WATCH: BRUTAL KILLING UNDER R80 BRIDGE SPARKS SAFETY FEAR IN AKASIA!

Residents of Ward 98 have been left shaken after the body of a man was discovered under the R80 Mabopane Freeway on Tuesday morning, in what is believed to be a robbery-related murder.

According to information shared with the community by councilor candidates, Thabo Moroane and Mickey van der Westhuizen, on separate community WhatsApp groups, the victim – a black male from Mabopane Block H – was on his way to work when the incident occurred.

It’s believed that he had reportedly disembarked from a taxi along the freeway and was walking under the bridge to a designated pick-up point, where his employer would usually collect him.

Police from the South African Police Service, including officials from the Rosslyn Police Station, are understood to have confirmed that the man was shot and killed, according to Moroane.

Early indications suggest that he may have been targeted by criminals lying in wait under the bridge, who allegedly robbed him before opening fire.

It remains unclear whether the victim resisted, and no arrests have been made at this stage.

The suspects reportedly fled the scene into nearby bushes, raising concerns about safety in the area, particularly for commuters who rely on the route daily. Community members have pointed out that this is not an isolated incident – just two weeks ago, another resident narrowly escaped being mugged at the same location.

The killing has intensified calls for improved safety measures and increased visibility in known crime hotspots.

Local authorities have indicated that a mayoral intervention programme is scheduled for next week, Thursday and Friday, which will include grass cutting and pruning in the area – efforts aimed at improving visibility and reducing hiding spots for criminals.

Community members have vowed to remain vigilant and continue monitoring the situation closely as investigations unfold.