The scene where the deadly accident happened at Mushiru. Photo supplied.
News Date: 12 October 2023
Three suspected armed robbers, who were being chased by the police after an armed robbery, met a fiery end when their getaway car overturned, killing them. The incident happened at Mushiru on Wednesday, 4 October, at around 13:20.
The suspects are said to be known alleged gangsters from Lufule village, outside Thohoyandou.
Limpopo police spokesperson Col Malesela Ledwaba said four suspects – all in their thirties – had been driving from Mhinga village after allegedly committing an armed robbery in the area and were being pursued by members of the Saselamani Crime Prevention unit, who had earlier received information about the robbery. “It is reported that the suspects started firing shots at the police after realising they were being pursued. During the chase, one of the robbers threw a gun out of their speeding getaway car,” he said.
While driving towards Mushiru village, the driver apparently lost control of the vehicle, which ultimately overturned and rolled several times, throwing all four suspects out of the vehicle. “After the accident, the emergency medical services were summoned to the scene, where three of the suspects were declared dead,” said Ledwaba.
The sole survivor of the accident was taken to hospital in a serious condition, where he is currently under police guard.
An undisclosed amount of cash was discovered inside their getaway car. In addition, a firearm, believed to have been used during the robbery, was found a few kilometres away from the accident scene.
The suspect will appear in court once he recovers from his injuries.