A deadly shootout with the police in Limpopo has left 19 individuals dead. The grim discovery of the 19th body was made while the crime scene was being meticulously investigated. The fatal encounter occurred on Friday within a residence in Eltivilas, Louis Trichardt, during a confrontation with the police.
Authorities have linked these deceased individuals to a recent surge in cash-in-transit robberies spanning three provinces. Tshilidzini Hospital, situated outside Thohoyandou, has received the bodies of these alleged cash-in-transit robbers, where the process of identifying the victims will continue on Monday, as confirmed by the police.
According to Matimba Maluleke, the spokesperson for the Hawks, the law enforcement agency tasked with investigating serious organized crime, three reportedly stolen vehicles from Gauteng were also discovered at the scene. He stated, “As we were examining the scene, we found another body in one of the house’s rooms, bringing the total to 19, not the previously reported 18, as we were processing the scene. Three vehicles that had allegedly been stolen in Gauteng were discovered on the scene when we examined it, along with some weapons.”
While the identities of most of the deceased have not been officially confirmed by their families, it has been revealed that among those killed were a gardener and a domestic helper. Only two of the 19 individuals have been identified by name so far. One of the deceased was a resident of Louis Trichardt, hailing from Tshikota, as confirmed by their family.
The second identified victim is a Zimbabwean national who owned the house where the tragic shootout unfolded. The incident has sent shockwaves through the region, leaving authorities and communities grappling with the aftermath of this devastating confrontation.