Police deployments have been intensified in Mkhuhlu near Hazyview in Mpumalanga following a bloody ambush last night (July 12) that left four people dead, prompting an immediate security intervention by Mpumalanga’s acting provincial commissioner, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, reports Lowvelder.

The surge in boots on the ground follows last night’s incident at  around 20:40, where a vehicle carrying five occupants was ambushed as it was entering a residential property in the Crossroads Section of Mkhuhlu Township. Gunmen suddenly emerged and opened fire on the vehicle, killing four occupants instantly and leaving a fifth critically injured and fighting for their life in hospital.

“It looks like a rifle and a 9mm firearm were used in the attack. We subsequently increased our deployment in Mkhuhlu since last night to manage the situation,” said Mkhwanazi during an urgent media briefing held this morning (July 13).

“Investigations are ongoing, and we hope that members of the community will come forward with information that can assist us in making sure that we get the suspects who attacked the victims. These incidents of gun violence happening in Mkhuhlu or in Calcutta as a whole are not happening for the first time, and we do not know what the motive for these attacks is,” added Mkhwanazi.

The latest mass shooting comes shortly after a local ward secretary, Shaun Matjeke, was gunned down on Thursday (July 9), at around 19:30.

Police received information about that shooting incident and immediately responded to the scene, where they discovered a grey VW Polo on the side of the road. The body of the official was found in the driver’s seat with multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency Medical Services personnel subsequently declared him dead at the scene.

Police are still on the lookout for the suspects and are calling on anyone who might have information that can help in the investigation or assist in the apprehension of the suspects in both incidents to please call the nearest police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Information can also be given anonymously via the MySAPS app.

Meanwhile, Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu was expected to visit the Calcutta police station this morning (July 13) to interact with SAPS members and affected communities.

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