The driver was killed during an apparent attempted robbery in Bloemfontein’s Hamilton industrial area. The police responded to a shooting at a wholesale premises in Enterprises Street, Hamilton, on Thursday (13/8) at about 20:00.

Free State police spokesperson Lt. Col. Thabo Covane said officers found a white Tata 518C EX truck stationary in the middle of the road.

White SUV

“Inside the vehicle, police discovered the body of a 58-year-old male seated in the driver’s seat, slumped towards the passenger side, with a gunshot wound to the eye.”

The victim and his co-worker had just finished loading the truck for a chicken delivery to Ficksburg when the attack took place. “An unidentified white SUV was spotted parked alongside the truck before occupants inside opened fire on the delivery vehicle.”The driver managed to reverse the truck in an attempt to escape the gunfire before coming to a stop in the middle of the road, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Two males armed with firearms confronted the passenger, demanding the key to the truck’s safe. “The passenger extracted the ignition keys and threw them toward the suspects, and fled the scene to safety.”   

Bullet holes

When the passenger returned to the truck shortly after the suspects fled, he found the driver motionless. “The windshield of the truck sustained at least four bullet holes.

“Emergency medical services were summoned, and the victim was certified dead at the scene.” The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending the notification of next-of-kin.

Police have not confirmed what the attackers took. Anyone who witnessed the incident, noticed the white SUV in the area, or has information that could assist in the arrest of the suspects is urged to contact Lt. Col. Kelaotswe Lebodi on 082 527 6348, Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit an anonymous tip via the MySAPS app.

OFM News/Siyakholwa Mbatyazwa dg

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