Police in Mpumalanga have launched a manhunt following the fatal shooting of a 41-year-old truck driver in Dwarsloop, Bushbuckridge, in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The victim has been identified as Scelo Sphephelo Nxumalo, who was found dead outside his truck along the R40 road. According to police, officers responded to a complaint at about 23h40 on Tuesday, 6 January 2026, regarding a truck that was suspiciously and incorrectly parked in the area.

Upon arrival, police discovered a man lying on the ground next to the truck with a gunshot wound to the head. Emergency medical services were called to the scene and certified him dead on arrival.

The truck owner was later contacted and positively identified the deceased as Nxumalo, who had been driving the vehicle at the time of the incident.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane said the motive for the murder is still unknown, and suspects involved in the killing have not yet been arrested.

“The investigation is ongoing, and police are following up on all possible leads. It is also noted that the truck is fitted with cameras, and footage from these cameras forms part of the investigation,” Ndubane said.

Police have appealed to members of the public to assist with information that could lead to the arrest of those responsible. They have also urged the public to help identify a man whose photograph has been circulated as part of the investigation.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the investigating officer, Detective Lieutenant Colonel Cindy Mkhabela, on 082 469 1298, call Crime Stop on 08600 10111, or submit tips anonymously via the MySAPS App.

The murder has sparked widespread reaction on social media, with South Africans expressing concern about violent crime targeting truck drivers. On social media platform X, one user wrote: “The township is full of serial killers in my opinion. It’s just that they have not been apprehended. You find guys that are not working nor looking for work but wear expensive clothes and short of nothing. How do they survive?”

Another user claimed the suspect is linked to truck hijackings along the N3 between Vosloorus and Heidelberg in Gauteng, warning that he is “armed and dangerous” and that his image has previously circulated on social media.

Police have not confirmed these claims and urged the public to rely on verified information while investigations continue.