A Mozambican male suspect (35) has been arrested following a tragic incident that occurred at Riverside Mall in Nelspruit last night, Friday 18 April 2025. The suspect is alleged to have fatally shot a security guard during the incident that began around 22:40.
Preliminary investigations have established that, security officers observed three suspicious males loitering near the Riverside Mall. When one of the guards approached the individuals for questioning, an altercation ensued, resulting in the guard being shot in the head by one of the suspects.
In response to the gunfire, additional security personnel arrived at the scene, leading to an exchange of gunfire between the suspect and security personnel. The suspect was subsequently injured during the confrontation and went into hiding on the rooftop of the Mall. Thanks to prompt action by the security team, the SAPS was alerted, leading to a coordinated response involving the Security Guards, the Flying Squad and Visible Policing members from Nelspruit Police Station.
The suspect was located and sniffed out of his hiding place, on Mall’s roof in the early hours of today, Saturday 19 April 2025. During his arrest, Police confiscated an AK-47 rifle from his possession, which is now undergoing ballistic testing to determine if it has been previous used in the commission of crime elsewhere.
The Police investigators are working collaboratively with officials from the Department of Home Affairs to verify the suspect's legal status in South Africa.
Some ammunition as well as cartridges were also recovered at the scene and all these items were seized to form part of the investigation by the Police.
The suspect, who sustained injuries during the incident, is currently receiving medical treatment under Police guard. He faces charges of murder, attempted murder, and possession of an illegal firearm with ammunition. Additional charges are likely to be laid against the suspect as the investigation progresses.
The other other two suspects are still at large and Police urge anyone with information on their whereabouts to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has condemned this senseless act of violence. He expressed his condolences to the family of the fallen security guard and praised the collaboration between POLSEC members and the Police, which was instrumental in the swift apprehension of the suspect and the recovery of the firearm.
As we move forward, the SAPS remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens and will continue to rigorously pursue those who threaten our communities.
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