The two victims of a horrifying shooting incident in Thaba Nchu are fighting for their lives at a local hospital. Three other victims died on Sunday (02/04) after gunmen ambushed them in front of a guesthouse situated in Govan Mbeki Street (formerly Jan van Riebeeck).
The Thaba Nchu police have launched a manhunt for the armed suspects responsible for the senseless killing which has sent shock waves through Thaba Nchu.
Lt. Col Thabo Covane, spokesperson of the police in the Mangaung Metro, said the two survivors were under police guard. He said the identities of the three victims who died after the gruesome attack were yet to be identified. The three succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained during the shooting incident.
Covane said a White Ford Ranger, in which the victims were travelling, was positively identified as belonging to one of the 14 occupants of the vehicle.
He said according to information received, the occupants include six males and eight females.
“All victims are between the ages of 18 and 23 years. Several 9 mm cartridges were collected as evidence from the crime scene,” said Covane.
He said the motive for the shooting is part of the investigation launched by the police.
“A murder docket with three counts and other attempted murder cases were opened at the Thaba Nchu police station for further investigation,” said Covane.
He said the crew travelling in the Ford Ranger was about to drop one of the males at the guesthouse when they were ambushed by armed suspects who were travelling in a White Volkswagen Polo.
“While waiting by the gate, the Polo stopped behind the Ford Ranger and one male wearing a white top and headdress jumped off of the Polo and started shooting at the victims sitting at the back. Thereafter, he fled the scene,” said Covane.
