SAPS Detective Killed While Allegedly Committing Robbery In Mpumalanga

A South African Police Service (SAPS) detective has been killed while allegedly participating in a robbery in Belfast, Mpumalanga, on Friday night. Three of his alleged accomplices have since been arrested.

Robbery Attempt Interrupted

Police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli said a group of armed men, posing as police officers, ambushed the occupants of a VW Polo who had stopped on the roadside. The victims were reportedly held at gunpoint and ordered to lie on the ground.

Fortunately, members of the SAPS Anti-Hijack Task Team and the Middelburg K9 Unit, who were patrolling the area, noticed the suspicious activity and approached the suspects after identifying themselves as police.

The suspects allegedly opened fire before fleeing in a white Datsun Go. A high-speed chase ensued, ending when the getaway vehicle crashed into a tree on Bhekumuzi Masango Drive.

When police cornered the suspects, they discovered the body of a 54-year-old Pienaar SAPS detective in the back seat. Authorities believe he may have been fatally wounded during the exchange of gunfire. Two firearms and ammunition were recovered at the scene.

The fourth suspect, who fled on foot, was later apprehended near the N4 towards Machadodorp.

SAPS Recover State Vehicle

Police also recovered a Toyota Hilux belonging to Pienaar Detectives at a nearby farm. Investigators are probing whether the state vehicle was used in the commission of the crime without proper authorisation.

The arrested suspects, aged between 30 and 42, are facing charges of attempted hijacking, robbery with a firearm, attempted murder, and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. They are expected to appear in the Belfast Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

Mpumalanga Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, strongly condemned the involvement of a SAPS member in criminal activity.

“It is a shameful act when an individual sworn to uphold the law is found on the other side of it,” he said.

“As the SAPS, we distance ourselves from any criminality. It is either that our members are with us against crime, or consequences will follow for their criminal activities. One cannot serve two masters.”

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