Zithobeni Tavern Shooting Leaves Five Dead and Six Injured
Five people were killed and six others injured in a tavern shooting in Zithobeni, Bronkhorstpruit, in the early hours of Sunday.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili confirmed the incident to IOL, saying it occurred at around 1:30am when two armed suspects stormed the establishment.
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Demand for Firearm Turns Deadly
According to witness accounts, the attackers demanded that a patron hand over his licensed 9mm pistol. When he resisted, a shot was fired inside the tavern, sparking panic as patrons scrambled to escape. The suspects then allegedly opened fire on the fleeing crowd.
“The incident resulted in five fatalities and six injuries,” Brig Muridili said. “The injured were transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment.”
Victims and Injuries
Police confirmed that only one of the deceased has been identified so far, while all six injured victims have been named.
Among the injured was the patron whose firearm was seized. He is expected to face charges for contravening the Firearms Control Act due to negligent handling of the weapon.
Police Launch Manhunt
The provincial Murder and Robbery Unit has registered five counts of murder and six counts of attempted murder.
Brig Muridili said the Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Tracking Team is working tirelessly to trace the suspects behind the deadly attack.