- A 43-year-old Mpumalanga man has been remanded in custody after being arrested during a road blockade protest that paralysed traffic on the R40.
- Police allege the suspect was found with an unlicensed firearm with a filed-off serial number and live ammunition.
- In a separate incident, two men appeared in court over an unlicensed firearm, with one granted bail and the other remaining behind bars.
A 43-year-old man has appeared in the Bushbuckridge Magistrate’s Court following his arrest during a community protest that escalated into a disruptive road blockade in Mpumalanga.
Steven Ndobela was arrested after police intervened in a demonstration that brought traffic to a standstill along the R40 road, affecting the areas of Dwarsloop, GA Beretta, and GA Relane.
The incident unfolded on Monday, 26 January 2026, when community members staged a protest that allegedly turned confrontational. According to police, truck drivers were forced to park their vehicles across the roadway while their keys were confiscated, effectively paralysing movement along the busy route and creating safety concerns for motorists.
Police respond as protest escalates
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe said officers were deployed to monitor and manage the protest. While attending to the initial scene, police received reports of further disruptions at a nearby stop-and-go section on an uphill stretch of the road.
“Upon responding to the second location, police successfully dispersed the group. During the operation, police spotted Ndobela in possession of a firearm. When he failed to produce a valid licence, he was immediately taken into custody,” Nonyane-Mpe said.
Police further recovered a firearm with its serial number filed off, along with 12 rounds of live ammunition. Ndobela is facing charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
During his court appearance on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, the matter was postponed. Ndobela remains in custody and is expected to reappear in court on 2 February 2026 when a formal bail application is anticipated.
A separate firearm arrest leads to a mixed bail outcome
In a separate but related incident, two men appeared in the Acornhoek Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, on charges linked to the possession of an unlicensed firearm. The suspects, identified as 29-year-old Mfumo Ndlovu and 36-year-old Pule Khumbulani Ndlovu, were arrested in the Timbavati Trust area on Monday 26 January.
Nonyane-Mpe said police had acted on a tip-off from the community regarding a suspect allegedly in possession of an illegal firearm. While patrolling the area, officers spotted an individual matching the description provided.
“Upon further investigation, the suspect led the police to a location where a taxi was parked. A thorough search of the vehicle was conducted, leading to the discovery and subsequent confiscation of a firearm. The driver of the taxi was also arrested at the scene in connection with the incident,” she said.
During court proceedings, Mfumo Ndlovu was granted bail of R1 000 while Pule Khumbulani Ndlovu was denied bail and remains in custody. Both men are expected to return to court on 3 February 2026 for further proceedings, including a possible bail application.
Police warn against lawlessness
Mpumalanga police Acting Commissioner Major-General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi commended the officers involved for their swift response and professionalism, saying the arrests demonstrated a firm stance against criminal conduct.
“The arrest sends a strong message that the police will not tolerate lawlessness, illegal possession of firearms, or actions that threaten public safety,” Mkhwanazi said.
He also urged community members to raise grievances through lawful and peaceful channels, warning that illegal road blockades and violence place lives at risk and undermine public safety.
Get your news on the go. Clickhere to follow the Conviction WhatsApp channel.
