By Kopano Dibakwane
A dramatic shootout at Van Dykdrift Bridge in Witbank, has resulted in the arrest of two suspects, aged 34 and 37, while one suspect sustained injuries. The third suspects in the incident reportedly managed to flee from scene.
It is reported that Members of the Mpumalanga Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit responded swiftly after receiving a tip-off about a vehicle that was travelling with armed suspects on board.
Speaking for the police in Mpumalanga, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli said the police spotted a silver Toyota Romain with Mpumalanga registration plates, and a shootout ensued between the police and the occupants of the vehicle when they were ordered to stop.
Brigadier Mdhluli also said a preliminary investigation by the police has revealed that the suspects could be involved in serious reported cases, including a case whereby two people were fatally shot inside a tavern at Belfast last month(February 2025), and a motor vehicle was stolen in the process.
“ When the suspects were apprehended, police recovered a pistol a with ammunition. The sized firearm will undergo ballistic testing to determine whether it was not used previously in the commission of crime elsewhere. Police cannot rule out the possibility of adding more charges against the suspects as the investigation continues,” said Brigadier Mdhluli.
The suspects are also believed to be linked to another fatal shooting of a male victim at Breyten on Sunday 15 March 2025.
Brigadier Mdhluli said the injured suspect is receiving medical attention under police guard. He said the other suspect appeared before the Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court and the case was postponed to 24 March 2025.
“ Police uneven anyone with information on the whereabouts of the outstanding suspect to call the Crime Stop Number on 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may remain anonymous,” said Brigadier Mdhluli.
