MOPANI – A 35-year-old man, Elliot Mokoana, was shot and killed during a shootout between him and the police. The incident took place at the Matenteng village last Friday morning at about 02:00.

According to the police spokesperson in the Mopani area, Sup Moatshe Ngoepe, the deceased was on the police’s list of most wanted criminals.

The statement indicates that the police had received information that Mokoena was hiding at his girlfriend’s home at Matenteng village. They proceeded to the place during the morning of the incident and surrounded the house in which the two were sleeping.

This was followed by a shootout between the police and Mokoena. Mokoena was shot in the head during the shooting. He died from the wound. His girlfriend’s daughter, aged 13, was injured during the incident. One police officer was also shot in the leg.

The police later searched the house and recovered seven car radios, which they believed were stolen, several tools, which the criminals used in housebreaking, and an unlicensed firearm.

During a press conference, the provincial commissioner, Calvin Sengani, revealed that the incident was the fourth of its kind in the area this year. He reiterated the fact that it was not the aim of the police to kill residents, saying their duty was to protect the residents and their property. “It is against this background that I sincerely send my condolences to the Mokoena’s bereaved family,” he said.

He said that the police service has adopted a zero-tolerance attitude in cases of a similar nature. According to the police statement, Mokoena was linked to a number of serious cases ranging from murder and armed robbery. According to the police statement, the case is being investigated by the Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD).