At least six people from Lesotho were killed and several others injured after gunmen opened fire on a minibus travelling near Meyerton, south of Johannesburg, in a shocking act of violence that has left both South Africans and Basotho communities reeling.
The incident happened on Tuesday near the town of Meyerton, roughly 50 kilometres south of Johannesburg. According to police, the victims were travelling in a minibus en route to Lesotho when they were suddenly attacked by a group of armed suspects. The gunmen reportedly opened fire on the vehicle without any warning or provocation, turning what should have been a routine journey into a deadly tragedy.
Gauteng Police Deputy Commissioner Fred Kekana addressed the media at the scene and confirmed that six passengers had lost their lives. Among the deceased were four women and two men. He also confirmed that all the passengers in the minibus were Lesotho nationals. In addition to those who were killed, at least 18 people were injured and rushed to a nearby hospital, where they are currently receiving medical treatment. Some of the injured are reported to be in serious condition.
Kekana explained that during the attack, the driver of the minibus tried to save the passengers by attempting to push the attackers’ vehicle off the road. “The driver of the bus tried to push them off the road so that they don’t continue shooting at them and causing harm. Fortunately, he managed to distract them,” he said. Despite the driver’s efforts, the gunfire had already caused devastating consequences.
After the shooting, the suspects fled the scene and went on to hijack another vehicle, escalating the situation into a major police operation. Law enforcement officers, including K9 units, drone teams, and helicopter support, were deployed to track down the suspects. The intense pursuit eventually led to the arrest of three individuals believed to be linked to the attack.
Police revealed that the suspects first abandoned their original vehicle before climbing onto a bridge, where they hijacked a Datsun Go. Their escape was short-lived. Officers from the K9 Unit and the Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit noticed a woman crying nearby and stopped to assist her. She told them that she had just been hijacked by the suspects, prompting an immediate pursuit.
Two suspects were arrested at the scene, while the third attempted to flee. Drones were then deployed to track the remaining suspect, who was later located and arrested, bringing the number of suspects in custody to three. The hijacked vehicle was also recovered during the operation.
Authorities have condemned the attack and described it as a senseless and brutal act of violence. Investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the shooting, as police have not yet confirmed whether the victims were targeted or if the attack was part of a broader criminal operation.
The incident has once again raised concerns about violent crime on South Africa’s roads and the safety of travelers, especially those using public transport. Community members and leaders from both South Africa and Lesotho have expressed shock and sorrow over the loss of life, calling for justice for the victims and stronger measures to protect commuters.
As families mourn the six lives lost, police have assured the public that they are working tirelessly to ensure those responsible are held fully accountable.
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