TWO BUSINESS ROBBERY SUSPECTS SHOT DURING POLICE SHOOTOUT — ONE FATALLY WOUNDED, MANHUNT UNDERWAY
POLOKWANE: A swift and tactical response by Limpopo police led to a deadly shootout with armed business robbery suspects on Wednesday , 02 July 2025, shortly after a robbery took place at a wholesaler in Ceres Village, Matlala policing area in the Capricorn District. Two suspects were shot, with one fatally wounded and the other arrested and hospitalised. A third suspect managed to flee and is currently being sought.
According to reports, at approximately 16:44, the shop owner was serving customers when two unknown men entered the store, and one of them pointed a firearm at him, demanding money. The suspect took an undisclosed amount of cash from the till. It was later revealed that a third accomplice was waiting outside in a blue Hyundai i20, acting as the getaway driver.
Police were notified.A joint operational response was launched, involving Matlala SAPS, Seshego SAPS, the Provincial Flying Squad, and the Provincial Task Team. The suspects were traced near Bloodriver in the Seshego policing area.
As police attempted to intercept the suspects’ vehicle, two armed suspects jumped out and opened fire on the officers. Police returned fire, fatally wounding one suspect and injuring another, who was arrested and transported to hospital under police guard. A firearm believed to have been used during the robbery was recovered. The third suspect escaped in the Hyundai and remains at large.
Police have opened cases of business robbery, attempted murder, and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. The case has been handed over to the Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, praised the police for their decisive action and commitment to public safety.
“Our members acted swiftly and courageously when confronted by armed criminals. The recovery of a firearm and the arrest of a dangerous suspect are commendable outcomes. We will continue to hunt down the remaining suspect and ensure justice is served,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe.
Police are appealing to anyone with information that can assist in the investigation or lead to the arrest of the third suspect to contact Warrant Officer Phaladi Makola on 082 749 2233 or Colonel Richard Boshomane 079 894 5501
, or call Crime Stop at 08600 10111. Information can also be reported anonymously via the My SAPS App or at any local police station.
