A father of two was killed and his wife wounded in a shooting in Elsies River on Saturday afternoon.
Their friend was also killed in the attack that happened on the corner of 28th Avenue and Halt Road.
Husband and wife Bradley and Rachelle Frans were sitting with a friend in a white VW Golf when unidentified shooters on foot approached the car and opened fire on them at about 12.30pm.
Rachelle survived the shooting and was rushed to the hospital while her husband and their friend died on the scene.
An eyewitness told the Daily Voice that Bradley’s brother, who was with them, went to the barbershop and they were waiting for him in the car.
“His brother went to the barber with a friend and the friend was sitting outside,” says the witness, who asked not to be identified.
“Bradley told the friend to come and sit in the car, then that is how it happened.
“The wife went for an operation this morning.”
Residents say they believe the shooting was a case of mistaken identity as the couple and their friend were not skollies or criminals “and they were all nice and friendly”.
Bradley worked as a driver for a well-known lab company while his wife was a lab assistant.
The Daily Voice visited the couple’s home in Elsies River on Sunday where the grieving family asked to be given time and space as they are still dealing with the tragedy.
Messages of support and condolences were shared on the Vannie Elsies Facebook group.
One person, believed to be a relative, posted: “Rip Bradley Frans we will miss you dearly, Condolences to My sis Roslyn Anne Visser and Xavier we pray that God will comfort you in this sad time of bereavement. We pray that God's hand are over you and the boys Rachelle, speedy recovery and know you are in our prayers. (sic)”
Police spokesperson Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana said police are investigating the case while the motive behind the attack is unknown.
“Cases of murder and attempted murder were opened for investigation after a shooting incident that occurred on the corner of 28th Avenue and Halt Road, Elsies River, where three people were shot. Two men in their thirties were fatally injured while a female in her twenties was wounded and transported to a medical facility for treatment.
“The motive for the killing is unknown at this stage and no arrests yet.”
velani.ludidi@inl.co.za