By Staff Reporter
PHALABORWA – A 32-year-old man suspected of being involved in a tender scam was shot dead during a confrontation with police at Foskor Mine on the morning of Friday, 16 May 2025.
According to police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the incident unfolded around 08:45 when a team of detectives—three from Limpopo and one from Gauteng—arrived at the mine as part of an ongoing fraud investigation linked to a case opened in Thohoyandou earlier this month.
The suspect was allegedly attempting to defraud the same victim for a second time, this time through a fraudulent laboratory services tender.
Detectives approached the suspect, who was reportedly preparing to hand over documents when he suddenly fled on foot.
As officers gave chase, a warning shot was fired when the suspect attempted to scale a security fence. Unable to climb over, the suspect allegedly turned back and grabbed the firearm of one of the officers. During the ensuing struggle, the firearm discharged, fatally wounding the suspect.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene. He was reportedly wearing a contractor’s uniform at the time.
Crime scene experts collected evidence from the Foskor Mine main gate, and two firearms have been seized as part of the investigation. While the suspect’s identity is known to the police, it has not been publicly released pending further inquiry.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has been notified and will conduct a full investigation into the circumstances of the fatal shooting.
