Mopani police are on the hunt for suspects after a school burglary attempt turned deadly.

A case of murder and attempted business burglary has been opened following an incident at Mathlarhi High School in Wisane village, Limpopo, early yesterday morning, after the alarm was raised at around 04:45.

Letaba Herald reports that, according to police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, a security guard on duty heard noises from the administration block and went to investigate.

“He discovered three men wearing balaclavas attempting to force open the office door. The guard fired at them with a catapult, causing the suspects to scatter. Moments later, several gunshots were heard in the area,” says Mashaba.

When the commotion subsided, the guard inspected the block and found that the security door had been damaged but not breached.

He also discovered the body of an unidentified man lying nearby with a gunshot wound to the chest. The deceased, believed to be one of the suspects, was wearing a black glove on his left hand and carrying a black side bag.

Police recovered a spent cartridge, a live round and housebreaking tools from the scene.

“It is suspected that the deceased may have been shot accidentally by his accomplices during the exchange of gunfire. The remaining robbers fled and are still at large.”

Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe urges the community to assist the investigation.

“We call on anyone who may know the identity of the deceased or the whereabouts of his accomplices to come forward. Our detectives are working tirelessly to bring the perpetrators to book,” she says.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Volani Ngobeni on 078 069 2156, their nearest police station, or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Tip-offs can also be submitted anonymously via the MySAPS app.

Police investigations continue.

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