NELSPRUIT: 13 February 2021 – Police in Mpumalanga have launched a manhunt for suspect(s) after two taxi owners were targeted at Barberton in the evening of Thursday, 12 February 2021; an unfortunate incident that culminated in the fatal shooting of a 34-year-old man.
According to the reports, on the said date, a taxi owner parked his Toyota Quantum that he was driving at the house of a certain motor mechanic and when he alighted, an armed man emerged out of nowhere. Without uttering a word, the gun-wielding man fired a shot aimed at the victim and thereafter fled the scene.
Police as well as paramedics were notified about the incident and upon arrival, the victim was unfortunately certified dead at the scene. A murder case was then opened hence the manhunt. The motive for the killing is unknown at this stage. However, police are currently requesting Mr Andries Mdluli whom they believe can be of assistance in this investigation to contact the Investigation Officer as urgently as possible, or anyone who may know about Mr Mdluli’s whereabouts to also contact the police.
Meanwhile, in another seperate but similar incident which also took place at Barberton on the same evening, Thursday, 11 February 2021, a taxi owner’s family came under attack when suspect(s) opened fire at the man’s house but fortunately, no one was injured during the incident.
Police were informed about this and a case of attempted murder was opened. Preliminary investigation suggests that the suspect(s) was/were targeting the taxi owner who was not at home at the time of the incident.
Police urge anyone with information that can assist in apprehending the suspects to call Captain Jabulane Mashiane at 0823739097.
