By Becker Semela:
A tragic shooting took place on Tuesday morning when a 44-year-old man was killed while walking to work with his brother. The incident happened around 7 am at the railway crossing between Heidedal and the East-End industrial area in Bloemfontein.
Police spokesperson, Sergeant Sinah Mpakane, said the two brothers were heading to work when they passed an unknown man standing near the railway line. “As they were about to cross, they passed the suspect, a man wearing a hoodie, standing on the side of the sidewalk. Moments later, the suspect opened fire, shooting the victim in the back. After the victim fell, the suspect shot him twice in the head before fleeing on foot,” Mpakane said.
She said the victim was declared dead at the scene and the police have urged anyone with information to contact Captain JJ Wilson from Heidedal Detectives on 082 455 5968 or 061 501 8007 or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
In the other case, later that same day, police confirmed the arrest of the suspect linked to a girlfriend’s murder, as well as other crimes. The 34-year-old man was arrested in Botshabelo’s G-Section at about 12:25 pm.
According to the police spokesperson. Lieutenant-Colonel Thabo Covane, community members, media, and police worked together to trace the suspect. He was seen leaving his girlfriend’s home with her blue Hyundai Getz. Police also discovered that several electrical appliances had been stolen from the house. He said during the arrest, officers recovered a Sansui television, a Hisense LCD flat-screen TV, a Defy microwave oven and a remote control belonging to the deceased.
“The man is now facing charges of murder, theft of a motor vehicle and theft of general items. The murder is believed to be linked to a domestic violence incident,” Covane said.
Mangaung Metro District Commissioner, Major-General Arthur Peter Adams, used the arrest to send a clear message during Women’s Month. “The barbaric and cold-blooded murderous tendencies of men towards women can and will never be condoned. The levels of male chauvinism and cowardly entitlement that, more often than not, lead to inflicting serious injuries or death on defenceless females are unacceptable,” said Adams.
He described the suspect’s actions as “appalling arrogance,” pointing to a deeper societal problem of gender-based violence. “To kill and then steal from the victim shows the rot that exists in some parts of our society. The SAPS, with all our partners in the criminal justice system, will ensure that the perpetrator pays for his callous deeds,” concluded Adams.
The suspect is expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. Police have urged residents to continue working with law enforcement to ensure that criminals are brought to justice.
The killing has left the community in shock, with many residents expressing sadness and anger over the violence that claimed the life of the 44-year-old victim. – @NewsSA _Online.
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