Three men were shot and killed in Siyahlala, Browns Farm, on yesterday morning following what police say was a suspected hijacking that ended in a deadly ambush.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), two men were hijacked at gunpoint while travelling in a light delivery vehicle in Nyanga on Thursday, 26 June. The suspects allegedly forced the victims into the back of the vehicle before driving off.
As the vehicle reached the intersection of Sheffield and Moonwood Roads in Browns Farm, it came under heavy gunfire from unknown attackers. The shooting left three of the alleged hijackers dead at the scene. Their identities and ages have not yet been confirmed.
SAPS confirmed that officers have been deployed in the area until further notice.
Detectives from the provincial serious and violent crime unit are spearheading the investigation and are currently following all leads. The motive for the killings remains unclear, and police are exploring all possible scenarios, including the possibility of vigilante retaliation or organised crime.
“No protest action has taken place, and we want to ensure the community remains calm,” said CPF secretary Dumisani Qwebe.
“People in Browns Farm know each other, and we urge anyone with information about what happened to come forward. This kind of violence cannot go unchallenged.”
Authoroties are appealing to the public to share any information that could help trace those responsible. Tip offs can be reported anonymously via Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or the MySAPS mobile app.The investigation is ongoing.
