Manhunt Launched After Hijack and Murder Outside Welkom Supermarket, Free State

A manhunt has been launched in Welkom, Free State, in South Africa this weekend after the fatal shooting of a 54-year-old man in his vehicle in the parking lot of a shopping complex.

Shai Mikia Mophapi was shot late Saturday afternoon – at approximately 17h30 – in the parking area of the Commando Supermarket complex in Jan Cillierspark, according to the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Welkom.

“Mohapi was inside his blue VW Polo with registration number FT31DWGP when he was approached by two unknown men who shot him three times in his chest and two times on his left arm,” said SAPS.

“He was pulled out of his vehicle and the suspects drove off with his vehicle.”

Mohapi was certified dead at the scene.

A case of murder and hijacking has been registered for further investigation, although not everyone believes it was a hijacking. Andre Snyman, founder of Eblockwatch, posted video footage of the incident, and said: “This is murder not a hijacking.”

He also pointed out that one of the suspects (in a white shirt) walks with a limp.

Mohapi’s vehicle was found later on Saturday evening, abandoned next to Digger’s Inn at Steyn 2 shaft, said SAPS.

“Should anyone have information leading to the arrests of these senseless murderers, please call Captain Pieter of the Welkom Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit at 079-884-2179,” they said.

Videos of the hijack / murder being shared on social media. (Please Note: the footage is upsetting):