A suspect was fatally wounded and four others arrested following a shootout with police in Hlalanikhahle near Vosman, eMalahleni, Mpumalanga. The group was wanted for several car hijackings. A community policing forum member was also injured during the incident.
On November 1, 2025, police in eMalahleni, Mpumalanga, responded to information about a hideout used by suspects linked to multiple car hijackings in Vosman and Witbank. According to Provincial Police Spokesperson Jabu Ndubane, officers approached the location in Hlalanikhahle Phase 4, near Vosman, where the suspects fled while opening fire on the police.
Ndubane stated that police returned fire, resulting in one suspect being fatally wounded. Four other suspects were arrested at the scene. A firearm with its serial number filed off was recovered in their possession, as reported by the South African Police Service on social media.
During the confrontation, a member of the Community Policing Forum sustained wounds. Ndubane noted that a number of additional suspects remain at large. The situation was complicated when community members pelted the police vehicle with stones, hindering efforts to capture all involved.
The arrested suspects face charges of attempted murder and malicious damage to property. This incident highlights ongoing challenges with carjacking in the region and the risks faced by law enforcement and community volunteers during operations.