By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
South African Police Services (SAPS) have launched a manhunt for a group of criminals after two women were shot dead and another injured while travelling to Zimbabwe.
Spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said three men pretending to be passengers had boarded the Copperbelt Bus just after 01:00 on Thursday.
“As it passed Mantsole weighbridge along the N1 road, one of the suspects allegedly produced a firearm and shot through the front windscreen, forcing the driver to pull over,” he said.
“The other suspects shot three women, instantly killing two and critically injuring the other.”
Mojapelo said the gunmen ordered all other passengers to disembark and lie on the ground.
They were then robbed of their belongings, including cash, cellphones and passports.
Cases of murder, attempted murder, and armed robbery have been opened.
Limpopo police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe ordered that the gunmen be hunted down and brought to book.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident Police in Gauteng have arrested the man captured on a video circulating on social media assaulting a police officer in Springs, Ekurhuleni.
Gauteng police spokesperson, Brigadier Brenda Muridili, said the suspect assaulted the police officer following a confrontation during a routine patrol on Tuesday.
“The incident was recorded on video, which is currently circulating on social media.
“It is reported that two members on routine patrol came across about five people drinking in public. When the police warned them about public drinking, one of the men turned on the male police officer. The suspect then fled the scene. Back-up was called and the suspect was arrested later in the evening,” she said.
She said the suspect has been charged with assaulting a police officer.
“He will appear before the Springs Magistrates Court on Thursday,” Muridili said.