Driver shot dead at OR Tambo Airport

Police say the shooting happened at 16:30.

National police spokesperson Major General Sally de Beer says: "A man driving a Hyundai was shot dead by a brazen group of criminals while driving towards the airport."

Preliminary reports indicate the driver was transporting a group of six business people from Johannesburg and en route at least one vehicle attempted to flag him down.

"The driver continued towards the airport. Reportedly, as he took the off-ramp from the highway to the airport, his vehicle was blocked by two other vehicles, including a black Volkswagen Golf, before he was shot and fatally wounded," de Beer says.

The suspects drove off in the Hyundai with the passengers and abandoned them in Rhodesfield, after robbing them of some of their belongings.

None of the passengers were injured, according to initial reports.

Acting national police commissioner Khomotso Phahlane says the motive is unclear at this stage.

"We would not at this stage want to speculate on the motive for the crime.  Once we have further facts at our disposal gathered from the crime scene, victims, witnesses and other relevant evidence, we will be in a position to make further details available." 

A video which shows the man's lifeless body on Ring Road, which leads to the arrivals and departures drop-off zone, has been widely circulated on social media. 

In the video a witness speaks of an apparent hijacking and the alleged use of AK47s by an unknown number of suspects.

Airport management issued a statement, saying: "We have this afternoon been made aware of this very unfortunate and deeply concerning matter. The incident took place off the R24, along Ring Road, which leads to the airport's arrivals and departures roadway."

It says it is awaiting further information from law enforcement officials who are on scene. 

This is a developing story.