NELSPRUIT – Police in Mpumalanga are looking for suspects who shot and killed a 57 year old man, who was previously arrested on several allegations related to rhino poaching cases which are currently before the High Court. The man’s killing occurred earlier today, 17 June 2021 at Hazyview.

The deceased was sitting in his Ford Ranger doublecab bakkie next to a shopping complex, when a group of about three armed suspects, who were driving in a black VW Polo, fired several shots at him and then fled the scene. He was rushed to hospital thereafter, where he later succumbed to the gunshot injuries. During the shooting, a passer-by who is an elderly woman also became a victim of the circumstances as she too, was shot on her lower body but she is currently recuperating in hospital.

The police were notified about the incident where a murder case was opened with an additional charge of attempted murder hence the manhunt. No arrests have been made as yet and the motive for the killing is unknown at this point.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the police in Mpumalanga, Major General Thulani Phahla has strongly condemned the incident and called for the swift arrest of the suspects. “No one has a right to take another person’s life regardless of the reasons. We are optimistic that members of the community will share information with the police so that the perpetrators can be brought to book in an instant,” said General Phahla.

Members of the public are urged to assist with information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via MYSAPSAPP.  All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.

Source: South African Police Service