LIMPOPO – Police Spokesperson, Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo says the incident took place at about 03:00.

“It is alleged that an unknown number of suspects entered the local shop at Makhuvha village, outside Giyani and robbed the owners of an amount of cash and groceries at gun point,” he said.

The police were notified and reacted swiftly.

On arrival, they noted that the suspects had already fled the scene and when the police stopped a suspicious looking vehicle along the road leading to Phalaborwa, a shootout ensued and in the process, an officer was fatally wounded.

“The police shot and wounded one suspect who is currently under police guard in hospital. It is also believed that one or more suspects might have been wounded during the shooting and a manhunt has been launched for the possible wounded suspect(s) who abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot,” Mojapelo said.

The police recovered the following:

• Two firearms

• One vehicle: a Toyota Quantum
• Three cell phones

Provincial Commissioner LT. General Nneke Ledwaba has condemned, what he called, a barbaric and senseless act of killing a police officer in the strongest terms possible.

In passing condolences to the member’s bereaved family, General Ledwaba gave an assurance that the police will not rest until all the outstanding perpetrators are brought  to book.

Mojapelo urged anyone with information to contact Colonel Mabasa at 0824690739.

raeesak@nmgroup.co.za