Cape Town — Police in Mpumalanga have launched an urgent manhunt for the suspects responsible for killing eight people at a tavern in Pienaar, Nelspruit.
According to SABC News, two of the six injured people died in hospital, bringing to eight the number of people killed.
Provincial police spokesperson Donald Mdhluli says they are currently questioning two individuals believed to be eyewitnesses.
“From the scene we collected cartridges, a lot of cartridges and there is also a suspicion that the people were shooting at each other. Though it happened outside the liquor outlet but still as if they were not here, they came fighting from where they were and we can also indicate that we are busy with the investigation with the two people that were referred to by those people that we believe were witnesses. There is some information that they could assist the team of investigators.”
The death toll following a shooting at a tavern in Mpumalanga has risen to 8. #KayaNews NPM https://t.co/nZTpvsTaG1
— Kaya News (@KayaNews) January 11, 2025
According to EWN, the mass shooting incident took place in the early hours of Saturday morning when a group of unknown gunmen opened fire outside the tavern. Police said six people died at the scene, while another died after being rushed to hospital.
Police spokesperson, Jabu Mahlangu, said five men and one woman were among the casualties at the tavern.
“Those people that were shot at, they were not drinking inside the bar lodge, they just came and parked (outside) as they saw the tavern was still open. According to the bar lodge owner, he was already closed (when the shooting happened) just that he was scared to come and close as earlier on there was one person who started shooting outside and left,” Mahlangu said.
According to News24, Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Jackie Macie, who condemned the incident, said two people were taken in for questioning.
“Our officers are on the ground and have started with their investigations. One lost life is too many. This is a shocking incident. We are offering our condolences to the affected families. We also wish those who were injured a speedy recovery,” Macie said.
Macie urged witnesses to alert police to the shooters’ whereabouts. He was worried about the number of illegal firearms in the province.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
