/ 5 March 2008

Actor killed in attempted hijacking

Actor and popular Soweto pub owner Shimmy Mofokeng was shot dead by hijackers while approaching his driveway in Leonard Lane in Mulbarton, Johannesburg police said on Wednesday.

Spokesperson Captain Julia Claassen said Mofokeng (53) was shot in his upper body as he was about to drive into his yard in his white Kia kombi on Monday evening around 9pm.

”The suspects tried to hijack his vehicle. They shot him and he was fatally wounded.”

Claassen said the hijacking began when the robbers tried to take the bakkie of Mofokeng’s neighbour.

”They failed and took a laptop and other personal belongings. They fled down Leonard Lane and ran into Mofokeng. They attempted hijacking him as well, before killing him.”

Claassen said the men then tried to hijack a passing motorist in a red Hyundai.

”They pulled out the driver and drove off only for a short while, as the car suddenly stopped”.

It is believed that an anti-hijacking device halted the vehicle.

Claassen said the men then fled on foot. No one has been arrested.

Police appealed to anyone with information to contact Crime Stop on 0860010111. – Sapa