Archive photo for illustration purposes only. (Photo: Tania Heyns/Rhewal)
Three men are dead and two are currently fighting for their lives in hospital after a shooting that took place on Sunday at the entrance to a guest house near Bloemfontein, Free State.
According to Lt. Col. Thabo Covane, police spokesperson, stopped a white Ford Ranger bakkie – with 14 occupants, including six men and eight women – at the guest house in Govan Mbeki Street in Thaba Nchu at around 02:00. One man was supposed to be dropped off there.
“The gate of the guest house was closed and while the group was waiting at the gate, a white Volkswagen Polo stopped behind the van,” says Covane.
“A man with a white jacket and headband got out of the car and opened fire on the occupants in the back of the van. He then ran away.”
A security guard informed the police in Thaba Nchu about the incident and officers went to the scene. There they were informed that there were injured people who urgently needed to be taken to the hospital.
“Upon their arrival at the hospital, hospital staff saw that three men were lying lifeless in the back of the van. They suffered gunshot wounds and were pronounced dead.”
Two men were hospitalized in a critical condition.
The victims are between 18 and 23 years old.
The police are investigating three cases of murder and attempted murder. A search for the suspect(s) is underway.
“Cartridge casings from a 9 mm pistol were found at the scene.”
Anyone with more information that could lead to the arrest of the suspect(s) can Capt. Call David Ramasoala of the Mangaung Metro Trio Task Force on 082 468 1624 or Stop Crime on 08600 10111.
