Brazen armed robbers hit traffic department, police seek community help
Image: File
Police at Mhala in Mpumalanga are requesting community members' assistance with information that could lead to arrests of suspects who allegedly broke into the Mhala traffic department and got away with an undisclosed amount of cash.
The incident took place on Wednesday, at around midnight.
'It is reported that three security officers were on duty at the said department patrolling the premises when they were attacked by six African males who were armed with firearms - pistols and a rifle,' said provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane.
The intruders allegedly pointed the security officers with firearms and forced them into one of the offices.
'They forcefully opened two burglar doors of the main entrance of the offices and broke all the burglar doors, which led to a room where there was a safe. It is further reported that the suspects damaged the safe and took an undisclosed amount of cash before fleeing the scene,' said Ndubane.
'Police urge anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact Detective Sergeant Collen Nyalungu on 076 936 7222. Alternatively, members of the public can anonymously call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via MySAPSApp.'
Police have pledged that all received information will be treated as confidential, and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
In September 2022, IOL reported that armed assailants attacked police officers at Grootvlei police station in Mpumalanga and forcefully took three 9mm pistols, one R5 rifle and one shotgun, as well as about 180 bullets.
At the time, Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said the assailants took one pistol from a police officer, and the other firearms were seized from the safe of the police station.
'According to the report, two suspects arrived at the police station on Friday evening, 02 September 2022 around 6pm, claiming to be from Soshanguve under the pretence of reporting a domestic violence incident,' said Mohlala.
'They played victims as if they needed help from the two members who were working at the community service centre (CSC) regarding a female who was a 'victim' of domestic violence. The CSC's safety door was locked at that point and they initially left and only to return later around 10pm where they complained that their concern was being disregarded by the members.'
During this second visit, the group insisted that the door should be opened for them.
'The members [police officers] opened the door to obtain more information. As soon as they let them in, two suspects drew firearms and disarmed the two police officials,' said Mohlala.
[email protected]
IOL News
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
Partners in crime? Inside Gayton and Kenny Kunene's lucrative businesses
Gayton McKenzie has defended Kenny Kunene as 'innocent' after the latter was found at the home of KT Katiso Molefe, the alleged mastermind behind the murder of Oupa John Sefoka, also known as DJ Sumbody. The friends and business partners have come a long way after meeting at a Bloemfontein prison more than two decades ago. In 1997, Kenny Kunene – a qualified teacher – was convicted of running a Ponzi scheme and spent six years at the Grootvlei prison in Bloemfontein. During this time, he befriended Gayton McKenzie, who was serving time for armed robbery. The duo began hustling from behind bars by smuggling cash and food. Gayton and Kenny reunited after their release and vowed to go into business together. They initially sold the former's motivational book, The Choice , to schools around the country. Gayton McKenzie and Kenny Kunene's rise from rags to riches has largely been due to their ability to start and sell successful businesses for a profit. The duo was mentored by businessmen Greg James and Gavin Varejes, and soon, they started their mining business, Central Rand Gold. Their mining business extended to other African countries. The duo co-founded ZAR Empire Holdings, which had dealings in entertainment, property, and mining. The company established the publishing group, X-Concepts, which is behind Gayton's multiple memoirs, including The Hustler's Bible. They founded the ZAR nightclub franchise, a hotspot for many celebrities in the early 2000s. The pals also founded Rivonia On Deck, another popular entertainment venue. For those who don't know: Kenny Kunene, a convicted criminal in his own right, is Gayton McKenzie's right-hand man and long time partner in 'business' and politics. — A Political Economist (@politicaleconZA) July 23, 2025 According to Kenny Kunene, Gayton and himself also sold fish and chicken from their car boots, marketed tickets to motivational talks to corporate companies, and also became security advisors to other businesses and the public. 'I went from sleeping on the floor to sleeping on the top floor of fancy hotels. I did it all!', Kenny said in his reality TV show, So What: Big Money, Big Dreams. In 2013, Gayton McKenzie and Kenny Kunene cofounded the Patriotic Alliance. The political party was multiracial but particularly focused on serving the interests of the country's coloured communities. At the time, Gayton had 'poached' Kenny from the Economic Freedom Front (EFF), which he was a member of. He told Mail & Guardian at the time: 'I don't want to become a member of Parliament, nor does Kenny… want to work with the people on the ground.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
2 hours ago
- The Citizen
Chrissiesmeer police recover 14 stolen sheep
The Chrissiesmeer SAPS recovered 14 sheep that were reportedly stolen from a farm in the town on Saturday, July 19. The Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, said they is still looking for the suspects. According to the report, the complainant regularly visits the grazing camp to count his livestock. However, on Saturday, he realised some were missing and contacted the police immediately. 'When the police arrived at the scene, they found that the fence had been cut. Further investigations led them to Warbutorn, which is about 25km from the farm,' Ndubane said. There, they found 14 sheep tied up. ALSO READ: Men sell dead monkeys on KaNyamazane Road The estimated value of the livestock is R35 000. 'The suspects are still at large, but the police handed the animals over to the owner. We are currently in pursuit of the suspects,' Ndubane said. ALSO READ: Dludluma road to facilitate economic opportunities for community Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact Detective Captain Aziz Phiri on 082 556 5861. Alternatively, members of the public can call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or send information via My SAPS app. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
3 hours ago
- IOL News
Mpho Mafole's murder: 40-year-old suspect in court for killing Ekurhuleni auditor
City of Ekurhuleni's group divisional head of corporate and forensic audits, Mpho Mafole, 47, died last month in a hail of bullets, in what appears to be an execution. Image: Facebook A 40-year-old man is scheduled to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrate's Court in connection with the murder of Mpho Mafole, the group divisional head for corporate and forensic audits at the City of Ekurhuleni. IOL previously reported that Mafole, 47, was found in a pool of blood after his vehicle was sprayed with bullets on the R23 in Kempton Park on June 30. At the time, sources insisted Mafole's death was a hit, linked to his investigation into a massive R2 billion electricity scandal he was close to uncovering. On Tuesday, Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said the provincial serious and violent crime detectives had arrested a 40-year-old man. 'On (Sunday) 20 July 2025, the team arrested a 40-year-old man who is expected to appear before Kempton Park Magistrate's Court on 23 July 2025,' she said. Detectives are also looking for a second suspect, identified as Hlanganani Agripper Mncwango, after a warrant of arrest was issued for him by the court. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 'The police urge Mncwango to hand himself over to the nearest police station, or anyone who may have information about his whereabouts to contact the Crime Stop line at 08600 10111, or anonymously give tip-offs on My SAPS App which can be downloaded on any smartphone,' said Nevhuhulwi. Earlier this month, IOL reported that Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza described the brutally murdered Mafole as a dedicated public servant, a fearless champion for accountability, and a staunch advocate for ethical governance. Police in Gauteng are investigating the motive behind the murder, but activists and social media users suggest the cold-blooded murder could have been an assassination meant to silence him, linked to his work for the City of Ekurhuleni. IOL News
