Deadly shooting claims six lives on R59 highway

Share the Article:

Six people were shot dead and several injured on the R59 highway in Meyerton, south of Johannesburg, on Tuesday.

According to initial reports, the incident occurred just off the Johan Le Roux off-ramp.

It is alleged that the occupants of a white Nissan opened fire on a white 22-seater minibus transporting passengers.

“At 14:44, occupants of a white Nissan Juke allegedly shot at a white Mercedes-Benz Sprinter on the R59 near Meyerton.

“The Sprinter subsequently collided with the Nissan, after which three armed suspects fled the scene on foot. They then hijacked a car,” anti-crime activist Yusuf Abramjee wrote.

LATEST: Initial report…

AT 14:44 on R59 just off Johan Le Roux off ramp, it is alleged that a white Nissan started shooting at the white Mercedes Benz Sprinter 22 seater.

The Sprinter crashed into the Nissan (stolen vehicle) and the three gunmen fled on foot. They then… https://t.co/j4HVFTnFFL

— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) February 3, 2026

Gauteng Deputy Provincial Commissioner Fred Kekana confirmed the deceased were Lesotho nationals.

“A bus travelling from Johannesburg to Lesotho was shot at unprovokedly by a car. The bus driver fled after crashing the vehicle into a bridge, then hijacked another car.

Forensics processing the scene on R59 Highway

“Our forensics team is still on the ground processing the scene, and the job is being done thoroughly to the expected level,” he said. 

The hijacked vehicle was found with blood; a manhunt for suspects is ongoing.

ALSO READ | R59 terror ends as joint forces neutralize armed hijacking ring

The exact circumstances surrounding the incident are still unclear at this stage.

Three suspects were arrested.