Polokwane – An off-duty police officer involved in a road rage incident has been arrested for fatally shooting a 24-year-old motorist outside a tavern in Bakenburg, a suburb in Mogalakwena, Waterberg, Limpopo.
Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Major General Samuel Manala, has ordered an investigation into the fatal shooting incident, which occurred earlier today, (21 April 2025), at about 02:00.
Narrating events surrounding the shooting, Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, said: “It is alleged that Tinmyn police in Waterberg District were alerted to the shooting incident just outside the tavern, at Bakenburg.
“When they arrived at the scene, they were notified that the victim had already been transported to a local hospital.
“On their arrival at the hospital, they found the victim who had already been pronounced ‘dead on arrival’.”
Colonel Ledwaba said “further information” suggests that the shooting victim was brought to the hospital by the “suspect,” who is a member of the police, attached to O.R. Tambo International Airport.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased and the suspect were drivers in their respective cars when they apparently had a heated confrontation which resulted in the shooting,” Colonel Ledwaba said.
“The suspect allegedly stopped his vehicle and took the victim to the hospital.
“The victim had a wound on the right cheek.”
Colonel Ledwaba said the suspect’s official firearm has been confiscated as part of the investigation.
The matter has also been reported to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).
IPID is responsible for investigating complaints against members of the South African Police Service and the municipal police service.
Colonel Ledwaba said the suspect, who is detained at the Tinmyn Police Station, will appear before the Mahwelereng Magistrate’s Court soon on a charge of murder.
