Retired police officer shot dead in North West

A R100 000 reward is being offered by North West police in the hunt for gunmen who shot dead a retired warrant officer.

Johannes Butiki Shaba, 57, was killed on 2 May 2022.

He was reportedly shot dead by four assailants in Mogwase.

Shaba had been in a Toyota Hilux Legend 50 bakkie that night, accompanying a friend who was visiting a tenant in Unit 5, said police spokesperson Colonel Adéle Myburgh.

"Upon returning to his vehicle, Shaba's friend was confronted by a suspect, who demanded his car keys. The suspect assaulted him. Shaba came to his aid," she added.

"Unfortunately, he was shot twice by the suspects, who fled the scene in the hijacked bakkie."

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The pair had also been robbed of a 9mm Norinco pistol and cellphone.

"Shaba was rushed to a local clinic, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The vehicle was later found abandoned at Thekwane near Rustenburg," said Myburgh.

Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Sello Kwena urged anyone with information to "come forward to ensure that these ruthless criminals are brought to book and face the full might of the law".