who was stationed at Tweespruit SAPS and resigned in April 2026 after being arrested for business robbery at chain store in Ladybrand. His vehicle, a White Golf 6, was also identified as a white VW Golf 6. It was further established that the suspect was going to drive out of Botshabelo to Bloemfontein. A joint operation was then conducted by the Mangaung Metro Operational Command Centre Crime Combating Unit, Provincial Counter Intelligence [MDOC], and Selosesha Crime Intelligence, and the suspect was arrested near the Mall. Upon interviewing the suspect, it was positively confirmed that the cellphone number belonged to him. The suspect was then arrested for kidnapping, impersonating a police official, extortion, and theft of a motor vehicle and detained in police cells. His cellphones, a blue Samsung A06 valued at R8 999-00 and a blue Itel cellphone valued at R300-00, were handed in at Botshabelo Evidence Management System. It was further established that the suspect was still on bail of R10 000-00 for business robbery in Ladybrand. The suspect is expected to appear before the Botshabelo Magistrate’s Court soon.

MISA MOBILISES SEA RESCUE TEAM IN URGENT SEARCH FOR MISSING FISHERMAN IN ORANGE RIVER, NAMIBIA The Missing in Southern Africa (MISA) NPC has been informed of a suspected drowning incident in the Orange River in the Karas Region, southern Namibia, where 30-year-old local fisherman, Blasius Witbooi, tragically lost his footing and fell into the river on 29 October 2026 According to information received, Witbooi struggled in the water and called for help. Sadly, those who witnessed the incident were unable to reach him, and he is believed to have drowned. His whereabouts remain unknown, and a search and recovery operation is being undertaken. Following an appeal for assistance from the family, the West Coast Guardians Sea Rescue Services, under the leadership of Sean Naude of Namibian Marshall Rangers CC and MISA Team Unit Member, is travelling approximately 1 005 kilometres through the desert to assist the Namibian Police with the search operation. The rescue team will deploy a jet ski, transported in an ambulance, to assist in searching the river. Should Witbooi not be located through the initial search efforts, diving operations will also be considered. The family approached the rescue organisation following its successful recovery of a body in Tses earlier this year. The team has committed to assisting the family and working alongside the Namibian Police in an effort to locate and recover Witbooi. MISA understands that the family has limited financial resources and is appealing to members of the public, businesses and organisations to assist with the fuel costs associated with the lengthy journey to southern Namibia. APPEAL FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE: Anyone who is able to contribute towards the rescue team's fuel expenses is urged to contact Sean Naude directly on +268 81 201 0821. Donations can also be made through the official Namibian Marshall Rangers Trust Foundation details. MISA commends the commitment and willingness of the West Coast Guardians Sea Rescue Services and Namibian Marshall Rangers CC to assist the family during this difficult time. MISA will continue to support efforts to assist families of missing persons and work with relevant organisations and authorities in search and recovery operations.

Attorney shot dead in JHB:

FARM DWELLER ARRESTED FOR MURDER OF NEIGHBOUR IN GOEDEMOED A 26-year-old suspect from Koudekraal Farm in the Goedemoed policing precinct is expected to appear before the local Magistrate’s Court soon on a charge of murder. It is alleged that on 01 November 2026 at about 08:50, the suspect went to his relative’s place of residence at Smithsdal Farm to charge his phone. The deceased, Tsotang Raqachile (29), arrived at the same residence and informed the suspect that he should leave the farm. It is further alleged that the suspect left Smithsdal Farm and went to his place of residence at Koudekraal Farm. The deceased allegedly followed him, shouting that he was going to kill him. Upon arrival at Koudekraal Farm, the suspect took a knife and ran to the farm owner’s house to inform them that the deceased wanted to kill him. Minutes later, he heard the deceased shouting again that he was going to kill him. The deceased then arrived at the farm owner’s house and hit the suspect with a stick while he was sitting outside on the stoep. The suspect stood up and stabbed him. The deceased then went into the farm owner’s house and locked the burglar gate. He was allegedly told by Mr Fourie to leave the house as he was bleeding. The deceased opened the burglar gate, left the house, and collapsed a few metres from the house. He had sustained a stab wound to the throat and was declared dead on the scene by Emergency Medical Services. The suspect was arrested and charged with murder. Investigation continues.

TAXI DRIVER KILLED IN HIGH-IMPACT CRASH WITH SAPS NYALA ON N3 📍 GERMISTON, EKURHULENI | 3 NOVEMBER 2026 A Toyota Quantum taxi driver was killed after his vehicle collided with a SAPS Nyala armoured vehicle on the N3 southbound freeway, between the Elands and Rand Airport interchanges in Germiston. Emergency services responded shortly after midnight. The taxi driver was trapped in the wreckage and had to be freed using specialised hydraulic rescue equipment. He was declared dead at the scene. No injuries were reported in the Nyala, whose driver was apparently alone. Preliminary reports suggest the Nyala had experienced a mechanical breakdown and was stationary in the middle of the freeway when the taxi crashed into it from behind. Two lanes were temporarily closed during rescue operations.

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