Afrique Beat News

31/03/2026

WANTED FOR MURDER
Meyerton SAPS is seeking assistance from the public in locating Mpho Julia Ramaisa following an alleged murder that took place on January 1 near a local tavern.

According to a statement released by Constable Nompumelelo Zazini (Meyerton SAPS Communications Officer), the victim and Mpho engaged in an argument that escalated into a physical altercation.

The two were separated by bystanders.

Following the altercation, the victim allegedly returned to her home in Nkandla (Meyerton) to change her clothes, while Mpho left the venue shortly thereafter.

According to eyewitnesses, the victim returned a short while later, alleging that she had been stabbed by the suspect in a nearby alley.
Eyewitnesses state that while recounting the incident, the victim collapsed. She was rushed to Kopanong Hospital where, despite medical treatment, she tragically passed away.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident and are appealing to members of the public who may have any information on the whereabouts of Mpho Julia Ramaisa to contact Warrant Officer Tuanyane at Meyerton SAPS on 016 362 8000 or leave an anonymous tip-off via the MySAPS app.

23/02/2026

23 February 2026 |TEMBISA SHUTDOWN

Tembisa residents have brought the area to a standstill as they protest against electricity disconnections and termination notices.

Major roads are barricaded, and no taxis or e-hailing services are operating, leaving commuters stranded.

Authorities are monitoring the situation.

23/02/2026

Afrique Beat News
Mpumalanga | Police & Public Safety

Colonel Mavela Masondo Named New Spokesperson for Mpumalanga SAPS

By Constance van Niekerk | Afrique Beat News

Colonel Mavela Masondo has joined the Mpumalanga police communications department as the province's new spokesperson. He is widely known for having previously served as the mouthpiece for both the national and Gauteng police, bringing with him 22 years of experience in SAPS media relations.

Masondo was born and raised in Soweto and began his SAPS career in 2004, shortly after which he was appointed spokesperson for the Soweto Police. He went on to become a warrant officer, then a captain, before being promoted to the national office. He was later promoted to lieutenant colonel and deployed to the Gauteng police. His deployment to Mpumalanga comes at the rank of colonel.

He has spoken about his reasons for the move, saying that working at the national office had become more administrative in nature and that he wanted to be on the ground. He noted that his time at the national office had kept him in contact with community media platforms from across the country, including those in Mpumalanga, and that he believed the province would offer him the challenge he was looking for.

On 5 February, Masondo was among approximately 100 police officers who received conferment of ranks. Acting Mpumalanga Police Commissioner Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi welcomed him to the province and congratulated him on his new rank at the ceremony.

Masondo holds a National Diploma in Public Relations, Communication Science and Media Studies from the Vaal University of Technology, a Baccalaureus Technologiae (BTech) from the Tshwane University of Technology, and has completed short courses in media relations through the University of Stellenbosch.

He has expressed eagerness to familiarise himself with the media platforms Mpumalanga has to offer and to work with both young and experienced journalists to bring police news closer to the province's communities.

In the broader communications structure, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli now serves as Director of Mpumalanga SAPS Communications, overseeing Masondo alongside Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane and Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe.

18/02/2026

CHECKPOINT: A disturbing video, where an alleged Zimbabwean lady was assaulted by a South African Police Service officer.

18/02/2026

MISSING: Orange Farms Police Urgently Seek 15-Year-Old Sibahle Randsepele

By Afrique Beat News Correspondent
Vereeniging | 18 February 2026

Orange Farms police are urgently appealing to the public for help in locating a missing 15-year-old girl who disappeared from her home earlier this week following a heated altercation.

SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Shaan Motsapi confirmed that the teenager, Sibahle Randsepele, was last seen on the evening of Monday, 16 February 2026.

According to Motsepe, the incident unfolded at approximately 18:45 when the family received an unexpected phone call that would trigger the chain of events leading to Sibahle's disappearance.

"Her mother alleges that she received a call from the maiden, who informed her that Sibahle did not pay the money for a virginity test," Motsapi explained.

The mother, who was at home with her husband and Sibahle at the time — the teenager reportedly occupied with her schoolwork — immediately confronted her daughter about the matter. The conversation quickly turned volatile.

"Sibahle became aggressive, left the house and never came back home since," Motsapi said.

Police have since launched a preliminary investigation. "A missing persons file was registered," Motsapi confirmed, adding that initial efforts to trace the teenager's whereabouts are already underway.

Sergeant Motsapi made a direct plea to residents in and around Orange Farms to come forward with any information. "Orange Farms SAPS plea to community members who may have information that can assist with the whereabouts of Sibahle Randsepele," he said.

Anyone with information regarding Sibahle's whereabouts is urged to contact Orange Farms SAPS immediately on landline numbers (011) 213 8023, (011) 213 8025, or (011) 213 8026. Alternatively, the public may reach the Relief Commander directly on cellphone number 071 675 7234.

Source: Official SAPS media statement issued by Sergeant S.J Motsapi, Orange Farms SAPS spokesperson.

16/02/2026

16/02/2026

Tragedy Strikes Tembisa School as Learner Dies in Playground Accident
By Afrique Beat News Reporter | 16 February 2026

A 10-year-old Grade 5 learner from Reagile Primary School in the Winnie Mandela area of Tembisa died on Monday after a goal post reportedly fell on him during break time.

According to preliminary reports, the incident occurred during the school’s second break while a group of learners were playing around the soccer posts. The boy sustained severe injuries when the goal post collapsed.

Paramedics arrived at the school within 20 minutes, but despite efforts to resuscitate him, the child was declared dead at the scene. Police have since opened an investigation, while the Gauteng Department of Education has confirmed it will conduct its own enquiry.

In response, the Department has dispatched its Psycho-Social Support Unit to provide counselling to learners, educators, and the bereaved family. Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane conveyed condolences, saying,
“The Department is deeply saddened by this tragic incident. We wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to the learner’s family, fellow learners, educators, and the entire school community.”

⚠️Scholar Transport Crash Injures 15 Learners in Tshwane

In a separate incident earlier on Monday, 15 learners were injured when a private scholar transport minibus was involved in an accident on the road between Pretoria West and Hartbeespoort.

The vehicle was carrying learners from several Pretoria schools, including Danville Secondary, Lotus Gardens Secondary, Brindhaven Primary, S.K. Moseneke Primary, Hoërskool Pretoria Wes, and Bagale Primary.

The injured learners were taken to local hospitals for medical assessment and treatment. No fatalities have been reported.

MEC Chiloane expressed concern over the accident, stating,
“The Department is deeply concerned by this incident, which placed the lives of learners at risk. We are closely monitoring the condition of the affected learners and are working with relevant authorities and stakeholders to establish the full details surrounding the accident.”

Both incidents have cast a shadow over Gauteng’s education community, with officials pledging to investigate and provide support to affected families and schools.

14/02/2026

AFRIQUE BEAT NEWS | EVENTS
National call to prayer and repentance planned for Purim 2026
CAPE TOWN — The Prayer and Repentance movement is calling “every Judeo-Christian believer across South Africa” to take part in a united day of prayer, fasting, and repentance during Purim 2026, drawing inspiration from the biblical story of Queen Esther.

What is Purim? Purim is a biblical remembrance linked to the Book of Esther, commemorating deliverance and reversal in Esther’s time. It is widely observed in Jewish communities, and some Judeo-Christian believers also mark it through Scripture reading and prayer.

Organisers say this call comes as South Africa faces “deep-seated division and economic hardship” as well as “crises in service delivery and community safety.”

Purim 2026 begins the evening of Monday, 2 March 2026, and continues through Tuesday, 3 March 2026. A dedicated day of prayer is set for Monday, 2 March 2026, from 04:48 to 19:02. Participants are encouraged to read the Book of Esther and come before God in “prayer, repentance, and fasting” for the “spiritual awakening and healing of South Africa.”

Rachel Kalidass, described as the movement’s visionary leader, said: “Esther’s example speaks directly to our time… This is the posture we are called to adopt today.”

The movement also shared suggested prayer themes including gratitude for hidden miracles, protection for Israel, wisdom and courage for leaders, salvation and deliverance, and spiritual awakening in the nation.

✅ Join the WhatsApp prayer group:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/D7KrCRLzqFK7iJmDIs43wV?mode=gi_t
More info: prayerandrepentance.com
Source: JOY! News| https://joynews.co.za/a-call-to-prayer-and-repentance-uniting-south-africa-in-the-spirit-of-esther-this-purim-2026/
Afrique Beat News

01/02/2026

On Sunday morning, February 1, 2026, two cyclists were killed in a collision on the R82 (Old Johannesburg Road) near Walkerville.

The cyclists were reportedly traveling uphill toward Walkerville at the time of the crash. News of the incident first broke via a message on a local cycling WhatsApp group, which stated, “It is with a heavy heart that I need to inform you guys that two cyclists were tragically killed in an accident going up Walkerville this morning.”

The local cycling community has expressed profound shock and sadness. The tragedy occurred just days before the South African National Road & Time Trial Championships, which are scheduled to be held in Midvaal from February 5–8.

At the time of publication, the South African Police Service and emergency services had not yet released official details regarding the identities of the deceased or the specific circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities continue to investigate the scene.

01/02/2026

JOHANNESBURG: Randburg’s Iconic security guard and cyclist David Sejobe Passes Away- David Sejobe, the beloved front-of-house security guard at MultiChoice’s Randburg offices, has passed away.

Sejobe passed away on Saturday, the 31st of January 2026. According to the police, his body was found at a park in Randburg. While the exact cause of death has not been officially confirmed, authorities have opened an inquest docket to investigate the circumstances surrounding his passing.

Known for his infectious energy and charismatic personality, Sejobe became a local icon on Bram Fischer Drive for his uplifting daily greetings and vibrant smile.

Beyond his role as a security officer for Fidelity Services Group, Sejobe was a renowned cyclist. He famously cycled two hours daily from Orange Farm to work and gained national attention for long-distance rides, including a 600km journey to Venda to honour his late father.

MultiChoice and the Randburg community have expressed deep shock at his passing, with social media flooding with tributes for a man described as a "true asset" to his community.

Memorial arrangements are expected to be shared once confirmed with his family.
Afrique Beat News

22/01/2026

From 12 to 14. 😪 May these beautiful souls rest in peace.