Monday night reportedly took a dangerous turn on the N4 highway after armed men allegedly targeted uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party Member of Parliament David Skosana in what is being investigated as a possible attempted assassination.
Skosana was reportedly travelling alone in an unmarked white Volkswagen Polo when another vehicle approached him. According to the allegations, armed suspects positioned themselves alongside his car and pointed firearms through the rear windows. The confrontation happened shortly after Skosana had dismissed his security escort for the evening.
Although no shots were fired, the incident reportedly created an immediate threat to the lawmaker’s life. The attackers allegedly instructed Skosana to stop and pull over. Instead, he reportedly refused to comply and accelerated away from the scene until he was able to reach a place of safety.
Police have since opened an investigation into the incident. South African Police Service spokesperson Captain Mavela Masondo confirmed that a case had been registered and said detectives were following leads. The involvement of the Hawks has also been reported, given Skosana’s position as a Member of Parliament.
Authorities have not disclosed the exact location of the alleged attack, the number of suspects involved or whether any arrests have been made. Investigators are also expected to examine whether the timing of the incident was coincidental or whether the attackers knew that Skosana was travelling without his usual security detail.
The N4 corridor has previously been associated with serious incidents of violent crime and targeted attacks, particularly in areas where political and criminal disputes have occurred. The latest incident has therefore raised concerns about the safety of public representatives travelling without protection.
Reports also claim that shortly after the alleged attack, a shaken man arrived at a filling station near the highway and asked to use a telephone. However, there has been no official confirmation that the individual was Skosana.
The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation, and no arrests have been confirmed. Investigators will likely focus on identifying the attackers, determining their motive and establishing whether the decision to travel without an escort was known to anyone who may have been involved.
The incident has also raised broader concerns about security arrangements for politicians and whether information about their movements may have been compromised. Authorities are expected to provide further information as the investigation progresses.