The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has set up a team of investigators to probe the double murder incident which left seven other victims hospitalised in Alexandra near Calcutta this morning, Saturday 23 September 2023 around 02:25.
Police and medical personnel were called to a scene where nine people who were drinking in a certain premises were randomly shot at.
On arrival, two out of the nine victims were certified dead on the scene by paramedics whilst seven others sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to the medical facility for treatment.
Preliminary investigation indicates that unidentified number of gunmen reportedly opened fire on the victims who sustained multiple gunshot wounds. It is further said that one of the victims was fatally shot whilst inside the car though the other victim who died also, was found lying on the ground. The injured seven victims were found scattered around the said premises.
The motive for the shooting is currently unknown.
Preliminary investigation suggests that high calibre firearms could have been part of the weapons used by the suspects during the shooting incident. Some items which include 08 empty cartridges for a riffle, 06 empty cartridges for a 9 mm pistol were found at the scene. These items were confiscated for further investigation. These items were seized and will form part of the probe. The investigation cannot ignore and will also focus on allegations that the premises could have been possibly used for liquor trade.
No one has been arrested so far however Police urge anyone with information that may assist in apprehending the suspects to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via MySAPS App. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has strongly condemned the senseless killing. “We cannot allow such incidents to occur unabated. The members are working around the clock to ensure that perpetrators thereof are soon brought to book,” said the General.
