Tragic shooting: Mpumalanga man found dead in his bakkie
Police in Calcutta, Mpumalanga, have launched a murder investigation after a 56-year-old man was found shot dead in his bakkie in Tsemamarhumbu.
Provincial police spokesperson, Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe, said the shooting happened not far from his house on Wednesday around 7:30pm.
Nonyane-Mpe said police were conducting routine patrols in the Mkhuhlu area when they received information about a shooting and rushed to the scene.
“On arrival, they found a white Isuzu bakkie with Mpumalanga registration plates riddled with bullet holes, with its rear window also shattered. Inside the vehicle, police discovered the lifeless body of a 56-year-old man,” said Nonyane-Mpe.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the victim had just left his home and was attacked only a few metres from his house. SSpent cartridges from a high-calibre firearm were also recovered at the scene.
Nonyane-Mpe said the motive for the killing is currently unknown and will form part of the ongoing investigation. No arrests have been made.
Police are appealing to anyone with information that may assist in the investigation to contact Detective Lieutenant Colonel Sikhumbuzo Ceko on 082 922 9902, call Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or submit tips via the MySAPS App. All information will be treated as confidential, and callers may remain anonymous.
Meanwhile, the acting provincial police commissioner, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, condemned the attack, describing it as a “senseless and violent act”.
“We are deeply disturbed by this crime. Such criminal behaviour has no place in our communities. We have directed our investigators to work with speed and ensure that those responsible are apprehended,” he said.