PROVINCIAL COMMISSIONER COMMENDS BRAVE OFFICER AND CONDEMNS TORCHING OF BUSINESS PREMISES IN SEKHUKHUNE
POLOKWANE – The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has praised the swift and courageous action of an off-duty police officer who foiled an armed robbery and fatally wounded a suspect at Ga-Masha village in the Sekhukhune policing area during the early hours of Saturday, 19 July 2025, at around 01:30.
A female cashier was accosted by an armed suspect as she walked to her rented backroom after closing a local pub. The suspect robbed her of an undisclosed amount of money at gunpoint. The victim’s screams alerted a nearby off-duty police officer, who confronted the armed suspect. A shootout ensued, and the suspect was fatally wounded. He was found in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
Following the incident, community members mobilized and, despite police intervention, torched and looted the business premises where the robbery occurred. The police managed to disperse the crowd, but the building was completely destroyed. A case of arson has been opened, and a manhunt has been launched for the suspects involved.
Lieutenant General Hadebe expressed concern over the destruction, stating:
“While we commend the bravery of our member who acted selflessly to protect a life, we strongly condemn the criminal conduct of torching and looting. Such actions undermine the rule of law and will not be tolerated.”
Anyone with information that can assist in the investigation is urged to contact Station Commander Colonel Lekgaloa Leshilo on 082 565 9124 or Branch Commander Lieutenant Colonel Lesiba Phalane on 082 414 2663 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
