Driver Killed in Suspected Targeted Shooting in Oakford, KZN
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A 33-year-old man was shot and killed in what is believed to have been a targeted assassination in Oakford, north of Durban, on Friday afternoon.
Emergency assistance was requested after residents reported hearing multiple gunshots and witnessing a lone gunman opening fire on the driver of a blue Toyota Corolla parked in the area.
Members of Reaction Unit South Africa responded to the scene after receiving several distress calls from the public. On arrival, officers discovered the victim slumped across the front seats of the vehicle.
The man had sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body and face. He was declared dead at the scene after showing no signs of life.
According to witness accounts gathered at the scene, the suspect allegedly arrived in a silver Volkswagen T-Cross before approaching the vehicle occupied by the victim. Residents stated that the gunman, described as an Indian male, was armed with what appeared to be an AK-47 assault rifle.
Witnesses reported that the suspect fired numerous shots at close range before fleeing the area in the same vehicle.
Several high-calibre spent rifle cartridges were later recovered from the scene as investigators began processing evidence.
Residents informed responding officers that the deceased reportedly lived nearby. Community members alleged that the man was involved in informal trading activities in the area, although the exact nature of his business dealings has not been officially confirmed.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased pending formal notification of family members.
At this stage, the motive for the killing remains unknown. Investigators are expected to examine whether the murder was linked to personal disputes, business dealings, organised criminal activity, or other possible motives.
The shooting caused significant concern among residents, with many gathering near the scene shortly after the incident occurred. Police are expected to review witness statements and any available surveillance footage from surrounding properties as part of the ongoing investigation.
No arrests had been reported at the time of publication, and the suspects remain at large.
An investigation into the murder is continuing.
OTHER NEWS
Seventh Biker Killed in Pietermaritzburg Following Fatal Mbubu Road Collision
A motorcyclist has died following another serious collision on Mbubu Road in Pietermaritzburg, marking the second fatal motorcycle crash reported in the city within days and raising renewed concerns over rider safety on local roads.
Emergency services, including KZN Private Ambulance and the Motorcycle Safety Institute – Africa, responded to the scene after reports of a severe collision involving a motorcycle on Friday. Paramedics arrived to find the rider had sustained catastrophic injuries in the crash. Despite emergency efforts at the scene, the motorcyclist succumbed to the injuries sustained.
According to information released by emergency responders, the incident occurred on Mbubu Road in Pietermaritzburg. The exact circumstances surrounding the collision have not yet been confirmed and authorities are continuing their investigation into the cause of the crash. It remains unclear whether another vehicle was involved.
The latest incident comes less than a week after another fatal motorcycle collision in Pietermaritzburg, highlighting an ongoing pattern of deadly crashes involving bikers in the area. Reports linked to the latest collision indicated that this was the seventh motorcycle fatality recorded in Pietermaritzburg in recent months.
Emergency personnel secured the scene while law enforcement officials began preliminary investigations. Traffic disruptions were reported in the area as authorities worked to clear the roadway and document the incident. No further details regarding the deceased rider have been released pending notification of next of kin.
Motorcycle safety organisations have repeatedly warned about the vulnerability of riders on busy urban roads, particularly in high-traffic areas and during periods of reduced visibility. Road safety authorities continue to urge both motorists and motorcyclists to remain vigilant, obey speed regulations and maintain safe following distances in an effort to reduce collisions involving two-wheeled vehicles.
Police investigations into the fatal collision are ongoing.
Two Dairy Farm Workers Found Dead Inside Milk Cooling Tank Near Humansdorp
A tragic incident on a dairy farm near Humansdorp has left two workers dead after their bodies were recovered from a milk cooling tank during a rescue operation conducted by emergency services and police.
According to information released by the South African Police Service, the incident unfolded on Wednesday afternoon when emergency teams were called to the farm following reports that two employees had become trapped inside a confined milk cooling tank. The operation involved members of SAPS Search and Rescue, emergency medical personnel and local fire and rescue teams.
Authorities confirmed that the deceased workers were aged 27 and 54. Both men were employed on the dairy farm where the incident occurred. Emergency responders reportedly arrived at the scene shortly after 4:29pm and began implementing specialised rescue procedures due to the hazardous and confined nature of the tank.
Police said rescuers used a specialised rope system to gain access to the tank. A SAPS constable equipped with a full-face breathing apparatus was lowered into the structure to conduct the recovery. The officer navigated the confined space alongside the tank’s internal cooling mechanism before locating the bodies inside the water-filled chamber.
The bodies were reportedly found face-down inside the tank and were carefully removed through a narrow opening before being handed over to emergency medical personnel. Both men were declared dead at the scene.
At this stage, authorities have not publicly disclosed the exact circumstances that led to the deaths. Police have opened an inquest docket as investigations continue into how the two workers ended up inside the milk cooling tank.
The incident has drawn attention to the dangers associated with confined industrial and agricultural spaces, particularly on dairy farms where large cooling tanks and processing equipment can pose serious risks to workers if safety procedures are not strictly followed. However, officials have not yet confirmed whether the deaths were linked to accidental drowning, toxic fumes, mechanical failure or another cause.
Police investigations are ongoing and further details are expected to emerge once forensic examinations and witness statements have been completed.
