LIMPOPO – A hunt for three men, who were involved in a shootout with police yesterday (February 2), is underway.

The trio are part of four men who reportedly shot at police officers after they were cornered stealing cellphone signal tower batteries worth an estimate of R180 000.

According to a statement by police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo, the shooting incident occurred at Ngove village in the Giyani policing area.

“Police acted on information received from residents, who said four men were tampering with cellphone tower batteries with the intention of stealing them from the Matungungu tower site,” he explained.

Mojapelo said the robbers opened fire when police arrived at the scene.

“In the exchange of gunfire, one of the men was fatally wounded. The other three rand away while they shot at the police,” he added and said the identity of the slain robber is unknown at this stage.

Mojapelo explained that cases of inquest, attempted murder and tampering with essential infrastructure have been opened.

“The three stolen tower batteries were recovered at the scene, and police investigations are well underway,” he added.

Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe applauded the police for their swift reaction that disrupted the men.

“The hunt for the remaining suspects continues and anyone with information may contact Detective Warrant Officer Morris Maswanganyi on 082 565 6491, the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or their nearest police,” Mojapelo concluded.