Series of Armed Robberies Raises Safety Concerns in eMalahleni
The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Vosman has raised serious concerns following a surge in violent armed robberies across parts of eMalahleni over the past two weeks. The incidents have left residents anxious and prompted police to urge heightened vigilance, particularly among pedestrians and motorists.
Incident in Extension 12
The first reported incident occurred on the evening of 16 January in Extension 12. According to police reports, a man who had just disembarked from a taxi was confronted by an armed suspect who demanded his travelling bag. When the victim resisted, the suspect allegedly assaulted him, striking him in the left eye with the butt of a firearm and continuing the attack until the victim fell to the ground. The suspect then fled the scene with the stolen bag.
Robbery on the Kwa-Guqa Main Road
On the morning of 20 January, a woman waiting for transport along the Kwa-Guqa main road was approached by two armed men. The suspects demanded her cellphone. In an attempt to prevent the theft, the victim threw the phone over a nearby fence. One of the suspects reportedly jumped the fence to retrieve the device, after which both suspects fled the area.
Stabbing and Robbery in Vosman
Later that same afternoon, at approximately 16:00, another violent incident was reported in Vosman. A man walking with two companions was confronted by two suspects. Police state that the victim was threatened and stabbed on the left side of his chest with a knife. The suspects allegedly robbed him of his cellphone and cash before fleeing the scene on foot.
Armed Robbery Targeting Delivery Workers
The crime wave escalated further on 23 January with two serious incidents. At around 06:15 in Extension 12, three armed suspects held up a bread delivery crew near a local tuck shop. The suspects reportedly robbed the workers of cash and cellphones and also stole six crates of bread before escaping.
N4 Tyre-Spiking Robbery
Later that night, a robbery was reported on the N4 road. A motorist traveling toward eMalahleni with a companion stated that they stopped to change a tyre after encountering spikes on the road. While doing so, two armed men emerged and threatened them with firearms. The suspects demanded money and personal belongings and allegedly attempted to force the victims to transfer money electronically. When this was unsuccessful, the suspects took cash and cellphones before fleeing on foot.
Police Response
Vosman SAPS has confirmed that investigations into all reported cases are ongoing. Police have urged residents to remain alert, avoid unnecessary risks, and be cautious about where they stop, particularly at night or in isolated areas.
SAPS continues to advise community members to remain crime-conscious at all times and to report any suspicious activity immediately.
