Unions and law enforcement officials have condemned the brutal killing of four people, including two off-duty police officers, following a violent shooting at a tavern in KwaZulu-Natal. The incident occurred on Monday night at a tavern located on Ikhwezi Road in the Bhidla Section of Sundumbili.
According to police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda, provincial authorities are actively searching for at least five suspects linked to the attack. The victims were reportedly drinking at the tavern when an altercation broke out between one of the off-duty constables and a group of five men. Although the dispute was initially resolved peacefully, with the constable even buying the group alcohol, tensions flared up again later that evening.
Outside the tavern, the second off-duty constable became involved in a scuffle with the same group. This altercation turned deadly when the group opened fire, shooting the constable. Despite his injuries, the officer managed to run back into the tavern, but the suspects followed him inside, firing indiscriminately at patrons. The violent spree left three people dead at the scene, including one of the constables. The second officer, who sustained multiple gunshot wounds, was rushed to a nearby healthcare facility but was declared dead on arrival. Four others were injured in the attack.
Following the shooting, police closed the tavern and confiscated its liquor stock after determining it was operating illegally. While the motive for the shooting remains unclear, authorities are urging anyone with information about the suspects to contact their nearest police station or call the crime stop hotline.
The killings have sparked outrage among police unions and community leaders. Richard Mamabolo, spokesperson for the Police and Prisons Civil Rights Union, expressed deep concern over the rising number of attacks on law enforcement officers, both on and off duty. “We remain worried about the killing of officers. As reported by the national police commissioner, there have been many officers killed, some while on and off-duty. Even those killed off-duty are a concern because, in many cases, our investigations have shown that their deaths are linked to the work they do,” Mamabolo said. He emphasized the need for comprehensive safety measures to protect officers in all aspects of their lives.
Mamabolo also highlighted the economic challenges faced by many police officers, which often force them to live in high-crime areas. “Our members face significant challenges, especially regarding their economic standing. They cannot afford to stay in safer, more secure areas, and this exposes them to criminal elements even when they are off duty,” he added.
Mlungisi Ndlovu, KwaZulu-Natal manager for the Public Servants Association (PSA), described the killings as a direct assault on the province’s security and stability. “These officers dedicate their lives to serving and protecting communities, yet they continue to fall victim to the same violent crimes that plague our province,” Ndlovu said. He called for urgent interventions, including increased police visibility, intelligence-driven crime prevention strategies, and harsher penalties for those who target law enforcement officers. Ndlovu also stressed the need for stricter regulations and enforcement regarding illegal taverns, which he described as breeding grounds for violence and criminal activity.
Bongani Gina, head of communications for the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government, confirmed that Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli is deeply concerned about the ongoing violence in the province. “The premier condemns this senseless act and urges the community to work closely with the police to bring the perpetrators to justice,” Gina stated.
This latest tragedy comes amid a grim report on police fatalities nationwide. During an update on the SAPS Nationwide Safer Festive Season Operations, national police commissioner General Fannie Masemola revealed that from October 2024 to date, nine on-duty and 12 off-duty police officers have been killed. In response, authorities have arrested 30 individuals for the murders of police officers, with seven already convicted and sentenced to a combined total of 22 life sentences and an additional 725 years in prison.
As investigations into the Sundumbili tavern shooting continue, the incident underscores the urgent need for stronger protections for law enforcement personnel and stricter control over illegal establishments contributing to the province’s rising crime rates.
