Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu, Deputy Echo Editor
SOUTH African police have launched a manhunt for a gang of armed robbery suspects linked to an armed robbery involving a Zimbabwean bound Delta cross-border bus where two people were shot dead, while others were robbed of their valuables on Wednesday night.
The incident happened along the N1 Highway, approximately eight kilometres before the Nylplaza Tollgate, at around 09.40PM.
In a statement, Limpopo Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said reports indicate that the complainant, a 42-year-old bus driver from Zimbabwe, had departed from the Power House in Randfontein, driving a Volvo 60-seater bus with 54 passengers on board.
“The driver had picked up passengers at various points including Midrand and Pretoria en route to Zimbabwe. It is alleged that two male passengers seated at the back of the bus suddenly produced firearms and pointed them at the other passengers.
“One male (30) passenger, whose identity is not yet known, attempted to disarm one of the suspects, and several others also tried to intervene. During the struggle, the suspects fired several shots inside the bus, fatally wounding the male passenger (30) and an unknown female, estimated to be 25 years old,” said Colonel Ledwaba.
He said the suspects then robbed passengers of an undisclosed amount of cash and cellphones.
“Reports further indicate that an unknown vehicle, whose make, model and registration number are not yet known, had been following the bus and stopped behind it after the shooting. The suspects fled the scene in that vehicle,” said Colonel Ledwaba.
Bunjiwe Mkwananzi