According to reports, the man managed to crawl towards a nearby main road after the attack, where he was eventually discovered and assisted. The incident has sparked renewed concern over violent crime in parts of Mpumalanga, particularly attacks linked to robbery and kidnapping.
The victim was reportedly found with multiple gunshot wounds after being abandoned near the graveyard area. Emergency responders and police were called to the scene after members of the public noticed the injured man attempting to reach help.
Information emerging from the investigation indicates that the victim works as a CCTV installer. Authorities believe the attack may have followed a kidnapping before the suspects allegedly opened fire on him and fled the scene, assuming he had died from his injuries.
Despite sustaining severe injuries, the man survived long enough to crawl away from the isolated area towards the roadway in an effort to attract assistance. He was later transported to hospital for medical treatment.
Police have not yet confirmed the exact motive behind the attack, and no arrests had been announced at the time of reporting. Investigators are expected to examine whether robbery or business-related criminal activity may have played a role in the incident.
The case forms part of a growing number of violent crimes reported in Mpumalanga and other provinces involving armed suspects targeting individuals for valuables, equipment or vehicles. Crime experts have previously warned that criminals increasingly target technicians, installers and contractors carrying expensive electronic equipment.
Authorities are continuing their investigation and are appealing to anyone with information regarding the incident, suspicious activity in the Pienaar area, or the identities of the suspects to contact police.
The victim’s current medical condition has not been fully disclosed, but reports indicate he survived the attack despite being shot several times and left in a remote area near the graveyard. (The Citizen)
