The Mangaung Metro Police in Kopanong have launched a manhunt for three suspects involved in the brutal murder of a 51-year-old man from Grassland, Bloemspruit. A murder case was registered at the Kopanong Police Station on Sunday, 28 September 2025.
The grim discovery was made after police responded to a reported shooting on a street in the Freedom Square area in the early hours of the morning. Preliminary reports from witnesses indicate that the victim was shot at approximately 04:00 while seated inside a white Toyota Vitz. He was reportedly in the company of the three suspects when the gunfire erupted.
Upon arrival, officers found the deceased slumped behind the steering wheel. He had sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the back of his head. The victim was rushed to a local hospital, where he was officially declared dead.
The three suspects, described as one wearing black clothing with a balaclava, another in a grey or white jacket, and the third in a brown jacket, were seen fleeing the scene on foot towards George Lubbe Street.
Crime scene experts processed the area and collected two spent cartridges as evidence. Further investigation into the vehicle revealed that the white Toyota Vitz was registered to a rental car company based in Kempton Park.
Authorities are appealing to anyone with information that could lead to the identification and arrest of the suspects to come forward. The lead investigator, Lieutenant Colonel Sias Smit, can be contacted directly at 063 692 1196.
Information can also be submitted anonymously via the MySAPS App or by calling the SAPS Crime Stop number at 08600 10111.