| Robbery and kidnapping at church in Witbank, two suspects arrested | |
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| Date Published: | 2025/07/31 |
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Media Statement NELSPRUIT - A robbery and kidnapping was carried out by a group of armed suspects during a church service in Klipfontein, Witbank. The shocking incident occurred on Wednesday, 30 July 2025 around 18:55. According to a report, on this fateful day, a group of more than five armed males stormed into the church premises, threatening the congregants with firearms. About nine church members, including the Pastor and church elders, were present at the time, and were ordered to lie down. The victims were subsequently searched by the suspects and tied with cable ties before being robbed of their mobile phones, wallets containing bank cards, laptops, as well as a computer screen belonging to the church. The suspects further demanded car keys and pin codes for the mobile phones that they took. The victims were also forced into three vehicles belonging to them. The suspects then drove off to a remote area in the bushes, where two of them remained to guard the victims while the others went away only to return later and collected their two accomplices. The family members of the victims reported the incident to the authorities. The matter was escalated whereby a collaborative effort between the SAPS and Tracker Connect yielded significant results, as the vehicles were successfully traced last night (30 July 2025), one near Vosman and the other in Silverton, Gauteng. Thanks to the diligent work of Witbank Detectives and Vosman Vispol, the law enforcement agencies managed to locate all victims in a bushy area in Kromdraai. One individual sustained minor injuries and was given medical treatment by the medical personnel. In total, three vehicles were recovered, a Mercedes Benz, which was found in Vosman in the possession of a 21-year-old suspect; a VW Polo, which was abandoned in Vosman; and an Isuzu KB Bakkie, which was traced and recovered in Silverton (Gauteng Province) where a 27-year-old male suspect was arrested. The two suspects are expected to appear in court soon. The two suspects were indeed arrested, with all the stolen vehicles recovered but the men and women in Blue are not backing down. The pursuit of the remaining suspects continues. Police urge anyone with information that may assist in apprehending these perpetrators by contacting the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous. The Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, applauded the effective collaboration between the Police and the Tracker Connect Company, which made these arrests possible. "We are concerned with the incidences of such crimes, especially in places that should be sanctuaries for individuals seeking solace. The SAPS remains resolute in its pursuit of justice and will continue to track down the remaining suspects responsible for this heinous act, " said the General.
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