Bloemfontein — Police have launched a manhunt after twin brothers, both 52, were fatally shot outside their business premises in the Bochabela township early on Wednesday.
What happened
Free State police responded to a report of gunfire at a property in Ramatsoele Street in Bochabela at about 09:00 on 21 October, Lieutenant-Colonel Thabo Covane said. Emergency medical services declared both men dead at the scene.
“Police responded to a complaint about gunfire at a property in Ramatsoele Street,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Thabo Covane.
The brothers were identified in media reports as the owners of the Ekhayeni Lounge Bar. Paramedics from ER24 pronounced both men dead where they lay inside a charcoal-coloured Ford Ranger, according to reporting.
Police response and investigation
Investigators opened two murder cases at Mangaung Police Station. A crime-scene examination was under way as detectives worked to establish the circumstances leading up to the shooting and to identify those responsible.
Covane said a witness heard the shots, went outside and saw a man running towards a white Chevrolet Aveo hatchback. The vehicle reportedly contained two occupants and fled the scene. Police described the sighting of the getaway vehicle as a key lead in the early stages of the probe.
Victims and background reported
Local reporting has named the men as Kegomodicoe and Keabecoe Lekone. Media accounts also note that the twins had previously been convicted in a fraud and money‑laundering case related to the Mangaung municipality; the convictions were handed down on 22 October 2012. Police have not indicated whether that earlier matter is linked to Wednesday’s killings.
Community impact and context
The slaying of two business owners at their premises will raise concern among traders and residents in Bochabela and the wider Mangaung metro. Attacks at or near small businesses have direct consequences for livelihoods in townships where formal employment is limited and many depend on microenterprises and informal trading.
The shooting at a gate and the apparent use of a small hatchback as a getaway vehicle are familiar patterns in targeted attacks elsewhere in the province; they also complicate policing in densely populated residential areas where witnesses and CCTV coverage can be limited.
- Location: Ramatsoele Street, Bochabela, Bloemfontein
- Time: about 09:00 on 21 October
- Victims: twin brothers, both 52, owners of Ekhayeni Lounge Bar (reported)
- Police action: two murder cases opened at Mangaung Police Station; manhunt under way
What police say and next steps
Police appealed for anyone with information about the incident, the movements of a white Chevrolet Aveo, or the identities of the occupants to come forward. Witness accounts and any available private CCTV footage from the area will be crucial to tracing the vehicle and the suspects. Forensic teams were reported to be processing the scene.
Residents concerned about safety can contact Mangaung Police Station to provide tips or request information about developments in the investigation. Police did not disclose whether there were any arrests at the time of reporting.
Why this matters
Beyond the immediate tragedy for the victims’ family and staff, the killings underscore continued challenges for policing and community safety in parts of Bloemfontein. The loss of small-business owners has ripple effects on employees, suppliers and customers who rely on township businesses for services and income.
As detectives pursue leads, questions remain about motive and whether the attack was linked to the twin brothers’ previous criminal convictions. Police statements so far keep the probe open and emphasise that all possible lines of inquiry are being explored.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Incident | Fatal shooting of two men at business gate |
| Date | 21 October |
| Time | About 09:00 |
| Police station | Mangaung |
Police are continuing their enquiries. Anyone with information is asked to contact Mangaung Police Station or the Crime Stop number.
