Three suspects, aged between 18 and 43, were arrested in Dullstroom on Friday night, 16 May 2025, in connection with public violence and malicious damage to state property.
According to police reports, members of the Dullstroom SAPS and the Middelburg Public Order Policing (POP) unit conducted an operation leading to the arrest of two suspects, aged 18 and 34. The duo allegedly instigated and influenced a community protest on 15 May 2025, during which three SAPS vehicles were damaged after being pelted with stones by protesters.
While the two were in custody, a 43-year-old man arrived at the police station and reportedly interfered with police duties. Authorities stated that he intimidated and threatened officers while demanding to know why only two individuals had been arrested when more people were involved. He was immediately taken into custody for obstructing police operations.
Investigations are ongoing, with law enforcement working to trace additional suspects linked to the unrest. Police noted that more individuals were seen throwing stones at official vehicles during the protest.
The three arrested suspects are expected to appear in the Belfast Magistrate’s Court soon, facing charges of public violence, malicious damage to state property, and interference with police duties. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges as the investigation progresses.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, commended the arrests and called on communities to engage with authorities through proper channels when raising concerns.
“Communities must understand that state resources are there to serve them. Damaging these resources only hinders service delivery. We take such acts seriously, and those responsible will face the full might of the law,” Major General Mkhwanazi warned.
