A suspect was fatally wounded and another seriously injured following

A suspect was fatally wounded and another seriously injured following a shootout with police in Komatipoort on Thursday, 27 August 2026. Two more suspects were arrested, and two unlicensed firearms were recovered.

It is reported that members attached to the Tracing Team received information about suspects sought by police for cases of murder, armed robbery and assault. The team operationalised the information and later spotted a suspicious VW Polo travelling from Komatipoort.

Police attempted to stop the vehicle; however, the driver failed to comply and sped off. It is alleged that occupants of the vehicle opened fire on police, and a shootout ensued. One suspect was fatally wounded, while another suspect sustained serious injuries and was taken to the Medical Care Centre under police guard. Two other suspects, a male and female, were also apprehended without injuries. During the arrest, police recovered two unlicensed firearms believed to have been used by the suspects during the shootout.

Investigations are underway to determine whether the suspects could have been involved in other criminal activities, including a farm attack that occurred on 23 August 2026 in Komatipoort, where a security guard was reportedly shot and killed.

A case involving the fatal shooting of the alleged suspect is being investigated by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID). Meanwhile, a case of attempted murder against the police officers, as well as a case of possession of unlicensed firearms, is also being investigated.

Additional charges may be added against the arrested suspects as the investigation continues.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise, applauded the police for their bravery and for ensuring that those who terrorise the community are brought to justice.

“We are not going to tolerate lawlessness in this province. The swift action by our Tracing Team, which led to this confrontation with armed and dangerous suspects of murder and armed robbery, will probably send a clear message that we will hunt down perpetrators of crime from their hiding places. Our members came under fire and they responded to protect the lives of community members,” said the General.

#TrioCrimes #fightingcrime #GunsOffTheStreets