Manhunt after two men, including Gauteng police officer, shot dead at Limpopo mine

Two men, including a Gauteng police officer, were shot dead at a mine in Limpopo after a confrontation on the premises, and police have launched a manhunt for the suspects.

Confrontation at Ga-Mahlokwane mine

Police said the incident occurred at a mine in Ga-Mahlokwane village, next to Khubetshane, in the Sekhukhune district. Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, a police spokesperson, said two murder cases were opened after a fight broke out on the mine premises.

Sequence of events

Mashaba told reporters a group of men first went to the mine on Friday to ask to meet the owner. They said they had a court order instructing the owner to stop mining operations and claimed to have shares in the mine. When they arrived they found two security guards on duty and instructed them to contact the owner, but the owner did not arrive and the men left the premises.

The group returned to the mine on Tuesday and again found the same security officers. The visitors once more asked that the owner be contacted and were reportedly told not to leave while waiting. While the men were still on the premises, several motor vehicles arrived, occupants confronted them and a physical altercation followed.

Fatal shootings and casualties

During the fight, one of the male victims was shot dead at the scene. The second victim was injured, managed to run for help and was taken to a medical facility, where he succumbed to his injuries upon arrival. Mashaba said one of the slain men was a 40-year-old police officer based in Gauteng.

Police response and appeal

Major General Jan Scheepers, acting provincial commissioner in Limpopo, directed that all resources be used to trace the suspects. Scheepers said:

“We are shocked and deeply saddened by this incident, that has resulted in one of our own losing his life. We condemn this act of violence in the strongest possible terms. All available resources have been mobilised to ensure the speedy apprehension of the perpetrators.”

Police have appealed to anyone with information to contact Major General Venetia Masingi on 082-040-6751, Crime Stop on 08600-10111, the nearest police station, or to use the MySAPS app.

Investigation underway

Authorities have opened two murder cases and said a manhunt for the gunmen is under way. No further details about arrests or the identities of the suspects were provided in the police statement cited by IOL.