BLOEMFONTEIN The South African Police Service in Mangaung Metro is currently on the scene of a shooting incident in Bochabela, Bloemfontein, where two businessmen, known as the Ekhayeni Twins, were allegedly gunned down at their offices.
Free State Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thabang Solomon Lesia visited the crime scene on Wednesday morning, 21 October 2026, as specialized units continue with investigations.
How the shooting allegedly happened
According to information received by police, the incident happened on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, at about 08:51.
Police say a complaint was received from radio control about shooting in the Bochabela area. At about 09:00, members attended the scene at Morakile Street, near Ramatsoele Street, Bochabela.
A witness, who was alone in the yard at the time, allegedly told police he heard gunshots coming from upstairs. When he went outside to check what was happening, he allegedly saw a male suspect jumping into a white hatchback motor vehicle and fleeing the scene at high speed.
The witness then alerted authorities.
Emergency Medical Services personnel from ER24 were called to the scene. On arrival, they attended to two males who had sustained gunshot wounds inside the premises.
According to initial information, the passenger sustained multiple gunshot wounds. The status of the driver is not yet officially confirmed by police and medical services. The formal identification and official declaration will be done by police and forensic services.
Police Commissioner and Top Brass on Scene
The seriousness of the incident is highlighted by the presence of top management.
Lieutenant General Thabang Solomon Lesia, the Free State Provincial Commissioner, accompanied by Major General Makhele and Brigadier Thandi Mbambo, visited the crime scene in Bochabela to get a first-hand briefing.
Role players from various units have been activated and are currently on the scene. These include Crime Intelligence, Public Order Policing, Mangaung Detectives, the Serious and Violent Crimes Unit and Local Criminal Record Centre Forensic Services.
A crime scene investigation is underway. The area around Morakile and Ramatsoele Street has been cordoned off as forensic experts collect evidence. The white hatchback vehicle described by the witness is being sought.
Police have not yet confirmed a motive for the shooting.
Who are the Ekhayeni Twins?
The Ekhayeni Twins are well-known businessmen in Mangaung, operating from their offices in Bochabela. They are known in the community for their business activities in the area.
Their alleged targeting has sent shockwaves through the local business community and on social media, where residents have been sharing photos of the crowd gathering outside their premises.
Community members gathered in large numbers outside the offices on Wednesday morning, as seen in images circulating online, with many trying to get clarity on what happened.
SAPS appeals for information
Police have appealed to anyone with information that can help in the investigation to come forward.
Members of the public who may have seen the white hatchback vehicle fleeing the scene around 08:50 to 09:00 in Bochabela, or who have CCTV footage from Ramatsoele or Morakile Street, are urged to contact the nearest police station or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Anonymous tip-offs can also be submitted via the MySAPS App.
Police say investigations are at a sensitive stage and no arrests have been made yet. The possibility of a business-related motive, as well as other motives, is not being ruled out.
Developing story
Mangaung Metro Police spokesperson is expected to release an official media statement later today with more details on the victims and the extent of injuries.
The situation remains tense in Bochabela as police continue to monitor the area.
We will bring you more updates as official information becomes available from the Free State SAPS Provincial office.
Anyone with information can contact:
Bochabela SAPS: 051 404 4100
Crime Stop: 08600 10111
