Mpumalanga police have announced a significant breakthrough following a brutal shooting incident in Pienaar that left eight people dead outside a tavern on Saturday. The attack, which occurred at around 4 am, shocked the community and prompted an immediate investigation. According to Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, the provincial police spokesperson, the suspect, a 39-year-old male, was arrested on Sunday night, January 12. During the arrest, authorities confiscated a pistol loaded with 13 live rounds of ammunition. The suspect is expected to appear in court soon, although the motive for the killings remains unclear.
The shooting incident initially resulted in the deaths of six individuals, including five men and one woman, all of whom were killed at the scene. Tragically, two additional victims, a man and a woman, later died in the hospital from injuries sustained in the attack. Three other individuals, two men and one woman, were hospitalized with injuries. Police discovered two Volkswagen Polos at the scene, both riddled with bullet holes, and one victim was found lifeless inside one of the vehicles. Despite these developments, the police have not yet identified a clear motive behind the shooting, and the investigation continues.
In response to the devastating event, police officials have assembled a team of experts to lead the investigation, and a 72-hour action plan has been activated. Lieutenant Colonel Ndubane confirmed that all efforts are being directed toward uncovering the circumstances surrounding the attack. While the investigation is still in its early stages, the swift arrest of a suspect has provided some hope that justice will be served. However, questions remain about the motivations behind the killings, which have left the community in shock and fear.
The arrest of the suspect was met with a positive reaction from the acting provincial commissioner of police in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, who expressed his satisfaction with the breakthrough. “I am elated by this development,” Mkhwanazi said, acknowledging the hard work and dedication of the police team involved. Despite this progress, he emphasized that investigations are ongoing and further work is needed to piece together the full details of the incident.
In the wake of the tragedy, Mpumalanga’s MEC for Community Safety, Security, and Liaison, Jackie Macie, condemned the senseless violence and called for the swift apprehension of those responsible. “We are once more appealing that the police be given space and time to get to the bottom of the shootings,” Macie said, stressing the importance of a thorough investigation. He also issued a strong message to liquor traders, urging them to prioritize the safety of their patrons to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The families of the deceased have been left to grieve the loss of their loved ones, while the injured victims continue to receive medical treatment. MEC Macie extended his condolences to the families and wished a speedy recovery to those still recovering in hospital. As the community mourns the tragic loss of life, the hope remains that justice will soon be served, and the full truth of this heinous crime will be uncovered.
