Elderly Couple Gunned Down in Rustenburg Road Rage: Two Suspects Arrested

Tragedy at local mall sparks outrage as police trace suspects and recover murder weapon

An elderly couple’s peaceful shopping trip in Rustenburg turned into a nightmare after they were fatally shot in a shocking road rage incident on Saturday. Just three days later, two suspects have been arrested, thanks to swift collaboration between crime intelligence units and visible policing teams in the North West province.

The arrests, announced on Wednesday by SAPS spokesperson Colonel Adele Myburgh, have stunned the Rustenburg community and once again highlighted the deadly consequences of unchecked road rage in South Africa.

Murder at the mall: What happened

According to police, the shooting occurred at a shopping mall in Rustenburg during an escalation of a road dispute. The suspects allegedly pursued and confronted the couple, who were unarmed and elderly, before opening fire and fleeing the scene in a white Kia Rio.

The cold-blooded nature of the crime left bystanders in shock. “They looked like they were just going about their day,” said one witness who asked not to be named. “And then you hear gunshots. It was horrifying.”

Hunt for the suspects: Vehicle traced to Boitekong

Using a combination of crime intelligence and local tips, police tracked the getaway vehicle to Ndamoyi, Boitekong, where it was seized. During questioning, the 29-year-old driver admitted to being behind the wheel at the time of the shooting and led authorities to his alleged accomplice — a 41-year-old man residing in Rustenburg East.

Upon arrival, the second suspect reportedly handed over the firearm believed to have been used in the murder. Both men were immediately arrested and are now facing two counts of murder.

They are due to appear at the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 19 June 2025.

Community in shock: ‘This could’ve been anyone’s grandparents’

The senseless killing has left residents of Rustenburg shaken, with many expressing disbelief on social media. “This wasn’t a hijacking. It wasn’t a robbery. It was just pure rage,” posted one user on X.

“This could’ve been my parents. Or anyone’s grandparents,” wrote another. “What kind of society are we becoming when we resolve traffic arguments with bullets?”

Police leadership speaks out

North West Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Patrick Asaneng praised the rapid work of the Bojanala policing team. “These swift arrests should send a strong message,” he said. “There is no place to hide for those who commit heinous crimes. We will track them down.”

Brigadier Mamotsamai Ntoagae and her team were lauded for recovering both the firearm and the vehicle linked to the shooting.

A disturbing trend: Road rage turning deadly

Incidents of violent road rage have been on the rise across South Africa, with minor altercations too often ending in tragedy. Experts are calling for greater public education on conflict de-escalation, as well as stricter firearm regulation and mental health support.

“People are walking around with unresolved trauma, short tempers, and easy access to weapons,” said crime psychologist Dr. Amanda Koetle. “And that’s a deadly mix.”

As the suspects prepare to face court, the family of the victims whose names have not yet been released are mourning the loss of two beloved elders, whose lives were stolen over what appears to be a moment of uncontrollable anger.

Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has further information to come forward. “Justice must be done,” Colonel Myburgh said. “And the community deserves closure.”

{Source: The Citizen}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com