A series of violent incidents across the province over the past weekend has prompted a heightened police response, with authorities deploying additional resources to address the rising crime levels. Incidents in Carolina, Calcutta, and Mariti have left several people dead and others wounded, sparking concern among residents and officials.
The first incident occurred on the morning of Saturday, 31 May, when police responded to a murder in Extension 4, Carolina. Upon arrival around 06:10, officers discovered the body of a male victim lying in a pool of blood. Preliminary investigations indicate that he had been assaulted with a blunt object. A swift follow-up operation led to the arrest of Lungelo Magagula, aged 32, who was located in Breyten while allegedly attempting to flee. He was apprehended on the same day and charged with murder. Magagula appeared in the Carolina Magistrate’s Court on 2 June, with a formal bail hearing scheduled for 4 June 2025.
In a separate incident on Monday, 2 June, an Ethiopian national was found dead inside a vehicle on the R536 Road near Cork Trust in the Calcutta policing area. Police and emergency personnel arrived to find the victim behind the wheel of a blue VW Caravelle, having sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the head and chest. He was declared dead at the scene. According to initial reports, the man was travelling to visit a friend in Somerset Trust when he was ambushed by suspects in a white Toyota bakkie. The attackers opened fire while both vehicles were in motion, and several spent cartridges were recovered from the scene. No suspects have been identified, and investigations are ongoing.
Earlier, at approximately 00:30 on Sunday, 1 June, police responded to a shooting at a tavern in Oakley, also within the Calcutta area. Upon arrival, officers found a silver-grey VW Polo TSI parked at the tavern entrance with bullet holes and shattered windows. The driver was found dead in the vehicle, having sustained multiple gunshot wounds. A female passenger also sustained gunshot injuries and was transported to hospital for treatment. Authorities are still investigating the motive for the shooting, and no arrests have been made.
Later that same evening, another fatal shooting took place at a tavern in Mariti Trust. Police arrived at approximately 20:30 and discovered the body of a male victim with two gunshot wounds. He was declared dead at the scene by emergency services. As with the other incidents, no suspects have been arrested, and investigations continue.
Police are urging community members to come forward with any information that may assist in the investigations or lead to the arrest of those responsible. Members of the public can contact Lieutenant Colonel Skhumbuzo Ceko on 082 992 9902. Anonymous tips can also be submitted via Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or through the MYSAPSAPP platform. All information will be treated confidentially.
Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Dr. Zeph Mkhwanazi, has reassured the public that law enforcement remains fully committed to combating crime. “Often when crime is committed, there would be someone who might see something or hear something. Sharing such information assists in locating perpetrators of crime,” he stated.