A 38-year-old male suspect has been arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition following a robbery incident that occurred in the Mhala policing area on Thursday, 31 July 2025, at approximately 15:30.
According to the report, police officers attached to the Ehlanzeni District Highway Patrol were on duty patrolling in the Bushbuckridge policing area when they received information about a robbery that had just occurred in the Mhala area. The officers were provided with a description of the vehicle involved in the robbery.
While continuing with their patrol duties, the officers spotted a suspicious vehicle matching the description. They attempted to stop the vehicle, which eventually came to a halt near Ga Motibidi Trust. As the vehicle stopped, one male suspect alighted and began firing shots at the police. Officers returned fire in self-defence. The vehicle then sped off, leaving the suspect behind.
Backup was called from Bushbuckridge SAPS, and upon arrival, three Highway Patrol members pointed out the suspect, who was found sitting on the ground. Upon closer inspection, officers discovered that the suspect had sustained injuries to his upper left body and left buttocks. A firearm, loaded with seven live rounds of ammunition, was found lying next to him.
When questioned, the suspect admitted ownership of the firearm but failed to produce a valid license. The firearm’s serial number had been filed off, making it impossible to trace. All relevant role players attended the scene.
The suspect was arrested and charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. The firearm was confiscated. The suspect was taken under police guard to Mapulaneng Hospital for medical treatment. He is expected to appear before the Bushbuckridge Magistrate’s Court today, 01 August 2025.
Police are urging anyone with information that may assist in locating the other suspect who fled the scene to contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or to send information via the MySAPS App. All information will be treated with strict confidentiality, and callers may remain anonymous.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, welcomed the arrest and issued a stern warning: “Anyone who dares to shoot at police officers must be prepared to face the consequences. The police will not stand by while being attacked; they will defend themselves accordingly.”
