Suspect killed, vehicle seized after shootout with SANDF in Tshamutumbu

A man was fatally shot and a vehicle seized after a shootout between South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members and suspected gunmen at a farm in Tshamutumbu, in Limpopo’s Vhembe District, on Sunday night.

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba confirmed that officers have opened a murder case and launched a manhunt for an outstanding suspect following the incident, which occurred at about 19:00.

According to police, SANDF members were acting on information about a Nissan Navara double cab that was wanted by a financial institution after the owner allegedly defaulted on payments for several months.

Ledwaba said when soldiers attempted to stop the vehicle, unknown suspects allegedly opened fire on them, prompting the soldiers to return fire. Two men reportedly jumped out of the bakkie and fled into nearby bushes. He said during a search of the area, one of the suspects was found unconscious with a gunshot wound.

“Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were activated, and the suspect was transported to hospital, where he was declared dead upon arrival. His identity remains unknown at this stage. Police have opened a case of murder for further investigation, and the vehicle has been seized,” he said.

Ledwaba confirmed that a manhunt is now underway for the second suspect.