Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Kriel are investigating a case of business robbery and theft of coal after suspects were arrested at a mining operation in the Nkangala District, Mpumalanga.
According to police, the incident occurred at around 23:00 on Thursday, 5 February 2026, when mine employees were confronted by a group of seven armed suspects while on duty. The suspects reportedly approached from different directions, threatened the workers with firearms, tied them with cable ties and forced them into a guardroom. Several trucks were then heard entering the premises, allegedly to load coal illegally.
Preliminary investigations indicate that a total of 14 trucks entered the mine. Ten trucks reportedly fled the scene with coal estimated to be worth approximately R480 000, while four trucks were intercepted after an employee in another section of the mine noticed suspicious activity and alerted the mine owner. A security company responded to the scene and apprehended two truck drivers, who were handed over to SAPS Kriel.
Further investigations by the Provincial Organised Crime Investigation Unit, supported by information obtained from a suspect’s cellphone, led to the detention of two additional truck owners for questioning. The recovered trucks remain at the scene due to a lack of suitable storage facilities.
The suspects have been charged and are expected to appear in court on Monday, 9 February 2026. Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, commended police and security personnel for their swift response.