Police are investigating murder, attempted murder and kidnapping following a hostage incident on a farm near Amersfoort on Saturday, 10 October 2026. One victim was killed, another was injured, and the alleged attacker reportedly died by suicide during police negotiations.
According to a statement issued by SAPS Mpumalanga on 10 October, officers received a report of a hostage situation at approximately 06:00 and were dispatched to the farm in the Gert Sibande District.
On arrival, police found three people who had escaped from the hostage situation. They reported that an armed 55-year-old man had held them hostage.
Police said the man allegedly shot and killed a victim aged approximately 50 and shot another person, aged approximately 53. The injured victim survived and was airlifted to hospital for treatment.
The suspect reportedly retreated to a house on the same farm. Specialist hostage negotiators were called in, but police said the man shot himself while negotiations were under way. He was declared dead at the scene.
Officers recovered a 9mm pistol. SAPS opened cases of murder, attempted murder and kidnapping. The man's identity had not been publicly released when the statement was issued.
Mpumalanga Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise urged residents to report dangerous behaviour involving firearms to the authorities, including where the person concerned is a licensed firearm owner.
Police investigations are continuing.