Manhunt Underway Following Deadly Taxi Shooting in Limpopo

Residents of Magatle in Limpopo were left in shock after a violent shooting incident that left two dead and others injured on the late afternoon of Saturday, 17 August 2024. The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Limpopo, under the command of Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has launched a full-scale manhunt to track down the suspects of this heinous crime, which underscores the province's struggle with violent incidents.

The callous attack unfolded on the road as a white Toyota Hiace Taxi Combi, carrying a load of passengers from Dico taxi rank in Moletlane to Ga-Madisha Ditoro, suddenly became the target of another vehicle. Witnesses report that a white Audi with no visible registration plates closely followed the taxi before its occupants unleashed a surge of bullets from a rifle and a handgun towards the Honda. Amid the chaos and shattering glass, the taxi faltered to a halt as the Audi executed a hasty retreat in the direction of Groothoek, leaving behind a scene of terror and tragedy.

The taxi driver, 42, was pronounced dead on the scene, leaving his passengers in disarray. A female passenger sustained minor injuries, while two males were severely wounded— one of whom, aged 49, later died in the hospital. Authorities are probing the motive with a grim consideration of taxi-related violence being a possible cause. However, no definitive conclusion has been reached, and the investigation continues.

This incident has drawn strong condemnation from top officials, including Lieutenant General Hadebe, who, in a public statement, urged the community to assist law enforcement. The intensity of the response demonstrates SAPS's commitment to justice, sending a clear signal that such brutality will not go unchecked. Two cases of murder and two of attempted murder have thus been recorded as part of this inquiry.

The response has been swift and assertive, with urgent pleas for assistance echoed across available channels. Colonel Kgadiswana Mnisi is heading the investigative task force and is accepting any information related to the culprits at the contact number 082 565 8501. Officials are also encouraging the public to make use of the Crime Stop number 08600 10111, any local police station, or the MySAPS App to report information they may have.

Limpopo's SAPS assures the public that every lead will be meticulously examined in the hunt for the assailants, as they believe community cooperation is paramount to achieving a breakthrough in this case. The senseless loss of life has rattled the local community, but the message from the authorities is unequivocal: justice will be served.