A deadly ambush in broad daylight has rocked the town of Mkhuhlu near Bushbuckridge, after three alleged members of a Pretoria-based criminal syndicate were shot and killed in a hail of bullets on Friday morning. The attack has sparked fears of an escalating turf war between organised crime groups operating across provincial borders.
The victims, including 34-year-old Wilfred Owami Dludlu, were travelling in a charcoal Mercedes-Benz with Gauteng registration plates when they were targeted near Mkhuhlu Hospital at around 11:00 AM on August 22. Police reports indicate that multiple heavily armed suspects opened fire on the vehicle, unleashing a volley of gunfire before fleeing the scene.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing intense gunshots, and the bullet-riddled vehicle bore the marks of what police have described as “significant firepower.” Emergency services responded quickly after alarmed residents alerted authorities. Paramedics found two of the men dead inside the car, while a third, critically injured, was rushed to hospital but later died.
A large number of spent cartridges were recovered at the scene, suggesting the use of high-calibre weapons.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli confirmed that the incident is being treated as a “targeted hit,” with investigators pursuing multiple leads. “We have opened three murder cases and urge members of the public to come forward with any information. This level of violence cannot be tolerated—it places entire communities at risk,” said Mdhluli.
Although police have not officially linked the victims to specific criminal activities, sources within the intelligence community suggest the trio may have been involved in high-value robberies and cross-border smuggling. Investigators are now probing whether the ambush was a retaliatory attack tied to internal syndicate disputes.
Residents of Mkhuhlu expressed shock at the brazen nature of the killings, particularly given their proximity to a hospital and a busy public area. “It could have been anyone caught in the crossfire,” said one local business owner.
In response to the incident, law enforcement has increased patrols and visibility in the region. The killings have once again highlighted the growing influence of organised crime in Mpumalanga, as syndicate-related violence continues to spill into public spaces, leaving communities fearful and authorities on high alert.
Police are appealing to anyone with information to contact local stations or the Crime Stop hotline anonymously.
