GQEBERHA – An accused (36) is expected to appear before the Motherwell Magistrate’s Court today, 31 July, on charges of murder, carjacking, and the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition following a fatal shooting in Motherwell.
According to SAPS spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg, the case stems from a carjacking reported at Ikamvelihle SAPS on Monday, 27 July, at approximately 14:20.
“It is alleged that the victim had stopped in Mkombe Street, NU1, Motherwell, while conducting work in the area when he was approached by two unknown armed men,” she said. “The suspects allegedly threatened the victim with a firearm and demanded the keys to his white Suzuki Celerio.”
Janse van Rensburg added that they fled the scene with the vehicle, an Acer laptop, bedding, boots, and a .22 calibre revolver that was inside the vehicle.
“During the evening of Monday, 27 July, at approximately 23:50, police responded to a complaint of a shooting at Mbila Street, NU4, Motherwell,” she said. “Upon arrival, members found a revolver and a set of vehicle keys inside the premises.”
She also stated that the 22-year-old victim had already been transported to hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
“While police were processing the scene, information was received that a 36-year-old suspect had handed himself over to Motherwell SAPS,” she said.
Janse van Rensburg added that preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly used the revolver that had been stolen during the earlier carjacking.
“It is further alleged that the firearm discharged while he was handling it, fatally wounding his 22-year-old niece,” she said. “Police also recovered the hijacked Suzuki Celerio, which had been abandoned in Motherwell. The revolver and vehicle keys were seized as evidence.”
Janse van Rensburg added that the investigation is continuing, and detectives are working to determine the full circumstances surrounding both incidents, including tracing the second suspect involved in the carjacking.
The suspect is expected to appear in the Motherwell Magistrate’s Court today, 31 July.
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