Police in the Ehlanzeni District have arrested seven suspects following an intelligence-driven festive season operation targeting criminal activity in the Bushbuckridge area on Friday, 28 November 2025.

According to a statement from the Office of the Provincial Commissioner in Mpumalanga, the operation was launched after reports emerged about a hijacked truck carrying batteries valued at more than R1 million on the R40 in Bushbuckridge. The suspects were traced to Marite, where they were arrested and found in possession of multiple rounds of live ammunition, including R5, R1 and 9mm rounds, as well as three R5 magazines.

The suspects, aged between early adulthood and middle age, face a range of charges. These include unlawful possession of ammunition, dealing or possession of dagga, contravention of the Immigration Act, intimidation, resisting arrest, assault on a police officer, and interfering with police duties.

In addition to the arrests, officers issued six fines to individuals contravening the Mpumalanga Liquor Act 5 of 2006.

All seven suspects are expected to appear before the Bushbuckridge Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 1 December 2025.