A dramatic two-day manhunt ended in a shoot-out when Limpopo police cornered one of their own, a sergeant wanted for the alleged murder of his wife and domestic worker at their Masisi home.
The 44-year-old officer, who opened fire on his colleagues during the arrest, was wounded in the exchange and is now under police guard in hospital.
Earlier, reported that the police were searching for the suspect after he allegedly shot and killed both his wife and domestic worker on Tuesday evening at his family’s homestead in the Masisi policing area, Vhembe district.
Following the shootings, the suspect fled the scene, triggering an intensive police search operation.
Members of the Vhembe SAPS District Task team tracked the suspect to the Makuya policing area on Tuesday, October 31.
The breakthrough came when officers spotted him speeding along Tshitavha road near Sambandou bridge.
“When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the suspect started firing multiple shots at them, prompting the police to respond swiftly,” said police spokesperson, Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba.
“The suspect was wounded in the exchange.“
During the exchange, one police officer sustained minor injuries. Both the wounded suspect and the injured officer were rushed to a local hospital for treatment. A service pistol and ammunition were recovered from the scene.
Limpopo police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe praised the swift action of the Vhembe district members.
“We wish the injured member a speedy recovery and assure the public that the suspect will face the full consequences of his actions, particularly for his refusal to surrender and the violence he displayed towards our officers,” he said.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has taken over the investigation, as is standard procedure in cases involving police officers.
The suspect faces two counts of murder and an additional charge of attempted murder for the shoot-out with police.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Masisi Magistrate’s Court once medically cleared.
“This case will be monitored closely to ensure justice is served,” Hadebe said.
