Eskom Employee Shot Dead in Front of Wife in Mpumalanga
Kriel – Tragedy struck yesterday evening when a man was shot dead in full view of his wife while the couple were driving home from work. Both victims were employees of Eskom's Kriel Power Station.
The incident occurred at approximately 5pm on Wednesday at the T-junction of the R547 and Travistock Colliery Road in the Kriel area, according to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Lt-Col Jabu Ndubane.
Police officers arrived at the scene to find paramedics attending to the victims next to a silver Amarok bakkie parked on the road. The vehicle was riddled with bullet holes on the driver's side door and window, as well as on the right side and right rear small windows.
"A man was found in the driver’s seat, and the vehicle had bullet holes on the left side, the driver’s door and window, as well as the right side and right rear small windows," Lt-Col Ndubane stated. A cartridge was discovered on the road near the passenger-side window.
Tragically, the male victim was declared dead at the scene. His wife, who was a passenger in the vehicle, had sustained a gunshot wound to the abdominal area. "Paramedics were attending to the female passenger," Ndubane said. "She had been shot in the abdominal area and was transported to the nearest hospital." Her current condition remains unknown.
The police have opened a case of murder and attempted murder. "A case of murder and attempted murder has been opened. No arrests have been made at this stage," Ndubane confirmed. Investigations are ongoing, and authorities are appealing to the public for any information that may assist in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
Eskom has expressed its profound sadness following the incident, confirming that two of its employees from Kriel Power Station were involved in the shooting while travelling home from work.
"Eskom confirms with deep sadness that two of its employees from Kriel Power Station were involved in a tragic incident while travelling home from work," the power utility said in an official statement.
The utility is working closely with the police to assist with the investigation and is providing support to the affected family and staff members during this difficult time. "Our thoughts are with the family, colleagues and all those affected by this tragic incident," the statement read.
In light of the accusations circulating in the public domain, Eskom has urged caution against speculation and the spread of unverified information. "Since the police are investigating the incident, it would be premature, irresponsible and inappropriate to make any definitive claims or accusations," the utility stated.
Eskom has appealed to both the public and the media to refrain from repeating unverified information and to allow law enforcement the necessary space to complete their investigation thoroughly. "We will continue to share relevant updates to the extent possible as information becomes available," Eskom said.
The motive for the shooting remains unclear, and authorities are exploring all possible leads. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of Eskom employees, particularly in light of recent reports of threats and intimidation related to the ongoing challenges facing the power utility.
The investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as they become available.
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