Manhunt launched after twin businessmen shot dead in Free State

What witnesses told police

Free State police regional spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Covane said a witness who was upstairs in the double-storey building heard the gunshots and went outside. That witness reportedly saw an African male running toward a white Chevrolet Aveo hatchback. The witness did not see whether the man was carrying anything, and according to the police the car then drove away. Authorities said there may have been two other occupants already inside the vehicle.

Police response and appeal for information

Police described the incident as a double murder and have appealed to the public for information that could assist the investigation and help locate those responsible. Lieutenant Colonel Covane has asked anyone with relevant information to come forward and gave several ways for people to report tips to law enforcement.

How to pass on information

The public was asked to use any of the following channels:

• Contact Colonel Msokoli Bolsick on 082-466-8530
• Report information at any police station
• Use the MySAPS app
• Call Crime Stop on 08600-10111

Background on the victims

The two men were identified as the twin proprietors of the Ekhayeni Lounge Bar. Reporting cited in the original account notes that the brothers had previously been convicted, together with eight others, in a Mangaung Municipality fraud and money-laundering case. That report said they were convicted on 22 October 2012 and each sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment, according to The Sowetan.

What the investigation will focus on

At this stage, police actions will typically include securing the scene, gathering witness statements, reviewing any available CCTV or electronic evidence, and tracing the vehicle described by the witness. Authorities will also seek to verify the witness sighting of the white Chevrolet Aveo and to determine whether the car and its occupants can be linked to the killings.

Why public cooperation matters

When authorities ask for public help in a serious crime, timely and specific tips can be critical. Information such as the direction the vehicle headed, descriptions of the occupants, or details about unusual activity near the property around the time of the incident can assist investigators. The police channels listed above are the official routes for passing on such leads.

Community impact and next steps

The shooting of two business owners in their workplace will reverberate through the local community, particularly for employees, customers and neighbours of the Ekhayeni Lounge Bar. Beyond the immediate criminal investigation, incidents like this can heighten local concerns about safety and security.

Police have opened two murder dockets at Mangaung Police Station and investigators are continuing to pursue lines of inquiry. Authorities have urged anyone with information to contact the named investigators or to use the official reporting channels listed above.

Reporting note

This account is based on the reporting of Lesego Seokwang for The Citizen, published on 21 October 2026, and on the statements given to police by Free State regional spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Covane.