Brazen Ambush in Hazyview Leaves Two Dead, Woman Critically Injured
Hazyview, Mpumalanga – A shocking daylight ambush on Nyongane Main Road has resulted in the deaths of two men, and left a woman fighting for her life in hospital. Miraculously, a two-month-old infant, who was also in the vehicle, escaped the attack unharmed. Police in Mpumalanga have launched an intensive 72-hour manhunt for the gunmen responsible for the brazen assault.
The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon when the vehicle, carrying four occupants, was ambushed by an unknown number of armed suspects. According to police reports, the assailants were allegedly hiding in bushes alongside Nyongane Main Road.
Police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, explained that the suspects opened fire on the moving vehicle. "The driver managed to continue driving for approximately 200 metres before colliding with another vehicle from behind and coming to a stop," Ndubane stated.
The gunmen, who were on foot, then approached the vehicle and unleashed a hail of bullets at close range. The driver and his male passenger were killed instantly. The woman, believed to be the driver’s wife, sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was immediately rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
"Upon responding to the complaint, police found two adult males with gunshot wounds who were certified deceased at the scene. The woman sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was rushed to the hospital. Miraculously, the infant was unharmed," Ndubane confirmed. The fact that the infant survived unscathed has been described by police at the scene as nothing short of a miracle.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, has reacted swiftly, activating a 72-hour plan aimed at apprehending the perpetrators. "We cannot live in a society where people open fire and kill others in broad daylight, while also endangering the life of an innocent minor," Mkhwanazi asserted, emphasising the urgency and seriousness with which the police are treating the case.
Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Jackie Macie, has strongly condemned the attack and issued a direct appeal to the suspects to surrender themselves to the authorities. "They can run, but they can’t hide. Someone, somewhere in the area, knows these wanted perpetrators. We are calling for them to surrender to our officers," Macie stated firmly.
Macie expressed the provincial government's full confidence in the police's ability to bring the perpetrators to justice within the stipulated timeframe. "We don’t tolerate crime in our province. We can’t share the same space with criminals. We believe our police will arrest them within the stipulated 72 hours," he added.
Describing the attack as unprovoked, Macie highlighted the particularly disturbing nature of the incident, given the presence of a young child in the vehicle. "What worsens the situation is that a minor could have lost a life to brazen armed thugs. We are sending a stern message to the criminals to hand themselves over, or we will hunt them. We wish the surviving victim a speedy recovery and offer our condolences to the bereaved," Macie said.
As the investigation continues, police are appealing to the public for any information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects. At this stage, no arrests have been made. The 72-hour manhunt remains active, with all available resources being deployed to track down those responsible for this brutal crime.
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