A coordinated operation involving the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS), the South African Police Service (SAPS), and the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force successfully ended the search for suspects involved in the killing of SAPS officer Sergeant Lawrence Mtshweni.
The investigation revealed that the suspects had fled across the border into Eswatini.
Intelligence identified their hideouts in Nyakatfo, Hhohho Region, and Mantambe, Shiselweni Region.
Suspects Confronted and Neutralised
In the early hours of Wednesday, REPS, supported by a security cordon from the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force, moved in on the Nyakatfo location.
Two suspects, armed with a pistol, fired at officers while attempting to flee. Police returned fire, fatally wounding both.
The third suspect, traced to his parental home in Mantambe, Shiselweni, committed suicide with a pistol before officers could arrest him.
SAPS Praises Cross-Border Cooperation
National SAPS Commissioner General Fannie Masemola thanked REPS Commissioner Vusie Manoma Masango and the Umbutfo Defence Force for their role in tracking the killers.
“On behalf of all members in blue and Sergeant Mtshweni’s family, we thank the Royal Eswatini Police and Umbutfo Defence Force. Strengthening cross-border cooperation is vital to prevent further attacks on our officers,” said Gen Masemola.
Sergeant Mtshweni was shot and killed during an armed robbery at a store in Schoemansdal, Mpumalanga, on Friday, 8 August 2025.
Mpumalanga police had already arrested the first suspect on 9 August 2025 in South Africa, which led to further investigation in Eswatini.
Ongoing Search for Other Suspects
SAPS continues to search for Jabulani Moyo, who shot and killed two police detectives while being transported to Boksburg Correctional Services.
SAPS has offered R150 000 for information leading to his arrest.
Funerals and Commemoration
The SAPS leadership will attend the funerals of officers killed in the line of duty this past week:
- Sergeant Simon Masenye — Saturday, 16 August 2025, Munsieville
- Sergeant Lawrence Mtshweni — Saturday, 16 August 2025, Schoemansdal
- Warrant Officer Vuyisile Sintwa — Sunday, 17 August 2025, Mandilore, Krugersdorp
The SAPS Commemoration Day will take place on Sunday, 7 September 2025. To honour 27 officers who lost their lives on duty.
Do you think lethal force was justified in the operation against the police killers in Eswatini?
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