eThekwini Municipality Employee Gunned Down in Suspected Targeted Attack
A 51-year-old employee of the eThekwini Municipality was shot dead on Thursday evening in what authorities believe may have been a planned ambush in Mhlasini, KwaZulu-Natal.
The victim was driving home when he was attacked by gunmen.
Gunmen Open Fire on Moving Vehicle
The attack took place shortly before 7 p.m. as the victim was driving a blue Hyundai i10 towards his home. According to IOL, Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) Operations Centre received multiple distress calls reporting gunfire at the corner of Hazelmere Drive and Quarry Road in Redcliffe.
Reaction Officers and paramedics were dispatched immediately and arrived to find the driver slumped lifeless behind the wheel.
“He was shot multiple times and demised prior to the arrival of first responders,” RUSA confirmed in a statement.
Also Read: Ekurhuleni Municipality Senior Auditor Mpho Mafole Gunned Down in Kempton Park
Two Passengers Injured
Police said the victim had been accompanied by his 32-year-old girlfriend and a male colleague. Both passengers were also shot at during the attack.
The woman sustained a gunshot wound to her lower back, while the man was grazed by a bullet. Despite their injuries, both managed to escape the vehicle and flee on foot.
Attackers Escape on Foot
According to preliminary reports, three armed men had been standing by the roadside and allegedly opened fire as the car approached. Witnesses said the attackers continued shooting at the driver after he had been struck and advanced towards the vehicle before fleeing in an unknown direction.
RUSA officers recovered thirteen spent 9mm cartridges scattered around the crime scene.
Investigation Underway
Police spokesperson Constable Thenjiswa Ngcobo confirmed that Verulam police have opened a murder case and two counts of attempted murder.
“The motive for the killing is unknown,” Ngcobo said.
Authorities have urged anyone with information about the suspects to come forward as investigations continue.