Three victims of a horrifying shooting incident in Thaba Nchu have been identified by their next of kin, while two survivors remain in a local hospital under police guard. The deceased are Lehlohonolo Mosaqa (19), Lebogang Finger (18) and Bongani Maotoane (21).
The five were attacked by unidentified armed men on 2 April. The victims were part of a larger group of six men and eight women travelling in a white Ford Ranger bakkie.
Police claim armed assailants ambushed the group in front of a guesthouse in Govan Mbeki Street (formerly Jan van Riebeeck). Lt. Col Thabo Covane, spokesperson for the police in the Mangaung Metro, said the police have yet to make a breakthrough in the case. The senseless killing has sent shock waves through Thaba Nchu.
Covane said a white Ford Ranger was positively identified as belonging to one of the 14 occupants of the vehicle. He said the motive for the shooting was part of the investigation launched by the police.
Covane said several 9 mm firearm cartridges were collected as evidence from the crime scene.
