Milpark Hospital Shooting Leaves 1 Dead, 45-Year-Old Gunned Down in the Parking Lot in Suspected Hit
- A 45-year-old man was shot multiple times in the parking lot of the Milpark Hospital on Wednesday, 1 October 2025
- The man allegedly visited a friend in the hospital before he was gunned down in his vehicle as he was leaving
- South Africans weighed in on the murders, sharing mixed reactions to the levels of crime in the country
- News24 journalist, Kyle Cowan, confirmed to Briefly News the identity of the victim who was killed in the shooting
Source: Twitter
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
GAUTENG – A manhunt has been launched after a man was shot dead at Milpark Hospital on Wednesday, 1 October 2025.
The incident happened in the evening, in the parking area of the hospital in Western Parktown, Johannesburg. The motive for the murder is not yet known.
Murder suspected to be a targeted hit
According to Yusuf Abramjee, the host of Crime Watch on eTV and eNCA, the murder appears to be a hit. Abramjee noted on X that the man was shot multiple times.
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Captain Tinswalo Sibeko from the South African Police Service in Gauteng said the 45-year-old man was gunned down, allegedly after he visited a friend at the facility. He was in his vehicle when suspects opened fire.
“The police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting. No arrests have been made yet, and an investigation is underway," Sibeko said.
Source: Twitter
Victim was wanted in connection with double murder
News24 journalist, Kyle Cowan, confirmed to Briefly News that the victim of the shooting was Burnett Benacoba Hermanus, who was wanted in connection with the double murder of father and son Cloete and Thomas Murray. The Murrays were killed in March 2023 on the N1 North in Johannesburg.
Cowan confirmed that no arrests were made, and while it was not confirmed, Hermanus appeared to have had ties to figures connected to gang activity and his death may be related to that part of his life.
South Africa’s history of shootings at healthcare facilities
The country is no stranger to experiencing fatal shootings at its healthcare centres. In February 2022, a policeman shot a nursing assistant at Tembisa Hospital before turning the gun on himself. The nursing assistant was declared dead at the scene, while the policeman survived his injuries.
In February 2024, a doctor from Dobsonville in Soweto was killed after his practice was broken into. The suspects posed as patients to get access to the practice. It’s alleged that they shot the doctor dead before making their escape.
South Africans weigh in on Milpark Hospital shooting
Social media users shared their thoughts on the shooting, with some raising concerns about the crime in the country, while others’ comments focused on why he could have been targeted.
Patrick Matseba said:
“And Ramaquiet will be quiet as usual.”
Tony Govender asked:
“What's happening in this country? Shootings at courts, hospitals, and everywhere else. Crimes are terrible now. It wasn't like this before. Some 30 years ago, crime was very low. One could walk anywhere, anytime. Now you are not even safe in your own home.”
Duma KA Lwandle stated:
“I hope it's not any Madlanga Commission witness.”
Kazaba Luke noted:
“People are not safe. Even in hospital precincts.”
Jozi Jozi said:
“That’s daily life in a mafia state. We must get used to it.”
Niki Madlamini Baleni agreed:
“SA is a mafia state.”
Patient shot dead at Limpopo Hospital
Briefly News reported in March 2025 that a case of murder and attempted murder was being investigated.
Cases were opened after an incident at Philadelphia Hospital in Siyabuswa in Dennilton, Limpopo.
According to police, a patient killed another person in the psychiatric ward before he was shot by security.
Source: Briefly News
