A NOTORIOUS gangster has been killed execution-style in what police believe is a gang-related hit.

A NOTORIOUS gangster has been killed execution-style in what police believe is a gang-related hit.

Michael "Sbobo" Shongwe, of Matsulu near Nelspruit, in Mpumalanga, was sprayed with a hail of bullets by unknown gunmen on Friday.

Police say some of the crimes linked to Shongwe include armed robbery and murder.

Matsulu police spokesperson Moses Shirinda said yesterday investigations were under way to find the killers.

"It's not clear yet as to how many bullets hit him but at least eight bullet wounds could be seen on his body," said Shirinda.

He said whoever killed Shongwe wanted to make sure that he was really dead.

"Shongwe tried to run away from his killers but they pursued and shot him until he finally collapsed a few metresfrom his girlfriend's place," Shirinda said.

He added that Shongwe had many enemies in the town because he used to steal gold dust from illegal miners, who themselves used to steal from the disused shafts of Barberton mines.

"We suspect that those people who risked their lives by going into the old mines to steal gold only for it to be stolen by Shongwe could have something to do with his death," said Shirinda.

A resident who spoke to Sowetan said the town had cheered in jubilation as soon as news of Shongwe's death spread.