Police and forensic personnel attended to the shooting incident in Ramatsoele Street. Free State police spokesperson Lt. Col. Thabo Covane said police received a complaint through radio control at around 08:50 and arrived at the scene at approximately 09:00. He said a witness, who was alone in a yard at the time, allegedly heard gunshots coming from upstairs.

When the witness went outside to investigate, he reportedly saw a man jumping into a white hatchback motor before fleeing the scene. Emergency medical services personnel and ER24 were called to the scene, where the brothers, Keabecoe and Kegomodicoe Lekone, were declared dead.

Their deaths have prompted mixed reactions on social media. Family members have expressed their grief over the sudden loss of the twins. In a statement announcing their deaths, the family said the brothers came into the world together and left their family together.

“This loss is sudden and unexpected, and has left a void in our hearts that words cannot fill. As we grief this immense double loss and come to terms with circumstances surrounding their passing, we respectfully ask for privacy for the family at this time,” the family wrote.

The brothers were previously arrested following a high-profile shooting in August 2008 outside their establishment, eKhayeni Pub and Grill, in Bloemfontein. The incident reportedly resulted in the death of Lehlohonolo Seqhee, who was serving as a bodyguard to the then Free State MEC for police, roads and transport Seiso Mohai.

According to an earlier report by Free State Weekly, the Lekone twins were arrested and faced several charges, including murder, theft, perjury, and defeating the ends of justice. However, the court acquitted them in 2012.

Police have yet to release further details about the motive for the recent shooting or the identity of the suspected shooter as investigations continue. The memorial service of the Lekone brothers will take place at their eKhayeni establishment at 12:00.

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