KEY POINTS
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Twin brothers Kegomodicoe Lekone and Keabecoe Lekone, both 52, were killed on October 21.
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A witness reportedly saw a man flee in a white Chevrolet Aveo after the shooting.
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Police have opened two murder cases and appealed to the public for information about the suspects.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched an investigation after twin brothers who owned Ekhayeni Lounge Bar were shot dead at the gate of their premises in Bochabela, near Bloemfontein, on Wednesday morning.
The victims were identified as Kegomodicoe Lekone and Keabecoe Lekone, both 52. Police said the shooting occurred on October 21, 2026, along Ramatsoele Street in the Bochabela area.
Officers at Mangaung Police Station received a report of a shooting in progress from Radio Control 10 111 at about 8:51am. Police officers on patrol responded to the report and arrived at the scene at approximately 9am.
Preliminary findings indicated that the brothers were inside their charcoal-coloured Ford Ranger at the entrance to the premises when they were attacked.
Both men sustained gunshot wounds. An ER24 paramedic who attended the scene pronounced them dead. Police identified Kegomodicoe Lekone as the driver of the vehicle at the time of the shooting.
Investigators are working to establish how the shooting happened and identify those responsible.
According to the police statement, a witness who was inside a double-storey building on the premises said he heard gunshots coming from upstairs. He then went outside to determine where the sounds had come from.
The witness reportedly saw a man running towards a white Chevrolet Aveo hatchback before the vehicle sped away.
However, the witness could not confirm whether the man was carrying any object as he fled. Police also indicated that there might have been two other occupants inside the vehicle.
The information forms part of the preliminary investigation, and police have yet to publicly establish the motive for the killings or confirm the identities of the suspects.
Investigators are working to establish how the shooting happened and identify those responsible.
According to the police statement, a witness who was inside a double-storey building on the premises said he heard gunshots coming from upstairs. He then went outside to determine where the sounds had come from.
The witness reportedly saw a man running towards a white Chevrolet Aveo hatchback before the vehicle sped away.
However, the witness could not confirm whether the man was carrying any object as he fled. Police also indicated that there might have been two other occupants inside the vehicle.
The information forms part of the preliminary investigation, and police have yet to publicly establish the motive for the killings or confirm the identities of the suspects.
Murder and robbery unit leads manhunt
The SAPS has opened two murder cases at Mangaung Police Station following the deaths of the brothers.
The Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes, Murder and Robbery Unit is leading the manhunt for the suspects as investigations continue.
Authorities are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the shooting, noticed suspicious activity in the area or has information that could help identify or locate the suspects to come forward.
Police have stressed the importance of public assistance in the investigation, particularly as officers work to establish the movements of the suspected attackers before and after the incident.
Anyone with relevant information has been asked to contact Colonel Msokoli Bolsick on 082 466 8530.
Information can also be reported at the nearest police station, submitted through the MySAPS application or provided through the SAPS CrimeStop line on 08600 10111.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police have not announced any arrests in connection with the killings.
