EMALAHLENI — Three suspects were shot dead following a robbery at a jewellery store inside Highveld Mall in Witbank on Wednesday morning, 15 April 2026.
According to police, the incident occurred at approximately 10:00 when a group of about eight armed suspects stormed the store. The suspects allegedly held a security guard and a staff member at gunpoint before fleeing with an undisclosed quantity of jewellery.
Law enforcement agencies, together with private security companies, responded after receiving reports of a robbery in progress. The suspects fled the mall in multiple getaway vehicles but were intercepted shortly after leaving the premises.
A shootout ensued, during which three suspects were shot dead. The remaining suspects managed to evade arrest and are currently on the run.
At the scene, police recovered three pistols, a rifle and ammunition believed to have been used in the robbery. A Toyota RAV4 fitted with false registration plates, suspected to have been used as a getaway vehicle, was also recovered. Some of the stolen jewellery was found inside the vehicle.
Police have opened a case of business robbery. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) will investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.
Speaking to the Highveld Chronicle, police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo said authorities have intensified crime prevention operations across the province.
“Police are conducting regular roadblocks during operations, as well as routine stop-and-searches of vehicles, targeting unlicensed firearms, stolen goods and individuals suspected of being en route to commit crimes,” Masondo said.
He added that the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting would be subject to an independent investigation.
“As for the circumstances that led to the fatal shooting, we leave that to IPID to determine whether there was any wrongdoing by the police,” he said.
Authorities have launched a manhunt for the remaining suspects. Members of the public with information are urged to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS app. Police have assured that all information will be treated confidentially and that tip-offs can be made anonymously.
The recovered firearms will undergo ballistic testing to determine whether they were used in other crimes.
Acting Provincial Commissioner in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, said police remain committed to working with other law enforcement agencies to combat crime in the province.
