eMalahleni, Mpumalanga – On Wednesday, 15 April 2026, an armed robbery targeted a jewellery store inside Highveld Mall in eMalahleni (formerly known as Witbank). A group of armed suspects entered the store during business hours, leading to a rapid escalation when an armed response unit intervened. A shootout ensued, resulting in three suspects being fatally shot. Two were killed inside the mall premises, while the third was shot and killed outside the building.
Reports indicate the suspects initially attempted to flee on foot after the robbery was in progress. Shoppers inside the mall were instructed to take cover and hide inside nearby stores as the situation unfolded and South African Police Service (SAPS) officers rushed to the scene. The affected area around the jewellery store was quickly cordoned off and declared a crime scene. Videos circulating from the incident show suspects running from the store and at least one body visible on the ground.
Several other suspects managed to escape and remain at large. SAPS has launched a manhunt and search operation to locate and apprehend them. Investigating officer Warrant Officer Joseph Malebana is handling the case, and members of the public with any information have been asked to contact him on 072 492 9635.
Despite the incident and the strong police presence on site, Highveld Mall management has confirmed that the centre remains fully open for business. The mall has been declared safe for shoppers, with access control measures in place. No injuries or fatalities among mall staff, security personnel, or members of the public have been reported in connection with the robbery or shootout.
The robbery occurred in broad daylight at one of eMalahleni’s major shopping destinations. Details regarding the exact number of suspects initially involved, the value or type of items targeted or taken, or the name of the specific jewellery store have not been publicly released by authorities at this stage. Investigations are ongoing, and further updates from SAPS are expected as the manhunt continues.
This incident highlights the continued challenges of armed business robberies in the region, with local law enforcement and private response units acting swiftly to contain the threat. Highveld Mall has resumed normal operations while the police investigation proceeds.
Recent similar incidents include the following verified cases reported by police:
- On 12 April 2026, five suspects aged 20 to 44 were arrested in Umlazi following an armed robbery at a jewellery store in Gateway Mall, Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal, during which jewellery valued at approximately R3 million was taken.
- On 18 March 2026, five suspects aged 32 to 38 were arrested in Tshwane after an armed robbery at a jewellery store in a Brooklyn shopping mall, which involved a vehicle hijacking, high-speed chase and shootout. Stolen jewellery and a firearm were recovered.
- On 13 March 2026, five armed men robbed Violet and Rose Jewellery Co. at the Crossing Shopping Centre in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, in broad daylight.
- On 11 February 2026, five armed men robbed a jewellery store at East Rand Mall in Boksburg, Gauteng.
- In November 2025, two suspects were arrested in the Free State in connection with a spree of at least three jewellery store robberies across Gqeberha and Bloemfontein.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS) crime statistics for the period October to December 2025, a total of 31 088 cases of robbery with aggravating circumstances were recorded nationally, representing an 11.3% decrease from the same period the previous year. Robberies at non-residential premises (which include shopping mall businesses such as jewellery stores) formed part of this category.
Police have also linked several of the above incidents to organised groups targeting jewellery stores in shopping malls.
Motorist foils hijacking attempt at Leandra entrance on R29, one suspect killed and three arrested
On Friday morning, 10 April 2026, an attempted hijacking took place at the entrance to Leandra on the R29 from Kinross, approximately 2 km from Leandra in Mpumalanga.
A 37-year-old man driving a Ford Ranger bakkie was approached by a Mercedes-Benz SUV. The suspects activated flashing lights and hazard lights in an attempt to stop the vehicle. The driver continued to a safer location about 2 km from Leandra before pulling over.
According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo, one suspect approached the Ford Ranger from the driver’s side while two others, both armed with firearms, entered the passenger and rear seats of the bakkie. The motorist opened fire at the hijackers. The suspects fled on foot into nearby bushes, returning fire as they ran.
Police traced the suspects’ movements and located the body of one man who had been shot. He was confirmed as one of the hijacking suspects and was declared dead at the scene.
Three other suspects, aged 36, 40 and 50, were arrested in Leandra’s residential area. They were charged with attempted car hijacking and attempted murder.
The three arrested men appeared in the Leandra Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 13 April 2026. The case was postponed to Friday, 24 April 2026, to allow further investigations. Police are examining possible links between the suspects and other car hijackings in the area.
Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed that the investigation remains active. No further details on the deceased suspect or additional recoveries have been released.
Suspect Killed in Accidental Explosion During Kranskop Cash-in-Transit Heist
Kranskop, KwaZulu-Natal – A cash-in-transit robbery in the Kranskop central business district on Monday, 13 April 2026, ended with one suspect dead after he was fatally injured in an explosion while handling explosives intended for the heist.
WATCH VIDEO HERE
According to available information, the incident began when armed suspects targeted a cash-in-transit vehicle, making off with an undisclosed sum of cash. Three security guards on duty at the scene were robbed of their service firearms. In the course of the robbery, four additional vehicles were hijacked and used by the group as getaway cars. Shots were also fired in the direction of a nearby police station.
CCTV footage from the scene, which has since circulated online, shows the moment one suspect was killed while preparing explosives. The recording captures a sudden blast in the parking area, followed by a large cloud of smoke and debris scattering across the lot. A body is visible on the ground near a white SUV immediately after the explosion, with other individuals seen reacting and moving away from the blast site.
The suspect’s body was discovered the following day, Tuesday, 14 April 2026, inside a vehicle abandoned on a gravel road near the Tugela River in the direction of Nkandla. Explosives that had been intended for use in the robbery were recovered in connection with the incident.
Police have confirmed that the group involved was large, with authorities estimating at least 12 suspects took part in the operation. A manhunt is now underway for the remaining members of the group. Investigations remain active, and law enforcement has appealed to members of the public to come forward with any information that could assist in locating the outstanding suspects.
- One suspect was killed and four others were arrested following a police shooting in Athlone, Cape Town, on Monday.
- Suspected Poachers Confronted by Member of the Public at Schoenmakerskop
- Three Suspects Shot Dead Following Armed Robbery at Jewellery Store in Highveld Mall, eMalahleni
- Two Suspects Killed in Highveld Mall Jewellery Store Armed Robbery as Manhunt Continues for Armed Fugitives
- Firearms and Ammunition Recovered from Alberton Storage Unit by Ekurhuleni Metro Police
JMPD Officer Lindani Moses Maleka Fatally Shot While Off Duty in Orange Farm
Johannesburg, 14 April 2026 – The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) has confirmed the death of one of its officers, 30-year-old Lindani Moses Maleka, who was shot and killed while off duty on the evening of 13 April 2026.
According to the department, the incident took place at Sizanani Street in Extension 6A, Orange Farm. Officer Maleka had just finished his shift and had driven to the area to visit a female companion. He was seated inside his vehicle when unidentified suspects approached.
Preliminary reports indicate that the suspects forcibly removed the female passenger from the vehicle before opening fire on Officer Maleka. He sustained fatal gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene by Emergency Medical Services personnel.
The officer’s service firearm was not taken during the attack. A case of murder has been opened at the Orange Farm South African Police Service (SAPS) station.
JMPD Chief of Police Commissioner Patrick Jaca expressed the department’s shock at the killing. “The department is devastated by this senseless act of violence. We lose not just a colleague, but a protector of this city. Our deepest condolences go out to the Maleka family and his loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” he said.
The JMPD has described the shooting as a tragic loss for the department and the city it serves. Investigations are ongoing, with all relevant role players remaining on high alert.
Members of the public who may have information about the incident or the identities of the suspects are urged to come forward. Information can be provided to the investigating team or submitted anonymously through the SAPS Crime Stop line on 08600 10111.
The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department issued the statement through its Communications Unit on Tuesday afternoon.
Ormonde Shootout: Video Footage Emerges of Fatal Armed Robbery in Johannesburg
JOHANNESBURG – Dramatic video footage has surfaced showing the moments of a deadly shootout in Ormonde last week, during which two businessmen were killed in a brazen armed robbery.
WATCH VIDEO HERE
The victims were part of a cash-in-transit convoy that came under attack by heavily armed suspects. Yusuf Modan demonstrated bravery by turning his vehicle around to assist his colleagues who were under fire. By that stage, Abdul Hamid Moosa had already been fatally wounded. Modan was later shot and killed as he confronted the attackers. A security guard was also seriously injured in the incident.
According to details of the attack, the suspects ambushed the convoy, triggering a high-speed chase and exchange of gunfire. One suspect was killed and another was injured during the confrontation, while the remaining robbers fled the scene with the stolen cash.
Investigations by the South African Police Service are continuing.
