SAPS release – edited
A tow-truck driver’s girlfriend was shot dead and he himself was injured in an alleged shooting in New Brighton in Gqeberha soon after he freed another driver’s vehicle from sea-sand.
SAPS detectives in Gqeberha say they are investigating a case of murder and attempted murder following the shooting incident in the early hours of yesterday morning in New Brighton.
The police service says it is alleged at 1.49 am on 22 June the driver of a local tow- truck company was at Kings Beach parking when he was allegedly approached by a man needing assistance after his Toyota Corolla became stuck in sea-sand.
The tow-truck driver and his girlfriend in the passenger seat, allegedly assisted the man and they agreed on payment, the police said. The Corolla driver allegedly did not have cash on him to pay for the service so the tow-truck driver followed the man to Shiya Kulati Street in New Brighton. The Corolla driver was in the company of another man and two women.
At Shiya Kulati Street the police said the driver of the Corolla turned into Mtiya Street and stopped his vehicle. The tow truck driver also stopped and when he enquired about payment he and his girlfriend were allegedly both shot.
The tow-truck driver then sped off to a private hospital in Korsten but his girlfriend, named by the SAPS as Marlene Prinsloo, aged 27, died on arrival at the hospital . The tow-truck driver was admitted to hospital for further treatment for his injuries.
The SAPS says the investigation is on-going.
