SASOLBURG – A chilling double murder incident has rocked the quiet kraals of Zamdela following a violent stock theft incident.

This is after two shepherds were gunned down in cold blood recently, allegedly by heavily armed robbers.
According to local police, a manhunt is underway for the ruthless killers who gunned down the duo before fleeing with livestock worth R150 000.

The gruesome discovery was made on April 23, after Zamdela police responded to reports of gunshots near the R549.

What officers found at the scene of the crime was nothing short of horrific, as the bloodied bodies of two young shepherds were lying in separate shacks, both pierced with bullet wounds.

According to police spokesperson Sergeant Josephine Rani, the victims, who are both believed to be between 25 and 35 years old, were Lesotho nationals working in the area.

Rani said emergency services declared them dead at the scene.

“This is a tragic and senseless killing. Both victims sustained upper body injuries consistent with gunshot wounds. We are investigating a double murder, and our investigations are underway,” said Rani.

Rani said their investigators have revealed that 23 sheep and 25 goats were stolen in the brazen early morning ambush.

Rani confirmed that a manhunt has been launched, and she urged anyone with information to come forward.
“The Serious Violent Crime, Murder, and Robbery Unit requests that anyone with information regarding the murder and stock theft contact Detective Sergeant Ivy Maisa on 076 676 1473 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Information can also be sent via the MySAPS App,” she said.