Police in Musina have opened an attempted murder case, after a 24-year-old Zimbabwean illegal immigrant was shot and seriously injured by an unknown suspect next to a bar lounge in Musina town, police said.

Police spokesman for Vhembe District Capt Thivhulawi Tshilate said the shooting incident occurred on Sunday at around 03:30. He said the victim was in the company of his colleague, who is also an illegal immigrant and they were coming from Zimbabwe.

"It is alleged that the victim was walking with a friend and upon passing by a bar lounge in Musina they were confronted by two suspects. The suspects ordered the two Zimbabweans to stop, but they took to their heels, resulting in the complainant being shot on the left side of his body," he said.

The victim, however, continued running towards to Nancefield, where his sister stays.

Tshilate said the victim’s colleague eventually fled back to Zimbabwe. Police were then summoned and the victim was taken to Musina Hospital for treatment.

Tshilate said police have started investigating to establish the whereabouts of the two suspects. "We are appealing to members of the community to assist us with information, which could possibly lead to the arrest of the two suspects, who are still at large. One of the suspects was wearing a jacket and a cap and we are therefore saying anyone with information can go and report to the nearest police station," said the police spokesman.

Just recently, another Zimbabwean illegal immigrant was shot dead by an unknown suspect near Limpopo River, soon after crossing into South Africa through an undesignated entry point along the crocodile-infested river.