Johannesburg – Five people have been arrested after a motorist was gunned down in Bloemfontein, Free State police said on Sunday.
The 27 year-old was shot five times and his 25-year-old girlfriend was injured during a hijacking in Phahameng, Bloemfontein, on New Year’s Day, said spokesperson Thandi Mbambo.
“The two were sitting in the car parked outside the girlfriend’s home after midnight when they were accosted by three suspects who demanded the vehicle.
“An argument allegedly ensued thereafter and shots were fired. The victim died at the scene.”
Two men were arrested on New Year’s Day after the stolen white VW Polo was traced to G-section in Botshabelo.
“Police found four suspects in the car, two managed to flee and the other two were arrested,” Mbambo said.
Two more men were arrested in Thaba’Nchu on Sunday morning.
The two led police to a house in Botshabelo where they had allegedly hid firearms and material used to commit the crime.
“There, police found two Z88 firearms, whose serial numbers were scraped-off and a blood-stained balaclava. The owner of the house was also arrested and charged with illegal possession of firearm.”
Four are expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Monday to face charges of murder and hijacking.
The house owner would appear in the Botshabelo Magistrate’s Court on charges of illegal possession of firearms on the same day.