WITBANK - Members of the South African Police Service in Witbank are searching for three unknown men after they attacked a couple at the gate of their farm, apparently trying to hijack their vehicle on Friday, February 8, around 21:40.

Information at police disposal revealed that the couple and their three children were in their vehicle, a Toyota Hilux bakkie, at the gate of their farm (Seekoeiwater farm), near the N4.

The victim, a 45 year old man, reportedly stepped out of the vehicle to open the gate when suddenly the trio emerged from nowhere and one suspect shot the man in the thigh.

His wife tried to get to the driver's side of the vehicle, but was shot in the arm and the back by the same suspect. She managed to get her husband back in the car, and they drove away. The suspects also fled the scene on foot.

The couple was admitted to hospital where the woman, who was pregnant, had to give birth on arrival.

Police have opened two counts of attempted murder and attempted carjacking. An earnest appeal is made to anyone with information that may assist in tracing the suspects to contact WO Paulus Masango on 072-178-3028, or the SAPS Crime Stop on 08600-10111.

Editor: Anchen Coetzee
Subeditor: Xandri Coetzee
Submitted by: Col Mtsholi Bhembe