BLOEMFONTEIN: An illegal firearm confiscated from six suspects arrested regarding alleged fatal shooting of man who was going to work, also links them with a car hijacking incident in 2023 in Bloemfontein. The gun is regarded as a vital piece of evidence in the ongoing investigations by the police to bringing the the guilty parties to book for both crimes.
The arrestees aged between 19 and 44 are expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court this week.
Sgt Sinah Mpakane, spokesperson for the Free State police, said preliminary probing revealed connection in the use of the gun in the fatal shooting of the man who was going to work, including a car hijacking incident. The fatally shot victim has been identified as Kgotso John Mohapi (44).
“Preliminary investigations have linked the recovered firearm to a car hijacking case in reported in October 2023 in Kagisanong, Bloemfontein. The weapon and other items were taken,” said Mpakane. She said the confiscated gun was found hidden at a house in Phase 6 during the crackdown of the six suspects on Wednesday, 13 August, -a day after the fatal shooting of the deceased.
Mpakane said on 13 August at about 13:30, members received information from a reliable source about the gate-away car used by the suspect who fatally shot the victim twice before fleeing on foot.
“Acting promptly on this intelligence, members spotted the vehicle in the area of Phases 5 and 6 with four male occupants. Further investigations led the officers to a house in Phase 6 where the firearm believed to have been used in the murder was recovered,” said Mpakane. She said upon recovery of the gun members immediately arrested additional two suspects, aged 20 and 40.
“The suspects are facing charges of murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. More charges may be added as the investigations unfold,” said Mpakane.
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