Tensions remain high in eMalahleni as dozens of residents from Kwa-Guqa Hlalanikahle Phase 4 gathered outside the Witbank Magistrate’s Court this morning, calling for justice for Mxolisi Welcome Mphela, the 28-year-old man fatally shot by the police.
The crowd, made up of family members, friends, and community activists, carried placards reading, “Justice for Mxolisi”, as they sang and chanted outside the court.

The group also demanded the release of the residents who were arrested on November 1 after throwing stones at the police.
In an official statement, Mpumalanga SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabulile Ndubane said after the shooting, the situation escalated when community members attacked officers.

“A violent group of community members from Phase 4, who pelted stones at the police and damaged police vehicles while demanding the release of the suspects.” Ndubane said. “In an effort to ensure the safety of both the officers and community members, the police temporarily withdrew from the scene, during which one suspect managed to escape.”

According to the family, Mphela was mistakenly identified as a wanted hijacking suspect while socialising with friends at a local park after attending a funeral.

Ndubane reacted and confirmed the shooting, saying the operation was part of an ongoing effort to track down a group of armed hijacking suspects operating in the Vosman and eMalahleni areas.

Ndubane said that as the police approached, the suspects opened fire, forcing officers to retaliate in self-defense.

“Upon noticing the police, the suspects, who were armed with pistols, ran in different directions while firing shots at the officers. The police were forced to retaliate, and one suspect was fatally wounded,” Ndubane said.

https://www.citizen.co.za/witbank-news/news-headlines/local-news/2025/11/01/teen-shot-and-killed-in-kwa-guga/