LESLIE – Two suspects, aged 37 and 40, were apprehended following a violent robbery that escalated into a shootout with police in Leslie on June 17, 2025. The incident left a 38-year-old police constable injured after being caught in crossfire. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
According to a police report, members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) were conducting routine patrols when they came across a robbery in progress at a local liquor outlet. The suspects, allegedly wearing police reflector vests, had entered the premises pretending to be officers investigating counterfeit liquor. They interrogated the owner for about an hour before attempting an armed robbery.
Officers from the Visible Policing (Vispol) unit responded and engaged the suspects, leading to a shootout. During the exchange, the constable sustained a gunshot wound to the hip. Some suspects managed to flee the scene, abandoning two vehicles, a white BMW 3 Series with false registration plates, and a white Ford Focus that had been reported stolen in Bronkhorstspruit earlier this year.
Believing not all the suspects had escaped, police launched a search of the area, which led to the arrest of two suspects hiding inside a storeroom. They are facing multiple charges, including attempted murder, armed robbery, and possession of suspected stolen vehicles.
The SAPS is continuing its investigation, with forensic experts processing the crime scene. The arrested suspects are expected to appear in the Leslie Periodical Court on Friday, 20 June 2025.
Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, commended the swift police action and condemned the attack on officers. “Attacking police officers will be dealt with accordingly, and we will not rest until the remaining suspects are brought to justice,” he said. Police have appealed to the public for assistance in locating the remaining suspects. Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Constable Thembayona Mkhulisi on 066 577 6013 or call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Tip-offs may also be submitted anonymously via the MYSAPSAPP.
