By Doreen Mokgolo
- Two dangerous criminals died in a shootout with police after being cornered in bushes near Ga-Mampuru.
- One suspect was an escaped prisoner wanted for rape and robbery, while both were linked to a police officer’s murder.
Two dangerous criminals died in a shootout with police after they were found hiding in bushes near the R55 in Ga-Mampuru, Bursfort on Tuesday.
When police cornered them, the suspects opened fire and officers shot back.
Limpopo SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the first suspect, aged between 30 and 35 years, died at the scene.
“He was found in possession of a pistol and ammunition. The second suspect managed to flee the scene and police gave chase, he fired shots and was also fatally wounded.
“He was found in possession of a rifle with three live ammunitions and a 9mm pistol with three live ammunition and 12 cellphones, which are believed to be stolen,” he said.
Police identified the second man as an escaped prisoner who broke out of Lebowakgomo Magistrate’s Court on 17 March 2023.
“He was arrested for multiple charges including rape, house breaking and house robberies.
“The duo is part of the suspects who committed various offences including the murder of a Limpopo Highway Patrol Sergeant where three rifles were stolen,” said Mashaba.
Paramedics declared both men dead at the scene.
Police recovered a stolen rifle linked to serious violent crimes in the Capricorn and Sekhukhune districts.
The suspects had been terrorising locals in these areas before they were cornered by police.
Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe praised officers for recovering the stolen guns and tracking down the suspects.
Pictured above: Recovered rifle.
Image source: SAPS Limpopo
