SAPS launches manhunt following murder and armed robbery incidents in Acornhoek
NELSPRUIT – The South African Police Service in Acornhoek has launched an intensive investigation following two serious violent crime incidents reported on 20 February 2026 within the Acornhoek policing precinct.
According to the report, at approximately 20:35 on 20 February 2026, police responded to a complaint of murder, attempted murder and armed robbery at Mdlayabongolo.
It is alleged that three unknown male suspects entered a residence, where one produced a firearm and demanded money from the occupants. The victims complied and handed over an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspects allegedly assaulted the victims and fatally shot one male victim in the head.
Community members reportedly responded by blowing whistles and attempting to block the road using a vehicle. The suspects allegedly fired shots at the vehicle but managed to flee the scene.
The suspects reportedly escaped in a white Nissan NP200, with registration details unknown. It is further alleged that five individuals, four males and one female, were in the vehicle when it drove away.
Police investigations subsequently led to the identification and arrest of the driver and the female occupant. The remaining three suspects are still at large, and a manhunt is underway. The investigation continues.
In a separate incident reported earlier at approximately 19:00 on the same day, police received information from members of Farm Watch regarding the arrest of a suspect linked to a common robbery at Acornhoek Plaza, at the Bank ATM.
It is alleged that an female was robbed of her bank card, and an amount of R1,500 was subsequently withdrawn from her account.
The vehicle allegedly used during the robbery was later found abandoned. A male suspect was apprehended a few metres from the vehicle. At the scene, police also discovered the body of an unknown male who had sustained a gunshot wound to the chest. A pistol with a visible serial number was found in the possession of the arrested suspect.
The arrested suspect, allegedly stated that he did not know the deceased but claimed that they had travelled together from Burgersdorp in Tzaneen. Two additional suspects reportedly fled the scene and are still being sought.
The suspect is facing charges of murder and armed robbery. Further charges may be added as investigations.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has strongly condemned the incidents and assured communities that police are working tirelessly to apprehend the outstanding suspects. “We strongly condemn these senseless and violent acts that have claimed innocent lives and instilled fear within our communities. We have mobilised resources to ensure that the remaining suspects are swiftly apprehended. Criminals must know that there is no hiding place for those who terrorise our communities,” said Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi.
He further urged community members to continue working closely with law enforcement by sharing information that may assist investigations.
Members of the public with information that may assist in the investigations are urged to contact the Branch Commander Lieutenant Colonel Aaron Digoro on 082 318 9925 or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111 ,Alternatively use MYSAPSAPP to report anonymously.
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