A cash-in-transit robbery turned into a Wild West-style shootout between armed robbers and security personnel in Thohoyandou on Friday morning, 31 October, leaving one suspect dead and three people injured.
The dramatic incident unfolded at about 08:30 at a busy supermarket, sending early-morning shoppers and passers-by diving for cover.
Three armed men confronted a security officer who had just collected cash from a shop and was walking to his armoured vehicle. The officer was shot and robbed of the money bag before backup security personnel arrived, triggering an intense exchange of gunfire.
Among the injured were a 14-year-old schoolgirl and a homeowner. All three wounded people were taken to a local hospital for treatment.
The dead suspect was identified as Dakalo Muungulwa, 36, from Tshilungoma village. Preliminary investigations revealed he was out on parole.
Limpopo police spokesperson W/O Lethunya Mmuroa confirmed that the Musina-based Hawks' Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit has launched a manhunt for the remaining suspects. "After the shooting and snatching of the money bag, a chase ensued, resulting in a crossfire that fatally wounded one suspect and injured two persons, including a schoolgirl," he said.
The stolen cash was recovered and the police seized two firearms, cartridges, ammunition, a cell phone and a magazine at the scene.
"We have since opened a case of robbery with aggravating circumstances. Currently, no [additional] arrests have been made and according to information [we have], the other suspects drove away in a white Toyota Quantum without registration plates. We urge all with relevant information to contact Det-Const Israel Mudzunga on 082-5807106 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111," Mmuroa said.