The police reported an initial shooting early on Sunday evening next to a hospitality establishment in town before a second shooting occurred, leaving two dead.
Two men were shot dead and another injured following an ambush by gunmen in Mbombela on Sunday August 22.
The provincial commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lt Gen Semakaleng Manamela, has condemned the incident and a manhunt for the shooters has been launched.
The provincial police spokesperson, Col Donald Mdhluli, said on Sunday at around 21:00, three men travelling in a VW Polo were ambushed by armed suspects who were driving in a blue double cab bakkie. It is said that shots were fired by the suspects, fatally wounding two men.
The third man sustained some injuries. The suspects reportedly fled the scene after the incident. He said a preliminary probe by the police had revealed that there was a shooting incident earlier on Sunday at around 19:30 next to a hospitality establishment in town.
The three men travelling in the VW Polo had suspects open fire on them, but no one was injured.
The trio then went to the Nelspruit Police Station to open a case. However, later that evening, the shooters reportedly came back, killing two of the three men. Mdhluli said the police and paramedics immediately rushed to the scene.
Two of the men were declared dead on the scene while the third was rushed to hospital for treatment. It is unclear what the third victim’s current state is. Mdhluli said two cases of murder and one case of attempted murder have been opened.
“The police urge anyone who can assist with the investigation to contact the branch commander, Col Ernest Maoka on 082 318 9843 or call the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.
“Alternatively members of the public can send information via the My SAPS app. All information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.”
