/ 2 April 2003

Five killed as gunman runs amok in Bloem

Five people were shot and killed when a gunman went on the rampage in Bochabela township of Mangaung, Bloemfontein on Tuesday night, southern Free State police said on Wednesday.

Senior Superintendent Sam Sesing said the incident occurred shortly after an argument.

”It is alleged that the suspect accused his neighbours of gossiping about him. He went to his neighbour’s house and apparently threatened his neighbour with a knife. Minutes later the suspect went outside where the group was sitting and allegedly shot eight people.”

Five people between the ages of 41 and 50 years were shot dead. Three wounded people were admitted to the Pelonomi Hospital in Bloemfontein.

A 48-year-old man was arrested and police confiscated a pistol, Sesing said.

The man will appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Friday on charges of murder and attempted murder. – Sapa