A 35-year-old Zimbabwean man was shot dead by police in South Africa recently after he allegedly broke into a shop at Tshilamba Shopping Center in Limpopo province.
Munyaradzi Mambowa, an illegal immigrant, was found inside a store early in the morning by the shop owner who then immediately alerted the police.
A witness was quoted as saying the suspect had gained entrance to the store by cutting a hole in the roof. Said the witness:
He used the same hole to escape but together with the police we chased him.
The suspect charged at the police using an iron and the police fired a warning shot but he continued. That is when he was shot.
In a statement, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said the man was shot after he attempted to attack police officers.
The shop owner Gizamo Fitamo Hadero said the suspect had managed to steal R3 700 from the safe. Said Hadero:
When I opened the shop, I saw him charging at me slowly. That is when I retreated, closed the door and immediately called the police because he was heavily built.
More: NewZimbabwe.com