The search for the pangaman who had chopped a man to death was still continuing at the time of going to press. The incident took place at Modjajiskloof near Tzaneen last Saturday morning at about 01:00.

Capt Maano Sadike, the spokesperson for the police in the Mopani area, said that the deceased was in the company of a friend when the incident took place. They were walking along the road between Jockey Farm and Grootbosch Farm. According to the police statement, an unknown man emerged from the bushes and went straight to the two men. The man was holding a panga. The statement further indicates that the pangaman chopped the deceased on the left side of the head.

He sustained serious injuries. The deceased’s friend managed to escape and ran away to the nearby farm. He alerted the farm dwellers about the incident. The farm residents responded by rushing to the scene. On arrival, they found that the deceased was bleeding profusely.

They took him to the nearby Van Velden Hospital in Tzaneen. The statement further indicates that the deceased died shortly after admission. He was identified as Ngoako Letsoalo of Relela settlement. The police have appealed to anyone with information regarding the case to contact them at their toll free number: 0860 001 0111 or any police station.

They said that all information will be treated with strict confidentiality. In the statement that was released early this week, the police have appealed to the people to avoid walking at dangerous places during the night.