Four suspects were arrested and one fatally wounded yesterday, 01 November 2025, at about 14:00 in Hlalanikahle Phase 4, Vosman.
A team of Vosman Police members received information about suspects wanted in connection with several carjacking cases reported in Vosman and Witbank.
The information led police to a parking area in Hlalanikahle Phase 4. Upon arrival, the police positively identified the suspects and approached them with the intention to place them under arrest. Upon noticing the police, the suspects, who were armed with pistols, ran in different directions while firing shots at the police. The police retaliated, and one suspect was fatally wounded.
A pistol with its serial number filed off was found in possession of the fatally wounded suspect. During the incident, a member of the Community Police Forum (CPF), who was assisting the police, sustained gunshot wounds.
The police managed to arrest some of the suspects; however, they were met with resistance from a violent group of community members from Phase 4, who pelted stones at the police and damaged police vehicles while demanding the release of the suspects.
In an effort to ensure the safety of both the officers and community members, the police temporarily withdrew from the scene, during which one suspect managed to escape.
Reinforcements were later called in, and the police returned to the scene, secured the area, and restored order.
Four suspects were arrested for malicious damage to property and attempted murder. The tracing of the remaining suspect continues. All relevant stakeholders, including IPID, have been informed.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, condemned the attack on the police and commended members for their swift response and for maintaining order. He further emphasised that anyone who attacks the police will face the full might of the law.
