While no proof exists that cases are linked, Provincial Police Commissioner Nneke Ledwaba nevertheless established a high level task team to investigate the recent murders of South African Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) former provincial chairperson, Timson Tshililo and provincial deputy secretary Ronald Mani, killing of African National Congress (ANC) councillor in Sekhukhune, Thabang Maupa in November as well as an attempt on the life of an advocate who was shot several times in Thohoyandou in August last year.
The recent killings of politicians in Limpopo are reason for concern as the victims are those who were vocal on the VBS Mutual Bank saga.
“Our preliminary investigations indicate that the victims were attacked by faceless assailants but there is currently no information suggesting that these cases are linked,” Provincial Police Communications Head, Motlafela Mojapelo said.
He confirmed that Ledwaba has established a task team led by Deputy Provincial Commissioner responsible for Crime Detection, Samuel Manala to investigate the cases.
Police informed on Friday that the case of Tshililo had changed to a murder case after his passing nearly two weeks after he was shot at Makwarela in Thohoyandou. Mani was gunned down in Tshisahulu village near Thohoyandou last Wednesday. Maupa, a councillor of the Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality and his wife were seated in their vehicle when a suspect allegedly opened fire. He died on the scene and his wife sustained serious gunshot wounds.
The advocate survived after he was also shot several times while seated in his car outside his home in Thohoyandou in August last year.
Police urged communities to provide the Police with any information that might be useful during investigations. Investigating officer Richard Boshomane can be contacted on 079 894 5501.
Story: RC Myburgh
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