Police have launched a manhunt following a break-in at the Thabo Mbeki Foundation’s offices in Killarney, Johannesburg, during which electrical appliances and money were stolen.
Gauteng police spokesperson Tintswalo Sibeko said Hillbrow police had opened a business burglary case following the incident on Monday, October 26, 2026.
“Police in Hillbrow have opened a case of business burglary following a break-in at an office in Killarney on Monday, 26 October 2026. No arrests have been made at this stage, and investigations are ongoing,” she said.
Information received indicates that the suspects allegedly stole a television set, microwave, laptop and hard drive from the former president’s foundation.
A police officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the suspects also allegedly broke into a built-in safe and stole R2 200 in petty cash.
The officer said no one was on the premises when the break-in occurred.
The detective, who is familiar with the case, said the alarm system was reportedly not functioning because of a power outage.
“The building does not have a solar power system,” the officer said.
The circumstances surrounding the break-in, including how the suspects gained entry to the premises, remain unclear.
In a written response, the Thabo Mbeki Foundation confirmed that its Killarney offices had been burgled.
“The Thabo Mbeki Foundation confirms that a break-in occurred at its Killarney offices, during which several items were unlawfully removed from the premises.
“The matter has been reported to the South African Police Service, and the Foundation is working closely with the relevant authorities as part of the ongoing investigation,” the foundation said.
The foundation said it had taken immediate steps to assess the impact of the incident and strengthen measures to protect its assets.
“Given the ongoing investigations, the Foundation is unable to provide further details currently. We remain committed to the preservation and protection of our assets and will provide further information should it become appropriate to do so,” the statement read.
