Police appeals public for assistance in solving the Rietspruit shooting
Preliminary findings further suggest that the victims were on their way home from work when they were ambushed.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga has launched an urgent appeal to the public for assistance in tracing suspects involved in a brutal attack on two Eskom employees in Emalahleni.
According to the police, the incident occurred on January 21 around 17:00, at the corner of the R547 and D455 roads in Rietspruit.
Upon arrival at the scene, police found a bakkie riddled with bullet holes. Inside the vehicle was the driver, who was fatally wounded from gunshots to the upper body.
His female colleague, who was also shot, was rushed to the hospital for urgent medical treatment.
Eskom pleads for public’s sensitivity following tragic shooting of employees in Rietspruit
Read more here: https://t.co/lnDisrfH0A#witbanknews #witbank #eskom #Rietspruit— WitbankNews (@WitbankN) January 24, 2026
According to the police, investigators recovered 15 cartridges at the scene.
SAPS is calling on community members to assist in bringing the perpetrators to justice. Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Sergeant Desmond Kgwedi at 076 509 6073, the Crime Stop number 08600 10111, or submit details via the MYSAPS App.
All information will be treated confidentially, and callers may remain anonymous.
The acting provincial commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a “barbaric act.”
He extended condolences to the deceased’s family and emphasised the importance of community cooperation in ensuring the suspects are swiftly apprehended.
In response to the tragedy, Eskom has urged the public not to spread unverified or false information that has been circulating on social media and within communities.
The power utility stressed that speculation hampers investigations and causes further distress to the victims’ families. Eskom reiterated its commitment to supporting law enforcement in the ongoing investigation.
“Eskom is working closely with the authorities to assist with the investigation. We are also providing support to the family and our staff members during this difficult period. We will continue to share relevant updates to the extent possible as information becomes available,” they said in their official media release.
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