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The South African Police Service led to the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of a stolen luxury vehicle following a shootout along the N1 in Botlokwa, Limpopo on 21 August 2025.
A police officer has been wounded in a shootout with suspected car thieves in Botlokwa in Limpopo. The wounded officer has been hospitalised.
The incident happened on Thursday but has only now come to light.
Police Spokesperson Hlulani Mashaba says the officers were stopping two suspected stolen vehicles when the suspects opened fire on them.
Police say the vehicles, reported stolen in Gauteng, were allegedly destined for Zimbabwe.
The driver and occupants of one of the cars were able to flee in the vehicle.
Mashaba says the arrested suspects will face charges of attempted murder and alleged possession of a suspected stolen vehicle when they appear in court next week.
“A tactical team was deployed and intercepted the vehicles near Botlokwa in the Capricorn District. As police attempted to stop them, the occupants of the Audi opened fire, sparking a shootout in which one police officer was wounded. Despite coming under attack, the joint team displayed bravery and professionalism, continuing the operation under life-threatening conditions,” Mashaba says.
#sapsLIM A high-risk joint operation conducted by the South African Police Service led to the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of a stolen luxury vehicle following a shootout along the N1 in Botlokwa, Limpopo on 21/08. One police officer was wounded during the incident.… pic.twitter.com/cyH9NwHQ5l
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) August 22, 2025
