Three suspects have been fatally wounded following a brazen armed robbery at a jewellery store in Witbank, Mpumalanga, while in a separate development, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation has arrested three individuals linked to an alleged cross-border criminal operation involving illegal migration and international fugitives.
According to a media statement issued by the office of the Provincial Commissioner of police in Mpumalanga, the deadly robbery unfolded at Highveld Mall in Witbank on Wednesday morning, 15 April 2026, at around 10h00. Police say a group of approximately eight armed suspects stormed into a jewellery shop, where they held a security guard and an employee at gunpoint before making off with an undisclosed quantity of jewellery.
Law enforcement agencies, including private security companies, responded swiftly after being alerted to the robbery in progress. The suspects fled the mall in multiple vehicles, prompting a coordinated response by authorities. Police managed to intercept the suspects shortly after they exited the shopping centre precinct.
During the confrontation that followed, three of the suspects were fatally shot. The circumstances surrounding the shooting are now the subject of an independent investigation. The remaining suspects managed to escape and are currently on the run.
At the scene, police recovered three pistols, a rifle and ammunition believed to have been used in the robbery. Officers also seized a Toyota RAV4 that had been fitted with false registration plates and was allegedly used as one of the getaway vehicles. Some of the stolen jewellery was found inside the recovered vehicle.
A case of business robbery has been opened, and investigations are ongoing. The Independent Police Investigative Directorate will probe the events that led to the fatal shooting of the three suspects, in line with standard procedure in cases involving police action.
Police have launched a manhunt for the remaining suspects and have appealed to members of the public to assist with information. Authorities have urged anyone with relevant details to contact the Crime Stop hotline or use the MySAPSApp, assuring that all information will be treated confidentially and that tip-offs can be made anonymously.
The recovered firearms are expected to undergo ballistic testing to determine whether they have been used in other criminal activities.
Acting Provincial Commissioner of police in Mpumalanga, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, said law enforcement agencies remain committed to tackling violent crime in the province and will continue to collaborate with other stakeholders to bring perpetrators to justice.
Meanwhile, in a separate case highlighting the reach of organised crime, the Hawks have arrested three suspects in Pretoria on charges relating to conspiracy to commit a crime and contravention of immigration laws.
Stellio Gilles Robert Capo Chichi, aged 45, his 18-year-old son Khonsou Seba Capo Chichi, and an alleged facilitator, François van der Merwe, appeared briefly in the Brooklyn Magistrate’s Court on 15 April 2026 following their arrest two days earlier.
The trio was apprehended during an intelligence-driven operation conducted by the Hawks’ Crimes Against the State unit, supported by Tactical Operations Management and Crime Intelligence’s Counter Terrorism division.
Authorities allege that the suspects were involved in a scheme to facilitate illegal movement across the Limpopo River into Zimbabwe, with the ultimate aim of reaching Europe. Investigators say the operation involved a payment of approximately R250 000 to the alleged facilitator.
During the arrest, law enforcement officers confiscated cellphones and approximately R318 000 in cash.
Preliminary findings have revealed that Stellio Capo Chichi is a wanted fugitive in both France and Benin for crimes related to offences against the state. The Hawks, working with Interpol, have confirmed his fugitive status in Benin.
The case has been postponed to 20 April 2026, with all three accused remanded in custody. Extradition processes are expected to follow as investigations continue.
The two incidents, though unrelated, underscore ongoing efforts by South African authorities to combat both violent crime and transnational criminal networks operating within and beyond the country’s borders.
