The Calcutta policing precinct has been blighted by a surge in fatal shootings, with the latest incident bringing the recent total to a staggering 27.

In an incident on Saturday afternoon, September 6, two more people were shot and killed, while a third escaped with gunshot wounds.

The Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, said the SAPS found a white Toyota Avanza after it crashed into a tree and came to a stop in someone’s yard. It was riddled with bullet holes.

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“Inside the car, they found the driver and a passenger with multiple gunshot wounds. They were declared dead at the scene,” said Mdhluli. The third victim escaped and has not been found by the time of going to press.

The preliminary investigation indicates that the victims were being followed by another similar vehicle from which shots were fired.

The driver lost control, resulting in the crash. The missing victim fled the scene, while the suspects fired more shots at the other two occupants before fleeing themselves.

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The investigation is ongoing, and no arrests have been made yet.

Police are urging anyone with information to contact the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or to use the My SAPS app. It has been confirmed that no bystanders were injured during the shooting.

The deceased had been identified as Lungile Maphanga and Dione Zitha, both from Marite. Funeral arrangements will be made once the bodies had been released from the government mortuary.

This latest incident highlights a disturbing trend of gun violence in the area.

Over the past two years, at least 25 people had been shot and killed across various locations within the Calcutta policing precinct.

These deaths include prominent figures such as Chief Clyde Mnisi, his two brothers, wife and a ward councillor shot while watching soccer. Three more men were also recently killed in Mkhuhlu.