Mpumalanga police warn public to stay alert during New Year’s celebrations
Two armed men robbed congregants at a Swalala church near White River on December 30, prompting police to urge the public to remain vigilant during large gatherings.
Mpumalanga police urge all members of the public to take necessary precautions during New Year’s Eve.
As celebrations take place in churches, taverns, and entertainment venues for the crossover into 2026, people are urged to remain vigilant, as suspects often exploit large gatherings to commit crimes.
According to police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, the call for vigilance follows an incident in Swalala, Masoyi near White River at about 23:30 on December 30.
#sapsMP The Police in Mpumalanga urge all members of the public to take necessary precautions during New Year’s Eve and to be vigilant. The call for vigilance follows a recent incident that took place last night, 30 December 2025, when two armed male suspects stormed a local… pic.twitter.com/Fngp8jcrdk
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) December 31, 2025
ALSO READ: Mkhuhlu church targeted in second armed robbery this month
“Two armed men stormed a local church, taking congregants by surprise. They held the victims at gunpoint, ordered them to lie on the floor, and proceeded to rob them of their cellphones, car batteries, and a silver Isuzu bakkie,” Mdhluli said.
ALSO READ: Mkhuhlu church targeted in second armed robbery this month
He added that the bakkie was recovered abandoned near the church this morning, December 31, though the keys were missing.
“Fortunately, no injuries were reported. A case of business robbery is currently under investigation, although no arrests have yet been made,” he said.
Police urge anyone with information about the suspects to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or submit information via the My SAPS app.
The investigation is ongoing.
