Emalahleni FM News

02/11/2025

FAMILY DEMANDS JUSTICE AFTER PHASE 4 SHOOTING, POLICE CLAIM SELF-DEFENCE IN SUSPECT OPERATION.

A phase 4 community is in confusion and a family is grieving after a 28-year-old man was shot and killed by police on Saturday, 01 November 2025, in an incident with two different narratives: one of a mistaken identity and a surrendering civilian, and another of a legitimate police operation against armed hijacking suspects.

The family of Mxolisi Welcome Mphila, a Bolt driver and father from Phase 4 Kwa-Guqa Extensions, is seeking justice, alleging he was executed while surrendering. According to his sister, Nomsa Mashigo, the tragedy unfolded around 14:00 at a local park.

Mphila had been Allegedly with friends after attending a funeral when police arrived. Mashigo said, the officers were looking for a suspect seen in a circulating picture who wore similar clothes to her brother.

“While everyone split and ran in different directions, Mxolisi couldn't run further as he had a knee injury from his soccer days," Mashigo told Emalahleni FM. “He then surrendered with his hands up with no weapon but was shot in the chest anyway.”

She alleges that police left the scene while Mphila was still fighting for his life and that an ambulance took too long to arrive. The family has opened a case with the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).

“We believe our child was mistakenly shot for a wanted hijacking suspect,” said Mashigo, appealing to the community for any valid information to aid their quest for justice.

The shooting sparked immediate anger among community members, who allegedly retaliated by throwing stones at the police vehicles, damaging them. The police then withdrew from the scene.

In a contrasting official statement, Mpumalanga SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabulile Ndubane said police were acting on “credible intelligence” regarding suspects linked to a series of carjacking cases in the Vosman policing area.

The officers proceeded to a parking area in Hlalanikahle Phase 4, where they identified the suspects. According to the statement, upon the police's approach, the "armed suspects immediately fled in different directions, opening fire on the officers."

"The police team was forced to retaliate in self-defence,” said Lt. Col. Ndubane. She reported that one suspect was fatally shot and that an unlicensed pistol with its serial number filed off was recovered from his possession.

The police also stated that a member of the Community Police Forum (CPF) assisting the operation was shot and wounded by the suspects and received medical attention.

The police account details that the situation escalated when a "very violent group" from Phase Four assaulted officers with stones and damaged police vehicles, demanding the release of arrested suspects. Facing an imminent threat, the officers retreated to de-escalate the situation.

After mobilizing reinforcements, SAPS returned to secure the area. Four individuals were subsequently arrested on charges of Malicious Damage to Property and Attempted Murder for their alleged roles in the unrest.

The search for other suspects who fled during the chaos is ongoing. Police have appealed for calm and for any information from the community.

As the IPID investigation begins, the incident has left the family demanding answers for the loss.

31/10/2025

KWA-GUQA EXTENSIONS COMMUNITY REELS AFTER BRUTAL MURDER OF MAN FOUND SHOT EIGHT TIMES

The Kwa-guqa Extensions on high alert following a brazen daylight shooting on Thursday afternoon that left a 38-year-old man dead in what appears to be a targeted attack.

The victim has been identified as James Victor Mpinga, a resident of Ext 6, Empumelelweni.

According to a statement issued by Captain Vusi Mnisi a spokesperson at Vosman police , the incident occurred on October 30, 2025, at approximately 16:00, near a Shisanyama in Extension 10. The scene was attended by a police officer who was on patrol in the area when he received a call from the Community Service Centre (CSC) about a shooting.
Upon arrival outside Stand No. 6015, Ext 10, the police then discovered the grim scene. Mpinga was lying on the ground beside his blue BMW vehicle, bleeding from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency services were called but pronounced him dead at the scene.

Preliminary forensic evidence points to a violent and suspected attack. Police crime scene investigators cordoned off the area and recovered a significant number of ballistic exhibits.
A preliminary count revealed eight spent cartridges around the deceased's body, a police report states.
A further three cartridges and two projectiles were also found.

This brings the total number of cartridges found at the scene to eleven, indicating a significant exchange of gunfire.
The following examination of the body by forensic personnel confirmed the extent of the violence, identifying eight gunshot wounds on Mpinga's body.

The motive for the killing is currently unknown, and the suspects remain at large. The police have not yet established whether the incident was a robbery, a hijacking, or a premeditated murder.

The investigation is in its early stages, and the police are appealing to the public for assistance. Anyone who was in the area, specifically near the Shisanyama, around 16:00 on Thursday and witnessed any suspicious activity or vehicles is urged to come forward.

The investigation continues as authorities work to piece together the final moments of James Victor Mpinga's life and identify his killers.

29/10/2025

DEVASTATED XULU FAMILY SEEKS COMMUNITY HELP AFTER DAUGHTER DIES IN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INCIDENT

The Xulu family from Emalahleni is mourning the death of their daughter following a domestic dispute that ended in tragedy over the weekend.

Police confirmed that the woman was shot and killed by her husband during an argument. The husband later turned the gun on himself. Both died at the scene, leaving behind their two-year-old child.

The family received the call from police late on Sunday night, notifying them of the incident. Their daughter’s body is still being held at a government forensic mortuary. The husband’s family has since claimed his body, but the Xulu family remains unable to do the same for their daughter due to financial difficulties.

Originally from eNquthu in KwaZulu-Natal, the family is currently based in Emalahleni. They are now trying to raise funds to transport their daughter home and give her a dignified burial. However, they face serious financial strain, with their insurance payments in arrears and funeral costs beyond their reach.

The Xulus are appealing to the public for assistance to help cover the expenses of repatriating and burying their daughter. They have expressed deep distress over the situation and hope that support from the community will enable them to lay her to rest with dignity. Anyone willing to assist the Xulu family can make a financial contribution to the following account:

Bank : Capitec
Account holder : Qwabe VN
Account number: 1591046856

Alternatively, community members can contact Sizakele Xulu directly at 076 307 2332 for assistance or further information.

29/10/2025

A Male Body Found in Stationary Vehicle in Emalahleni

The body of a male was discovered inside a car on the corner of Opperman and Stevenson Road in Klipfontein, Emalahleni. The vehicle is believed to have been parked at the location for several days.

Preliminary observations from the scene suggest the deceased may have been living in his car. At this stage, no foul play is suspected.

Police and Emergency Services are currently on the scene. An investigation will be conducted by Witbank South African Police Service to determine the exact circumstances of the man's death.

28/10/2025

SAHPRA APPROVES GROUNDBREAKING SIX-MONTH HIV PREVENTION INJECTION

Lenacapavir offers new hope in South Africa’s fight against HIV, marking a major milestone in prevention efforts.

The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has approved the registration of Lenacapavir, a long-acting antiviral medicine that can prevent HIV-1 infection in adults and adolescents weighing at least 35 kilograms.

Lenacapavir offers a six-monthly injectable option for HIV prevention, a significant step forward for individuals seeking a more convenient and discreet form of PrEP.

The treatment involves an initial subcutaneous injection (administered just under the skin) combined with oral tablets taken on days one and two. It is suitable for individuals who are HIV-negative but at high risk of infection.

Developed by pharmaceutical company Gilead, Lenacapavir is designed to be used as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in combination with safer s*x practices, such as condom use, to reduce the risk of contracting HIV and other s*xually transmitted infections.

SAHPRA CEO Dr Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela hailed the registration as a transformative development in the country’s ongoing fight against HIV.

“The registration of Lenacapavir is a game-changer, given the high prevalence rate of HIV in South Africa. This product is the most effective HIV prevention measure thus far,” said Dr Semete-Makokotlela.

28/10/2025

NKANGALA TVET COLLEGE AND ETDP SETA LAUNCH GROUNDBREAKING 4IR LAB, PAVING THE WAY FOR FUTURE SKILLS IN EMALAHLENI.

The Nkangala TVET College, in a powerful collaboration with the Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP SETA), has officially launched a state-of-the-art Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) lab centre. The facility, set to begin operations in 2026, marks a key investment in the future of Mpumalanga's youth, yesterday 27 October 2025 in Emalahleni.

The launch signals a bold step towards equipping students and the community with cutting-edge digital skills, directly addressing the evolving demands of the global economy. The lab is designed to be a hub for innovation, focusing on advanced technologies that are reshaping the world.

Mr. Sello Sethusha, Director for Lecturer Development in the Department of Higher Education, said "The implementation of advanced technology will not only take away jobs but create many other job opportunities" Mr. Sethusha stated.
He further emphasized the critical "importance of changing the job system in the technological sector," highlighting that the curriculum and training must evolve hand in hand with technological advancements to prepare learners for these new roles.

Beyond the hardware and software, the 4IR lab carries a broader mission to change the perception of technical and vocational education. Mr. Sethusha articulated this vision clearly, noting that "through 4IR, learners will be able to understand that TVET Colleges are not only a secondary choice for education."

This initiative positions Nkangala TVET College at the forefront of this educational shift. The college was recognised at the event as "one of the best performing TVET Colleges in the Province," making it a fitting flagship for this ambitious project. The 4IR lab is set to become a basis for excellence, demonstrating the high-quality, relevant education that TVET institutions provide.

27/10/2025

DOMESTIC DISPUTE ERUPTS IN DOUBLE TRAGEDY AT ACKERVILLE HOME

A quiet street in Ackerville became the scene of a devastating murder-suicide on Sunday night, leaving a community in shock and a family destroyed. The incident, which police are investigating, appears to be a grim escalation of a domestic violence complaint.

According to the statement issued by Captain Vusi Mnisi a spokesperson at Vosman Police reports, the tragedy unfolded on the evening of October 26, 2025, at approximately 21:00. officers on duty in the Vosman policing area, were dispatched to Raymond Makwakwa Street in Ackerville to respond to a complaint of domestic violence.

Upon arrival, they were met by a distressed group of people and the homeowner, who immediately alerted them to a serious problem in a back room on the property. The officers proceeded to the room, where they made a shocking discovery.

Inside the room, they found an African female lying on a bed, suffering from a fatal gunshot wound to the chest. Preliminary observations confirmed she had already succumbed to her injuries.

Next to her, the lifeless body of a man, identified as her husband, was found. He was still clutching the firearm in his hand. Evidence at the scene and information gathered by the police suggest that after shooting his wife, the man turned the weapon on himself, taking his own life.

The precise motive behind the shooting remains unknown and is a key focus of the ongoing police investigation.
The police have not released the identities of the deceased, pending notification of their next of kin.

26/10/2025

LIBERTY COAL THROWS WEIGHT BEHIND BREAST CANCER AWARENESS WITH MHLUZI 'NIGHTDASH'

Liberty Coal shifted its focus from minerals to community wellness by sponsoring the Breast Cancer Awareness "NightDash" event held last Friday night at the Themba Sinamela Stadium in Mhluzi.

The event, designed for survivors and those affected by the disease, saw a strong turnout from the community, including the active participation of Liberty Coal employees and local leadership, all united under the common goal of raising awareness and funds.

Mpumelelo Mashifane, Head of Communication and a stakeholder Manangement at Liberty Coal, directly linked the company's core operations to its community health initiatives. "As a mining company, we are fully aware that the mining environment can, over time, contribute to health complications," Mashifane stated. "That is precisely why we found it crucial to sponsor this event. Prioritizing wellness, both within our organization and in the communities where we operate, is not just an option it's a responsibility."

This sponsorship is more than a one-off gesture. Mashifane confirmed Liberty Coal's intention to grow the event annually. In a significant outreach effort, the company is collaborating with the Department of Health to identify at least ten beneficiaries from the community individuals affected by breast cancer who will receive direct support from the funds raised.

The event was organized by Thenjiwe Ntokazi, whose organization is dedicated to raising awareness and sharing crucial health information, particularly among young women in the Middelburg area. The NightDash focused on promoting holistic cancer awareness and the importance of knowing one's status.

The community spirit was visible, with the Executive Mayor of Steve Tshwete Local Municipality, Cllr Mhlonishwa Masilela, leading by example as he participated in the 4.9km race. Masilela took the opportunity to thank all the sponsors, including Liberty Coal, the Department of Health, and NASHUA for their vital role in making the event a success.

With its employees running alongside community members and its leadership pledging long-term support, Liberty Coal has powerfully underscored its commitment to being a partner in health and wellness for the Mhluzi community.

24/10/2025

LETŠEMA PROGRAM ENHANCING SERVICE DELIVERY

The Letšema Service delivery program was successfully held on Friday, 24 October 2025, at Clewer under Ward 9, facilitated by Executive Mayor Vusi Nhlapo, MMC for Environmental and Waste Management, Cllr Betty Maphosa, MMC for Development and Spatial Planning, Cllr Nombuso Mokwana and Ward Councillor Annah Mtsweni.

The program's objective was to clean illegal wastelands, repair road potholes, ensure shop compliance, and disconnect illegal electricity connections.

MMC Cllr Betty Maphosa stated that they had to collaborate with Law Enforcement to inspect unlicensed shops operating illegally in the Clewer area. Upon investigation, expired food and beverages were discovered in some shops, while other foreign nationals' shops lacked operating permits.

Concerned Clewer residents expressed apprehensions about expired food products, highlighting the potential health risks to them.

Maphosa indicated that a follow-up visit is scheduled for Monday, 27 October 2025, to assess progress. SF

24/10/2025

24/10/2025

AFRIKA MAYIBUYE MOVEMENT SOLIDIFIES MPUMALANGA STRUCTURES IN KEY NATIONAL EVENT.

The Afrika Mayibuye Movement (AMM) President Comrade Nyiko Floyd Shivambu is currectly leading a significant step in its national expansion with the official induction of its newly established Mpumalanga Provincial Leadership, today 24 October 2025 at Witbank High School in Emalahleni.

The movement indicated the programme as a "milestone" in its ongoing efforts to consolidate its provincial structures across the country. This strategic move is a critical component of the AMM's broader "Restoration Agenda," a central pillar of its political mission.

The induction of the Mpumalanga leadership is seen as a crucial move to strengthen the movement's grassroots presence in a key economic province. The event signals the AMM's intent to build a nationwide structure capable of engaging with local issues and mobilising support.

20/10/2025

A MESSAGE TO THE MATRIC CLASS OF 2025 FROM EMALAHLENI FM.

The entire team at Emalahleni FM is behind you as you embark on this crucial final chapter of your school journey.
Here are our words of encouragement and support from the Management.

To all Matriculants:
The Emalahleni FM family wishes you strength,focus, and resounding success. Go out there and conquer your future!

Let's make Mpumalanga proud!