An off-duty police officer is in custody and faces a murder charge after a 24-year-old man was shot outside a Bakenburg tavern in Limpopo.

Polokwane Review reports that acting provincial police commissioner Major General Samuel Manala has ordered a full investigation into the shooting.

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba says the shooting occurred in the early hours yesterday morning, in Tinmyne in the Waterberg District.

“Officers were alerted to the shooting and rushed to the scene. Upon arrival, they were informed that the victim had already been taken to hospital,” he says.

The man died in the hospital.

Ledwaba says preliminary information suggests that the victim was transported to the hospital by the suspect, a police officer stationed at OR Tambo International Airport in Gauteng.

“The deceased and the suspect were drivers in their respective cars when they apparently had a heated confrontation, which resulted in the shooting.

“The suspect allegedly stopped his vehicle and took the victim to hospital. The victim had a wound on the right cheek,” Ledwaba says.

He says the motive behind the shooting is under investigation.

“The suspect’s official firearm has been seized as part of the ongoing investigation, and the matter has been referred to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate for further handling.”

The officer is detained at the Tinmyne Police Station and is expected to appear in the Mahwelereng Magistrate’s Court soon on a charge of murder.

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