Mpumalanga – Two men suspected of killing a South African police officer were shot dead in a Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) raid on Thursday morning, while a third suspect took his own life before arrest.
The operation, conducted jointly by REPS, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force, targeted suspects linked to the killing of Sergeant Lawrence Mtsweni. Mtsweni was gunned down on Saturday morning during an armed robbery at a store in Schoemansdal, Mpumalanga, by a group of more than seven assailants. One suspect was arrested shortly after the incident.
Superintendent Phindile Vilakati, REPS spokesperson, confirmed that intelligence pointed to the fugitives crossing into Eswatini. Their hideouts were identified in Nyakatfo, Hhohho region, and Mantambe, Shiselweni region.
Security forces surrounded the Nyakatfo property in the early hours, where two armed suspects opened fire while attempting to escape. Officers returned fire, killing both men.
In Mantambe, the third suspect was found at his parental home. Vilakati said he fatally shot himself with a pistol before police could apprehend him.
SAPS National Commissioner expressed gratitude to REPS Commissioner William Dlamini Masango and the Umbutfo Defence Force for their cooperation, noting the importance of continued cross-border collaboration in tackling violent crime.
South African police are still searching for Zimbabwean national Jabulani Moyo, accused of killing two detectives last week while being transported from court to Boksburg prison. A reward of R150,000 has been offered for information leading to his arrest.
Discussion about this post