Three Mpumalanga men arrested for murder in tavern shooting

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Ermelo, Mpumalanga has been lauded for managing to arrest three suspects for the killing of two men at a local tavern, just days after they allegedly committed the crime.

The three suspects are alleged to have stormed a shebeen in Suncity before firing randomly at patrons. According to police, six men were shot. While four of them sustained injuries, the other two men were not so lucky, with one of them having been certified dead by medical personnel who were called to the scene.

“The management of police in Mpumalanga has applauded SAPS members in Ermelo for their tenacity in arresting three men, aged between 24 and 29, on allegations of murder as well as attempted murder. These suspects are allegedly involved in a shooting incident where two men were murdered whilst four others sustained serious injuries,” the SAPS in Mpumalanga said in a statement.

“A probe into the incident was immediately sanctioned, as a result, the three were arrested yesterday, Friday, 19 March 2021. During the arrest, police recovered two firearms and ammunition, an act which culminated into additional charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. Police will also widen the scope of their probe with a view to establish if the firearms were not illegally used elsewhere”

Mpumalanga shebeen shooting: What was the motive?

At this point, it remains unclear as to why the crime was committed. Given what police have had to say about the case, it doesn’t seem any valuables were taken. It is also not clear if police foresee making any more arrests in connection with the case. An investigation into the incident is currently underway. In light of the ballistic tests which will be done on the guns, the suspects may end up  facing more charges.

The suspects face murder and attempted murder charges and are due to appear before the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 23 March 2021.