Limpopo police slams 'false' unrest claims after shop owner's arrest
Limpopo police have dismissed social media claims of widespread unrest in Botlokwa following a fatal shooting, urging the public to refrain from spreading misinformation.
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Limpopo police have denied claims that a wave of violence and looting followed the fatal shooting of a 47-year-old man in Botlokwa on Saturday, May 17. Social media posts suggesting widespread unrest and the torching of a shopping complex have been described as “misleading, baseless and devoid of truth” by the provincial police commissioner.
Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, has dismissed allegations that the Botlokwa policing area was gripped by chaos following the deadly incident.
“The peddling of lies and spreading of rumours that seek to incite violence in Botlokwa policing area should be condemned in the strongest possible terms. We urge the members of the public to fact-check first before sharing anything on social media platforms. Those who are found to be sharing inflammatory messages will be charged accordingly,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe in a statement issued Sunday.
The police were called to the scene on Saturday after reports of a shooting incident allegedly involving a local shop owner. Upon arrival, officers found a man lying on the ground with a gunshot wound to the upper body. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were summoned and transported the victim to a nearby hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.
A 64-year-old suspect was arrested at the scene and found to be in possession of a firearm and ammunition. He faces a charge of murder and is expected to appear in the Morebeng Magistrate’s Court on Monday, May 19.
While speculation mounted online that business premises had been torched in retaliation, police confirmed that only a stall rented by the suspect had been set alight near a local complex. The fire did not affect other businesses in the area, and no further violence was reported.
“The Provincial Commissioner has noted the allegations of burning of shopping complex as misleading, baseless and devoid of truth,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, a manhunt is underway for the unknown suspects who set fire to the stall. Police have appealed to the public to assist with information that could aid the investigation. Anyone with details is urged to contact Investigating Officer Sergeant Maria Mashakeni on 082 451 7150, the Crime Stop number 08600 10111, their nearest police station, or use the MySAPS App.