By Rex Mphisa
A Zimbabwean man, believed part of an armed robbery gang, was gunned down in the Ritavii policing area of the Limpopo Province, South Africa, police in that country have said.
Another gang member was arrested during the shooting where two others escaped and are on the run after an alleged robbery spree where shools were targeted, South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a press statement Monday.
A security guard is said to have discovered the Zimbabwean lying down with a gunshot wound and paramedics who attended the scene certified him dead.
“The Police in Ritavi launched a manhunt for two suspects following business robberies, attempted burglary and murder at three schools at the local policing area during the early hours of Sunday, 28 September 2025,” SAPS said in their statement.
“Between 00:00 and 04:00 hours three armed suspects targeted the learning places, stealing cellphones and laptops. Around 03:00, the suspects attempted to break into the administration block at one of the schools.”
A security guard on duty at that schooll was suspicious when he saw those suspects and they tried firing in his direction before fleeing.
“The guard later discovered one of the suspects lying on the ground with a gunshot wound. Paramedics certified the suspect dead at the scene. A post-mortem will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death,” the statement signed by Limpopo Province SAPS spokesperson Malesela Ledwaba said.
“The Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit, together with the Mopani Tracking Team, attended the scene and identified the deceased as a 36-year-old man from Seshego .The deceased is also reported to be a Zimbabwean national . Investigations led to the tracing of a motor vehicle allegedly used during the commission of crime. The driver, a 41-year-old man from Seshego Extension 76, was arrested.”
Police are actively pursuing the two remaining suspects, SAPS said.
They appealed to anyone with information about the suspectsto contact the investigating officer, Sergeant Eric Mathebula, on 083 239 0977, the Crime Stop number 08600 10111, nearest police station, or use the MySAPS App.
“The arrested suspect will appear before the Nkowankowa Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 30 September 2025 while investigations are ongoing.”