POLOKWANE – Police in Thabazimbi have launched an investigation following a shooting incident that occurred at a farm close to the town on Saturday, 11 October, at around 05:45.
Police were called to the scene after reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, they discovered the body of a male person, estimated to be in his thirties, on his side with a bullet wound to the upper left chest. Emergency medical services were summoned to the scene, and the victim was declared dead upon arrival.
Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, police spokesperson, said preliminary investigations revealed that an 11-year-old boy was allegedly shooting at guinea fowls on the farm when he accidentally discharged the firearm, fatally wounding a farm worker.
Following the incident, the boy’s 43-year-old father was arrested and charged with negligent handling of a firearm. The firearm and cartridge were confiscated as part of the ongoing investigation.
Both the child (in terms of the Child Justice Act) and his father are expected to appear before the Thabazimbi Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 13 October.
The provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has expressed concern over the incident. Hadebe reiterated the importance of responsible firearm ownership.
“This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder that firearms must be handled with the utmost care and stored securely at all times. Parents and guardians must ensure that children do not have access to firearms under any circumstances,” said Hadebe.
Police investigations are continuing.
Teacher shot dead after prayer service
Another unrelated shooting incident in Limpopo left one person dead and two others critically injured. This took place at Thengwe Matshetshete, under the Mutale policing area in the Vhembe District.
According to Ledwaba, police spokesperson, the incident took place at approximately 04:45 on Saturday, 11 October.
Preliminary reports indicate that the deceased, a 26-year-old female teacher from Tswinga village, who had been residing at Tshilamba Location while teaching at St Augustine School, was returning from an all-night prayer service with a 69-year-old female companion from Tshilamba.
As they were boarding a taxi to their homes, an unknown armed man appeared and shot the teacher at close range, causing her to fall inside the taxi. The suspect allegedly fired another shot, injuring the 69-year-old woman who was already seated in the vehicle.
The 55-year-old male taxi driver from Mulodi village immediately drove to the Mutale Police Station to seek help, where he discovered that he too had been shot in the leg during the attack.
All three victims were rushed to a nearby healthcare facility, where the female teacher was certified dead on arrival. The two surviving victims are currently receiving medical treatment for serious gunshot injuries, said Ledwaba.
ALSO READ: Police on the hunt for armed suspect who fatally shot man going to work
Police have since opened cases of murder and two counts of attempted murder. Several empty cartridges were recovered from the scene, and investigations are underway to determine the motive and identify the suspect.
“This brutal attack that claimed the life of a young educator and left two others fighting for their lives has shocked our province. We will not rest until the suspect is arrested and faces the full might of the law. We urge anyone with information to come forward and assist the police,” said Hadebe.
- Anyone with information that can assist in the investigation is urged to contact the police. Call the investigating officer Constable Rendani Peter Shavhungwe on 072 189 2544, the Crime Stop number 08600 10111, or use the MySAPS App to share information anonymously.
Police investigations are continuing.
