The car that was used in the hijacking. Photo: Limpopo police
LIMPOPO – According to Makhurupetje, the traffic officer was abducted when he tried to stop a suspicious vehicle which failed to stop at an intersection. When he finally managed to stop the car, the armed men held him at gunpoint.
He was put in the boot of their vehicle and they also stole the Government Vehicle, which was later found at a nearby village. He was shot twice in the chest.
“I will be visiting our officer this evening at Netcare Pholoso Hospital and we urge law enforcers to leave no stone unturned until those responsible for this horrific act are brought to justice,” Makhurupetje said.
Through their preliminary investigations, police managed to recover the alleged getaway Toyota Corolla abandoned with the engine idling in the Thate Vondo plantation near Phiphidi village, says police spokesperson Lt Col Moatshe Ngeoepe.
Ngoepe says a firearm, cellphones, official Limpopo Traffic uniform and other items were found at the scene, however, the traffic officer’s firearm is still missing.
Photo: Limpopo policeLimpopo police
“The suspects are still on the run and anyone with information which can lead to their arrest may contact Brigadier James Espach at 082 576 0743; the crime stop number 0860010111; the crime line sms 32211 or the nearest police station,” he concluded.
Raeesa Sempe is a Caxton Award-winning Digital Editor with nine years’ experience in the industry. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Media Studies from the University of the Witwatersrand and started her journey as a community journalist for the Polokwane Review in 2015. She then became the online journalist for the Review in 2016 where she excelled in solidifying the Review’s digital footprint through Facebook lives, content creation and marketing campaigns. Raeesa then moved on to become the News Editor of the Bonus Review in 2019 and scooped up the Editorial Employee of the Year award in the same year. She is the current Digital Editor of the Polokwane Review-Observer, a position she takes pride in. Raeesa is married with one child and enjoys spending time with friends, listening to music and baking – when she has the time. “I still believe that if your aim is to change the world, journalism is a more immediate short-term weapon." – Tom Stoppard
