KEY POINTS
- Police tracked two wanted criminals linked to multiple violent crimes.
- A deadly shootout erupted when the suspects opened fire.
- Authorities credited community members for helping locate the suspects.
During a gunfight with police in Burgersfort, two wanted offenders connected to a string of violent crimes in Limpopo were shot and killed, according to authorities.
Police track wanted criminals linked to violent crimes
The suspects, who were wanted in relation to several crimes, including murder, rape, house robbery, and kidnapping, had being pursued by police.
The murder of a Limpopo Highway Patrol sergeant, from whom they took three guns, was one of their most egregious crimes. The pair allegedly left a violent trail after terrorizing people in Lebowakgomo, Magatle, Sekhukhune, and Mankweng.
Officers were able to track down the suspects on the R555 near Ga-Mampuru thanks to intelligence-led operations, according to Limpopo Police Commissioner Gen. Thembi Hadebe.
After the police cornered the perpetrators, who had been intimidating local residents, they began shooting at them. The suspects were killed when the police retaliated, Hadebe claimed.
Fugitive among those killed in the intense gun battle
The criminals opened fire when authorities confronted them, and the police retaliated. At the scene, one suspect, who was thought to be between thirty and thirty-five years old, was shot and died. Six rounds of ammo and a revolver were found in his hands by the police.
According to The South African News, officers chased after his accomplice, who fled with a firearm. He also opened fire when approached, which sparked another round of shooting. He was shot dead by police.
Twelve stolen cellphones, an R5 rifle, a 9mm handgun, and three live rounds of ammunition were discovered with the second suspect, who was thought to be between 30 and 40 years old. On March 17, 2023, he fled from the Lebowakgomo Magistrate’s Court while facing several charges, including rape and house robbery, and authorities later recognized him as a fugitive.
Police gave community members credit for assisting in the perpetrators’ capture.
The police were able to successfully locate and trace these most-wanted suspects thanks to the favorable information that the community members provided, Hadebe stated.
A stolen rifle connected to multiple violent crimes in the Capricorn and Sekhukhune districts was also found by officers. Police are still looking into whether the individuals were involved in any other crimes.
