Mpumalanga police are on the hunt for three suspects who shot and killed an ANC councillor and two other people in Piet Retief on Friday evening.
The councillor, identified by police as Sbonelo Mthembu, 36, his mechanic and a friend were shot dead by three men in Mkhondo on Friday night, shorty after Mthembu and the mechanic were dropped off by a friend who was driving a bakkie.
According to the police, three armed men appeared on the private premises and started firing multiple shots at the councillor and also fatally shot the friend who was still inside his bakkie.
“The mechanic did not escape the shooting as he was shot by the same suspects whilst in the yard as well. Thereafter, the three suspects fled in an unknown direction,” police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli said.
He said the police in Piet Retief as well as the paramedics were informed about the incident while the councillor and his mechanic were privately taken to a nearby hospital.
“The mechanic was unfortunately certified dead on arrival, meanwhile, the councillor succumbed to his injuries moments later.
“When police and medical practitioners arrived at the scene, they found a male victim lying motionless behind a steering wheel of a white bakkie with a gunshot wound. The paramedics certified him dead at the scene,” Mdhluli said.
A case of three counts of murder was opened and the suspects are still at large.
“Police urged anyone with information that may assist in apprehending the perpetrators to call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or send information via MYSAPS App. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.”
Source: News24, IOL, Times Live, Eyewitness News, image from Twitter: @TheTruthPanther