Police Probe Two Separate Killings in Mpumalanga

The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, has condemned the brutal killing of two men in separate shooting incidents that occurred in Masoyi and Calcutta this week.

In the first incident, 42-year-old Bonginkosi Mdluli was shot and killed at Numbi Trust, Masoyi, on Friday afternoon. Police arrived at the scene to find a white bakkie riddled with bullet holes, with Mdluli’s body slumped across the front seat. Two passengers who were in the vehicle at the time sustained serious injuries and were taken to a nearby clinic.

According to the victims, three unknown men approached the bakkie on foot and opened fire without saying a word before fleeing the scene. Police have launched a murder and two attempted murder investigations, with the suspects still at large.

In a separate incident in Marite, Calcutta, a 23-year-old taxi driver identified as Mzakhe Mgiba was gunned down by a passenger on Thursday evening. The incident occurred along the Marite main road when the suspect, who had been picked up as a hitchhiker, suddenly opened fire on the driver.

The taxi lost control and came to a stop. A passenger who witnessed the attack sustained an injury to his right arm and was taken to hospital. Police recovered five 9mm cartridges from inside the taxi. The suspect fled the scene on foot, and the motive for the killing remains unknown.

Major General Mkhwanazi has called on residents to assist police by sharing any information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects. “We will not rest until those responsible are brought to justice,” he said.

Anyone with information can contact Detective Captain David Hlatshwayo on 076 451 5495, Lieutenant Colonel Skhumbuzo Cveko on 082 922 9902, or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Information can also be submitted anonymously via the MySAPS App.