Police Officer Allegedly Kills Patron in Limpopo Tavern Dispute

A night out at a tavern in Limpopo turned deadly when a 24-year-old man was fatally shot, allegedly by an off-duty police officer. The officer, stationed at OR Tambo International Airport, is now under investigation for murder.

The incident occurred near a tavern in Bakenburg, in the Waterberg District, on Monday. According to police, the victim was transported to hospital by the officer himself—only to be declared dead on arrival.

Police confirm suspect is one of their own

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba confirmed that officers responded to the shooting and were told the victim had been taken to a nearby hospital. “On arrival at the hospital, they found the victim who was already pronounced dead,” he said.

Ledwaba added that initial reports indicated the victim was driven to the hospital by the suspect, a serving police officer. “The suspect is a member of the police attached to OR Tambo International Airport,” he said.

Confrontation turns deadly

Preliminary investigations suggest the altercation began when the suspect and the victim were driving separately and got into an argument. This confrontation allegedly escalated into the fatal shooting.

“The suspect allegedly stopped his vehicle and took the victim to hospital. The victim had a wound on the right cheek,” Ledwaba added.

The officer’s service firearm has since been confiscated, and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has taken over the investigation.

Limpopo’s acting provincial police commissioner, Major General Samuel Manala, has called for a thorough investigation. The officer is currently being held at the Tinmyn police station and is expected to appear before the Mahwelereng Magistrate’s Court on a charge of murder.

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com

Sourced:The Citizen