MPUMALANGA – A 42-year-old man wanted in connection with a series of serious and violent crimes dating back to 2020 has been re-arrested in Mpumalanga following a coordinated operation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks.
The suspect was arrested at Kanyamazane at approximately 23:00 on Tuesday, 22 September, after an operation involving the Hawks’ Secunda Serious Organised Crime Investigation (SOCI), Nelspruit Serious Commercial Crime Investigation (SCCI), the Provincial Tracking Team and the Tactical Response Team (TRT) in Nelspruit.
He is linked to several serious offences, including the attack and robbery of Badplaas Police Station in September 2020, a business robbery at Elukwatini Cash & Carry, the attempted murder of a police official and the possession of unlawful firearms in Nelspruit and Calcutta.
Linked to several serious crimes
The case dates back to 17 September 2020, when Badplaas Police Station was attacked and four firearms, including an R5 rifle, were stolen. No arrests were initially made in connection with the police station attack.
Shortly afterwards, Elukwatini Cash & Carry was targeted in an armed robbery. Police officers responding to the incident were confronted by the suspects, and one officer was shot and wounded. Cash and other items were stolen.
Investigators later received information identifying suspects allegedly linked to the crimes. Several arrests followed, and an identification parade resulted in five suspects being linked to the Badplaas and Elukwatini cases.
The matter was struck off the court roll in 2023 pending the finalisation of forensic evidence. While the accused were out of custody, they were allegedly involved in another serious incident in Elukwatini, during which a police official was reportedly kidnapped and robbed of a Toyota GD-6.
Struck off the role in 2023
The accused were subsequently arrested, and the matter was transferred back to the Elukwatini Magistrates’ Court. Following the receipt of the forensic laboratory report, the outstanding cases were reinstated and the accused returned to court. Bail was initially refused.
In 2025, however, the accused returned to court after new facts were presented, and bail was subsequently granted. The suspect allegedly failed to attend court as required and was declared wanted.
The Hawks continued their efforts to locate him until the manhunt culminated in his arrest at Kanyamazane on Tuesday night.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Carolina Regional Court today, Wednesday, 23 September 2026, where he will face the outstanding charges.
Mpumalanga Hawks Provincial Head Major General Nico Gerber welcomed the arrest and commended the multidisciplinary team involved in the investigation and tracking operation.
“Serious and violent crimes against police officials and the theft of police firearms strike at the very foundation of law enforcement and public safety. The passage of time does not diminish our commitment to pursuing those who are wanted for such offences,” said Gerber.
“Serious and violent crimes against police officials and the theft of police firearms strike at the very foundation of law enforcement and public safety. The passage of time does not diminish our commitment to pursuing those who are wanted for such offences,” said Gerber.
“This arrest demonstrates that our investigators and operational teams remain relentless in tracking down wanted suspects and ensuring that they are brought before the courts to answer for their alleged crimes.”
The Hawks said suspects who evade court proceedings should not regard their freedom as permanent, adding that investigators and operational teams would continue working together to locate and apprehend wanted persons.
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