A Limpopo farmer faces attempted murder charges for randomly shooting at a black couple.
Limpopo farmer claims he mistook black couple for hippos
In an interview with Sowetan Live, Piet Lefawane and his girlfriend Linah Motlohelwa recalled the horror they endured on a romantic fishing date, on Tuesday.
The couple was enjoying a fine day out on the banks of Mogal River when, out of the blue, they were struck with gunfire. According to Lefawane, two gunshots rang off and while he was quick to duck for cover, his girlfriend was struck in the left arm.
Thinking fast, Lefawane contacted authorities and informed them of the shooting, allegedly perpetrated by a caucasian man of senior age.
Motlohelwa’s injury was non-life-threatening and as soon as emergency medical officials arrived at the scene, she was whisked away to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The EFF’s Limpopo branch posted this picture of Motlohelwa’s bandaged arm.
📸:A broken arm of Linah Motlohelwa who was shot and injured by a white racist man while fishing. #Justice4LinahMotlohelwa pic.twitter.com/0wqXjpClnQ
— EFF Limpopo Province (@EFF_Limpopo) April 27, 2022
In a statement, police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Maphaswa Seabi confirmed a 77-year-old farmer was, indeed, questioned and while he admitted to being the gunman, he vehemently claimed he was shooting at hippos and monkeys.
The couple has rubbished this claim, categorically making it clear that, at no point, were there any wild animals along the Mogal River at approximately 14:00, around the time the shooting took place.
Limpopo police arrested the farmer and charged him with attempted murder.
“Police seized two rifles, one revolver, one pistol and two airguns during the arrest,” Lt-Col Seabee noted.
The suspect is expected to make his first appearance at the Lephalale Magistrate’s Court, on Thursday.
At the time this article was published, EFF members had held a picket outside court, calling on the State to oppose the farmer’s bail bid.
📸:Fighters and ground forces in Lephalale led by EFF Coordinator in Waterberg Commissar Jeannette Komane are picketing outside the Lephalale Magistrate's Court. #LephalaleRacist pic.twitter.com/puMLhcYjPC
— EFF Limpopo Province (@EFF_Limpopo) April 28, 2022