60-year-old man shot dead in alleged hijacking after offering lift near Moletjie

What happened

Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said police responded to a shooting at about 7:42 p.m. Preliminary investigations showed the victim was a passenger in a silver Hyundai H1 driven by his son as they travelled from Ga-Chokoe to Moletjie Moshate.

“Along the route, they noticed a couple hitchhiking and stopped to offer assistance,” Ledwaba said. While the deceased was asking the couple about their destination through the open window, an unknown male suspect wearing cream-white clothing allegedly approached, opened the driver’s door and produced a pistol.

Attack, hijacking and recovery of vehicle

Ledwaba said the suspect “allegedly fired several shots at the driver, who managed to escape unharmed by jumping out of the vehicle and running to the rear.” The suspect then allegedly hijacked the vehicle and drove away.

The driver attempted to hold onto the moving vehicle through the open rear boot but eventually fell off, police said. The hijacked vehicle was recovered shortly after the incident in a nearby village after the suspect allegedly lost control and fled on foot.

Victim found and investigation

A search was conducted and the victim was found lying next to the road near a local tavern with multiple gunshot wounds. “He was certified dead at the scene,” Ledwaba said. The motive for the attack remains unknown and investigations are continuing.

Police appeal

Limpopo Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers strongly condemned the killing and urged anyone with information that could assist in tracing the suspect to come forward.

Ledwaba added that police are appealing to anyone with information that may assist in the investigation or lead to the identification and arrest of the suspect to contact the investigating officer, Sgt. Motlatjo Seja, on 062 539 3479, the Crime Stop number 08600 10111, via the MySAPS App, or report it at the nearest police station.