Police launch manhunt after women shot dead in Zimbabwe-bound bus

Police have launched a manhunt for a group of criminals after two women were shot dead and another injured while travelling to Zimbabwe.

It is understood, three suspects apparently boarded the Harare-bound bus at Bosman in Pretoria, pretending to be passengers when they attacked.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said the bus belonging to Copperbelt Bus Comapany, reportedly left Pretoria just after 1am on Thursday morning.

Ambush

“As it passed Mantsole Weighbridge along the N1, one of the suspects allegedly produced a firearm and shot through the front windscreen, forcing the driver to pull over. The other suspects shot three women, instantly killing two and critically injuring the other.”

“All other passengers were then ordered to disembark and lie on the ground. They were robbed of their belongings, including cash, cellphones and passports. The suspects were allegedly picked up by another motor vehicle that was apparently following the bus,” Mojapelo said.

Investigations

Mojapelo said police in Bela-Bela have opened two counts of murder, attempted murder and armed robbery.

“The provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has ordered that the suspects be hunted down and brought to book.”

Mojapelo has urged anyone with information about the crime that can lead to the arrest of the suspects to contact the police.

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Bribing police

Meanwhile, in a separate incident, a foreign national was arrested after he allegedly attempted to bribe a police sergeant at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday.

Mojapelo said the sergeant is part of a team that investigates illegal mining activities.

“The team recently confiscated and impounded a truck with two trailers that was allegedly involved in illegal mining at Northam in the Waterberg District.”

“The suspect allegedly approached the member and offered to pay him an amount of R6 000 to release the truck. He was immediately arrested after paying the said amount,” he said.

Mojapelo said the suspect is expected to appear in the Polokwane Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

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