Manhunt Underway for Suspected Hitmen After Deadly ATM Shooting in Welkom

The quiet of a midday in Welkom was shattered when violence erupted at a local ATM on the 17th of August, 2024. Suspected hitmen in a blue Toyota Yaris with ND Lesotho number plates carried out a brutal attack, resulting in one man's death and injuries to several bystanders, sparking a rigorous police search for the perpetrators.

The incident took place around 12:30 PM at Mannys Welkom, where an African male was gunned down while queuing to withdraw cash. As per police reports, the assailants showed a ruthless disregard for human life, continuing to shoot the victim multiple times as he lay prone on the ground.

In the melee, a female bank employee was shot in the leg, while a bank client sustained a knee wound. A 13-year-old girl was injured by shattering glass as bullets compromised the bank's windows. Four bank employees were also hospitalized for shock following the traumatic ordeal.

Eyewitness accounts depicted a frantic scene with two African males fleeing towards the getaway vehicle—a blue Toyota Yaris—and quickly disappearing from the scene. The victim, critically injured by the gunfire, was declared dead on the spot. The ghastly scene prompted police to appeal to the public for assistance.

Detective Sergeant Andrew Lechesa of Welkom Serious and Violent Crimes has become the spearhead for the investigation and is encouraging anyone with information to step forward. The authorities guarantee confidentiality and welcome tips through the Crime Stop number or directly to Sergeant Lechesa's mobile phone.

The law enforcement's urgent plea underscores the importance of community involvement in combating crime and apprehending those responsible for disrupting the peace and safety of Welkom. The police are determined to cast a wide net to ensure justice is served for the victims and their families.

As the community reels from the attack, the police are amplifying their efforts to capture the suspects. They underscore the necessity of vigilance in the fight against violent crime and the role of public cooperation in bringing the fugitives to justice.

The tragedy at Welkom has not only drawn the attention of the local authorities but has also resonated across the nation, with citizens urged to unite against violence and aid in the quest for resolution and peace.