LIMPOPO – A statement by the North West police suggests that a private security company pursuing suspected cable thieves may have targeted the wrong vehicle when its officers reportedly opened fire on a vehicle carrying seven ANC Youth League (ANCYL) Limpopo members.

The shooting claimed the life of provincial executive committee member, Nkateko Mbhoma.

Mbhoma was the only one shot and killed, while six others survived without injuries.

The group was travelling to Kimberley for the second National General Council (NGC) meeting last Tuesday morning when the incident occurred. According to a police statement, officers traced a black vehicle described by survivors and found two men linked to the private security company.

After questioning, they located five men in another vehicle transporting suspected stolen cables. The five admitted to being chased by the security personnel.

Police said they were first alerted to what was believed to be a hijacking attempt, but later confirmed that was not the case.

The statement reinforced ANCYL president Collen Malatji’s remarks at the NGC that the shooting was not politically motivated.

His comments drew criticism, with some arguing it was premature to speak while investigations were ongoing.

Malatji maintained that the incident was an act of criminality.

The Department of Safety also issued a statement confirming that the politicians were “victims of the circumstances and not specifically targeted”.

ANCYL Limpopo chairperson Faith Sebopela said breaking the news to Mbhoma’s family on Sunday was “traumatic but necessary”.

The deceased’s brother and family spokesperson, Henry Chauke, expressed frustration that the news had circulated on social media before reaching some relatives.

Meanwhile, North West police confirmed seven people have been brought in for questioning.

They also seized a rifle and pistol from two security officers, which are being subjected to ballistics tests to determine possible links to Mbhoma’s killing.