Limpopo Road Rage Incident: Off-Duty Officer Detained for Fatal Shooting of Driver

Polokwane – An off-duty police officer has been apprehended following a road rage incident that resulted in the fatal shooting of a 24-year-old motorist outside a tavern in Bakenburg, a neighborhood in Mogalakwena, Waterberg, Limpopo.

Major General Samuel Manala, the Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, has initiated an investigation into the shooting, which transpired earlier today, (21 April 2025), around 02:00.

Describing the circumstances of the shooting, Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba stated: “It is reported that Tinmyn police in the Waterberg District were alerted to the shooting incident occurring just outside the tavern in Bakenburg.

“Upon their arrival, they were informed that the victim had already been taken to a nearby hospital.

“When they arrived at the hospital, they found that the victim had already been declared ‘dead on arrival’.”

Colonel Ledwaba further indicated that “additional information” suggests that the shooting victim was brought to the hospital by the “suspect,” a police officer assigned to O.R. Tambo International Airport.

“Initial investigations revealed that both the deceased and the suspect were driving their vehicles when they seemingly engaged in a heated altercation that led to the shooting,” Colonel Ledwaba remarked.

“The suspect reportedly halted his vehicle and transported the victim to the hospital.

“The victim sustained a wound on the right cheek.”

Colonel Ledwaba confirmed that the suspect’s official firearm has been seized as part of the investigation.

The incident has also been reported to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).

IPID is tasked with investigating complaints against members of the South African Police Service and municipal police services.

Colonel Ledwaba stated that the suspect, currently in custody at the Tinmyn Police Station, will soon face charges of murder in the Mahwelereng Magistrate’s Court.