Five people were killed in four separate murder incidents reported across Boksburg on the East Rand within the space of a week, reports Boksburg Advertiser.

This included a 63-year-old man who was found with his hands tied and his throat slit; a Mozambican national gunned down while walking down the road; and two unidentified bodies that were burnt beyond recognition.

Police are investigating the unrelated cases and have appealed to the public to come forward with any information that could help identify the perpetrators.

Jerusalem settlement shooting

The latest incident occurred on Sunday (July 5) in the Jerusalem informal settlement, where an unidentified man was shot dead.

According to Boksburg SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Ntsako Ledwaba, police responded to reports of a shooting and, upon arrival, found the man lying in the middle of the road with gunshot wounds to his chest and shoulder. Paramedics declared him dead on the scene.

The deceased was wearing grey jeans, grey takkies and a black jacket. Forensic experts processed the scene before the body was transported to the Germiston State Mortuary. Police have opened a murder case.

Fatal throat wound

In a separate incident, police were called to Tambo Memorial Hospital at about 18:04 on July 2 following reports of an unnatural death. The deceased was identified by his sister as James Pheepha (63).

Police established that Pheepha had been found in Kanana informal settlement on June 30 with both hands tied behind his back and a stab wound to his throat. He was admitted to hospital but succumbed to his injuries on July 2. His body was later taken to the Germiston Mortuary, and a murder case was registered.

Ambushed from the bushes

On July 1, at about 18:00, Mozambican national Francisco Armando was fatally shot while walking with two fellow countrymen from Angelo informal settlement to Jerusalem informal settlement.

According to police, the three men were approached by an unknown gunman who emerged from nearby bushes and called them over. They ignored him and continued walking. The suspect then allegedly drew a firearm and fired a shot, causing the three men to flee in different directions. Moments later, he fired three more shots.

Armando sustained gunshot wounds to his left ear, the front of his neck, his left shoulder and the right side of his back. He died on the scene, while the gunman fled.

Bodies burnt in Reiger Park

In another gruesome discovery, members of the Reiger Park police, CPF and EMS Chaplaincy discovered two burnt bodies in a field next to the substation near St Anthony’s Centre in Reiger Park shortly before 9:00 on July 3.

Preliminary investigations indicate the victims were subjected to a brutal attack before their bodies were set alight.

The Reiger Park police have opened a double murder case and are appealing to anyone with information that could assist in identifying the victims or the perpetrators to contact the police station.

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