The SAPS in Mpumalanga, under the leadership of the Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has reassured the public that the assigned Investigation Experts have already began with the spade work following recent tragic incidents of double murders that took place in two separate incidents within the province of Mpumalanga.

The first incident occurred on Sunday, 20 October 2024, where bodies of two female individuals were tragically discovered with gunshot wounds inside a white BMW on the N4 Road near Arnot off-ramp in Middelburg. One of the victims was identified as Ms Ayanda Mayibongwe Maphalala and the other victim is yet to be identified. Both women were pronounced dead by the medical personnel at the scene.

On that fateful day the Police arrived at the scene and noticed that the vehicle’s registration number plates had been removed though later found them at the scene. This is one of the areas that will form part of the probe to get reasons behind the removal thereof. Police a
re investigating two counts of murder and at this stage, no arrests have been made in connection with this case.

Police are hard at work and connecting the dots with regard to circumstances surrounding this devastating incident.

In a separate incident, the Police in Kabokweni responded to a complaint from the public regarding two men allegedly caught in possession of suspected stolen properties in Emanyeveni, Kabokweni. Upon arrival at the scene, officers surprisingly found the two men lying motionless, with gunshot wounds. No one was available to give account on what has transpired. The two were certified dead by the paramedics. The families of the two victims are said to have come to the scene as well. Similarly to the incident in Middelburg, no arrests have been made in connection with this incident.

Members of the public with any information that could assist in these investigations are requested to come forward and share their knowledge. Information can be provided anonymously through the Crime Stop n
umber at 08600 10111 or via MySAPS App. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, emphasized that the team of investigation experts will diligently probe these disturbing crimes and ensure that there is no stone that will be left unturned. “The priority is to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure that justice is served for the victims and their families. We also appeal for calm and encourage the public to allow the investigation teams the space to conduct thorough probe without any interference. Individuals who have pertinent details related to the cases need to cooperate with us to help bring closure to these tragic events,” said the General.

Source: South African Police Service