Tragedy strikes as school minibus shooting claims life of driver

Cape Town – Police in Thohoyandou are currently investigating a horrifying incident that occurred in Mukula village, Vhembe District, on Wednesday.

The incident, a fatal shooting, has left a community in shock and mourning.

According to official reports from the police, the officer received information about a shooting incident along Mukula Public Tarmac Road.

Upon arriving at the scene with Emergency Services personnel, they discovered a Sprinter minibus parked on the side of the road, presumed to be transporting school learners.

Tragically, a male victim, later identified as Rudzani Rambani (42), was found in the driver’s seat with gunshot wounds.

The learners on board were found scattered on the ground, some of whom had jumped out of the moving minibus upon hearing gunshots.

#sapsLIM #SAPS Thohoyandou is investigating a murder that occurred at Mukula village on 22/11 where a male was fatally shot by an unknown suspect. The victim was driving a minibus transporting children when the incident happened. Anyone with info to contact Capt Makwela on… pic.twitter.com/bq3O65lYKq

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) November 22, 2023

“The learners alleged that they heard the gunshots after the minibus stopped to pick up the other learner, and some of them even jumped out of the moving minibus. The suspect fled into the bushes and was not identified since it was still dark.

“The male victim was certified dead at the scene and was identified by his family as Rudzani Rambani (42).

“About six empty cartridges were found inside the minibus,” police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said.

The motive behind the shooting is unknown at this stage.

A murder case has since been officially opened, and investigations are ongoing.

The Provincial Commissioner of the police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has directed station management to mobilise all available resources to ensure the swift apprehension of the suspect.

“The police must work around the clock to apprehend all those responsible for the senseless killing. We simply cannot allow our communities to be terrorized by criminals,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe.

In an appeal to the community for assistance, the police are urging anyone with information that could lead to the suspect’s arrest to contact Investigating Officer Captain Makwela on 082 414 7763 or 015 960 1099. Alternatively, information can be shared anonymously through Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or via the MySAPSApp.