Limpopo Mirror
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Gunshot heard after man buys R6,000 gambling voucher

Man found dead in car at a Thohoyandou petrol station

By Maanda Bele • 30 April 2026
Gunshot heard after man buys R6,000 gambling voucher

Police in Thohoyandou have opened an inquest docket after a 33-year-old man was found dead with a gunshot wound inside his car at a petrol station. The incident occurred after he purchased a gambling voucher, and a licensed firearm was discovered in the vehicle.

Police in Thohoyandou have opened an inquest docket following the death of a 33-year-old man who was found with a gunshot wound inside his vehicle at a local petrol station on Thursday morning. 

The incident occurred at the Sasol petrol garage near the Thohoyandou traffic circle on 30 April. 

According to preliminary investigations, the deceased, identified as Thulani Andrew Maluleke from Ngudza village, allegedly entered the garage shop where he purchased a gambling voucher worth R6,000 before returning to his vehicle. 

“It is reported that after returning to his car, he did not drive off. A few minutes later, a gunshot was heard,” said Vhembe police spokesperson Captain Vuledzani Dathi. 

“Upon inspection, community members discovered the man inside the vehicle with a gunshot wound to the head. A licensed firearm was found in the car, with 14 rounds remaining in the magazine,” Dathi added. 

Maluleke, a self-employed carpenter, was declared dead at the scene. 

Police have opened an inquest docket to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. Authorities have not ruled out any possibilities at this stage. 

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact the investigating officer, Constable Talifhani Makhuvha, on 082 469 1397. 

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