A Gauteng police officer was among two men shot dead at a Limpopo mine on Tuesday, with a manhunt now under way for the gunmen.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said two murder cases had been opened after a fight at a mine in Ga-Mahlokwane village, next to Khubetshane, in the Sekhukhune district.
Mashaba said a group of men had first gone to the mine on Friday and asked to meet the owner.
They claimed to have a court order instructing the owner to stop mining operations, and further alleged they had shares in the mine.
“Upon arrival, the victims found two security guards on duty and instructed them to contact the owner,” Mashaba said on Wednesday.
“The security guards reportedly contacted their office, but the owner did not arrive and they left the premises.”
The men returned to the mine on Tuesday and again found the same security officers.
“They once more requested that the owner be contacted and were told not to go anywhere while waiting,” Mashaba said.
“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.”
Mashaba said one of the slain men was a 40-year-old police officer based in Gauteng.
Limpopo acting provincial commissioner Major General Jan Scheepers has directed police to use all resources at their disposal to trace the suspects.
“We are shocked and deeply saddened by this incident, that has resulted in one of our own losing his life,” Scheepers said.
“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 to contact Major General Venetia Masingi on 082-040-6751, Crime Stop on 08600-10111, the nearest police station, or to use the MySAPS app.
