Tow truck driver shot dead in Katlehong

A 40-year-old female tow truck driver was shot dead and two other women sustained gunshot wounds after they were attacked by three unknown men along Motloung Road next to the bridge, on June 17.

The driver was shot several times on her upper body. She was certified dead on the scene while the other women were taken to a nearby hospital.

Nelisiwe Ngobese (34) and Nonceba Motloung (24) were left injured and traumatised.

Ngobese was shot in her left knee while Motloung sustained a gunshot wound on her chest.

According to Ngobese, the driver, who is a friend, received a call for help. A client wanted assistance to pull their white BMW out of a river at Vlakplaats Street next to Mohlakeng Hardware.

She said when the call came in they were just relaxing and the driver asked them to accompany her. They agreed thinking they would be done in one or two hours.

She explained that there were three drivers and tow trucks parked on the road at the scene and approximately four to five people from the white BMW was involved in an accident.

“It took about five hours to pull the car out. While they were busy a man driving a BMW approached us demanding space to pass,” she said.

He asked the tow truck driver why they were blocking the road. They explained there was an accident and they were assisting the victims.

“He got out of his car and assaulted one of the drivers. They started to fight. I think he was drunk because everyone who came before him was understanding and they used alternative roads,” she said.

“The drivers retaliated and fought back and that is when the man drove off. He left for an hour or two and returned with his two friends.

“The friends walked to the tow truck I was sitting in and asked if we saw a man being assaulted. I opened the door to tell them the drivers are at the back and closed the door again,” she added.

She said all three men were armed with firearms.

“They started shooting when they saw the drivers. They shot me first on my left knee and the other lady. The drivers and clients were already running for their safety. I saw the men chasing and shooting her,” said Ngobese.

Motloung was unable to talk to Kathorus Mail as she was still in pain. She is receiving treatment at a hospital.
Ngobese is worried about her ability to walk again as she said the bullet has not been removed from her leg.

She said this incident has caused a lot of stress for her family, especially her two children, aged three and 12, and her sister who is disabled.

Katlehong South SAPS media liaison Capt Mega Ndobe said the police found several 9mm pistol cartridges on the scene.

Ndobe said a case of murder and attempted murder will be opened for investigation.

Katlehong station commander Brig Albertina Vesi is concerned about the road rage fight. She is pleading to motorists to be extra patient.

“No one has the right to assault or kill another person. Katlehong police will take this seriously and make sure that the suspect is brought to book,” said Vesi.

Anyone with information that can assist to find the suspects can call the local police station on 08600 10111 or make use of MySapsApp.