The Virginia police have launched an extensive manhunt after the bodies of five suspected illegal miners were discovered in Virginia.
“It was reported to the police that five people were fatally wounded in a shooting that occurred around 12:00 midday in Virginia on the Central Plant mine grounds. The motive of the shooting is unknown, and the suspects fled the scene and are on the loose,” says Capt. Stephen Thakeng, media liaison officer of the Lejweleputswa police.
Thakeng says a shepherd told a man from Thabong who was looking for his brother that there were bodies on the mine premises. When the man went to look, he found the five bodies. The deceased had been shot execution style in the back of their heads.
The man showed the Virginia police on a map where the bodies could be found.
“The victims were allegedly shot elsewhere and dumped at the mine. A Mozambique national was identified as one of the five by his brother, who lives in Thabong,” says Thakeng.
Five murder cases have been registered for further investigation.
Anyone with information that can assist the police to trace the suspects, and also the relatives of the deceased, must contact Det. Capt. Amos Mlangeni of the Virginia Detective Services on 082-445-6050, or Crime Stop number 08600-10111.
