An inquest has been opened by the police in Limpopo after a man was allegedly seen throwing himself into Tzaneen dam, and he drowned.

Provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Thakeng said the incident happened on Sunday at around 7am.

“According to an eyewitness who was doing morning physical training exercises, he saw an African male wearing a yellow t-shirt and dark pants standing on top of the bridge at Tzaneen dam,” said Thakeng.

After an hour, the eyewitness saw the man in a yellow t-shirt jumping into the dam, struggling to swim and ultimately drowning.

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Police were informed about the incident and the SAPS search and rescue team was summoned to the scene, to retrieve the body.

“The deceased was identified as Phillie Vhuma, aged 48, by his next of kin. A case of inquest has been registered for further investigation,” said Thakeng.

On Monday, IOL reported that police in Limpopo are investigating after a 75-year-old Limpopo man allegedly died by suicide following incidents where he shot and killed another man.

Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said on Friday, at around midnight, the 75-year-old man drove around, searching for a man who had sold him bricks.

“The suspect, who was driving his own vehicle, met the victim on the street in his vehicle and without saying any words, he shot him in the upper body. The victim managed to drive himself to the nearest hospital,” said Ledwaba.

The 75-year-old man went back to his own home, and upon arrival, he allegedly poured a flammable liquid on his house and set it alight.

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“He proceeded to another room where his wife was sleeping and woke her up, threatened to kill her, and instructed her to get inside the burning house with him,” said Ledwaba.

“Fortunately, the wife managed to escape, and the suspect tried to chase and shoot her several times with no luck. Later, the suspect shot himself and passed away at the scene.”

Police in Limpopo have opened an inquest case.

jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za

IOL

drown

Limpopo man jumped into Tzaneen dam, struggled to swim and drowned