BLOEMFONTEIN – One employee of a private company was killed while the other escaped a brazen attack by heavily armed men in the Hamilton industrial area in Bloemfontein on Thursday 13 August.

The suspects, who are on the run, fatally shot the truck driver while another occupant escaped unharmed from a hail of bullets. The driver reportedly died on the scene. It is believed the unknown suspects attempted to hijack the truck on arrival to deliver stock on the premises in Enterprise Street at about 20:05.

Personnel in a neighboring business said they heard the loud noise of several gun shots and were too scared to go and investigate.

According to an eyewitness, balaclava-wearing men armed with high caliber firearms exited a private sedan, leaving the driver inside. The sedan driver then sped off from the remaining suspects who approached the truck from both sides. Several shots were fired, fatally wounding the truck driver. The armed suspects then fled the scene.

A business owner has expressed grave concern regarding general safety and the risk to continue trading in the industrial area.

The incident was confirmed, however, a formal response from the police was awaited at the time of publication.