The suspect grabbed an officer’s gun when he was cornered, leading to a struggle over the weapon.
The Limpopo police have launched an investigation into a shooting incident that claimed the life of a suspected fraudster at Foskor Mine in Phalaborwa on Friday.
The incident occurred during an operation by detectives investigating a fraud case when the suspect allegedly attempted to seize an officer’s firearm, resulting in a fatal discharge.
Mine fraud suspect going for the same victim
The shooting took place at approximately 8:45am on Friday, when a team of detectives approached a suspect at the mine, according to the South African Police Service (Saps).
“Three detective officers from Limpopo and one from Gauteng province were conducting investigations related to a fraud case that originated in the Thohoyandou policing area earlier this month,” Limpopo police spokesperson Malesela Ledwaba said in a statement.
The investigation reportedly led officers to a 32-year-old man who was allegedly attempting to defraud the same victim again through what authorities described as a fraudulent tender for laboratory services.
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Mine fraud suspect fled during attempted arrest
Ledwaba explained that the confrontation escalated quickly when the suspect realised police were present.
“Police officers approached the suspect, who was reportedly preparing to provide what he claimed were contract documents. Upon realising police presence, the suspect fled on foot,” he said.
During the pursuit, police discharged a warning shot when the suspect attempted to scale a high security fence at the mine premises.
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Struggle over police weapon
The situation took a deadly turn when the suspect found himself unable to escape.
“According to preliminary reports, when the suspect found himself unable to climb over the fence, he turned and allegedly grabbed the service firearm of the nearest police officer,” Ledwaba stated.
“A struggle ensued over control of the weapon, resulting in the discharge of the firearm.”
The suspect sustained gunshot wounds and was certified dead at the scene.
Authorities noted that the deceased was wearing a contractor’s uniform at the time of the incident.
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Mine fraud and shooting investigation underway
A crime scene investigation was conducted at the Foskor Mine main gate following the incident.
Two firearms connected to the shooting have been seized as part of the ongoing investigation.
“The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending further investigation,” said Ledwaba.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) has been notified and will conduct an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, as is standard procedure in cases involving police-related deaths.
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