Four Arrested After Witbank Spaza Shop Looting As Police Probe Teen’s Murder

Four people have been arrested following the looting of spaza shops in Witbank, Mpumalanga, as police continue investigating the fatal shooting of a 19-year-old man during the unrest. The suspects, aged between 22 and 52, were taken into custody on Thursday. Police said they were allegedly found with items believed to have been stolen during the looting.

The arrests follow incidents that unfolded on Wednesday evening when several spaza shops were targeted. Authorities have since launched separate investigations into the looting and the fatal shooting.

Witbank Spaza Shop Looting Leads To Four Arrests

Police confirmed that three men and one woman were arrested during an operation carried out on Thursday. Officers from Witbank, assisted by other law enforcement agencies, targeted individuals suspected of being involved in the unrest.

The four suspects have been charged with possession of property believed to have been stolen during the looting of spaza shops. Investigators said operations are continuing as they search for additional suspects linked to the incidents.

Police Investigate Murder Of Teen During Witbank Unrest

Alongside the looting investigation, police have opened a murder case following the death of a 19-year-old man in Siyanqoba, Witbank.

According to preliminary information, a group of community members was allegedly looting a spaza shop owned by a foreign national when a sedan drove past the scene. The occupants of the vehicle allegedly fired shots into the crowd.

Police responded to reports of the shooting and found the 19-year-old with a gunshot wound. He was declared dead at the scene.

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Police Continue Search For Suspects In Witbank Cases

Police said investigations into both the murder and the looting remain ongoing. Detectives are working to identify those responsible for the fatal shooting while tracing other suspects linked to the theft of goods from the affected shops.

Authorities have appealed to anyone with information that could assist the investigations to contact their nearest police station or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can also be submitted through the MySAPS mobile application.