A 39-year-old man arrested in connection with the brutal shooting that claimed the lives of eight people in Pienaar, Mpumalanga, is set to appear before the Kabokweni Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. The tragic incident, which took place early on Saturday morning, has shocked the local community and drawn swift action from law enforcement agencies.
The massacre occurred at around 4 a.m. outside a tavern in Pienaar, where six individuals, including a woman and five men, were killed at the scene. Two additional victims, a man and a woman, later succumbed to their injuries in the hospital, bringing the death toll to eight. Several others, including two men and a woman, were left injured and hospitalized. The police have not yet disclosed the motive behind the killings, and investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Mpumalanga provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, confirmed that the breakthrough in the case came late on Sunday, January 12, with the arrest of the suspect. During his apprehension, police seized a pistol and approximately 13 rounds of live ammunition. Ndubane described the case as a significant development in their efforts to bring the responsible individuals to justice.
At the scene, authorities found two Volkswagen Polos riddled with bullet holes. One of the victims was discovered lifeless inside one of the vehicles. The police are focusing their efforts on piecing together the events that led to the tragic shooting and are treating the case with the highest priority. A specialized team of investigators has been assembled, and a 72-hour plan was activated to ensure the swift progress of the investigation.
As of the latest update, one of the surviving victims has been discharged from the hospital, while two others remain under medical care. The police continue to collect evidence and question witnesses to determine whether the shooting was targeted or the result of a larger conflict.
The incident has sparked outrage in the community, with calls for greater accountability and vigilance from local establishments. Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security, and Liaison, Jackie Macie, condemned the violent act and urged that law enforcement be given the time and space to thoroughly investigate the shooting. He stressed the importance of identifying the perpetrators as soon as possible and called on liquor traders to prioritize the safety of their patrons, particularly in high-risk areas like taverns.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with the families of the victims. We also wish the injured a speedy recovery,” said Macie. The community, meanwhile, remains in shock over the scale of the tragedy and is awaiting further developments as the investigation continues.
