A police officer from Orange Farm has been killed in an alleged mining dispute in Limpopo, with police investigating two murder cases following a fatal confrontation at a mine in Ga-Mahlokwane Village.
Sergeant Patrick Mvula Nzapheza (40), attached to the Gauteng Organised Crime Unit, was among two men who allegedly visited the mine claiming to have ownership interests in the operation and a court order instructing the owner to stop mining activities.
According to information provided, Nzapheza and Evans Sadike allegedly claimed to hold a 60% shareholding in the mine and requested a meeting with the owner on Friday, 17 July. They reportedly found security guards at the site and asked them to contact the owner, but the owner did not arrive.
Police said the two men returned to the mine on Tuesday, 21 July, and again requested that the owner be contacted. It is alleged that while they were waiting at the premises, several vehicles arrived and the occupants confronted them, leading to a physical altercation.
During the confrontation, Nzapheza was fatally shot at the scene, while Sadike allegedly sustained injuries and later died upon arrival at Mecklenburg Hospital.
The motive for the attack is believed to be linked to the ongoing dispute over mining operations and ownership claims, although police investigations are continuing.
Limpopo SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba confirmed that two murder cases have been opened and that authorities are searching for the suspects involved.
“We are shocked and deeply saddened by this incident, which has resulted in one of our own losing his life. We condemn this act of violence in the strongest possible terms. All available resources have been mobilised to ensure the speedy apprehension of the perpetrators,” said Mashaba.
Acting Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Major General Jan Scheepers has directed police to use all available resources to trace and arrest those responsible.
Anyone with information that could assist with the investigation is urged to contact Major General Venetia Masingi on 082 040 6751, Crime Stop on 08600 10111, their nearest police station, or the MySAPS App.
