Four men arrested for business robbery and theft of coal at a mine in Kriel are expected to make their first appearance before the Kriel Magistrates’ Court.

According to a statement released by the office of the Provincial Commissioner, on February 5, around 23:00, workers at the mine were busy with their normal duties when they were attacked by a group of seven armed men.

The gang allegedly tied the workers with cable ties and forced them into a guardroom, where they instructed them to lie down.

Shortly after that, a total of 14 trucks reportedly entered the mine premises and were used to load coal illegally.

READ MORE HERE: Closed doors don’t secure lives and property in the City of Coal

Though 10 of the trucks managed to flee the scene with coal estimated to be worth hundreds of thousands, the swift response of the mine’s security company still saved the night.

Four trucks were intercepted, with two drivers arrested. Information gathered through investigations also led the police to two additional truck owners, who were later detained for questioning.

“The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has commended the police and the security for their swift response and exceptional work done,” said Captain Nonyane-Mpe, the provincial SAPS spokesperson.

Two businesses suffered a great loss following robbery incidents that occurred recently in different parts of eMalahleni
Read more here: https://t.co/XHIecPDOAJ#WitbankNews #emalahleni #businessrobbery

— WitbankNews (@WitbankN) November 19, 2025 

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