Ritavi: The Police in Ritavi, Mopani District, have launched an investigation following an incident of murder and attempted business burglary that occurred at Mathlarhi High School, in Wisane village under Ritavi policing area during the early hours of Saturday, 27 September 2025 at about 04:45. Police received a report of a murder at the school and immediately responded. Upon arrival, they met with a security guard employed at the school, who reported that he had heard noises coming from the administration block. On inspection, he noticed three unknown men wearing balaclavas attempting to break into the office.
According to South African Police Service, the security guard allegedly fired in their direction using a catapult. The suspects fled in different directions, and several gunshots were heard during the commotion. When the situation had calmed, the guard inspected the area and discovered that the suspects had damaged the burglar door but had not gained entry. Further inspection led to the discovery of
an unknown African male lying on the ground with a gunshot wound to the chest. The deceased was wearing a black glove on his left hand and carrying a black side bag.
Police at the scene recovered an empty cartridge, live round, and the suspected housebreaking tools. It is suspected that the deceased might have been accidentally shot by his accomplices during the exchange of gunfire. A case of murder and attempted business burglary has been opened, and the other suspects remain at large.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has called on community members with information that can assist the investigation to urgently contact the police. ‘We urge anyone who may know the identity of the deceased or the whereabouts of his accomplices to come forward. Our detectives are working tirelessly to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book,’ said Lieutenant General Hadebe. Anyone with information may contact Detective Sergeant Volani Ngobeni on 078 069 2156, the nea
rest police station or call the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can also be shared via the MySAPS App.