Police have launched a manhunt after twin brothers (52) were fatally shot at the gate of their business premises in Bochabela, Bloemfontein, yesterday morning (October 21).

The Bloemfontein Courant reports that the shooting happened at about 09:00. Free State police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Covane said police responded to a complaint about gunfire at a property in Ramatsoele Street.

The Citizen reported that the brothers were identified as Kegomodicoe and Keabecoe Lekone, the owners of Ekhayeni Lounge Bar. They were reportedly shot inside their charcoal-coloured Ford Ranger.

ER24 paramedics declared both men dead at the scene. Police opened two murder cases at Mangaung Police Station.

Witness describes suspect fleeing

Covane said a witness allegedly heard gunshots and rushed outside to investigate. He saw a man running toward a white Chevrolet Aveo hatchback getaway vehicle which appeared to contain two occupants.

A crime scene investigation is under way as police work to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting and identify those responsible.

Brothers previously convicted in fraud case

According to The Citizen, the twins were previously convicted, along with eight other accused, in a fraud and money-laundering case involving the Mangaung municipality.

The court handed down the convictions on October 22, 2012, and sentenced the brothers to eight years’ imprisonment each.

Police have not indicated whether the previous case has any connection to Wednesday’s shooting.