REITZ – Four people were killed and another is fighting for their life in hospital, after a brazen shooting on the eastern Free State’s R26 road between Tweeling and Reitz last night – Thursday 14 May. The road has since reopened for traffic after it was temporarily closed due to the incident.

The Free State police have launched a full-scale search for unknown armed assailants as part of an investigation into the fatal shooting and the motive thereof.

“Four victims succumbed to gunshot wounds at the scene while the fifth one was rushed to the nearby hospital in critical condition. The deceased include three men and a woman,” said Lt Col Thabo Covane, provincial spokesperson for the police. He said both the victims’ and assailants’ vehicles had Lesotho registration number plates. The police have yet to confirm the country of origin of the victims and the identities of the four deceased.

“According to the preliminary findings, the assailants were driving in a green Mercedes-Benz while the victims were travelling in a white Honda,” said Covane. He said police crime experts began the investigation last night.

The police are appealing for public assistance. Anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the assailants or who knows their whereabouts, is urged to contact investigating officer Capt. Dladla at 082 466 8530. An anonymous tip-off can be submitted on the MySAPS app or by calling the Crime Stop number 08600 10111.

Also read: Significant Free State road, R26 closed temporarily following deadly shooting