The fatal shooting of two men at a tavern in Magau Village outside Louis Trichardt on Sunday evening has sent shockwaves through the community and raised concerns about a growing trend of targeted killings in the Vhembe region.
The latest killings have left many residents worried about their safety and have renewed calls for law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts to combat violent crime in the area.
The victims, Mr Rofhiwa “Ligebi” Mafunisa (32) and Mr Langanani Ramaguvha (38), were gunned down inside a local tavern by unknown assailants. The killings come within weeks of at least three people being killed in what appear to be execution-style attacks in the region, including a murder reported in Musina.
According to preliminary information, the two men were standing inside the tavern when unknown gunmen opened fire on them before fleeing the scene in an unmarked vehicle.
News of the shooting spread rapidly, attracting a large crowd at the crime scene. While some patrons remained inside the tavern, others gathered around the cordoned-off area as police conducted their investigations.
Witnesses who requested anonymity said they were socialising at the tavern when the shooting occurred.
“We were enjoying ourselves shortly after 20:00 when we suddenly heard several gunshots. We saw two men wearing balaclavas and long jackets holding firearms. After the shooting, they ran back to a vehicle that was parked nearby. It was only then that we realised two men had been shot inside the tavern,” said one witness.
The witness added that the suspects and driver sped away immediately after the shooting. “We then saw the two victims lying on the floor, bleeding,” the witness said. Both died at the scene.
Rofhiwa’s mother, Ms Wilemina Sengakana, said the family would not rest until justice was served. “We are asking ourselves many questions. What did my son do to these cruel men that made them kill him? We want justice for my son,” she told Limpopo Mirror while weeping. She also expressed gratitude to community members who supported the family during the difficult time.
Family spokesperson for the Ramaguvha family, Ms Suzan Mpfumadi, said the shooting had come as a shock. “We were with him just a few hours before the incident, and now he is no more. As a family, we are devastated by this tragedy,” she said.
Mpfumadi added that the deceased had been unemployed and appealed to the community and local businesspeople for assistance with funeral arrangements. She also urged anyone with information about the shooting to cooperate with the police so that those responsible could be arrested and brought to justice.
The families are planning to hold the funeral on Saturday, with the service expected to start at 06:00, pending the release of the post-mortem results.
Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba confirmed the incident.
“At this stage, the identity of the suspect or suspects remains unknown and no arrests have been made,” he said. The motive for the attack has not yet been established and forms part of the ongoing investigation.
Police have appealed to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact the investigating officer, Constable Mawela Muzwaliwambeu, on 072 812 7370 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Information can also be submitted anonymously through the MySAPS App.