Beyond carjacking: Armed suspects allegedly kidnap motorists in eMalahleni

Stopping at a gate or dropping off a passenger has turned into a dangerous ordeal for local motorists.
This statement becomes reality as Vosman police has their hands full with a series of carjacking and kidnapping cases.

According to police, on July 22 at about 19:30 in Hlalanikahle Ext 1, a motorist was approached by three men while dropping off a passenger.
Police allege that the suspects pointed firearms at the driver, forced him into the back seat and drove away with the vehicle.

The victim was allegedly taken to a farm where he was searched and had personal belongings stolen before the suspects fled, leaving him behind. He later managed to return home and report the matter to the police.

Workers targeted in Ackerville
Another incident occurred on July 23 at about 22:00 in Ackerville, where armed suspects allegedly hijacked a vehicle that was being used to collect bakery employees.

According to police, three suspects allegedly entered the vehicle, pointed firearms at the occupants and ordered the driver to drive away.

Some passengers were allegedly dropped off at the Schonland Drive bridge, while the driver remained with the suspects and was later reported missing.

Gunshot fired outside tavern
On July 24 at about 20:00 at a local tavern in Ext 5, police are investigating another case where a motorist was confronted by armed suspects after getting into his vehicle.

Police allege that the suspects demanded the vehicle keys before a struggle broke out. One suspect allegedly fired a shot into the ground before the victim was forced into the back seat.

The suspects allegedly drove away with him before abandoning him at Kromdraai Cemetery and fleeing with the vehicle, which was later recovered at Verena after a tracking system was activated.

Gunmen storm residential yard
On July 25 at about 21:00 in Kwa-Guqa Ext 12, two suspects entered a residential yard where a vehicle was parked.

Police allege that the suspects, whose faces were covered with balaclavas, pointed firearms at people inside the yard.

One suspect allegedly fired shots into the ground before ordering the driver out of the vehicle. The suspects fled with the vehicle, and no injuries were reported.

Driver forced to ground at gate
The latest incident was reported on July 26 at about 22:15 in Hlalanikahle Ext 2, where a motorist was confronted while stopping to open a gate.

According to police, two suspects allegedly approached the victim, pointed firearms at him and ordered him to lie on the ground. The suspects allegedly searched him, took his personal belongings and drove away with his vehicle.

Police said investigations into all the cases are continuing, and no arrests have been made.

Police urged drivers to stay alert: “Motorists are urged to remain vigilant at all times, especially when arriving or leaving their homes. Avoid sitting in vehicles for extended periods, be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity to the police. Do not resist when confronted by armed suspects, as your safety remains the priority.”

Read more here:Mahlangu sentenced to life imprisonment for stabbing girlfriend 24 times

Traffic cops in Emalahleni only work until 21:30 at night
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— WitbankNews (@WitbankN) July 30, 2026

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