By Mapaballo Borotho

- Two suspects have been arrested in eMalahleni, Mpumalanga, after police allegedly found 1,200 litres of diesel valued at about R30,000 in their vehicle.
- The suspects, who identified themselves as Zimbabwean nationals, were unable to provide a reasonable explanation for the diesel or produce valid documentation.
- Meanwhile, police are investigating a separate shooting in Barberton in which a police officer was injured during an Operation Vala Umgodi operation targeting suspected illegal miners.
Two suspects have been arrested in possession of stolen diesel in Witbank, Mpumalanga, on Thursday evening, 14 August 2026.
The duo was arrested by members of the Anti-Hijacking Task Team during routine patrols while they were driving at a high speed.
“Police stopped the vehicle and conducted a search, during which they found 48 containers containing 25 litres of diesel each, amounting to approximately 1,200 litres, valued at about R30,000,” said Mpumalanga police spokesperson Thulisile Magagula.
The two suspects, who identified themselves as Zimbabwean nationals, could not provide a reasonable explanation for the diesel and were unable to produce valid documentation.
“They were arrested and taken to Witbank SAPS. Police cannot rule out the possibility of adding further charges as the investigation continues,” Magagula added.
The Mahindra bakkie that they were driving was also seized.
The suspects are expected to appear in the eMalahleni Magistrate’s Court in due course.
Police investigate shooting involving suspected illegal miners
Still in Mpumalanga, police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a shooting incident that occurred in Barberton on Wednesday, 12 August 2026.
Members deployed under Operation Vala Umgodi were on duty conducting operations aimed at combating illegal mining activities in the area when they encountered a group of armed suspected illegal miners.
Upon approaching the suspects, the members observed a Toyota Avanza that arrived at the scene. It is alleged that shots were fired from the direction of the illegal miners.
“The police members took cover and returned fire,” said the police in a statement.
One police member sustained injuries and was taken to hospital for medical treatment.
The driver of the Toyota Avanza, a 36-year-old male, has been taken in for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation by the police.
Police say more arrests are imminent in the case.
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