Mpumalanga – In a major law enforcement operation on Monday, 22 December 2025, the South African Police Service (SAPS) arrested eight suspects in Vosman, near Witbank, recovering five AK-47 rifles, explosives, and three stolen vehicles in the process.
The operation was the result of intelligence gathered by Witbank Crime Intelligence on Friday, 19 December, indicating that a group of heavily armed individuals was planning a robbery and had assembled at a residence on a Vosman plot.
SAPS officers located the suspects’ hideout on Monday.
When police approached the premises, the suspects attempted to flee but were quickly cornered and arrested.
The detainees, aged between 29 and 51, now face charges including illegal possession of explosives, firearms, ammunition, and possession of suspected stolen vehicles. Authorities have indicated that additional charges may be added as the investigation continues.
Among the items seized were five AK-47 rifles and several explosives.
Police also recovered three vehicles reportedly linked to previous thefts: an Audi A4 with Gauteng plates stolen during a November 2025 Sunnyside robbery; a GWM Florid registered in Mpumalanga; and a Toyota Fortuner with Eastern Cape plates stolen in Fish Hoek in June 2025.
The SAPS described the operation as “a testament to effective collaboration between multiple law enforcement agencies driven by critical intelligence,” emphasizing its role in preventing potential criminal activity in the region.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
