Eskom worker gunned down next to wife
An Eskom worker was gunned down in full view of his wife.
Image: FILE
A man driving home from work was shot dead in full view of his wife.
The couple, who both worked at Eskom, were travelling together at the time of the shooting.
The man died at the scene, while his wife, who was also struck, was rushed to the hospital for treatment.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Lt-Col Jabu Ndubane said the incident happened at about 5pm on Wednesday.
She said it took place at the T-junction of the R547 and Travistock Colliery Road in the area of Kriel.
Ndubane said when police arrived, officers found paramedics at the scene next to a silver Amarok bakkie parked on the road.
“A man was found in the driver’s seat, and the vehicle had bullet holes on the left side, the driver’s door and window, as well as the right side and right rear small windows,” she said.
She said a cartridge was found on the road near the passenger-side window.
“Paramedics were attending to the female passenger,” Ndubane said.
“She had been shot in the abdominal area and was transported to the nearest hospital.”
“The male victim died at the scene.
“A case of murder and attempted murder has been opened. No arrests have been made at this stage.
Eskom said it was saddened by the incident.
In a statement, the power utility confirmed two of its employees from Kriel Power Station were involved in the shooting while travelling home from work.
“Eskom confirms with deep sadness that two of its employees from Kriel Power Station were involved in a tragic incident while travelling home from work,” the utility said.
It said it was working with the police to assist with the investigation and was providing support to the affected family and staff members.
“Our thoughts are with the family, colleagues and all those affected by this tragic incident,” the statement said.
Eskom said it had noted with concern accusations circulating in the public domain and cautioned against speculation.
“Since the police are investigating the incident, it would be premature, irresponsible and inappropriate to make any definitive claims or accusations,” it said.
The utility urged both the public and the media to refrain from repeating unverified information and to allow law enforcement space to complete the investigation.
“We will continue to share relevant updates to the extent possible as information becomes available,” Eskom said.
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