Beitbridge taxi association officials shot dead at Musina eatery in midnight gun battle
Police said members of a taxi association were seated at a food outlet, at around midnight, when unknown assailants approached and opened fire.
Image: SAPS
The police’s provincial taxi violence investigation unit in Limpopo is investigating a deadly shooting incident that occurred at a food outlet in Musina on Saturday.
Provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the incident happened at around midnight.
“According to reports, three people were tragically killed in the incident, including a 36 and a 35-year-old member of the Beitbridge Taxi Association, as well as a 24-year-old suspect,” said Ledwaba.
A fourth person sustained gunshot wounds and is currently receiving treatment at hospital.
Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
“Preliminary investigations reveal that members of the taxi association were seated at the food outlet when unknown assailants approached and opened fire. During the attack, a male victim who was hit by stray bullets managed to return fire with his licenced firearm, fatally wounding one suspect while another escaped,” said Ledwaba.
Police recovered a firearm with ammunition, believed to belong to the deceased shooter, along with several cartridges and fragments from the scene.
Meanwhile, provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe said the cold-blooded murder was probably linked to taxi violence.
"We condemn this cold-blooded killing in the strongest possible terms. While the motive behind the attack is not yet confirmed, taxi-related violence cannot be ruled out. I have ordered an immediate and thorough investigation to ensure the remaining suspects are swiftly brought to justice," she said.
Provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.
Image: SAPS
The provincial commissioner has assured the community that investigators are working around the clock, and a breakthrough is expected soon.
Three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder have been opened at Musina police station.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
IOL News