Kanyamazane: Five suspects, aged between 19 and 30, were apprehended on the N4 Road near the Kanyamazane turn-off following two robbery incidents.
According to South African Police Service, the arrests were made today, Saturday 06 September 2025, and led to the recovery of two firearms as well as several mobile phones and other items. The incidents involved a robbery at a church in Ngwenyeni near Nkomatipoort, and a tavern in Madadeni, near Komatipoort in Nkomazi. During the church robbery, a 14-year-old boy sustained injuries and was taken to the hospital.
In a separate incident, a 22-year-old male suspect was fatally shot after allegedly robbing congregants at a mosque in Kwaggafontein last night. The robbery occurred around 18h30, with the suspect shooting three victims who sustained injuries. The suspect was shot by a congregant who returned fire, resulting in the suspect's death on the mosque premises.
Police and paramedics were called to the scene, where they found the suspect's body with gunshot wounds and a pistol beside him. The arrest of the five suspects was facilitated by the Mpumalanga Provincial Anti-hijacking Task Team and Dog Unit, who were alerted to the suspects traveling in a blue VW Polo on the N4 Road towards Kanyamazane.
The SAPS intercepted the vehicle and found five male occupants, along with a bag containing multiple cellphones, a laptop, and cash. These items are believed to have been stolen during the robberies. Additionally, three 9mm pistols with ammunition were discovered in the vehicle.
The public is advised against purchasing suspected stolen goods, as this encourages criminal activities. Community members are urged to cooperate with the police by reporting crimes to the SAPS through the Crime Stop number or the MYSAPSAPP, with assurances of confidentiality.
The suspects are scheduled to appear at the Kanyamazane Magistrate's Court on Monday, 08 September 2025, facing charges including possession of unlicensed firearms and possession of suspected stolen properties. Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, commended the arrests and recovery of firearms, reiterating the seriousness of robberies at places of worship and the ongoing collaboration with Faith-Based Organizations to address these crimes.