Police probe suspected hit as 3 die in Ekurhuleni township drive-by shooting
Three men were killed and a teenager was injured near a filling station in what authorities believe was a targeted attack on taxi drivers.
Three men were shot dead and a teenage boy was injured during a shooting at the corner of Koppie Motebang and Eiselen streets, near a filling station in Etwatwa, a township about 20km away from Benoni, yesterday.
Benoni City Times reports that the incident, which occurred at about 17:30, claimed the lives of two taxi drivers from the Benoni Taxi Association (BTA), as well as a third man believed to be one of the gunmen.
Scene and initial response
According to Etwatwa SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Barbra Ndaba, officers arrived at the scene to find a large group of community members gathered and two bodies lying on the ground, surrounded by numerous spent cartridges. A third body was discovered a few metres away next to a danger box.
“It is alleged that a white BMW with four unknown male occupants stopped at the scene. One of the suspects got out of the vehicle armed with a rifle and began shooting,” said Ndaba.
Sequence of events
Police believe the gunman walked directly towards a gold Toyota Corolla and opened fire on two men inside the vehicle. A teenage boy who was standing nearby was also struck during the shooting.
Ndaba said it is alleged that both BTA members managed to exit the vehicle. One fell down, while the other allegedly drew a firearm and shot the suspected hitman, who also fell to the ground.
“The other suspects who were in the BMW then got out and started shooting at the BTA member who was running away. He fell down a few metres from the scene, and they took his firearm,” Ndaba said.
It is alleged that the suspects walked back to where their accomplice was lying injured, took his rifle and shot him before fleeing the scene.
Investigation continues
Police confirmed that 42 cartridges were recovered at the scene.
The injured teenage boy was transported to hospital by ambulance for medical treatment. No arrests have been made. Police are investigating three cases of murder and one of attempted murder.
Anyone with information about the whereabouts of the suspects can contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
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