A popular liquor outlet in Schoonoord, Pub 2010, was looted and torched in the early hours of July 19, following the fatal shooting of a local man under circumstances that remain contested.

According to the Limpopo SAPS, the incident took place around 01:30, after a female cashier was reportedly accosted by an armed suspect while walking to her rented backroom after closing the store.

“The suspect held her at gunpoint and robbed her of an undisclosed amount of money. The victim’s screams alerted a nearby off-duty police officer, who confronted the suspect. A shoot-out ensued, and the suspect was fatally wounded. He was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition,” said the SAPS’s spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba.

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Shortly after the shooting, community members gathered at the scene and reportedly recognised the deceased as a resident of Phase 4.

According to the SAPS, they then mobilised and, despite police intervention, looted and torched the business, completely destroying the building. “A case of arson has been opened, and a manhunt has been launched for those involved,” added Ledwaba.

According to several residents, the shooting was not the result of a robbery, but rather the outcome of a personal dispute.
“The cop is the owner of the business, and he allegedly shot at the deceased after realising that [the cashier] was romantically involved with him,” said a resident of Phase 4 on Facebook.

The community has called for the officer to be arrested for murder and accused him of fabricating the robbery to justify the shooting.

Despite the conflicting accounts, the SAPS maintains that the officer acted in defence of the cashier. The Limpopo police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, praised his actions. “We commend the bravery of our member who acted selflessly to protect a life, and strongly condemn the criminal conduct of torching and looting. Such actions undermine the rule of law and will not be tolerated.”

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Anyone with information that may assist in the investigation is urged to contact the Sekhukhune Police Station commander, Colonel Lekgaloa Leshilo, on 082 565 9124, or Lieutenant Colonel Lesiba Phalane on 082 414 2663. Alternatively, the community can call the Crime Stop hotline on 08600 10111.