Police hunt armed suspects following murder and vehicle theft 

Rustenburg/ Boitekong – Police in Boitekong have launched an urgent manhunt for four armed suspects following a fatal shooting and vehicle theft that occurred during the early hours of Wednesday, 8 October 2025, in Damooiview, Boitekong. According to SAPS spokesperson sergeant Ofentse Mokgadi, officers responded to reports of gunfire at around 00:45. On arrival, they discovered the lifeless body of Machipisa Zacarias Maphossa (37), a Mozambican national, lying outside his yard with multiple gunshot wounds to the upper body and head.

Preliminary reports indicate that four masked men approached Maphossa before opening fire and fleeing the scene with his metallic brown Toyota Hilux GD-6 (registration KZR 338 NW) and a cellphone. His wife, who was inside the house at the time, confirmed that the attackers were armed and wearing balaclavas and gloves.

Later that morning, at approximately 09:30, the stolen vehicle was found abandoned in bushes near a dumping site in Kanana. Spent bullet cartridges were also recovered at the crime scene.

Brigadier Mamotsamai Ntoagae, acting district commissioner of Bojanala Platinum Sub-District 2, condemned the brutal attack.

Police investigations are ongoing. Anyone with information should please contact detective constable Motlodiwa De Huis of Boitekong SAPS on 082 416 3457, or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Information may also be shared anonymously via the MySAPS App.