| A church and a tavern robbed, police nab five whilst another suspect fatally shot after robbing a mosque | |
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| Date Published | |
| 2025/09/06 | |
| Details | |
Media Statement NELSPRUIT - Five suspects, aged between 19 and 30 were arrested on the N4 Road near Kanyamazane turn-off today, Saturday 06 September 2025 where two firearms as well as a number of mobile phones and other items were recovered. This breakthrough came after two robbery incidents, one was carried out at a church in a place called Ngwenyeni near Nkomatipoort this morning around 03h30. During that incident, a young man (14) sustained some injuries when the suspects fired some shots, and he was taken to hospital for medical treatment. The second robbery is said to have taken place at a tavern in Madadeni, near Komatipoort in Nkomazi. Meanwhile in another similar incident, a male suspect (22) was fatally shot after allegedly robbing congregants then shot three victims who sustained some injuries. This robbery was carried out at a mosque in Kwaggafontein last night, Friday 05 September 2025 around 18h30. According to a report about the incident in Nkangala, two armed suspects are said to have entered the place of worship in Kwaggafontein on that fateful evening. The suspects allegedly held the victims at gunpoint then robbed one of the congregants of his mobile phone as well as undisclosed amount of cash. One suspect is said to have fired some shots and injured three victims. It was during this time when one congregant fired back at the suspect, who sustained some gunshot wounds as a result. One suspect then fled the scene while the injured suspect fell within the premises (yard) of the mosque. The Police as well as Paramedics were notified about the incident, and upon arrival, they found the lifeless body of the suspect who was certified dead at the scene. He had sustained some gunshot wounds. A pistol with ammunition was found next to his body. The arrest of the five suspects came after information was shared with members of the Mpumalanga Provincial Anti-hijacking Task Team and Dog Unit earlier today (Saturday 06 September 2025 around 05h00 am). The information also indicated that the suspects were travelling in a blue VW Polo along the N4 Road, heading towards Kanyamazane. The VW Polo was spotted and intercepted by the astute members of the SAPS on the N4 Road near Kanyamazane. There were five male occupants inside the vehicle. These males were searched and inside the vehicle, a bag containing a number of cellphones as well as a laptop and cash were found. These items are believed to have been robbed from victims during the two said robbery incidents. On further search inside the vehicle, Police discovered three 9mm pistols with ammunition. Members of the public are urged to refrain from buying suspected stolen properties as this habit creates a market for perpetrators to continue terrorizing the community. People are also encouraged to work together with the Police and report any criminal activities to the SAPS by calling 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 arrested suspects are expected to appear at Kanyamazane Magistrate's Court on Monday, 08 September 2025 facing various charges, including possession of unlicensed firearms, and possession of suspected stolen properties, amongst the charges. The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi has hailed the arrest of the five suspects as well as appreciated members on the recovery of the firearms and suspected stolen properties. The General further warned that the incidents of robberies at churches and places of worship are not taken lightly. "We recently indicated that we are working collaboratively with the Faith-Based-Organisations to deal with this trend of robberies. Perpetrators should be warned and we believe that the arrest of the five will assist in resolving some of these cases. This is just the beginning and we are hopeful that we will overcome this challenge, " said the General. Ends
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