Pretoria – Three suspects linked to the killing of a Mpumalanga police officer have been traced to the Kingdom of Eswatini in a cross-border operation involving the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Royal Eswatini Police, and the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force.
SAPS confirmed on Thursday that the operation followed the murder of Sergeant Lawrence Mtshweni, who was shot dead on Friday, 8 August 2025, during an armed robbery by more than seven assailants at a store in Schoemansdal, Mpumalanga.
The first suspect was arrested in South Africa on Saturday, 9 August, by Mpumalanga police. Investigations then led authorities to Eswatini, where intelligence was shared with local law enforcement and defence forces.
According to Eswatini police, two suspects were located in the Sishweleni region. They allegedly opened fire on officers, prompting return fire which fatally wounded both. In Mantambe, Shiselweni, a third suspect reportedly took his own life before arrest.
National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola expressed gratitude to Eswatini authorities for their cooperation.
#sapsMP [UPDATE] The cross border operation led by the #SAPS Acting PC, Lt Gen (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi culminated in the tracing of 3 suspects involved in the murder of Sgt Lawrence Mtshweni.
The first suspect was arrested on Saturday, 09/08 in South Africa by Mpumalanga police.… https://t.co/MjChSRsiRr pic.twitter.com/sEjQl9nRt0
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) August 14, 2025
“We thank the Royal Eswatini Police led by Commissioner Masango and the Umbutfo Defence Force for assisting our Mpumalanga police in tracing these police killers,” Masemola said.
“The killing of our police officers is a serious concern. From 1 April to date, we have already lost six officers. We cannot afford to lose more.”
The breakthrough comes as SAPS continues its search for Jabulani Moyo, wanted for the killing of two police detectives while being transported to Boksburg Correctional Services. A R150,000 reward is offered for information leading to his arrest.
SAPS leadership will attend the funerals of three officers who died in the line of duty:
Warrant Officer Vuyisile Sintwa, Mandilore, Krugersdorp – Sunday, 17 August 2025
Sergeant Simon Masenye, Munsieville – Saturday, 16 August 2025
Sergeant Lawrence Mtshweni, Schoemansdal – Saturday, 16 August 2025
The annual SAPS Commemoration Day will be held on Sunday, 7 September 2025, honouring 27 officers who died while serving.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
