Witbank SAPS opens investigations after multiple violent incidents
Witbank SAPS is investigating a series of violent incidents that unfolded across eMalahleni over the weekend, including armed robberies in the CBD and Klarinet, and a reported rape in Siyanqoba. Police confirmed cases were opened and said patrols were stepped up in affected areas.
According to the police, one incident occurred on 15 August at roughly 18:00 at the intersection of Walter Sisulu Street and Beatty Avenue in the central business district. The complainant reported that two men entered his vehicle through the rear door, threatened him with knives and left with his cellphone.
Other robberies took place in Klarinet the previous evening. At about 20:00 on 14 August a man walking home from a shop said he was confronted by two men, both allegedly armed with firearms; they took his cellphone and cash. Around an hour later in Klarinet Extension 3, near the clinic, another man reported that two men approached him, one holding him at gunpoint while the other searched him and stole his cellphone.
"We are pleading with motorists to just yield and pass stop signs if it’s late at night and if it’s safe for them to do so. They should be mindful of their surroundings and make sure that their car doors are locked," the SAPS spokesperson said.
In a separate and serious case, police said a woman who had travelled by taxi from the CBD to the Siyanqoba taxi rank on 15 August at about 20:00 was followed by another passenger. That person allegedly produced a knife, forced her into nearby bushes and raped her before taking her cellphone and leaving her at the scene. Police confirmed a case of rape was opened and an investigation is under way.
Local policing response and community advice
Warrant Officer David Ratau, the Witbank SAPS spokesperson, said that cases of robbery and rape were opened and that investigations are active. He added that SAPS teams, led by acting station commander Colonel Nonhlanhla Kgosana, together with Community Policing Forum (CPF) members, conducted patrols in Klarinet over the weekend.
Police reiterated routine safety advice for residents and visitors:
- Keep vehicle doors locked and be aware of surroundings when driving or parked late at night.
- If safe to do so, yield at stop signs and avoid stopping in isolated areas after hours.
- Pedestrians should be observant; if people or behaviour looks suspicious, change direction or seek a populated area.
- Report incidents to Witbank SAPS promptly so investigators can follow up and identify patterns.
The incidents underline continuing safety concerns in eMalahleni's town centre and nearby residential areas. Residents have long pointed to the need for visible policing and better street lighting in some neighbourhoods; police said they had increased visible patrols at weekend and would continue investigations.
| Date | Location | Reported incident |
|---|---|---|
| 14 August, ~20:00 | Klarinet (walking from shop) | Armed robbery; cellphone and cash taken |
| 14 August, ~21:00 | Klarinet Ext 3 (near clinic) | Robbery at gunpoint; cellphone taken |
| 15 August, ~18:00 | CBD (Walter Sisulu St & Beatty Ave) | Motorist threatened with knives; cellphone stolen |
| 15 August, ~20:00 | Siyanqoba taxi rank | Rape and robbery; cellphone taken |
Police urged anyone with information that could assist investigations to contact Witbank SAPS. No arrests were reported in the police statements on the weekend incidents.
For eMalahleni residents, the recent offences are a reminder to review personal safety routines, particularly when travelling late, and to work with local policing structures. The presence of CPF members alongside SAPS on weekend patrols signals a co-operative approach; however, investigators say more information from the public is needed to identify suspects and prevent further attacks.
Authorities have not released further operational details while investigations continue.
