One person was shot and killed and three others were wounded in Emjindini, Barberton, Mpumalanga, after they left a tavern in the early hours of Saturday.
The shooting has triggered a murder investigation and a manhunt, while police continue to search for the people responsible. The attack took place as the country was still dealing with the aftermath of the deadly tavern shooting in Wedela, Gauteng, where the death toll has now risen to 18.
Mpumalanga provincial police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo said officers received a complaint at about 3.50am and were asked to attend a local hospital.
“Upon arrival, a medical practitioner pointed out a deceased man and three other victims who had sustained gunshot wounds.”
Masondo said an initial investigation indicated that the four victims were shot while making their way from a tavern in Emjindini.
“One victim succumbed to his injuries while the other three are currently receiving medical treatment.”
Barberton police opened a murder case and three counts of attempted murder. Masondo said a manhunt had been launched for the suspect or suspects.
“The motive for the shooting is yet to be determined and the probe is continuing.”
Police appeal for information
Police have appealed to anyone with information that could help investigators identify and arrest the suspect or suspects to come forward.
Information can be given to the nearest police station, reported to the Crime Stop line on 08600 10111, or submitted through the MySAPS app. Police said all information would be treated as confidential and callers could choose to remain anonymous.
Mpumalanga Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Apaphia Modise vowed that officers would work around the clock to ensure that the suspect or suspects were arrested.
“We will continue to vigorously deal with proliferation of firearms which are often used in violent crimes like in this case where it claimed a life whilst others sustained some injuries.”
“We therefore plead with members of the public to alert the authorities when they have information about those in possession of a firearm unlawfully, so that we can act before another life of an innocent person is taken.
“We will not allow criminals to terrorise our communities hence we will act without any hesitation,” she added.
The motive for the Barberton attack remains unknown. Police have not announced any arrests or released further details about the identity of the deceased or the three injured victims.
Wedela death toll climbs to 18
Meanwhile, the death toll from the tavern shooting in Wedela, in Gauteng’s West Rand District, has risen to 18 after another victim died in hospital.
The shooting took place on Friday evening at a tavern in Extension 3, Wedela, at about 9.30pm. Eight unidentified armed men are believed to have been involved in the attack.
Only four of the deceased victims had been identified at the latest update. They were identified as two South African nationals and two nationals of Lesotho.
Gauteng police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili said Gauteng Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni had established a dedicated multidisciplinary team to investigate the massacre.
“The team comprises seasoned murder and robbery detectives, Crime Intelligence and Crime Scene Investigation members, and is led by a senior brigadier responsible for Crime Investigation Services in the province,” Muridili said on Monday.
The charges have been updated to 18 counts of murder, 18 counts of attempted murder, two counts of malicious damage to property and armed robbery.
Muridili said all the injured victims who remained in hospital had been identified.
“According to information provided to the police, five were shot in the upper body and are critically wounded, while the others are in a stable condition,” she said.
Operation Prosper joins manhunt
Operation Prosper has also been brought in to update its operational plan and intensify the search in Wedela and surrounding areas. The operation includes the South African National Defence Force and specialised SAPS units, including the Tactical Response Team and Public Order Policing.
Muridili said no arrests had been made.
Police launched a manhunt for eight unidentified armed men after the suspects allegedly arrived at the Wedela tavern and opened fire on patrons. People were drinking both inside and outside the venue when the attack began.
Muridili said the gunmen first shot at patrons outside the tavern before entering the building.
“The suspects then entered the tavern and continued shooting at patrons inside,” she said.
The men were reportedly armed with AK-47 rifles and pistols. Police allege that the attackers searched some patrons and took their cellphones before escaping in two unidentified vehicles.
Two vehicles were also set alight during the incident.
Initially, 17 people were killed at the scene — 13 men and four women. Emergency medical services declared all 17 dead at the tavern. A further 15 people suffered gunshot wounds and were taken to medical facilities for treatment.
The motive for the Wedela shooting remains unknown, and the eight suspects remain at large.
The Barberton and Wedela cases are separate investigations. In Mpumalanga, detectives are looking for the suspect or suspects linked to the shooting of four people leaving a tavern. In Gauteng, a dedicated team supported by Operation Prosper is searching for eight armed men linked to the attack that has now claimed 18 lives.