Residents in the eMalahleni Central Business District (CBD) took swift action over the weekend morning after a woman was robbed at knifepoint.

The incident occurred on March 7, around 07:20, when the victim was threatened and had her handbag robbed.

According to the police, community members nearby responded quickly, chasing down the suspect and effecting a citizen’s arrest before handing him over to authorities.

“Public members may arrest a suspect if they see a crime being committed in their presence. However, after the arrest, they must hand the suspect over to the police without punishing them. The court will punish offenders,” said the Witbank SAPS spokesperson, Captain Eddie Hall.

This act of vigilance highlighted the growing concern among residents about violent crime in the area, as the robbery was not the only incident reported that morning.

Just hours later, around 09:00, another armed robbery took place along the N4 road. According to the police, a man who was hitchhiking was targeted by individuals pretending to offer him a lift. The man told the police that he got inside the car, and he was met by three men, with one of them allegedly armed with a firearm.

The man reported to the police that one man pointed a firearm at him, and another pointed a knife at him. The man was robbed of his cash and cellphone. According to the police, the robbers assaulted him, demanding his banking app PIN, which he later gave them.

READ MORE: Armed duo targets motorcyclist outside Klipfontein tuck shop

Police confirmed both incidents and commended the community for their intervention in the CBD case, while also warning residents to remain cautious when accepting transport from strangers. Investigations remain ongoing.

Your city, your s

A brief stop at a tuck shop in Klipfontein cost a biker his 2 wheels and cellphone
Read more here: https://t.co/fqwl57WMlE#WitbankNews #emalahleni #Motorcycle #Witbanksaps pic.twitter.com/6HDcmhrAMY

— WitbankNews (@WitbankN) March 9, 2026

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