The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Brits has launched an investigation into a case of attempted murder following the shooting of Madibeng Municipal Manager (MM) Quiet Kgatlha.

Kgatlha escaped an apparent assassination attempt after his car was shot at multiple times on Wednesday while travelling on the Zilkaatsnek Road towards Hartbeespoort Dam in the evening.

“It is alleged that a charcoal-coloured VW Polo TSI with Gauteng registration plates overtook his vehicle and two unidentified male occupants allegedly opened fire on the vehicle, discharging multiple rounds before fleeing the scene,” said Colonel Adele Myburgh.

Authorities said even though he sustained two gunshot wounds, he managed to control the car and drive to safety.

“The victim sustained two gunshot wounds, one to his leg and another to his arm. Despite his injuries, he managed to maintain control of his vehicle before coming to a stop near a petrol service station at Zilkaatsnek.”

Myburgh added that emergency medical personnel responded to the scene and, despite the sheer volume of gunfire unleashed on him, Kgatlha miraculously survived,d and he was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment, where he is still admitted in a stable condition.

The authorities said the motive for the attack remains unknown and forms part of the ongoing investigation.

Kgatla was suspended last year for alleged financial misconduct in a housing contract; however, the High Court later overturned his suspension as it had expired before any action was taken and he was reinstated.