Chaos at Limpopo school: Burglar shot dead as trio flees

Polokwane – Police in Limpopo have launched an investigation following a murder and attempted business burglary at Mathlarhi High School in Wisane village during the early hours of Saturday, 27 September 2025.

According to police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, authorities were alerted at around 04:45 after a report of suspicious activity at the school.

“Upon arrival, our officers met with the security guard, who reported hearing noises coming from the administration block,” Mashaba said.

The guard reportedly saw three unknown men wearing balaclavas attempting to break into the office and fired a catapult in their direction. The suspects then fled in different directions amid several gunshots.

“When the situation had calmed, the guard inspected the area and discovered an unknown African male lying on the ground with a gunshot wound to the chest,” Mashaba said.

#sapsLIM [COURT UPDATE] A 51-year-old Sergeant from Haenertsburg SAPS was arrested by the Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit for theft & defeating the ends of justice. He allegedly stole 2 chainsaws from an impounded vehicle & sold them. He appears in Tzaneen Magistrate’s Court on… pic.twitter.com/gv7js90lnW

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) September 27, 2025

The deceased was wearing a black glove on his left hand and carrying a black side bag.

Police recovered an empty cartridge, a live round, and suspected housebreaking tools at the scene.

“It is suspected that the deceased might have been accidentally shot by his accomplices during the exchange of gunfire,” Mashaba added.

A case of murder and attempted business burglary has been opened, while the other suspects remain at large.

Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, appealed to the community for assistance. “We urge anyone who may know the identity of the deceased or the whereabouts of his accomplices to come forward. Our detectives are working tirelessly to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book,” she said.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Sergeant Volani Ngobeni on 078 069 2156, the nearest police station, or the SAPS Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Anonymous tips can also be submitted via the MySAPS App.