Key Takeaways
- A video of an elderly person being robbed in Bloemfontein has drawn widespread condemnation
- The incident occurred outside a shopping centre on New Year’s Day, 1 January 2026, and police are searching for two suspects
- The robbery has sparked concern over the safety of elderly and vulnerable residents who have become victims of merciless criminals
- Police have launched a manhunt for a group of suspects who killed four members of the same family on New Year’s Eve in Port Shepstone
- The suspects broke into a house, demanded money, and opened fire, killing four people and fleeing with two cellphones
Introduction to the Incidents
The start of the new year has been marked by two disturbing incidents in South Africa, which have drawn widespread condemnation and sparked concern over the safety of residents. A video of an elderly person being robbed in Bloemfontein has been circulating on social media, showing the victim being manhandled and robbed of cash and a cellphone. The incident occurred outside a shopping centre on New Year’s Day, 1 January 2026, and police are searching for two suspects caught on camera.
The Bloemfontein Robbery
The video of the incident, which has been shared on social media, shows the elderly man lying on the ground before a group of three men is seen robbing him of his cellphone and an undisclosed amount of cash. The incident has sparked concern over the safety of elderly and vulnerable residents who have become victims of merciless criminals. Police have urged anyone who recognises the individuals or has information that may assist the investigation to contact Bloemfontein Saps on 051 411 7000 or report anonymously via Crime Stop on 08600 10111. The police are working to identify the suspects and bring them to justice, and the community is being encouraged to come forward with any information that may assist the investigation.
The Port Shepstone Murders
Meanwhile, police have launched a manhunt for a group of suspects who killed four members of the same family on New Year’s Eve in Port Shepstone. The suspects broke into a house at the Mdweshule area in the Mehlomyama policing precinct, and opened fire, killing four people. According to police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Paul Magwaza, the suspects demanded money, and when they were told that there was no money, they began firing shots at the victims. The suspects fled the scene, taking with them two cellphones. The police are investigating a case of murder, and the community is being urged to come forward with any information that may assist the investigation.
Community Response
The incidents have sparked outrage and concern in the community, with many taking to social media to condemn the violence and call for justice. The hashtag #CountryDuty is being used to encourage people to come forward with information and to support the police in their investigations. The community is being encouraged to work together to prevent such incidents from happening in the future, and to support the victims and their families. The police are also urging anyone with information to come forward, and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
Police Investigation
The police are working to identify the suspects and bring them to justice, and the community is being encouraged to come forward with any information that may assist the investigation. The police are investigating both incidents, and are working to determine the motives behind the crimes. The police are also reviewing the security measures in place in the areas where the incidents occurred, and are working to improve the safety and security of residents. The investigations are ongoing, and the police are urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
Conclusion
The incidents in Bloemfontein and Port Shepstone are a disturbing start to the new year, and have sparked concern over the safety and security of residents. The police are working to identify the suspects and bring them to justice, and the community is being encouraged to come forward with any information that may assist the investigation. The community is being urged to work together to prevent such incidents from happening in the future, and to support the victims and their families. The police are committed to keeping the community safe, and are working to improve the safety and security of residents.
