By Everson Luhanga
Two people were shot dead in their vehicle in Braamfontein on Thursday afternoon and two students were hit in the crossfire. One student died at the scene.
The two men are believed to be taxi owners who had come from a meeting in Newtown and were headed for Fourways. As they parked along Jorissen Street in Braamfontein opposite Rosebank College, just before the famous Nelson Mandela Bridge, a group of men in a Toyota Fortuna started shooting at them. The targets in their charcoal BMW 3 series shot back.
Two students who were on a bus parked across the road were hit in the crossfire. One student died instantly and the other student was rushed to hospital in critical condition.
Sources who spoke to Scrolla.Africa at the scene said that the men killed in the BMW were taxi owners and that the shooting could be related to a dispute about taxi routes.
When Scrolla.Africa arrived many students were still in shock at having witnessed the fatal shootings, some describing it as similar to scenes from a movie.
“The gunshots went on and on and on,” said one student who didn’t want to be named. “Soon, we saw a man from the front seat, who was also shooting, falling over the window of the vehicle. We all ran for cover as it seemed a very dangerous scenario.”
The visibly traumatised bus driver was sitting in a police van.
The scene was chaotic as curious students and passers-by wanted to come close to see the deceased. But the scene was cordoned off and well-managed by the authorities.
Wits University released an internal statement addressing the shootout, including the assertion that “No Wits students or staff have been injured during the shooting”.
Gauteng provincial police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed the incident.
She said unknown suspects shot the two men.
“Both the men in the vehicle and one student were declared dead while the other student was taken to the nearest hospital for medical treatment.
“The motive of the shooting is subject to police investigation and two cases of murder and one of attempted murder have been opened. No one has been arrested.”
Police are appealing to anyone who may have information that can assist with their investigation or tracing of the suspects to contact the Crime Stop Line at 08600 10111 or report anonymous tip-offs on MySapsApp.
Pictured above: The scene of the crime.
Image source: Everson Luhanga
