Gauteng Police Officer Among Two Men Killed In Limpopo Mine Shooting As Manhunt Begins

A Gauteng police officer was among two men killed during a violent confrontation at a mine in Limpopo, where police have launched a manhunt for the armed suspects responsible for the fatal shooting.

The incident unfolded at a mine in Ga-Mahlokwane village near Khubetshane in the Driekop policing area. Police have since opened two murder cases as investigations continue.

Authorities said the deadly violence followed a dispute involving a group of men who claimed they had legal grounds to halt mining operations at the site.

Limpopo Mine Shooting Follows Dispute Over Mining Operations

Police said the Limpopo mine shooting stemmed from a series of events that began on Friday. A group of men allegedly arrived at the mine requesting a meeting with the owner.

According to Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, the group claimed they were in possession of a court order instructing the mine owner to stop operations. They also allegedly claimed to hold shares in the mine.

“Upon arrival, the victims found two security guards on duty and instructed them to contact the owner. The security guards reportedly contacted their office, but the owner did not arrive, and they left the premises.”

Mashaba said the group returned to the mine on Tuesday and again requested that the owner be contacted. While waiting on the premises, several vehicles allegedly arrived carrying people who confronted them.

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“They once more requested that the owner be contacted and were told not to go anywhere while waiting. It is alleged that while they were still on the mine premises, several motor vehicles arrived and the occupants got out and confronted them, resulting in a physical altercation.

“During the fight, one of the male victims was fatally shot at the scene. The second victim sustained injuries and managed to run for help. He was taken to a medical facility but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries upon arrival.”

Gauteng Police Officer Identified Among Mine Shooting Victims

Police said preliminary investigations established that one of the deceased was a 40-year-old police officer stationed in Gauteng.

Following the shooting, detectives registered two murder cases and launched a search for the unidentified suspects.

“The police have opened two cases of murder and a manhunt for the unknown suspects involved in the incident is currently underway.”

Limpopo Police Mobilise Resources To Hunt Suspects

Acting Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Major General Jan Scheepers said police were treating the matter with urgency. He instructed investigators to use every available resource to trace those responsible.

“We are shocked and deeply saddened by this incident, which has resulted in one of our own losing his life.

“We condemn this act of violence in the strongest possible terms. All available resources have been mobilised to ensure the speedy apprehension of the perpetrators.”

Police have appealed to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact Major General Venetia Masingi on 082 040 6751, Crime Stop on 08600 10111, their nearest police station or submit information through the MySAPS App.

Investigations into the fatal shooting are continuing.