This year in eMalahleni was marked by shocking crimes, bold justice, and unforgettable community heroes. Witbank News captured the highs and lows, reminding us that even in darkness, resilience shines.

‘Naughty’ MMC’s arrested for alleged bribe

Early in the year, two MMCs were arrested at Witbank Dam for allegedly accepting a bribe linked to a lease extension deal. The Hawks’ investigation exposed the scandal, shaking public trust but proving that corruption can be confronted head-on.

Chopping off Dumisani’s hands

In November, Pastor Solomon Mhlanga, his son Enock, and daughter-in-law Poppy were convicted for the brutal attack of Dumisani Mahlangu, whose hands were hacked off after accusations of theft. The sentencing to life imprisonment sent shockwaves through the community.

GBV tragedies

Two GBV incidents in which three women died left the city in shock. In the first incident that involved two young women, Nompumelelo Gamede (21) and Antoinette Hill (23), after a heated argument Gamede had with her boyfriend on July 23, he allegedly doused her with petrol, together with his sister, Hill, who tried to intervene. The two were set alight and left to burn in a locked room. The duo later died in the hospital.

City marathon draws over 1 000 participants

The Emalahleni City Marathon Club successfully hosted the 2025 edition of the 4-in-1 Marathon in the city in September. The marathon featured 4.9km, 10km, 21.1km, and 42.2km challenges. The event continues to showcase eMalahleni’s potential by uniting runners and walkers from within the city, across provinces, and even neighboring countries. The marathon brought together numbers as all 1 500 race entries were sold out a day before the event, up from 900 in 2024.

New mall to open in 2026

eMalahleni’s newest shopping destination, is set to open in March 2026. The mall promises a bold new chapter for retail in Emalahleni, delivering convenience, variety, and value within a world-class shopping environment.

Situated on the R544 near the N4 highway, Jumbo Mall is strategically positioned within proximity to the Emalahleni CBD, offering excellent visibility, high accessibility, and effortless connection to key transport routes and major residential nodes. The development will boast over 37 000 m² of retail space, comprising more than 105 stores, ample parking, and a focus on shopper experience.

Read more here: https://tinyurl.com/yckfv22a

Hats off to Koketso

Community heroes included The Koketso Mother of Nations Foundation, led by its founder Koketso Nobela, which is a non-profit impacting lives in communities around eMalahleni and out of the City of Coal by focusing on empowerment, especially for women and youth, stemming from Nobela’s personal journey overcoming hardship to inspire others and promote community upliftment through initiatives like feeding programs and economic support.

Read more here: https://tinyurl.com/5e5rejyx

That is a wrap

In conclusion, the Department of Health led different campaigns in the promotion of better health among the residents of eMalahleni.

The year in review: eMalahleni marked a year of accountability and compassion.

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