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Bullets fly at school during cops-and-robbers shootout

 

A suspected robber was shot dead by the police during a dramatic “cops-and-robbers” shootout at Mashau Vhudzani Secondary School on Thursday, 18 March.

The drama unfolded as members of the Waterval SAPS chased the vehicle of suspects believed to have been involved in a robbery at a business in Elim. The suspects were seen driving along the Elim/Vuwani-road when the police set off in pursuit.

According to the provincial police spokesperson, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo, the police members tried to stop the suspects, who drove at a high speed. Backup from the Levubu SAPS was called in. Instead of surrendering, the suspects entered the school premises, where they were surrounded by the police.

They allegedly jumped out of their vehicle and opened fire while trying to make their escape. The police retaliated and an exchange of gunfire between the police and the suspects ensued. One of the suspects was shot by the police and died at the scene. The other two suspects managed to flee the scene.

“We managed to recover a firearm from the deceased,” Mojapelo said and confirmed that the investigation is still ongoing. At the time of our going to press, the two suspects who had fled the scene were still at large and the police had yet to identity the man who was shot dead.

“This incident serves as a warning to those who still contemplate committing crime to think twice. The police will not sit idly by but will fight back. With our communities on our side, we shall win this war (against criminals),” he said.

Classes were disrupted and pupils sent home early at the school. Some had to receive trauma counselling.

According to a Grade 11 pupil who wished to remain anonymous, the government should beef up security at schools to prevent a recurrence of the incident. She said that when the shooting began, everyone started screaming. Some of the children ran for cover when they heard the gunfire.

“We have never heard of nor seen such an incident in the rural areas. We only see it on TV happening in the urban areas,” said the girl. She said that the incident was surely the first of its kind at the school and had caused a lot of terror among the learners. A pastor and social workers stepped in to help pupils with counselling.

 

News - Date: 25 March 2021

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Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.

Email: [email protected]

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