Vhembe businessman shot dead in Tshithuthuni
Residents of Vhembe are in shock after an Ethiopian businessman was gunned down in Tshithuthuni in what appeared to be a sudden targeted attack.
LIMPOPO – News of yet another murder of a well-known businessman sent shockwaves through the community in Vhembe on Friday night after an Ethiopian shop owner was shot dead in Tshithuthuni.
Police in Siloam have launched a manhunt following the fatal shooting of the 27-year-old Gachebo Tamana, who was gunned down shortly after closing his shop.
At the time of going to press, details surrounding the incident were still unclear. It was not yet clear how many suspects were involved or what had prompted the attack.
Police spokesperson Vuledzani Dathi said the victim was attacked after closing his shop and walking outside the premises.
“He suffered multiple gunshot wounds. The suspects fled the scene without taking anything from him. Emergency services were contacted, but the victim died at the scene,” said Dathi.
Preliminary investigations showed that the deceased had closed his shop and was walking to his place of residence when someone who had apparently been following him shot him twice.
It was further reported that a passerby who stopped to find out what had happened accidentally damaged the windscreen of the victim’s car.
The suspects remain unidentified and the motive for the killing is still unclear, although police say robbery cannot be ruled out.
Community leader Samuel Muzhedzi said residents were concerned about the violence targeting business people in the area.
“It has been some time since we last heard of a robbery here in Tshithuthuni, and now suddenly this has happened.
“These criminals are ruthless. Just imagine, they carried out this attack while many people were nearby.
“They are capable of anything, even if it means killing for money,” he said.
Police confirmed that a murder case has been opened and a manhunt launched to track down the suspects.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact the investigating officer at the Siloam Police Station or Det Sgt Rabelani Victor Ndou on 071 401 3203.
Alternatively, information can be reported to the nearest police station, the Crime Stop number 08600 10111, or via the MySAPSApp.
