This after a mass shooting in Tshwane over the weekend and the murder of a witness of the Madlanga Commission.

“The…Portfolio Committee on Community Safety is gravely concerned by the escalating levels of gun violence that continue to turn communities across the province into everyday crime scenes.

“The recent mass shooting in Saulsville, Pretoria, is yet another tragic reminder of the urgent need to rid our streets of illegal firearms,” the committee said in a statement.

At least 11 people died during the mass shooting with 14 others injured.

“Even more distressing is the fact that among the deceased are three minors and women, whose lives were cut short in a senseless act of brutality. The committee conveys its heartfelt condolences to the affected families and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured.

“This tragic incident highlights a deeply concerning trend in which illegal guns continue to circulate freely within communities, enabling deadly attacks that devastate families and compromise the safety of citizens.

“The committee views this event as a serious call for concern and reaffirms its commitment to intensifying efforts towards advocating for and achieving a gun-free Gauteng,” the statement said.

The committee expressed shock at the “disturbing development” where a witness in the Madlanga Commission was murdered on Friday.

“Reports indicate that an AK-47 automatic rifle was used in the attack, once again demonstrating how high-calibre weapons are being used to commit violent crimes with impunity.

“Witness D was gunned down outside his home, an incident that highlights the critical need to remove illegal firearms from our streets,” the statement read.

The committee called on law enforcement to ensure that “perpetrators behind these heinous crimes are swiftly apprehended and brought to justice”.

“The committee also urged community members to cooperate fully with the police to aid in the urgent arrest of the three suspects linked to the Saulsville shooting.

“The committee maintains that the proliferation of illegal firearms poses a grave threat to the safety and well-being of all people living in Gauteng.

“Only through strong partnerships between communities, law enforcement and government can we begin to dismantle the networks responsible for supplying and using these deadly weapons,” the statement concluded.

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According to the SAPS, a total of 178 suspects, aged between 20 and 62, were sentenced to imprisonment for various serious crimes.

“The Convictions included house robbery, kidnapping, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, shoplifting, malicious damage to property, assault, house breaking and theft, common robbery, assault GBH, illegal immigrant theft, rape, possession of suspected stolen property and culpable homicide,” the SAPS said in a statement.

The Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) units also recorded notable successes, securing 44 life sentences and a combined 637 years of imprisonment against 68 accused for crimes against women and children during the three months period.

The High Court on 8 September 2025, sentenced two accused aged 25 years, for their roles in terrorizing communities in Germiston, Elsburg, Vosloorus and Zonkizizwe.

“The suspects were sentenced for house robbery, rape, kidnapping, possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. The accused were both sentenced to 13 life imprisonments for rape, 150 years for robbery and housebreaking (10 counts of 15 years), 18 years for kidnapping (6 counts of 3 years), 5 years for possession of an unlicensed firearm, and 3 years for possession of ammunition,” the SAPS said.

Some of the sentences will run concurrently, resulting in an effective 13 life sentences and 165 years imprisonment for each accused.

In a separate case, a 36-year-old man was sentenced to two life terms for two counts of murder, three years for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH), and eight years for attempted robbery with aggravating circumstances.

The sentences will run concurrently, and the offender was declared unfit to possess a firearm.

He was found guilty on 11 August 2025 by the Pretoria High Court following a case reported at SAPS Lyttelton on 28 January 2025.

The Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, has commended the detectives for their dedication and tireless efforts in securing these convictions.

“This achievement underscores the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the community in driving crime reduction initiatives forward,” Mthombeni said.

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Held on Sunday, the ceremony honouring three male officers as well as a female officer was led by Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni.

The four were remembered for their courage, dedication and unwavering commitment to serving and protecting the community of Gauteng with the Commissioner posthumously thanking the officers for serving their country with loyalty, bravery and dedication.

He also thanked their families for supporting the members during the time when they were out on the streets of Gauteng ensuring that communities are safe.

“On behalf of Gauteng police management, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to you, their loved ones. Your selfless support and unwavering strength inspired them throughout their career in law enforcement. We are thankful for the time we had with them, and we are honoured that you are here with us today as we salute them for the last time,” he said.

Captain Wynand Du Toit of the Springs Police Station was shot and killed as he intercepted suspects who were committing a business robbery in Springs on 16 February 2025.

Sergeant Winnie Ntila was shot and killed by suspects who were committing a house robbery in Vosloorus on 03 September 2024.

Warrant Officer Sello Joel Masedi was knocked down by a car at an accident scene in Mohlakeng while Warrant Officer Mzukisi November was knocked down by a speeding vehicle while conducting a roadblock in Springs.

Lieutenant General Mthombeni assured the families that the SAPS will take care of the educational needs of the children of the fallen heroes and heroine through the SAPS Education Trust.

On Sunday, 07 September 2025, government hosted the annual South African Police Service Commemoration Day at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

The day honoured the lives of the 27 police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty during the 2024/25 financial year with Deputy President having issued a warning against the killing of police officers.

“Let it be clear: attacking a police officer is an attack on the State itself, and it will be met with the full might of the law. We want to make sure that even touching a police officer carries the harshest punishment permitted by our laws, and where possible, tighten these laws,” Deputy President Mashatile said.

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The incident, which left five wardens injured, occurred during a routine patrol of the area in the early hours of Sunday morning.

According to reports, the five wardens came under fire while attempting to search a group of some 12 suspects who retaliated with gunfire from high calibre weapons.

“This act of violence demonstrates utter disregard for the rule of law. Our wardens, together with law enforcement officers, serve daily on the frontlines to ensure the safety and security of our communities.

“We will not be deterred from doing our work as law enforcement in the province. Any form of violence intimidation or interference with the work of our officers in the execution of their duties is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” the Premier said.

A case of attempted murder has been opened with the South African Police Service.

“We are working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended and face the full might of the law. I commend the wardens for their bravery and commitment under such dangerous circumstances and wish them a speedy recovery.

“I extend my thoughts and prayers to their families during this difficult time,” Lesufi said.

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Stakeholders included local taxi associations, e-hailing service operators and law-enforcement officials.

This comes in the wake of resurging violence which left one person dead and two others injured near the Maponya Mall, in Soweto, on Wednesday night. The MEC described the attack as “senseless, unacceptable, and a direct threat to the safety and stability of our public transport system”.

She said such acts undermined public safety, tarnished the image of the transport sector, and cannot be tolerated under any circumstances. Thursday’s meeting resolved that all public transport operators must be allowed access and operate inside the mall and that the mall will remain operational to protect jobs.

The meeting also called for law-enforcement agencies to prioritise the investigation into Wednesday night’s incident and bring those involved to book. Stakeholders agreed that no operator or passenger should endure intimidation or fear of any form. The department will set up a temporary office to assist operators with licensing issues.

Lastly, the gathering agreed that a meeting will be convened with industry leaders to discuss all issues affecting the sector.

The MEC urged the public transport sector – minibus taxi and e-hailing operator associations – to resolve disputes through platforms facilitated by the department.

The Public Transport Crisis Committee, chaired by the MEC, was initially formed to collaborate with the taxi industry and support the Gauteng Provincial Regulatory Entity (GPRE) to clear the operating license backlog.

It has since expanded to include all public transport stakeholders. This inclusive approach ensures representation from all public transport operators including learner transport, e-hailing services, bus and meter taxi operators.

Local government and various provincial sister departments are also represented in the committee.

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In a statement on Monday, Gauteng police said the arrests were made from 1-7 August 2024.
“The members took part in a number of concentrated operations, vehicle checkpoints, secure escorts and intensive patrols throughout Gauteng.

“These activities resulted in 33 arrests for serious offenses, such as common and GBH [grievous bodily harm] assault, possession of suspected stolen property, malicious property damage, driving under the influence of alcohol, violating the Immigration Act, robbery, contempt of court, bribery, domestic violence, shoplifting and theft,” said the SAPS.

About 49 hijacked and stolen motor vehicles were recovered with six arrests for the possession of these vehicles. One unlicensed firearm was recovered accompanying two arrests.

“In additional policing, 33 suspects were arrested for drug possession and trafficking. These distinct instances resulted in the seizure of cocaine, heroin, dagga crystal methamphetamine, and mandrax,” the police said.

Meanwhile, from 6-8 August 2025, Benoni Flying Squad members arrested four suspects and recovered one motorcycle.

On Wednesday at around 3pm, police followed up community information which led to a filling station on Atlas Road, Lakefield, Benoni.

They assisted security personnel in the arrest of a 39-year-old suspect, the rider of a white Bigboy motorcycle allegedly reported stolen in an Akasia case in June.

On Thursday, police patrolling the R555 arrested a 40-year-old suspect after they found him carrying a bag containing ten plastic bags of dagga with a street value of around R2 000.

A 35-year-old friend of the suspect approached members of Etwatwa SAPS while they were holding the suspect. He was detained after offering police R1 000 in exchange for the dagga suspect’s release.
Additionally, a 35-year-old suspect was taken into custody by police after they discovered him in possession of mandrax tablets in October Drive in Ivory Park.

Investigations are ongoing with the suspects due to appear in court.

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These cases include the tragic murder of City of Ekurhuleni Chief Auditor, Mpho Mafole, as well suspects linked to the murder of renowned DJ Sumbody, the killing of engineer Armand Swart, and the attempted murder of actress Tebogo Thobejane.

“These developments reflect the commitment and capability of law enforcement to pursue justice and dismantle criminal networks that threaten public safety and the rule of law.

“However, while these successes are commendable, the committee emphasises that all victims of crime, regardless of their public profile, deserve equal attention, protection and justice. The fight against crime must be consistent and inclusive,” Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Community Safety, Bandile Masuku, said on Thursday.

Mafole, who served as the Group Divisional Head for Corporate and Forensic Audits, was brutally gunned down in Kempton Park last month in an execution-style killing.

His death sent shockwaves across the province, while highlighting the grave risks faced by public servants committed to transparency and good governance.

“The committee welcomes the arrest of one suspect, who appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court yesterday. However, the second suspect, Hlanganani Agripper Mncwango, remains at large. The committee urges law enforcement to intensify efforts and leave no stone unturned in ensuring his swift apprehension,” Masuku said.

The case was postponed to 15 August 2025 for further investigation.

“It is particularly alarming that the arrested suspect was reportedly out on bail for a similar murder charge at the time of Mafole’s killing. This raises serious concerns about the adequacy of bail conditions in cases involving violent crimes and calls for an urgent review of current judicial practices to prevent repeat offenses and safeguard communities.

“The committee also applauds SAPS for recent breakthroughs in other high profile cases, including the arrests of suspects linked to the murder of renowned DJ Sumbody, the killing of Swart, and the attempted murder of actress Thobejane. Crucially, the committee reiterates that trust between the police and the communities they serve is fundamental to effective policing.

“Building and maintaining this trust requires transparency, accountability, and ongoing engagement. Communities must feel confident that their safety is a priority and that their cooperation with law enforcement will lead to meaningful outcomes. Without this trust, efforts to combat crime will be severely undermined,” Masuku said.

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Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni presented the provincial statistics and indicated a 7.9% decrease in community-reported serious crimes over the same period last year.

“This represents a significant step forward in the province’s ongoing efforts to combat crime.

“The committee is particularly encouraged by the 10.8% reduction in murder cases, which reflects the continued commitment of law enforcement agencies and the effectiveness of collaborative crime prevention strategies,” the committee said in a statement.

However, concern about the “ongoing occurrence of multiple murder incidents, which continue to devastate communities” remains.

The committee cited two violent and “disturbing” incidents in Soshanguve where victims were stoned, shot and partially burnt and in Kagiso where seven people were found dead.

“In line with the government’s stance that crime has no colour in our country, the committee also notes a reported farm murder during the period. In this case, an African male was killed during a robbery in which livestock – including cows, goats, and sheep –were stolen. Such acts of violence are unacceptable in any context.

“The committee is gravely alarmed by the continued killing of police officers. Eleven officers lost their lives during the quarter – one while on duty and ten off-duty. The committee strongly condemns these attacks, emphasising that violence against law enforcement is an attack on the state and the safety of all citizens,” the statement read.

On a downturn

A decrease in sexual violence crimes and reduction in robbery with aggravating circumstances are considered “positive” developments.

“Encouragingly, incidents of sexual violence declined by 2.1%. While this decrease is acknowledged, the committee stresses that more must be done to significantly reduce such crimes and to protect the dignity and safety of women and children across Gauteng.

“The 8.9% reduction in robbery with aggravating circumstances is another positive development. However, the committee is increasingly concerned about the 15.8% rise in kidnapping cases. These are often linked to hijackings, robbery, ransom demands, extortion, and human trafficking. The safety and freedom of movement of Gauteng residents must be protected with urgency,” the committee said.

Law enforcement is called upon to step up efforts even further to deal with crime in the province.

“The committee applauds the success of crime-fighting initiatives such as Operation Shanela, which resulted in the arrest of 28,851 suspects, including 8,110 undocumented foreign nationals. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of coordinated and sustained enforcement operations.

“While the committee welcomes the progress made, it emphasizes that this is only the beginning. Gauteng must continue to intensify efforts to eradicate criminal activity and build safe, resilient communities where every resident can live free from fear and violence,” the statement concluded.

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The DA warns that this massive increase is diverting vital funds away from patient care, exacerbating staff shortages, long queues, and equipment failures.

DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health, Jack Bloom, raised the alarm in the Gauteng Legislature, citing a written response from Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko. The Department attributes the cost hike to “additional points of service provision” and increases in pay rates as set by the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA). However, Bloom points out that PSIRA-regulated guard wages have only risen by 7.38% annually—far below the nearly six-fold jump in overall security expenditure over three years.

Security now represents 3.8% of Gauteng’s R66 billion health budget, up from just 1.1% in 2022. Bloom specifically questioned the department about the security costs at major hospitals: R77 million annually for Chris Hani Baragwanath, R72 million for Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg, and R26 million for Bertha Gxowa. The department responded that a security assessment report justifies the increased number of guards and that the rates align with PSIRA guidelines.

While security costs balloon, some guards report ongoing issues with late payments. At Tembisa Hospital, security personnel have staged protests and initiated a go-slow due to unpaid wages for three months. Mafoko Security Patrollers, responsible for George Mukhari Hospital, recently lost a court case after failing to pay employee provident fund contributions. There are also allegations that the security company at Bertha Gxowa Hospital is not paying staff on time and is failing to remit statutory deductions.

The department claims it uses a monthly performance monitoring tool to ensure timely and lawful payments, but evidence suggests this system is ineffective.

Bloom expressed suspicion of corruption, stating that many security companies appear to be overcharging while underpaying their workers. He emphasized that the DA will continue to pressure the department to review security contracts for value and efficiency.

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Garden Route District: Drug Busts and Firearm Seizures

In the Western Cape’s Garden Route District, sustained anti-crime efforts led to the arrest of 73 individuals for drug-related offences and the seizure of an unlicensed firearm. These operations ran from Friday 23 May to the morning of Sunday 25 May 2025 and targeted high-crime zones with a multi-unit police deployment.

Eight suspects were arrested for drug dealing, and a further 65 for possession. Arrests were concentrated in Knysna (24), George (11), Oudtshoorn (7), and Conville (7), with small quantities of mandrax, tik, and dagga confiscated.

In a targeted raid on 23 May, George Public Order Police executed search warrants at five suspected drug dens in Knysna. The operation yielded the arrest of five individuals, three women and two men aged 25 to 42, along with more drugs seized. All suspects remain in custody and are expected to appear in court on Monday, 26 May 2025.

Separately, at 20:30 on Saturday 24 May, Knysna police responded to a complaint in Bloemfontein near White Location. Upon hearing a firearm being cocked, officers pursued a suspect who dropped a pistol while fleeing. A 28-year-old man was arrested for unlawful firearm possession and remains in custody.

Western Cape police management praised the officers’ vigilance, stating the actions align with the province’s broader strategy to protect vulnerable communities and remove drugs and firearms from circulation.

Gauteng: Operation Shanela Nets 1,090 Arrests

In Gauteng, Operation Shanela continued its relentless pursuit of criminals with the arrest of over 1,090 suspects across the province. The weekend sweep, involving SAPS and various law enforcement agencies, focused on increasing police visibility, asserting state authority, and tackling serious crimes.

The operation began on the evening of Friday 23 May, with detectives arresting 732 wanted suspects for serious offences including murder, rape, armed robbery, and car hijacking. A second phase featured roadblocks targeting illegal goods, stolen vehicles, and drunk drivers, resulting in over 130 DUI arrests and 140 illegal immigrants detained.

In addition, compliance checks led to the closure of several liquor outlets found violating the Liquor Act.

Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, acknowledged the collaborative effort between agencies and community stakeholders, urging continued public support in fighting crime.

Northern Cape: 300 Arrests in Multi-District Blitz

In the Northern Cape, Operation Shanela extended its reach to all five districts, with 300 arrests made for crimes ranging from drug trafficking and illegal liquor trading to murder and assault. High-density operations were overseen by senior provincial leadership, with special focus on illicit mining in areas such as Kleinzee, Port Nolloth, and Koingnaas.

During the operations, 12,907 police actions were carried out. Over 6,100 individuals and 2,450 vehicles were stopped and searched. Notably, R330,000 worth of dagga was seized in Galeshewe, leading to the arrest of a female suspect.

Inspections also led to the shutdown of unlicensed liquor outlets and non-compliant businesses. Rural safety initiatives included farm visits and high-visibility patrols. SAPS also conducted outreach programmes such as “Take a Girl Child to Work Day” and career exhibitions aimed at improving public trust and encouraging youth engagement with law enforcement.

Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola thanked SAPS personnel and community stakeholders, calling for sustained police action and collaboration to ensure safer communities.

Limpopo: Foreign National Caught with Drugs Worth R20,000

In Polokwane, Limpopo, a 50-year-old foreign national was arrested on Sunday 25 May following an intelligence-led operation by the Provincial Organised Crime Unit. Acting on a tip-off, police tracked the suspect to a Polo Vivo at the Peter Mokaba Stadium parking lot.

A tactical takedown led to the discovery of crystal meth worth an estimated R20,000. The suspect has been charged with drug dealing and possession and is scheduled to appear in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 26 May 2025.

Mpumalanga: Crackdown on Illegal Mining

Operation Vala Umgodi, targeting illegal mining in Mpumalanga, netted 21 suspects across Barberton and Sabie on 24 and 25 May.

In Barberton, eight suspects were arrested, seven of whom were undocumented foreign nationals. Four were also charged with possession of gold-bearing material, while one South African was arrested for dagga possession. Mining tools and gold material were seized.

At Sabie’s Simile informal settlement, 13 suspects aged 19 to 46 were apprehended during a disruptive operation that uncovered abandoned mining equipment, including phendukas and water pumps.

All suspects are expected in court on Monday 26 May 2025 for charges including contravention of the Immigration Act and illegal possession of mining materials.

Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, Acting Provincial Commissioner, commended the arrests and reaffirmed SAPS’s commitment to dismantling illegal mining networks, warning that intensified operations would continue.

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