LIMPOPO – Provincial police commissioner Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe has ordered an immediate and thorough investigation following a shooting that left one person dead and two others critically injured at Thengwe Matshetshete, under the Mutale policing area in Vhembe early on Saturday morning.

Limpopo police spokesperson, Col Malesela Ledwaba said preliminary reports indicate that the deceased, a 26-year-old female teacher from Tswinga village, who had been residing at Tshilamba location while teaching at St Augustine School, was returning from an all-night prayer service with a 69-year-old female companion from Tshilamba.

“As they were boarding a taxi to their homes, an unknown armed man appeared and shot the young teacher at close range, causing her to fall inside the taxi. The suspect allegedly fired another shot, injuring the 69-year-old woman who was already seated in the vehicle.The 55-year-old male taxi driver from Mulodi village immediately drove to the Mutale Police Station to seek help, where he discovered that he too had been shot in the leg during the attack,” said Ledwaba.

He said all three victims were rushed to a nearby healthcare facility, where the female teacher was certified dead on arrival.

The two surviving victims are currently receiving medical treatment for serious gunshot injuries.

Police have since opened cases of murder and two counts of attempted murder. Several empty cartridges were recovered from the scene, and investigations are underway to determine the motive and identify the suspect.

“This attack that claimed the life of a young teacher and left two others fighting for their lives has shocked our province. We will not rest until the suspect is arrested and faces the full might of the law. We urge anyone with information to come forward and assist the police,” said Hadebe.

Anyone with information that can assist in the investigation is urged to contact investigating officer, Const Rendani Peter Shavhungwe on 072 189 2544, the Crime Stop number 08600 10111, or use the MySAPS App to share information anonymously.

Police investigations are continuing.