Mpumalanga police arrested two suspects, both aged 28, in Marite on Friday, May 29. The arrests stem from a sequence of violent murders on Saturday, May 16, that left the community reeling.

The first victim was shot and killed at 21:00 while at a Marite tavern. Thirty minutes later, two men were ambushed and fatally shot in the same area while sitting inside a truck.

One of the suspects was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm, which police believe was used in the murders.

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The suspects are expected to appear in the Mkhuhlu Magistrate’s Court on Monday, June 1, where they will face charges of murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm.

Police have indicated that the investigation is ongoing, and further arrests are imminent. Detectives are also working to establish if the duo can be linked to other violent crimes in the region.

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The acting Mpumalanga police commissioner, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, commended the team. “The Calcutta area has been giving us a problem with regard to murders, often with firearms used, and we made a promise to deploy resources to address this challenge,” he said.