NELSPRUIT – Two individuals were arrested and appeared before the Kwamhlanga Magistrate’s Court on Monday, October 23, 2023, after allegedly committing a series of violent crimes that have terrorized the Kwamhlanga community.

According to a new release by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga, the suspects are connected to multiple house robberies and other related offenses, including the kidnapping and murder of a local teacher.

In a particularly shocking case believed to be the work of the trio, 58-year-old teacher Rose Balise Mahlangu was hijacked during a house robbery, kidnapped, and later found dead beside a road. Another individual was shot in the leg during a house robbery on October 17, 2023, when the suspects allegedly carried out three consecutive house robberies.

Following these incidents, police initiated a manhunt that led to the arrest of Solly Ndala, 28, and Vusi Ngozo, 39. Both suspects have been charged with multiple offenses including murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, and house robberies. The police have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges as investigations continue, and more arrests are expected.

The court proceeding has been postponed to October 30, 2023, for a formal bail application, and both suspects remain in custody while the investigation proceeds.

The SAPS management in Mpumalanga has welcomed the arrests and commended the efforts of its members in apprehending the suspects. The arrests are seen as a potential deterrent against vigilantism and are hoped to help renew public confidence in the police force. The community is also encouraged to assist with information regarding the whereabouts of the remaining suspect.