A traumatic incident unfolded in Mkhuhlu, Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, where four people were gunned down while sitting inside a car after gunmen fired over 40 shots.

Phumla Mona, an 18-year-old brother of one of the victims, recounted how he hid in his house as his brother Xolani, 30, and his friends were shot dead.

The attackers, whose identities remain unclear, targeted the group during a late evening drive, killing three people on the spot and critically wounding a fourth.

Mpumalanga Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Zeph Mkhwanazi confirmed that four individuals, including a female, died at the scene, while another was hospitalized in intensive care.The victims were described as friends and neighbors, with Xolani running a food business from his home.Mona expressed devastation, stating the attackers killed his brother 'like an animal' and followed those attempting to flee.

Police are investigating multiple suspects using different firearms, while local leaders have condemned the violence, citing Mkhuhlu's status as a crime hotspot.The incident has sparked calls for urgent action to address escalating gang-related violence in the area.