Two men were arrested in separate incidents in the OR Tambo District on Friday, 27 February 2026.
The arrests took place in Bhantini locality in Ngqeleni and Qandu A/A in Port St Johns. Police confirmed the suspects will appear in their respective Magistrates’ Courts soon.
What happened?
In the first incident, members of Ngqeleni Crime Prevention acted on Crime Intelligence information at Bhantini locality.
During the operation, officers arrested a 21-year-old man at his homestead for possession of a suspected stolen Toyota Hilux bakkie. Police said a vehicle circulation check revealed that the vehicle was linked to a theft case registered in Mqanduli in February 2026.
In a separate incident later that evening at about 21:00 in Qandu A/A, Port St Johns, a 40-year-old man was arrested for attempted murder and unlawful possession of an unlicensed firearm.
According to police, the suspect allegedly shot at community members after they questioned him about a vehicle he was towing with a companion. Community members reportedly overpowered the suspect and confiscated the shotgun before calling police. Officers then arrested him at the scene.
Why it matters to you
These arrests form part of ongoing efforts by OR Tambo police to address vehicle theft and firearm-related crimes in local communities.
Stolen vehicles and illegal firearms increase the risk of violence. Therefore, police have urged residents to report suspicious activity instead of confronting suspects directly
