NELSPRUIT – Mpumalanga police have launched a manhunt for suspects who shot and killed 57-year-old Amos Mgwenya who was a security guard at Mthayiza Primary School in Kabokweni. Mgwenya was shot during an armed robbery incident which occurred yesterday Friday, 19 June 2020.
The incident was uncovered when three women arrived at the school and called out for Mgwenya to open the gate for them, to which he did not respond. They then became suspicious as this was a daily routine for him, prompting them to jump over the gate with the intention to investigate. This led them to discover Mgwenya in his car, bleeding from what looked like gunshot wounds.
Police and medical personnel were summoned to the scene where Mgwenya was unfortunately certified dead.
Police further discovered that the suspects broke into the computer room and made off with items such as laptops, projectors, routers, a PC computer box, earphones as well as an internet booster. The investigation has further highlighted that this incident was an orchestrated robbery and it is clear that the suspects were armed and were targeting certain items at the school.
A case of murder and robbery was opened and a manhunt launched immediately. No arrests have been made as yet. Police investigations continue.
The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Mondli Zuma, has called for the arrest of these ruthless suspects. He also called on members of the public to help the police with their investigation. “We really condemn the senseless killing of the victim who was hired to safeguard the school and its property which has been purchased to aide learners in furthering their education. These criminals must be arrested and face the full might of the law. We have already set up a team to ensure that they are located and put behind bars as soon as possible. We will use all resources at our disposal to trace them and also appeal to community members to provide with information that will assist in this case, “said General Zuma.
Any person who might have information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects, is requested to contact Captain Shaka Nkosi 0712001669 or the Crime Stop number 08600 10111. A tip-off can also be submitted through the My SAPS APP which can be downloaded onto any smartphone. Information can be given anonymously.

Source: South African Police Service