By Thembi Siaga and Elmon Tshikhudo
Three people were brutally gunned down on the region's roads in two separate incidents this past weekend. At this stage, it is not known whether the two incidents are related.
At around 19:00 on Saturday evening, a journey from Gauteng to Musina ended in tragedy when 38-year-old Patrick Ngoshi was shot dead after his vehicle had broken down on the N1 South near the Ben Lavin turn-off outside Louis Trichardt.
Ngoshi, originally from Zimbabwe and residing in Gauteng, had been travelling with three passengers in a white Toyota Corolla when the car developed mechanical problems. While they waited for assistance, a white Toyota Fortuner pulled over, and two men approached, apparently to offer help.
According to Vhembe police spokesperson W/O Vuledzani Dathi, the suspects asked who the driver was. "Upon being pointed out, one of the suspects immediately produced a firearm and shot the driver several times. The other three occupants ran in different directions for safety. The suspects then returned to their vehicle and fled the scene," Dathi said.
The police and paramedics were called to the scene, where Ngoshi was certified dead. "A case of murder has been opened. The motive behind the killing is still unknown, but further investigations will determine it," Dathi added.
Regarding this case, the police are urging anyone with relevant information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects to contact Det-Sgt Musubi Rudzani on (082) 565-9070 or (082) 210-7639, the Crime Stop number 08600 10111, or use the MySAPSApp.
The second incident occurred on Sunday morning when two men were found shot in bushes outside Ha-Rangani village in the Masisi policing area. It is suspected to be a hit linked to the illegal cigarette trade. One victim, Mashudu Graig Mbedzi (28), a Zimbabwean national from Bulawayo, and the other, Leroy Ndou (30), from Musina, were both killed.
The circumstances leading to their deaths remain unclear, but residents suspect a connection to local cigarette-smuggling networks. "The area where the incident happened is known as a springboard for illegal consignments from Zimbabwe to different parts of South Africa. The two are known in this community, and we suspect this has to do with illegal cigarettes," said a local, who asked to remain anonymous.
Limpopo police spokesperson Brig Hlulani Mashaba said a manhunt was launched immediately after the incident. Officers responded to a complaint around 07:30 and found a white Toyota Hilux 2.8 GD abandoned in the bushes. One victim was found in the driver's seat with multiple gunshot wounds, while the other was nearby, also fatally wounded.
At the scene, the police recovered live ammunition, spent cartridges, and one of the victims' mobile phones. Two counts of murder have been opened at Masisi Police Station, and the case has been referred to the Provincial Organised Crime Unit for further investigation.
The police have urged anyone with relevant information to contact Lt-Col Rodney Ndou at (082) 807-2666, their nearest police station, the Crime Stop number 08600 10111, or submit an anonymous tip via the MySAPSApp.