The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) has thanked the Commissioner of the Royal Eswatini Police, Commissioner Manoma Vusi Masango for the cooperation and assistance in tracing three police killers to the Kingdom of Eswatini.
The cross border operation led by the SAPS Acting Provincial Commissioner of Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi culminated in the tracing of three suspects involved in the murder of Sergeant Lawrence Mtshweni.
Sergeant Lawrence Mtshweni was shot and killed by more than seven armed robberers during an armed robbery at a store in Schoemansdal , Mpumalanga on Friday, 08 August 2025.
The first suspect was arrested on Saturday, 09 August 2025 in South Africa by Mpumalanga police. Further investigation led SAPS to the Kingdom where information was shared with the Royal Eswatini Police and the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force.
According to the Royal Eswatini Police, two suspects were traced to the Sishweleni region. When they noticed police, they opened fire at them and the Eswatini Royal Police returned fire, fatally killing the two suspects.
Further investigation led Eswatini police to Mantambe in Shiselweni where the third suspect allegedly took his own life with a pistol before police officers could arrest him.
General Fannie Masemola has praised the cross border operation.
“On behalf of all the men and women in blue, we would like to thank the Royal Eswatini Police led by Commissioner Masango as well as the role played by the Umbutfo Defence Force in assisting our Mpumalanga police to trace these police killers. We looking forward to strengthening and deepening our cooperation on matters of law enforcement. The attacks and killing of our police officers is a concern and we request our communities to assist us in putting a stop to these killings. From 1 April 2025 to date, we have already lost six police officers, we cannot afford to lose more. We need as much boots on the ground as possible to prevent and combat crime. “, said Gen Fannie Masemola
This breakthrough comes at a time when the SAPS is still searching for Jabulani Moyo who shot and killed two police detectives who were transporting him back to the Boksburg Correctional Services after appearing in court on an armed robbery case. The SAPS has made an offer of R150 000 to anyone who can share information on the whereabouts of Moyo.
The leadership of the SAPS led by General Fannie Masemola will attend the three funerals of the members who died in the line of duty this week as follows:
- Warrant Officer Vuyisile Sintwa will be buried on Sunday, 17 August 2025 in Mandilore, Krugersdorp.
- Sergeant Simon Masenye will be buried on Saturday 16 August 2025 in Munsieville.
- Sergeant Lawrence Mtshweni will be buried on Saturday, 16 August 2025 in Schoemansdal.
The SAPS Commemoration Day is around the corner and will take place on Sunday, 07 September 2025 where 27 police officers who lost their lives on duty will be remembered.
