A late-night shooting on the R59 freeway near the Johan Le Roux off-ramp in Meyerton has left one man dead and a teenager injured, with police confirming that the incident is not believed to be a hijacking.
According to the South African Police Service in Meyerton, officers responded to the scene on 18 April 2026 at around 22:30 after reports of a serious shooting incident along the southbound section of the freeway.
Upon arrival, police found that a silver Volkswagen Polo (registration TPM 967 GP) had stopped after reportedly overheating. The vehicle was driven by 38-year-old Mr Duresa Phayroo and carried three passengers: Kaylen Phayroo (16), Anthony Solomon (45), and Xolani Dube (23).
Preliminary information indicates that Xolani Dube exited the vehicle and crossed the freeway in an attempt to request water from occupants of a white Toyota Corolla sedan, whose registration is unknown. He was then shot multiple times, sustaining fatal injuries to the chest and stomach. He was declared dead at the scene by paramedics.
The white Toyota Corolla sedan fled towards Vereeniging but later returned to the scene, where further shots were fired in the direction of the stranded vehicle.
During the incident, Kaylen Phayroo (16) was shot in the right arm and transported to Kopanong Hospital for treatment. The driver and another passenger escaped unharmed.
Police recovered thirteen spent 9mm cartridges at the scene, mainly near where the deceased was found.
A preliminary assessment suggests the incident is not consistent with a hijacking, and investigations are ongoing.
Police spokesperson Constable Nompumelelo Zazini confirmed the incident and said the matter is still under investigation. “We are calling on members of the public to come forward with any information that may assist in identifying the suspects involved,” she said.
The case remains under active investigation as police work to trace those responsible and determine the exact circumstances surrounding the shooting.
