A popular Sharpeville businessman and his associate were gunned down in Tshepiso yesterday afternoon.

According to sources close to the incident, the duo was ambushed and shot at a local shopping centre on their way to buy fast food.

Dozens of bystanders comprising residents, friends, and family of the duo gathered in shock as they looked on while law enforcement officials investigated the bloodied scene.

Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, a man who refused to be named said two assailants played pool at the centre before the brazen shooting.

“There were people playing pool in the complex. When the duo [victims] entered the vicinity, the assailants pretended to be playing pool before they ambushed the owner of the lounge and shot him multiple times at point-blank before shooting his friend,” said the man.

Sharpeville police spokesperson Constable Busisiwe Sango confirms a multiple murder case has been opened.

“Police were summoned at The G Lounge [in] Tshepiso Phase 1, Sharpeville, to attend the scene of multiple murders. On arrival they were informed that two African males were gunned down by two unknown suspects while they were waiting for bunny chows. The suspects are unknown at this stage,” she says.

Sango pleads with members of the community that if anyone has any information regarding this matter to please come forward. “The information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.”

Anyone able to assist can anonymously phone 08600 10111 or send information via the MySAPS app.