POLOKWANE – The police in Bolobedu outside Tzaneen have launched a manhunt for unknown assailants following the fatal shooting of a 47 year old taxi owner from Bolobedu and a 42 year old woman last night, Tuesday 10 August at a filling station in Mohlabaneng Cross near Bellevue.
The deceased allegedly arrived at this place at around 19:20 driving in a white VW Polo and the man entered the shop to buy something while his female companion remained inside the vehicle. Two suspects emerged and one entered the shop and suddenly started firing shots at the taxi owner while the other shot at the woman sitting inside the vehicle. The assailants then disappeared.
The victims identified as Mr Fourie Maphayi aged 47 from Ga-Matswi village and Deborah Moila aged 42 from Bellevue village were both certified dead on the scene.
Police have opened two counts of murder. The motive for the killing is unknown at this stage but taxi violence cannot be ruled out.
The Provincial Commissioner of police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has condemned the incident and appeals to the public for assistance with information that can help in solving the case.
Anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspects is requested to contact Detective Sergeant Phaladi Makola on 082 749 2233, Crime stop number 0860010111or the nearest Police Station.
Police investigations are continuing.
Source: South African Police Service
