A parolee (39) was fatally shot after he was allegedly found inside a farmhouse which was ransacked in Hendrina, Mpumalanga, on Sunday evening.

According to a media statement issued by the provincial SAPS, police were summoned to Vlakfontein Farm in Hendrina to attend to a shooting incident.

Upon arrival, police found the lifeless body of Joseph Vilakazi who sustained some gunshot wounds.

Four individuals who identified themselves as farmers were also present and introduced themselves to the police as neighbours of an elderly couple who went to hospital to be treated for shock after the shooting incident.

The report indicates that police were informed that the couple returned home from an outing and on their arrival at about 18:30, as they opened the door, they were met by a stranger armed with a knife.

Thereafter the alleged suspect was shot by the 70 year old man.

Vilakazi is said to have tried to flee through a window upstairs which added injuries when he further suffered a broken leg. The man was certified dead on the scene.

During a background check by police it was realised that Vilakazi was previously linked to rape and house robbery cases, about 14 housebreaking and theft cases and assault with intention to cause grievous bodily harm. He was previously sentenced to 15 year imprisonment and was currently on parole.

Police are busy probing the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting incident and the docket will thereafter be sent to the Director of Public Prosecution for decision.