TWEELING – Four people were killed and one was hospitalised 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 six unknown armed assailants as part of an investigation into the fatal shooting and the motive thereof. Police confirmed that four counts of murder and one attempted murder have been registered.

“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 the victims’ and assailants’ vehicles had Lesotho registration number plates. The assailants were travelling in two cars, a green Mercedes-Benz and a Honda Fit while the victims were driving in a white Honda Fit.

The police have yet to confirm the country of origin of the victims and the identities of the four deceased. Covane said the victims were ambushed near the Perdehoek Farm, which is located along the R26 road, about 8km from the town of Tweeling.

“According to the preliminary findings, the assailants were travelling in two cars, a green Mercedes-Benz and a Honda Fit. The Mercedes-Benz stopped in front of the victims’ vehicle while the other Honda Fit stopped behind. Approximately six armed suspects allegedly got out of the two vehicles and opened fire on the occupants of the accosted Honda Fit, killing four victims,” said Covane. He said the survivor sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the upper body and legs, adding that 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. Sandile 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