No one has been arrested yet following the incident on Thursday (14/5) in which four Lesotho nationals died after being allegedly attacked by armed suspects. Police said the motive behind the shooting is still unknown. 

The suspects fled the scene in a green Mercedes-Benz and a white Honda with Lesotho number plates. The victims were travelling in a white Honda Fit, also referred to as a Honda Jazz, with Lesotho number plates when ambushed by the armed suspects.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect’s vehicle allegedly stopped in front of the victims’ vehicle while another Honda Fit pulled up behind them. About six armed suspects reportedly exited the two vehicles and opened fire on the occupants of the Honda Fit.

“The Free State murder and robbery unit continues to investigate the fatal shooting incident,” said police spokesperson Josephine Rani. “No arrests have been made at this stage, and investigations are ongoing.

“The deceased have been positively identified by their next of kin as Lekiba Likhetho, 24, Rebone Moeketsi, 26, Pule Latela, 32, and Tshepang Letsoha, 27. 

‘Four victims were found fatally shot’

“All four deceased are Kingdom of Lesotho nationals. The surviving victim remains in the hospital receiving medical treatment.”

The attack took place near Perdehoek farm along the R26 Road, about 8km outside Tweeling. Upon police arrival at the scene, four victims were found fatally shot, she said.

Meanwhile, three suspects will appear in the Reitz Magistrate’s Court soon on charges of attempted murder, pointing a firearm, and common assault after a shooting incident in Reitz.

The suspects allegedly came from a local hangout spot on Monday (18/5). They allegedly arrived at a certain house where they woke the owner by kicking the door and demanding the whereabouts of another person with whom they had previously argued. 

“The suspects allegedly threatened to kill him,” said Mophiring. “The victim was allegedly assaulted, and one of the suspects fired a shot at him, but missed.

“The suspects allegedly caught the victim and took him to another house, where they also pointed a firearm at a second victim before leaving the scene on foot.”

OFM News/Zenande Mpame mvh

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