Five killed, six injured in Bronkhorstpruit tavern shooting
Five people were killed and six others injured in a shooting at a tavern in Zithobeni, Bronkhorstpruit, in the early hours of Sunday.
Image: FILE
Five people were killed and six others injured in a shooting at a tavern in Zithobeni, Bronkhorstpruit, in the early hours of Sunday.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili said the incident occurred at approximately 1:30am.
“It is reported by witnesses that two men known in the community came into the tavern and demanded that one of the patrons hand over his licensed firearm,” she said.
A shot was fired inside the tavern, causing patrons to run for safety.
As they fled, the suspects allegedly fired randomly at the crowd.
The patron whose firearm was being demanded was shot and injured, and his gun was taken.
“The incident resulted in five fatalities and six injuries,” Muridili said.
“The injured were transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment.”
Muridili said only one of the deceased has been identified so far, while all six injured victims have been identified.
Muridili said the injured patron whose firearm was taken will be charged with contravention of the Firearms Control Act for the negligent handling of his 9mm pistol.
“The provincial murder and robbery Unit has registered cases of five counts of murder and six counts of attempted murder,” she said.
Muridili said the Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Tracking Team was working around the clock to trace the suspects.
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