A wave of vehicle-related crime is continuing to be a growing concern in eMalahleni following two armed hijackings and several vehicle thefts reported in recent days.

Witbank SAPS is investigating four cases after criminals targeted motorists and parked vehicles in various parts of the city. While police have confirmed recovering two hijacked vehicles, two stolen vehicles have not been found.

Hijackings in Tasbet Park and on N12

One of the latest incidents occurred in Tasbet Park 2 in the early hours of September 14. According to police, a motorist had just reversed his white Toyota Hilux out of a yard when he was confronted by two men dressed in black.

The victim had stopped to close the gate when the suspects approached from opposite sides of the vehicle and allegedly pointed firearms at him. A passenger fled the scene while the suspects commandeered the Toyota Hilux and sped off towards Klipfontein. Police later confirmed the recovery of the vehicle.

In a separate incident on the N12 shortly after midnight on September 14, a motorist was hijacked by three allegedly armed suspects. Police said the victim had stopped when the suspects approached him, pointed firearms at him and pulled him from his white Nissan NP200.

The suspects allegedly stole his cellphone and assaulted him before attempting to force him into the back of the vehicle.

The victim reportedly fought back, but was kicked and allegedly run over by the suspects as they fled. While authorities were able to confirm that the man required medical treatment, the extent of his injuries was not disclosed.

The vehicle has since been recovered, but no arrests have been confirmed as of yet.

Meanwhile, another Nissan NP200 was reported stolen from Tasbet Park Ext 12. Initial police reports indicated that the vehicle remains missing.

Vehicle stolen from parking area

Police are also investigating the theft of a Toyota Corolla, registration CPL 202 MP, which was stolen from a shopping centre parking lot in eMalahleni. According to the owner, Lazarus Nkogatse, CCTV footage captured suspects gaining access to the vehicle before driving away. Despite the footage, the vehicle has not been recovered.

Nkogatse said he parked his vehicle in the shopping centre’s customer parking area before entering the centre. When he returned later that evening, the vehicle was gone.

“I noticed that my car was not there and I immediately rushed to obtain the CCTV footage. The suspects did not take long to unlock and open my car,” he said.

According to Nkogatse, the footage shows one suspect gaining access to the vehicle before handing it over to another individual who drove away.

He has appealed to members of the public to assist in locating the vehicle. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the Toyota Corolla can contact Witbank SAPS on 079 891 5570 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

Police urge vigilance

Witbank SAPS spokesperson Warrant Officer David Ratau has urged motorists to remain vigilant and take proactive steps to reduce the risk of becoming victims of vehicle-related crime.

He advised drivers to keep vehicle doors locked and windows closed at all times, avoid stopping in isolated areas, and park in well-lit locations

“Motorists are encouraged to be cautious of strangers approaching their vehicles and to drive away if they feel threatened or suspicious,” said Ratau. “We also advise varying travel routes when possible, limiting night-time travel and never offering lifts to strangers.”

In cases of hijacking, SAPS emphasises that victims should not resist, especially when suspects are armed, as personal safety is more important than any possession. Additional measures such as installing anti-theft devices, remaining alert when arriving home, and reporting suspicious behaviour near residences can also help prevent vehicle theft and hijackings.

Witbank SAPS confirmed that investigations into all four cases are ongoing.

WATCH | CCTV captures men making off with a resident’s car at an eMalahleni shopping mall
Read more: https://t.co/uTxk7G4rCs

— WitbankNews (@WitbankN) September 14, 2026

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