Six killed,18 wounded in high-speed ambush on R59 in Meyerton
A horrific shooting incident on the R59 south of Johannesburg has left six people dead and 18 others injured after a minibus was ambushed by gunmen on Tuesday afternoon.
The South African Police Service(SAPS) confirmed the victims, all reported to be Lesotho nationals, were travelling in a minibus from Johannesburg toward the Free State when the attack occurred.
According to Gauteng Police Deputy Commissioner Fred Kekana, the minibus was intercepted near the Johan Le Roux off-ramp by suspects driving a Nissan Juke. The attackers reportedly bumped the taxi and opened the fire without provocation, causing the driver to lose control and the vehicle to overturn.
- Fatalities: Six passengers were declared dead at the scene.
- Injuries: 18 victims sustained various injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals for emergency treatment.
- The Suspect Vehicle: Investigations revealed the Nissan Juke used in the attack had been reported stolen in Witbank in September 2025.
Arrests and ongoing investigations
Following the shooting, the suspects allegedly hijacked another vehicle on Johan Le Roux Road to flee the scene. However, swift action by law enforcement led to the arrest of three suspects, who are also confirmed to be Lesotho nationals.
“The victims and the suspects are all Lesotho nationals. Forensic teams remain at the scene to conduct further investigations,” said Deputy Commissioner Kekana.
The motive for the attack remains unclear, though the nature of the ambush has sparked concerns regarding taxi-related violence or ongoing feuds within specific migrant communities.
The suspects are expected to make their first appearance in the Meyerton Magistrate's Court shortly. Police are working with the Department of Home Affairs to verify their legal status in the country.
Road safety warning
The R59 near Meyerton experienced significant traffic delays throughout Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning as forensic investigators combed the wreckage. Local authorities have urged motorists to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police.