Two people have lost their lives in yet another taxi-related attack in Masiphumelele this morning.

This brings the total number of people killed in suspected taxi violence to six within two days, after four people were shot and killed in Nyanga yesterday.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that two cases of murder are being investigated, while authorities appeal to the community to come forward with any information that could assist them in tracking down the suspects behind the deadly shooting.

“Provincial Serious Violent Crime detectives are investigating two counts of murder following a shooting incident at Pokela Road in Masiphumelele on Wednesday 03 June 2026. Ocean View Police responded to reports of a shooting at about 06:45 and upon arrival they found the lifeless bodies of two males aged 41 and 42 on the street with gunshot wounds. The motive for the shooting is suspected to be taxi-related and no arrest has been made. Anyone with information that might assist with the investigation is kindly requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or utilise the MySAPS app.”

SmileFM reached out to the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) for comment, however the association’s Makhosandile Tumana said they have not formulated a statement yet.

“We are not yet ready to release a statement regarding this matter. I hope you will understand.”

Meanwhile, commenting on the incident in Nyanga, Tumana condemned the brazen attack, calling on the authorities to work swiftly to ensure that those responsible are dealt with accordingly.

“We condemn all forms of violence, intimidation and lawlessness. We call on law-enforcement agencies to act swiftly and decisively to bring those responsible to justice. We also urge anyone with information to contact the South African Police Service.”

He further stressed the importance of ensuring peace in the sector, emphasising SANTACO’s commitment to promoting peace, stability and responsible conflict resolution within the taxi industry.

“We will continue engaging operators and associations to ensure that disputes are addressed through the appropriate structures and never through violence.”

Residents in George and surrounding areas have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel as severe weather conditions are set to affect the region.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned of severe weather in parts of the Western and Eastern Cape over the next two days.

A Level 8 alert has been issued, with heavy rainfall of between 50 and 90 millimetres forecast for the Central Karoo, western parts of the Garden Route and Swellendam Municipality.

The warning comes after last month’s deadly storms in the Western Cape that impacted more than 83,000 residents.

George Municipality spokesperson Debra Sauer says heavy rainfall could result in localised flooding, particularly on roads, bridges and low-lying crossings.

“Motorists are reminded never to drive through flooded roads or moving water. Water-covered roads may conceal potholes, washaways and other hazards, placing lives at risk. If you do not have to travel, please stay off the roads and remain at home until conditions improve.”

Sauer further encouraged residents to closely monitor weather conditions, urging those in low-lying or flood-prone areas to move to higher ground if water levels begin to rise.

“The safety of residents remains the municipality’s highest priority. Important documents, medication and valuables should be placed in waterproof containers and kept readily accessible. Municipal emergency services and response teams remain on high alert and will continue to monitor conditions throughout the severe weather period.”

The Mitchells Plain community has been left in shock as they try to piece together the circumstances that led to a man’s death by suicide in Tafelsig.  

The Western Cape SAPS confirmed that the Mitchells Plain SAPS opened an inquest docket, following the 57-year-old man’s death on Tuesday morning. 

Spokesperson Thembakazi Mpendukana noted that his body was found on Winterhoek Street around 05:20.  

The community crime group reports that the man is believed to be a known mechanic in the area. 

Norman Jantjies of the Mitchells Plain United Residents Association noted that members of community-based forums have approached the family of the deceased to assess the situation and what the needs of the family may be during this time. 

“There’s a spiritual crime prevention in Tafelsig, they are on their way to the house and they will maybe get a better idea of as to what transpired, whether there’s family involved, and also maybe offer some counselling and support if needed,” said Jantjies.  

Jantjies added that he’s noted a concerning trend with death by suicide, especially among men.  

“It appears that men are going through a lot. There’s a lot of emphasis on women’s rights, which is right, but at the same time… I think men begin to feel inferior, and men also don’t have the tendency to go for help when they need psychological support.”  

In May, Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, noted that men account for 80% of all recorded suicides in the country. Responding to a Parliamentary question, Chikunga noted that there is a notable rise in suicide among young people, and there is a need for comprehensive support.  

She advised that the department is working on interventions specifically aimed at high-risk young men.  

“The focus is on implementing urgent, collaborative mental health interventions, in line with the National Youth Policy 2030, whose third pillar is focused on Physical and Mental health promotion. Based on the magnitude of the problem, there is a need for comprehensive support, focusing on: addressing the root causes like unemployment, trauma, and gender-based violence; raising awareness on the ill-effects of mental health; enhancing psychosocial services; strengthening school-based prevention programmes; facilitating linkage to community-based mental health support services,” said Chikunga in her reply.  

Jantjies further appealed to families to take care of the males in their family. He also encouraged men to find someone to talk to. 

“They can decide who they want to share it with, but share it! At least you’ll get another point of view, and you’ll also get some support, instead of maybe resorting to this extreme case.”   

Two suspects have been arrested in Mozambique in connection with the brutal murder of retired Mossel Bay couple Ernst and Dina Marais in the Kruger National Park nearly two weeks ago.

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, announced the breakthrough in a statement on Wednesday.

“We said that these criminals would be apprehended, and that is exactly what has happened. I would like to thank all of those who have worked tirelessly and collaboratively from the onset to secure this breakthrough.”

Aucamp says the arrests are the result of effective cross-border cooperation between Serviço Nacional de Investigação Criminal (SERNIC), Mozambique’s agency responsible for investigating serious and organised crime; the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC); and Kruger National Park Ranger Services.

Police confirmed that the victims’ stolen vehicle, a Ford Ranger double cab, was recovered on 26 May in Chókwè, Mozambique.

The recovery of the vehicle led to the arrest of the first suspect in Chókwè on Monday, 1 June. The second suspect was subsequently arrested in Xai-Xai city, Gaza province, on Tuesday, 2 June.

Aucamp says South Africa will now start the formal extradition process to get the suspects to South Africa to stand trial.

“I have engaged with my colleagues in the Departments of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and Justice to emphasise the importance of securing the suspects’ return to South Africa to face the full might of the law.”

The Minister has also expressed his appreciation to the dedicated personnel at the South African National Parks (SANParks), South African Police Service (SAPS), Mozambican authorities, and conservation partners for their commitment and cooperation, which he says were instrumental in achieving this outcome.

Aucamp says criminal activity will not be tolerated in South Africa’s national parks, and he has called on communities and law enforcement agencies to continue working together to safeguard these protected areas.

“While the Marais family has suffered a devastating loss, I hope that these arrests will provide some measure of comfort to them as they continue to navigate this difficult journey.”