Cape Town – Mpumalanga police have arrested four suspects in connection with an alleged gang-related gunfight that left two people dead at a funeral.
The victims, including an 18-year-old, succumbed to their injuries following the shootout between rival gangs on Friday 14 October, police said in a statement.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said the four suspects between the ages of 25 and 28 years were arrested in Barberton.
“It is said that the incident happened around 8.30am as a group of people were on their way to dig a grave in preparation for a funeral at Mjindini Trust in Barberton. According to the information received by the police, +/- 20 people were on their way to the grave site to dig a grave as part of the preparation for the funeral which was planned to take place on Saturday, 15 October, 2022 after a bereaved family lost their loved one.
“It is said that before they could reach the grave site, a scuffle then broke out where shots were fired. Some of those who were there are said to have run for cover. However, at the end, two young men were down,” Mohlala said.
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Mohlala said one man died at the scene while another died in hospital.
He said that one victim was identified as Thembinkosi Ngobese, 18, while the second victim had not been identified.
“A case with two counts of murder was opened and police immediately began with their investigation where they worked around the clock to ensure that perpetrators are swiftly brought to book. When the team, consisting of experts cornered the four suspects hiding at a certain house at Emjindini Trust in Mangozeni area (in Barberton), they police found a 9mm Z88 pistol even though its serial number was filed off,” he said.
About 11 bullets, as well as four butcher knives and a golf stick were seized, said Mohlala.
The suspects were faced with a charge of possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession of unlicensed ammunition as well as possession of a dangerous weapon and will possibly be linked to the two counts of murder.
The four were expected to appear at the Barberton Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.
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Compiled by Olwethu Mpeshe
