The Bushbuckridge SAPS has arrested a 17-year-old following the murder of a Bushbuckridge tuck-shop owner that occurred in the early hours of Sunday.

According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, tuck-shop owner Edwin Malele (55) was gunned down at a four-way stop in Shatale near Bushbuckridge during a hijacking attempt, allegedly by the teen and an accomplice who is still being sought by the SAPS.

Malele had stopped his Opel Corsa at the four-way stop at about 02:30 when two men approached the vehicle. Mohlala says the two had tried to hijack the victim and during a scuffle, he was shot in his upper body. He was transported to a nearby hospital where he later died from his wounds.

Mohlala adds that after the failed hijacking and shooting, the minor allegedly hijacked a Nissan light delivery vehicle and fled the scene. The other suspect fled on foot.

The owner of the bakkie was reportedly unharmed.

“The incident was reported to the police in Bushbuckridge and a case was opened. An investigation was conducted in which information was followed and the hijacked vehicle was found parked next to a tavern in Shatale. That is where the suspect was also cornered and arrested,” explains Mohlala.

“During his arrest, the SAPS found an unlicensed firearm with its serial numbers filed off.”

He says the teen was charged with murder and hijacking, and was expected to appear in the Bushbuckridge Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.

Lowvelder is awaiting a response from the Mpumalanga NPA on the outcome of his appearance.

Mohlala adds that the police are working collaboratively with probation officers as the suspect is underage.

He says the recovered firearm will go for ballistic testing to determine whether the weapon had been previously used in the commission of crime elsewhere.

The police are still tracing the second suspect. The public is urged to assist with information on his whereabouts by calling the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or sending information via the MySAPS app. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.