As part of the ongoing 2025/2026 Operation #SaferFestiveSeason, the Ehlanzeni Safer Festive Task Team, together with the Anti-Hijacking Unit, conducted an intelligence-driven operation in the Ehlanzeni District on Friday, 28 November 2025 focusing in the Bushbuckridge area.
The operation was in response to information concerning a truck with batteries worth over R1 million, which was hijacked on the R40 Road in Bushbuckridge. The suspects were traced and arrested in Marite, where they were reportedly found in possession of the following items:
– 03 x R5 magazines
– 32 x live 9mm ammunition
– 13 x R1 live ammunition
– 12 x R5 live ammunition
A total of seven (07) suspects were apprehended on charges of various crimes, including unlawful possession of ammunition, dealing/possession of dagga, Contravention of the Immigration Act, assault on a police officer, intimidation, resisting arrest, and interference with police duties.
Additionally, about six (06) fines were issued for Contravention of the Mpumalanga Liquor Act 5 of 2006.
The arrested suspects are expected to appear at the Bushbuckridge Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 01 December 2025.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has welcomed the commendable work done by the team and their hard work continues to keep the community safe during the festive season.
