The Free State Murder and Robbery Unit has launched an investigation into the murder of four people and the attempted murder of another following a highway ambush involving vehicles with Kingdom of Lesotho registration plates.

The incident occurred on Thursday, 14 May, at approximately 17:15 near Perdehoek Farm along the R26, roughly 8km outside Tweeling in the Fezile Dabi District, reports Parys Gazette.

According to authorities, a Honda Fit with Lesotho registration plates was travelling towards Tweeling when a green Mercedes-Benz, also bearing Lesotho plates, stopped abruptly in front of it. Simultaneously, a second Honda Fit pulled up behind the targeted vehicle.

Approximately six armed suspects emerged from the Mercedes-Benz and the trailing Honda Fit, opening fire on the occupants of the trapped car. The gunmen then fled the scene after the shooting.

When police arrived at the location, they discovered the bodies of four victims who had been fatally shot. A fifth passenger survived the attack with multiple gunshot wounds to the upper body and legs and was transported to a hospital for medical treatment.

At this stage, the identities of the deceased have not yet been confirmed, and the motive behind the targeted assault remains unknown.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) appeals to anyone who witnessed the incident or possesses relevant information to contact Captain Sandile Dladla on 073 226 6787 or 082 466 8530. Alternatively, anonymous tips can be submitted via the MySAPS App or by calling the Crime Stop hotline on 08600 10111.

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