Finding two suspects after deadly school robberies

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Ritavi, Limpopo, has started a major search for two suspects following a serious crime spree that included business robberies, attempted burglary, and murder at three local schools during the early hours of Sunday, 28 September. During the initial response, officers found one man, aged 36, who is believed to be one of the suspects, dead at the scene from a fatal gunshot wound.

Key incident details

• Date and Time: The incidents occurred during the early hours of Sunday, 28 September (28/09).
• Location: Three different schools located within the Ritavi local policing area in Limpopo province.
• Crimes Reported: The police are investigating charges of business robberies, attempted burglary, and murder.
• Police Involvement: The manhunt is being led by SAPS Ritavi, operating under the #sapsLIM designation.
• Casualties: A 36-year-old male suspect was found deceased at one of the locations, having suffered a fatal gunshot wound.
• Current Status: The police are actively searching for two remaining suspects who fled the scene.

Full story summary

The community in Ritavi has been shocked by a wave of violent crime directed at local educational facilities. On Sunday, 28 September, police were alerted after incidents involving break-ins and theft at three different schools in the area. These crimes, classified as business robberies due to the nature of the institutions, involved the suspects targeting school property.

The situation escalated into a murder investigation when responding officers found a 36-year-old man lifeless with a gunshot injury. It is strongly believed that this deceased individual was part of the group committing the crimes. The discovery of the body has turned the investigation into a dual effort—to understand the circumstances surrounding the death of the 36-year-old man and to trace the two other suspects who managed to escape capture.

The SAPS Ritavi has confirmed that extensive resources have been deployed to track down the remaining individuals responsible for these attacks on community institutions. The police are urging anyone with information related to these crimes or the whereabouts of the two suspects to come forward immediately to help secure the arrests and bring closure to the matter. More details about this ongoing investigation can be found on the official SA Police Service update here.

Community questions and answers

• Q: Are the schools safe for learners now, following these attacks?

  A: The SAPS confirms that the crime scenes have been secured and the investigation is ongoing. While a manhunt is active for the remaining two suspects, police patrols in the area may be increased to ensure the safety and security of the schools and surrounding community.

• Q: Was the 36-year-old man who died a teacher or a staff member at the school?

  A: No, the police have identified the 36-year-old male as a suspect who was allegedly involved in the business robberies and attempted burglary at the schools.

• Q: What kind of property were the suspects trying to steal from the schools?

  A: While the police have not released a detailed list of stolen goods, suspects frequently target electronics, computers, copper wiring, and sometimes valuable kitchen equipment from school premises during robberies.
• Q: How many people are the police currently looking for?

  A: The SAPS Ritavi has launched a manhunt specifically for two outstanding suspects who managed to flee the scene after the incidents.

• Q: What is the official charge related to the death of the 36-year-old suspect?

  A: The police have opened a case of murder regarding the death of the 36-year-old male, which is being investigated alongside the cases of business robbery and attempted burglary.

• Q: If I have information about the two suspects, who should I contact?

  A: Members of the community are strongly encouraged to contact the nearest police station or use the official SAPS Crime Stop number to provide anonymous tips that could help with the arrests.

• Q: Where can I find more news stories like this about safety in the area?

  A: You can often find updates and similar news reports regarding community safety and police operations by checking local news sources, such as reports available at Thohoyandou News.