4 suspects sought after woman killed in botched hijacking in Edenvale
Police are on a manhunt for suspects after a brazen daylight hijacking attempt in Dunvegan left a 58-year-old woman dead, sending shockwaves through the community.
A murder case is under investigation following a fatal shooting in Dunvegan, a highly secure and boomed-off residential suburb in Edenvale, earlier this month, reports Bedfordview Edenvale News.
According to Ekurhuleni District police spokesperson Captain Neldah Sekgobela, the shooting took place on Dunvegan Avenue, just outside the road enclosure, on June 10 at around 14:30 and claimed the life of a 58-year-old Meadowdale resident, Chantel Smith.
The incident saw stakeholders from across the area mobilise, with SAPS, private security, emergency services and the Edenvale CPF descending on the scene.
Sekgobela said it is believed the shooting was the result of a failed hijacking.
“When they [law enforcement] arrived at the scene, they were directed to the body of a woman lying on the ground in the parking lot in front of a business along the avenue. Through observation, first responders noticed a gunshot wound to the upper body,” Sekgobela said.
Sekgobela said preliminary investigations revealed the deceased was on her way to a nearby pharmacy when she was approached by two suspects.
“One suspect was armed with a firearm and the suspects attempted to force the deceased into their vehicle. The deceased resisted, which was when the suspects shot her in the head,” she said.
She said paramedics were summoned to the scene, but the victim was declared dead.
ECPF chairperson Sheryl Damerell described the shooting as ‘a tragic incident.’
“When something like this happens, it hurts, and it ripples through the community.”
She said the suspects’ behaviour was ‘abhorrent.’
Damerell urged the community to remain vigilant at all times and report any suspicious behaviour to police, the CPF or private security companies.
Sekgobela said further investigation suggests at least four male suspects were involved.
It is believed the suspects fled the scene in a white Volkswagen Polo.
In addition to the murder charge, a charge of attempted hijacking has been opened.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 10111 or 08600 10111.
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