It has been an eventful year with many breaking news stories that made headlines on the West Rand, which sparked conversations and captured the attention of our community.

From shocking crimes and courageous community initiatives to inspiring human interest stories, the team worked tirelessly to bring you news that shaped the community.

We recap the top stories that kept the community talking:

Tiffany-Nicole Meek
Meek is a Fleurhof mother who is accused of murdering her own son, Jayden-Lee Meek (11), who was reported ‘missing’ after he failed to return from school. The Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court denied her bail in July.

• You can read more here: https://www.citizen.co.za/roodepoort-record/news-headlines/local-crime-news/2025/07/29/state-denies-bail-for-tiffany-nicole-meek/

Two police officers were gunned down in Roodepoort
A Zimbabwean suspect is still on the run after two police officers attached to the Johannesburg Trio Task Team were shot and killed in August while transporting a suspect from court.

• Read more here: https://www.citizen.co.za/roodepoort-record/news-headlines/local-crime-news/2025/08/08/two-police-officers-gunned-down-in-roodepoort/

Principal stabbed at Hoërskool Roodepoort
A violent clash between West Ridge High School and Hoërskool Roodepoort led to a principal being stabbed and three learners sustaining injuries.

• More here: https://www.citizen.co.za/roodepoort-record/news-headlines/local-crime-news/2025/08/20/19-hoerskool-roodepoort-and-westridge-high-learners-suspended-after-violent-clash/

JMPD recruits die during training
Two Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) trainee candidates died during the department’s recruitment and selection process at Ruimsig Stadium in September.

• Read more here: https://www.citizen.co.za/roodepoort-record/news-headlines/local-news/2025/09/04/2-die-during-jmpd-recruitment-programme-in-ruimsig/

Mr Wrestling declared cancer-free
After battling stage 4 Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, wrestling legend Freddie Harmse, also known as Mr Wrestling, was declared cancer-free in September.

• Initial article here: https://www.citizen.co.za/roodepoort-record/news-headlines/local-news/2025/09/12/mr-wrestling-declared-cancer-free-after-brave-battle/

A sinkhole develops on Hendrik Potgieter Road
A developing sinkhole was discovered along Hendrik Potgieter Road near Hillfox Value Centre, between Albert Street and Rhinoceros Road.

• Read more here: https://www.citizen.co.za/roodepoort-record/news-headlines/local-municipal-news/2025/10/20/developing-sinkhole-discovered-along-hendrik-potgieter-road/

Baby Savers criminalised
The Department of Social Development proposed legislation that would criminalise the act of desperate mothers safely relinquishing their infants through a baby saver.

• Read more here: https://www.citizen.co.za/roodepoort-record/news-headlines/local-news/2025/10/09/baby-sanctuary-opposes-new-amendments-to-criminalise-baby-savers/

Body found on Ontdekkers Road, Roodepoort
An unknown man’s body was discovered on Ontdekkers Road in October, and it was badly beaten, with bruises on the head and back.

• Read more here: https://www.citizen.co.za/roodepoort-record/news-headlines/local-crime-news/2025/10/27/body-found-on-ontdekkers-road/