Ficksburg – Police in the Free State have launched a high-priority manhunt for two suspects following the fatal shooting and robbery of a 39-year-old foreign national in Meqheleng Township, Ficksburg.
According to the South African Police Service, the incident occurred on Thursday evening at about 20:30 at a tuckshop in Katlehong, Meqheleng.
Police said members attached to the Ficksburg Community Service Centre responded to reports of a shooting and found the victim with gunshot wounds to the back of the head and left arm.
“Emergency medical services were on the scene, and paramedics tragically certify the victim deceased,” the police said in a statement.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the deceased had arrived from his business premises in Zone 8 to collect his brother when he was allegedly confronted by two men.
“During the confrontation, a gunshot was heard, and the victim collapsed. The two suspects then fled the scene in the victim’s vehicle, a white Toyota Camry,” SAPS said.
A tactical manhunt was immediately launched, and within minutes members of the Ficksburg Crime Prevention Unit recovered the hijacked vehicle near Melspruit Dam in Ficksburg.
“The Toyota Camry was found abandoned near the Melspruit Dam in Ficksburg with its headlights still switched on,” police said.
Authorities confirmed that cases of murder and robbery with a firearm are under investigation, while the suspects remain at large.
“While the vehicle has been recovered, the suspects remain at large. The manhunt continues as detectives pursue all available leads,” SAPS said.
Police have appealed to members of the public who may have witnessed the incident or noticed suspicious activity near Melspruit Dam to assist with information.
“Ficksburg police appeals to anyone who may have witnessed the incident, noticed suspicious activity near Melspruit Dam, or who may have information regarding the identity of the suspects, to come forward,” the statement added.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
