Limpopo Police
Limpopo police launch intensive probe into brutal shooting deaths of two unidentified men near Polokwane, as Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe orders all such cases transferred to specialised unit amid a concerning spate of violent incidents across the province in recent weeks.
In a decisive response to escalating gun violence that has gripped parts of Limpopo, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the shocking murders of two unidentified men discovered along a remote gravel road in the Westenburg policing area. The bodies, found on Tuesday, 19 August 2025, bore multiple gunshot wounds, with one victim’s hands bound, painting a grim picture of execution-style killings that have heightened community fears. Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has mandated the immediate transfer of all similar murder cases to the Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit, aiming to coordinate efforts, apprehend perpetrators, and restore public confidence in safety measures across the region. [0] [20] [35]
The incident unfolded around 17:10 on the D1377 Kuschke gravel road, just outside Polokwane, where Westenburg police officers responded to reports of a disturbing crime scene. Upon arrival, they discovered the lifeless bodies of two African males, estimated to be between 30 and 40 years old. Both victims had sustained fatal gunshot injuries, and the binding of one man’s hands suggested a premeditated and brutal assault. Investigators meticulously gathered evidence at the site, including a spent cartridge case, a maroon jersey, and a cash note, which could prove pivotal in piecing together the events leading to the deaths. Despite these findings, the identities of the deceased remain unknown, complicating efforts to notify families and trace potential motives. [0] [1] [35]
Lieutenant General Hadebe, addressing the urgency of the situation, emphasised the need for a unified approach to combat what she described as a “continuous spate of brutal shootings” in the province. In her official statement, she declared: “The continuous spate of brutal shootings in some parts of the province is deeply concerning. We will not allow ruthless criminals to instil fear in our communities. Our specialised teams have been tasked to trace and arrest all suspects without delay. We also urge community members to work with us by providing valuable information.” This directive underscores a strategic shift, ensuring that cases involving such heinous acts are handled by experts in the Provincial Murder and Robbery Unit to enhance investigative efficiency and outcomes.  
This latest tragedy is part of a worrying trend of violent shootings and murders plaguing Limpopo in August 2025 alone. Just days earlier, on 17 August 2025, a 38-year-old motorist was fatally shot on the N1 South highway near Polokwane, with assailants fleeing the scene after the attack. In another chilling case reported around 18 August 2025, two Zimbabwean nationals, aged 30 and 28, were gunned down in Ha-Rangani Village within the Masisi policing area, prompting a massive manhunt by local authorities. Earlier in the month, on 4 August 2025, three farm workers faced murder charges after allegedly killing two women, Maria Makgato (45) and Lucia Ndlovu (34), and disposing of their bodies in a pigsty on a farm in Sebayeng village near Polokwane. The suspects also stand accused of attempted murder for shooting at Ndlovu’s husband during the incident, which stemmed from a dispute over discarded food. These events, coupled with the Westenburg killings, highlight a surge in gun-related crimes, potentially linked to issues like illegal mining, business rivalries, or interpersonal conflicts, though investigations are ongoing to establish connections.      
The SAPS has issued a fervent appeal to the public for assistance in solving these cases, stressing that community cooperation is essential to curbing the violence. Anyone with information that could help identify the Westenburg victims or lead to the arrest of those responsible is urged to contact Warrant Officer Phaladi Makola on 082 749 2233 or Colonel Richard Boshomane on 079 894 5501. For anonymous tips, residents can use the Crime Stop hotline at 08600 10111, visit their nearest police station, or submit details via the MySAPS App. Authorities assure informants of confidentiality and protection, encouraging even the smallest leads to come forward.  
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