Mpumalanga police investigate murder and attempted cash-in-transit robbery in Bushbuckridge
Police in Mpumalanga have launched a murder investigation and are also probing an attempted robbery following a violent incident involving a cash-in-transit vehicle in Bushbuckridge on Tuesday.
Police confirmed that the incident, which has also been widely circulated on social media in a graphic video, is being treated with urgency as investigators work to establish the full sequence of events and identify the deceased.
According to preliminary reports, a cash-in-transit vehicle carrying two security officers had stopped in Bushbuckridge, with one officer leaving the vehicle to enter a nearby shop.
It is alleged that a male suspect armed with a sharp object opened the passenger door and attacked the security officer seated inside.
SAPS says other security personnel at the scene reportedly became aware of the unfolding attack and fired shots at the suspect, who collapsed during the incident. It is further alleged that the driver of the cash van then drove over the suspect, who was later declared dead at the scene.
Police say the identity of the deceased has not yet been formally confirmed, and forensic processes are underway.
SAPS has also raised concern over the circulation of the graphic video on social media, warning that it could deepen trauma for those affected and interfere with the investigation.
Police spokesperson Donald Mdhluli urged the public to act responsibly when engaging with sensitive content linked to the incident.
"The SAPS has taken note of the video circulating on social media and we urge members of the public to refrain from circulating, forwarding or sharing such footage as it may cause further trauma to the families involved and to sensitive members of the public."
He added that investigators must be allowed space to complete their work without interference.
"The investigating team must be afforded the necessary space to conduct a thorough investigation."
Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, has strongly condemned the incident and confirmed that a full investigation is underway.
He warned that accountability will follow once the facts are established.
"Anyone who will be found to have acted unjustly will have to face the consequences without fear or favour."
ALSO READ
