Mpumalanga businessman shot in 'assassination' attempt

Mbombela - A Mpumalanga businessman is fighting for his life after he was shot in front of his employees on Friday.

The businessman, Saleem Patel, was shot at his business premises in KaMhlushwa, outside Malelane.

He owns Patel Hardware and Naas.

Tonga police spokesperson Lieutenant Mzwandile Nyambi said: "We are investigating an attempted murder case after Patel, who is a well-known businessman in the area, was shot in the head by unknown men who... approached after he and others had just finished their [afternoon prayers]."

Nyambi said the motive was still unknown.

"No one has been arrested yet. Police are on the heels of the suspects and we believe this was an assassination because the suspects took nothing, which rules out robbery."

Patel was initially rushed to Tonga Hospital and later airlifted to an undisclosed hospital where he is fighting for his life, he said.

"We are asking for anyone who has information... to contact Tonga police on 013 7808308 or report to their nearest police station," said Nyambi.

Patel started his businesses in the Nkomazi area in the early 1990s.