An investigation is currently underway following a business robbery in Elukwatini on the morning of 06 November 2024, at approximately 01:30 am. Three Zimbabwean nationals were shot during the incident, with one suspect succumbing to his injuries while the other two are recovering under police guard.

According to reports, the robbery occurred at a local filling station in Nhlazatshe Crossings. Upon arriving at the scene, law enforcement learned that the suspects had already stolen an undisclosed amount of cash, cigarettes, and betting vouchers before fleeing the area. SAPS officers, in collaboration with a private security company, launched an intelligence-driven operation to locate the suspects.

The suspects were tracked to a rented room, where they were found still counting the stolen cash. Upon instructing the suspects to open the door, law enforcement was met with gunfire from inside. In response, police officers returned fire while entering the room, where they discovered the three suspects with gunshot wounds. Items recovered from the scene included the stolen cash and a firearm.

One of the suspects died upon arrival at the hospital, while the other two remain under police supervision and are expected to appear in Elukwatini Magistrate’s Court soon. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has been called in to ensure transparency in the investigation, as SAPS officers were involved in the shooting.

The shooting comes nearly three years after former Elukwatini SAPS Station Commander, Colonel Beauty Marivate, was fatally shot while responding to a similar robbery in the area.

Mpumalanga Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi commended the swift response of law enforcement, emphasising the commitment to the 2024/2025 Safer Festive Season Operation. “We will never allow criminals to act with impunity,” said Mkhwanazi. “Our officers are prepared to face any challenges in the province.”