Six Lesotho nationals were killed, and 18 others injured after a minibus taxi was ambushed by armed attackers on the R59 near Meyerton in Gauteng on Tuesday.
Gauteng Deputy Police Commissioner Fred Kekana said the minibus taxi, which was travelling from Johannesburg’s Park Station to Lesotho via the Free State, was accosted by a Nissan Juke carrying three occupants. He said the suspects allegedly rammed the taxi before opening fire, causing the vehicle to overturn.
Deputy Commissioner Kekana said the Nissan Juke involved in the incident had been reported stolen in Witbank in September 2025 and that it lost control during the shooting.
Of the six deceased, four were women and two were men. He added that the 18 survivors sustained gunshot wounds and are currently receiving medical treatment at a local hospital.
He further indicated that the three suspects fled the scene and hijacked another vehicle in an attempt to evade arrest. However, following a coordinated operation involving K9 units, Public Order Policing, Kliprivier Visible Policing, the Midvaal Traffic Department, Midvaal peace officers and private security companies, the suspects were tracked down and arrested.
Meanwhile, Maliboho Transport Forum Public Relations Officer Mr Thabiso Pitso, representing operators transporting passengers between ports of entry into Lesotho, said the minibus taxi involved was registered in Gauteng Province. He said full details of the incident were still being gathered but emphasised that passenger safety remains a top priority for operators.
Police investigations are continuing, and six counts of murder, 18 counts of attempted murder, carjacking and possession of a hijacked motor vehicle have been opened.
The suspects are expected to appear in court soon.
Ends/ AT/BM
