THREE people appeared in the Motetema magistrate's court on Tuesday for allegedly stealing a police officer's firearm from the scene where he was killed.

Lieutenant Colonel Dimpe Joseph Mokabane, who was attached to the Groblersdal cluster commander's office, was still wearing his uniform when he was allegedly shot dead and his body thrown in the middle of the road. He was subsequently run over by passing vehicles.

The incident happened last Saturday on the road between Maserumule Park and Mamphogo near Motetema, Limpopo.

Police identified the three suspects as Lehutso Dithoto Mashegoana, 40, Alfred Seopela, 39, and Johannes Moraba, 44.

It is alleged that Mashegoana, a chief at Mashegoana village in Sekhukhune, and Seopela stole the officer's firearm from the scene of the crime. The crime allegedly happened at about 1am.

The two have been charged with the theft of the firearm and defeating the ends of justice.

Moraba, according to police, was charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm. The case against the three was postponed to July 26 and they were all remanded in custody.

Lieutenant Colonel Mogale Ramatseba said yesterday no arrest had been made in connection with the death of Mokabane.

"Investigations into the murder of our member are continuing. We hope to arrest the perpetrators soon," he said.

Ramatseba appealed to members of the community who might have information about the murder to contact the nearest police station.

Ramatseba said Mokabane, 49, will be buried at Glen Cowie's New Stand in Nebo on Saturday. The funeral will be led by provincial police commissioner Amon Mashigo.