EVATON. – A 58-year-old man was fatally shot and hijacked while on his way to church in Palm Springs Section C recently.

According to police reports, the victim was driving a white Hyundai Accent when he was intercepted by a black Hyundai. Unidentified men allegedly shot him once in the chest before fleeing with his vehicle. He was left on the ground unattended and later transported to Levai Mbatha Clinic in Evaton, where he died due to his injuries.

Days later, members of the Palm Springs community received information that the black Hyundai involved in the crime was operating as an Uber.

Acting on this tip, they managed to track down and apprehend the driver and his associate.

Evaton police, together with K9 Sedibeng and Evaton Crime Prevention units, responded to the scene where the two suspects were being questioned. Upon searching the Uber vehicle, police discovered the key to the hijacked Hyundai Accent. The suspects then revealed the location of the deceased’s car, which was recovered in Lawley Ext 2. One man was arrested for possession of a hijacked motor vehicle, and a case was registered at Ennerdale Police Station.

During the investigation, the Uber driver disclosed that the man responsible for the fatal shooting is known, and believed to reside in Protea, Orange Farms, or Newcastle.

Evaton Police spokesperson Constable Thulisile Msibi, has urged the public to come forward with any information regarding the suspect’s whereabouts.

“We are appealing to anyone who may have information that can lead to the arrest of the suspect to contact the police. Community members can provide information anonymously,” said Msibi.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the SAPS Crime Stop hotline at 0800 10111 or contact Evaton Police Station at 016 590 9300.