Latest news with #ZephMkhwanazi
The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
Gunfire erupts during Mpumalanga liquor store robbery: 2 arrested, cop wounded
Two suspects, aged 37 and 40, were arrested during an armed robbery that escalated into a shoot-out with the police in Leandra in Mpumalanga. Ridge Times reports that the shoot-out, which happened on Tuesday, saw a 38-year-old police constable wounded in the crossfire. According to Mpumalanga Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, police officers from Leandra were conducting routine patrols in the area when they encountered a robbery in progress. The suspects allegedly opened fire on the officers, who retaliated. It was during this exchange that the constable was shot in the hip. He was transported to hospital for medical treatment. Preliminary investigations suggest that a gang of about seven armed men, wearing police reflector vests, entered a liquor outlet in Leandra. They allegedly identified themselves as police officials on duty, investigating counterfeit liquor. The suspects reportedly questioned the owner and spent nearly an hour at the premises before trying to carry out an armed robbery. At that point, members of the Leadra Visible Policing unit arrived on the scene, prompting the shoot-out. Some of the suspects managed to evade arrest during the gunfire and fled, abandoning a white BMW 3 Series, with a false registration number, and a white Ford Focus that had reportedly been stolen in Bronkhorstspruit in March. Both vehicles were seized and taken to the police station for further investigation. Believing that not all suspects had fled, police conducted a search of the area, which led to the arrest of two suspects who were found hiding in an enclosed storeroom. They were charged with attempted murder, armed robbery and possession of suspected stolen vehicles. Crime scene experts are continuing to process the area, and further developments are expected as the investigation unfolds. The arrested suspects are expected to appear in the Leslie Periodical Court tomorrow. The remaining suspects are still at large. Acting provincial commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, welcomed the arrests and condemned the attack on law enforcement. 'Attacking police officers will be dealt with accordingly. We will not rest until the remaining suspects are brought to justice,' he said. Police are appealing to the public who may have information that could assist in their arrest to contact Detective Constable Thembayona Mkhulisi on 066 577 6013 or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Alternatively, tip-offs can be sent via the MySAPS App. All information received will be treated confidentially, and callers may remain anonymous. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The South African
6 days ago
- The South African
Illegal miner shot and arrested during Operation Vala Umgodi
The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga has shot and arrested one illegal miner during Operation Vala Umgodi in Simile Township, Nkanini Section, Sabie. According to reports, members of the Combat Team in Sabie received a tip-off from a source about a group of Zama Zamas (foreign nationals) who were allegedly refining gold illegally and selling mercury at a specific address in the area. Police acted on the information and proceeded to the location. Upon arrival, the police ran into three suspects who, without hesitation, opened fire at the police and immediately fled the scene. The police shot back at the suspects, injuring one in the right thigh. The suspect was immediately arrested and admitted to Sabie Hospital under police guard and has since been discharged and placed in custody. The two other suspects managed to escape. The 30-year-old suspect, believed to be a Mozambican, faces charges of possession of gold-bearing material, possession of illicit mining equipment, attempted murder and being an illegal immigrant. The suspect is expected to appear before the Sabie Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, 17 June 2025. The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, welcomed the arrest and thanked the public for providing valuable information that led to the arrest of the suspect. 'Illegal mining continues to threaten our economy and public safety. We will ensure that those who engage in such activities face the full might of the law,' said Mkhwanazi. The police in Tsineng have arrested two suspects in connection with an alleged shooting incident between Ganap and Laxey Village on Saturday, 14 June 2025, claiming two lives. According to police, approximately six suspects allegedly attempted to break into a tuck shop in the area. However, a group of community members reportedly approached the suspects, prompting them to flee the scene. It is alleged that one of the suspects, trying to escape, stopped a vehicle near the scene and shot a 38-year-old driver and his passenger. The passenger died on the scene and the driver succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. An intensive search led to a residence in Mothibistad, where three men were arrested. Investigations are currently ongoing. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Herald
6 days ago
- The Herald
Armed robbers steal cellphones and pastor's car after storming night prayer service at Mpumalanga church
Mpumalanga police have opened a case of business robbery after armed suspects stormed a church during a night prayer service in Numbi in the early hours of Saturday. According to police, no arrests have been made. Congregants were attending an all-night prayer service at The Moving Ministries of God Church when five unknown men wearing balaclavas entered the church. Police spokesperson Lt-Col Jabu Ndubane said the suspects, armed with pistols, threatened the congregants and robbed them of 11 cellphones, two amplifiers and the pastor's vehicle keys. 'The stolen items were loaded into a white Audi Q3 SUV with registration number KFM 302 MP, which the suspects used to flee the scene. The vehicle has not been recovered at this stage, but tracking efforts are ongoing through the Cartrack company,' Ndubane said. Acting provincial police commissioner Maj-Gen Zeph Mkhwanazi condemned the incident. 'We grew up knowing that the house of the Lord is a sacred place to be respected. It is deeply concerning that criminals now boldly target churches. We urge congregants to remain vigilant, especially during night gatherings, to ensure their safety and avoid falling victim to such crimes.' Ndubane said no injuries were reported during the incident and no shots were fired. 'Anyone with information that may assist in locating the suspects is urged to contact Det Capt David Hlatshwayo on 0722337530,' he said. TimesLIVE
The Citizen
6 days ago
- The Citizen
Three suspects nabbed with stolen car
Three male suspects, aged between 20 and 23, have been arrested in connection with the possession of a suspected stolen vehicle following a coordinated police operation near Middelburg. The arrests took place at around 08:00 on Thursday when members of the Middelburg Flying Squad, Cyber Tracker, and the Provincial Tracking Team intercepted a white Ford Figo on the R575 (Vandyksdrif road) road. The vehicle, fitted with Mpumalanga registration plates, was stopped and checked against police records. It was swiftly confirmed that the car had been reported stolen at the Middelburg police station. The suspects were arrested and charged with possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle. They are expected to appear in the Middelburg Magistrate's Court on Monday, 17 June. Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, commended the swift response and effective collaboration between the police units involved. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here
The South African
7 days ago
- The South African
Man commits suicide after daughter allegedly accuses him of rape
A man committed suicide after his daughter allegedly accused him of rape. According to information, the 45-year-old suspect started raping his daughter in 2017 when she was 17 years old. The victim disclosed the incidents to her mother in 2024. Disturbed by what her daughter told her, the mother separated from the suspect without reporting the matter to the police at the time. In 2025, the situation escalated when the suspect began harassing both the mother and his daughter at their place of residence, prompting the mother to open a case of rape at a police station. Before the suspect could be arrested, he called his relative on Thursday, 12 June 2025, to inform them that he had ingested poison after a rape case was opened against him. When emergency services and police responded, the suspect was already declared dead at the scene. The police in Leslie opened an inquest docket and investigations surrounding his death are still ongoing. The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, urged the public to report sexual crimes immediately. She says, 'We commend the victim for her courage in coming forward. Sexual abuse has no place in our society. We urge anyone who is a victim or witness to such crimes to seek help and report the matter without delay.' Serial rapist, Japhta Pitsi David Mabitsela (32), was sentenced to 25 years' imprisonment for harassing women and children in the Mankweng and Sebayeng policing areas. Between the years 2011 and 2021, Mabitsela targeted women and girls aged between 12 and 38 years. He would forcefully break into the victim's homes at night, attack them on the streets and would drag them to secluded areas in the bushes and rape them. Forensic investigation techniques used DNA evidence to link the suspect to other crimes he committed, and he was arrested in January 2024. The suspect was given an effective sentence of 25 years' imprisonment, with three years suspended for a period of five years. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
