A 35-year-old Zimbabwean farm worker at Skutwater Farm near Musina town was shot and seriously injured by a fellow workmate, following a dispute over an undisclosed debt, police said.

Police spokesman for Vhembe district Captain Thivhulawi Tshilate said the victim and the suspect, who is employed as a security guard at the farm, were drinking beer at a nearby shebeen when an altercation ensued. "The two (suspect and victim) were drinking together when a dispute erupted. The suspect accused the victim of owing him some money and the altercation eventually degenerated into a fight," Tshilate said.

He said the suspect then went to his house, only to resurface wielding a Norinco M213 pistol, which was loaded with six rounds of ammunition.

The suspect shot the victim resulting in his sustaining severe injuries. The victim was rushed to Musina for treatment.

Tshilate said some members of the community apprehended the suspect before handing him over to the police, leading to his arrest. The firearm was seized by police and taken for ballistic tests. The suspect appeared at the Musina Magistrate´s Court on Monday. The case was postponed to January 25, and he was released on R2 000 bail.