The acting provincial police commissioner in Gauteng, Major General Fred Kekana, narrowly avoided harm during an attempted hijacking on Monday morning, 14 July 2025, at his residence in Westonaria, west of Johannesburg.
Gauteng’s acting SAPS commissioner survives attempted hijacking
According to police, the incident occurred while Kekana’s driver, a police constable, was waiting to collect him in an official vehicle.
A man allegedly attempted to hijack the car but was met with resistance.
The constable fired at the suspect, who dropped his firearm and fled the scene.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said more information would be released as the investigation develops.
What the attempted hijacking reveals about SAPS leadership tensions
The hijacking attempt on Kekana took place during a turbulent time for senior members of the South African Police Service (SAPS). It follows a string of high-profile developments that have placed the country’s law enforcement leadership under intense scrutiny.
Last week, KwaZulu-Natal’s provincial commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, made serious allegations about corruption within the upper ranks of SAPS and suggested political interference by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.
In response, President Cyril Ramaphosa placed Mchunu on a leave of absence and launched a commission of inquiry to investigate these claims. The inquiry, led by acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, has been given full authority to investigate and make recommendations, including criminal charges where necessary.
Professor Firoz Cachalia, chair of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council and a former Gauteng MEC for community safety, has been appointed as the acting Minister of Police. Cachalia is due to start in August, following his retirement from the University of the Witwatersrand.
Until then, an interim minister will be selected from within Cabinet. Ramaphosa has promised the inquiry will be independent and transparent, with interim reports expected in three and six months.
The commission will assess whether individuals across various institutions—including SAPS, the National Prosecuting Authority, and the judiciary—played any role in aiding organised criminal activity.
Monday’s incident has stirred further concern about the safety of senior SAPS officials. Meanwhile, political pressure is mounting, with the Democratic Alliance having filed criminal charges against Mchunu. The MK Party also held protests in Johannesburg calling for his removal.
The President reiterated on Sunday that the government remains committed to addressing corruption and restoring faith in public institutions.