TWEELING – The four victims killed during a deadly shooting on the Free State’s R26 road have been positively identified as Lesotho nationals, the Free State police confirmed. The fifth victim, who survived the attack, is still hospitalised, receiving treatment for multiple gunshot wounds to the upper body and legs.
Sergeant Josephine Rani, provincial spokesperson for the police, said the deceased were positively identified by their next of kin yesterday – Tuesday, 19 May, following the shooting that occurred in the early evening last Thursday, 15 May. The victims include three men and a woman. They are Lekiba Likhetho (24), Rebone Moeketsi (26), Pule Latela (32), and Tshepang Cecilia Letsoha (27).
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The victims were killed execution-style near the Perdehoek Farm, which is located along the R26 road, about 8km from the town of Tweeling.
Rani said the Free State Murder and Robbery Unit continues with investigations into the incident, the motive behind it and the search for six unknown armed assailants involved in the shooting. “No arrests have been made at this stage, and investigations are ongoing,” said Rani. Police have registered four counts of murder and one of attempted murder.
Police reported that four victims succumbed to gunshot wounds at the scene while the fifth was rushed to a nearby hospital with in critical condition. The assailants reportedly fled in two cars, a green Mercedes-Benz and a Honda Fit. Police said the victims were also travelling in a Honda Fit and that all three vehicles had Lesotho registration plates.
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 0860 010 111.
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