The late Simon Ngcobo who was kidnapped then shot dead in Welkom. Image: Simon Ngcobo Incorporated
Well-known Welkom doctor, Simon Ngcobo, gunned down
The doctor’s family was robbed of their cellphones and cash at gunpoint at their home in Doorn, Welkom. He was then kidnapped and shot dead.
The late Simon Ngcobo who was kidnapped then shot dead in Welkom. Image: Simon Ngcobo Incorporated
Police have launched a manhunt for suspects who allegedly killed a well-known medical doctor who was attacked in his home, robbed and later kidnapped in Welkom, Free State.
After being robbed of cellphones and cash at gunpoint, the doctor who was identified as Simon Ngcobo was kidnapped with his vehicle and later found fatally wounded on Monday, 17 October.
WELL-KNOWN DOCTOR MURDERED
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS) on 17 October 2022 at about 19:30, the doctor’s 27-year-old wife went shopping with her two daughters aged two and five. On their arrival at their home in Doorn in Welkom, while busy parking the vehicle inside the garage, the wife apparently heard her five-year-old daughter screaming for help. She (the wife) then saw an unknown male pointing a firearm at her child. A second male was also seen armed with a handgun. The family was then forced into the house and as the husband (doctor) opened the door, the two suspects forced themselves inside the house.
Spokesperson Captain Stephen Thakeng said the doctor tried to fight back but he was overpowered. The suspects demanded cash and an undisclosed amount of money was robbed from the safe and cellphones.
Thakeng said the doctor was forced to drive off with the suspects in his white Renault Duster sedan with Free State registration numbers.
“An extensive search was initiated and with the help of Tracker, the vehicle was found abandoned at the corner of Craib /Blenheim Streets Riebeeckstad, Welkom. Six meters from the vehicle, the body of the doctor was found with his hands tied behind the back, he sustained gunshot wounds to the head and chest. He was certified dead at the scene.
“The next of kin was informed about the incident and the deceased and a case of house robbery and murder has been registered for further investigation.”
Captain Stephen Thakeng
SAPS has urged people to refrain from sharing the photos of the incident on social media as this can hamper the investigation that has already started.
Anyone who has information about the suspects has been urged to contact Detective Sergeant Andrew Lechesa of Serious and Violent Crimes on 060 985 9330 or Crime Stop number 08600 10111.
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