Two 28-year-old suspects are expected in court after being arrested for the Marite triple murder, as police intensify investigations into gang-related violence in the Calcutta policing precinct.
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Mpumalanga police have arrested two 28-year-old suspects in connection with the murder of three people in Marite, marking a breakthrough in the Calcutta policing precinct triple murder investigation.
The suspects were arrested on Friday, following an intelligence-driven operation conducted by detectives from the Calcutta and Acornhoek police stations.
They are expected to appear before the Mkhuhlu Magistrate’s Court on Monday, June 1, 2026.
During the operation, one of the suspects was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm which is believed to have been used in the commission of the murders.
Police said the arrests form part of ongoing investigations into the killing of three people in Marite on May 16, 2026, with further investigative processes, including ballistic analysis, expected to assist in linking the weapon to other possible cases in the area.
Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison Jackie Macie commended the police breakthrough, saying, “We applaud the work done by Police so far and as we promised to deal decisively with crime in Calcutta area, the arrest of the two is a sign that we are moving towards the right direction.”
He added that more arrests are expected as investigations continue, stating, “According to our plan, we still expect more of such arrests.”
Macie further said ballistic results from the recovered firearm could assist in resolving other murder cases in the area.
“We hope that ballistic results of the firearm recovered will perhaps assist in resolving other murder cases in the area.
''We anticipate that anyone else involved in recent incidents in Calcutta policing precinct or anywhere else in the province to face the full consequences of their actions. Our communities deserve to live in peace,'' Macie said.
While condemning the killings, Macie also praised the work of investigators.
“While we condemn these acts of violence in the strongest possible terms, we commend the efforts of the team.
''We must remain highly focused and bring all perpetrators to book. Their efforts will inspire communities to work with Police in preventing and solving crime, ” he said.
He added that police visibility and patrols should be strengthened in the Calcutta policing precinct, particularly during weekends and at night.
Members of the public have been urged to assist ongoing investigations by reporting information to Calcutta SAPS or anonymously via Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
Authorities said all information will be treated confidentially.
Macie extended his condolences to the families of the victims.
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