Welkom residents live in fear after double shooting tragedy

Welkom has been rocked by two violent shootings within a 24-hour span, heightening fears of orchestrated criminal violence in the city.

On the evening of Saturday, August 17, tragedy struck in Bronville when a 48-year-old woman was brutally murdered at her home.

According to police spokesperson in Lejweleputswa, captain Stephen Thakeng, the victim was with her girlfriend when an armed man with a Lesotho accent forced his way into their residence.

” A 48 year old house owner was with her friend at her residence, the friend went out to fetch clothes from the washing line at about 20:30.

“An unknown African male person with Lesotho accent approached her and asked the whereabouts of the house owner. Then he forced her inside the house at gun point, he asked the house owner whom was she working with and she never said a word,” Thakeng revealed to Kasi Voice News.

It is reported that the assailant, after questioning the homeowner about her associates, shot her three times at point-blank range.

“He then fled without stealing anything. The victim, identified as Zandile Bentswana from Extension 19 Bronville, was found dead at the scene. Police are urging anyone with information to contact detective sergeant Sello Mpedi of the Bronville Detective Services at 073 479 5572 or crime stop at 08600 10111,” pleaded Thakeng.

Shooting at Mannys: One fatality, multiple injuries in ATM attack

Earlier that same day, Welkom was struck by another act of violence when a hitman opened fire at an ATM.

The shooting, which occurred around 12:30 PM at Mannys Welkom, left the intended target dead from multiple gunshot wounds.

The attack also injured a bank employee, a client, and a 13-year-old girl caught in the crossfire.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing two African males escaping in a blue Toyota Yaris with ND Lesotho number plates.

Thakeng says the police are pleading with members of community that might have the information to help the police to reach out to detective sergeant Andrew Lechesa of the Welkom Serious and Violent Crimes at 060 985 9330 or contact the crime stop at 08600 10111.

These incidents have cast a shadow over the Free State province at large, as the police continue their search for the perpetrators behind these shocking acts of violence.

The police are urging anyone with information to come forward.