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Twin bar owners shot dead at gate in Bochabela

Published

Kegomodicoe and Keabecoe Lekone, both 52, co-owned the Ekhayeni Lounge Bar in Bloemfontein. Gunmen shot them in their Ford Ranger on Wednesday, and police have opened double murder cases and started a manhunt.

Police received a report of a shooting in progress at about 8:51am on Wednesday. Officers from Mangaung police station responded at 9:00am. The brothers were declared dead at the scene, at the gate of the premises in Ramatsoele Street.

Free State police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Covane said a witness heard gunshots from upstairs in the double-storey building. The witness rushed out and saw a man running towards a white Chevrolet Aveo hatchback. The car sped off.

Covane also said there may have been two other occupants already inside the vehicle. Police have not named any suspects.

Key facts

Who
Kegomodicoe Lekone (twin brother, co-owner of Ekhayeni Lounge Bar, shot dead, aged 52); Keabecoe Lekone (twin brother, co-owner of Ekhayeni Lounge Bar, shot dead, aged 52); Thabo Covane (Free State police spokesperson (Lt-Col)); Msokoli Bolek (police contact (Colonel) for public information on the case)
What
Twin brothers who owned a Bloemfontein lounge bar were shot dead while sitting in their Ford Ranger at the gate of premises in Ramatsoele Street. Police have opened double murder cases and launched a manhunt for the suspects.
When
21 October 2026
Where
Bochabela, Bloemfontein, Ramatsoele Street
Status
Reported

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