…as government moves to assist victims
Moorosi Tsiane
SIX Basotho have been killed in what police believe was an incident linked to ongoing taxi violence in South Africa.
According to preliminary South African police investigations, a South African sprinter taxi was travelling from Johannesburg to Maseru Bridge on Tuesday, ferrying Basotho who were coming home when it came under heavy gunfire.
The attack occurred along the R59 near Meyerton when armed suspects opened fire on the vehicle, causing it to overturn. Eighteen other passengers sustained injuries and are receiving medical treatment.
One of the survivors, Tankiso Pakela, told the Lesotho Times yesterday that he had travelled from Johannesburg where he had gone to collect parcels he sells and boarded the sprinter at around 14:00. He said that moments before the vehicle departed from the taxi rank, two armed men entered the taxi and sat directly behind the driver.
“We travelled for some distance until we reached Meyerton, where another vehicle with about four men suddenly appeared alongside us and opened fire,” Mr Pakela said.
He said the taxi lost control under the barrage of bullets and rolled over while the attackers continued shooting.
Emergency services rushed the injured passengers to a nearby hospital, where six were declared dead on arrival.
“I am still in the hospital. Those who were badly injured are still being treated, but six people have already been declared dead. By God’s grace, I only sustained minor cuts and bruises. It was a horrifying experience, but I am grateful to be alive,” Mr Pakela said.
He was speaking from an undisclosed hospital for security reasons.
Meanwhile, Gauteng police have confirmed the arrest of three suspects in connection with the shooting. South African Police Service (SAPS) Gauteng spokesperson, Captain Tintswalo Sibeko, said six counts of murder, 18 counts of attempted murder, carjacking and possession of a hijacked vehicle have been opened against the suspects.
“It is reported that a taxi was travelling from Johannesburg towards the Free State when a Nissan Juke with three unknown suspects rammed the vehicle and opened fire, causing it to overturn,” Capt Sibeko said.
He added that the Nissan Juke, which had been reported stolen in Witbank in September 2025, also lost control during the incident. Six passengers were fatally wounded, while 18 others were injured.
According to police, the suspects hijacked another vehicle along Johan Le Roux Road in an attempt to flee, but were later tracked and arrested at Valley Settlement in Kliprivier.
“The arrests were made through a joint operation involving the K9 Unit, Public Order Policing, Kliprivier Vispol, the Midvaal Traffic Department, Midvaal peace officers and private security companies,” Capt Sibeko said, adding that investigations were ongoing.
The Lesotho government yesterday released a statement acknowledging the incident and confirming that it is working closely with South African authorities as investigations continue.
“The government of the Kingdom of Lesotho wishes to inform the general public of a tragic incident that occurred in the Republic of South Africa on Tuesday (3 February 2026), in which a minibus taxi carrying Basotho nationals was ambushed by armed assailants on the R59 near Meyerton in Gauteng Province.
“According to information received thus far from South African authorities, six Lesotho nationals lost their lives in the attack, while eighteen (18) others sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment.
“The government conveys its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased and wishes a speedy recovery to all those injured. It assures the nation that it is working closely with South African law enforcement agencies as investigations continue.
“Furthermore, Lesotho’s Consulate in Johannesburg is actively engaged, providing support, coordinating with relevant authorities and assisting affected citizens and their families. At this stage, investigations are ongoing and details remain subject to official confirmation. The government appeals to the public to remain calm and avoid speculation, as verified information will be shared as it becomes available,” the statement reads.
