South African police have announced the death of a 38-year-old Malawian truck driver who was recently shot in the head by two armed robbers near the country’s border with Zimbabwe.
Robert Sakala was waiting for his chance to pass through the South African border along the N1 highway when he was shot by two unknown gunmen on 29 March.
Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said Sakala succumbed to the wounds on Friday afternoon at Polokwane General Hospital.
No arrests have been made in connection with the murder yet. Brigadier Mojapelo said:
The truck driver succumbed to gunshot injuries in a Polokwane hospital on Friday afternoon. The case has now been changed from attempted murder to murder.
Robert Sakala (38), was a driver of a white Power Star truck with registration numbers JB 21 XJ GP.
The police in Musina are investigating the matter and are appealing for information that may assist in tracing the two suspects who allegedly shot the truck driver and robbed him of an undisclosed amount of money as well as a cell phone along the N1 road next to the weighbridge.
Brigadier Mojapelo said the two men, one armed with a firearm, allegedly arrived at the truck and suddenly demanded money from Sakala.
He said the robbers then shot and robbed him, and thereafter fled into the bushes.
The now-deceased was initially taken to Musina hospital for medical treatment. Later, he was transferred to Polokwane for further management.