A Gauteng-based off-duty police officer is behind bars after a fiery road rage clash spiralled into a deadly shooting at a Limpopo tavern in the early hours of Monday morning.
The cop, stationed at OR Tambo International Airport, allegedly gunned down a 24-year-old man after an altercation that started on the road.
Provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, confirmed the arrest, stating that officers from Tinmyne Police Station responded to the shooting outside a popular tavern in Bakenberg, in the Waterberg District.
“When police arrived at the scene, they were informed that the victim had already been rushed to hospital by the suspect himself,” Ledwaba revealed.
Tragically, the man was pronounced dead upon arrival. It’s understood he sustained a gunshot wound to the right cheek.
According to preliminary investigations, the confrontation began while the off-duty officer and the deceased were driving their respective vehicles.
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The situation escalated, ending with both men at the tavern where the fatal shooting occurred.
“The exact events leading up to the shooting are still being pieced together,” said Ledwaba. “But what’s clear is that this tragic incident stems from a senseless dispute on the road.”
The officer’s service pistol has since been confiscated.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has taken over the case to ensure an impartial probe.
Acting provincial commissioner Major General Samuel Manala has condemned the incident and called for a full, independent investigation.
The officer remains in custody at Tinmyne Police Station and is expected to appear before the Mahwelereng Magistrate’s Court soon on a charge of murder.
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