MIDDELBURG – A tragic explosion in Mhluzi, near Middelburg, claimed the life of a man on Thursday, 26 September 2024. The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga is urging the public to avoid handling suspicious objects following the incident. Preliminary investigations suggest the victim, who remains unidentified, was carrying a bag containing suspected explosives when it exploded, resulting in fatal injuries.
This incident follows another explosion in the same area on 25 August 2024, when two men attempting to extract copper from a suspected mortar round were involved in a deadly blast. The Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General (Dr.) Zeph Mkhwanazi, emphasised the importance of community safety and urged the public to report suspicious objects to the authorities immediately. “We ask residents to avoid taking unnecessary risks and to contact the police if they encounter any strange or unknown items,” said Mkhwanazi. Police investigations are ongoing, and the public is urged to remain vigilant.
