An Ndwedwe couple were killed in a hail of bullets while seated in their white Ford Ranger bakkie during the early hours of Monday morning.
According to reports from Prem Balram of Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), local residents made frantic calls to report multiple gunshots ringing out in their neighbourhood.
Reaction officers were dispatched to the scene, he said, and on arrival found the bodies of a man and woman inside a white Ford Ranger bakkie.
“The vehicle bore the grim evidence of multiple gunshots, likely from a high-caliber weapon. At this time, the motive behind this double homicide remains unconfirmed,” said Mr Balram.
Provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nqobile Gwala confirmed that the Ndwedwe police have initiated an investigation into this double murder.
“The exact reason behind this ruthless attack is still a mystery. We are investigating,” said Lieutenant Colonel Gwala.
He expressed concern over the increase in shootings in the province in the recent few weeks.
Criminologist, Professor Witness Maluleke said there was growing concern around the increase in gun violence in the province.
“The province has long borne the unfortunate reputation of being a hub for gun violence, with no signs of it abating. This surge now could be as a result of many factors, including lawlessness and the easy accessibility of dangerous weapons. There is an urgent need for action to address these issues in an attempt to gain control over the violence in the area,” said Professor Maluleke.
