MALAMULELE – The police at Malamulele are investigating a case of murder and another one of robbery. This follows an incident that occurred at Mahonisi village near Malamulele Town on Saturday afternoon at about 12:00.

According to police spokesperson in the Mopani Area, Capt Moatshe Ngoepe, it is alleged that on the day of the incident three armed men entered a local supermarket.

There were two men inside the shop. According to the police the three men demanded money from the shopkeepers. Before the shopkeepers could respond to the demand the three men produced firearms and shot and injured the two businessmen. They then went out and stole a bakkie that was parked in the premises.

Community members realised what was happening and started chasing the men. They managed to apprehend one of the robbers before he could get into the bakkie. They assaulted him with various objects including stones and wooden sticks thus killing him instantly. The deceased was identified as Mr Philemon "Special" Mashige (35) from Sinthumule village.

The two shopkeepers were taken to the nearby Malamulele Hospital where their conditions were reported to be stable at the time of going to press. The stolen vehicle was dumped in the surrounding bushes. A 9mm pistol was also confiscated when the vehicle was found.

The other two robbers were still at large at the time of going to press. According to the police the two men are extremely dangerous and for that reason people are warned not to try to apprehend them, but rather contact the police