THIS STORY HAS BEEN AMMENDED:
Polokwane – A gang of eight armed robbers raided a mine in Hlaneki Village, outside Giyani under Mopani District, Limpopo, where they shot a guard dead and disarmed others before making off with their guns.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the robbery occurred on Thursday night, 23 April 2026.
Narrating events that led to the fatality, Brigadier Mashaba said a security officer from Phoenix Security Company was on duty at a local mine in Hlaneki Village when he heard a gunshot.
The suspects attacked the guard, disarmed him, and shot him.
“The deceased, identified as 48-year-old Elias Masingi of Hlaneki Village, sustained a gunshot wound to the upper body and was rushed to a local hospital, where he was certified dead on arrival by medical personnel,” said Brgadier Mashaba.
Another guard was beaten with a steel bar on the knees. The 34-year-old guard received medical treatment at a hospital.
“The police investigations revealed that the suspects fled the scene with the deceased’s service firearm, a pistol, together with one magazine loaded with 12 rounds of ammunition,” Brigadier Mashaba.
“Upon visiting the crime scene, the police recovered one cartridge case near the area where the deceased was shot.”
Anyone with information regarding the suspects is urged to contact the investigating officer, Warrant Officer Magezi Moses Menyuku, on 082 729 0343, or the nearest police station, or the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111, or MySAPS App.
Investigations are continuing.
