Disarmed at his own gate: Teen suspects arrested after taxi driver robbed in Acornhoek

A routine homecoming turns violent

For many taxi drivers in Mpumalanga’s rural towns, pulling into the yard after a long shift is meant to signal safety. For one 43-year-old taxi driver in Happy Dam, Acornhoek, that moment instead turned into a nightmare.

Police say the man had just parked outside his home on Friday and was stepping out of his taxi when he was suddenly confronted by four armed suspects. Within moments, the situation escalated.

Held at gunpoint, the driver was disarmed of his pistol and robbed of an undisclosed amount of cash, right outside his own gate.

Teenagers among the suspects

According to police spokesperson Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe, a case was immediately opened and investigations moved quickly. Officers managed to track down two of the suspects, both 16-year-old minors, who were arrested shortly afterwards.

What has raised further concern is that the teenagers were allegedly found in possession of an unlicensed firearm, underscoring how easily weapons are circulating among young people.

Because of their age, police confirmed they are working closely with probation officers, who will assist with the legal process ahead of the teenagers’ appearance at the Acornhoek Magistrate’s Court.

Two suspects still on the run

The remaining two suspects have not yet been caught, and police say efforts to locate them are ongoing. Acting Mpumalanga provincial police commissioner Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi has assured the community that the search will continue.

“We are committed to ensuring that all suspects involved are brought to justice,” he said, while urging residents to share any information that could assist investigators.

A familiar fear in local communities

Taxi drivers across Mpumalanga and Limpopo have increasingly spoken out about being targeted near their homes moments when they are tired, alone and often carrying the day’s earnings. Incidents like this one have sparked renewed conversations on social media about youth crime, access to firearms, and the vulnerability of transport workers.

Community members in Acornhoek have expressed shock that such young suspects could be involved in an armed robbery, with some calling for stronger intervention programmes before teenagers are pulled deeper into violent crime.

Investigation continues

Police have confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that more arrests are expected. Anyone with information related to the robbery is urged to contact SAPS or report anonymously via crime reporting channels.

For now, a man who simply wanted to get home safely is left shaken and a community is once again grappling with difficult questions about crime, youth, and safety in everyday spaces.

{Source: IOL}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com