A 34-year-old illegal immigrant from Zimbabwe was shot dead by some unknown suspects, believed to be smugglers, near Malale farm in Musina, police said.

Police spokesman in Limpopo Province Supt Ailwei Mushavhanamadi told Mirror that the incident occurred on Sunday (February 11) at around 01:30 at Malale farm. "The victim was amongst a group of about 10 illegal immigrants who had just illegally crossed into South Africa through an undesignated entry point along the Limpopo River and they were waiting for transport to travel to Gauteng when they were eventually confronted by a group of smugglers who were in possession of Zimbabwean cigarettes," he said. Mushavhanamadi said the suspects then ordered the illegal immigrants to stop, but they took to their heels, resulting in one of the suspects’ opening fire and shooting victim the in the leg.

The victim is Samson Zimunga of Gutu area in Masvingo, Zimbabwe. He sustained severe injuries and subsequently died shortly afterwards, due to excessive bleeding. Mushavhanamadi said the victim’s colleagues then reported the matter to the Musina SAPS and the body was taken to the Musina government mortuary for a post-mortem. The suspects are still on the run and police have since launched a manhunt for them.

"We have opened a murder case and we are now investigating the matter and as police we are also appealing to community members to assist us with information which could lead to the arrest of the suspects," said the police spokesman.

Of late, there has been an increase in the number of Zimbabwean illegal immigrants being shot along the Limpopo River and farms near Musina. Recently, another 18-year-old Zimbabwean illegal immigrant, Adrian Mpofu, was shot and seriously injured by a member of the SANDF along the Limpopo River. He was in the company of two fellow countrymen and they had illegally entered the country.