On Monday, 22 December 2025, the SAPS in Mpumalanga successfully apprehended eight suspects in Vosman and confiscated five AK-47 rifles, some explosives, and three stolen vehicles.
This operation is a testament to the effective collaboration between multiple law enforcement agencies driven by critical intelligence. The operation stemmed from intelligence led information gathered by Witbank Crime Intelligence on Friday, 19 December 2025, indicating a potential robbery planned by a group of heavily armed individuals believed to have converged at a certain house on a plot in Vosman, near Witbank. With this crucial information, a dedicated team comprised of the Pienaar and Witbank Tactical Response Teams (TRT), the Tracking Team, the Nkangala District Anti-Hijacking Task Team, the Middelburg Flying Squad, and Tracker Connect was mobilized to address this imminent threat.
As the operation unfolded today, Monday 22 December 2025 the team located the suspects’ hideout. Upon approaching the premises, the suspects attempted to flee but were quickly cornered by our dedicated officers. The suspects, aged between 29 and 51, were apprehended and are currently detained facing charges, including illegal possession of explosives, firearms, ammunition, suspected stolen vehicles. Police cannot rule out possibilities of more charges added against the suspects as the investigation continues.
In addition to the firearms and explosives seized, three vehicles were recovered: an Audi A4 with Gauteng registration (reportedly stolen during a robbery in Sunnyside, Gauteng, in November 2025), a GWM Florid with Mpumalanga registration plates, and a Toyota Fortuner with Eastern Cape registration (reported stolen in Fish Hoek, Western Cape, in June 2025).
This successful operation comes shortly after today’s visit by the Deputy Minister of Police, Mr. Cassel Mathale, to the Safer Festive Season Operations in Nkangala, Mpumalanga, where he was accompanied by leadership from SAPS Head Office, including Lt. Gen. Tebello Mosikili and Simemosenkosi Chamane, as well as Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Maj. Gen. (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi who commended all stakeholders involved for their swift and effective actions, underscoring the importance of cooperation among various sectors of law enforcement. “This breakthrough demonstrates our unwavering resolve to confront and dismantle criminal activities in our communities. We call upon the public to partner with us in fostering a safer environment. We send a clear message to those engaging in criminal endeavors: it is only a matter of time before justice is served,” said the General.
Bongi Sikelo 